Community News Stories

Santa and Mrs. Claus Come to Santa’s Land in Ossian
Get out your lists and your cameras! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Santa’s Land at the Luana Savings Bank on Saturday, December 7, from 8:30 -11:00 a.m. The event is sponsored by the City of Ossian, the Ossian Crown Club and Luana Savings Bank. There will also be an opportunity to bring donations for the Greater Area Food Pantry in Calmar. A non-perishable food item or monetary donations is appreciated.

Bring along your list for Santa and Mrs. Claus or drop it off in Santa’s Mailbox in front of the Ossian Community Center. Santa will write back to you if you include your return address. See you at the Luana Savings Bank on Saturday, December 7, for Santa’s Land.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Luncheon to Feature Distinguished Lutheran Scholar Dr. Caryn Riswold

DECORAH, IOWA — A community-wide luncheon and presentation featuring Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion and McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College, will be held on Sunday, November 10, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Street, Decorah.

Earlier that morning, Dr. Riswold will also present at the Sunday Forum at First Lutheran Church, 604 W. Broadway Street, Decorah, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., offering two opportunities for community members to engage with her work.

Dr. Riswold will discuss her recent publication, “ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Abortion,” which examines the evolution of Lutheran social teaching in changing contemporary contexts. The book focuses on fostering thoughtful dialogue within faith communities while emphasizing the Lutheran call to compassionate community engagement.

A respected scholar in Religion and Gender Studies, Dr. Riswold joined the Wartburg College faculty in 2018 after sixteen years of teaching at Illinois College. Her work is praised for its nuanced approach to complex social issues through the lens of Lutheran theology and ethics.

Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, former Concordia College professor, describes the book as “nuanced, clear, and hopeful,” noting that it “takes holy risks, builds bridges across barriers, and insists that we feel the intricate textures of real-life situations.”

The book includes discussion questions and additional reading resources, making it suitable for both individual and group study. Copies are available through Augsburg Fortress Press and as a Kindle download on Amazon.

Event Details:

Sunday Forum:

– Date: Sunday, November 10

– Time: 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

– Location: First Lutheran Church, 604 W. Broadway St, Decorah

Community Luncheon:

– Date: Sunday, November 10

– Time: 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.

– Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa St, Decorah

– Cost: a $10 suggested donation

All community members are welcome to attend. 

For more information, contact:

First Lutheran Church, 563-382-2638, office@firstlutherandecorah.org

Good Lutheran Church, 563-382-3963, office@goodshepherddecorah.org

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On Saturday, October 19, Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT) members and their families and friends gathered for a chili cookoff at the top of Palisades Park in Decorah. Members include hikers, runners, walkers, and cyclists, and, appropriately, guests were encouraged to hike, run, or bike up the hill for the occasion. The group had much to celebrate, as they have logged over 450 hours volunteering on trails within the City of Decorah this year.

DHPT, now a non-profit organization, relies mostly on volunteers to build, maintain, promote, and enhance trail experiences in Decorah. The Independent Sector determines the value of one hour of volunteering to be $33.49, valuing DHPT’s contribution to the City of Decorah at over $15,000. DPHT also has two employees who logged over 250 hours and are paid entirely through funds raised by their members.

DHPT volunteers have been busy with trail building and maintenance this year, most recently teaming up with the Luther College Cross Country team to clear invasive brush before extending a trail near the south end of Ice Cave Road, helping to repair storm damage to the east section of River Trail and Public Television Trail, and rerouting trails at Palisades Park. This year was so wet and stormy that volunteers provided extra mowing, weed whacking, and tree clearing, cutting over fifty fallen trees off Decorah trails. DHPT leadership works closely with Decorah Parks and Recreation and the City of Decorah, with officials approving the building and rerouting of all trails and taking an active role in checking to make sure projects are completed to their specifications.

Members also support other groups promoting the use of human powered trails in the area by regularly volunteering at their programs. DPHT members were instrumental in the construction of the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trail Hub at Carlson Park in early 2024; donating both time and equipment to make the project possible. They also provided volunteers and expertise for the Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League races in June and staffed a water stop for the Crater Run this summer.

