River Valley

The first event planned by the New Albin Improvement League (NAIL) is Neighbors Day scheduled for Saturday, October 4. One of the goals of the committee is to help to bring the people of New Albin together. The members of NAIL realize that New Albin has a higher population of elderly citizens and want to be sure the first NAIL event touches as many different populations as possible. At Neighbors Day, a group of volunteers including committee members, citizens and students will work on projects submitted by New Albin citizens relating to fall and winter preparation that need to be done for elderly or disabled citizens. Examples of those projects include raking leaves, washing windows, or cleaning up garages and yards in preparation for the upcoming winter season, along with any other small tasks those citizens may need a little help with. Following completion of the projects, a small meal will be provided for all volunteers.

A newly-organized volunteer group hopes to “NAIL” down a better New Albin community, and is welcoming any assistance in doing so.
The New Albin Improvement League (NAIL) was formed this summer to rejuvenate what was formerly known as the Betterment Committee in hopes of doing the same to the New Albin community by bringing new and exciting events to be enjoyed by the citizens and families of New Albin and surrounding communities. New Albin residents Alexie Grotegut and Hope Lemke came together to breathe new life into the committee; they set up an initial meeting and the newly-named “NAIL” was formed. With the support of about 15 other community members, as well as many businesses in town, events are already underway.

Saturday, October 11, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, in partnership with the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre and the Upper Iowa Audubon Society, will host HawkWatch. Previously held by Effigy Mounds National Monument, this event celebrates the fall migration of raptors and other birds along the Mississippi Flyway and National Wildlife Refuge Week.
HawkWatch activities will be held concurrently at three different area locations. Visitors should start at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, located at 509 Hwy. 18 in Marquette, a half-mile west of the Marquette-Joliet Bridge on Hwy. 18. Maps and a schedule of all events will be available at the Centre or online at www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/.

by B.J. Tomlinson

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) McGregor District Manager, Rich King, announced recently that there will be a temporary avoidance area established around the Capoli Environmental Management Project (EMP) in Pool 9, Crawford County, WI.
The Capoli Environmental Management Project involves construction of several islands. The project began in 2012 and presently continues.
In establishing the temporary avoidance area, the USFWS, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state partners have attempted to strike a balance between providing recreational opportunities at this popular location and the safety of construction workers at the work site.

by B.J. Tomlinson

The New Albin Public Library will be a hosting an educational program about turtles by the Allamakee County Conservation Board Thursday, September 18 at 4 p.m. The event will be free for all ages, featuring live turtles, turtle shells and a turtle craft for the young kids.
The New Albin Public Library will also be hosting programs presented by the Allamakee County Conservation Board throughout the fall. A program on salamanders will be presented October 16 at 4 p.m. and a program on turkeys will be presented November 20 at 4 p.m.

by B.J. Tomlinson

by B.J. Tomlinson

Main Street Lansing recently welcomed two new businesses to the downtown area with a ribbon cutting and presentation of “first dollar” certifications. Pictured in the top photo at right are the owners of Gracie’s Hutch (60 South Front Street), Kely and Brent Hutchinson, cutting the ribbon and holding the “first dollar” certificate. Also pictured (left to right) are Main Street Lansing members Jana Schoh, Mary Palmborg, Bruce Palmborg, Arlene Lynes, Joe Papp, Sue Papp and Judy Schild. In the bottom photo, cutting the ribbon and holding the “first dollar” certificate is Megan Manning, owner of Nutmegs Cafe and Bakery (367 Main Street). Also pictured (left to right) are Main Street Lansing members Sue Papp, Judy Schild, Arlene Lynes, Mary Palmborg, Jana Schoh, Bruce Palmborg and Joe Papp. Submitted photos.