News Center newsletter

Sophia Izabel Ghegan, 16, of Waukon died Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, from injuries sustained in a Sunday, August 16 automobile accident. Memorial services will be held Friday, September 4 at 11 a.m. at Iron Ridge Church in Waukon with Bryan Mincks officiating. Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, September 3 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon.

by David M. Johnson

Usually there are not a whole lot of events at the local, city, or county level that attract national attention. Aside from something like a major fire that has recently happened at Agri Star in Postville, there is typically calm and little consternation in the neighborhoods of this local area.

Time is like constant rain and a strong wind; it comes and then moves on, and what happens that looks and seems important at the time will gradually fade from memory. The seemingly innocuous 1948 National Plowing Match at Dexter, IA is one of those events where, over time, it became a footnote, a blip or sidebar of history - until a recent local discovery of some photos by the Harpers Ferry Area Heritage Society.

The Works, located on Main Street in Lansing, announces a program with Alene Keenan entitled “One Extraordinary Day: What 9/11 Revealed About Humanity.” The program will take place Thursday, August 27 at 6 p.m. at The Works location at 274 Main Street, Lansing. 

Keenan is a Lansing native, and a Wine and Hospitality Educator who has been around the globe, serving as yacht chief stewardess for multiple lines. Her crew was docking in Manhattan September 11, 2001 when the unthinkable occurred, and many events she witnessed left her with a strong desire to share them with others. On the 25th anniversary of that fateful 9/11 this year, these memories continue to burn bright. Beyond the headlines and heartbreak, 9/11 revealed something extraordinary about people to Keenan. She’ll provide an inspiring presentation exploring courage, servant leadership, and the quiet acts of humanity that emerged when the world needed them most.

by Joshua Sharpe

Recurring issues with Lansing’s contracted residential garbage collection service were addressed during the Monday, August 17 Lansing City Council meeting. Officials discussed the frequency of missed Tuesday pick-ups, resident complaints, and the additional responsibilities placed on city employees when collections are not completed. In some instances, Street Department employees have collected garbage that was not picked up by the contractor, while the City Clerk’s Office has dedicated time to handling complaints and communicating with the service provider.

Over the past several months there have been issues with the weekly pick-up of trash within the city. The Contractor has regularly missed multiple locations on any given Tuesday, resulting in the inconvenience of residents having to deal with a two-week accumulation of their trash. It was the hope of the city that, with our regular reporting of the missed locations, this would serve as the prompt necessary for the Contractor to correct their oversights. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.

Patrick Joseph “Pat” Connelly, 87, of Lansing passed away August 23, 2026, at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Private family services were held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing Saturday, August 29. The family asks that memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Pat was born March 17, 1939, in La Crosse, WI, to Joseph and Regina (Barry) Connelly. He grew up on the family farm in Rising Sun, WI, and attended country school before graduating from Viroqua High School. Following high school, Pat entered the Army National Guard, where he served in the heavy weapons infantry for three years and was honorably discharged in 1962.

November 15, 1969, Pat married Kathy Conway in Lansing. Together they made their home in Lansing, where they raised their three sons, P.J., Tim, and Steve, and shared 56 years of marriage.

Phil and Sheryl (Monson) Young of Waukon are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple married August 28, 1976 at Scheie Lutheran Church in Mabel, MN. When not traveling throughout the country, Phil and Sheryl enjoy playing cards, camping and taking scenic drives in their vintage Jeep.

Their family includes children Brandon and Erika (Roche) Young of Denver, CO, Blair Young of Los Angeles, CA and Brea Young of Tampa, FL, and grandchildren Alexus and Jayda Romero, Alex Longuefosse and Rowan and Beckett Young.
 

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), Elliott Jewelers and the Waukon Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Wellness Night Out will be held Tuesday, September 1, from 4-7 p.m. at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. The theme for this event is “The Strength Within.”

A total of seven different speakers on a variety of popular health and wellness topics will outline the night at very specific times so guests can come and go throughout the evening if they wish.  The doors will open at 4 p.m. with the first 200 ladies attending receiving a goodie bag filled with information, freebies and coupons. The first hour, ladies will have time to wind around the 50 health and wellness vendors that will be on site sharing information, drawings and giveaways.

It is common for families and caregivers to notice when something seems different about an older loved one. They may seem withdrawn, lose interest in activities, worry more than usual, or have difficulty managing changes in daily life.

Grief can affect people in many ways. It may show up as sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep, loss of interest, or difficulty finding comfort in familiar routines. For older adults, grief may be connected to the loss of a spouse, friend, independence, health, or a long-held role in life.

These changes can be signs that additional emotional support may be helpful. Reaching out for care can be an important step toward connection, understanding, and improved well-being.

These experiences deserve care, patience, and support.  Talking with others in a supportive setting can help older adults process what they are experiencing and build coping skills for the days ahead.

by Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator, Veterans Memorial Hospital

Making a gift to the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation has never been easier. With postage rates continuing to rise, donating online is not only quick and secure - it also saves the cost of a stamp while ensuring your entire gift goes to supporting local health care.

To make an online donation, simply visit www.veteransmemorialhospital.com. Then, click on About, Foundation and then simply click the “Donate” box.  Donors can make a one-time or recurring gift to the Foundation by using a credit or debit card. Gifts may also be designated to a specific fund, project, memorial or tribute if desired.