DHPT members also groom trails throughout the snowy season and hold monthly Buckthorn Blitz days from November-February. On these days they cut, treat, and remove invasive species in the park system to improve the overall health of the forests.

“Our volunteers range in age from 3 to over 70. They are dedicated to creating the best possible user experience on Decorah’s human powered trails,” said DHPT President, Nick Pearch, “I’m glad to live in a community with this many people who are excited to roll their sleeves up and work to improve recreation for all. It was great to celebrate them on Saturday!”

For more information about DHPT, please email dhpt2023@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/DecorahHPT.

CALMAR, Iowa–Northeast Iowa Community College is developing its new three-year strategic plan (2025-2028). The College is hosting 10 community listening sessions across northeast Iowa to gather input as part of the planning process. During the hour-long session, community members will be asked for their feedback on the College and an initial draft of strategic priorities.

Calmar Community Listening Session:

Iowa’s Dairy Center, Room 115
1527 Hwy. 150
Thursday, Oct. 31

7:30 am

If you cannot attend, email Erin Shaw, strategic planning project manager, at shawer@nicc.edu  to RSVP or request an online input form.

The Landing Market in collaboration with Latines Unides, a student group at Luther College, and the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) is hosting Latines Fiesta, Tues., Oct. 29, 5-7 pm at The Landing.

Latines Fiesta coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month at the college and is the first cultural community connection event planned for the 2024-25 academic year. The word “fiesta” means to bring togetherness. Hosting fiestas is common in Hispanic communities to build connections.

Latines Fiesta will features traditional Hispanic eats, education, and engagement. The meal of chicken flautas with mole and Spanish rice made by Luther’s Roberto Coral, CIES Office Manager, and Latines Unides will be available for $10. For students (with ID) attending any college or university and children 17 and younger, the cost is $5. Quemadita, a type of punch, will also be available for purchase. No reservations are needed.

“We’re excited to partner with folks at Luther for this fun event,” says Pete Espinosa, owner of The Landing. “Everyone is invited. We look forward to celebrating Hispanic culture with some great food and a good time.”

“We have such a diverse tapestry of cultures in our community and are excited to lift them through partnerships like this,”  says Dr. Robert Clay, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer and Assistant to the President for Community Engagement at Luther. “This is a great opportunity for students and community members to get to know each other, enjoy good food together, and have fun.”

The Landing Market, located at 211 College Dr., in Decorah, opened in July 2020 as a food hall and community gathering spot.  Today The Landing is home to Justin’s (restaurant), The Buzz (coffee & cocktails), Root 43 (juices, smoothies, bowls), and Tandem which supports the disability community as well as Oneota Health Solutions chiropractic care and Nagle Signs.  For more information, email info@thelandingmarket.com or call (563) 277-1893.

Aase Haugen residents invite children to Trick or Treat

Aase Haugen residents are excited to invite area children to Trick or Treat at the nursing home on Thursday, October 31 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.  “It really brightens our day to see the little ghost and goblins,” says Andrea Hexom, Aase Haugen activities supervisor. “Our residents will have pumpkins full of candy to pass out as the children wander through the main dining room and around the hall through Assisted Living to trick or treat with us.”

The children and their escorts should enter through the main entrance of the nursing home where they will be guided to the trick or treat area and end up exiting through the Assisted Living doors. It’s all inside, so come rain or shine!#30#

West Clermont Lutheran Church 3rd Annual Fall Ham Ball Dinner and Silent Auction

Sunday October 27, 2024

Serving from 10:30am – 2:00pm at the Clermont Opera House

Freewill Offering

Menu: Ham balls, Cheesy potatoes, green beans and pie.

Silent Auction during event with bidding ending promptly at 2:00pm.

CONTACT: PETE MORIS – morismedia@gmail.com – available for interviews upon request

Public meeting on industrial-scale energy project proposals in Grant County set for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 at St. Mary’s Gym in Bloomington.

