Community News

by Bob Beach

by Brianne Eilers
 
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees met early this month (due to the holiday schedule) for a brief meeting December 17.
During the month of November, Veterans Memorial Hospital experienced slightly lower acute patient days, which were down 10.3%, and as a result, inpatient revenue came in lower than what was budgeted for by about $150,000, or 10.2%. Outpatient physical therapy numbers were down for the month by 13.5%. The hospital ended up with a net loss of $1,736 for the month. However, year to date, the hospital has a net income of $320,486, which translates to a 4.6% profit margin. The hospital also has $1,816,000 in cash reserves, which is down.

The West Side Development Project and 2013 Street Improvements Project dominated much of the agenda for what turned out to be a half-hour regular session for the Waukon City Council Monday, December 15. There was no public comment offered by those in attendance or otherwise, so the Council pretty much stuck to the script of the 19-item regular business agenda.

by Brianne Eilers

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday evening, December 1. In addition to the typical project and other agenda items of discussion and action that took place during the meeting, the Council approved the promotion of veteran Waukon police officer Paul Wagner to the position of Assistant Police Chief upon the recommendation of Waukon Police Chief Phil Young.

Changes in health insurance raise many questions for consumers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a free online two-hour unbiased, research-based educational workshop for consumers Wednesday, December 10 from 6-8 p.m. The Smart Choice Health Insurance Education program will equip consumers with tools they need to make the best possible decision when choosing health insurance plans for themselves and their families.

Tuesday, November 25, the Waukon Police Department and Allamakee County Sheriff's Office conducted a search of a residence on Second Street NE in Waukon after receiving information about illegal activity. As a result of the search, three 18-year-old males, Noah Dixon, Brennen Frick and Lane Stewart, have been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sunday, November 23, the Waukon Police Department, Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol conducted a search warrant at 802 First Avenue NW in Waukon. As a result of the search, 37-year-old Teresa A’hearn has been charged with Class D felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) third or subsequent offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In light of circumstances involved in the November 23 search, 56-year-old Roger Hanson was also charged with Interference with Official Acts as a result of the warrant as well.

The Allamakee County Food Shelf in Waukon will add to the hours it will be open during the holiday months of November, December and January. Regular open hours for the Food Shelf of 9 a.m.-1 p.m. will remain in effect, with the facility also being open the additional hours of 3-7 p.m. the following remaining dates: Thursday, December 4; and Thursday, January 8.

The West Side Development Project and Aveka were the topics of greatest discussion during the regular meeting of the Waukon City Council Monday, November 17. Each was discussed at a couple different points within the meeting agenda.