News Center newsletter

Vivian F. Andregg, 95, of Waukon died Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. Funeral services were held Thursday, August 13 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kim Gates officiating, and burial followed at Oakland Cemetery, both in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements.

Vivian Florine Andregg was born February 7, 1931, in Forest City, the daughter of Leland and Florine (Medin) Leach. She graduated from Orchard High School and then graduated from La James Beauty School in 1960, in Mason City. October 9, 1949, she married Kenny Hoisington and their marriage was dissolved in 1957.

In August of 1960, she and her children moved to Waukon, and Vivian bought a beauty shop. January 19, 1963, she married Otto Andregg; the marriage dissolved in 1983. Vivian owned and operated her beauty salon well into her 80s, and she worked at Kwik Trip and Hubba Hubba as well over the years.

Matthew “Matt” W. Howe, 39, of New Albin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, August 7, 2026, at Emplify Health in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 12 at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, with Fr. Ben Valentine officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery-Hanover, rural Waukon, with a celebration of Matt’s life to follow at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds.

Friends may greet the family from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 11 at the church, where there will be a 3:30 p.m. scripture service. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ellene Rita Smith, 86, of West Union passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, August 4, 2026. A private graveside service will be held.

Ellene Rita Troendle was born June 9, 1940, in Lansing to Carl and Rita (Schulze) Troendle. She graduated from high school and later worked as a dietary cook in a hospital.

April 29, 1961, Ellene married Virgil Duane Smith at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing. To this union, three children were born: Lisa, Leslie, and Kelly. Ellene was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved baking and faithfully made Christmas treats every year for her family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening.

by Sharon Drahn
Contributing Writer

As employees were making their way to work at the Agri Star Meat and Poultry processing plant early last Tuesday morning, July 28, smoke was seen coming from one of the buildings on the Agri Star grounds on the west edge of Postville. A news release from the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Clark Mellick stated that the Allamakee County Dispatch Center received notification of a potential fire at the Postville facility at approximately 3:50 a.m.

The Postville Fire Department was dispatched to the plant and immediately responded to the call at 220 West Street. Upon arrival, it was evident that a major fire was ensuing and appeared to be coming from the laundry room area of the facility. It was later confirmed that the fire did, indeed, start in the laundry room and was deemed accidental in nature after further investigation that included on-site cameras viewed by fire officials.

submitted by The Allamakee County Food Shelf

The Allamakee County Food Shelf is entering a new chapter as it welcomes its new director, Deliverance Hope.

While every new beginning brings change, the mission of the Allamakee County Food Shelf remains the same: assisting individuals and families facing food insecurity by providing temporary food support to help alleviate hunger and hardship.

The Allamakee County Food Shelf has long been a place where individuals and families throughout Allamakee County can find a helping hand during difficult times. Whether someone is experiencing a temporary setback or facing an ongoing challenge, the Food Shelf strives to provide nutritious food in a welcoming and respectful environment.

Waukon Corn Days is a celebration of agricultural heritage and community, and has a long-standing history in Waukon extending back to what some may remember as “Threshing Days”. The Waukon Chamber of Commerce looks forward to hosting the annual celebration again in 2026 with events starting Friday, August 14 and continuing into Saturday, August 15. This event also encourages local shopping with Waukon “Crazy Days” specials, discounts and deals available at local retailers (see Page 28 in this week’s edition of The Standard). West Street SW, between Main Street and First Avenue SW, will be closing at 12 Noon Friday, August 14 for preparation and hosting of the event.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Lansing United Methodist Church invite the community to an outdoor worship service Sunday, August 9, at 9 a.m. at the Fish Days Grounds in Lansing City Park. The Lansing-area churches will gather to worship through live music, prayer, Scripture, a puppet show for children, and a message of hope.

This year’s preacher will be Dr. Sarah Murray, former superintendent of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District. Following a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2024, Dr. Murray has become a sought-after speaker, sharing a message of faith, hope, resilience, and the importance of relationships.

The service is casual, family-friendly, and filled with familiar hymns. Whether attendees are longtime churchgoers, just visiting Fish Days, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend Sunday morning, all are warmly invited and welcome.
 

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, August 3 to address a full agenda of matters including the consideration of a Resolution to establish a 55-mph speed limit on Secondary Road Pavements, the discussion of bids for the County’s Solid Waste contract, and the discussion of CivicPlus agenda management software. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dennis Keatley and Dan Byrnes present.

by Joe Moses

The Waukon City Council met in regular session Monday, August 3 to address a full agenda of matters including the review of the Board of Adjustment variance approval at 702 5th Avenue SW, the Public Hearing on the proposed solar energy lease and easement agreement, and the Resolution approving the bid and contract for the Storm Siren Replacement Project.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arvid Hatlan with council members present including Cassie Handke, Steve Wiedner, John Lydon and Tim Smedsrud. As a reminder to the public, Hatlan made a statement to those in attendance relating to the Public Comment portion of council meetings. Hatlan advised that each individual is allowed up to three minutes of Public Comment time to address the mayor and council directly relating to new matters or items on the meeting agenda with no official action to take place during this time or comment from the council.

Deadlines/Dates
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application
September 30: Office Fiscal Year Rollover