News Center newsletter

The Waukon girls track and field team got its competition season underway as a full team for the first time this spring Tuesday, March 25 at the Northeast Iowa Conference Indoor Meet at Luther College in Decorah. No team scores were kept, but the Indians did record three event victories and one each of runner-up and third-place finishes to headline their efforts at the meet.

The three Indian victories included the two longest individual races and one of the longer relay events, as junior Willa Troendle and sophomore Bryiah Stewart ran the 200 meter legs, junior Elle Wilkins completed the 400 meter segment and junior Emma O’Neill anchored the 800 meter finale for a win in the distance medley relay in a time of 4:40.69. The two distance wins were claimed by some young legs, as freshman Miriam Downing clocked in at 12:18.38 for gold in the 3000 meter run and sophomore Reegan Benzing did the same in the 1500 meter run with a tape-breaking time of 5:20.23.

by Tami Gebel, OTR/L
 
Have you been experiencing pain in your hip or knee? Are you having difficulty completing daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing, and making a meal? Is it becoming more difficult to walk around your house, through the grocery store, or attend special events where there are stairs?

These are some important questions to consider before talking with your doctor about having a hip or knee replacement surgery.  The surgery, and the expected pain and inconvenience, can seem overwhelming, however the after effects can be life changing. The therapy department at Veterans Memorial Hospital is here to help you through the transition from a painful, limiting joint to returning to a fulfilling productive life.

Colon cancer can be easily prevented, yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colon cancer screening tests identify suspicious or pre-cancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into a serious health problem.

There are four main testing options for detecting colon cancer: Fecal Occult blood test, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Barium Enema and Colonoscopy. Colonoscopies, a very thorough colon cancer test, are performed routinely in the Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) surgical suite and typically take just three hours from start to finish.

Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer. Personal risk varies, so local medical practitioners can help make informed decisions about when to begin testing and the most appropriate testing method for each individual.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will sponsor the next Babysitting Seminar Friday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to Noon. The class will be held in the Large Conference Room located on the lower level of Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Intended participants are individuals 10 years of age and older who are responsible for their own care after school until their parents come home from work, and individuals who care for other children in or outside of their own home. Girls and boys are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Topics to be covered include fire and personal safety, accident prevention and emergency actions, nutritious snacks and basic care of children.

Pre-registration is required by April 14. Online registration is available by using the QR code or may be taken by phone by calling the hospital at 563-568-3411.

Memorials were recently received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Dianne Wolfe by Gladwin and Darlene Anderson, Brad and Erin Berns, Frank and Patty Goltz,  Marlys Leiran,  Ann Rademaker, Diane Regan, Bill and Beth Shafer, Linda Siegrist, Chuck and Lois Votsmier, Frank and Jean Ann Weymiller, Brian and Denise Wullner, Marilyn Clark and Mary Ann Hager.

Memorials were also received in memory of Ken West by Gladwin and Darlene Anderson, Mary Axmear, Barb Hanson, Arlen and Karlene Wonderlich, Sheila Clair, Charles and Marcie Fritz, Mary Ann Hager, Sigurd and Barb Ness, Pat Pettingill, Sandy Pladsen, Dave and Gail Prestemon, Marvin and Marjorie Strike, and Chuck and Lois Votsmier.

The local Grief Support Group will be holding its monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Tuesday, April 8, at 5 p.m. in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital.

This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other grief.

Feel free to attend and bring a friend. This grief support meets the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.
 

Robert Hansmeier of Waukon will be celebrating his 90th birthday April 2. In honor of the occasion, cards and well wishes may be sent to 21 East Main Street, Waukon, IA 52172.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
April 15: 2025 Agriculture Risk Coverage & Price Loss Coverage Program (ARC/PLC) Signup deadline
May 31: Deadline to request a Marketing Assistance Loan (MALs) for 2024 farm stored or warehouse stored grain

Fungi in Agriculture
by Eric Novey, NRCS

Blessings to all who read these wandering thoughts from a wayward follower of Jesus.   Let’s talk about prayer… Praying seems like such a simple thing to do. We pray at mealtimes, we pray at bedtime, we pray during church services, we pray during times of grief, life’s struggles, traumatic events, and at times of joy, thanksgiving, and blessings.

Typically, prayer is used as a defensive tool.  Something has happened or is about to happen and we seek intervention. But when was the last time you used prayer as an offensive tool, specifically in doing God’s work? When was the last time you used prayer as just a time to have a conversation with the All Mighty?   When was the last time you asked God what God wanted you to do, rather than asking God to bless what you wanted to do?   

Sheryl K. Peterson, 78, of Waukon died Friday, March 14, 2025, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ in rural Waukon with Pastor Karla Johnson officiating.

Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday, April 5 at the church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.