On December 6th, from 4:30 to 8:30 pm, Luther College Mock Trial will be hosting a fundraiser at Pizza Ranch. This fundraiser will include those dining as well as any take-out that is ordered. The proceeds will go directly to help fund the team with transport and participate in more tournaments to help our team prepare for the post-season. We greatly appreciate any support from the community. The address for Pizza Ranch is 212 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101. Thank you for the support!

Recently an article by the Stars and Stripes (November 13, 2023) was published worldwide to our military bases with an article honoring our Winneshiek County Veterans Memorial.  Here is the link to the article:

https://europe.stripes.com/lifestyle/honoring-winneshiek-county-veterans.html

Santa will be coming to town, or should we say to the farm! A Drive-Thru Santa on the Farm event will be held at Iowa’s Dairy Center on Friday evening, December 8 from 5-7 p.m. Iowa’s Dairy Center is located at 1527 Hwy. 150, Calmar.

Visitors will be able to meet Santa from their vehicles. The drive-thru event will take visitors right through the farm’s freestall barn to see a close-up view of the milking cows. Pre-packaged cookies and milk will be served right to your vehicle and visitors will also receive a fun holiday goody bag which includes dairy educational activities. This family-friendly event is free to the public and donations are appreciated. The event will be weather permitting. For up-to-date information or questions, visit the Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation’s Facebook page or email info@iowadairycenter.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joe Jayjack, Communications Director, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

jjayjack@inhf.org, 515-288-1846

Heine ending term of service on INHF board

DECORAH — Decorah resident Kirsten Heine is ending her term of service on the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) board of directors after 17 years as an advisor and then board member for the nonprofit conservation organization.

Heine has used her love of northeast Iowa, her passion for conservation and her background in fundraising to support the mission of INHF, which is to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. During Heine’s tenure with the organization, INHF has protected more than 100,000 acres across Iowa, including thousands of acres in the Driftless region.

“Kirsten is so community-minded, and INHF has benefitted from her expertise, her connections in the community and her desire to see land preserved,” said INHF President Joe McGovern. “We are grateful for her service.”

Heine has been essential in INHF’s efforts to protect land along the Upper Iowa River, including a recent campaign to purchase Heritage Valley, a 1,200-acre nature preserve between Decorah and Waukon that includes a picturesque 3-mile stretch of river winding between the woodlands and hill prairies.

Heine’s family has also protected their own land along the Upper Iowa River with multiple conservation easements, permanently preserving land for wildlife habitat, water quality and scenic views.

“It truly has been a joy and honor to serve on the board of INHF and help to uplift its inspiring mission,” Heine said. “For my husband David and me, INHF is a deeply personal connection and passion. We believe in the impactful mission and vision — as it is “Good and True” and benefits all Iowans — and even more importantly it ensures that same benefit for the  generations to come. This service has been most meaningful for me, and I look forward to continuing to be an ambassador and advocate for INHF.”

INHF board and staff will be in Decorah Oct. 26-27 for a celebration of a Forest Legacy program easement at Heritage Valley, an INHF donor reception and their board of directors meeting, which is held every other month in different locations around the state.

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit conservation group that works with private landowners and public partners to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Since its founding in 1979, INHF has helped protect more than 195,000 acres of Iowa’s natural resources. Learn more at www.inhf.org

RSVP of Northeast Iowa and the American Red Cross are holding their “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive Friday, October 27^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. In addition to receiving a $10 e-gift card, all donors who come to give during the time frame will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 prize. There will be one winner each week, for a total of three winners.  See rcblood.org/team. Donating blood is an act of kindness you can carry with you!

For an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org, click “Find a Drive”, and enter code DECORAH. Or, simply call Pete at 309-236-2382. If you prefer to donate at a different location or on a different date, you can find a blood drive online that meets your needs also by visiting redcrossblood.org.

Respectfully submitted,

Pete Vogel

309-236-2382

Allamakee County 4-H Program will be hosting their 4-H Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction on Sunday, October 29 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion, serving from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM. The meal will consist of pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, applesauce, juice, milk and coffee. The meal is a free-will donation at the door, and carry outs will be available. A variety of silent auction baskets and items will be available for the public to place bids on until 12:30 PM. All proceeds from the breakfast and silent auction will benefit Allamakee County 4-H Program Development fees throughout the year.

