News Center newsletter

Lady Indians’ 4x100 crew of Schullo, Olson, Berns and Troendle qualifies for Drake Relays

The Waukon girls track and field team ended up having just one meet this past week, but made some recent history at that lone competition. The Lady Indians had their own Early Bird home invitational canceled Tuesday, April 14 due to weather conditions but came back strong in their lone competition of the week to win the New Hampton Invitational, racking up 98 team points behind five event victories that included a 4x100 win in a time that has qualified the Lady Indians for this week’s Drake Relays for the first time in 10 years.

April is Stress Awareness Month and for many older adults, stress comes from feeling less connected than ever before. As a person ages, staying connected can take more intention. Changes in routine, social circles, and independence can leave many older adults feeling isolated, even when family is nearby.

Group-based mental health support, such as Senior Life Solutions (SLS), can offer connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences with others can help reduce loneliness and support emotional well-being.

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions supports older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, or loneliness. These outpatient services are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging. Services include group and individual therapy, medication management and after-care planning.

Any young patients who present to the Waukon or Postville Medical Clinic for their well-child visit can now receive a fluoride varnish to protect their teeth.  This new fluoride treatment is available for those ages six months through age five. 

Human mouths contain bacteria that combine with sugars in foods and beverages which produces an acid that harms teeth. Fluoride strengthens children’s teeth by fighting off this acid and even reversing early signs of tooth decay.
Fluoride varnish applications by medical clinic primary care providers is a standard, safe, and effective preventative service. The varnish is made with fluoride, a minimal that can strengthen tooth enamel, which is quickly ‘painted’ on teeth with a brush during well-child visits by nurses or medical assistants. It is a quick, painless process that sets on contact and reduces cavities by 25-45 percent.

Congratulations to the numerous students who completed the recent Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Babysitting classes Friday, April 3. The classes were instructed by Corinne Cook, RN, assisted by Penny Wheeler, and consisted of teaching the qualities of being a good babysitter including basic child care, accident prevention, fire prevention, and first aid. These new babysitters also learned CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and the Heimlach Maneuver in the case of a choking child. The Waukon Police Department even helped with teaching many safety concerns.

by Tami Gebel, Occupational Therapist, VMH
 
At Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), the Occupational Therapy Department is celebrating national awareness of its profession throughout the month of April. As occupational therapists, our role is to help people regain function following illnesses. We treat people who are recovering from hip or knee replacement surgery, heart attacks, pneumonia, strokes, COVID, generalized weakness, cancer, lymphedema, breathing difficulties, and many other diagnoses.

Occupational therapy is provided in the hospital, under skilled care, treating those people who are recovering from an illness. Many times, people who are ill are unable to manage living at home. As occupational therapists, we ensure that those patients are strong enough and capable to safely perform routine activities, such as dressing, showering, and cooking, before they return home. 

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), along with other national, state and community organizations, are highlighting the importance of advance healthcare decision-making - an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). As a participating organization, Veterans Memorial Hospital always has information available to help individuals talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will).

Deadlines/Dates
April 17: Deadline to submit a General CRP Offer; Deadline to apply for the Farmer’s Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season 

Is it too early to do a prescribed burn on Prairie CRP?

by Greg Schmitt, DNR Private Lands Biologist

Celebrate Earth Day with Assistant Naturalist Melissa with a weaving craft. This project uses a Y-shaped stick as a loom and is perfect for using scraps of yarn or strips of fabric.

Sticks will be provided for registered participants, but registration is not required for those who bring their own. Sticks should be Y-shaped (such as the one pictured above) and sturdy enough to support the loom without bending too much or breaking. This program is suitable for ages eight and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This event will be held at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center in Lansing Wednesday, April 22 at 4 p.m.

Jackie Cooper has lived and breathed rural Iowa her entire life. It’s where she grew up, runs a family business, and stays involved with her community. This month, she will begin a new chapter in her rural Iowa story: Executive director of the Allamakee County Community Foundation.

The Churchtown resident will step into the role following the retirement of Betty Steege, who has served as the Community Foundation’s executive director for 15 years, overseeing tremendous growth and community impact.

“Looking back, I believe that spirit of service was woven into my identity from a very young age,” Cooper says. “Today, I feel that my true calling - both personally and professionally - is asking, ‘How can I help? How can I make a connection? How can I serve and help make an impact?’”

Main Street Lansing (MSL) hosted its Annual Meeting Monday, March 30, welcoming over 100 community members, business owners, and supporters for what may have been the organization’s most well-attended meeting to date.

The evening was held at TJ Hunters Event Space, where guests enjoyed catering while experiencing one of Lansing’s event venues. Attendees were also treated to table centerpieces by Red Geranium, highlighting local businesses and adding a special touch to the evening.

During the Year in Review, Main Street Lansing highlighted a strong and impactful 2025, including over 44 initiatives, 16 major events, and more than 2,300 volunteer hours - representing over $70,000 in community value. The organization also shared exciting plans and priorities for the future, continuing its mission to foster a vibrant and sustainable downtown.