County landfill rate increases

      Fayette County residents are to be aware of new rates for materials unloaded at the Fayette County Transfer Station/Landfill near Fayette.

      The rates include the following. Furniture, $10 per item; construction and demolition items, $70 per ton (minimum 200 lbs, $7, and materials must be in 5 feet lengths or less); appliances, $8 each;

      Televisions and monitors, $15 each (larger televisions, $25); printers/fax machines, $5; copiers, $12-$25; car tires, $5 (with rim, $6) light truck tires, $6 (with rim, $7), large truck, $12 (with rim, $15), semi tires, $30; tractor tires, price based on weight, starting at $25.

Fayette Council receives department and service updates

By Jan Bear
Contributing Writer

      James Opperman, owner of the Cornhill Redemption Center addressed the Fayette City Council during its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20, saying, “We’ve heard rumors that people are wondering where the money is going since we are a nonprofit. We’ve given $150-$200 checks to several nonprofits,”

      Opperman listed many organizations who had received money. During the meeting, Opperman presented a $200 check to Dan Boberg, representing the Fayette American Legion Veterans Post.

NFV grad helps in children’s hospital fundraiser

      Emma Biederman of Fayette was one of more than 1,100 current University of Iowa (UI) students who recently participated in the 30th annual student-led Dance Marathon which generated more than $1.4 million for the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. This was the 2023 North Fayette Valley graduate’s first year of participation in UI’s Dance Marathon.

Beermanns to be recognized for ‘Annie’s Fen’ donation

      Roger and Anne Beermann of rural West Union are one of 12 Iowa donors that will be recognized at a special ceremony on March 14 in Des Moines.

      The Beermanns donated 3.423 acres of a unique fen near West Union to the Fayette County Conservation Board. “Annie’s Fen” is home to one of the largest known populations of the fall blooming perennial, turtlehead. This donation will protect the botanical importance of the property and provide an additional location for the Fayette County Conservation Board to host environmental education programs.

South Winn speech at districts

South Winneshiek individual speech participants competed at conference on Monday, Feb, 19. Students that competed at Districts on Saturday included (l-r) Matthew Horstman (Improvisation, Division I), Madalyn Desselle (Division II), Jordan Peterson (Reviewing, Division I), Evan Ellingson (Spontaneous Speaking, Division I and Expository Address, Division II) , Amy Andera (Poetry, Division I), and Julia Carnesi (Acting, Division I). (submitted photo)

Six vying for Winneshiek Co. Beef Princess crown

      The 2024 Winneshiek County Cattlemen’s Beef Banquet is set for Saturday, March 9, at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds at the Community Building. The doors are set to open at 5 p.m. with supper being served at 6:30 p.m. Throughout the night, the Iowa State University cow birthing simulator will also be on hand for attendees to try out.

Become an Ossian Crown Club member today

By Zakary Kriener

      The Ossian Crown Club needs your help! Current committee members met for their January meeting on Jan. 31 where it discussed both some good news, as well as some news that may present challenges in the future.

      Efforts for some recent Crown Club events were successful, including the annual Hot Dog Handout on Halloween, Hocus Pocus Movie Night with pumpkin decorating, and Santa Land, were on par with plans already underway for the 2024 versions of those events.

West Union Police Chief Paul Becthold has announced his candidacy for Fayette County Sheriff. Becthold (right) is pictured being congratulated by FBI Director Christopher Wray after graduating from the FBI National Academy in September 2023. (Courtesy photo)

WU police chief announces candidacy for sheriff

       Longtime incumbent Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher will have a challenger in the November 2024 general election.

      "I am honored to announce my candidacy for Fayette County Sheriff,” announced West Union Police Chief Paul Becthold Tuesday. “My extensive background in law enforcement, continuing education, along with my dedication to public service has prepared me to lead the Sheriff's department effectively and with the utmost professionalism. I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness, accountability and community engagement."

Inspiring Lives staff members Dwight Ohrt Steve Swenka and Jennifer White provided the Fayette County supervisors a tour of the rural Fayette building and property Monday. Inspiring Lives administrators and staff informed the supervisors last week of the organization’s intentions to move out of the residential care facility by Monday, Sept. 30. Pictured during the tour are (l-r) Swenka, Supervisor Jeff Bunn, Ohrt, Supervisor Janell Bradley, Supervisor Bruce Lehmann, and White. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

Inspiring Lives to move out of facility in September

By Mike Van Sickle
Editor

      After first discussing their intentions with county officials in October 2023, Inspiring Lives administrators and staff have informed the Fayette County Supervisors of the organization’s intentions to move out of the rural Fayette residential care facility by Monday, Sept. 30.

      “We like our building, but it came down to federal regulations,” Laura Peyton, LMHC, Inspiring Lives administrator/CEO, acknowledged during the supervisors’ regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

In addition to family, friends and people across the country, Lois and Kim Dummermuth of Elgin are especially grateful to the donor and all the medical staffs who have helped Kim along his heart transplant journey, which began with a helicopter ride from Gundersen Palmer in West Union to Gundersen in La Crosse, Wisconsin. (Mike Van Sickle photo)

 Transplant recipient continues recovery during Heart Month

By Mike Van Sickle
Editor

      Kim and Lois Dummermuth, their five adult children and spouses, and 24 grandchildren have August 29 circled on their 2024 calendars. This date marks the one-year anniversary of Kim’s successful heart transplant at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester.

      Reaching the one-year plateau will not only mean he will most likely have been weaned off many of the powerful drugs he is on, but the family has also been told the percentage of survival increases significantly at that time.