Community News Stories

The Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Office and the Allamakee County Veterans Museum are sponsoring a PTSD Awareness walk on Saturday, June 29 beginning at 9:00 a.m. from the FREEDMOM ROCK in the Waukon City Park to the COUNTY COURTHOUSE front lawn. There will be an optional extra loop in the beginning to walk around the park for those who want to walk longer.

Following the walk there will be tables set up on the Courthouse lawn with representatives from helping agencies as well as video presentations at the Allamakee Veterans Museum at 105 Allamakee Street, across from the courthouse.

This event is part of VA’s National Center for PTSD program celebrating JUNE as PTSD AWARENESS MONTH.

The event is not limited to Veterans, but is designed to inform the public at large to raise awareness of effective PTSD treatments that are available. PTSD affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. It takes a community to help all with PTSD to heal.

Those unable to participate in the walk are also invited to attend events at the courthouse and the Veterans Museum. Shuttle service will be available at the park to assist those who cannot participate in the walk. If there is rain, this event will be postponed.

Contact Allamakee Veterans Affairs Office at 563-568-6135 for info.

Join us Saturday, June 8th for Women & Soil at the Field of Dreams event center in Dyserville, IA from 1-5 pm! The program features a jam-packed event all about soil health, conservation and so much more!

Together with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Impact 7G, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Dr. Elaine’s Soil Food Web School, and the Field of Dreams—Women, Land and Legacy is hosting a one of kind and unique experience this summer for you!

Learn how women can make a difference in conservation, take charge, and impact the land. Get inspired, learn from top-notch female speakers about soil health, engage in network opportunities, and grow your knowledge with the vast resources available from our resource booths.

Additional networking opportunity following the event at Textile Brewery in Dyersville, Iowa (146 Second St NE Dyersville, IA 52040)

Attending this in-person event will provide a unique experience featuring speakers and presenters from a diverse background, resource booths, networking opportunities with other women producers and landowners, and a gift bag.  Light refreshments will be provided.
Seating is limited, so please reserve your spot today! Registration cost is $15. 

Registration and information can be found at this link: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/delaware/women-soil

Scholarships are available by emailing jadeh@iastate.edu.

Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center will host the annual NEIAWRC Big Four Fair 5k on Saturday June 15th will a 7:30 AM start time at the Fairgrounds
Medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place for each age group

Post race refreshments$20 registration – shirt deadline is May 30th

$5 kids run – no shirt included

Register online https://forms.gle/wbs41nRWCg4fyVVH9

Questions contact Melanie at 563-864-9622 or mbauch@neiawrc.org

RSVP of Northeast Iowa and the American Red Cross are holding their “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive Friday, May 17^th from 12 noon until 5 pm at Stone Ridge Community Church, 1111 Montgomery Street in Decorah. Respond to the call to give blood during this time of critical need and vote for your favorite public service department – EMS, Fire, or Law Enforcement. The American Red Cross and Sport Clips Haircuts are teaming up to ask you to race in to give blood – Make a pit stop to give at this blood drive and we’ll say thanks with a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips.

PLUS get automatic entry for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend! Trip includes round-trip airfare for two to South Carolina, up to a three-night hotel stay, entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent, plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. Help refuel the blood supply and we’ll also say thanks with a BONUS $10 e-gift card when you respond to the call to give blood during this time of critical need.

Now is the time to give with your whole heart. Without more blood donors, patient care could be at risk. Donating blood is an act of kindness you can carry with you! For an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter code DECORAH. Or, simply call Pete at 309-236-2382.

Join the Northeast Iowa Dairy and Agriculture Foundation in celebrating National Dairy Month with Breakfast on the Farm on Saturday, June 22, from 8:00 a.m. – Noon at Iowa’s Dairy Center located just south of Calmar at 1527 Highway 150 South. 

Enjoy a wholesome, dairy-rich breakfast of Dad’s Belgian Waffles served with real butter and whipped cream, sausage, ham, cheese, yogurt, milk and ice cream. In addition to breakfast, visitors will enjoy activities including guided tram tours of Iowa’s Dairy Center, petting zoo, inflatables, corn pools, and more.  

Breakfast on the Farm will be held rain or shine. Parking is available on-site and donations are appreciated. This event is made possible by generous support from community sponsors.  

