River Valley

Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library will be hosting a Thursday, September 18 presentation entitled “They Rode the War Eagle,” featuring true stories of captains, crew and passengers aboard the steam ship vessel War Eagle. The presentation will be given by Robert Taunt, a river historian from La Crosse, WI, beginning at 5 p.m. at the library’s 515 Main Street location in Lansing.

The famous and infamous, brave, daring and adventurous all rode the steam vessel that once traversed the Mississippi River before ultimately catching fire and sinking at La Crosse, WI. Come hear their stories. For more information, contact the library at lansing.lib.ia.us or 563-538-4693.

by Joshua Sharpe

Monday, September 2, the Lansing City Council convened to address several routine approvals, alongside a detailed citizen concern regarding a collapsing retaining wall. The agenda included the authorization to pursue state funding for public dock improvements and the adoption of a fall leaf pick-up schedule. Additionally, the council engaged in deliberation over a potential riverfront recognition site. Topics discussed also encompassed economic development outreach, state coordination on logistics, and time-sensitive waterfront procurement.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that the substructure of the new bridge being constructed over the Mississippi River at Lansing is now complete, with all the concrete piers and abutments of the structure having been poured and awaiting the next steps in the construction process. The DOT says the project contractor, Kraemer North America, is currently prepping the Iowa side (at right in each of the two photos) for a crane to move in and start setting the steel for the new bridge, with that next step in the process currently expected to begin in early October.

The Ferryville Vision and Promotion Board will be hosting a second Unity in the Community Concert for 2025. This one will be held in Sugar Creek Park at the South Pavilion in Ferryville Wednesday, September 10.

The main purpose of sponsoring this event is to have a community event for visiting with old friends and making new friends. The Meet and Greet portion will begin at 5 p.m. with two food trucks available. The live music will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature local band, 16 Strings and a Stick.  They will be joined for some of the musical numbers by guest vocal artist Whitney Rose.

Attendees are asked to bring their own beverage and lawn chairs. A donation can for the musicians only will be available.

The New Albin Public Library is coordinating a free educational presentation for the general public to be held Monday, September 22 at the New Albin Townhouse, beginning at 5 p.m. Attorney Betsy Whitlatch of New Albin Savings Bank will be providing information on Estate Planning.

If time allows following the presentation, there will be a question and answer (Q&A) session for those in attendance. For additional information about the Estate Planning presentation at the New Albin Townhouse, contact the New Albin Public Library at 563-544-4747 or at library@acegroup.cc. 

The second annual Rural Ideas Summit is set for Thursday, September 18, bringing together rural entrepreneurs, community changemakers, and local leaders for a day of learning, inspiration, and action. This one-day, virtual-first event is dedicated to equipping participants with proven strategies, real-world stories, and practical tools to help rural businesses grow and communities thrive.

The Works is proud to once again serve as one of a handful of in-person host sites across the country. While the summit’s content will be delivered virtually, attendees who choose the The Works location will enjoy a lunch discussion session, local networking opportunities, and a post-summit social hour from 4–5 p.m. featuring snacks and beverages from local providers.

Red Barn Campground and Restaurant in Lansing will be hosting another Sunset Sessions this year, scheduled for Saturday, September 13. This will be the second year for this unique musical event, and tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com. The gates open at 2 p.m. and youth songwriters will take the stage at 3 p.m. From 4-4:30 p.m. there will be games, food, drinks and more. At 4:30 p.m., the featured artists will take the stage for singing, storytelling and some laughs. At 7 p.m., the lighting of the bonfire will take place, with campfire songs led by local musician JayR Brink beginning at 7:15 p.m.

This year’s featured artists include International Blues Challenge winner Hector Anchondo; Iowa’s Renaissance Man Chad Elliot; songwriter, storyteller and co-lead singer of The Nadas, Jason Walsmith; and American roots songwriter and co-founder of the Avey Grouws Band, Jeni Grouws.

by Joshua Sharpe

Monday, August 18, the Lansing City Council convened to discuss various matters related to municipal governance, finances, public infrastructure, and ongoing community projects. The meeting included both routine administrative functions and significant discussions on long-term infrastructure planning.

Key topics addressed included construction-related change orders, citizen concerns regarding utility billing, lease agreements, financial expenditures, project updates, planning for Highway 9 reconstruction, departmental reporting, and the mayor’s update concerning the proposed Main Street reconstruction project.

Tuesday, August 12, Main Street Lansing welcomed Jonathan Stone, Program Officer of Revitalization Services for Main Street America, for an official accreditation visit. The day provided the opportunity to highlight the organization’s progress since its last review in 2023 and outline its vision for the future.

As an accredited Main Street America program, Main Street Lansing meets the highest national standards for downtown revitalization and community development. Accreditation is a mark of distinction that connects Lansing to valuable resources, training, and a network of communities across the country committed to preserving historic downtowns while promoting economic vitality.

During the visit, Stone met with board members, committee members, private and public partners, and toured the community - showcasing the many projects and improvements Main Street Lansing has led throughout the downtown and surrounding areas.

The Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center will host Conservation Café Wednesday, August 27, starting at 9:30 a.m. This is a new series started at the Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center to enjoy some social time with a hot beverage and a conservation focused program following. The program will be free of charge, but advanced registration is encouraged.

Learn all about Iowa’s turtle species. Learn where they live, what they are, and maybe meet some of Allamakee County Conservation’s turtle ambassadors.