Community News Stories

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to:
• Individuals/families who generally make $60,000 or less;
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

The regional VITA sites are staffed by volunteers who have IRS tax law training, passed IRS certified tax law exams, adhere to procedures to protect taxpayer privacy and confidentiality and operate the VITA sites that meet the IRS quality review standards.
Taxpayers who qualify for this service can call the message phone for NEIVITA at 563-277-7246 or email neivita.assist@gmail.com to request an appointment. A VITA volunteer will return your call to verify your qualification for the program and schedule a future tax appointment.  All taxpayers need an appointment.

The VITA locations in Northeast Iowa are the:
Waukon ISU Extension Office
Decorah ISU Extension Office
Decorah Spectrum Kitchen
Cresco Public Library
Postville Public Library
Elkader ISU Extension Office
Appointment times and days of the week vary for each location.

Almost all of the Volunteers who serve through VITA completing tax returns are members of the Northeast Iowa RSVP Volunteer Program. We expressed an interest in this program and then were referred to VITA. There are many volunteer opportunities available through RSVP as long as you are 55 years old or better. With RSVP, you can choose which opportunities work the best for you.

The Clayton County Food Shelf will be conducting its 24th annual “Souper Bowl Sunday” coming up on Sunday, February 12, 2023. Each church collects $1 from every parishioner as they leave worship the morning of the game. Donations may be mailed to Clayton County Food Shelf at P.O. Box 48 in St. Olaf. Last year 32 area congregations participated giving a total of $2,809.91. The Food Shelf will be using 100% of the funds raised to help feed the hungry in our county.

Sunday March 5th 2023
Serving From 9:00 AM till Noon
Dine-In/Carryout/Drive-Thru

At the Waucoma Events Center
Adults $9.00
Kids 5-12 $5.00
Kid 5 and Under eat Free

On Saturday, February 4th, the Fayette Take A Kid Outdoors (TAKO) chapter is holding their popular annual ice fishing event for kids of all ages. It’s free and open to families, regardless if they have ice fishing experience or not. This will be held from 9am-2pm at the Buelahland Campground, 22473 Abbey Rd., Elgin. It is located east of West Union on Hwy 56 and TAKO
signs will be posted to mark the road to the event.

Their will PROFESSIONAL ANGLERS AND STAFF to help. There will be ice augurs, tents, heaters, ice fishing poles, tackle, and bait available for those that do not have their own….or you can bring your own. Two-wheel drive vehicles need to park on the gravel or designated spots, and shuttles will be there for those who need assistance. Upon arrival, come to the campground
lodge to register and many door prizes will be given away at 11am in the heated lodge. This a great opportunity for anyone to experience and learn about ice fishing. Last year this drew a very large crowd, Please dress accordingly for the outdoors. Parents or guardians are expected to stay with the children during the event. For questions or information contact Fayette TAKO President Leif White at: 319-939-1567

Walleye Connection 2023

Decorah, IA to Lake of the Woods, MN

Risk Free Reservations:

Book by February 15th, a $300 deposit saves your space.  If you should need to cancel for Covid related reasons, your full deposit amount will be placed on account as a credit and can be used for one-year from the original trip date.

Cancellation Trip Protection:

Your final balance of $550, is due (30-days prior to trip) APRIL 21.  Covid related cancellations inside of 30-days get 100% trip credit for one-year from the original trip date.

Schedule (Sunday May 21 to Thursday May 25):

Day 1 depart Decorah at 700am, arrive to Ballard’s Resort 300pm, check-in, group orientation, complimentary welcome reception, evening dinner, lodging first night.  Day 2, 3, 4 700am breakfast, guided walleye fishing (800am to 400pm), lunch on the lake, evening dinner in the dining room, nightly lodging.  Day 5 600am breakfast, depart lodge at 700am, mid-day lunch served on the return coach, arrive to Decorah at 300pm.

