River Valley

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

Tuesday, November 22, the first of six podiums that will be placed throughout the Historic Downtown District in the Lansing community to educate visitors and citizens about Lansing’s vital history was unveiled and dedicated. The all-weather podiums are being created and put in place in anticipation of Lansing celebrating the 150th anniversary next year of its incorporation as a city in the state of Iowa.

This first podium features the Black Hawk Bridge, which  commemorates its 85th birthday this year, and the podium location at the corner of Main Street and North Front Street near the Lansing Fire Station looks out toward the bridge that has played an important role in Lansing’s economic history and continues to make Lansing a destination with its unique beauty. The Lansing History Committee felt it was very fitting that the first podium is about this landmark.

The New Albin community had its last free little library (pictured at right in the above photo) put in place recently, this one located in the City Park off Main Street. This latest addition joins two others in the New Albin community, all of which were made possible by funds raised through the New Albin Community Education program. Local residents can take the books inside the little libraries home with them to enjoy for as long as they like. Books can also be shared or donated to any of the little libraries by simply placing them inside the structures. Submitted photo.
 

Northeast Iowa Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking volunteers who are interested in becoming certified to provide free income tax assistance for the low- to mid-income and elderly. The services are provided at the Decorah, Cresco and Postville Public Libraries starting February 1 through April 15.

RSVP volunteers are age 55-plus and will receive in-depth training during the month of January in preparation for certification to provide the tax assistance. Potential volunteers should have moderate computer skills in order to take an online certification test and utilize the TaxSlayer program for completing returns.

They will join a group of 12 other volunteers with two volunteers working as a team on each return. Tax assistance volunteers usually serve four to eight hours a week during the tax season and choose where they would like to provide the services.

The V.F.W. Auxiliary of the Kenneth Casey Post 5603 held its regular monthly meeting November 21 at the New Albin Community Center with a potluck dinner served at 12 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 1 p.m. Eight members were present. Sherry Bechtel, 9th District President, was also present.

The meeting was called to order by President Anne Faulken. The secretary’s report was accepted as read. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. General orders and other communications were read.

Sara Thomas gave a report on the spaghetti supper held November 10, noting there was very good attendance. Six Auxiliary members attended the Veteran’s Day program held at the school Veteran’s Day.

The 9th District meeting will be held at Elkader January 7, 2017. Waukon V.F.W. and the Auxiliary will be the hosts. President Anne Faulkner gave 9th District President Sherry Bechtel a gift. The 9th District President gave the Auxiliary an inspection report.

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, November 21. After approving the Consent Agenda, the Council reviewed a proposal from the local snowmobile club to utilize Allamakee Alley for its trail this winter. The item had been discussed at the last meeting, but no decision was made.

Greg Stirn, representative of the club, said speed limit signs would be posted and encouraged the Lansing Police Department to issue citations to any violators. Stirn and the Council agreed that South Road is not an option for the trail because it is too narrow and has too many blind corners. After discussion, the Council approved the request. Stirn also announced that his tenure as “trail manager” is ending and that Wayne Weber will be taking over those duties.

Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Field Operations Center - West reminds Iowa private nonprofit (PNP) organizations of the November 28 deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by the severe storms, straight line winds and flooding that occurred August 23-27, 2016. PNPs that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.

According to Garfield, eligible PNPs of any size may apply for SBA federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

Great Rivers 2-1-1 is positioned to help out in times of disaster by handling large numbers of phone calls, and providing information on where people can get helpful resources such as clean-up kits and well water test kits.  Great Rivers 2-1-1 keeps in close contact with emergency management departments and local media sources to provide callers with up-to-date information as the disaster unfolds and clean-up begins.

The 2-1-1 resource is available 24 hours a day/seven days a week, and is free and confidential. Great Rivers 2-1-1 serves 13 counties in southwestern Wisconsin, four counties in southeastern Minnesota and five counties in northeastern Iowa. Simply dial the three-digit telephone number 2-1-1 or 800-362-8255 to learn more.
 

Every September, as part of Drive the Great River Road Month, the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission hosts a sweepstakes. This year, $500 was up for grabs for one lucky traveler to use on his or her own trip along the national scenic byway.

Dan Fisher of Lansing was selected as this year’s Drive the Great River Road Month Sweepstakes lucky winner. Fisher entered the contest online and was chosen at random. Fisher and his wife, Tura, moved to the Lansing area from Wisconsin because they were drawn to the area’s unique geography. He plans to use the winnings to travel more of the Great River Road so he can write about it. His hobby is travel writing.

Main Street Lansing is anticipating a record-breaking “Main Street Madness” promotion again this year with even more prizes. Last year, $157,500 was spent in downtown Lansing by “Main Street Madness” punch card participants.

To get started this year, look for a participating merchant poster and pick up a free punch card. The cards can then be validated with either punches or stamps in five-dollar increments for purchases made between November 16 and December 18. Double Punch Day and Small Business Saturday is November 26. Once a card is full ($100 in purchases), it can be turned in and another card started, with no limit on the number of cards that can be filled and entered for the “Main Street Madness” drawing.

Thursday, November 10 at approximately 5:39 p.m., the Lansing/New Albin Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence located at 293 Third Street NE in New Albin. During the search, officers seized several marijuana plants and other items used in the manufacturing and distribution of drugs.

As a result of the search, Theron Gene Krambeer, age 55, of New Albin was arrested on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance; Keri Ella Louise Strong, age 34, of New Albin was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance; Gary Sand, age 44, of Caledonia, MN was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance; and Ashley Erickson, age 32, of New Albin was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Interference with Official Acts, and Destruction of Evidence.