Community News

The week of November 15-21 is Northeast Iowa’s Tobacco Awareness Week, and November 19 marks the nationwide Great American Smokeout encouraging people to stop using tobacco for the day and to make plans to quit. The Board of Supervisors from Allamakee, Delaware, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties have proclaimed Tobacco Awareness Week throughout their counties. Pictured above in the photo taken by Standard Assistant Editor Joe Moses at the proclamation by the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors are, left to right, Allamakee County Board of Supervisors members Dennis Koenig and Dan Byrnes, Tobacco Prevention Specialist

Ashley Havenstrite of Helping Services for Youth & Families, and Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Chair Larry Schellhammer.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

The Allamakee County Sheriff Department’s K9 Tyr is going to be safer on the job, thanks to a donation from Rockytopp Kennel - owned and operated by Alan, Terisa and Luke Steiber - in rural Lansing. Rockytopp recently donated $1,400 to the Sheriff’s Department for the purchase of a ballistic vest for its K9 deputy.
K9 Tyr, a Belgian Malinois named for the Norse god of war and justice, and his handler, Deputy Ross Kolsrud, both graduated from the K9 training program at Blue Line K9 of Minnesota, LLC, in Rushford, MN. Tyr is certified in narcotics and trained in patrol, agility, obedience, apprehension and room and building searches. He is stepping into the position being vacated by K9 Erro - Deputy Stuart Bloxham’s K9 partner for the past six years retiring in December.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon is hosting its final Main Street Story Walk of the year featuring the children’s story, “Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy” by Carl R. Sams II. During the months of November and December, families are encouraged to read this winter-wonderland book as they stroll the downtown area of Waukon. Nine selected businesses have a portion of the story posted in the front window of their establishment for viewing from the sidewalk. As families join in the fun, they are reminded to practice social distancing and safe crossing of streets for the safety and health of all. Selected business locations pictured and labeled above are located on West Main Street and include the following: 1. Cunningham Hardware; 2. Waukon City Club; 3. Hartig Drug; 4. S&D Café; 5. Epic Wear; 6. Lyle Bodensteiner Insurance; 7. Teslows Formal Wear; 8. Waukon State Bank; 9. Krambeer Barber. Submitted image.
 

Because of the commitment to its local community and advocacy for rural issues, the Allamakee County Farm Bureau has been designated a 2020 Outstanding County Farm Bureau by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF). In recognition, Allamakee County Farm Bureau Former President Rick Weymiller has earned the opportunity to provide a $2,500 donation to a local organization or charity and has selected Iowa 4-H Foundation/Allamakee County to receive this funding award.

Much like a majority of this year already due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween 2020 is likely to also result in adjustments being made to the way people approach more traditional events to help celebrate the holiday. Listed below are some of the area trick-or-treating times and other events taking place this Saturday, October 31, and surrounding this list are recommendations by the Iowa Department of Public Health based on guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in regard to COVID-19. Anyone participating in Halloween activities is reminded to participate in a manner they feel is safest for themselves and those around them to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.

As Iowans prepares to celebrate Halloween, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) wants to remind all that COVID-19 is still circulating in Iowa and encourage all Iowans to continue to take precautions to protect the health of themselves and their families. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses.

For 2020 Halloween festivities, IDPH strongly encourage Iowans to follow CDC’s guidance when deciding what is appropriate for their families, as described below:

Waukon Mayor Pat Stone (left) conducted a swearing-in ceremony for Christopher Doeppke (right) as a new officer for the Waukon Police Department prior to the Waukon City Council meeting Monday, October 19. Doeppke is a 2011 graduate of MFL/MarMac High School and will begin his tenure with the Waukon Police Department November 1 of this year. Submitted photo.
 

The local members of the Hannah Lee Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) observed National DAR Day of Service by making baked goods and presenting them to the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department and the Waukon, Lansing and New Albin Police and Fire Departments. To honor the anniversary of DAR’s founding October 11, 1890, chapters and individuals are encouraged to engage in meaningful service projects in their communities each year on or around October 11. This year, Hannah Lee Chapter chose to honor First Responders who have had to deal with so very much this year.

Janet Koozer of Waukon, helped by Regent Jill Amdahl and Vice Regent Peggy Harvey, made and donated 19 dozen cookies locally. The Hannah Lee Chapter, which covers five counties, made and donated over 77 dozen cookies.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session via Zoom web-conferencing Monday, October 19 to address a full agenda of items including Aveka Nutra Processing’s solution for spills, the potential development of a tree replacement program and parking at the Evangelical Good Samaritan Society.

The Iowa Democrats Early Vote Express made a stop in Waukon Tuesday afternoon, October 13 as part of its statewide tour prior to the November 3 General Election. Iowa Democratic Party staff members were joined by area Democrats when the bus arrived at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. The tour stresses the importance of voting early and making a plan to vote, with the iwillvote.com/IA website being a resource offered in accomplishing those tasks. Early voting began Monday, October 5 in Iowa. Voters in Allamakee County can vote in-person at the Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon or vote absentee by mail-in ballot prior to the November 3 election. The deadline to request an Absentee Ballot from the Allamakee County Auditor’s Office is this Saturday, October 24 and can be done so by calling 563-568-3522. Standard photo by Joe Moses.