Sponsored by a group of joint opposition volunteers and concerned area residents, multiple speakers will present information and answer questions about an issue that threatens the quality of life for Grant County residents, as well as our natural resources.

BLOOMINGTON, WI – A free, non-partisan public information meeting to discuss multiple industrial-scale energy projects planned in Grant County is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at St. Mary’s Gym, located at 531 Congress Street in Bloomington. Based on public records available through the Grant County Register of Deeds office, multiple properties in Patch Grove, Bloomington, Mt. Hope, Little Grant and Millville townships have signed energy lease agreements to potentially host wind turbines as part of the Hidden Valley Energy Project.

The October 23 event is the second in a series entitled Preserving & Protecting Our Rural Legacies. Opposition volunteers previously conducted an August 23 meeting in Belmont that primarily focused on the Badger Hollow and Uplands Wind projects impacting eastern Grant County, as well as Iowa and Lafayette Counties. The Bloomington meeting is the first public meeting in western Grant County that will discuss the potential ramifications of the Hidden Valley Energy Project. Residents of Southwestern Wisconsin already affected by energy projects will be available to share their first-hand account of how industrial-scale wind turbines have impacted their health, their quality of life and their communities.

“These current proposals for industrial energy projects in Grant County represent one of the most critical moments in our region’s history,” said Pete Moris, an opposition volunteer and one of the organizers of the Bloomington event. “Foreign and out-of-state energy developers who are seeking to take advantage of millions of dollars of federal subsidies, tax breaks and incentives pose an existential threat to our way of life in rural Wisconsin.

“Area residents concerned about preserving the natural beauty and the unique properties of the Driftless Region should attend this event to get informed before the Hidden Valley Energy Project goes before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. We have an obligation to future generations to protect our region that is home to Wyalusing and Nelson Dewey State Parks, as well as the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. Since the vast majority of the regulatory authority over energy projects of this scale has been given to the appointed, not elected, Wisconsin Public Service Commission, it is imperative that local residents, townships and villages take action now before it is too late.”

The construction of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line in SW Wisconsin and its subsequent crossing of the Mississippi River at Cassville has helped spark a flurry of land agents attempting to secure energy lease agreements in both Wisconsin and Iowa. A group of Iowa residents in Jackson and Clinton Counties are currently opposing a NextEra Energy project in their area.

While not directly tied to the construction of Cardinal-Hickory Creek, the phenomenon of energy companies and land agents aggressively pursuing energy leases is a concern across the Midwest. Farmland First is a group organized in Central Wisconsin that indicates that they are “highly concerned with the predatory tactics used by wind and solar companies in order to coerce landowners to sign away their property rights in the name of green energy.” In addition to Clinton and Jackson Counties in Iowa, organized opposition groups are also active in Madison, Worth and Winnebago Counties, just to name a few.

Land control and the rights of non-participating landowners are among the many concerns being voiced across the Midwest and will be one of the focal points of the October meeting in Bloomington. Utilities don’t just erect pieces of highly visible infrastructure such as wind turbines and grid-tie lines, they require and build expansive networks of land control.

Current Wisconsin statutes permit a wind turbine to be erected as close as 1,250 feet to a non-participating neighbor’s home. Meanwhile, current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations allow a wind turbine to be placed within 660 feet of a bald eagle nest. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can provide recommendations to energy developers, but ultimately that agency has little, if any, authority to control energy siting decisions on properties not owned by the DNR.

Preserving & Protecting Our Rural Legacies will also focus on the following topics:

Quality of Life: When the for-profit activities of any corporation or individual threaten the health and safety of a project’s neighbors, we should all be concerned. While energy companies profess the many economic benefits to participating communities, what is the ultimate price being paid?

Protection of Natural Resources: Presenters will inform attendees about likely, negative impacts on our already threatened bat and eagle populations, as well as water resources. The public will be informed of ways to prepare for participation in the upcoming Public Service Commission review process and make these unacceptable threats abundantly clear.

Public Health Priorities:  Under high wind speeds, three families in the Montfort area are being forced to leave their homes due to extreme, repetitive, air pressure changes created by the 551- foot high wind turbines constructed for Red Barn.

