Ossian council to fill vacancy by appointment

      A vacancy on Ossian’s City Council will be filled by appointment at an upcoming meeting that will take place at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22, in the council chambers at the Ossian Community Center. The sitting councilmembers elected to precede in this manner during last week’s regular session on Monday, April 1.

      The meeting was also the site of a public hearing for the fiscal year 2025 proposed property tax levy rate, which brought no public comment. The proposed property tax levy of $13.83 (per $1,000 of taxable property) is an increase of approximately 0.6 percent from the current $13.01.

SW students to get ‘Tangled’ up at prom Saturday

      South Winneshiek’s annual prom will take place on Saturday with a grand march set for 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium in Calmar. Presented by the junior Class of 2025, this year’s theme will be Disney’s “Tangled.”

      Doors will open at 6:15 for the public with a $5 admission, which will help cover the cost of putting on the prom event.

      Following the grand march, students will head off to PIVO Event Center to dance the night away. At the conclusion of the dance (10 p.m.), students will then participate in post-prom activities.

Inaugurated as Upper Iowa University’s 21st president in 2013, William R. Duffy II (left) is the institution’s longest-serving president since Dr. Eugene Garbee, who served the university from 1952-70. To honor both he and his wife Sharon, UIU will host a retirement reception at the Fayette campus Friday, April 12. (Courtesy photo)

Peacock family to honor retiring president April 12

By Mike Van Sickle

      An end of an era is fast approaching at Upper Iowa University (UIU), as longtime UIU President William R. Duffy II will officially retire from the local university in June. Duffy announced his intentions to retire this past spring and is serving out the remainder of his tenure in a full-time fundraising role. To honor both he and his wife Sharon, UIU will host a retirement reception at the Fayette campus Friday, April 12.

The Highway 150 bridge over the Volga River, near Fayette, will be one of three local road projects set to begin in April. Construction crews will begin closing one lane of traffic on the bridge Monday. Meanwhile, resurfacing of Highway 56 between West Union and Elkader, and resurfacing of Highway 150 between West Union and the Winneshiek County line, begins today and April 15, respectively. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Area bridge and resurfacing projects to begin

By Mike Van Sickle

      Weather permitting, travelers are to be aware that construction crews will begin closing one lane of traffic Monday on the Highway 150 bridge over the Volga River, near Fayette. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports the bridge deck overlay work is expected to last until late July.

      According to the Iowa DOT’s New Hampton construction office, both lanes will be worked on in separate stages during the project. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to help direct traffic through the work zone. Lane-width restriction signs will be in place in advance of the work zone to direct larger vehicles to alternate routes.

WU Council revisits trail location concern

By Mike Van Sickle

      West Union resident Jeff Yauslin asked the city council Monday to visit his property and again consider moving the proposed Echo Valley Friendship Trail to the south side of Echo Valley Road. Citing concerns with driveways and water runoff from both his and a neighboring property, he asked the council why they were “adamant” to have the proposed trail located on the north side of the road.

Supervisors approve audit contract and pollinator garden

By Kaci Maire

      The Fayette County Board of Supervisors opened bids Monday for services to perform financial audits for Fayette County. Discussion regarding a one-year or a three-year contract, comparing previous pricing and contract options, and input from current Fayette County Auditor Lori Moellers, led Supervisors Bruce Lehmann, Jeff Bunn and Janelle Bradley to approve a three-year contract with Hacker, Nelson, & Co.

      Revisiting the topic of the pollinator garden (or micro prairie) to be planted on the courthouse lawn, approval was given for the project to be moved to the far southeast corner of the lawn. This will keep plants farther away from the building and allow for a larger space for planting. Removal of the ash tree stumps will provide a flatter, more accessible area for planting.

‘Open Hands’ serves 300 in February

      The West Union Open Hands Food Pantry has released its statistics for the month of February. Volunteer hours totaled 545 hours, and 9,185 pounds of food provided nourishment to 293 individuals across 94 local households. Of those picking up food were 27 families with children and 67 without children.

Fayette approves Freedom Rock improvement project

By Zakary Kriener

      The Freedom Rock in Fayette will be the focus of an improvement project after the council approved a pledge of up to $40,000 on Monday night.

      Among the areas of focus on the project for the landmark will be an overhead covering, flags, and lighting. While no official estimate was given on when the work will begin and/or be completed, the council voted to move forward with the project with funds being dedicated from the Bulgar Fund.

Elgin Council addresses sewer and ash tree concerns

By Sharon Drahn
Contributing Writer

      Elgin City Superintendent Tom Martin, in his report to the City Council Monday evening, noted there are ongoing issues with sewers backing up on Franklin Street. He explained there have been issues caused by tree roots for quite some time. He suggested lining the sewer system on Franklin Street should clean out the roots and alleviate the backup issues.

      In addition, Martin reported that the city’s Ford Ranger and mower need major repair, and replacement should be considered. He explained the truck was purchased for $5,000 twelve years ago and necessary repairs are estimated at $3,800. The issues and replacements will be considered at an upcoming council meeting.

Winneshiek Dairy Banquet April 12

By Zakary Kriener

      The 61st Annual Winneshiek County Dairy Banquet will be Friday, April 12th at the Festina Parish Center. The meal will be served from 7 to 8 pm with the awards program starting at 8 pm. The meal will consist of Beef Brisket, Baby Reds, Honey Glazed Carrots, Strawberry Fluff, Brownies & Ice-cream served by U2 catering. DHIA awards, several individual awards and scholarships will be handed out, along with the crowning of this year's royalty. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door the night of the banquet.

      This year, there are two Princess candidates, one Little Miss Squirt Candidates, and three Little Mr. Herdsman candidates. Candidate biographies are as follows: