Ric Zarwell of Lansing, chair of the Friends of Pool 9 “Turtle Conservation Project” committee, reports that compassion abounds in the community of New Albin for mother turtles and their offspring. He notes that a number of residents of New Albin have been busy placing screens over an abundance of recent turtle nests where eggs have been laid. The screens prevent raccoons, opossums, skunks, dogs and cats, etc. from destroying the eggs. This also allows new turtle hatchlings to be collected and returned to their preferred habitats.
In another recent demonstration of caring for turtles in the New Albin community, Wednesday, June 10, children at Grotegut’s Daycare in New Albin made sure that compassion and care for local turtles took a major leap forward.
Upon finding a severely injured Painted Turtle, the children took it upon themselves to rescue the turtle and provide it as much comfort as possible in a box.
The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at the Postville Public Library as part of the board’s annual schedule of offsite meeting locations to include libraries within the county. The Supervisors addressed a full agenda of matters including the discussion and consideration of purchasing a patrol vehicle to include electronic equipment, the consideration of a Temporary Road Closure Resolution for the Bridge Replacement on Bigfoot Road, and the discussion and consideration of a County Courthouse flagpole purchase and installation.
The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dan Byrnes and Dennis Keatley present. During Public Comment, Executive Director Val Reinke with Allamakee County Economic Development (ACED) provided an update relating to recent and upcoming events within the county.
The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, June 15 to address a full agenda of matters including an informational update relating to the Waukon Forward group and potential project funding, discussion with Republic Services relating to Residential Waste Collection Services, and the review and consideration of the Year 1 Sidewalk Condition Assessment Program. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Cassie Handke, John Lydon, Steve Wiedner, Nic Engrav and Tim Smedsrud.
During Public Comment, resident Clint Rethamel addressed the council and requested clarification and greater transparency relating to his variance request which has been remanded back to the Board of Adjustment.
The Lansing City Council met in a regular session delayed a couple days from its typical Monday meeting night due to schedule conflicts for both the mayor and mayor pro-tem with the Monday, June 1 regularly scheduled meeting date for the council. Instead, the meeting was held Wednesday, June 3, with Mayor Mike Verdon and Councilman Ben Ghelf not able to be in attendance, and Mike Manning serving as Mayor Pro-Tem.
The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, June 15. Under the Consent Agenda, the board approved the following personnel matters: Katy Heldt as West Elementary Secretary; 2026-2027 teacher mentors; Kloe Hemmersbach as eighth grade volleyball coach; Frank Weymiller, Ross Weymiller and Tim Bulman as volunteer football coaches; a $10 increase in teacher substitute pay to $150 and a $10 increase in teacher long-term substitute pay to $200; and an increase in paraprofessional hours for Tyme Lidsay.
Awana Grand Prix winning entries ... Left to right: Walker Kruse - Third Place Design, Mark Hagen - Second Place Design, Gabby Roth - First Place Design, Easton Ericson - Third Place Speed, Zach Harrington - Second Place Speed, Lincoln Roney - First Place Speed. Submitted photo.
Awana Grand Prix participants ... Left to right - Front row: Walker Kruse, Mark Hagen, Gabby Roth, Easton Ericson, Zach Harrington, Lincoln Roney; Back row - Italia Cerise, Alexa Penrose, Tessalyn Round, Creighton O’Hare, Ivanna Rodriguez-Schulte, Emma Velarde. Submitted photo.
The annual Awana Grand Prix car race was held at First Baptist Church in Waukon Wednesday, April 1. Twelve cars raced down the track in a double elimination race, vying for first-, second- and third-place trophies for speed and displaying their creativity in design.
The festivities began with pledges to the American flag, the Awana flag, and the Bible. This was followed by a challenge by Brent Beyer to the racers competing in the race to participate not necessarily to just win. Starter chairman Jeff Goettel then began the race.
Larry Gelo interviewed racers as they came to each heat. Finish line monitors were Melanie Harrington and Trevor Round, who attended the cars at the bottom of the track. Spectators that included family and friends watched as the winners were determined and awards given. All racers received a ribbon for participating.
Pike’s Den sustains sense of community and familiarity ... Pike’s Den in De Soto, WI has strived to retain the sense of community and familiarity that was previously offered by the former Pork’s Hilltop at that same location. Christal Sudol, who previously worked at Pork’s Hilltop before purchasing the business and renaming it, says she is working to maintain the aspects that once made the former establishment one of the foundational Main Street public gathering locations. Submitted photos.
by Joshua Sharpe
Located at 315 Main Street in De Soto, WI Pike’s Den has crafted its identity around a simple principle: stay familiar while progressing forward. According to public listings from the Tavern League of Wisconsin, Pike’s Den is a bar and grill owned by Christal Sudol, who describes it online as “locally owned and full of character,” emphasizing that it’s “more than just a bar - it’s a gathering place.” This language highlights the vital role the business plays within the community.
Before becoming Pike’s Den, the same location was known as Pork’s Bar and Pork’s Hilltop. Historical references to these previous names illustrate how deeply rooted this Main Street building is in the local memory, long before the current branding took hold. Rather than starting fresh in a new or unfamiliar location, Pike’s Den has embraced a space that has long been part of De Soto’s social fabric.
You know us, the three Anns, two Karens, Kathy, Katie, Lori, Nancy and others who send in these letters. We are in the minority in our county as well as the state. But we believe that small and mighty can prevail.
Remember Obama’s slogans? Believe, and Change. Remember what happened in 2008? Obama carried Iowa and Allamakee County. Change can happen, but it takes commitment from all who care about what is happening in our country. If every one of our “minority” were to believe in change, we can make it happen again.
That means we all talk to our friends and neighbors, and encourage them to make their voices heard by voting. Every vote does count. We see time after time where a candidate wins by mere 10s or 100s of votes.
Deadlines/Dates
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 13-19: Allamakee County Fair
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application
FSA Offers Safety Net Programs for Honeybee Producers
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers two programs that have specific safety net benefits for producers of honeybees and honey. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) assist producers when disasters impact honey production or damage or destroy colonies, hives or honeybee feed.
Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, June 22 ... The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s 33rd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will be held next Monday, June 22, at the Waukon Golf and Country Club beginning with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Only a few spots remain for teams to sign up to play. All those interested are asked to pre-register their team by calling the Waukon Golf and Country Club at 563-568-9939. Submitted photo.
The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s 33rd Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will be held Monday, June 22, at the Waukon Golf and Country Club beginning with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.
Teams of three will play 18 holes of golf. Breakfast rolls, lunch, dinner and prizes for everyone will all be provided for the donation of $100 per person or $300 per team. Only a few spots remain for teams to sign-up.
