News Center newsletter

For parents, it can be hard to tell whether your child’s illness requires antibiotics or if there are other ways to effectively treat their symptoms. In order to prevent over-use of these drugs, it’s important to know which situations can use home remedies instead of antibiotics.

“If your child has an ear infection, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers in place of antibiotics,” says Steven Perkins, D.O., family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare in Waukon. Children’s ear infections usually improve within two to three days, especially for kids who are two years or older. If your child’s health does not improve within a few days, it would be wise to take them in to see their provider.

Congratulations to the numerous students who completed the recent Veterans Memorial Hospital Baby-sitting class. The class, which was held Saturday, October 21, consisted of teaching the qualities of being a good baby-sitter including basic child care, accident prevention and first aid. These new baby-sitters learned CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and the Heimlach Maneuver, to be used in the case of a choking infant or child, and also learned about fire safety.

The students who completed the Veterans Memorial Hospital Baby-sitting seminar included Ava Johnson, Jayden Knox, Mallory Mohn, Kaylee Hawes, Ethan Palmer, Blake Bresnahan, Dylan Christensen, Caleb Helgerson, Bethany Colsch, Max Howe, Mason Howe, Taylor Kiel, Alyssa Connelly, Mallory Berns, Molly Peake, Elle Wilkins, Faith Cooper, Madilyn McNamara, Caydence Lloyd, Mariana Hager, Logan Troendle, Ryland Egan, John Blake, Lauryn Howard, Brianna Bedore, Aleandra Koozer and Millie Koozer.

There has been a lot of talk recently about the opioid and addiction crisis, both in the Midwest and throughout the country. The impact of these crises can be devastating to individuals struggling with addiction; they can also be deadly. The impact also goes deeper, affecting family, friends and loved ones.

As awareness of the opioid epidemic spreads, the need for services to address substance abuse treatment and recovery will also increase. There may already be agencies in the area that can offer assistance with these concerns.

To find out more about substance abuse resources in the tri-state area, including assessment, counseling, treatment and community support, contact Great Rivers 2-1-1 to speak to an Information & Referral Specialist.

Gary and Marlene Houg of Waukon will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary November 12. The couple was married November 12, 1957 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Luana.

A celebration and dance at the Vet’s Club in Waukon will be held with the Buck Hollow Band performing Sunday, November 12 from 2-5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

They are the parents of Wade (Barb) Houg of Plymouth, MN, Lori (Mark) Farley of Cedar Falls, Scott (Brenda) Houg of Waukon and Jeff Houg (deceased, 1989). The couple also has 10 grandchildren.

Anne and Brett Scheetz of Spring Grove, MN announce the birth of their daughter, Luka Rose Scheetz, born October 29, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 7 lbs. 15 ozs. and measured 21 inches in length at the time of her birth. She joins siblings, Emmett (4) and Audrey (2).

Grandparents are Chuck and Audrey Ellingson of Caledonia, MN and Dan and Patty Scheetz of Cosgrove.

Emily Byrnes and Josh Waters of Waukon announce the birth of their daughter, Kaylie Louise Waters, born October 30, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 8 lbs. 11 ozs. and measured 23-1/2 inches in length at the time of her birth. She joins siblings, James Waters (3) and Jorden Funk (4).

Grandparents are Breigha Funk of Colesburg, Loran Waters of Waukon and the late Kelly Deeney. Great-grandparents are the late Earl Waters, Iris Waters and Sandy and Bob McCoy, all of Waukon.

Gretta (Mohwinkle) Fiet, 73, of Rockford, IL passed away November 1, 2017 after a long battle with dementia. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 11 at Riverside Community Church with Pastor Bobby Sheets officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.

Gretta loved flowers, but should you choose to leave a charitable gift, memorials may be made to Anam Care, 8104 Sayer Road, Rockford, IL 61108 or Northern Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108.

Gretta was born September 13, 1944 in Waukon, the daughter of Delton and Helen (Beardmore) Mohwinkle.  She graduated from Waukon High School and married David Fiet June 8, 1963.  Gretta did administrative and clerical work for Sears Optical, and worked in the office with her husband at P&L Auto Body.

Eugene Leonard Cahoon, 89, of Monona died Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Graveside Service with Military Honors was held Monday, November 6 at Sixteen Cemetery, rural Linton Township.

Eugene was born January 9, 1928 in Allamakee County, the fourth of four children to Elbert and Esther (VanCura) Cahoon. He served in the United States Army from May 1951 to April 1953. Eugene served as a P.F.C. Wire Chief in Germany and was honorably discharged.

Eugene farmed all of his adult life. He loved bowling, playing cards, spending time at local casinos, traveling and family gatherings. He moved to his hobby farm in 1984 and retired from farming in 1987. Eugene spent the last years of his life at Garden View Assisted Care in Monona and Good Samaritan Society in Postville.

John Roger O’Hara, 84, passed away at his home in Decorah Sunday, October 29, 2017. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, November 2 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Interment was at St. Benedict’s Cemetery, Decorah.

John was born September 23, 1933, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Ryan) O’Hara, in rural Allamakee County. He graduated from St Patrick’s Catholic School in Waukon in 1952. John married Kathleen Ryan May 14, 1960 and to this union five children were born. The couple later divorced.

John always wanted to be a farmer and to that end he worked for various farmers until he was given the opportunity to operate his own farm in the Frankville area. In 1968, John realized his dream and bought a farm in Glenwood Township. On this farm he raised dairy cows, hogs and horses as well as the crops to feed them. For a number of years he was also a Funk’s seed corn dealer.

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.