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Tue

Aug

Elkader community comes together to respond to flooding

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 14:00

The city of Elkader, led by the Elkader Fire Department, came together over the weekend to fill and stack sandbags as the Turkey River rose—fueled by rounds of storms that dumped as much as eight inches of rain in northeast Iowa. (Photos by Willis Patenaude)

“The community response is always great," said Elkader Mayor Josh Pope. "Not only did we have people willing to donate equipment, supplies and manpower for sandbagging, we had others who donated food and drink. The sandbagging efforts are organized by our volunteer firefighters. The firefighters also work with the city departments such as police and public works to monitor the need for road closures, getting the word out to campers and residents and monitoring essential services such as our sewer lift stations.”

The Elkader Fire Department also worked through the night to install HESCO barriers in anticipation of the flooding, which was expected to crest at 24 feet.

Volunteers worked tirelessly to install the 300 feet of HESCO barriers and 1,300 sandbags along the river in case it crested higher than expected. The use of the barriers is relatively new and, according to assistant fire chief Caleb Shea, the department shortened the preparation time and the amount of sandbags needed. In the past, the city would’ve needed around 10,000 sandbags and it would’ve taken far longer than the three hours it took 12 to 14 volunteers to fill and set up the barrier.

According to the National Weather Service, the flood level peaked at 22.79 feet late Monday morning, well above the flood stage of 12 feet. Here, pedestrians watch the roiling river from the Keystone Bridge.

The flooding closed down South Main Street and South High Street, and Central School District was closed on Monday.

Congreswoman Ashley Hinson met with Elkader Mayor Josh Pope on Monday, discussing the flood and the mobilization efforts by the fire department and community.

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

Tue

Aug

Facility will showcase rich history of earthmoving

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 13:41

The new Earthmoving Legacy Center, a 38,000-square-foot facility that will showcase the rich history of earthmoving, is slated to open in Elkader on Sept. 17. Located at 24412 Highway 13, the facility came about as a way for John Moyna, the third-generation owner of the road construction company C.J. Moyna & Sons, to share his large collection. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Approximately 50 early pieces will be displayed at the Earthmoving Legacy Center. The collection spans from the 1880s and horse-drawn earthmoving equipment to the 1940s era, focusing primarily on the evolution of the Caterpillar Company.

“Right now, we’re trying to get everything in and in the right spot,” said Ryan Young, a C.J. Moyna and Sons employee who's helped develop the facility. Along with the machinery, which will be housed in the building’s lower level, the Earthmoving Legacy Center will feature additional items upstairs, including toys, watch fobs, technology displays and a theater.

Even the ceiling—a mural of a job site—will impress visitors.

Some other facilities around the country, such as agriculture museums, feature similar machinery. “But there’s nothing this complete, or focused to this level,” Young said.

Visitors will note Caterpillar's transition from the "gray line" to "highway yellow" in 1932.

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

Tue

Aug

New ambulance for Mar-Mac Rescue Squad

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 13:35

The Mar-Mac Rescue Squad has a new ambulance—its first vehicle upgrade since 2010. The 2020 Ford F450 ambulance cost over $190,000, and is the rescue squad’s first four-wheel-drive model. (Submitted photo)

The piece of equipment the EMS crew is most excited about is the ambulance’s Stryker Power Load System that can raise and lower a cot, making it easier to load and unload patients with limited volunteers available. Here, EMT Dylan Rumph demonstrates how the system works. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

The back of the new rig is set up similarly to the old, a helpful feature for EMTs working in critical situations. (Submitted photo)

“Everything is touch screen now. Even the cab has a touch screen up there,” said EMT Samantha Rumph. “We can press a button back here and alarm them if we need to move faster.” This photo shows the touch screen in the ambulance cab. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

Fundraising now underway for cardiac monitor and defibrillator

Tue

Aug

GRRRR, wellness fair planned for Oct. 2

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 13:27

The Great River Road - Road Race (GRRRR) will be held this year on Saturday morning, Oct. 2, at Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor. New this year, there will also be a GRRRR wellness fair at the MFL MarMac Middle School, from 8 a.m. to noon. (Times-Register file photo)

Register now to participate in race, be a vendor

Tue

Aug

Elkader Council discusses error on Carter Street, Keystone Bridge costs

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 13:13

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

Tue

Aug

Elkader Council approves new Alliant franchise agreement with a 4-1 vote

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 13:11

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

Tue

Aug

MFL MarMac runs past New Hampton in interesting season opener

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/31/2021 - 13:09

Running back Cullen McShane totaled 214 of MFL MarMac’s 405 rushing yards in the win over New Hampton. The senior carried the ball 18 times and scored three times on the ground. He also caught two passes and had a receiving touchdown. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Defensive lineman Tristen Koehn (right) led the Bulldogs in tackles, with eight total, and recovered a fumble.

Sophomore quarterback Carver Blietz-Bentien was a factor in the MFL MarMac ground game, rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown on six carries. He threw the ball just five times, but completed three passes for 100 yards and a TD.

MFL MarMac’s strong offensive line, including Corbin McElwaine (62, left) and Hunter Meyer (53, right), kept quarterback Carver Blietz-Bentien protected and paved the way for 405 Bulldog rushing yards in the 42-14 win over New Hampton.

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

Tue

Aug