Local Economy Priorities: The monetary value of landowners’ greatest asset, the land itself, has been rising at the rate of approximately 6% per year^[i]when not compromised by utility obstructions and controls. Landowners and local governments will be encouraged to compare the value of their land and tax revenues, over coming decades, with and without utility incursions.

Restoring Local Control.  A long-held fundamental right of local government planning has been to personally determine what kinds of activities are compatible with long-term community goals. This presentation will focus on deficiencies in Wisconsin laws that must be corrected and actions citizens can take to promote the restoration of fundamental community rights as soon as possible.

Please see the attached information for the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa’s current adoption event going on now through the Bissell Pet Foundation.

Thanks!!

Community Presbyterian Church in Postville, Iowa will be hosting their Early Thanksgiving Dinner and Silent Auction on November 3, from 11 am-1 pm. Carry outs are available. Adults $15, Age 10 & under $5, Preschoolers and younger are free! Handicap parking Available, no pre-sales.

Address is 106 S. Reynolds Postville, IA 52162

Join LifeServe Blood Center and the Regional Health Center of Howard County Auxiliary for a community blood drive on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM at the VFW Hall,  103 2nd Ave SE, Cresco

Walk ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged.  To schedule, call 800.287.4903, text LIFESERVE to 999-777, or click the following link:

https://donor.lifeservebloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/184888

Alta Vista Fire Department’s 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast

SERVING PANCAKES, SAUSAGE, SCRAMBLED EGGS, JUICE, MILK AND COFFEE
FREE WILL DONATION
“FILL THE BOOT!”
FOOD WILL BE SERVED DRIVE THRU OR DINE IN!
ALL PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS PURCHASE OF EXTRICATION TOOLS
GUN RAFFLE DRAWING AT 11AM – CONTACT ANY FIREFIGHTER FOR DETAILS
*WE WILL ALSO HAVE A DRAWING FOR DOOR PRIZES*
DELIVERY AVAILABLE WITHIN THE ALTA VISTA FIRE DISTRICT *Please call 641-229-6523 by 7pm Saturday, October 12*

Christopher Winters, MD, has joined the surgery staff at Gundersen Decorah Clinic. As a general surgeon, he offers a broad spectrum of services including appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy, hernia repair, upper and lower endoscopy, Caesarean delivery plus many more. 

Born and raised in Oelwein, Dr. Winters received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from The University of Iowa, Iowa City.  He then earned his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City. Dr. Winter completed his General Surgery Residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.  

“I chose to pursue a career in healthcare after I started engineering school. I grew up working in my parents autobody repair shop, and I have always really enjoyed complex problem solving as well as working with my hands,” says Dr. Winters. “While I was in engineering school, I really missed interacting with people as a regular part of my day, and I also found myself wanting to move back to a rural community. I found pursuing a career in medicine as a way to help others through complex medical problems while being able to work within a community similar to the one I grew up in. Choosing to pursue training in general surgery was a natural fit as I have always found a lot of fulfillment in working with my hands.” 

In his free time, Dr. Winters enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Amanda, and their son, Theodore. He also likes to work on home improvement projects, along with grilling, biking and hunting. 

Dr. Winters joins Gundersen Decorah surgeons Elleson Schurtz, MD; Phillip Yee, MD; and Michael LaBelle, MD, in providing general surgery services in Decorah. In addition, Dr. Winters will provide surgery services in Waukon, West Union and Cresco. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Winters or one of his colleagues, call the Gundersen Decorah Clinic at (563) 382-3140. 

Allamakee County Sportsman’s Club is having their Fall UTV ride and raffle on Saturday September 28th. Pre-registration is recommended by texting or calling 319-429-3104. Cost is $20 per person (16 and under free with paid driver over 18). Registration is from 8am to 9:30am day of the ride at 450 Hwy 9 Waukon. Ride will leave promptly at 10am riding through farm trails in Scenic NE Iowa. Raffle tickets are available from club members and at Anthem Archery, Sportsman’s Unlimited, River and Ridge, River Run Pub and Grub, Green Valley, Jet’s Cafe, and J-Mann’s Minnkota. Drawing will be done after the ride is completed at the clubhouse.

