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Programs to be held in 14 locations across Iowa

The 2022 Crop Advantage meetings will give producers a solid foundation of current research-based crop production information to help make smart, informed decisions for their farming operation. The meetings are an opportunity for farmers and crop advisers to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Specialists will travel to 14 locations around Iowa from Jan. 4-27, providing updated management options and recommendations on crop production issues facing Iowa growers.

Meetings include continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers and pesticide applicator recertification. All sites offer private pesticide applicator continuing instruction, which is included in the registration fee. The Chariton location also offers commercial ag pesticide applicator continuing instruction for an additional cost.

by Stephanie Kelley

For 133 years, the bell from a little white church in Waterville rang out on Sunday mornings. It rang for every wedding and every funeral. It rang for every celebration and every holiday. And then, in 2010, it stopped. The little white church closed the doors and stood silent.

Across the Midwest, churches have anchored their communities. Served those in need. Baptized and buried generations of families. Housed social gatherings, and, once a week, brought entire communities together to the sound of church bells. The church was the spark that kept the town alive and a part of its identity. One could find fellowship and a whole lot of potluck within its walls.

by Lissa Blake

A wonderful first season. That’s what New Albin Improvement (NAIL) member Betsy Whitlatch had to say about the success of the New Albin Splash Pad and additional improvements made to the city park. “This was our first full summer and we heard some really great reviews,” she said.

Whitlatch said adding a new shade shelter to the park area really made it a more welcoming space for people of all ages. “That was a huge addition to the area. We saw lots of kids and families there all summer,” said Whitlatch. Whitlatch said this summer saw higher usage of the basketball courts in the park, and even though the splash pad has been winterized and is closed for the winter, the playground is still seeing some heavy use.

A lifelong love of animals for Waukon native Tracey Tepesch is now something she can share with customers - both human and fur-bearing - in her new business venture, Paws Up Pet Supplies, located at 11 Allamakee Street in Waukon.

First opening for business November 6 in the long-time Cotécolor Photography building, Paws Up Pet Supplies accomplishes three aspirations for the 1989 graduate of Waukon High School. “Number one, my love/passion for animals; number two, I’ve always wanted to be a part of the business community; and number three, I’ve always wanted to restore a building back to its original state,” Tepesch explained.

Veterans Day at Thornton Manor in Lansing was celebrated by presenting two residents with the honored Quilt of Valor. Eileen Smith (pictured standing above) from Lansing gave a sentimental presentation to Charlie Matlock and Don Anderson (seated left to right in photo above), honoring the veterans with the Quilt of Valor and framed certificates. A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” The two quilts were locally made by a special group of women to honor local veterans. Photo and write-up submitted by Karen Ulrich, Recreation Therapy Director at Thornton Manor. Submitted photo.

The Allamakee County Veterans Museum will observe Pearl Harbor Day Tuesday, December 7 by offering a program to the public in the Program Room of its new museum in the former Vet’s Club building in Waukon.

Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. a video documentary will be presented about the Japanese air raid on the U.S. Naval and Air Bases at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Islands, which marked the entry of the United States into the Second World War.

The Pearl Harbor documentary will be preceded by a video that museum staff are calling “The last summer of peace in Waukon before the War.” It includes movie footage filmed in downtown Waukon in the summers of 1940-1941 by the Cote family for entertainment viewing in their newly opened Town Theatre on Main Street in Waukon.

Downtown Lansing has seen remarkable growth in the past year. According to statistics collected by Main Street Lansing, Lansing experienced an increase in businesses, employees and downtown residents in the past 12 months.

“Seeing so much positive growth in Lansing is very encouraging, especially considering the fact that there was a global shutdown due to a pandemic only a year ago,” said Andy Kelleher, Executive Director of Main Street Lansing.

From 2020 to 2021, downtown Lansing gained five businesses; four new businesses and one that relocated to a downtown space. These businesses include:

The Gourmet Traveler, located at 211 Main Street, offers unique kitchen items, home decor and specialty gourmet foods.

Backwater Suites, located at 10 South 2nd Street, offers locally-owned vacation lodging one block from the Mississippi River.

by Natalie Byrnes,
Little Switzerland FFA Chapter Reporter

During the week of October 25, 14 FFA members from the Little Switzerland chapter at Waukon High School traveled to Indianapolis, IN to attend the 94th Annual FFA Convention and Expo. Throughout the week, members were able to network with like-minded high school students from across the country and discuss agriculture.

Students participated in interactive leadership workshops where they learned many new skills that they were able to bring back to the local chapter. The chapter toured Ball State University in Muncie, IN where they were able to experience their large orchid greenhouse, learn about the night sky in their planetarium and tour the college’s state of the art glass blowing studio.

Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association is offering ten $1,250 scholarships for the 2022 academic year to college students pursuing careers, as well as two $1,000 scholarships for students earning degrees from technical colleges/short courses.

“Equity Livestock is proud to help students further their educational endeavors by offering scholarships,” says Curt Larson, president/CEO. “Education can make a difference, and the expense to attend college can be a challenge. Offering scholarships can help make it affordable, and we believe in investing in our future leaders.”

To be eligible, applicants must be a member or the son or daughter of an Equity Cooperative Livestock producer pursuing higher education from an accredited college, university, or technical school. Scholarship winners are selected based on their scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities, application essay response and letter of reference.

The Waukon girls basketball team will enter the 2021-2022 season fresh off the heels of one of its best seasons in five-player program history following a 19-5 season record that ended up with a second Class 3A State Tournament qualification in the past three years. That season result marks the second time in the past 10 seasons the Lady Indians have reached that 19-win mark and the season grand finale that is every team’s ultimate destination.