Education

Robey Memorial Library’s “Level Up at Your Library” Summer Reading Program 2025 is underway and runs through Thursday, July 31. Activities include Reading Challenges with prizes for all ages, Kids and Teens Grab and Go Activity Bags, craft events and fine forgiveness, as described below:

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) School Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, July 21. Under the Consent Agenda, the following fall volunteer coaches were approved: Football - Jarod Dahlstrom, Jon Snitker, Bob Wasson, Bob Mettille, Frank Weymiller, Ross Weymiller and Jake Zakostelecky; Cross Country - Dillon Daniel; and Volleyball - Katelyn Thiessen.

The board also accepted the resignations of Daryl Roe from her bus driver position and Colinda Roderick from her elementary paraprofessional position. Board approval was also given to the transfer of Kyle Gordon from middle school boys wrestling coach to assistant boys varsity wrestling coach. Also approved under the Consent Agenda was the NICC Concurrent Enrollment and Health Consortium Agreements.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites teenagers in grades 7th through 12th to participate in two exciting book club series this summer. The Summer Book Club and Classic Book Club will run monthly in June, July, and August. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy snacks, participate in lively discussions, and explore engaging titles. The first five registrants for each session will receive a free copy of the book courtesy of the Robey Memorial Library Foundation, with titles available for check out.

The remainder of the Summer Book Club schedule will be as follows:
• Wednesday, August 6 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Book will be The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin.

Registered teens who receive a book and do not participate in the month’s book club will be ineligible for the next month’s book.

The Allamakee County Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Office will be offering three workshops designed to empower attendees with the skills and confidence to master the art of fermentation, create sourdough, and ensure a food business thrives with the highest safety standards. The Allamakee County offerings are part of a series of workshops being offered throughout the state of Iowa.

A Sourdough Workshop is being offered Tuesday, August 12 from 1-3 p.m. at Allamakee County Extension and Outreach, 218 7th Avenue SE, Suite #102 in Waukon. Register at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/sourdough-workshops.

Nolte, Cornman & Johnson P .C. recently released an audit report on the Allamakee Community School District in Waukon. A copy of the audit report is available for review on the State of Iowa Auditor’s website at https://auditor.iowa.gov/audit-reports.

Among the financial highlights taken from the audit, the District’s revenues totaled $19,539,116 for the year ended June 30, 2024, a 1.21% increase from the prior year. Expenses for District operations for the year ended June 30, 2024 totaled $17,244,343, a 0.01 % decrease from the prior year.

Revenues from unrestricted state grants increased $931,837 which was the primary reason for the increase in total revenues. Support services program expenses decreased $438,136 which was the primary reason for the decrease in total expenses.

Iowa State University in Ames hosted students from across the state of Iowa at the 4-H State Conference/Animal Science Round-Up June 24-26. These student delegates engaged in educational workshops, immersed themselves into what Iowa State University has to offer, explored career and future opportunities, and are beyond ready to ‘Lasso Their Legacy’.

Seven Allamakee County youth attended the 2025 4-H Youth Conference at Iowa State University. Those local delegates included (left to right in the photo above) Hannah Hagen, daughter of Eric and Lisa Hagen of Waterville; Megan Huinker, daughter of Cory and Michele Huinker of Waukon; Mallory Howe, daughter of Matt and Tammie Howe and Mindy Howe of New Albin; Tegan Dahlstrom, daughter of Nick and Lana Dahlstrom of New Albin; Marissa and Trent Schullo, children of Travis and Michelle Schullo of Dorchester; and Lily Howe, daughter of Matt and Tammie Howe of New Albin.

The Allamakee County Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Office will be offering three workshops designed to empower attendees with the skills and confidence to master the art of fermentation, create sourdough, and ensure a food business thrives with the highest safety standards. The Allamakee County offerings are part of a series of workshops being offered throughout the state of Iowa.

A Sourdough Workshop is being offered Tuesday, August 12 from 1-3 p.m. at Allamakee County Extension and Outreach, 218 7th Avenue SE, Suite #102 in Waukon. Register at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/sourdough-workshops.

The Allamakee County 4-H Council is sponsoring a school supply drive to benefit the Allamakee County Relief Office at the 2025 Allamakee County Fair. The Council encourages all 4-H clubs and community members to participate by purchasing school supplies. Each 4-H club has been challenged by the County Council to donate at least 25 items.

There will be a special community service booth in the 4-H exhibit building to display the donations during the Fair. Donations can be made anytime throughout the Fair, July 17-20.

For further information about the Allamakee County 4-H Program, contact Nora Ryan, Allamakee County Youth Coordinator at the Allamakee County Extension and Outreach office at 563-568-6345.

Tuesday, June 17, a forum on the summer feeding programs at Allamakee Community Schools, Eastern Allamakee Community Schools and the Feed the Kids program in Waukon was held at the AJ Bar & Grill patio area in Waukon, sponsored by the Allamakee County Democrats. Pictured in the submitted photo above, left to right, are Eastern Allamakee Community School District Food Service Director Sarah Veare, Feed the Kids co-coordinator Kathy Hay, and Allamakee Community School District Food Service Director Jess Keenan, each of whom reviewed her respective summer feeding program during the forum.

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for a special meeting Friday morning, June 27. The board approved (subject to a satisfactory background check) the hiring of Tyler Plein as the district’s maintenance director. ACSD Superintendent Jay Mathis noted that they received 14 applications for the position, and that Plein has experience with both HVAC and maintenance,  and he should be a good fit for the ACSD Buildings and Grounds Department.

The board also approved Dillon Daniel as the assistant varsity girls track coach. Approval was also given to an increase in paraprofessional hours for Katie Martin.