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April 2020

Wed
01
Apr

Elgin residents enjoy a community-wide Bear Hunt

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 15:50

While staying home and being safe is an important part of the COVID-19 pandemic, some communities are starting little “hunts” to encourage children to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.  In Elgin, community members have started a “Bear Hunt,” based on the children’s book written by Helen Oxenbury.  Bears can be found greeting hunters through the windows all around the valley-area community.  (submitted photo) 

 

Elgin residents enjoy a community-wide Bear Hunt

 

By Megan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

“This wasn’t my idea, it was just something I saw and thought it would be a great thing to start in our own community,” smiled Cindy Torkelson of the “bear hunt” she and others have started in Elgin.  

“We all have to do the social distancing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun from a distance,” smiled Torkelson.  “It’s a great way to get people out walking, and to participate in something as a community, even while we’re following the rules of social distancing.”  

Based on the book “We're Going on a Bear Hunt” by Helen Oxenbury, anyone can join Elgin’s Bear Hunt by simply placing a bear in his or her window.

Wed
01
Apr

Outdoor outlets offered

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 15:44

This is one of the trails that is now open at the Gilbertson Conservation Area near Elgin. (Submitted photo)

 
 

Outdoor outlets offered

 

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

 

 

 

 

At this point, Fayette County Parks are open, with the exception of the Wildwood and Gilbertson Information Centers. This is in accordance with the CDC guidelines and state recommendations pertaining to COVID – 19.

“Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our visitors, volunteers and employees. During this time, we remain diligent in taking steps to make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible,” said Fayette County Conservation Director Rod Marlatt.

The trails at Gilbertson Conservation Education Area (Elgin) are open. Several other trails owned, and managed by Fayette County Conservation are also available. 

Wed
01
Apr

Tornadoes leave path of destruction across Fayette County

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 15:37

 

This large machine shed on the Jeff Forsyth farm at 10176 M Ave., about two miles east of Maynard had about half of its roof ripped off when a tornado hit Saturday, March 28, about 6:40 p.m. (Jack Swanson photos)

 

Tornadoes leave path of destruction across Fayette County

 

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

 

While one tornado was ripping through an apartment complex leaving around a dozen families homeless, another tornado would soon hit the rural countryside leaving several farmsteads torn and broken.

The tornadoes hit the southeast corner of Fayette County, Saturday night, March 28, between 6:30 and 7 p.m. 

Wed
01
Apr

Area golf courses offer outdoor getaway in midst of self isolating

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 15:29

Golfers were out on the greens at Big Rock Country Club last week. Members were allowed on the course prior to this week’s opening to the general public. (Jack Swanson photo)

 

Area golf courses offer outdoor getaway in midst of self isolating

 

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

 

 

 

Some of us are looking for ways to get out of the house and still follow the guidelines for keeping ourselves safe from the spread of the coronavirus.

For some, the sport of golf may be the answer. 

The Big Rock Country Club golf course at 9684 146th St., Fayette, opened to the public Monday, March 30, but not without some new stipulations in regards to the COVID–19 social distancing guidelines.

Big Rock Manager Joseph Horstman said they usually shoot for the week of April 1 as an opening date, dependent on the weather and that this year will not be an exception.  

“We will be limiting the number of people entering the clubhouse as well as only allowing one person to a rental cart and promptly disinfecting each cart after each use. As well as limiting golf and tee times to foursomes, which is normal practice,” Horstman pointed out.

Wed
01
Apr

Marlys Fink

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 14:34

Marlys Fink

 

Marlys Ardell Fink, 89, of West Union, Iowa died Friday, March 20, 2020 at Gundersen Palmer Hospital in West Union, Iowa. Marlys was born to Charlie and Florence (Yoeman) Halverson on July 26, 1930 in West Union, Iowa. She graduated from West Union High School and attended University of Iowa for three years, where she was a member of Scottish Highlanders.

Marlys was united in marriage with Kenneth Fink in 1951. Five children were born to this union. Marlys owned and operated West Union Hardware and Curious Goose Gift Shop. She was a member of the West Union Methodist Church and longest living member of Messiah Rotary Club. Marlys was a Master Gardener and enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers. Her hobbies included art and crafts and she loved working at the hardware store.

Wed
01
Apr

Robert Thompson

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 14:29

Robert Thompson

 

Robert “Bob” D. Thompson, 77, of rural Waterville, IA, died Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, from complications of the Coronavirus. A private graveside service was held at Old East Paint Creek Cemetery, rural Waterville. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, IA, is handling arrangements. Condolences can be sent to Linda Thompson, 1831 Elon Drive, Waterville, IA 52170. The family requests in lieu of gifts please give to the Veterans Memorial Hospital Foundation in Waukon, Old East Paint Creek Church, or help someone that may be struggling during these uncertain economic times.

Wed
01
Apr

Olette Schultz

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 12:58

Olette Schultz

 

Olette Schultz will be celebrating her 80th birthday on April 8, 2020 with a card shower. 

Greetings may be sent to her at 100 Bolger Drive, Fayette, IA 52142

Wed
01
Apr

Scott Luchsinger

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 12:55

Scott Luchsinger

 

Scott Luchsinger will be celebrating his 66th birthday and retirement from the Fayette County Secondary Roads Department on Monday, April 6th. 

His family would like to honor him with a card shower to recognize his 46 1/2 years of hard work and all of his 66 years! 

Please send birthday and retirement greetings to:  Scott Luchsinger, PO Box 694, Fayette, Iowa 52142. 

Wed
01
Apr

Using a talent to fill a need amidst COVID-19; local quilters make masks to donate

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 12:51

Dorty Yauslin holds up one of the “thin blue line” facemasks she designed for the Fayette County Sheriff’s office.  (Megan Molseed photo)

 

Using a talent to fill a need amidst COVID-19; local quilters make masks to donate

 

By Megan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

“We saw the need and set our other stuff aside,” smiled Dorty Yauslin. “I said Wilda, let's have a fun day and make some masks!” 

Yauslin and her friend, Wilda Bark, are among many local sewers who have decided to set their regular projects aside as they use their talent to make and donate a valuable commodity in today’s healthcare world, facemasks.  

“I had heard that some places were looking for masks, and then I found a pattern online,” said Yauslin.  “There is a need out there and this is the least I can do.” 

Wed
01
Apr

WU's Fire Departments biggest concern is health & safety of citizens

Submitted by Clauer on Wed, 2020-04-01 12:42

 

Fundraiser canceled: WU Fire Departments biggest concern is health & safety of citizens

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

 

The West Union Fire Department’s big fundraiser, the annual pancake supper, won’t be happening this year due to the self-isolating order statewide. 

The firefighters say it’s a disappointment,  but they’ll survive.

“It’s to supplement our budget from the City. We’ve used it for lots of needed equipment and projects in the past 43 years, but our biggest concern at this time is the health and safety of our citizens,” said Firefighter Tom Luhman.

He heard that some citizens have started a donation drive to supplement what was lost by not having the supper. While Luhman says he does appreciate the community’s efforts and concern, he said he doesn’t want to see a “go fund me” type situation coming about.

“We’re not asking for money. The businesses and those out of work have been hit hard enough,” Luhman pointed out. “It’s not that we won’t survive without it. We can still keep the Department the best it can possibly be.”

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