For more information, visit our website at www.iowadairycenter.com and follow along with the Breakfast on the Farm Facebook event. See you there!

Aase Haugen Plantpalooza is Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (or sell-out) at Aase Haugen Parking Lot.

With your free will donation, you can choose plants and garden seedlings donated by Staff, Families, and area businesses! All proceeds go to the Aase Haugen Garden Fund.

For the second year, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. This year will also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Toe Tappers as part of the musical line-up, all held on Friday evening May 10, from 6-11 pm. The event will be held at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion. Cash food and beverages sales will be offered throughout the event.

Many of the returning BBF musicians are from Waukon including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers, John Withers, who have spearheaded this project the last two years. Oldest brother, Bill, is the event coordinator. Bandmates Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett, Joel Anderson, Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, will reunite with them again this year.

The original idea to attempt both a musical reunion and benefit came to the Withers boys as part of a fishing trip they’ve taken with their father for over 30 years. As many know, their father is Dr. Bill Withers, one of the hospital’s retired physicians in the community. Bill Jr. said, “We were just sitting in the cabin and started working on puzzle pieces that reveal a little bigger picture around rural healthcare, dad’s longtime service to the community, and friends and family coming together again.”

Dr. Withers, who is originally from Oklahoma, attended medical school in Denver, beginning in 1954. He finished school in 1958, marrying his girlfriend Libby Hale, of Waukon, in June of that year. He performed an internship at Denver General Hospital in 1959, then served two years in the Army as a physician in Fort Louis, WA, where his oldest son, Bill was born.

Whenever Dr. Withers visited Libby’s hometown of Waukon, her uncle, Dr. Jeffries, (referred to as ‘Uncle Doc’) was sure to keep in touch, introducing him to both Dr. Rominger, who were all some of the founding physicians of Veterans Memorial Hospital, along with Dr. Lou Bray.

“In 1961, after my military service, they asked me to come for an interview because they were looking for a partner. I accepted and away we went!” states Dr. Withers, who has remained a life-long resident of Waukon where he and his wife Libby raised their four children, the brothers noted earlier, and a daughter, Elizabeth (Jane) who lives in Florida but will also return with her family again this year for the benefit.

Music was in the Withers boys’ blood, thanks to their grandfather, Nate Hale, who was their mother, Libby’s, father. He owned the Hale’s Store in downtown Waukon at the corner of Main and Allamakee Streets, where Bodensteiner Insurance is now. He was a drummer in the Waukon High School Orchestra, pictured here, in 1916. The Withers boys learned of their Grandpa Nate’s love for music through stories passed down by their parents and their grandmother, Eloise Hale, who was also musical. Eloise was known to play the ukulele, an instrument the family has kept and still cherishes.

All three of the Withers boys learned to the play the drums, like their grandfather. Bill, the oldest, started when he was in Junior High as a teen. The first time he knew he was hooked was when he was asked to accompany at an elementary school choir concert where he drummed in front of a large gymnasium crowd.

“I was 15 when a band called ‘The Western Playboys’ came to my folks’ house and simply asked if I could travel with them a bit. I couldn’t drive yet, and I never thought my mom would agree to it, but she did, and the next thing I knew I was playing in a bar in Jackson Junction, Iowa,” explains Bill. “A few of us later named one of our bands by that town’s name, Jackson Junction. I was both surprised and thankful my folks agreed to that, and I never stopped after that!”

“Our parents were always very supportive of our music interest, attending all of our school concerts and later many of our gigs,” adds Bill. “Long after our grandfather Nate passed, Grandma Eloise still wanted to attend our bar and dance hall gigs—well into her 80’s! Our family members took turns taking her for the first hour or so, simply so she could watch and listen. She lived out in the country and was always willing to host band members overnight as we were traveling around the tri-state area – we loved it because she always had Michelob beer in her fridge for us!”

Bill and Jim were close in age so shared many of the musical instruments and band experiences, as witnessed in the picture of them “doing a show“ for their parents in their living room.

“Music was a part of our lives from a very early age,” shared Jim. “I remember taking piano lessons from one of the sisters at St. Pat’s convent back then. Middle School and High School were awesome and included playing saxophone and drums in marching, concert, jazz and pep bands – Jack Robinson and Merlyn Finley were awesome teachers. Then in college, I played drums and bass in several iterations of the band and played bars and wedding dances. Those gigs created so many memories that I talk with the guys and my family about to this day.”

