Community News Stories

What: BEAN BAG/CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT
When: Saturday August 19th,2023

Where: Canton, MN

3 Division Tournament

Sign Up at 10:00 a.m. – Pool Play at 11:00 a.m.

TO DETERMINE BRACKETS

• Double Elimination Format after pool play is finished
• Must be checked in by 10:45 a.m. to be in the tournament
• EACH BRACKET PAYS OUT!

FUN Tournament for all – Beginners to Experienced Throwers
Open to the first 64 teams
$50 per team

All inquiries can be made to:
Jeremy (507)458-3865 or Jackie (507)429-2326

Entries will be taken until tournament time on the day of event.
All teams must be registered and in place by 10:45am or 11am start.

Who: SPONSORED BY CANTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Why: Fundraiser for Canton Day Off

Who: Canton Volunteer Fire Department

What: 3rd Annual Fireman’s UTV/ATV Ride

When:  August 20th,2023

Where: Canton Day Off, Canton, MN

Why: Fundraiser for Canton Fire Department

10:00AM-11:00AM  Register at the Fireman’s Beer Garden by the Fest Tent

Ride from 11:00 to 4:00  through Southern Minnesota’s Bluff Country

Who:  Canton, MN American Legion  Post 400

What: Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

When:  Saturday, August 19th,2023  7AM – 10 AM

Where: Fest Tent area at Canton Day Off

Why: We are raising money to help with  the ongoing additions to the Canton American Legion Memorial  Fund

The Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Office and the Allamakee County Veterans Museum are sponsoring a PTSD Awareness walk on Saturday, June 24 beginning at 9:00 a.m. from the FREEDMOM ROCK in the Waukon City Park to the COUNTY COURTHOUSE front lawn.

Following the walk, programs, speakers, and video presentations will be provided by Veterans Admnistration PTSD Specialists 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. Designated PTSD Awareness Day is June 27. Participants are encouraged to engage in 27 minutes of exercise.

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.

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

Lawler Irish Fest!  June 16th and 17th.  Friday June 16th featuring the Wapsi River Ramblers & The JR Brink Band.

$5.00 main stage admission.  Opens at 6pm on Friday.

Sat. June 17th – Freedom Rock dedication at Veterans Memorial Park, 1pm Grand Parade, music all day with Rochester Pipes & Drums kicking off the day, Champagne Academy of Irish Dance, Father Placid (Mike McAbee & Nori Hadley), The Crowfoot Rakes, Kilt Contest, Blame Not the Bard & Birdchild.

All this for only $5.00 for the day, main stage admission

FREE kids area at Croell Park, Inflatables, Kid’s Games, Face Painting, Miniature Golf, Coins in the Sand!  Outdoor movie both nights at dusk!

For a full schedule, check out the website under Festival Information!

On Thursday, June 15, from 5:00 PM – Close, Your Place bar in downtown Decorah will host Cheers for a Cure to help end Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Outside the bar will be a bake sale featuring sweet treats and salty snacks for attendees and the whole community. The family of Dale Putnam, longtime Decorah resident who recently died from Lewy Body Dementia, is partnering with Your Place to host the event.

“Dad decided to help future dementia patients very quickly after his diagnosis, participating in a clinical trial even though he knew he would never live to see the results, and ultimately donating his brain for more research,” said Brecka Putnam, Dale’s Daughter, “My sisters and I knew there would not be a cure in his lifetime, but we promised to do all we can to make sure there is one in ours. Helping fund research is the only way to make that happen.”

Brecka and sisters Shanna Putnam Dibble and Maddie Putnam will be bartending that evening and donating all tips to the Alzheimer’s Association. Shanna’s children, Putnam and Andi Dibble, have recruited additional family members to help them bake and staff the sweet treats and salty snack sale right outside of Your Place.

“We are incredibly thankful to Julie and Adam, the owners of Your Place, for their support of this important event, and the Alzheimer’s Association for their work towards finding a cure and supporting patients and caregivers,” said Brecka.

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Dale’s friends and family have raised over $50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association to date.

For more information about the event, please contact brecka.putnam@gmail.com. For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association, please visit www.alz.org.