Packages:

Lodging in cabins…  Each unit is complete with living room, two single beds per bedroom, bathroom, TV, towels, bedding, & daily maid service.  Based on availability and pricing, there are one, two, and three-bedroom cabins at hand for reservations.  Preference is to reserve each cabin for intact parties of two to six anglers.  Groups will also be matched when necessary to effectively utilize lodging space.

Guided walleye fishing…  Our 27 ft. Sportcrafts, (guide boats), include angling equipment, bait, tackle, on-board restroom facilities, ice, & fish processing.  The boats accommodate up to six anglers, plus Coast Guard licensed guide, & operate for an eight-hour day.   

American Plan meals…  This is a set daily menu with generous portions.  Dinners each evening.  Breakfasts every morning.  Sack lunches on the boat (group walleye shore lunch on day-two of fishing).

Luxury motorcoach…  Professional transportation is provided by WindStar Lines.  Gowindstar.com  Your vacation begins the second you climb aboard.  This (56) passenger deluxe model includes DVD – VCR video monitors, Wi-Fi capabilities, restroom facilities, & comfortable seating.  Socialize with friends, bring along a movie, read a book, relax, & share the adventures of group travel.

Not Included:

Beverages…  Bring a cooler to pack your own lunch & beverage for the ride up.  The cooler will also be used to transport your fish on the way home.  Other than breakfasts, you are responsible for your own beverages during the day on the boats and for dinners.  You can purchase beer, liquor, soda, bottled water, and N/A beverages at the lodge.

MN fishing license…  Purchase in advance dnr.state.mn.us, or at Ballard’s Resort on arrival.        

Gratuities…  Tips for the fishing guides, restaurant wait-staff, & daily housekeeping. 

Deposits Due: FEBRUARY 15      Final Payments Due: APRIL 21

          #218.634.1849                                                  BallardsResort.com

Canton Community Association/Santa Day

The Magic of Christmas in Canton, MN

Visit Santa’s Magical Lane from 4:30 to 6:30, take a photo with Santa and get a treat. Wagon Rides from 4:30 to 6:30. Hot Chocolate and popcorn served  by First Southeast Bank of Canton. Mail your letters to Santa and drop off your Food Shelf Item. The Lighted Parade starts at 6:30. Fun is had by All!!!

All Parade Entries welcome 

December 10, 2022   

Canton, MN

Santa Day and Lighted Parade

Spread some holiday cheer by joining the First Presbyterian Church members in organizing this years Waukon Holiday Parade on Thursday, December 8th at 7:00 PM.

Church members invite you to decorate any vehicle, float, side by side, or yourself and pet with lights and travel through downtown for this joyous event.  Lineup of parade entries will start at East Elementary School at 6:30 PM and follow the rescue vehicles to downtown.

Please register by December 1st.  Call Linda Mahr at 563-794-1663, or Bethany Ellingson at 563-568-9521.  All entries will be entered in a drawing for prizes.  There will also be a grand prize for the most festive float.  

RSVP of Northeast Iowa and the American Red Cross are holding their “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive Friday, October 28^th from 12 noon until 5 pm at Stone Ridge Community Church, 1111 Montgomery Street in Decorah. Respond to the call and give blood during this time of critical need. Extremely limited blood supplies have been strained even further by Hurricane Ian while also forcing the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives in the Southeast USA. Come donate lifesaving blood and vote for your favorite public service department – EMS, Fire or Law Enforcement – and receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. It’s 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.

Serving grilled Iowa chop, baked potato, green beans, roll and dessert.  Serving first 600 only. 11:00 am til 2:00 pm. Drive through only at fire station in Waucoma

United States (cpr.ca)

CP Holiday Train returns to the rails in support of community food banks after two-year hiatus

You can get advance tickets at LetterWerks, Red Roxy Quilty Shop, Barneys Bar and Grill, KVIK Studios in Decorah, and from any committee member! 

