Top Stories

The “Feed the Kids” program in Waukon completed its second July of feeding lunches and grab-and-go breakfasts to children 18 years of age and younger this past week. The program grew by over 40% from its inaugural effort last year, serving 1,974 lunches and 2,367 breakfasts over the course of 18 days during the month of July, up from its nearly 1,400 meals served during last year’s first-time effort.

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) provides breakfasts and lunches during June and August to local children as part of its Summer Feeding Program. However, to fill the July feeding gap (when the school does not provide those meals), members of four local churches in Waukon, including St. Patrick Catholic Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Zion United Church of Christ, started to meet in May of last year to come up with an initial plan for last summer’s inaugural effort, and did so again to plan for this year.

Those who drive on Iowa 76 north of Waukon will need to be aware of construction work that was scheduled to begin Monday, August 5 and will last until late August, weather permitting. Construction crews will intermittently close lanes from Waukon to the Minnesota state line so micro-surfacing work can be done to the pavement, which involves the application of a thin protective coating. Drivers will travel through the work zone with the assistance of flaggers and a pilot car.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the Iowa DOT 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or X (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to any mobile device.
 

Local Corner of Hope effort among U.S. growing projects that have helped raise $47 million to support ag development programs worldwide; Events this weekend in local area include Summer Celebration Saturday at Zion UCC in Waukon

U.S. farmers and their communities are serving locally and making a global impact in partnership with Growing Hope Globally. The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the organization. To date, growing projects have raised over $47 million to support agricultural development programs around the world helping those struggling with hunger to help themselves through farming. These programs have served over 2.3 million people across the globe, with the Allamakee County-based Corner of Hope being part of that mission since the beginning of that local effort in 2005.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

Woodcarver Dan Campbell, of Waukon Junction, had been carving for almost 40 years when a friend talked him into entering his first competition - and it was a big one: The 56th annual International Woodcarvers Congress, held from June 10-15 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Maquoketa.

According to information provided at the organization’s website, “The International Woodcarvers Congress is, to the best of our knowledge, the longest running, competitively judged, woodcarving art show in the United States. It is truly the most prestigious show of its kind.” Offering over 95 separate categories in a judged competition, the annual event includes not only the competition, but also seminars, a banquet and judges’ critique sessions (woodcarverscongress.org).

“I took seven carvings to the show, and they all won a ribbon,” Campbell says. Recalling the event, he says, “It was kind of surreal.”

Allamakee County Fair 2024 Royalty ...  Coronation of the 2024 Allamakee County Fair Royalty took place Wednesday, July 17 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon, kicking off the 171st Allamakee County Fair that was held July 17-21. Five area young ladies were vying for this year’s Allamakee County Fair Queen crown, which was bestowed upon Mallory Berns (second from left in photo above), daughter of Mark and Kristin Berns of Harpers Ferry. Molly Peake (third from left in photo above), daughter of Jeremy and Jodi Peake of Waukon, was crowned the 2024 Allamakee County Fair Princess. All five of this year’s candidates served as the 2024 Allamakee County Fair Royalty Team, assisting at various events and activities that took place throughout this year’s Allamakee County Fair.

A documentary on the history of Lansing’s Black Hawk Bridge and the process of replacing it will be shown at the Kee High School gymnasium in Lansing at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 10, coinciding with this year’s Lansing Fish Days celebration, August 9-11.

The American Pickers plan to film episodes of The History Channel television series throughout the state of Iowa in September 2024. The documentary series that explores the world of antique “picking” on The History Channel is looking for leads to explore for hidden treasure.

The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items.

Anyone who has, or knows someone who has, unique items, stories to tell, and would consider making a deal is asked to contact American Pickers. It should be noted that the television show does not “pick” stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything else open to the public.

Pork Tornadoes to headline Friday's grandstand entertainment; Variety of activities and events planned

This week, July 17-21,  the 171st Allamakee County Fair will be held for all to enjoy at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. A wide variety of entertainment is in place to headline this year’s Fair at the grandstand, along with a great deal of other activities for everyone to enjoy each and every day throughout the five-day event.

GRANDSTAND STAR POWER AND HORSE POWER

Kicking off this year’s grandstand entertainment line-up Wednesday, July 17 at 7 p.m. will be a Truck and Tractor Pull featuring local trucks and tractors as well as some powered-up regional competitors in a variety of high-revving classes. Free admission is being granted to all local military veterans for that truck and tractor pull event, and there will also be a Pie Auction for pies contributed by this year’s Allamakee County Fair Royalty.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, July 15 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of the Resolution for the Destruction of Noxious Weeds, consideration of the appointment of a Harpers Ferry Library Board rural representative, and an update relating to the Lansing Police Department and New Albin law enforcement coverage.

The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Pro-Tem Mark Reiser with Supervisor Dennis Keatley present. Chairperson Dan Byrnes was not present due to a scheduled absence. There was no comment during the time allotted for Public Comment.

July 17 coronation event for both groups will help kick off the 171st Allamakee County Fair

The pageantry of the Allamakee County Fair will add another level this year, as the traditional Allamakee County Fair Queen Contest will be complemented by the inaugural celebration of the Allamakee County Fair Little Miss Contest for younger ages. The coronation event for both of those competitions, featuring a total of 11 Allamakee County young ladies, will take place Wednesday, July 17 at 5 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon to help kick off the 171st Allamakee County Fair, running July 17-21.