On Sunday October 22, 2023 from 10:30am-2:00pm. The West Clermont Lutheran Church will hold their Fall Ham Ball Dinner at the Clermont Opera House. Menu includes: Ham Balls, Cheesy Potatoes, Green beans and Pie. Free Will Offering. A Silent Auction during the event with bidding ending promptly at 2:00pm. All proceeds will go towards sanctuary improvements.

South Winneshiek FFA Wins 2023 Iowa FFA Dairy
Cattle CDE
The 2023 Iowa FFA Dairy Cattle Career Development Event was held in conjunction with the Youth Dairy Classic in
Manchester on Friday, September 8, 2023. Thirty teams and individuals participated in this year’s Career Development
Event designed to provide students an opportunity to display their knowledge and skills in the area of dairy cattle
selection and management.

The South Winneshiek FFA Chapter located in Calmar was named the Iowa Champion FFA Dairy Cattle Team. Team
members included: Mitchell Vagts, Kelsey Timp, Katrina Hageman, and Hanna Vagts. Their agriculture education
instructor and FFA advisor is Mrs. Melissa Hageman.
The champion team will compete in the National FFA Dairy Cattle Career Development Event during the National FFA
Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana this October.

The Reserve Champion Team in Dairy Judging was the Decorah FFA Chapter located in Decorah. Team members
included: Brody Courtney, Kiele Eberling, Anders Lovstuen, and Creed Monroe. Their agriculture education instructor and
FFA advisor is Ms. Joni Bruvold. Kelsey Timp from Calmar was the Champion Individual. Anders Lovstuen from Decorah
was the Reserve Champion Individual.

The Iowa FFA Dairy Cattle Career Development Event was made possible with support through the Iowa FFA Foundation
and the Youth Dairy Classic Exhibitors.
Jim Hammerand, Austin Knapp and Kurt Wolf were the official judges for the placing classes. Kaleb Kruse selected the
cattle for judging classes and acted as reasons taker.

Winneshiek County 4-H is hosting a National 4-H week carnival on Sunday, October 1 from 1PM-4PM at Lake Meyer County Park in Fort Atkinson. Community members interested in learning more about 4-H are encouraged to attend! This open-house style event will include crafts, games, and snacks and there is no cost to attend. Bring a friend and join the fun!

Winneshiek County 4-H is hosting a National 4-H week carnival on Sunday, October 1 from 1PM-4PM at Lake Meyer County Park in Fort Atkinson. Community members interested in learning more about 4-H are encouraged to attend! This open-house style event will include crafts, games, and snacks and there is no cost to attend. Bring a friend and join the fun!

The Waukon Fire Department HERO RUN will be Saturday, September 9, 2023.  Open registration from 4:00-5:00 p.m. with the HERO RUN beginning at 5:00 p.m.  HERO RUN entry fee is $30.00 for each individual adult participant, $25.00 for each adult team participant and $20.00 for each 12 years old & under participant. The entry fee includes a Waukon Fire Department HERO RUN shirt and swag bag.  Teams are defined as 3 or more adults in the group.  Registrations received by August 21, 2023 will guarantee your shirt being available on the event day.  Registrations completed after that time will receive a shirt at check in, if supplies are available.  No shirt order will be placed after the day of the event.

You may also use this form to register for the LITTLE MINIONS RACE, open to participants 10 years old and under the very same day!  Minion open registration from 4:00-4:30 p.m. with race beginning at 4:30 p.m.  LITTLE MINION RACE entry fee is $20.00 including a Waukon Fire Department HERO RUN shirt or $10.00 without a Waukon Fire Department HERO RUN shirt.  Registrations received by August 21, 2023 will be guaranteed their shirt for the day of the race.   Registrations completed after that time will receive a shirt at check in, if supplies are available.  Youth sizes will only be available for pre event registrations and will NOT be available the day of the event.  No shirt order will be placed after the day of the event.

Refreshments will be provided after the 5K event for all registered participants.

Email your questions to: waukonherorun@gmail.com   or contact Cheryl at 515.681.5160 with any registration/payment related questions.