Join the Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation for the 13th annual Breakfast on the Farm Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 8:30 am – Noon at Iowa’s Dairy Center located south of Calmar. We’ll be serving up a wholesome breakfast complete with Dad’s Belgian Waffles, sausage and of course delicious dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream that’s all been locally produced and processed. There will be plenty of activities to keep you busy on the farm including:

• Guided tram tours around the farm
• Hand milk a cow
• Petting zoo
• Cow inflatable
• Corn pools
• Educational exhibits
• And more!

Breakfast on the Farm will be held rain or shine. Donations are accepted the day of and parking is available on-site. Visit our Facebook event for more information. See you there!

Editor: Please do not edit out ALA credit in the last paragraph.

Contact:

Laura Thomas

Director

Fort Atkinson Public Library

563-534-2222

webmaster@fortatkinson.lib.ia.us

 FORT ATKINSON PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES NATIONAL GRANT FOR SMALL AND RURAL LIBRARIES
$20,000 Grant Will Help the Library Work with Residents with Disabilities to fully access the library.

Fort Atkinson — Fort Atkinson Public Library has been selected as one of 240 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $20,000 grant that will help the library with capital improvements around its disabled access.

“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Laura Thomas. “This grant will allow our library to get to know our residents with disabilities better. It will help us improve our services to ensure this population feels welcome and comfortable in our space.”

As part of the grant, Fort Atkinson Public Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents about accessibility and use the grant funds to replace the rear entrance, install electric door openers [and replace the existing ramp].

Accessibility is vital to the use of library services, and with limited access means limited use. “It’s often difficult to use the rear entrance to the library and we want to improve that so that all of our patrons are able to access the library and its resources,” said Thomas.

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Laura Thomas at 563-534-222, webmaster@fortatkinson.lib.ia.us or visit www.fortatkinson.lib.ia.us for more information.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”

Fort Atkinson Public Library is a rural library located in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. It was established in 1964 to serve Fort Atkinson and the surrounding area. It provides a variety of services to patrons of all ages and abilities. For more information, see our website at www.fortatkinson.lib.ia.us.

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On Saturday August 5th in Caledonia:

The Eitzen Lion’s will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, May 30th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at the Eitzen Community Center, 207 East Main St, Eitzen, Mn. Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: EITZEN to schedule and appointment. C0me give 5/20 through 5/31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel. The Eitzen Lion’s would like to thank you for your support of this vital cause.

Original members of three local bands will be reuniting on Friday evening of Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, for one night in downtown Waukon. This benefit event features a reunion of 11 mostly local musicians, two of whom played together 45 years ago in a number of area bands including Rising Sun, Horizon and Jackson Junction.

Many of the returning musicians are from Waukon including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers, John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson. They will be joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, longtime band members over the years. Of the original 12 musicians, the late Pat Dougherty, will also be remembered during the event, with his brother Dave joining the band at times throughout the evening.

This reunited band is now known as “Bandmates, Brothers and Friends” or “BBF”. The event will take place at Goodfella’s in downtown Waukon from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, May 12. Attendees will hear songs from the 50’s through the 90’s, both country and rock, from classic bands and individual artists like Elvis, the Beatles and Alabama, to name a few.

“These three bands have played hundreds of venues over four decades, across the tri-state area; however, our base was always northeast Iowa. This will be the first time we have all been together at one event,” states Bill Withers, event coordinator. “We wanted to return to our roots, donating our time and event proceeds. We chose the Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation as our beneficiary as part of their recent conversion to county ownership. We hope everyone will save the date and look forward to an amazing night of memories and great music.”

Free-will donations will be accepted at the door and on-line.

Original members of three local bands will be reuniting on Friday evening of Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, for one night in downtown Waukon. This benefit event features a reunion of 11 mostly local musicians, two of whom played together 45 years ago in a number of area bands including Rising Sun, Horizon and Jackson Junction.

Many of the returning musicians are from Waukon including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers, John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson. They will be joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, longtime band members over the years. Of the original 12 musicians, the late Pat Dougherty, will also be remembered during the event, with his brother Dave joining the band at times throughout the evening.

This reunited band is now known as “Bandmates, Brothers and Friends” or “BBF”. The event will take place at Goodfella’s in downtown Waukon from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, May 12. Attendees will hear songs from the 50’s through the 90’s, both country and rock, from classic bands and individual artists like Elvis, the Beatles and Alabama, to name a few.

