Community News

Wed
17
Jul

Waukon City Council discusses repair of Police Station, hiring of fill-in police officers, possibility of local performance by singer Maddie Poppe, street assessments

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 15 to address a full agenda of items including the search for a City Manager, discussion of Police Department building repairs and Waukon’s urban forest.

The Public Hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost of the 2019 Fifth Street SW Improvement Project was opened and closed without comment from the public. City Clerk Lana Snitker indicated that no written or verbal comment had been received.

During Public Comment, Director Ardie Kuhse of Waukon Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discussed the broadband survey which has been mailed to Waukon residents and businesses or can be completed online. Kuhse indicated that anyone who has not received a survey by mail is welcome to contact her and a paper survey will be provided. Kuhse advised that 340 completed surveys have been received thus far.

Wed
17
Jul

Waukon residents and businesses reminded to complete and return survey regarding improved broadband services by this Friday

Survey link also available online or can be picked up locally if not received in the mail

Some time ago, the City of Waukon formed a Broadband Committee to investigate opportunities for providing improved broadband services within the city. The committee is comprised of representatives from the Waukon City Council, local businesses and homeowners.

In the course of the committee’s work, they were approached by representatives of Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative about the possibility of providing such services. The Cooperative has been involved in providing broadband service within the rural areas around Waukon for the past several years and has built out a fiber and wireless infrastructure to support those areas.

Wed
10
Jul

Waukon Wellness Center receives granite bench in memory of Bob and Bernie Heffern ...

“KEEP SMILING - Remembering Two Lives Well Lived” are the words engraved on a new granite bench donated to the Waukon Wellness Center in memory of Bob and Bernie Heffern by their children and families, some of whom are pictured above with Waukon Park and Recreation Wellness Director Jeremy Strub. Bob and Bernie’s enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of others and their community was apparent to all who knew them. Their appreciation of the Waukon Wellness Center for its physical and social benefits ran deep as well, particularly after moving to Waukon from their vigorous farm life to a much less physical lifestyle. The bench is located in the north entrance to the Waukon Wellness Center and is available to seniors and young alike as they are waiting for their ride or just needing a place to sit and chat. Submitted photo.
 

Wed
10
Jul

Waukon Wellness Center recognizes winners of 2019 Bob Heffern “Get Your Rear in Gear” Memorial Awards ...

Ann-Elise Bakkum and Harold “Pepper” Miller were recently chosen as co-winners of the Waukon Wellness Center’s 2019 Bob Heffern “Get Your Rear In Gear” Memorial Award, presented as a one-year membership to the Wellness Center for each individual. Pictured above at the award presentation are, left to right, Waukon Park and Recreation Wellness Director Jeremy Strub, Ann-Elise Bakkum and Harold “Pepper” Miller displaying the plaque which will bear the names of the award winners as it hangs in the lobby area of the Waukon Wellness Center.

Wed
10
Jul

Supervisors discuss construction permit application for hog confinement, discovery of insurance limitation, and approve retirement of Sheriff Deputy

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, July 8 to address a full agenda of items including a Public Hearing for a construction permit for Gruber Ridge LLC, consideration of bids for concrete pavement patching and the acceptance of a letter of retirement from a County Sheriff’s Department deputy. There were no comments from the public in attendance during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

The Public Hearing for the Construction Permit Application for the Gruber Ridge LLC confinement feeding operation was opened. Troy Peterson, Manure Plan Manager/Agronomy Sales, with Waukon Feed Ranch discussed that Daryl Gruber intends to add two barns, one for farrowing and the other for gestation, which will add 2,900 head to Gruber’s swine operation and as a result will require the addition of eight employees in the future.

Wed
10
Jul

Robey Memorial Library preparing to host an abundance of activity for summer programming

Allamakee County residents are encouraged to participate in “A Universe of Stories,” Robey Memorial Library’s summer library program, from July 8 to August 3. Readers of all ages are invited to explore the wonders of the universe and learn about the solar system. Patrons are invited to try something new: learn new facts about space, read a new book, try a new craft, meet new people, and much more.

Special events this summer will include:

Wed
03
Jul

Allamakee Democrats donate to Relief Office ...

The Allamakee Democrats recently donated food items and money to the Allamakee County Relief Office. These contributions were made by members of the Allamakee Democratic Central Committee as their community service project. Rebecca Hawes, Direct of the Relief Office, accepted the donations stating, “Supplies of food are extremely low this time of year yet the problem of hunger is year-around. Donations of food and money are definitely needed and appreciated.” Pictured above, left to right, are Allamakee Democrats Co-Chairperson Karen Pratte, Allamakee County Relief Director Rebecca Hawes and Allamakee Democrats Co-Chairperson Lori Egan. Submitted photo.
 

Wed
03
Jul

Waukon City Council discusses concerns with Police staffing, overrides Mayor’s veto of sidewalk project, hears from hospital CEO before loan is renewed by conflicting vote

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 1 to address a full agenda of items including the renewal of the Veterans Memorial Hospital loan, the Waukon Industrial Sidewalk Project and appointments to the Park and Wellness Board.

Two public hearings were individually held with City Clerk Lana Snitker indicating that no written or verbal comments were received. The first public hearing involved the proposed change in zoning district classification for a property at 105 Ninth Street NW owned by Brian Sweeney and the second public hearing involved the proposed disposition of interest in real property for the West Side Development Subdivision, Lot 3 in Lot 2. Both public hearings were opened and closed without comment from the public attending.

Wed
03
Jul

Dr. Laura May joins staff at Waukon Veterinary Service

Laura May, DVM ...
Laura May, DVM ...

Waukon Veterinary Service has a new veterinarian that recently joined its staff. Dr. Laura May is new to the Waukon area but is not new to the Midwest having grown up in rural Indiana, not far from where she would later attend college in West Lafayette. Although she did not grow up on a farm, her interest in veterinary medicine began at a young age and continued with her involvement in 4-H and FFA in her elementary and high school years.

Wed
03
Jul

NEICAC Transit dispatch manager recognized for completing Emerging Leaders Academy

Natasha Wilkes ...
Natasha Wilkes ...

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) Transit Dispatch Manager Natasha Wilkes of Waukon was recognized recently at the National Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) conference for completing the 2018/2019 Emerging Leaders Academy. This one-year program gives participants the opportunity to advance their management and leadership skills within the transit industry through support of mentors, peer groups and consultants, while completing a real-world situation project.

Wilkes manages the scheduling and dispatch staff and functions for EARL Public Transit, a program of Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation. For more information about EARL Public Transit, visit www.neicac.org/transit, follow EARL Public Transit through its social media presence or call 866-382-4259.
 

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