51st Annual Waucoma Craft & Vendor Show

Sunday, November 6, 2022

9 am to 3 pm

Free Admission

Free Door Prizes

Lunch Available On Site

Join us at the NICC Wilder Business Center (Calmar) on Thursday October 13th for the Northeast Iowa Get Charged Up! Electric Vehicle Event!!!  A line up of subject matter experts and panel discussions will introduce attendees to community electric vehicle (EV) readiness, EV fleet transitions, charging infrastructure deployment, funding opportunities and more.  Also check out the EV exhibit, Ride and Drive opportunity, and networking lunch. This is a free, full day event (9 am – 4 pm). Our goal is to bring engagement around this expanding technology to our communities so they can capitalize on opportunities and prepare for local impacts.  Businesses and organizations, schools, community leaders, and more are encouraged to attend and GET CHARGED UP ABOUT EVs!

Search the event on google or Facebook or check out the provided website link to learn more!  Registration deadline is October 5th!!!

Allamakee County 4-H Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction 

Sunday, October 30, 2022

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion, Waukon

Free-Will Donation at the Door. Carry outs available. 

Menu: Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Applesauce, Juice, Milk and Coffee

All proceeds benefit the Allamakee County 4-H Program Development Fees. For more information, please contact the Allamakee County Extension Office at 563-568-6345. 

Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center together with the Postville Police Department K9 Xena will be hosting a Fun Night on Sunday – October 23rd from 6-8 PM
 
K9 Xena will be doing demonstrations of the work she does with Officer Sierra Fox.

• Bounce House
• Games
• Face Painting
• Hidden in Plain Site – demonstration
• Fraud Fighters Presentation
• Superhero Yoga for all ages
• Mobile Mama – Digital Safety
• 5-2-1-0 Information
• Lesly’s Taco Truck
• Snacks and fun!

Check out the NEIAWRC website and Facebook event page for detailed information closer to the event.
 
Parents are requested to participate with their child. All children must be signed in prior to the event.
 
Event will be held at NEIAWRC 313 W. Post Street Postville, Iowa
 
NEIAWRC & K9 Xena are 501 C 3 Nonprofits

Faith and Fellowship potluck will be held at Decorah Lutheran Church on Sunday October 2 at 5:30 pm. All are welcome. Bring a dish to share with others and enjoy good food and conversation.

WAUKON, IOWA (September 9) — Three natives of northeast Iowa are joining forces to host the Band Together for Good fundraiser on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Lakeside Ballroom and Sports Bar in Guttenberg, Iowa. Kyle Selberg of Lakeside, Mollie Marti of the nonprofit Worldmaker, and Rachelle Howe of the Mental Health Today are raising funds to support youth mental health and resilience programming in Allamakee County. All three of the organizers are natives of Waukon, Iowa who share a passion for supporting youth and families in their hometown.

The event will feature the band Triple Threat, a popular band in northeast Iowa. The event will run from 7p.m. – 11p.m., with the Lakeside Sports Bar opening for dinner at 5:30p.m. The evening will feature music and dancing, food and drink specials, a raffle, and silent auction. Entry is open to all, and a goodwill donation can be made at the door.

“When my partners, Ron Shorkey and Norie McCullick, and I bought the Lakeside Ballroom, giving back to the community was an important part of our vision,” said Selberg. “In the short time we’ve owned the Lakeside, we’ve hosted three major fundraisers. I’m personally excited that this one will be for my hometown and for such an important cause.”

The organizers are excited to welcome the Triple Threat band not only for its great music, but also because it mirrors their own collaboration. Selberg explains, “We were moving forward with another band and at the last minute, schedules shifted and then Triple Threat offered to help. We thought that’s actually quite perfect given how the three of us – with very different skill sets but a shared passion to support kids and mental health – are working together to do more good in our hometown.”