Decorah Pride Festival Planned for Sept. 14-16

This year’s Decorah Pride Festival events will take place in Decorah starting Thursday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept 16. Pride is a celebration of people of diverse sexual and gender identities and expressions. Decorah Pride is open to all in the greater Driftless area who are part of or supporters of the LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer-identifying, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit) community. Find more information and registrations at www.decorahpride.org.

Event Schedule

Trivia at Impact Coffee: Thursday, Sept. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Impact Coffee

Bring a lawn chair and begin Decorah Pride weekend with C&C Lawn Chair Trivia outside at Impact Coffee.

ArtHaus Drag Show at T-Bocks Upstairs: Friday, Sept. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | T-Bocks Upstairs

Welcome fabulous drag performers to the stage at T-Bocks Upstairs. Tickets are available in advance online.

Rainbow Run: Saturday, Sept 16 | 8 a.m. | Starts at Heivly St. Ball Diamond

Get doused with color during this 5K Color Fun Run sponsored by ArtHaus. Participants’ t-shirt design gets revealed with each color splash. Advanced registration online is preferred.

Pride Yoga: Saturday, Sept 16 | 10 a.m. | Driftless Yoga Studio (3rd floor of Impact).

Yoga is a holistic practice that nurtures self-compassion, seeks to heal divisions, and champions liberation. LGBTQIA2S+ folks and allies are invited to join in a movement practice together that will leave all feeling seen, heard, and renewed.

Decorah Pride Parade: Saturday, Sept. 16 | 3 p.m. | Water Street

The parade kicks off traveling down Water Street! Join the parade or cheer from the sidewalks to celebrate diversity, march for equality, and work in solidarity with LGBTQIA2S+ people. Advanced registration for floats and groups is required online.

Party in the Park: Saturday, Sept. 16 | 3:30 p.m. | Heivly St. green space, next to the softball diamond

This community event engages and connects folks of all ages. Visit with community partners, enjoy music, and grab some food with one of our local vendors. There will also be bouncy houses, balloon animal making, face painting, along with other lawn games.

Pride Dance Party – Saturday, Sept. 16 | 8 p.m. | Pulpit Rock Brewing

Grab one of the specially brewed beers or other beverages and join the DJ for an evening of unforgettable tunes and unmatchable fun. Dance party-goers must be 18+ years old.

About Decorah Pride

Decorah Pride is an organization that creates spaces and opportunities for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) communities in the Driftless area to connect and collaborate on increasing LGBTQIA+ visibility, celebrating diversity, and unleashing creativity.

Ellis Arnold and Andrew Ellingsen are co-chairs for the 2023 Decorah Pride Planning Committee, alongside Andrea Becker, Namoli Brennet, Marcella Meza, Holly Moore, and Gavy Smith. Decorah Pride is grateful for its Festival Sponsors and welcomes all to upcoming events this fall.

For more information and to register for the Pride Parade and events, visit www.decorahpride.org.

WE ARE HAVING A CELEBRATION TO BRING BACK THE EVENTS ON THE TOWN OF CASTALIA. GOLF CART/UTV/LAWN MOWER PARADE. FOOD TRUCKS. LIVE MUSIC. CAR/TRACTOR SHOW N SHINE. AND A HUGE FIREWORKS SHOW AT DUSK. ALL EVENTS AT THE CASTALIA PARK

SEPT 2 RAIN DATE THE 3RD

Driftless Vintage Market

Come enjoy an evening in Elma with live music featuring Maddie Poppe, food trucks, beer tent, and fireworks following the show!

EMS, Fire, and Law personnel get in free, just show your ID at the gate.

Gates open at 3:00 pm

Opening act at 5:30 pm

Maddie Poppe starts at 6:30 pm

Fireworks starting at 8:00 pm

Admission is $20 at the gate.

All proceeds go towards the Elma Fire Depahttps://facebook.com/events/s/maddie-poppe-concert/1608650999628157/?mibextid=Gg3lNBrtment.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Decorah will host its annual “Welcome Friends and Neighbors Community Picnic” on Sunday, September 10 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. The picnic is free and open to all, and includes a bountiful potluck, sloppy joes, hot dogs, and beverages provided by Good Shepherd members; live music; games for kids; and the chance to meet new people and enjoy good conversation. Good Shepherd’s new courtyard with pergola and solar canopy will provide shelter from sun or showers. Come and see the results of our Carbon Neutral Initiative! In the event of a heavy rain, the picnic will be indoors in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The church facilities are ADA accessible.