Jeremy Engrav was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor in April, 2022.  Jeremy is the husband of Betsy Engrav and dad of 4 children- Brayden, Brecken, Brantley, and Blair.

Raffle tickets are $20, or 6 for $100.  You can mix and match red, white, and blue tickets for the $100 deal.

Drawing for prizes is happening October 4th, 2024 during the halftime of the Waukon Indian varsity football game.

Necklace Raffle (white tickets)
-Elliott’s Necklace: 14KT Rose Gold Shimmering Diamond Pendant with ½ ct total weight diamonds -Value $1,700

General Raffle (blue tickets)
-Hog delivered to Jet’s Meat Processing (includes general processing cost) – Value $600
-Weekend Away with UNI Panthers: 2 sideline tickets for UNI game, one night stay in local hotel, and dinner for two at a Cedar Falls restaurant – Value $700
-One week stay at a cabin on a lake in Chetek, WI during the 2025 season. Includes 6 nights, 7 days, up to 10 people – Value $2175
-Jellystone Package: 2 night, 3 day stay in Warrens, WI including 8 wristbands and a gas gift card -Value $1,000
-Grocery Package: $200 Fareway, $200 WW Homestead Dairy, $100 Dollar Fresh, and $100 Tastefully Simple – Value $600
-$1000

Gun raffle (red tickets)
-Colt CBX Hunter 6.5 Creedmore – Value $1,000
-Smith and Wesson 1854 44 Mag – Value $ 1,200
-Keltec P17 with red dot 22lr and $500 Sportsmen’s Unlimited Gift Certificate – Value $925

Tickets are available at these Waukon businesses Elliott Jewelers, Epic Wear, Sportsmen’s Unlimited, or any committee member:

Jamie Phipps 319-415-0304
Jessica Jones 563-380-4789
Stef Perkins 563-794-0756
Rick Langland 563-379-3503
Sara Langland 563-568-1833
Erica Nosbisch 319-432-4941
Morgan Weymiller 319-415-4088
Angela Gibbs 563-380-2358
Alana Gavin 563-568-1932

For more info, search Engrav Family Raffle Benefit on Facebook

Rendezvous 5K Run will be held on Saturday, September 28^th.  We encourage preregistrations so that you are guaranteed a shirt are due by September 20th.   Cost is $25.00.  Registration forms are available at www.fortatkinsoniowarendezvous.com for the registration form. Questions e-mail us at fortatkinsoniowarendezvous@gmail.com or call Lindsay Vsetecka at 563-380-7299.

Rendezvous Chicken Dinner will be held on Friday, September 27^th from 4:30-7:00pm at the Fort Atkinson Community Center.  Carryouts available.   Mark your calendars and join us!

The 48^th annual Fort Atkinson Rendezvous will be held on September 28 and 29^th.   Gates open at 9:30 on Saturday and 9:00 on Sunday.  We will have a special Restoration Dedication with the Iowa DNR at 12:00 on Saturday noting the completion of the restoration work completed this year at the Fort. Questions contact Kay Schmitt at 563-419-3567.

All are invited to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s 13th Welcome Friends & Neighbors Picnic, an annual celebration of community, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at 701 Iowa Avenue, Decorah on Sunday, September 15.

Enjoy a free meal of hot dogs (both regular and vegetarian), chips, salads, desserts, and beverages, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, outside under the Solar Canopy or in the Fellowship Hall. There will be games for kids too!

Founded on November 24, 1958, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), celebrates 66 years of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Good Shepherd is a Reconciling in Christ partner congregation, affirming our welcome to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression, and we are committed to anti-racism work so that all may participate fully in the life of our congregation. God makes no exceptions. There is a place for you here!

