News Center newsletter

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that as a child, I was introduced to the fairy tale character’s admonition that if I could not say something nice about somebody, I should say nothing at all.

Sen. John McCain, Navy war hero, died of brain cancer. The senator received his commission as a naval officer a year later than I received mine. His was from the Naval Academy, so he was a “ring knocker” and had both father and grandfather who were admirals in the Navy. My commission was after officers’ candidate school, and my father was too old for the WWII draft, so never served.

McCain’s Navy background assured he would be a career officer. My stint ended when my six-year reserve commitment ended.

I had a black onyx Iowa U. ring that, in the dim light of an officers’ club bar, was mistaken a couple times for the academy ring.

So much for comparisons.

To the Editor:

Honest, courageous and insightful aren’t words typically used to describe drug addicts. But if given a chance, many addicts end up developing these qualities and contributing to society in a way they never imagined possible. These successes occur in spite of major obstacles, from the ever-present threat of relapse to the pervasive stereotypes addicts encounter along the way. Even with decades of research, some of the most damaging beliefs about addiction remain:

1. Addicts are bad people who deserve to be punished.
Man or woman, rich or poor, young or old, if a person develops an addiction, there’s a widespread assumption that they are bad, weak-willed or immoral.
It is true that many addicts do reprehensible things. Driven by changes in the brain brought on by prolonged drug use, they lie, cheat and steal to maintain their habit. But good people do bad things, and sick people need treatment - not punishment - to get better.

by Brianne Eilers

The Oil Springs School restoration project in Harpers Ferry is nearing completion. For the past three years, volunteers from various entities such as the Harpers Ferry Area Historical Society (HFAHS), the Harpers Ferry Booster Club, City of Harpers Ferry, Allamakee Historical Preservation Society and many other businesses, groups and individuals in the Harpers Ferry area or with ties to the area have come together to donate time, talents, money and artifacts to this project.

The finishing touches were slated to be completed in August, with a grand opening scheduled for Saturday, September 8 beginning at 10 a.m. The programming for that day begins with a ribbon cutting and flag raising ceremony. The 48-star American flag will be raised, as it was the one flying when the school was in operation. There will also be presentations at the school, now located on Vine Street in Harpers Ferry.

Dr. Richard Hermeier (right), a 1955 graduate of Waukon High School and long-time supporter of his alma mater and hometown community, presents a donation check for $10,000 to Waukon Park and Recreation Wellness Director Jeremy Strub (left) to help fund the outdoor community tennis court project being planned for the area pictured in the background of the above photo, near the Waukon Park and Recreation soccer fields on the west edge of Waukon. The donation kicks off the public fundraising campaign to help complete the financing of the project, which has already accumulated nearly $100,000 of its estimated $165,000 cost through grant and other established funding. For additional information about the project or to contribute to the project campaign, contact Jeremy Strub at 563-568-0074, extension 1. Submitted photo.
 

The Allamakee County Auditor’s office has determined polling site locations for the special election regarding the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) bond levy continuation scheduled for Tuesday, September 11. Registered voters in the following school districts in Allamakee County may visit the polling locations listed below to cast their ballots. The polls will be open from 12 noon-8 p.m.

Allamakee Community School District
Dorchester residents: St. Mary’s Church
Harpers Ferry residents: Community Center
Waterville residents: Public Library
Waukon residents: NICC Center

Eastern Allamakee Community School District
Lansing residents: Kerndt Brothers Community Center
New Albin residents: Community Center

Postville Community School District
Postville residents: Turner Hall

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is asking voters to decide whether to continue the College’s existing bond levy in a special election scheduled for Tuesday, September 11. The NICC Board of Trustees approved the continuation at its meeting in April of this year and is now bringing the matter in front of voters, to be labeled “Public Measure B” on the special election ballot.

The bond levy up for renewal is a continuation of an already existing levy - not a new tax, and if approved by voters would allow NICC to secure $39 million in taxpayer support. The College’s current property tax levy rate for the bond and interest fund is set at $0.288 per $1,000 assessed valuation, and the new bond issuance, if approved by district voters, is structured to be paid off at that same $0.288 levy rate.

Allamakee County 4-H members exhibits were on display in the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair held in Des Moines August 9-19. More than 3,800 exhibits were displayed this year, showcasing excellence in project area learning by 4-H members across the state of Iowa.

Divisions young people may exhibit in include agriculture and natural resources, creative arts, family and consumer sciences, personal development, and science, mechanics and engineering.

“Each exhibit is an outgrowth of year-long project area work done by the 4-H member,” explains Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H youth development program specialist. “The exhibits display at the Iowa State Fair is a celebration of the educational and personal accomplishments of our Iowa 4-H members. It is a way for our members to share what they’ve learned with the public.”

The Allamakee County 4-H Youth Development Committee is proud to recognize JoAnne Bodley of Postville as the 2018 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame inductee. She has been a long-time supporter of the Allamakee County 4-H Program. Her 4-H involvement began in 1985 after her husband became a leader of the Big 4 4-H Club.

She quickly took over his role and continued to lead the club that later became Big 4 Poststar 4-H Club. Through her 28 years as club leader, her love and passion for agriculture was shown through her children’s and the club member’s participation in the beef project.

Tuesday, August 7, the Waukon Police Department received a report of a theft from Village Farm & Home in Waukon that had taken place August 4. With assistance from a neighboring law enforcement agency, the suspect was identified as 49-year-old Scott Richard Coxworth of Houston, MN.

Upon further investigation by use of a surveillance camera system, it was discovered that Coxworth returned to Village Farm & Home August 6 and had taken more merchandise. Following those investigative measures, Coxworth was charged with two counts of fifth-degree theft and an arrest warrant was granted.

Wednesday, August 22, the Waukon Police Department received a call from Village Farm & Home reporting that Coxworth had returned once again and was still present at the store. Officers responded to Village Farm & Home and placed Coxworth into custody for the arrest warrant.

Tuesday, August 28, the Waukon Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence located at 502 First Street SE in Waukon. As a result of the search warrant, 34-year-old Emily Johnston of Waukon was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license revoked.

Another 34-year-old female, Daphne Bendall of Prairie du Chien, WI, was also arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a prescription drug. It was further discovered that Bendall also has a detainer for an arrest warrant in the state of Wisconsin.

The Waukon Police Department was assisted by the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office. A criminal charge is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.