Community News

Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) is conducting an update to the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the five-county region consisting of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties in northeast Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that the region’s LRTP be updated every five years. The current plan was adopted by the Upper Explorerland Transportation Policy Board in September of 2019.

The LRTP has a 20-year planning horizon and is intended to guide transportation investments in the five-county region in support of a transportation system that is safe for all transportation system users, and that facilitates the efficient movement of people and goods. The plan includes a description of the region’s existing conditions; identifies current transportation challenges; anticipates potential future needs; and explores various strategies for addressing those challenges and needs.

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, July 8 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Management Agreement for several locations, discussion of the Resolution reinstating the County Compensation Board and the consideration of an “Adopt-a-Highway” application for State Forest Road. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Dan Byrnes with Supervisors Mark Reiser and Dennis Keatley present.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, July 1 to address a full agenda of items including discussion of changing the Ordinance relating to Nuisance Abatement for Vegetation, the Ordinance: Amending City Code by changing the direction of traffic at the Waukon High School during certain hours, and discussion of the City Parking Lot Project and the related change order associated with an abandoned box culvert behind Cunningham Hardware.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan. There was no Public Comment with the meeting moving into Department Reports.

Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub noted that June was a busy month for the City Park, swimming pool and recreation programs. Strub advised that three weeks of Music in the Park performances remain for this summer. He noted the impact recent rainfall and weather conditions have had upon Music in the Park attendance.

Midwest Veterans of America will be hosting a Fourth of July event to celebrate the Birth of America Sunday, July 7 at the Sweeney Shelter near the Allamakee County Freedom Rock in the Waukon City Park. The free event will begin at 11 a.m. and will honor 41 area Veterans with a cook-out meal followed by an awards presentation that will begin at 1 p.m.

The general public is invited to attend the event, and those attending are asked to bring a salad or dessert to pass. The City Meat Market in New Albin is providing hamburgers and bratwursts. Those who have further questions or who are interested in donating to the event may call 563-568-5275.

A local group of motorcycle riders known as the “Wednesday Night Riders” have volunteered their personal time to take residents of Northgate Care Center, owned and operated by ABCM Corporation, out for rides on their three-wheeled trike motorcycles. The Wednesday Night Riders typically meet Wednesday evenings in Waukon and go on rides throughout northeast Iowa, southwest Wisconsin, and southeast Minnesota. The group currently consists of about 35 riders and drivers from Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties. The rides that the group goes on are designed to take time out of their busy schedules so they can get out and enjoy the peace and beauty of the local areas. The group also takes couples rides as well as men’s trips.

Waukon High School 2024 graduated senior Olivia Marti was selected for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program, and will participate in groundbreaking research abroad at renowned international research centers and NGOs this summer. Marti will delve into issues related to global food security, sustainability and development during her eight-week internship at the International Maize & Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Texcoco, Mexico.

This is the 26th year of this unique program. Inaugurated in 1998 by Dr. Norman Borlaug and John Ruan Sr., this initiative enables high school and early career college students to engage in projects alongside esteemed experts at top agricultural research and development institutions worldwide.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council Meeting met in regular session Monday, June 17 to address a full agenda of matters including discussion of the City Facade Grant Program application for the St. Patrick Thrift store at 10 East Main Street, a speed zone change on 2nd Street SW from 6th Avenue SW and the Urban Chicken Ordinance.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan. There was no Public Comment with the meeting moving into Department Reports. City Clerk Sarah Snitker advised that Park, Recreation and Wellness Director Jeremy Strub provided an update in his absence. Strub’s report noted that there are a few openings for swimming lessons, City Park shelters and campgrounds are close to being fully booked most weekends, Recreation programming is going well, and that Music in the Park is three weeks into its schedule of performances.

Midwest Veterans of America will be hosting a Fourth of July event to celebrate the Birth of America Sunday, July 7 at the Sweeney Shelter near the Allamakee County Freedom Rock in the Waukon City Park. The free event will begin at 11 a.m. and will honor 25 area Veterans with a cook-out meal followed by an awards presentation that will begin at 1 p.m.

The general public is invited to attend the event, and those attending are asked to bring a salad or dessert to pass. The City Meat Market in New Albin is providing hamburgers and bratwursts. Those who have further questions or who are interested in donating to the event may call 563-568-5275.
 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach recently announced that Val Reinke has earned the recognition of Certified Professional Guide. Reinke is Executive Director of Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism, where she provides public programs and guided tours.

Professional Guide Certification candidates complete a training program of best practices to deliver quality experiences to visitors. The final certification process is conducted at each individual’s place of work, where they must effectively demonstrate the professional guide practices most appropriate for their unique organization or attraction. Individuals who achieve Professional Guide Certification work to provide quality Iowa visitor experiences, and earn certification from Iowa State University.

June is PTSD Awareness Month

The Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Office and the Allamakee County Veterans Museum are sponsoring a PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Walk Saturday, June 29 beginning at 9 a.m. from the Freedom Rock in the Waukon City Park to the Allamakee County Courthouse front lawn. There will be an optional extra loop around the park prior to the main walk for those who want to walk longer.

Following the walk, informative presentations will be provided by Veterans Administration PTSD Specialists and others at a tent on the Allamakee Courthouse lawn,  Videos on PTSD symptoms and treatment will be available at the Veterans Museum, located at 105 Allamakee Street, across the street from the courthouse. Beverages, refreshments, and restrooms will also be available in the Veterans Museum. This event is part of the Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD program celebrating June as PTSD Awareness Month.