“These three bands have played hundreds of venues over four decades, across the tri-state area; however, our base was always northeast Iowa. This will be the first time we have all been together at one event,” states Bill Withers, event coordinator. “We wanted to return to our roots, donating our time and event proceeds. We chose the Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation as our beneficiary as part of their recent conversion to county ownership. We hope everyone will save the date and look forward to an amazing night of memories and great music.”

Free-will donations will be accepted at the door and on-line.

Allamakee County Emergency Management and the City of Harpers Ferry are looking for volunteers tomorrow, Friday 21 April 2023, who would be able to assist in filling sandbags for local residents to have access to based on the new forecasted flood levels on the Mississippi River.

This will take place at the Harpers Ferry City Shop located next to the Ball Diamond and will start at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, Friday. The intent is to fill at least 1000 sandbags, which will then be staged at the shed for use by those needing to protect their residences from the approaching flood waters.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Harpers Ferry at 563-586-2777 or the Allamakee County Emergency Management Agency at 563-568-4233.

Monthly meeting, 7:00 PM 5/16/23 at WCRP Headquarters Club 45  on West Water St, Decorah, IA

Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 7:00 PM.

3rd Annual We’re on a Mission…Pave the Way 5K and Kids Fun Run

June 3, 2023

Starts and ends at the Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar Iowa

Proceeds raised will be used for property improvements and the youth mission trip to Cuba.

Chase Adam and Caylie Adam are putting this on as part of their 4-H leadership project.

The Iowa Federation of Handweavers and Spinners will hold its annual spring meeting Saturday, April 22, from 9 am to 4 pm, in the Danan Lansing Building on the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds, Decorah.  Meeting hosts are members of the Decorah-area Oneota Weavers and Spinners Guild. The public is invited to attend. 

Admission at the door is $25 per person, $10 for students. The meeting begins at 10 am and includes morning and afternoon fiber-related presentations, a unique style show of tailored, hand-embellished clothing (see photo), the federation’s member meeting and the opportunity to shop a variety of vendors. Those attending can also visit Earth Day demonstrations and displays elsewhere on the fairgrounds until noon.

For persons interested only in shopping the vendors, the Danan Lansing Building is open to the public from 11:30 am to 1 pm without paying a fee. 

For more information see the IA Federation of Handweavers and Spinners website or contact Laurann Gilbertson (lgilbertson@vesterheim.org or 563-382-9681 ext 214).

Waucoma Spring
Vendor and Craft Show 2023
Waucoma Event Center
Saturday March 11, 9 am to 2 pm
Lunch Served by Eden Outer Limits 4-H
Door Prizes and Free Admission
Dreamscape Floral Studio Kolaches Relay for Life the Late Comers
Freitags Farmhouse Krystyna’s Kandi Boutique
Diagonal Street Woodworking Color Street
Fingers and Toes Thirty One
Scentsy Tupperware
Orgami Owl Rustic Rooster
She Cards Val Hammond Rhodus
Spillville Roots Pampered Chef
Amy Marie Shott Natural Suds and Body
Paparazzi Tastefully Simple
Brickyard Wines Creations by Peter
Mom’s Mice Things Crafts for Kicks
MMT Chalk Couture
Suzie Q’s Five B Creations

For More Information
Contact Deb Olliney 641-229-6109

Clermont EMT Free Will Donation Pancake Breakfast

Sunday March 19, 2023

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Clermont Fire Station

Serving: pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, applesauce, juice, milk, and coffee

***Donations will be used for updating training equipment including a new Airway Manikin***

Spring Grove Music Boosters is hosting a fundraiser for the SG 9-12th Grade Band & Choir Students for their June 2023 Nashville Trip. All Proceeds from this evening will go directly to help offset their trip cost.
Social Hour will be from 6-7pm
With the Dueling Piano’s beginning at 7pm until 10pm.
Tickets are $30 each; can be purchased at Spring Grove Public School Office or at Reds IGA or also online via sgmusic642@gmail.com via paypal for Will Call that evening. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
Cash Bar will be open as well as snacks available.
Thank you in advance for supporting our Spring Grove Music Boosters!

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.

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.  

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! 

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

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: