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Wed
13
Sep

Iowa Department of Education releases results from Spring 2023 Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress

The Iowa Department of Education has released new spring 2023 assessment results from the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for students in grades 3-11. The overall results show little improvement over last year with significant proficiency gaps between certain groups of students, according to Iowa Department of Education officials.

State-level results from the 2022-2023 Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) show relatively little to no growth across most grades in English language arts with some grade levels up a percentage point and other grades down a percentage point. Sixth grade results increased the most from last year, going up four percentage points.

Wed
13
Sep

Allamakee County Veterans Museum program to feature USAF Lt. Col. Beth Shafer

Saturday, September 16 at 10 a.m. the Allamakee County Veterans Museum will present another program from its Veterans History Project at its museum located at 105 Allamakee Street in Waukon. A video interview by Chuck Bloxham with U.S. Air Force veteran Lt. Col. Beth Shafer of Waukon will be played. Lt. Col. Shafer will also be present to share comments and answer questions.

Lt. Col. Beth Shafer served in the U.S. Air Force on both active and reserve duty for 22 years. She attended the United States Air Force Academy and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. following graduation. Lt. Col. Shafer then completed pilot training and was later assigned to flight crews on the C-130 Hercules transport plane (such as pictured with this article). After completing active duty, she was employed as a commercial airline pilot by United Air Lines.

The public is invited to attend the program. There is no admission or membership charge. The facility is handicapped accessible.
 

Wed
13
Sep

Midwest Veterans of America seeking nominations for local veterans to honor at November 11 event

Midwest Veterans of America will be hosting a Veterans Day event Saturday, November 11 at AJ’s Steakhouse in Waukon, beginning at 12 noon. A full menu will be available to order from, and Midwest Veterans of America will be honoring 25 local veterans during the event, with those awards being distributed at 1:30 p.m.

Event organizers are seeking nominations of local veterans who will be honored at the event. To nominate a local veteran to be honored, call 563-568-5275.
 

Wed
13
Sep

Burn ban to be issued in Allamakee County

Following a consensus reached by all community fire chiefs in Allamakee County just prior to the press deadline for this edition of The Standard, paperwork is being submitted to the State of Iowa Fire Marshal’s office to institute an open burning ban in Allamakee County, effective immediately and in place until further notice. Allamakee County will join 14 other northeast Iowa counties in instituting a burn ban during the current Extreme Drought conditions in the area. Specifics on burn ban limitations and allowances can be found on the Iowa Fire Marshal’s website at https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal/burn-bans.

Wed
13
Sep

What's Up at the USDA Office?

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
November 1: Organic Certification Cost-Share and Transition/Education Certification Program
January 31: Livestock Forage Program (LFP)

Farm Loan Presence in Allamakee County
The USDA/FSA Farm Loan team will have a Loan Officer in our office every Tuesday during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). If you would like to visit with the loan officer, feel free to call or stop in.

Wed
13
Sep

Cattle feeders should be cautious when using drought-stressed corn

If drought-stressed corn is green-chopped, producers should be aware of the potential for nitrate toxicity

Iowa is fortunate to have corn as a major cropping enterprise. That’s why it’s important to keep harvest management tips in mind, according to Beth Doran, beef specialist with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach.

“We grow a lot of corn, which offers producers the opportunity to harvest green-chopped corn as forage or to put it up as silage,” Doran said. “Regardless of what producers choose, there are other factors to consider, especially when harvesting drought-affected crops.”

Doran cautions producers to check with both their Farm Service Agency and crop insurance agency before chopping. If drought-stressed corn is green-chopped, producers should be aware of the potential for nitrate toxicity.

Wed
13
Sep

Area hospice providers to attend VMH Auxiliary and Elliott Jewelers 18th Annual Women’s Health Day September 26


Women’s Health Day scheduled for September 26 ... The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital and Elliott Jewelers of Waukon are excited to announce they will be hosting the 18th Annual Women’s Health Day wellness event Tuesday, September 26 at the Waukon Banquet Center. The theme for this year’s event, “Embracing Life at All Stages,” will cover all areas of Hospice care, behavioral health care and learning to connect with kindness. Pictured above is a view from last year’s event. All vendors will return to this year’s event, including the three local Hospice providers, plus a new menu of sandwiches, salad bar buffet, dessert and beverage will be served. Everyone purchasing a ticket will be entered into a drawing for a ladies’ 14kt yellow gold diamond and genuine green garnet pendant on an 18” yellow gold rope chain (retail value $1,000) compliments of Elliott Jewelers of Waukon. Tickets are on sale now for the Women’s Health Day Event at Elliott Jewelers and Veterans Memorial Hospital. Submitted photo.

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) and Elliott Jewelers of Waukon are excited to announce they will be hosting the 18th Annual Women’s Health Day wellness event Tuesday, September 26 at the Waukon Banquet Center.  All ages are invited to attend any part of this educational event, beginning at 11 a.m. with a wellness fair offering a variety of free health tests and information, and a luncheon and program held from Noon to 1 p.m.  

The theme for this year’s event is “Embracing Life at all Stages.” Featured speakers for the Women’s Health Day program will include Alex Berns, Family Nurse Practitioner at the Waukon Clinic, who will speak on his experience as a Hospice Care Nurse. His presentation, entitled “Clearing the Air About Hospice Care,” will help explain how Hospice Care works, how to qualify and the different levels of Hospice care available.

Wed
13
Sep

September is National Cholesterol Education Month; Have you had your cholesterol checked lately?

Brandy Strub, RD/LD, Dietitian ...
Brandy Strub, RD/LD, Dietitian ...

by Brandy Strub, RD/LD, Dietitian, Veterans Memorial Hospital

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Per the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is recommended that cholesterol be checked for kids once between ages 9-11 and again between ages 17-21. Children with obesity or diabetes may need to be screened more often.

For healthy adults, it is recommended that they be checked every 4-6 years. Those with heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol should be checked more frequently.  

Risk factors for high cholesterol include: family history, diet high in saturated and trans fats, low physical activity, smoking, age, sex, type II diabetes, and obesity.

Wed
13
Sep

Allamakee Public Health recommends vaccines to optimize health as people age


Stay up to date on key vaccines ... September is Healthy Aging Month. Allamakee Public Health (aka Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care) and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Iowans to make sure they are up to date on key vaccines to allow for healthy aging. Submitted photo.

September is National Healthy Aging Month

By 2025, over 25 percent of Iowa’s population is expected to be 60 years of age or older according to the Iowa Department on Aging¹. The health and wellbeing of older adults is a priority in the state. September is National Healthy Aging Month and Allamakee Public Health (aka Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care) and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Iowans to make sure they are up to date on key vaccines.

“As people grow older, they may be more susceptible to infectious diseases. Vaccination plays a vital role in preventing illnesses and protecting older adults from potentially severe complications,” said Sheryl Darling-Mooney RN. “Staying up to date on immunizations is one of the easiest, safest ways to protect yourself.”

Wed
13
Sep

September is National Suicide Prevention Month; What to say and not say


Suicide and crisis services available locally ... September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Help is available locally for those suffering from a mental health issue. This year, the 988 Crisis Lifeline shares the message that everyone can help prevent suicide and encourages everyone to ‘Be The 1 To’….. Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Stay Connected, Follow Up and Learn More. Tara Fink, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics is available to see patients at both the Veterans Memorial Hospital Postville and Waukon clinics. Read the accompanying article to learn more about what to say and not to say to anyone who may be contemplating suicide. Submitted graphic.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  Dialing 988 will reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone contemplating suicide.  This year, the 988 Crisis Lifeline shares the message that everyone can help prevent suicide and encourages everyone to ‘Be The 1 To’….. Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Stay Connected, Follow Up and Learn More.

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