Rachelle Howe, who founded Mental Health Today in Waukon after the death of her husband by suicide, says that a lot of good has already been accomplished by working with Worldmaker, a nonprofit that provides education to help people prepare for, adapt to, and grow through adversity. “With the support of the Allamakee County Community Foundation and others, we have hosted seven free community sessions and we have eight more scheduled between now and the end of the year. The funds raised with the help of our new partner, Lakeside, are needed to complete this programming and build momentum into next year!”

“The community sessions, offered at no cost to participants, are one-hour workshops focused on a specific component of resilience, followed by refreshments and social time. The sessions are based on the THRIVE Resilience Model developed by Marti, a resilience researcher, after her community of Mount Vernon, Iowa lost three teens by suicide. “The workshops are designed to be fun while providing useful ways to deal with and overcome challenges,” she explains. “Worldmaker does the work of digging into the research and creating practical tools that people can use right away to strengthen themselves and help others.””

Howe says that the biggest surprise so far is how much this education is resonating with young people themselves. “It’s been great to see these sessions not only appeal to adults, but also to older teens. Our kids have so much going on these days and many are struggling. They’re really looking for tools to cope with stress in healthy ways and to be a better friend to someone in need.”

Sunday, September 18, a chicken and ham dinner with homemade desserts will be served 11:00-1:00. Quilt and craft auction to follow at 1:30.

All You Can Eat Pancake Fundraiser Breakfast
to benefit the North Fayette Valley Community Coalition

Sunday, September 25^th

9 am to 1 pm

Dance Pavilion, Fayette County Fairgrounds, West Union

Come join the community of Fort Atkinson on September 23, 24, and 25 for Rendezvous Days. Kolaches and pies will be for sale at the Fort Atkinson Community Center. Breakfast will be served on September 25 from 8:00am-12:00pm at the Community Center. The meal includes scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, other toppings, and cinnamon rolls. The St. John’s Parish will have a raffle at 12:00 with a 130 prizes consisting of a Handcrafted quilt, cash prizes and many other wonderful donations.

St. John’s Parish – Fort Atkinson

Rendezvous Days

September 23, 24 & 25, 2022

Kolaches and Homemade Pies for sale

at the Fort Atkinson Community Center

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Serving 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

at Fort Atkinson Community Center

Breakfast

Scrambled eggs & toppings, ham, sausage,

breakfast potatoes, fruit, cinnamon rolls, toast,

juice, milk and coffee

Raffle

Drawing at 12:00 noon

Handcrafted quilt, cash prizes, gift certificates and much more.  To view all the raffle items, please visit our display at the Fort Atkinson Community Center

On Sunday, September 25th the Decorah Dancers will hold a free will donation pancake breakfast at the Decorah Elks Lodge (105 River Street) from 8-11:30 am. Help support the dancers as they prepare to dance during the half time and pregame of the Reliquest Bowl (formerly the Outback Bowl). Enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausage and beverages. A raffle will be held at the breakfast. Enter for your chance to win great prizes while enjoying great food. Tickets can be purchased at the breakfast or by contacting decorah_ia@justforkix.com. Cost of the tickets is $5 each or 5/$20. 

The Cherry Valley Chums 4-H Club are hosting their annual Craft and Vendor Event on September 24th from 10am-2pm at Dreamland in Postville. Along with shopping there is also a bake sale and Meal for sale by the club. All funds go towards their community projects. Last year the club was able to give back to the community with birthday kits to the food pantry, Food Boxes for the Holidays for families in the Postville School District, Books to kids in need in Allamakee County, and $1,000 towards the new show barn at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds. We hope you will join us to support the club this year.

What do you most love about Winneshiek County? What are the natural, historic, or cultural resources you most want to protect? The Winneshiek County Planning & Zoning Commission is holding a series of community meetings to gather input from county residents on just that.

There will be a series of five meetings held across the county, the first of which will be Thursday, August 25th starting at 5:30 pm at the North Winn School. All residents of Winneshiek county are invited to attend and a light meal will be served. Information gathered will be shared with the county and may inform future land use decisions. 

