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Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, eight "Quilts of Valor" were presented to area veterans at a ceremony held at the Vet's Club in Waukon. Making the presentation for the second year were local quilters Linda Cook, Lois Abler and Jane Meyer. Those receiving the quilts at the presentation included, left to right in photo at right, Mike Van Gorp, Cheri White, Paul Howes, Pat Bresnahan, Robbie Burrett (unavailable to attend but represented by his grandson, Michael Roth, who is also a U.S. military veteran), Don Johnson and Kenny Lough. The eighth presentation was made to Pat Ward, who was also unavailable to attend. The Quilts of Valor presentation was just part of the many area Veterans Day observances held throughout area schools and other locations in honor of those who have served. Standard photo by Jason Meyer.
 

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has completed the bluff revision work along State Highway 26 just north of Lansing. The project began August 10 (view in left photo prior to start of project), requiring a short detour along North Front Street until November 11 (finished project view in right photo). The DOT hired Skyline Construction of Decorah to cut away the rock outcroppings and brush that were too close to the west edge of the highway. John Shimek, Highway Technician Senior of the DOT District 2 office in New Hampton, said that last week, after the construction work was completed, native grasses were planted in the blacker soil further up on Mt. Hosmer and that a rural grass mix and green mulch (evident in photo at right) were sprayed on the bare dirt. A 15-foot "shelf" was created between the hill and cement barriers along the road to provide a soft landing for any rocks or debris that might roll down the hill toward the highway.

by Jason Meyer

The Iowa Secretary of State’s Office, in conjunction with the Iowa Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Iowa, is organizing a statewide Iowa Youth Caucus. Allamakee County’s Youth Caucus is scheduled for Thursday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Waukon High School.
There will be an optional social time from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. followed by registration and supper from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students from Kee High School, Postville High School and Waukon High School will be participating.
The purpose of the Iowa Youth Caucus is to inform and engage students in the political process. Due to Iowa’s First-in-the-Nation status, Iowans play a major role in deciding the next President of the United States. By conducting a caucus with the students, the goal is to increase their understanding of how the caucuses work and that this experience will move them to register to vote when they reach eligible voting age.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

by Lissa Blake

Sometimes, if you want something done to the level that you feel is right, you have to just do it yourself.
That is the motivation that drives a couple of Allamakee County veterans to lend their time, talent and finances toward going the extra mile to make sure area veterans receive what they need or deserve. It’s not a government or social program, according to Vietnam veteran Jerry Halverson of Waukon. It’s just a couple of guys who want to give back.
“We call ourselves the Allamakee County Good Ol’ Boys,” said Halverson.
Halverson, who served as a U.S. Marine from 1968-1971, works closely with 22-year U.S. Navy veteran Robert Kolsrud of Waukon and his wife, Eunice (Thorstenson).
Although Robert is 84 and Eunice is 80, they’re not about to let that stand in their way of doing what they feel needs to be done.
“Robert is an Eveready battery,” said Halverson of Kolsrud, 20 years his senior.

City elections were held statewide Tuesday, November 3, including in six local communities. Allamakee County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Denise Beyer reported that voter turn-out rates for the election varied widely throughout the County, with the lowest turn-out of just seven percent in the City of Postville where there were no contested races on the ballot.
In Waukon, there were two contested races on the ballot - Mayor and At-Large City Council - but only 17% of registered voters turned out to vote in that election. In Lansing, Public Measure A to increase the hotel/motel tax and write-in campaigns for the City Council attracted 21% of registered voters to the polls.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2015 will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 13-16 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. This year's theme will be “Ring In the Holidays.” In addition to the numerous number of decorated Christmas trees, this year's event will again offer many shopping opportunities on the silent auction.
The silent auction items will be available for purchase through a silent bid that will continue over the course of the four-day event. These door and wall decorations, centerpieces, gift baskets, chairs, toys, crafts and mini-trees will be silent auctioned, with the highest bidder winning the purchase at 7 p.m. Monday, November 16. Until that closing time, bidders can return, free of charge, to the Fantasy and raise their bid.

by Jason Meyer