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The Monday, February 1 Iowa caucuses brought an end to the recent deluge of political rhetoric in the local area but also kicked off an even more focused race in each party toward the next finish line at the June primary election. Local caucus-goers had the opportunity to provide their input on the early tale-telling of this fully-involved political season, but results of those caucuses in Allamakee County didn't necessarily reflect the same results experienced on a statewide basis.

by Jason Meyer

The day began like so many before: up early in the cold and dark of the morning, a quick shower and shave, and a fast breakfast, all before falling in and taking a seat on the transport by a designated time.
Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen alike, all gathered again for a joint mission. Not a typical mission their training had prepared them for; rather, this was a mission of diplomacy, of exercising their rights and freedoms afforded by their service in upholding democracy, to protect their hard-earned benefits, and to expand the protections and incentives of those yet serving in hopes of creating a welcoming environment when they finally return home.
This was Veterans Day on the Hill.

The family of Waukon native Beth Otting has received word that she drowned in a bay of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Liberia in western Africa Friday, January 29 trying to save a colleague from the same fate. Otting was a 1982 graduate of Waukon High School and the daughter of Dan and Mary Ann Otting of Waukon and the late Helen Otting, and she had recently departed for Liberia to begin training as a lay missionary with the Society of African Missions organization in a remote region of that country.

Lansing native retires after 28-year U.S. Air Force career

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Hamre Giesen Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) hosted its second annual Northeast Iowa Pie Championships Sunday, January 31 at the Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank Community Room, with a “celebrity” pie-eating contest part of that event. This year’s pie-eating contest winner, KNEI Radio morning personality Erik Kelly finished eating his vanilla cream pie a split second ahead of last year’s champion, Sandy Halverson of the S&D Cafe, to claim this year’s crown. Pictured below, left to right, are this year’s pie-eating contestants in action: Tyler Halverson of Epic Wear and the Waukon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Erik Kelly of KNEI Radio, Jean Brink of the Allamakee County Veterans Commission and Queen Jean Quilting, and Sandy Halverson of S&D Cafe.

Voter registration available at caucus sites that evening

Registered Republican and Democrat voters across the state have the opportunity to participate in Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses Monday, February 1, providing local residents a critical voice in the nomination process for this country's next president by casting their vote for their preferred candidate.
Those who choose to participate in the caucuses will not only choose presidential candidates for this year's election, but will make their voices heard as both political parties formulate their campaign platforms. Nomination petitions for other state and national elected offices will also be considered by caucus goers.
To attend a caucus, voters must be registered as either Democrat or Republican, but registration will be allowed at each of the caucus sites. Caucus locations for both political parties for the February 1 event are featured below in the bordered boxes.

Kristi Hager of Waukon has announced her candidacy to run for the Iowa House of Representatives District 56, which encompasses Allamakee and most of Clayton County. The general election is November 8 this year. District 56 is currently served by Patti Ruff of McGregor.
Hager has lived most of her life in Allamakee County. She was born to the late Emmett and Betty (Berns) Howe of Waukon and attended Northeast Iowa Technical Institute (NITI) in Calmar, receiving her associates degree in nursing before marrying her husband, Bob, in 1986.

Jan Heikes of Decorah has announced that she is officially running for the Iowa State Senate. She is seeking the Democratic nomination in Senate District 28, which is comprised of all of Allamakee and Clayton counties and parts of Fayette and Winneshiek counties. She will be running against Michael Breitbach of Strawberry Point, who will be seeking re-election to that office this year.
Through her experience working at the Oneota Riverview Care Facility, now Wellington Place, and as the Central Point of Coordination Administrator for Mental Health & Disability Services in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties, as well as in her position as a Program Planner in the Community Services Bureau of the Department of Human Services, Heikes has built up over 30 years of involved experience serving Iowans most in need.

by Jason Meyer

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, January 25. Handling the routine business of perfection and approval of the agenda, and approval of past meetings’ minutes, the Board moved quickly in to public comments before proceeding in to the posted agenda.

Public Comments
During public comment time the Board heard from resident Bruce Palmer in opposition of the discussed ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) trails in the county. Palmer noted that with the construction of the Public Safety Center and other obligations, the County has plenty to focus on in terms of expenditures. He also voiced concern that allowing ATVs free rein may open up previously undisturbed areas of the county to damage.