Good Shepherd is also the site of Kinderhaus Preschool, as well as a meeting place for community organizations and support groups. All facilities are ADA accessible. The entire facility is Carbon Neutral and Net Zero Energy use, and is certified as a Cool Congregation by the national organization Interfaith Power and Light. For more information, go to www.goodshepherddecorah.org/ or call the church office at 563-382-3963.

Pancake on the patio fundraiser for the Winneshiek county fairgrounds will be held Sunday September 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards Winneshiek County fairground improvements including youth livestock facilities. Free Will offering and Carry outs will be available. The meal will be pancakes scrambled eggs breakfast sausage cheese curds and beverage. It will be held at the community building on the fairgrounds. Thank you

Kickapoo Trap Team

Pancake breakfast fundraiser

Sat. Aug. 31st at 8:00 am

Readstown Advancement building, Readstown, WI

Farm tenants and landowners are encouraged to attend

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Allamakee County is hosting a farmland leasing meeting on Thursday, August 22 at 9:30 AM, AT the Allamakee County Extension and Outreach Office, 218 7^th Ave SE Suite #102 in Waukon. The annual meeting is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants, or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland. The average reported in the 2024 cash rental survey for the state is $279 per acre of corn and soybeans and is the first-time rates have not increased in five years.

Topics will include land values and cash rent trends, cost of production, methods for determining a fair rental rate, legislative updates regarding leases and communicating with tenants or landlords.

Registration is $20 per individual or er couple and includes materials. Preregistration is encouraged as an additional $5 fee will be added if registering less than two calendar days before the meeting date. To register contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County office at 563-568-6345 or email dahlstro@iastate.edu.

Athletes, coaches, fans, community members from Southern Minnesota to the Cedar Valley (and beyond), YOU ARE INVITED!!!

What: NE Iowa Fields of Faith – CRESCO
When: August 18th, 2024 from 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Cresco High School Football Field
Why: To encourage coaches, athletes, and families with powerful testimonies before the pace of life picks back up again! Bring your athletes and family over to hear the following speakers:

Knute Rogne, Lake Mills Student Athlete
Jaylyn Beran, Riceville Student Athlete
Bryan Nikkel, Luther College Head Baseball Coach
Sharon Goodman, former Iowa Hawkeye Girls Basketball player & former Crestwood student

This event is FREE and put on by our local Fellowship of Christian Athletes; the school is just allowing us to use the space. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on! This event is open to the public and surrounding school districts.

small town celebration on August 31

The 6th Annual Adult and Youth Kickball Tournament, Raffles, Silent Auction, and Free-will Donation Meal will take place at the Festina Parish Hall and Ball Diamond on August 24th.  The youth kickball tournament will begin at 1pm and the adult tournament will follow. There will be raffle and silent auction items in the parish hall to bid on throughout the day. The free-will donation meal will be in the Parish Hall from 5-7pm. Grab the lawn chairs, pack a cooler, and join us for a fun-filled day in Festina. All proceeds from this fundraising event will go to local families facing medical emergencies and illnesses.

The Eitzen Lion’s will be hosting an ATV ride on August 10th. The ride begins at the Eitzen Community Center with a pancake breakfast, eggs, sausage and drink for a free will donation from 730 to 9 and the ride begins at 930 sharp. The cost of the ride is $40 per vehicle, the ride will be in both Houston and Allamakee counties and begins in Eitzen and will end in Dorchester at Dorchester Dog Days. The ride is approximately 35 miles, there will be several stops with rest rooms so plan accordingly. All funds raised will be used to support our Teachers Wish List for area schoolteachers in Allamakee and Houston Counties. For further information contact Ethan Lapham at 507-459-6939 or David Bulman at 319-721-9113.