Jim adds, “BBF feels like we’ve come full circle with the music. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the show – it’s a great opportunity to create yet another memory.”

John Withers came along after Bill and Jim were established in both Jr. High and High School. He carefully watched and learned how much they enjoyed their music and loved to play the drums and other instruments, becoming a very accomplished drummer who still performs regularly today.

“Some of my earliest, and most treasured memories center around me running home after 1st or 2nd grade in order to get there before Bill and Jim,” explains youngest brother, John. “Mom would almost always be in the kitchen preparing the evening meal. I would ask the same three questions daily:’ Is Bill home?’ ‘Is Jim home?’ ‘Are any of the brothers home?’ After Mom would answer ‘No’ to all three questions with a smirk on her face….OFF TO THEIR DRUMSET I WOULD GO!!! I had to get my reps in ’cause the older boys were NOT fond of me messing with their stuff! As always, Mom had my back.”

All three of the Withers boys have had children who also played percussion or went on to other elements of music as part of their own childhoods, keeping the family tradition beginning with their grandfather, Nate Hale, going strong decades later.

The three Withers boys, along with the eight other members of the former bands they were apart of, will once again be reuniting to benefit the Veterans Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation at their second annual event on May 10. The Toe Tappers will take the stage first, at 6 pm, followed by two different sets of these 11 musicians from the four past local bands including Rising Sun, Horizon, Jackson Junction and Deep River.

Doors will open at 5 pm with free-will donations being taken at the door. All proceeds will be used to purchase a new Pyxis medication dispensing system for the hospital’s emergency rooms.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joe Jayjack, jjayjack@inhf.org, 515-288-1846

Public invited to volunteer at Heritage Valley

The public is invited to join Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation on Saturday May 4, at Heritage Valley, a 1,200-acre private preserve near Decorah, for Into the Wild, Out with the Mustard!

Volunteers will hand-pull garlic mustard, one of the most invasive non-native plants in Iowa, from Heritage Valley’s woodlands. This is a great activity for everyone of all ages as garlic mustard is very easy to pull.

INHF will have fun items and tools for youth and families to enjoy while you pull garlic mustard including bird watching, sensory items and tools like magnifying lenses to help explore.

Two volunteer shifts are available, from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Sign up for one or spend the day with us. A bag lunch will be provided. An RSVP is required. People are encouraged to arrive early to park and check-in.

EQUIPMENT & ATTIRE

• Work gloves and water bottle
• A hiking stick, binoculars, field guide and/or camera, if you like
• Sturdy shoes or hiking boots, long pants and layers

DETAILS

• There is no experience necessary.
• Families are welcome.
• Attendees will be asked to sign a liability waiver.
• There will be a port-a-potty on site.
• Terrain at Heritage Valley can be hilly and uneven. Volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level

ABOUT HERITAGE VALLEY

INHF purchased and permanently protected Heritage Valley in 2007 and has been actively restoring and stewarding the land ever since. The property is not open to the public, but there are occasionally public events held there. Oak-hickory woodlands, secluded hills and bluffs, sun-soaked goat prairies and three miles of the Upper Iowa River are some of the amazing natural features of Heritage Valley.

QUESTIONS

Learn more and register at inhf.org/events or contact Senior Land Stewardship and Blufflands Director Brian Fankhauser at bfankhauser@inhf.org or 563-382-2008.

There have been a lot of changes in and near Carlson Park! Join us for a community day at the park on Saturday, May 4, from 1-3 PM. Come see what’s new and get to know the original Carlson Park. Stop by the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trailhead for free hot dogs and ice cream sponsored by Decorah Rotary Club while admiring the new access to Minowa Heights being built at Miller Park. Explore the original Carlson Park core loop on your own or meet us for a guided hike or bike ride. Rock collectors, be on the lookout for rocks from Decorah Rocks! Take them with you to re-hide or to keep.

The Decorah Farmers Market shifted its hours on Saturdays to be from 9:00 am to noon.  The shift in Saturday’s hours was based on vendor and customer survey results.  The Farmers Market now opens at 9:00 am versus 8:00 am.  The Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in addition to the new Saturday hours.  The Farmers Market is located in the parking lot below the Oneota Co-op in the City of Decorah, Iowa.

