News

Residential Care Facility Has New Name

Published by admin on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 7:30am

That big, three-story brick building at 18569 Lane Road, halfway between West Union and Fayette has a new name.

In fact, while some county residents can still remember the era when the county funded care for the indigent on this site, and before that it was also a working ‘farm’ of crops and livestock and had it’s own cemetery – the building truly hasn’t been ‘The County Farm,” for decades.

Over the past century, the mission of the programming in the facility has changed tremendously.

Family Theme Highlights Firefighter Recognition

Published by admin on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 7:23am

A remembrance that was both tearful and joyful highlighted a recognition event Saturday for Waucoma firefighters as Roger Kramer’s 25 years were marked.

Kramer, a pillar of the community who was active in everything from church to public safety, passed away last year after a battle with cancer.

Saturday saw the department recognize service from a number of members, with the posthumous award for Roger received by Jo Kramer, Roger’s wife.

Dairy Daze

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2020 - 5:30am

The start of a new school year has more than kids and parents excited.

For area dairy farmers, it is a chance to see some hope on the horizon amidst a year that has been anything but positive.

Back to School

Published by admin on Tue, 08/25/2020 - 7:30am

After five months, students are back on familiar turf.

The closure of schools in the middle of March has had most young people away from the classroom for months.

Northeast Iowa Community College was the first to welcome students back.

Liang Chee Wee, NICC’s president, stood at the entrance to campus Thursday morning to personally welcome students. It was the first official day of the new term for NICC.

Calmar Welcoming New Business

Published by admin on Wed, 08/19/2020 - 5:30am

Erin Kerner, of Ossian, is becoming the newest member of Calmar’s business community.

Beginning Oct. 1, Kerner will open a Calmar branch of American National Insurance.

Her office will be located at 110 N. Maryville, in the building shared with the Calmar Courier.

Kerner is taking over the portion of the building formerly occupied by Val’s Catering.

The company is based in Galveston, Texas with its closet northeast Iowa branch in Manchester.

“So, this was a great [chance] to bring another insurance option to our area,” said Kerner.

County Ponders Finances

Published by admin on Thu, 08/13/2020 - 4:30am

Winneshiek County could be looking at a major source of relief amidst a projected cash hit with COVID-19 expenses, but the financial bottom line is going to continue to loom large for area officials.

County finances have taken a pounding, with road use dollars, license fees and decreased tax revenues.

Essential services, such as road maintenance, are looking to be affected.

Some help, though, looks to be in the offing, following an announcement of reimbursement for local governments by Governor Kim Reynolds.

The level of assistance could be substantial.

Orioles Recruit Boasts TV Roots

Published by admin on Wed, 08/12/2020 - 5:30am

The signing of Carter Baumler, of Dowling Catholic, to the Baltimore Orioles has fans of his school quite excited.

Other Iowans, including some right here, are also gearing up with a whole new reason to follow the team as the young athlete boasts ties to the Turkey Valley district.

Carter’s father is Brad Baumler, originally of Waucoma, and his mother is Mary Lynn Schmitt, of St. Lucas, both graduates of Turkey Valley.

Dan Stepan, coach of this year’s Turkey Valley baseball team, pointed to a family heritage of athletics.

Flower Power

Published by admin on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 7:30am

Calmar residents enjoying the beauty downtown with flowers can thank a pair of volunteers.

Linus “Sam” Sabelka and Wayne Wiest are the volunteers behind the effort to keep the flowers watered and healthy throughout the summer.

With unusual summer heat so far, that has been a bit of an undertaking.

“Sam’s the main man,” said Wiest.

After he retired, Wiest joined Sabelka in the effort. The flowers have been part of downtown for a few years now.

“I’m guessing 8 to 10 years,” said Wiest, who is also an active volunteer with the Greater Area Pantry.

Road Work Proceeding Very Well

Published by admin on Thu, 08/06/2020 - 4:30am

An ambitious slate of road work is moving ahead for Fayette County residents with detours in place for a number of residents, but relief for at least some residents should be here quickly.

Engineer Joel Fantz briefed Fayette County Supervisors Monday morning.

“Potentially this week, we’ll be out of the gravel detour business,” said Fantz.

Mask Mandates Eyed, But Officials Skeptical

Published by admin on Wed, 08/05/2020 - 5:30am

The possibility of forcing residents to wear masks in public is drawing attention but area officials remain cautious about going down that road.

Widely varying approaches are being eyed, with most counties holding off on imposing mandatory masking.

Winneshiek County Public Health Director Krista Vanden Brink has broached the subject to Winneshiek County Supervisors, but the board has not taken any action on her proposal.

The Calmar Courier

The Calmar Courier
PO Box 507
Calmar, Iowa 52132
Phone: 563-864-3333
news@calmarcourier.com

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