Assumption Parish of Little Turkey will be celebrating their annual church dinner on Thursday, August 15th. Mass at 3:00 pm. Meal will be served 4:00-8:00 pm. $16 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

The Canton Minnesota Fire Department is having their Annual UTV ride through the rolling hills and beautiful countryside of the Big Woods in Fillmore County. You won’t want to miss this ride! The ride is Sunday,  August 18, with registration from 10-11AM and the ride is from 11AM to 4PM. Cost per unit is $20.  Join us in the Canton Day Off Fest area on Main ST. in Canton. This is a fundraiser for the Canton Fire Department

Who: Assumption Catholic Church, Canton, MN

What: Assumption Catholic Church Annual Meatball and Salad Bar Dinner

When:  Sunday, August 18,2024   11:00AM to 1:00PM  Cost is $15.00 , carry outs available

Where: Assumption Hall, Canton, MN

Why: Fundraiser for the Church

Who: Canton American Legion, Post 400

What: Canton American Legion Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

When: Saturday, August 17, 7:00-10AM    Cost: Adults $8 , 12 and Under $5, Preschool Free

Where: Fest Tent Area,  Canton Minnesota

Why: Proceeds to Canton American Legion Memorial Fund

Join us for the perfect night to end Summer Break!

Live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and an outdoor movie are just a few of the activities that you’ll find at Iowa’s Dairy Center on August 2nd. Live music and food trucks will begin the night at 5:30 p.m. and the outdoor movie of The Secret Life of Pets 2 will begin at 8:30 p.m.! Bring your family and friends and join us for an awesome night of fun! This event is weather permitting. Free-will donations are appreciated. We hope to see everyone there!

DECORAH— Guardians of Northeast Iowa, Inc., a provider of legal guardianship and conservatorship services, has announced its upcoming move to a new location in Decorah

Effective July 1, the organization will be operating out of a brand-new office space at 110 Washington Street, Suite 5.

“We are excited to share this important news with our community,” said Anna M. Stamat, Director and Co-Founder of Guardians of Northeast Iowa. “Our new location will allow us to enhance our services and create a more productive environment for both our clients and our staff. This move marks a significant step forward for our organization, and we are confident it will enable us to serve our community even better.”

“We appreciate the continued support from our community and look forward to welcoming everyone to our new office,” Stamat added.

ALL ABOARD FOR FAMILY FUN AT THE 32nd ANNUAL RAIL FAIR
The 4000 Foundation, Limited proudly announces plans for Rail Fair to be held Saturday,
July 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Copeland Park, Rose & Clinton Streets, La
Crosse. Since 1991, Rail Fair has grown to become one of the premier summer railroad
events in the Midwest. This 32nd annual event celebrates the area’s railroad heritage while
raising funds to maintain and restore The La Crosse Short Line Railroad Heritage Museum in
Copeland Park.
Raif Fair traditionally hosts vendors from six states offering 250 tables of railroad related
merchandise. Rail Fair patrons will have the opportunity to buy, sell, and trade an
outstanding selection of model, toy and antique trains, books, magazine, railroad
memorability, railroad art, hobby supplies, repairs and replacement parts and accessories,
and many more related items.
The La Crosse Short Line Railroad Heritage Museum will be open for guided tours. The big
steam locomotive whistle can be blown for a small donation. Several railroad exhibits and
displays will also be offered. Concessions will be provided by Frontier-Badget #45 Masonic
Lodge.
Admission is just $5.00. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.
Raif Fair is a production of The 4000 Foundation, Limited, in partnership with the La Crosse
Parks & Recreation Department. The 4000 Foundation is a non-profit organization formed in
1998.

Brenda K. Massman, of Northfield, Minn., and formerly of Decorah, has recently published her first novel, Yet, Here We Are (Koehler Books). The story is based, in part, in the rural area outside of Decorah.

Set in 1948, the novel tells the story of Elizabeth, a woman who leaves for Chicago in search of a reprieve from Iowa farm life, and while there is met with profound love and tragic loss. Several years later in 1975, an unexpected visitor from her past upends Elizabeth’s quiet life. Meanwhile, her daughters Sage and Louse find themselves caught up in the Twin Cities’ food co-op battles during the emerging environmental movement, and Sage experiences mysterious visions that lead to astonishing discoveries.

Several events are planned throughout northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota and can be found online at brendakmassman.com. Books are available at Dragonfly Bookstore in Decorah.

For more information, visit brendakmassman.com.