Pine Bluff Camp Cleanup up is on Saturday April 27th 9-noon.

It is an invitation to help get the non-profit camp in shape for the camping season.

We will be picking up sticks and lawn debris, cleaning cabins, cleaning the bath house, cleaning the kitchen/shelter and clearing trails across the river.

Bring your own work gloves, rakes, rags and buckets.

The Landing Market, Decorah, will host a “A Taste of Soul” dinner on Wed., April 24, 5-7 p.m.

The special meal will feature braised oxtails, rice & peas, cabbage, mac & cheese, and a rum punch cocktail or mocktail.

Robert Clay, Luther College Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer and Assistant to the President for Community Engagement, is preparing the meal.

Clay, who is originally from Chicago, first learned to cook “because he was hungry and likes to eat.” Primarily self-taught, he has polished his technique serving large family gatherings and taking culinary classes along the way.

“Robert’s reputation for the dishes he prepares preceded him, and we are thrilled he is going to share it with Decorah,” says Landing manager Terry Ramlo.

The cost for the meal is $25 per person. Capacity is limited. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing info@thelandingmarket.com.

This event is one of the Landing’s Passport Dinner, introduced in 2023, to bring the cuisine of other countries and cultures to the Decorah area and provide an opportunity to get to know about other places and meet new people.

The Landing Market is located at 211 College Dr., Decorah. It houses food and beverage-oriented establishments, which include Justin’s, The Buzz, and Root 43 as well as space for events. For more information, email info@thelandingmarket.com, or call (563) 277-1893.

Are you concerned about preserving the Mississippi River as a host for recreation and nature-lovers now and in the future? If so, please consider participating in the Friends of Pool 9 River Cleanup on April 13^th from 8 a.m. to noon. People interested in helping with this clean up should contact the group leaders at the following towns to get their assignments and sign up sheets. Each individual must sign a liability waiver. Those under the age of 18 must have signed parental permission to participate. Volunteers will receive gloves, garbage bags and water when they arrive. Dumpsters will be placed at strategic places on both sides of the river.

Group leaders are

DeSoto WI- Jerry Boardman, 563-419-7968

Ferryville WI- Larry Quamme-

Lynxville WI- Mark Schneden- 608-412-0483

New Albin IA- Jim Erbe- 563-419-1085

Lansing IA-Alex Galema- 563-568-7294

Pool 9 is the stretch of the Mississippi River that exists between Lock 8 at Genoa WI and Lock 9 at Lynxville WI on the river. The Friends of Pool 9 are stewards/caretakers of that section of the river. For several years, they have spearheaded a spring clean up to get the river ready for summer fun. This involves cleaning up trash and debris along the shores, on the islands and in the river itself.

This is a great activity for families to share knowledge about being caretakers of this beautiful stretch of the Mississippi River. Past volunteer cleanups have collected more than 168,800 pounds (84.4 tons) of debris from the river and recorded over 9,900 hours of volunteer time. In 2022, 100 volunteers collected 12, 160 pounds. The 2023 clean up was postponed because of flooding so the clean up was done as needed by individuals.

Decorah, IA— The Spectrum Network invites community stakeholders to our 50th Anniversary Gala-themed event, “Golden Moments.” Marking half a century of dedicated service, the gala promises an unforgettable evening filled with nostalgia, entertainment, and philanthropy.

Guests can anticipate various experiences, including a raffle, live auction, musical performances, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and beverages. The theme, “Golden Moments,” is a homage to the organization’s impactful journey through the decades, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.

Proceeds from the event will directly support The Spectrum Network’s mission to enhance client services and acquire an ADA-compliant vehicle. This vehicle will significantly improve accessibility for individuals with cognitive disabilities, mental illness, and barriers to independent living, enabling them to engage more actively within the community.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone with our community,” said Christopher Miculinich, Operations Manager at The Spectrum Network. “Your support at the ‘Golden Moments’ Gala will commemorate our past achievements and fuel our efforts to empower individuals towards a brighter future.”

Secure your tickets today by calling (563) 382-8401 or visiting givebutter.com/hyTfVB. 

Event Details:

• What: The Spectrum Network’s 50th Anniversary Gala-Themed “Golden Moments”
• When: Friday, May 3rd, 2024, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
• Where: Impact Coffee (101 W. Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101)
• Tickets: Available for purchase online at givebutter.com/hyTfVB or by phone at (563) 382-8401

Please contact Christopher Miculinich at (563) 382-8401 EXT: 12 or cmiculinich@thespectrumnetwork.org for media inquiries or further information.

FRANKVILLE COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IS HAVING A SPRING SOUP LUNCHEON & QUILT RAFFLE ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Serving variety of 4 homemade soups (vegetable beef, chicken noodle, cheesy broccoli, and potato ham), along with rolls, bars, and beverages.  Free-will donation.

We’re holding a raffle for a beautiful hand-made quilt pieced by Sharon (Sampson) Zeisler of our congregation.  Quilt size is 84” x 105” (queen) and comes with quilt rack.  Purchase raffle tickets ($2 each or six for $10) in advance from any church member, or at the door.  The raffle drawing will follow the luncheon and winner will be notified on the 21st.

Proceeds will go towards the church’s “to-do” list that includes sanctuary window repair; basement door, ceiling tiles, LED lighting; and repair to belfry ceiling.  Support of our ongoing activities is sincerely appreciated!

Pillow Cleaning at the Cresco United Methodist Church, Cresco, IA, Wednesday, April 24, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on

Thursday, April 25, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.    Feather pillows as well as crushed foam pillows cleaned and put in new ticking.

This is sponsored by the Cresco Methodist Women.  No reservations needed, pillows cleaned while you wait & returned same day.

Thank you.

Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center Postville Iowa will be hosting a Mental Health Awareness night on May 7th at 6:30 PM
with mental health presentation, local providers, resources and activities.
At 7:30 PM the movie My Ascension will be shown – due to the topic of this film parents are encouraged to attend with you.
As a follow up to the movie showing Alive and Running Iowa will be presenting a free QPR training on May 30th from 6-8 PM
QPR training is a suicide prevention program.

Bingo at Calmar Lutheran on Sunday March 24 and April 28.  Doors open at 2:30, games start at 3. Concession stand available including non-alcoholic beverages.  Come join the fun!

The Beauty and the Beast live production, performed by OPERA Iowa, will be coming to the Waukon Middle School Auditorium on April 1st, 2024 at 7PM. Doors will open at 6PM and $5 tickets will be sold at the door. All ages are welcome to attend from the surrounding communities, and everyone is invited to share in this special experience. March is Music in our Schools appreciation month. In celebration, this event is being sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters and Parents Supporting Students and Teachers (PSST).

The  Hesper Public Cemetery will be holding their annual meeting on Tuesday April 16, 2024 in the kitchenette at the Hesper Lutheran Church, at 7pm. All are welcome to attend

Hesper Lutheran WELCA Waffle Breakfast Sunday April 7, 2024

Serving from 9:30am until 12:30pm

Homemade Belgian Waffles with strawberry sauce

Sausage

Applesauce

Juice-Milk-Coffee

Adults $10.00, Children $5.00, Children 5 and under Free

LOCUST   SCHOOL  BENEFIT

at the

WINNESHIEK  WILDBERRY  WINERY

1966  337^TH  STREET – DECORAH

 SUNDAY  APRIL 28, 2024

2:30  –  4:30  p.m.

 2:30 p.m.  SCHOOL  PROGRAM

“MEMORIES  OF  COUNTRY  SCHOOL  STUDENTS”

 3:00 p.m.  PIE  AUCTION

STEVE  DARRINGTON – AUCTIONEER

 3:30 p.m.  MUSIC  BY  “FAMILY  TRADITIONS”

 4:30 p.m.  LOCUST  SCHOOL  MUSEUM

Open for tours

1640  Big Canoe  Road COST:

$15 covers 2 hours of entertainment,  hors d’oeuvres, coffee & lemonade prepared by the Winery;  music and student memories of what a country school education looked like.

 PROCEEDS  WILL  HELP FUND THE  LOCUST  SCHOOL  FOUNDATION  ISSUE

 Sponsored by Locust School Committee of Winneshiek County Historical Society and Thrivent Financial

 THANK  YOU  FOR  LENDING  A  HAND  TO  PRESERVE  THIS  NATIONAL  REGISTER  PROPERTY!

