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Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Ceramic Halloween Painting Party class for youths. This class will be held Tuesday, October 6 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW.

Those attending can learn how to apply colors, styles and their own unique imprint on their own Halloween bear. Have fun being creative and enjoying uncomplicated artmaking with a ceramic bear and numerous colors provided. No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome. All supplies are included.

The deadline for paid registration is September 29. To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon Center at 563-562-3263, ext. 6700.

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by Joshua Sharpe

At its Tuesday, September 8 meeting delayed by the Labor Day holiday, the Lansing City Council held an extended discussion about whether the community should pursue another opportunity to serve as a RAGBRAI end town in 2027. The council also discussed possible community uses for remnants of the former Black Hawk Bridge, changes that could affect fall large-item pick-up, and the opening of the new bridge in early November.

The new Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Medical Clinic-Postville will be opening Monday, September 28.  An open house will be hosted by the clinic staff Thursday, September 24, just a few days before opening day.  All area communities are invited to attend the open house from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The new Postville Clinic is located in the former Upper Explorerland building at 134 West Green Street, next door to the current clinic location.

Veterans Memorial Hospital credits the numerous donors to this project, surpassing the goal of $200,000, which made this dream a reality.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation recently received a $1,000 grant from Alliant Energy to support the purchase of three new ambulance jump bags for the EMS team. A generous private donation to the Foundation provided the remaining funds needed to complete the purchase, ensuring EMS staff have updated equipment in each ambulance to better serve patients throughout the area. 

Currently, EMS personnel use 10-year old canvas jump bags on all emergency responses. These bags have limited organization, causing lifesaving equipment to be stored loosely and slowing access during emergencies. The canvas material is difficult to clean and disinfect after exposure to blood and bodily fluids, creating infection control challenges.

September 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day. Pictured above are several staff members at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) who supported the day by wearing teal and purple, representing this important message. The entire month of September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, an opportunity to strengthen connections, share trusted resources and encourage conversations about mental health at every age. Checking in with someone, listening with care and helping them connect with professional support can be important steps. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress should call or text 988. In an immediate, life-threatening emergency, they should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. More help is available locally than ever before. The new Veterans Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions (SLS) program provides support for older adults facing depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. Call 563-568-5560 for more information.

September is National Healthy Aging Month
 
By 2026, over 25-percent of Iowa’s population is expected to be 60 years of age or older according to the Iowa Department on Aging1. The health and wellbeing of older adults is a priority in the state. September is National Healthy Aging Month and Allamakee Public Health (aka Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care) and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Iowans to make sure they are up to date on key vaccines.

“As people grow older, they may be more susceptible to infectious diseases. Vaccination plays a vital role in preventing illnesses and protecting older adults from potentially severe complications,” said Sheryl Darling-Mooney RN. “Staying up to date on immunizations is one of the easiest, safest ways to protect yourself.”

Dr. Olaitan Akinboboye, the new family practice physician, has officially begun caring for patients at both the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Postville and Waukon Medical Clinics.

Dr. Akinboboye cares for patients each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Postville Clinic, offering a physician choice to this clinic once again, following the retirement of Dr. McMullan last November. Dr Akinboboye also cares for patients Mondays in the Waukon Clinic.

“I practice full-spectrum Family Medicine, providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages - from newborns to seniors. My practice includes preventive wellness exams, acute care for immediate illnesses, and long-term management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. I am also passionate about health promotion and partnering with patients to improve their overall quality of life,” explains Dr. Akinboboye.

WinnMed in Decorah announced at its September Board of Directors meeting that Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Moritz of Lansing will retire November 25 of this year, concluding a distinguished 36-year nursing career and nearly nine years of service as the organization’s Chief Nursing Officer.

Since joining WinnMed’s leadership team, Moritz has played a vital role in advancing patient care, supporting nursing excellence, and strengthening healthcare services for the communities WinnMed serves. Her leadership has helped guide the organization through periods of growth and change while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality, safety, and compassionate care.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, September 17 at 10 a.m.   The meeting will be held in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of the hospital.

This month, Angela Taylor, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will be presenting. Angela is one of the three mental health practitioners caring for patients in both the VMH Waukon and Postville Medical Clinics. She will be covering ways to cope with stress.  

Stress has a negative effect on blood sugars just like high carbohydrate meals and sedentary lifestyles. Following Angela’s presentation, Angie Mettille, Diabetes Educator, will review the importance of blood sugar monitoring.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes.  For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call Angie Mettille, RN, Diabetes Educator, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
 

Allen and Ellen (Anderson) Wahls are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple married September 11, 1966 at Olds United Church of Christ in Olds.

Their family consists of their children Tim; Kim (Lance) of Providence, UT; Susan (Jeremy) of Cedar Falls; Sara (Jason) of Postville; and Samantha (Kent) of South Burlington, VT. Their grandchildren are Christopher, Nick, Lydia, Eliza, Abby, Ben, Ariana, Kalvin, Henry, and Sonora. A celebration with family will be held at a later date.