Community News Stories

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!

We are the Iowa Brewery Running Series™ and we run for beer!

See you at Toppling Goliath on Saturday, June 17th. Fun run starts from the taproom at 10 AM.

We’ve mapped out a 5k-ish course that starts and ends at Toppling Goliath and weaves throughout the countryside of Decorah. Run, walk, jog – whatever goes! All ages, all levels are welcome.

Cross the finish line and celebrate! All participants receive:

• A craft beverage at the finish line from Toppling Goliath!
• Choice of a collector’s pint glass or seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series
• A chance to win sweet door prizes, like Brewery Running Series merchandise or beer to take home
• Access to event festivities, goodies, and giveaways
• And more!

Our mission is to be active, have fun and give back to our local community. A portion of all proceeds from our events support local nonprofits – over $350k raised to date! This event will add to that tally. A portion of every registration goes directly to local organizations like The Spectrum Network. Their mission is helping individuals with cognitive disabilities, mental illness, and other barriers to independent living enter the workforce and the community and more. So not only do you get to enjoy some healthy activity and great, local beer – you are helping us support local organizations that do important work in our community.

Registration is limited to the size of the taproom and many of our events sell out. Sign up today!

Important details:

• This is an untimed, fun-run. All levels of walkers, runners and joggers are welcome.
• This is an open course, meaning roads will NOT be closed. You are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and regulations.
• We create each route to start and end at the brewery and to show off the surrounding neighborhood. The course will be marked with arrows to help you know where to go.
• You must bring a valid ID or driver’s license. You do not need to be 21 to enjoy the event, but you must be 21 to enjoy the beer. Please drink responsibly. Registered, underage participants will receive a token for a FREE non-alcoholic beverage.
• Our events are rain or shine! If conditions become unsafe to run, we will still hang out and drink beer.
• There will not be a bag check; please plan accordingly and dress appropriately for the weather.
• Dogs and strollers are welcome on the course, with care and caution. Please remember – you are running at your own risk on city sidewalks / streets / trails, which might not be suitable for your 4-legged and /or pint size running buddies. You will also want to check with the brewery to make sure you can abide by their dog / underage policies. Please make the best decision possible for your crew.
• Please drink responsibly. We always encourage carpooling and safe, designated drivers.

Keep an eye on your inbox – we will send you all final event details via email the week of this event and share anything else you might need to know to participate.

Questions? Check out our FAQ | Contact us at audrie@breweryrunningseries.com

Cheers to beers! We’ll see you at Toppling Goliath!

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.

###

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 four 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, Jackson Junction and Deep River.

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. Everyone attending will enjoy 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. All proceeds will benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation.

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 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.

Good Friday Ecumenical Worship Service will be at Zion United Church of Christ, (113 1st st. NE, Waukon) 1:00 pm April 7^th.

Worship Leaders for Service will be:

Rev. Kim Gates, of St. Paul’s & Forest Mills United Methodist Churches

Rev. Cathy Jurgens, of Zion United Church of Christ

Rev. Steve Oden, of New Life Christian Church

Rev. Bryan Robertson, of St. John’s Lutheran Church

Rev. Grant VanderVelden, of First Presbyterian Church

**Healing prayers from individual pastors offered for those who are interested.**

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 Waukon Music Departments will be hosting the 13th annual Pop’s Concert on Friday February 24th, at the Waukon Middle School gymnasium. The Pop’s Concert features high energy musical numbers from the 1950’s through today with costumes and choreography included in most every number performed! Groups performing will include the high school and middle school choirs, high school and middle school jazz bands, drumline, featured soloists, song and dance skits and emcees.

The Pop’s Concert is an annual fund raising event sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters. Doors will open at 6:00PM with concert time at 7:00PM. This event is open to the public for a general admission fee of $5 per person with seating in the bleachers, and includes refreshments. Tables, which can seat up to ten people, can be sponsored for $70. Table sponsors can decorate their table, provide snacks/desserts to their guests, and invite family and friends to join in on the memorable night. For more information about reserving a table, please contact Brenda Dougherty at 563-568-7997 or email waukonpops@gmail.com.

Calmar/Springfield Luther League is hosting a Spring Fever Family Fun Day event on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. which is open to the public.

Games/Crafts/Prizes

$5 admission fee for an afternoon of fun.

Games will include BINGO, fish pond, duck pond, ring toss, toss game, cake walk, corn hole, air hockey, foosball, card games, and board games.

There will be a concession stand to purchase snacks and beverages.

This is a fundraiser for the upcoming youth mission trip to Cuba in July of 2023.

Annual Turkey Valley Trap Team Fish Fry on Feb. 17th , serving from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm at the Waucoma Event Center.

Our event helps the Trap Team greatly and supports such a great sport.

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