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Voters in Allamakee County expressed widespread support for the $5.1 million bond referendum to fund the construction of a new jail and public safety center at the location of the Makee Manor facility north of Waukon. The same project was first presented to voters in November of 2014 with a $4.9 million price tag, but that measure failed to gain the support of the required 60% super majority by less than one percentage point.

by Bob Beach

Memorial Day activities in Waukon will include a special visitor this year, as a mobile museum exhibiting the history of the U.S.S. Wainwright will make a stop during a tour of the Midwest. The traveling museum houses assorted artifacts from its U.S. Navy warship namesake and provides a history of the ship and its activities while in service to the United States, which resulted in the vessel being the most decorated ship in the Atlantic Fleet at the time of her decommissioning in 1993.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE
During its visit to Waukon, the traveling museum will be parked in the initial block of First Avenue NW along the south edge of the Allamakee County Courthouse property. The museum will be opened to the general public according to the following schedule:
Saturday, May 23 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, May 25 - Following the Memorial Day Parade.

by Kelli Boylen
freelance writer

by Bob Beach

The Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism Board (ACED) has announced that Valerie Reinke has been hired as the new ACED Executive Director. Reinke has served on the ACED Board of Directors since 2008 and has been employed by New Albin Savings Bank for the past six years.
“I am passionate about Allamakee County and I am happy to be here," Reinke said of her new position. "I am looking forward to working with business owners, city council members, county supervisors and visitors to the county.”
Everyone is welcome to stop in and visit with Reinke. A meet and greet coffee hour is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 from 9-10 a.m. at the ACED office located at 101 West Main Street in Waukon.
Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism's mission is to promote economic growth through the growth and expansion of new and existing industry, service and retail business and to promote tourism for the county.
 

The Allamakee County Sheriff's Department and the Postville Police Department executed a search warrant Friday, May 8 at 12396 State Highway 18, Postville, the residence of Kim Neal Flatjord, age 61, of Postville. An arrest warrant was also served on Flatjord, who was taken into custody on charges of Third Degree Sexual Abuse (a class C felony), Solicitation to Commit a Felony (a class D felony), Administering Harmful Substances (a class D felony) and Invasion of Privacy (a serious misdemeanor).
The charges stem from an incident that took place back in September of 2013 in rural Allamakee County. The incident remains under investigation by the Allamakee County Sheriff's Department.
 

Thursday, May 7, the community of Lansing will host guided walking history tours, informative talks about historic restoration, wine and cheese tasting and displays of historical archive photos to celebrate the downtown’s designation as a National Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places.
Last September, Lansing was selected for this elite status. The Lansing historic district includes the address blocks of 100-401 Main Street, one block north and south on Front and Second Streets, and 190 John Street. May is National Historic Preservation Month as designated by the National Register of Historic Places, a division of the National Park Service.

The 18th annual Family Wellness Fair will be held Wednesday, May 13 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Health testing, exhibits and activities will all be providing a complete evening of entertainment and education for families of all ages. Everyone in the area communities is welcome to attend this free event, sponsored by Veterans Memorial Hospital, and held in conjunction with the end of the Live Healthy Iowa Community Wellness Challenge.

by Bob Beach