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February 2020

Wed
12
Feb

West Union named 2020 Healthy Hometown

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-02-12 09:33

West Union was named one of Iowa’s Healthy Hometown Communities last week.  Aaron Swanson of Wellmark, the company that powers the Healthy Hometown Initiative, presented West Union deputy clerk, Amie Johansen, West Union mayor Adam Keller, West Union city clerk, Nick McIntyre, and Jessica Wegner of Gundersen Palmer with the award, which includes a $5,000 award to go toward continuing healthy initiatives.  (submitted photo) 

 

West Union named 2020 Healthy Hometown

 

 

By Megan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

West Union has been named one of Iowa’s 2020 Healthy Hometown Communities! 

“It’s nice to be recognized for our efforts to improve our city as we have,” noted West Union city administrator, Nick McIntyre.  

“We have been able to receive the recognition we have only through the help and guidance of Gundersen Palmer Community Health,” he continued.  “Jessica Wegner from Home Health has been incredible with finding projects, and coming up with ideas for the community.  I would certainly say this is a group effort!” 

“She has been incredible about helping the city find resources,” added West Union deputy Clerk, Amie Johansen of the Palmer Community Home Health RN. 

“This award is powered by Wellmark, and their representative, Aaron Swanson provides some amazing guidance,” continued Johansen.   “Members of the community, and the city, have worked hard to put these projects together, and the benefits have been wonderful.” 

Wed
12
Feb

Bemiss Distributing sold to Fahr Beverage

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-02-12 09:26

Bemiss Distributing, which has been part of the West Union community since 1958, recently announced its sale to Fahr Beverage Inc. of Waterloo. Members of both the current and new team include (l-r) Terry Timmerman, chief operating officer at Fahr Beverage Inc.; Bob Fahr, owner of Fahr Beverage Inc.; Gary Bemiss, Chris Bemiss, Mike Bemiss, and Kevin Bemiss. (Zakary Kriener photo)

 

Bemiss Distributing sold to Fahr Beverage

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

 

A big change is coming to West Union. Last week, Bemiss Distributing announced that Fahr Beverage Inc. of Waterloo is planning to purchase the beer and non-alcohol beverage distribution rights of the local West Union company, pending approval of each company’s respective suppliers. The proposed purchase is expected to close on March 31.

Bemiss Distributing got its start in the community in 1958 when Robert Bemiss purchased the rights to Capitol Tobacco. In its early years, the company employed five people and sold 100,000 cases of beer per year.

In 1971, the company was passed on to Gary and Paul Bemiss after Robert and Frances Bemiss died. The two grew the company to employ 19 full-time employees and three part-time, as well as to sell over half of a million cases of beer annually.

Wed
05
Feb

Warrior boys prevail over Blue Devils

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-02-05 13:53

Jaron Todd goes up for a shot attempt during a recent South Winn contest. In the team’s win over the West Central Blue Devils on Tuesday, Todd had eight boards, three assists and three steals. (Zakary Kriener photo)

 

Warrior boys prevail over Blue Devils

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

 

The South Winneshiek boys’ basketball team notched another win on Tuesday, Jan. 28, as the team downed West Central 57-38 in an Upper Iowa Conference matchup.

“Our guys did a great job of being consistent for four quarters and winning every quarters,” said coach Blake Moen after the victory. “We did a great job of forcing tough shots and rebounding on defense. We passed much better in the second half, which led to more points and good shots taken by our guys.”

Wed
05
Feb

SW girls fall to West Central

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-02-05 13:50

Junior Mary Frana aims up a jump shot during recent Warrior basketball action. South Winn fell to West Central on Tuesday night in Maynard. (Zakary Kriener photo)

 

SW girls fall to West Central

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

 

The South Winn girls dropped their only contest of the week as they fell to West Central, 47-23.

“We did not execute and lacked hustle in almost all four quarters,” said Kayla Ross, head coach, after the contest. “None of our shots were falling and our defense was not as strong as it usually is. I am disappointed in our lack of effort and hope the girls learn from this loss.”

The Blue Devils grabbed the lead early and kept the pressure on throughout as the Warriors committed 14 turnovers and were out-rebounded, 41-32.

Wed
05
Feb

Fire and rescue training facility up and running

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-02-05 13:45

A new fire and rescue training facility has been completed and is now being used by the Decorah Fire Department. The facility, located on Old Stage Road near Freeport, features a multi-level building for live-fires and numerous other pieces of training equipment that will not only benefit the Decorah FD, but also other area fire departments in the future. (Zakary Kriener photo)

 

Fire and rescue training facility up and running

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

When it comes to being prepared for a fire or rescue event, the Decorah Fire Department is doing all it can to make sure it is well prepared. Last year, ground was broken on a new fire and rescue training facility near Freeport and over recent months, the local fire department has been able to start using the grounds for training sessions and practice.

“Experience is the biggest thing that it will provide for our department,” explained Kyle Kohls, a Decorah fire fighter. “What experience we don’t get on calls, we have to get in training. Because of the call volume that we get, it’s impossible to get the proper training just on calls.”

Kohls went on to say that the new training facility is much safer than old training methods, which included multiple locations and means.

Wed
05
Feb

Work to soon begin on Hy-Vee

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-02-05 13:36

Work to soon begin on Hy-Vee

 

 

Construction on the new Hy-Vee is close to beginning! According to Stephanie Fromm, executive director for Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, the process will begin in the coming weeks.

“I would fully expect some movement to begin on the site as early as March 1,” explained Fromm. “Part of the hold up was because Hy-Vee had to work out a deal to acquire the two store-fronts next to the building.”

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