Please email WinneshiekResources@gmail.com for more information or search for “Winneshiek Resource Protection Project” on facebook. The full meeting schedule is below:

Canton American Legion Post 400 is having a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, Saturday August 20,2022 from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Location Main Street , Fest Tent in Canton,MN.  Adults $8.00, 12 and Under $5.00, Preschool Free.   Stop by and enjoy Breakfast with Friends and Family.  Fundraiser for the Canton Legion Memorial.

Assumption Parish of Little Turkey will be celebrating their annual church dinner on Monday, August 15th. Mass at 3:00 pm. Meal serving Reicks Fried Chicken with homemade side dishes and baked goods will be served from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. $15 per meal. No advanced tickets. Live Music by Marc Frana. Games, Bingo, Kolache Sales, Raffle, and Facebook Auction. For more information go to the parish facebook page: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Little Turkey, Iowa. Outdoor dining only, carry-out or drive-thru.  Come enjoy a meal with friends and family under the tent.

The Waukon Fire Department is hosting their “Hero Run” on Saturday, August 27th at Empty Nest Winery.  The Little Minions race begins at 5:30 PM, and the Adult 5K Fun Run/Walk starts at 6:00 PM.  Open registration is happening that night from 5-6 PM, but pre-registration is encouraged by August, 6th to guarantee a shirt by race day.  You can register online here, on the event Facebook page, or drop off registration at the Waukon Wellness Center.  Entry fee for the 5k Run/Walk is $30.00, and that includes a brat and beverage.  Free babysitting is available during the adult race.  

The Allamakee County 4-H County Council is hosting a School Supplies Drive to benefit the Allamakee County Relief Office. Council members are encouraging all 4-H Clubs and the community to participate by purchasing and donating items to the drive. Monetary donations will be accepted during fair as well. There will be a special community service booth in the 4-H Exhibit Building to display the donations during the fair. Donations can be made between July 20-24 at the Allamakee County Fair in Waukon.

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families traveled by Hawkeye Stages bus (via donation from Hawkeye Stages) to Como Zoo Park & Conservatory. Twenty Three mentoring participants spent a fun filled afternoon at the zoo enjoying the sea lion show, animal exhibits, lunch, and the conservatory. Youth Mentoring offers groups events like this each month to provide opportunities and experiences for our youth and mentors. Get involved now, BECOME A MENTOR contact (563) 387-1720, mentoring@helpingservices.org, or http://www.helpingservices.org/mentoring.

RSVP of Northeast Iowa and the American Red Cross are holding their “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive Friday, July 1^st from 12 noon until 5 pm at Stone Ridge Community Church, 1111 Montgomery Street in Decorah. Respond to the call and give blood during this time of critical need. Please also note that the American Red Cross has removed the mask requirement at blood drives. Come vote for your favorite public service department – EMS, Fire or Law Enforcement – and get an exclusive Red Cross recycled tote bag, while supplies last! By donating, you’re helping patients celebrate a summer with loved ones. It’s 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.

Here’s a full schedule of the activities at the Pavilion this summer!  Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair or blanket.

Movie: Wednesday, June 15th – Sing 2 at 8:00 PM

Movie: Sunday, June 19th – Dolittle at 8:00 PM

Live Performance: Wednesday, June 22nd – Decorah Municipal Band at 7:00 PM

Live Performance: Sunday, June 26th – Old Time Community Band at 7:00 PM

Movie: Wednesday, June 29th – Woody Woodpecker at 8:00 PM

Live Performance: Wednesday, July 6th – The Tom and Betty Show at 7:00 PM

Live Performance: Sunday, July 10th – The Bruce Bearinger Band at 7:00 PM

Movie: Sunday, July 17th – Luca at 8:00 PM

Live Performance: Wednesday, July 20 – Squirrel Tail with guest artist Annie Savage at 7:00 PM