Who: Canton American Legion

What:  Canton American Legion Pancake Breakfast

When:  April 7,2024  7:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where:  Canton Town Hall,  Canton, MN

Why: All proceeds go toward the Veterans Memorial

The Landing Market is again hosting its Little bunny Breakfast for families and anyone wanting to spring into Easter on Sat., Mar. 30, 9-11 a.m.

This hopping good time will include free activities for children, including crafts, balloon art from Twisted by Mariann, and crafts. They can also order the bunny face pancake special from Justin’s.

Justin’s complete breakfast and lunch menu will be available along with a full slate of hot and cold beverages from The Buzz.

The Landing is located at 211 College Dr., Decorah.  It houses food and beverage-oriented establishments, which include Justin’s, The Buzz, Root 43, and others along with space for events.

For more information, visit www.thelandingmarket.com, email info@thelandingmarket.com, or call (563) 277-1893.

The Porter House Museum in Decorah will offer a lecture on “The Women of Broadway” by Elizabeth Lorentzen and David Faldet on Thursday March 14 at 6:15 and again at 7:45 p.m.  The lecture, at the Porter House on 401 W. Broadway, is open to the public and free of charge.

The Porter House Museum in Decorah will offer a lecture titled “Women’s Work for Public Good” by Elizabeth Lorentzen and David Faldet on Thursday March 21 at 6:15 and again at 7:45 p.m..  The lecture, at the Porter House on 401 W. Broadway, is open to the public and free of charge

News Release: Immediate

Contact Person: Ric Zarwell, Friends of Pool 9

1-563-419-4991

Email:  Refuge100AnniversaryRicZ@gmail.com 

Free Events  Celebrate

100th Anniversary of Upper Miss. River Refuge

One hundred years ago, a group of concerned citizens banded together to protect the Upper Mississippi from being turned into farmland. This group, spearheaded by Will Dig, who created the Isaac Walton League, petitioned congress in 1924  to create the largest wildlife preserve at that time, The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This Refuge set aside 261 miles of the Mississippi River from Wabasha Minnesota to Rock Island IL and  protected over 240,000 acres of the Mississippi River floodplain. Currently the Refuge is home to hundreds of species of fish, mammals, and birds, in addition it is  a migratory stop for swans, pelicans, and many other birds. The Refuge  brings 3.7 million annual visitors to the area for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreation.

In celebration of this 100^th anniversary, the Friends of Pool 9, a non-profit group whose mission is to preserve the cultural and natural resources within Pool 9 (between Locks and Dams 8 & 9) is hosting two free events on Saturday, March 9 to commemorate the  100th anniversary of the  beloved Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge . More information about the refuge may be found at https://www.uppermiss100.com/

AT TJ Hunters Banquet Hall on Main Street Lansing, Steven Marking will present his performance entitled “A Visit from Will Dilg”(the father of the refuge) plus jhe will show his film “Our Mighty Mississippi” beginning at 2 P.M.  Marking is a seasoned performer with an incredible voice who sang professionally for a decade in New York City, before following his heart back to the beautiful and peaceful Mississippi River.  During warm months Marking  performs for the American Cruise Lines on the big paddlewheel boats on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers; and creates remarkable river films.

The same day, March 9, at 7 p.m. until close at TJ Hunters,  Big Blue Sky will delight audiences with lively music celebrating the beauty of the river. Well-known in the area, the popular group Jon “Hawk” Stravers and his band Big Blue Sky will create a party-like atmosphere, with abundant camaraderie among all those who love and use the Refuge.. Jon “Hawk” Stravers and Big Blue Sky create original easy listening, folk-rock type music, much of which is focused on connections with the rivers and forests within the Driftless Area.  CDs will be available for purchase. .Often playing in SW Wisconsin and NE Iowa, the group has amassed a loyal following. Stavers is also well known for his research on tracking red-shouldered hawks and his data on cerulean warblers.

Both events will take place at  TJ Hunters Banquet Hall, 377 Main Street, Lansing, Iowa, where lunch, cash bar and dinner will be available

The Friends of Pool 9  (FOP9), the 93 square miles of publicly owned refuge available to all between Lock and dams 8 & 9 will present these free events to celebrate 100 years of amazing recreational opportunities throughout the refuge.  A second purpose is to show appreciation and honor the scores of volunteers who have participated on annual river clean-up days, education activities for nearby school districts such as MRAD (Mississippi River Adventure Days), Kids Fishing Days, help at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Tree Planting Projects on new islands, and various other activities.

