River Valley

American flags to be retired patriotically and respectfully

The public is invited to join the Lansing Gustave F. Kerndt VFW Post #5981, the Lansing Fire Department and local Boy Scout troops as they will lead an official flag decommissioning ceremony to properly send off unserviceable American flags this Saturday, September 30, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Red Barn Campground, located at 2609 Main Street in Lansing.

The public is encouraged to attend as the groups honorably retire, with dignity, American flags that have become tattered, soiled or no longer fit for display in a patriotic ceremony honoring the national symbol of unity. The flags will be incinerated in a dignified manner under Fire Department supervision.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

The Lansing City Council held a special meeting Monday, September 11 to discuss the institution of a tax abatement ordinance in Lansing. Main Street Lansing Executive Director Andrew Boddicker offered a presentation to the council that included general information about the meaning and functions of tax abatements, explained how instituting a tax abatement ordinance would benefit Lansing, and described a series of potential abatement levels the City could consider in the writing of the ordinance.

Life can be challenging. It’s helpful to hear how people have overcome or learned to live with their challenges. That’s the idea behind the “When Relationships Change” program offered free to the public.

The program is scheduled for Thursday, September 28 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lansing. Emily Rathbone of Waukon will share her inspiring story of battling and defeating addiction, including a stay in prison, and how she is using her experience to help others.

Social hour will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a meal at 5 p.m. immediately followed by Rathbone’s presentation. All are welcome to attend the program. Attendees do not need to be a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran  Church to attend.
 

Commander Dan Hanson of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the U.S. Post Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 announces the kick-off of this year’s VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. All State first-place winners receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $35,000.

Students must record a three-to-five minute audio essay on a flash drive and submit the recording, typed essay and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31 of this year.  The 2023 theme selected is “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”

The Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF) recently welcomed Leah Benzing, Jim Johnson and Lisa Snitker to its Advisory Board. The new members reside in Harpers Ferry, Waterville and Waukon, respectively.

This spring, three long-time board members retired from service, including Pat Cota, Sheryl Evanson and Jarod Olson. The three represented 28 years of combined service to the organization.

“Pat Cota inspired me to become a member of the Foundation board,” says Benzing. “I’m looking forward to learning more about each community within the county, building relationships with our community members, learning about the visions of each group and what they are working on in their community.”

by Julie Berg-Raymond

During the regular meeting of the Lansing City Council Monday, September 5, Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) Executive Director Val Reinke spoke about the Allamakee County Housing Study being undertaken by ACED in partnership with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC). She encouraged all county residents to participate in the study by completing a housing needs survey.

Friday, September 15 at 1 p.m., the Lansing VFW Post and Auxiliary and the Lansing American Legion Post #50 will commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day with a Missing Man Ceremony and Dedication of the Ralph Bartels Patio located next to the shelter on Mt. Hosmer in Lansing.

Ralph Bartels was a member of the Lansing Gustave F. Kerndt VFW Post #5981 and served for 50 years as Post Adjutant in the Lansing American Legion #50.

Everyone is invited to attend this special ceremony. The Missing Man ceremony honors those still missing from this Nation’s past wars and conflicts, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice and whose remains have not yet been recovered and returned home to the country they served.
 

Friday, September 15 at 1 p.m., the Lansing VFW Post and Auxiliary and the Lansing American Legion Post #50 will commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day with a Missing Man Ceremony and Dedication of the Ralph Bartels Patio located next to the shelter on Mt. Hosmer in Lansing.

Ralph Bartels was a member of the Lansing Gustave F. Kerndt VFW Post #5981 and served for 50 years as Post Adjutant in the Lansing American Legion #50.

Everyone is invited to attend this special ceremony. The Missing Man ceremony honors those still missing from this Nation’s past wars and conflicts, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice and whose remains have not yet been recovered and returned home to the country they served.
 

Commander Dan Hanson of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the U.S. Post Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 announces the kick-off of this year’s VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. All State first-place winners receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $35,000.

Students must record a three-to-five minute audio essay on a flash drive and submit the recording, typed essay and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31 of this year.  The 2023 theme selected is “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”

The Lansing Women in Business Group will host its 3rd Annual Fall Fashion Show Friday, September 15 from 6-9 p.m. at Coffee on The River in Lansing. This event will feature local boutiques and salons, along with regional businesses.

Ticket sales are through September 14 and can be purchased at Coffee On The River, or online via www.Eventbrite.com (search for Lansing Iowa events and the Fall Fashion Show will list). Each ticket holder will enjoy an evening of fun and fashion with hors d’oeuvres, a glass of wine and door prizes. Tickets have been limited to 50 guests for 2023. There will not be any day-of or door sales.