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Wed
11
Jan

Looking back, looking forward: Preservation of Buckmaster property helps protect some of Iowa’s rarest natural, archaeological treasures


Historic bluff and surrounding area permanently protected under conservation easement ... Capoli Bluff, located south of Lansing, is part of the Raleigh and Joey Buckmaster property permanently protected under a conservation easement through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The historic bluff offers views of two states, the Mississippi River, and surrounding woodland and prairie that has been restored by the Buckmaster family. Photo courtesy of Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

A view of historical and sacred significance ... The historic effigy mounds on the Raleigh and Joey Buckmaster property south of Lansing are best viewed from above to realize their full impact. Outlined in lime, the bear, bird and linear mounds are clearly visible from all perspectives. Photo by Luther College/Clark Mallam through the courtesy of Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Raleigh and Joey Buckmaster. Submitted photo.

Indicator of high quality prairies ... For nearly 50 years, Raleigh and Joey Buckmaster of Lansing have carefully restored and preserved their property, protecting some of Iowa’s rarest natural and archaeological treasures. The results of that work are evident in the leadplant (Amorpha canescens pictured in the photo foreground above), which is an indicator of high quality prairies, that covers Capoli Bluff south of Lansing. Photo courtesy of Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

(Editor’s Note: The following article originated in a December 27, 2022 emailed newsletter from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation [INHF] and also appears in the Winter 2023 edition of “Iowa Natural Heritage” magazine. It is being reprinted here with permission secured through the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation)

by Mack Swenson, Communications Intern

What do you see when you look out over a landscape? Structural features like rivers and hills, or perhaps you notice the wildlife and plants that call it home?

What about history? Can you see the impacts of this land’s early and recent inhabitants, or how geologic events have shaped its valleys and ridges?

Wed
11
Jan

Allamakee County elected officials sworn into office ...

Allamakee County officials voted into service during the November 2022 General Election were sworn into office prior to the Tuesday, January 3 meeting of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors at the Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon. Pictured above, left to right, at that swearing-in ceremony are newly-elected Allamakee County Board of Supervisors member Dennis Keatley, re-elected Allamakee County Board of Supervisors member Dan Byrnes, newly-elected Allamakee County Recorder Karen Mathis, re-elected Allamakee County Treasurer Jennifer O’Neill, re-elected Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke, and First District Court Senior Judge John Bauercamper, who conducted the ceremony. Standard photo by Assistant Editor Joe Moses.
 

Wed
11
Jan

Lansing RAGBRAI Committee announces grant awards from historic profit

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) for 2022 ended its annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state in Lansing in late July this past summer. RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest multi-day recreational bicycle touring event in the world.

The total profit realized from Lansing RAGBRAI 2022 was $113,298.92, which is the highest in the history of the annual event, according to RAGBRAI officials. Local organizers say the success of the event in Lansing was only possible because of the immense work and volunteer hours of hundreds of citizens, coming together to show Iowa pride and hospitality. Lansing RAGBRAI Executive Chair Ian Zahren would like to say to the people of the Lansing area and the RAGBRAI riders: “We are immensely grateful to all of you!”

Wed
04
Jan

Year in Review - Part II: Top local news stories from July-December 2022


RAGBRAI® completes successful final day through Allamakee County ... Allamakee County greeted 18,000 bicyclists and also welcomed support crews and other visitors that pushed population estimates to nearly 25,000 people for the final day of RAGBRAI® XLIX Saturday, July 30, as the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) came to a close for its 49th year. As depicted in the surrounding photos, bicyclists celebrated completion of this year’s RAGBRAI journey with the traditional dipping of their front tire in the Mississippi River in Lansing and some also raised their bicycles over their heads in triumphant celebration of their accomplishment (evident in the photos taken by Julie Berg-Raymond). “From all accounts, the day was a momentous and jubilant success,” shared Lansing RAGBRAI Chair Ian Zahren. “Riders from all across the world, and many veteran cyclists to RAGBRAI, lauded Lansing for their thoughtful organization and kindness, stating that this was the best RAGBRAI they had ridden and Lansing in particular the most accommodating and organized of any of the towns. Many people gave hundreds of hours to assist and aid our organization on the day and for the months leading up to it. It takes a village. Thank you, Lansing for making this event possible and for opening up your community, homes and hearts to the tens of thousands of people from all over the world who arrived in our little town.” In order to make it to that final tire-dip destination, riders first ventured from West Union to the meet-up town of Postville and then the pass-through town of Waukon (as depicted in the photo at right below by Standard Assistant Editor Joe Moses). Waukon City Clerk Sarah Snitker said that “it all seemed to go well,” in regard to Waukon’s involvement as a pass-through community Saturday. “We got some great feedback from the riders, and it seemed like they spread themselves out really well among the vendors, businesses and other organizations along the route through Waukon.” Additional photos from Saturday’s RAGBRAI venture through Allamakee County can be found in the Photo Galleries link on this webpage.

The items below summarize the top news stories that appeared in The Standard newspaper during the last six months of 2022, July-December.

Wed
28
Dec

“First Day” Hike at Yellow River State Forest is January 1

Friends of Yellow River State Forest is sponsoring a “First Day” Hike at the Paint Creek Unit at 9 a.m. Sunday, January 1. Everyone is also welcome to hike the designated First Day Hike trail on their own anytime Saturday, December 31 or Sunday, January 1 to win prizes.

