River Valley

Counties interested in evaluating construction permits for proposed animal feeding facilities must adopt and submit a construction evaluation resolution by the end of January.

“County boards can pass a resolution to participate in the master matrix at any time, but they must submit the resolution to DNR between January 1 and 31,” said Kelli Book, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) attorney.

On average, 88 counties pass a resolution each year, allowing them to review construction permit applications required for larger, totally roofed animal feeding operations (confinements). Producers in counties that file the resolutions must meet additional standards in their construction permits than sites in other counties. They must earn points on a master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce effects on the environment and the community.

Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board (ACCB) and the Friends of Yellow River State Forest for a Fullmoon Snowshoe Hike January 18 at 6:30 p.m. The hike will take place in the Luster Heights Unit of Yellow River State Forest, approximately three miles with views of the Mississippi River.

Participants should meet at the Luster Heights Unit parking lot located at 481 Luster Heights Road, Harpers Ferry.

The Fullmoon Snowshoe will be a guided trail hike taking place after dark to enable participants to see the stars and full moon. The event requires pre-registration for those wishing to use snowshoes provided by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and is open to all ages. However, anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. In the case of inclement weather or poor snow conditions the Fullmoon Snowshoe may be postponed or canceled and will be announced via the Allamakee County Conservation Board’s Facebook page.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

At its regular meeting Monday, January 3, the Lansing City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 201 “prohibiting the building or construction of structures within the City of Lansing,” following Mayor Melissa Hammell’s third and final public reading of the ordinance. The action was undertaken while review and revision of the City of Lansing Code of Ordinances is being completed.

The Main Street Madness punch card promotion recorded $355,900 in holiday spending within the Lansing community. Individuals who spent $100 were entered to win one of 26 prizes, including Downtown Dollars and gift certificates to local businesses. For further details about the Main Street Madness promotion, reach out to Executive Director Andy Kelleher at Main Street Lansing, 563-538-9229.

Winners are all verified prior to publishing their names. This year’s winners include the following:

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation Thursday, December 16, 2021 for Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties in northeast Iowa in response to severe weather beginning December 15, 2021. The governor’s proclamation activated the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) and the Iowa Disaster Case Management (IDCM) program to assist Iowans.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) may provide up to $5,000 of assistance, reimbursement and/or vendor voucher, for covered items to households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Individuals may be eligible for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and repair or replacement of personal items damaged by the storm.

VFW Auxiliary Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 has announced the kick-off of the VFW Auxiliary’s annual Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Local students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to compete for $33,000 in national scholarships.

Students must submit an original two- or three-dimensional piece of artwork.  Digital art, photography and jewelry are not accepted.  The entry must have been completed during the current 2021-2022 school year and the application must include a teacher or supervising adult’s signature.

The first-place winner from each Auxiliary will advance to District competition with District winners advancing to the State competition.  State first-place winners compete for national awards.

VFW Auxiliary Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 announces the kick-off of the VFW Auxiliary’s National Anthem Singing Contest, “Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue!” Contestants must submit a video of their solo vocal performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” recorded between July 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

Contest entries must be submitted to VFW Auxiliary Gustave F. Kerndt #5981 by March 31, 2022 via DVD or flash drive, or an online video platform. Interested youth, parents/guardians and teachers should email vfwauxiliarylansing@gmail.com for information.

by Julie Berg-Raymond

At the regular Lansing City Council meeting Monday evening, December 20, Mayor Melissa Hammell conducted the second reading of Ordinance No. 201, calling for a moratorium “prohibiting the building or construction of structures within the City of Lansing.” The action is being considered while the City of Lansing Code of Ordinances is currently under review and revision. There were no public comments following the second reading, and the third and final reading is being planned for the next regular council meeting in January.

After 10 months of deployment, 80 soldiers of the 734th Regional Support Group were welcomed home by family and friends at the Des Moines International Airport Friday, October 29. Staff Sergeant John Reburn of New Albin was among those welcomed home.

The 734th Regional Support Group provided base support, commandant cell and base camp services for several military bases in the Middle East, ensuring the day-to-day operations of each base.

SSG Reburn enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in October of 2013, after graduating from Kee High School in Lansing. He is the son of Mike and Joan Reburn of New Albin.
 

With the holiday season, giving to those they care about most is at the forefront of most people’s thoughts. For many, this also includes giving to causes they are passionate about as nonprofits in the local community need charitable support to address ever-growing local needs.

Now is a great time to give to the Waterville Community Impact Fund with the Waterville Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. Giving a gift through the Foundation is an easy way to impact the Waterville area and the nonprofits serving the people who live there while also providing unique tax-benefits to the donor. Gifts can be made to the impact fund at fund.cfneia.org/watervilleimpactfund.