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(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?

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.
 

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!”

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

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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.