The trail chosen this year for the “First Day” Hike starts at the Forester’s Office at 729 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry. The hike (outlined with yellow dashes in the map above) is about three miles long and features beautiful forests, a visit to the Yellow River State Forest Fire Tower, and a photo opportunity with Bigfoot. The trail starts out uphill, but after that, is level and then goes back down from the ridge. Most people would consider it a moderate hike.

Wed
28
Dec

Vocalists from the area to present holiday voice recital at Zalmona Presbyterian Church Friday

A holiday voice recital featuring area musicians, some of whom have graced this area in the past with their talents and others who continue to do so, will be held this Friday evening, December 30 at 7 p.m. at Zalmona Presbyterian Church, located at 371 State Highway 9, Waukon.

The performance will feature the following vocalists: Kristen Wunderlich, Kari Iverson, Nicole Winke-Gentes, Erika Wachholz, Cory Wikan, Daryl Hansmeier, Corey Larson, Aaron Gentes and Andrew Last. The ensemble will be accompanied by Luther College collaborative pianist Nicholas Shaneyfelt.

A free will offering will be taken at the performance. Coffee and treats will be served in the church hall following the performance.

Wed
28
Dec

Year in Review - Part I: Top local news stories printed from January-June 2022


Lansing will be “tire-dip” final destination for RAGBRAI 2022 … The Friday evening, January 28 announcement of the route for RAGBRAI XLIX to be held in late July this year revealed that Lansing will be the final destination for the annual event’s famous “dipping of the tire” in the Mississippi River to bring the ride to a close. That announcement was made at the RAGBRAI Announcement Party held Friday at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Pictured in the foreground in the photo at right, members of Lansing’s local organizing committee display their excitement and the sign that revealed Lansing as the final destination community for this year’s RAGBRAI, as the remainder of the route reveal team displays signs on stage for the other communities involved as the starting point and overnight stops for this year’s 430-mile, seven-day ride. Pictured left to right in that photo foreground are Allamakee County Economic Development Executive Director Val Reinke, Lansing residents Andrew Boddicker and Ian Zahren, Lansing City Council member Curtis Snitker, and Main Street Lansing members Mary and Bruce Palmborg. Submitted photo.

The items below summarize the top news stories that appeared in The Standard during the first six months of 2022, January-June.

Wed
21
Dec

Pen pal program connects RSVP volunteers with third graders at New Albin Elementary and East Elementary in Waukon


Meeting the person behind the pen ... RSVP volunteer Vickie shares a treat, some conversation and a smile with her two pen pals from third grade at East Elementary School in Waukon. The pen pals have been writing to one another since the end of September of this year and got a chance to meet in person for the first time at this Monday, December 12 event pictured above. Photo courtesy of Northeast Iowa RSVP 55+ Initiative.

Pen pals get to meet at New Albin Elementary School ... The third grade classroom of Mrs. Jessica Kurth at New Albin Elementary School was bustling with RSVP Pen Pal Program volunteers meeting with their third grade pen pals Monday, December 12. Originally started several years ago with elementary schools in the Cresco area, the RSVP Pen Pal Program expanded into Allamakee County this year and involved both New Albin Elementary and East Elementary School in Waukon, in addition to another elementary school in Decorah. Photo courtesy of Northeast Iowa RSVP 55+ Initiative.

by Ellen Modersohn

Waukon’s East Elementary School cafeteria was bursting with excitement Monday, December 12. Not only was it holiday dress-up day, with teachers and their students bundled in bright reds and greens, but 65 third graders were eagerly meeting their semester-long pen pals in person for the first time.

Over the past several years Northeast Iowa RSVP 55+ Initiative conducted a pen pals program between its volunteers and third graders at Crestwood Elementary School in Cresco. This year the program expanded to include five schools: two in Cresco, one in Decorah and at New Albin Elementary School in the Eastern Allamakee Community School District in addition to East Elementary in Waukon.

Sharilyn Decker of Waukon, a new RSVP member, recalls having a pen pal when she was a child: “Pen pals were very common growing up, and I always wrote to my friends.”

Wed
21
Dec

Waukon High School graduate Parker Hesse making his way further up the NFL ladder as tight end with the Atlanta Falcons


Flying high as a Falcon ... Waukon High School 2014 graduate Parker Hesse looks in a pass during a practice session with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Initially a practice squad player for the Falcons when signed last year, Hesse has not only worked his way on to the active roster full time in Atlanta this season but also up the ranks to a starting tight end position and currently the number-one listing on the weekly depth chart for the Falcons’ active tight ends. Submitted photo.

Waukon High School 2014 graduate Parker Hesse continues to climb toward the pinnacle of his NFL (National Football League) dream as he plays through his fourth season at the ultimate level of the sport he loves.

Having served as a practice squad player with the Tennessee Titans his first two seasons in the league, beginning in 2019, Hesse saw his first action as an active roster player last season after transitioning to the Atlanta Falcons, where he continues to elevate his status and his career as now one of the top tight ends for that current Atlanta squad.

Ascending to that role in a new position from what he’s consistently played in previous levels of football, Hesse says the most important thing he’s developed in his growth and advancement in the league may not have anything to do with a football at all.

Wed
14
Dec

Strong crowd and donation support for Holiday Train visits in Lansing and New Albin ...

Having waited three years since its last visit due to COVID-19 concerns, large crowds greeted the colorfully decorated Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at both its stops in Lansing and New Albin Wednesday evening, December 7, as depicted in the surrounding photos. Those attending were treated to musical entertainment by performers Alan Doyle and Kelly Prescott, along with other holiday activities put on by community members, businesses and organizations.

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