River Valley

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, April 20, first discussing a proposed golf cart ordinance. Mayor Mike Brennan admitted he is not in favor of the measure, citing safety issues and opposition by the Police Department and citizens in the community. Councilman Dick Roeder was concerned about underage drivers, racing, etc. After further discussion, the Council voted to deny approval of the ordinance. Mayor Brennan said that individuals who want to drive a golf cart in Lansing would have to get it licensed by the State Department of Transportation as a registered vehicle with license plates and other required equipment.

Downtown Lansing businesses will host the annual “Taste of Lansing” event Thursday, April 30 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The “Taste of Lansing” is a social event in which participants take a tour of downtown businesses, sampling dishes from around the world at each stop. Door prizes will be awarded at some of the locations.
“Passports” can be purchased at Main Street Lansing’s office, the Red Geranium, and Eagle’s Nest Gallery. Participants who get their “passports” stamped at every location on the tour will be eligible to enter a drawing for $25 Downtown Dollars.

by B.J. Tomlinson

by B.J. Tomlinson

A community-wide planning initiative is scheduled to kick off its visioning project to establish a baseline of Harpers Ferry residents' dreams and needs. Harpers Ferry/Vision for Our Future will host six “community conversation” sessions in April and May to address key issues related to strengths and weaknesses, goals and achievements for the community.
Those "community conversations" will begin Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. in the Harpers Ferry City Hall, with the remainder of the meetings scheduled as follows:
• Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall
• Monday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall
• Wednesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall
• Monday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Tillinghast Memorial Library
• Monday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Harpers Ferry City Hall.

by B.J. Tomlinson

A workshop for beginning gardeners will be presented by the Allamakee County Master Gardeners at Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library Thursday, April 16 from 5-7 p.m. Some of the topics discussed during the workshop will include: garden site, soil preparation, compost and mulch,  seed starting, vegetables and flowers, tomatoes and peppers, straw bale gardening, and how to become a Master Gardener. Contact the library at 563-538-4693 for more information.

Meehan Memorial Lansing Public library will host an informational meeting regarding the effect of the emerald ash borer on the ash trees in local woods, yards, parks and boulevards. According to state authorities, all ash trees will be dead or infected within the next five years. Neighborhoods and city beauty will be in jeopardy.
Learn about the effect of the ash borer and preventative action plans that can be taken. Program presenters include Tom Burke, Arborist, and Pat Short, Certified Applicator for Pest Control. The meeting will be held at the library in Lansing Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m.

Kee High’s Post Prom has been scheduled for April 2.    This event is a substance-free celebration providing prizes, snacks and drinks, games and entertainment for Kee High juniors and seniors and their guests. Nearly 40 adult volunteers gather from midnight to 4 a.m. after Prom to offer a fun-filled event for everyone.
Hypnotist Pete Mamos from Wand Enterprises has been booked and his show is very popular with the students. This year Kee High will be sharing a hypnotist with Waukon High School, as both school’s Proms fall on the same day. Even with a discounted price, each school will still pay $1,250 for the show. The Post Prom Committee has been hosting Bingo, working concessions and held a bake sale in order to raise funds for Post Prom.

As the weather turns warm and the first signs of spring arrive, users of the river begin to think about the river and the annual Friends of Pool 9 river clean up. FOP9 Board members have selected Saturday, April 18 as the date of this years clean up event.  The earlier date was selected to allow high school students from area schools (Waukon, Lansing, and De Soto) to be involved, since the date doesn’t conflict with their high school prom weekend.  
In case of high water or threatening weather, May 1 has been selected as the alternate date. Organizers will locate backwater debris and assign boats (and volunteers) to each collection site.