Friends of Pool 9 is a 501( c )( 3 ) non-profit organization which conserves the cultural and natural resources within Pool 9, and fosters wise public use and enjoyment of the Refuge and the Upper Mississippi River.  For more information, please go to “events” on the FOP9 website: friendsofpool9.org , or visit the FOP9 FaceBook page.   A free will donation at the events will help support the activities of the FOP9. Membership in FOP9 is free to anyone who supports the goals of the organization.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 23, 2024

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Decorah, IA is one of  6 National Winners in Interfaith Power and Light’s Cool Congregations Annual Award for Leadership and Sustainability

Interfaith Power and Light Announces ‘Cool Congregations Challenge’ Winners as

Faith Communities Prioritize Energy Efficiency, Renewables, and Sustainability

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 24, 2024

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Decorah, IA is one of the six national Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) 2024 Cool Congregations Challenge winners awarded a $1000 prize. The annual contest accepts applications from religious congregations around the United States who are doing work to address climate change by reducing their carbon footprint as they create models of sustainability within their communities.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church won the Energy Saver Award for entirely eliminating the use of fossil fuels in heating, cooling, lighting, and powering their buildings. They have converted their building to all-electric, with heat pumps to heat and cool their buildings, powered entirely by solar on their property, preventing 25 tons of carbon emissions annually.

“Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the other national winning congregations are casting a vision for the kind of world in which they want to live, and then carrying out that vision with practical actions that make a real difference in creating lasting solutions to climate change,” said Rev. Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power & Light.

The Cool Congregations Challenge shows that people of faith are united by concerns about climate change and are taking action. The winners provide strong moral role models for their communities, and their activities have a ripple effect on people in their own homes, demonstrating that acting on climate is a moral issue.

“Iowa IPL congratulates Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on their well-deserved recognition for their work and commitment on prioritizing sustainability. Good Shepherd shows us all what is possible when people of faith come together and live into bold and just action on the climate crisis. They are a leader and will inspire other houses of worship to see what they can do,” says Deaconess Irene DeMaris, Executive Director, Iowa Interfaith Power & Light.

Interfaith Power & Light is mobilizing a religious response to global warming in congregations by promoting energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. www.interfaithpowerandlight.org Twitter: #CoolCongregations @interfaithpower   Facebook: facebook.com/interfaithpowerandlight

Free will donation, Pancake Breakfast. Sunday March 17, 2024 from 8:00am – 12:00pm at the Clermont Fire Station, 808 State Street Clermont IA 52135. Dine in or Carry out. Serving: pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, applesauce, juice, milk and coffee. All donations will be used to purchase pages compatible with the new county wide paging system.

According to new data from the Federal Trade Commission’s website, “consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, an increase of more than 30 percent over the previous year”. Roger Huinker, a Northeast RSVP Volunteer trained by the Iowa Insurance Division, will be presenting an “Iowa Fraud Fighters” seminar. He will be joined by staff from Waukon State Bank, Waukon Police Department, and Decorah Tech. Join us at the Robey Memorial Library Meeting Room on February 27th at 10 AM (401 1st Ave W, Waukon). No registration is required.  Presenters will share about different types of scams, ways to identify fraud or scams, what is happening locally, and tips on how to protect yourself from being taken advantage of or what to do if you think you have been scammed. Information will be available from the Iowa Insurance Division Fraud Fighters and the Federal Trade Commission.

Northeast Iowa RSVP matches volunteers age 55 and better with opportunities to serve at non-profits in Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek counties.

If your business or organization would like to host a Fraud Fighters seminar, please contact Deana Hageman at 563-277-5181 or rsvp@decorahlibrary.org.

The Latecomers Relay for Life team will be taking donations for American Cancer Society at the Waucoma vendor show. Each $5.00 donation gets you a chance in a raffle  drawing of your choice of and Iowa Hawkeyes or Iowa State Quilt.

Quilts will be given away in August at the Chickasaw County Relay for Life event.

Bingo at Calmar Lutheran on February 25.

Waucoma Fire Department will be holding there annual pancake breakfast March 3rd 2024 from 9am to 12 at the Waucoma Event Center.  Serving Pancakes sausage apple sauce eggs orange juice milk. Raffle Prizes will be able to win.