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Waukon State Bank would like businesses and community members to be aware that there are reports of mutilated coins being used in Waukon, such as those pictured above. The coins are being presented as both loose change and bundled in rolls to pay for purchases. According to Waukon State Bank officials, there is not an outlet for banks to return mutilated coins like there is for mutilated paper currency, therefore rendering the coins to be of no value and unable to be honored by the banking industry. The bank suggests that businesses should inspect all currency and coins before accepting it and should not accept rolled coins or loose mutilated coins for purchases. If a business encounters individuals using mutilated coins, it is suggested to refuse payment and direct them to their local bank. Those with further questions may contact any local bank or the Waukon Police Department for further information. Photo by Joe Moses.
 

by Lissa Blake

Staff and inmates at the new Allamakee Public Safety Center are safer now than they were at the old facility.

That’s according to Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick, who said there are many benefits associated with the new facility, which was officially dedicated six months ago at the site of the former Makee Manor on Highway 9 north of Waukon.

“When we were located at the courthouse, when we brought inmates in to book them, the people who were at the counter conducting business were standing elbow-to-elbow with those being booked,” said Mellick.

Mellick said the old procedure was that law enforcement officials would pull up to the back of the courthouse and escort prisoners into the small elevator. At the new facility, squad cars pull into a protected garage with doors that are only controlled at the jail control center.

The City Elections held throughout Allamakee County Tuesday, November 7 produced a variety of scenarios for having just three actual contested races throughout the entire county. Those results produced one new mayor, replaced an incumbent city council member, elected two write-in candidates and, in the most contested race on this year's ballots within the county, saw none of five candidates receive enough votes to be declared a winner, forcing a run-off election early next month.

by Brianne Eilers

A public forum was held Monday evening, November 13 in the Waukon High School Auditorium to give the public a chance to ask questions and voice their opinions and concerns regarding the future of Waterville Elementary School with the Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors and administrative staff fielding those questions. Copies of the informational newsletter that was mailed to constituents of the ACSD in October were made available for attendees, as well as the questions and answers that have been posted on the ACSD website.

by Lissa Blake

Panelists who participated in a recent Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and water quality forum aren’t anti-agriculture, they’re pro-clean air and water.

That was the consensus during the Thursday, November 9 forum, which was co-sponsored by the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities and the Allamakee County Protectors Education Campaign. About l30 people attended the meeting held on the Luther College campus in Decorah.

Monday, November 6, many community members came together to assist rural Waukon farmer Mark Miller with his corn harvest as he continues to undergo treatment for an illness. More than 30 volunteers with seven combines, 10 semi-trailer combinations and five tractors with grain carts harvested 185 acres of corn in six hours (as depicted in the surrounding photos). Adding to the rural northeast Iowa feel, none of those involved wanted to be identified, relaying that the focus should be on the reason behind the event itself. The corn was hauled to Waukon Feed Ranch for drying and Kruger Seeds provided the fuel for the event. In addition to the work in the field, a lunch was also coordinated by volunteers to feed those involved. Submitted photos.
 

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

Lansing Lions Club President Tara Kolsrud, along with fellow Lions and volunteers, officially opened the newly-constructed “Our Ship of Dreams” playground equipment Sunday, November 5 at the playground along South Front Street just south of the Lansing ball diamond. Project Chairperson Arlen Wonderlich presented remarks to those gathered to celebrate the culmination of a year-long project.

Marvin "Bud" Strike enjoys Honor Flight experience

by Lissa Blake

It was a long day, but it was well worth it. That’s what Korean War veteran Marvin “Bud” Strike of Waukon had to say about his opportunity to take part in a recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Strike, accompanied by his son, Rich, took the flight out of Waterloo October 10. A native of Nashua, Strike said he had heard about the Honor Flight opportunity years ago, but had never pursued it, primarily because the flights were out of Waterloo and he had been drafted out of Chickasaw County.

But when his son and daughter-in-law suggested he fill out an application and send it in, he decided to do it and was approved. “We had a meeting in Waterloo September 28. It was a nice dinner and informational meeting,” he said.

Article featuring Waukon native and WWI POW George Goeke shared by family

Editor's Note: George Goeke was a lifetime resident of Allamakee County and a local businessman who ran Goeke’s Sport Shop on West Main Street in Waukon in the late 1920s.  He was the father of Wesley, Allen and Ronald Goeke, all of whom still live in Waukon. His three daughters were Karen Delatte of Madison, MS, and the late Lorna Miller of Postville and Ruth Dotseth of Waukon. George’s grandchildren who are in the Waukon area include Jerry Goeke (Allen’s son), Randy Goeke and Wendy Ebner (Ronald’s son and daughter), Julie Alden and Nancy Welper (Ruth’s daughters), and Lisa Moose and David Miller (Lorna’s daughter and son).

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors and Administration will be hosting a public forum Monday, November 13 regarding the future of Waterville Elementary School. The forum is open to all members of the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Waukon High School auditorium.