Media Advisory

What: Rep. Ashley Hinson visit to Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital

When: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 16

Where: Gundersen Palmer Lutheran, 112 Jefferson St., West Union

Also: Rep. Hinson will be visiting the hospital to discuss maternity services at Palmer and in the region. After brief introductions, the tour will take place, followed by the discussion. Rep. Hinson will be available for media questions at 11:50.

Come join in on the fun!  This year RSVP volunteers will be writing to about 360 3rd graders at St. Pat’s, Waukon, and New Albin in Allamakee County, Crestwood and Notre Dame in Howard County, and St. Ben’s and Decorah in Winneshiek County.  If you are 55 or better and interested in writing 3-4 letters to a local 3rd-grade student, please contact RSVP at 563-277-5181, rsvp@decorahlibrary.org, or fill out an online application at https://www.decorahlibrary.org/rsvp  Northeast Iowa RSVP Volunteers make a difference every day!

What do a bull in a China shop, the Amazon rainforest, and a butterfly pupa all have in
common?
Each will be featured in a series of children’s stories shared with families at the Porter
House Museum in Decorah on Saturday, August 19.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m., children ages 5 and up, along with an adult caregiver, can
participate in a special story time tour at the museum. In the dining room, Clovis Keeps
His Cool, by Katelyn Aronson about a bull in his Granny Grace’s China shop, will be read.
Upstairs in the “camp room,” Zonia’s Rainforest, by Juana Martinez-Neal will be shared
featuring the vibrantly colored blue morpho butterfly. And in Bert Porter’s “butterfly
room,” How To Be A Butterfly, by Laura Knowles will be read, with colorful illustrations
of butterflies in their stages of development.
Hands-on crafts and exploration of the rock wall and gardens will follow, and the event
will finish up with lunch provided to all participants.
There is no cost to attend this special event, thanks to the generosity of co-sponsors,
David and Candace Arp https://www.porterhousemuseum.org/eventsand to volunteers Darlene Fossum-Martin, Carol
Gaustad, Carol Hagen and Janis Mineart.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The stories are geared towards
children ages 5 to 10 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult care-
giver.
To register, go to porterhousemuseum.org and click on “Events” to complete
registration. Porter House Museum is located at 401 West Broadway in Decorah.

The Kickin it Forward Foundation is a non-profit foundation that raises money to support local families facing medical emergencies or illnesses.  We will have our 5th Annual Adult and Youth Kickball Tournament, raffle, silent auction, and meal on August 26th at the Festina Parish Hall and Ball Diamond. Pack a cooler, grab your lawn chairs, and bring the family to this fun filled event. The kickball tournament will begin at 1pm, registration starts at noon. All are welcome to play. The adult kickball tournament will follow the kids tournament. There will be family fun as well as silent auction and raffle items. There will be a free will donation meal from 5-7pm. Auction winners will be announced at 6:30pm.

We hope to financially support over 25 families with the funds raised from this event.  We have financially supported over 90 families since 2019 in their time of need.  Any generosity to this foundation demonstrates support for the community while providing hope in the lives of families facing difficult times.

“Find your Revolutionary War Ancestor”

Sponsored by the Hannah Lee Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution

When: Thursday, August 17th – Visit between 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Where: Decorah Public Library, Downstairs Public Room, 202 Winnebago St, Decorah, IA

Bring your tablet/laptop, family trees, family bibles, obits, etc.

DAR members will be available to help you get started.

Assumption Parish of Little Turkey will be celebrating their annual church dinner on Tuesday, August 15^th. Mass at 3:00 pm. Meal will be served 4:00-8:00 pm. $15 per meal – 3 piece chicken, real mashed potatoes with gravy, homemade dressing, corn, coleslaw, kolache, cookies (outdoor dining only, carry-out or drive-thru).

Music, 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

Who: Assumption Catholic Church Annual Dinner

Where: Canton, MN

When: August 13,2023   11:00AM to 1:00PM

What: Serving Meatballs, Real Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Bun, Salad Bar, Cupcakes, Coffee, Milk

Why: Fundraiser for Assumption Catholic Church

Carry Outs Available

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.