River Valley

by B.J. Tomlinson

Marsha Kobliska, one of the new owners of the Scenic Valley Motel in Lansing, is welcomed by Main Street Lansing Executive Director, Dan Fisher, and Board President, Bruce Palmborg. Marsha and her husband, Jim, purchased the motel in August.
The Kobliskas, who come from Waterloo, bring a wealth of retail experience to their new enterprise. Marsha worked for several years at Sam’s Club and Jim managed the Sears Automotive store.  For many years, Jim had been coming to the Lansing area to practice his skills as an avid fisherman. He usually stayed at the Scenic Valley Motel so when he saw it was for sale, he thought it might provide a wonderful opportunity to blend his hobby with a vocation. He and Marsha had talked about retiring from the retail world but still wanted to work in another area. The motel offered that situation.

by Bob Beach

During the regular meeting of the Lansing City Council Monday night, December 15, Allamakee Economic Development Executive Director Laura Olson presented the Council with a proposal to apply for grants to establish a trail system in and around Lansing. Olson told the Council that there are federal funds available through the Transportation Alternative Program, requiring a 20% local match in funds for up to $115,000. 

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Harpers Ferry Booster Club is sponsoring a “Christmas in the Park” event at Tillinghast Park in Harpers Ferry Saturday, December 13 from 5-7 p.m. Santa Claus will be present with treats for children, and music and refreshments will be available.
A Christmas Tree Decorating Contest will also take place, with any individual or group invited to participate. Prizes of $30 for first place, $20 for second place, and $10 for third place will be awarded. For further information, contact Bill Nation at 563-586-2708 or by e-mail at beets@acegroup.cc.
 

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday night, December 1. Mayor pro-tem Rebecca Conway conducted the meeting.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

Lansing Fire District Chief Tony Becker (left) accepts a grant fund check in the amount of $2,000 from Eric Dietzenbach (right), Financial Officer at Farm Credit Services of America located in Decorah. The funds were made available through Farm Credit Services of America’s Working Here Fund for Rural Disaster Relief and will be used to help the Lansing Fire District purchase tracks for its John Deere Gator utility vehicle used in the hilly, wooded areas within the Fire District. Submitted photo.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be making a stop in Lansing Saturday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. The lighted holiday train will be stopping across from the Sports Complex located on South Front Street in Lansing, one of eight stops the train will be making in Iowa this holiday season. The Canadian Pacific train is adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights and serves as a stage for live musical performances. This year’s performer will be Kira Isabella. As always, Santa Claus will also be making his way around the Holiday Train location at each stop.

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met Monday night, November 17 in its regular session. Main Street Lansing (MSL) Board President Bruce Palmborg introduced the new MSL Director, Dan Fisher. A Lansing resident, Fisher said he is committed to preserving the unique character of Lansing while furthering its progress.