News

Revitalizing the Hauer Blacksmith Shop

Published by admin on Wed, 06/09/2021 - 10:52am

Editor’s Note: The German-American Museum has new interns as the museum re-opens to the public after an extended shutdown amid the pandemic. This piece, by one of those interns, explains a bit about blacksmithing, a component of the historical society’s efforts in St. Lucas with the Hauer Blacksmith Shop, once a fixture in the community.

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Saving History

Published by admin on Wed, 06/09/2021 - 10:49am

A bit of Winneshiek County’s past is on display, part of wider efforts stretching from Fort Atkinson to Decorah around the area.

Dedication took place Friday at the now-relocated Tainter Dam Gate that once served to generate electricity nearly a century ago for area communities.

Now, the former dam gate, the last remaining of its kin, is firmly in place at Trout Run Park.

A formal dedication drew dignitaries including Decorah’s own Kayla Lyon, now head of the Department of Natural Resources.

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Conservation Officials Hope Fishing Clinic Widens Interest

Published by admin on Tue, 06/01/2021 - 7:50am

Natural resource and conservation officials are urging residents to take advantage of a big chance to catch a bit of Iowa’s wildlife experience, but for area conservation enthusiasts, it’s also a chance to remember something of a local legend.

Iowa’s Free Wishing Weekend runs June 4, 5 and 6.

No license?

No problem.

No Department of Natural Resources officer will ticket you.

He might just as easily point you to the best spot to catch one.

The DNR is among bodies promoting the weekend with a statewide push.

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Waucoma FD Hits Milestone With Effort

Published by admin on Wed, 05/26/2021 - 5:30am

A campaign to modernize equipment for the Waucoma Fire Department has hit approximately two-third of its goal with a major boost possible coming up.

Seeking an ambitious goal of $105,000 in new equipment, from air packs to extrication equipment, the department showed off Friday three of its newest acquisitions.

“We bought two cutters and a spreader,” said Jim Franzen, fundraising organizer.

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Dairy Center’s ‘Breakfast on the Farm’ Returning

Published by admin on Tue, 05/25/2021 - 7:30am

Breakfast is back.

A tradition welcoming big crowds to the area will return to Iowa’s Dairy Center.

Breakfast on the Farm typically welcomes over a thousand visitors to the dairy center’s home on the edge of Calmar.

Last year, though, the event was cancelled with COVID-19.

In its place, a drive-through scavenger hunt took place instead.

This year, the full experience looks to be available.

“We’re just excited to be hosting the event again….” said Mariah Busta, coordinator for Northeast Iowa Dairy and Agriculture Foundation.

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TV Celebrates Student Achievement

Published by admin on Thu, 05/20/2021 - 4:30am

The 2021 Turkey Valley senior awards saw students honored for their achievements with dozens of awards and scholarships noted during the evening.

With the 61st class set to graduate from Turkey Valley Sunday, May 23, the recognition night’s awards included both returning and new awards and scholarships.

Among the returning awards, the Lawler Lions Volunteerism Scholarships have, since inception, included over $50,000 to over 80 youth.

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SW Seniors Face the Journey Ahead

Published by admin on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 5:30am

With the district’s first major event since dropping its mask mandate, South Winneshiek’s graduation drew a big crowd as the community turned out for a farewell to the Class of 2021.

This year’s event, originally scheduled for outdoors, was moved indoors, though inclement weather earlier saw the sun poke through the clouds in time for the big day.

The journey that waits formed a theme for the day.

“Where do we go from here?” asked Madison Kriener, class president.

Uncertainty awaits.

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Hackman Sees Changes As Farmwife Nears 90th

Published by admin on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 4:30am

Editor’s Note: The Calmar Courier is profiling the lives of some of our readers as they reach milestone birthdays of 90 and older.

Bernice Hackman is getting ready for the big day.

With her 90th birthday coming up, she is already looking forward to seeing children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Indeed, the fun has already started as one of her daughter’s was planning to come with a great-grandchild for an early visit ahead of her birthday.

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SW Senior Awards Surpass Half-Million Dollars

Published by admin on Wed, 05/12/2021 - 5:30am

With over $40,000 handed out for this year’s iteration, the South Winneshiek senior awards have passed a big milestone.

Now over half of a million dollars has been awarded to recipients in just over two decades, said Kenn Kirby, master of ceremonies for the evening.

The night’s largest awards went to Celia Neuzil and Ethan Luzum who won the C. Clair Cornell Memorial Scholarships named in honor of a former Ossian resident. The awards were for $5,000 each.

The Marion E. Jerome Foundation Scholarship went to Collin Wiltgen and Hannah Franzen with each receiving $2,000.