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The deadline is quickly approaching for 2016 grant funding applications through the Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF). The application is completely online and will be available at the Foundation’s website location, www.dbqfoundation.org/accf. Applications are due January 31, by midnight.
Nonprofit organizations can apply for grants from the ACCF for projects or programs that address significant community issues and benefit a broad spectrum of the community. Projects must be in Allamakee County.
The ACCF awards grants in the areas of Health and Human Services; Education; Neighborhoods and Community Development; Environment; Children, Youth, and Families; and Arts and Culture, including historic preservation.
Preference is given to projects that:
• address significant community issues
• present innovative, creative, and practical proposals that build on community strengths

by Lissa Blake

Physicians and staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon are pleased to announce that the first baby of the new year born at the hospital was Westin Allen Lange, son of Brian and Sunny Lange of Dorchester. Westin Allen was born Tuesday, January 5 at 7:47 a.m., weighing seven pounds, two ounces and was 21 inches long. He joins his big brothers, Garner and Cael, at home. Dr. Benjamin Nesseim was the delivering physician.
Westin's grandparents are Mark and Pat Lange of Freeburg, MN and Jane Benson of La Crosse, WI. His great-grandmother is Vi Lange of Caledonia, MN.
As the first baby of the new year born at Veterans Memorial Hospital, this fortunate child and his family received the following generous gifts compliments of these area merchants:
• $100 cash from Dr. Bruce Carlson, Lansing Dental Clinic
• A free night’s stay in a whirlpool suite from the Stoney Creek Inn
• $20 gift certificate to Cynda’s West Side Café

by David M. Johnson

by Jason Meyer

Appearing in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids Monday, January 4, Thomas Munson, the former Effigy Mounds National Monument Superintendent accused of removing ancient human remains from the national monument, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor embezzlement and theft of prehistoric human skeletal remains.
As part of his plea deal with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Munson, age 76, of Prairie du Chien, WI, will serve one year probation, including 12 months home detention, 10 consecutive weekends in jail, and 100 hours of community service. Additionally, he must make a written public apology to the Native American tribes impacted by the actions Munson pleaded guilty to, as well as to the National Park Service.
Munson must also pay at least $108,905 in restitution to the National Park Service, the cost of repair and restoration of the mishandled remains. Sentencing will take place at a future date.

by Jason Meyer

Wednesday, January 6, the Waukon Police Department conducted a traffic stop with the assistance of the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office and Allamakee County K-9 unit in Waukon. During the traffic stop, the K-9 did positively indicate on the vehicle, and during a search of the vehicle, crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located and seized.
Jon Charles Fanta, age 51, of Viroqua, WI was arrested and charged for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. Law enforcement officials remind that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

by Jason Meyer

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today announced last week the order cancelling all live bird exhibitions at county fairs, the Iowa State Fair, livestock auction markets, swap meets, exotic sales and other gatherings of birds due to avian influenza will be lifted January 1, 2016.
“This is very good news and another sign that we continue to recover from this devastating animal health emergency. We know the ban on exhibitions caused some real challenges for those anticipating showing or selling birds, but we appreciate everyone cooperating as we worked to stop the disease and then allow the industry to recover,” said Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.

The scene on First Street NW in Waukon Tuesday morning, December 29, 2015 was representative of many towns in northeast Iowa that morning, following a day-long winter storm that dropped anywhere from 8 to 12 inches throughout much of eastern Iowa.
In response to the volume of snow, the City of Waukon enlisted the aid of area businesses to haul the snow to the city's dump site behind the Allamakee County Fairgrounds. In addition to the Street Department's fleet, the City contracted with West Side Lumber, Kelly Concrete, and Bruening Rock Products. In addition to over 16 miles of town roads, the City and contracted crews cleared all the city parking lots and municipal sites.
In the bottom photo, each of the lumps and mounds represents at least one deposit of hauled-in snow. From start to finish, the crews were on the job for 18 hours.