Movie: Sunday, July 24th – Encanto at 8:00 PM

Live Performance: Wednesday. July 27th – Beau Timmerman at 7:00 PM

Live Performance: Sunday, July 31st – Plum St. Jam

Movie: Wednesday, August 3rd – Bridge to Terabithia at 8:00 PM

Movie: Sunday, August 7th – The Goonies at 8:00 PM

Live Performance: Wednesday, August 10th – Steve Schroeder at 7:00 PM

Live Performance: Sunday, August 14th – Woodshed Reboot at 7:00 PM

The Waukon Indian Athletic Booster Club is hosting their annual Brat Fundraiser on Friday June 24th, 2022 from 11AM to 1:30pm in the north side parking lot of Waukon Quillin’s.  A one brat meals will include a brat, chips and pop for $6, or add another brat to the meal for $7.  Root Beer floats and soft serve ice cream will also be available for $2 each.  Raffle tickets for stadium seat, School Activity passes, and Waukon Wellness Center are 3 tickets for $5. A silent auction will also be held during the brat fundraiser for a Grizzly Cooler and VIP Seating during sporting events.  All funds raised goes back to the athletic department at Waukon High School. We hope to see everyone at Waukon Quillin’s on Friday June 24th from 11AM to 1:30PM for the Waukon Indian Athletic Booster Club Annual Brat Fundraiser. Thank you for your support!

Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity is looking for a partner family for its 2022-23 Fort Atkinson home build. If you have a strong desire to own a home, have a stable income and a willingness to work alongside Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity volunteers, you may qualify for a new home to be built in Fort Atkinson.  Contact Gary Johnson, executive director,  for an application at 563-382-1802; or go to our website at winneshiekhabitat.org.

The Decorah Dancers, a group of 13 local Just for Kix dancers, are asking for your can and coin donations. The girls will be around Decorah picking up cans/coins on the following dates: July 6th, 17th and 31st. Please contact juli.knutson@gmail.com to schedule a pickup.

Help support the Decorah Dancers (a local group of 13 Just for Kix dancers who will perform at the Tampa Bay Bowl) by ordering and enjoying a meal at Pizza Hut. Provide the code 1009 when placing your order (online or via phone). A portion of Thursday, June 9th’s sales while be donated to the dancers to help support the cost of the trip.

Les and a crew of folks from the area took a bus to Ballards Resort this week and they had an AWESOME time and some GREAT fishing!

We’re on a Mission…Pave the Way 5K

Saturday, June 11, 2022, starting and ending at the Calmar Lutheran Church.

Registration forms can be found on the church website or on the church’s Facebook page.

This is a fundraiser for the upcoming youth mission trip to Puerto Rico and the church parking lot project. The proceeds from the race will be split evenly between these two causes.

Chance Adam, Chase Adam, and Caylie Adam are putting this project on as part of their 4-H County Council Leadership project. If you have any questions you can contact Chance at 563-568-1389 or email him at chanceadam2004@gmail.com.

Lansing is looking for volunteers to help welcome RAGBRAI cyclists from across the nation and around the world. More than 10,000 riders are expected to wrap up an entire week of peddling by dipping their tires in the Mississippi at Lansing on July 3. Be an ambassador to paradise as part of the town’s Pedal to Paradise welcoming event.

Help is needed now through RAGBRAI week, July 21-July 3. Sign up in person at 6 pm June 15^th at Kee High School or click on the volunteer tab at lansingragbrai.com. Volunteers can work just the day of arrival or help out longer term.

Choose from many volunteering needs, such as food and vending, parking supervision, set-up and clean-up, transportation, beautification, information center, traffic management, greeting and picture taking, entertainment, housing, hospitality, or campground hosting.

All money raised in Lansing goes right back into the local non-profits, youth groups and community programs. Volunteers receive a T-shirt and an invite to Volunteer Appreciation Night on September 1. You’ll have a great time!

For more information, email Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Runkle at lansingragbraivolunteers@gmail.com or go to lansingragbrai.com.