River Valley

An old-fashioned ice harvest served as the unofficial kickoff for Lansing’s Inaugural Winterfest, during which ice was collected from the Mississippi River for an ice sculpting demonstration in the plaza on Main Street in Lansing Saturday, February 21 (pictured). Other activities throughout the day included a hike up Mt. Hosmer, a chili cook-off, ice fishing, snowshoeing and indoor activities. Standard photo by Bob Beach.

by B.J. Tomlinson

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Nightcrawlers Forever Committee is planning its annual benefit potluck to be held at Milty’s in Lansing Sunday, February 22 at 11 a.m. The committee appreciates the support of the many local business owners and individuals who have made this event successful in the past through their generous donations and encourages those who have not made a donation in the past to consider making a contribution to this year’s event.
Contributions can be made either in the form of cash or merchandise, as numerous items are needed for raffle prizes. Proceeds from the 2014 benefit were distributed among many area organizations and projects.
Everyone is invited to attend the Nightcrawlers Forever benefit. Be prepared to feast on roast pork, worm-theme potluck desserts and entrees, beverages and appetizers. Those planning to attend are asked to bring a dish to pass.

by B.J. Tomlinson

Main Street Lansing recently announced a second successful year for the Main Street Madness Punch card promotion that took place during the holiday season.
A total of 1,675 punch cards were turned in for the drawing, accounting  $167,500 spent in Lansing during the promotion. This year’s total tops last year’s total of $157,500.
Winners of the Main Street Lansing Punch Card Promotion:
$150 Lansing Downtown Dollars — Kim Bose
$75 Lansing Downtown Dollars — Tammy Manning
 $25 Lansing Downtown Dollars — Deloris Winters
$25 gift certificate from Red Geranium — Ann Delaney
$25 gift certificates (two winners) from Village Farm & Home — Mark Thomas and Kathy Moritz
$25 gift certificate from Lansing IGA — Teresa Netzer
$25 gift certificate from Eagle’s Nest Gallery — Meg Buchner
$25 gift certificate from Lansing Hardware — Lisa Matthews.

The Allamakee County Conservation Board will host an informational meeting about the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center planned for the Columbus Bridge property Thursday January, 15 from 5:30-7:30  p.m. at the Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank Community Center in Lansing (391 Main Street).
Staff from Fehr Graham Engineering will be present to discuss site planning, Martin Gardner Architecture on the building design, and Split Rock Studios on interpretive displays proposals. The public is encouraged to attend.  

by B.J. Tomlinson

Marsha Kobliska, one of the new owners of the Scenic Valley Motel in Lansing, is welcomed by Main Street Lansing Executive Director, Dan Fisher, and Board President, Bruce Palmborg. Marsha and her husband, Jim, purchased the motel in August.
The Kobliskas, who come from Waterloo, bring a wealth of retail experience to their new enterprise. Marsha worked for several years at Sam’s Club and Jim managed the Sears Automotive store.  For many years, Jim had been coming to the Lansing area to practice his skills as an avid fisherman. He usually stayed at the Scenic Valley Motel so when he saw it was for sale, he thought it might provide a wonderful opportunity to blend his hobby with a vocation. He and Marsha had talked about retiring from the retail world but still wanted to work in another area. The motel offered that situation.

by Bob Beach

During the regular meeting of the Lansing City Council Monday night, December 15, Allamakee Economic Development Executive Director Laura Olson presented the Council with a proposal to apply for grants to establish a trail system in and around Lansing. Olson told the Council that there are federal funds available through the Transportation Alternative Program, requiring a 20% local match in funds for up to $115,000.