Local News

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Tue

Nov

Support local busnesses: shop "small"

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 17:41

An Archive gift certificate is perfect for a hard-to-shop-for person. While you pick one up, let Michelle Gifford show you the store's large selection of clothing, decor items and wine.

As one of the busiest shopping weekends of the season approaches, consumers are again asked to “shop small” and support their local community by patronizing small, locally owned businesses.

Small Business Saturday November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The national initiative began in 2010 with a single effort in Roslindale Village, MA. It has since grown into a massive nationwide movement to support small businesses. In 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day.

Tue

Nov

Junior High girls' wrestling meet

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 17:29

Central's Noel Steenhard went 1-1 for the day, including a major decision over a Waverly-Shellrock opponent.

Olivia Stevenson won her first match by fall.

November 19 saw Central host one of the first, if not the first, junior high girls’ wrestling meets in the state. A total of eight girls are out for junior high wrestling at Central. Besides Central, teams from Postville, Fennimore, Waverly-Shellrock Waukon, East Buchanan and MFL-Mar-Mac participated. The Central girls’ finished with these results:

Reese Berns went 2-1. She lost by major decision to Destiny Krum, East Buchanan, 16-8; won by decision against Kalysta Kerner, Waukon 6-4, and won by decision over Ayda Cook, East Buchanan, 8-5.

Alyssa Schmitt went 1-1, winning by fall over Ayda Cook, East Buchanan, in 0:47 seconds but later losing by major decision to Destiny Krum, East Buchanan, 17-7.

Kimberly Suhr went 0-3. She lost by fall to Olivia Marti, Waukon, in 1:30; lost by fall to Kysa Klein, Waverly Shellrock, in 1:59; and lost by fall to Emily Hendrickson-Troester, MFL, in 1:16.

Mon

Nov

Making holidays brighter for kids

Submitted by admin on Mon, 11/18/2019 - 17:57

There’s a lot more than stretching and stepping going on at a local fitness class. Several members are also involved in service project designed to brighten the holiday season for kids in need.

The Fit and Flex group, which meets weekday mornings at the Elkader Fitness Center, has embraced projects launched by two of its members. The first is an effort led by Debbie Crane to make kids’ pajamas.

“I went to a garage sale in Cedar Rapids and there was a table with a stack of new flannel on it, probably 15 or 20 yards,” Debbie said. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it but I knew I had to buy it.”

Mon

Nov

Renovation project is completed

Submitted by admin on Mon, 11/18/2019 - 17:39

The kitchen and cafeteria - now known as the Commons - have been moved to the main floor. The former kitchen is now a fitness area. Pictured is Central superintendent Nick Trenkamp.

The middle and high school media center moved from the main floor to the second floor. Prior to the $6 million capital project, this part of the school didn't exist.

The $6.8 million renovation project at Central Schools, Elkader, is complete.

Central Superintendent Nick Trenkamp did a final walk-through with contractors last week noting some minor cosmetic work that needed to be addressed. The really “big stuff,” however—like the new middle/high school media center, science classroom, fitness area, commons and other spaces—have been finished for some time.

“We haven’t seen much of a crew in here for a while,” said Trenkamp. “It’s been a long, exhausting process—and I can’t say enough about how the staff and students dealt with the reality of the construction work—but everyone is in agreement that the end results are worth it.”

And it’s not just students and staff who are impressed with the results. Trenkamp has heard from parents, Central alumni and visitors. An open house in late September drew a large crowd and many took time at the end of the tour to share their favorable impressions.

Mon

Nov

Museum gets ready for holiday season

Submitted by admin on Mon, 11/18/2019 - 17:22

Cathryn Chancellor hangs ornaments created by area artists on one of several trees at the Carter House Museum.

The calendar might say November 20^th but inside the Carter House Museum, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The museum is being readied for the annual holiday open house Friday, November 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., and each room—plus the Annex—will reflect this year’s theme: Gifts.

“This year’s theme has come together beautifully, and I think our guests will enjoy the house and how each room celebrates a gift—from music to nature, food, friendship, poetry, pets, humor, and community service,” said Carter House board member LaVonne Augustson.

Tue

Nov

Chef offers extra serving of gratitude

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/12/2019 - 10:40

Michael Ellison, far right, owner of Dotzy’s Restaurant and Saloon, Elgin, is shown with some of the veterans who attended his appreciation breakfast last week. They are, back row, left to right: Ralph Clausen, Bob Rothlisberger, Dave Christen, Mark Benson, and Ron Soppe; and front row: Duane Strong and Don Sutter

No immediate member of Michael Ellison’s family has served in the armed forces and yet as Veterans Day approached, Ellison felt compelled to do something to say “thanks” to those who have served. Since feeding people is what he’s does best, Chef Mike, as he’s better known, decided to offer breakfast at his Elgin business, Dotzy’s Restaurant and Saloon. Veterans and their spouses enjoyed a free buffet Monday morning, a time when Chef Mike and his staff are usually recovering from a hectic weekend. Non-veterans were welcomed, as well. They could make a freewill offering, which was given to the Elgin American Legion. “I’ve had friends in the military and I really appreciate those who serve,” Chef Mike said. “I feel a debt to them, and this seemed like a good what to repay a bit of that.” Chef Mike admitted he wanted to do an appreciation breakfast last year, but the thought occurred to him too late. This year, planning started earlier, and he got some help.

Mon

Nov

New Snow Ordinance for Elkader Residents

Submitted by admin on Mon, 11/04/2019 - 16:09

Last week’s snowfalls were moderate but we all know bigger storms are coming. And when they do, Elkader residents will have a new snow ordinance to follow.

Approved last April by City Council, the ordinance prohibits parking between 2 and 6 a.m. on public streets whenever snow has accumulated on the paved portion of the road. This part of the ordinance covers snowfalls that are not significant enough for a snow emergency declaration. Motorists will be fined $20 per violation.

A snow emergency adds another layer to the ordinance: For up to 24 hours after an emergency has been declared, parking is prohibited on all streets. If snow removal efforts take less time than that, the parking ban will be lifted. Downtown parking lots will be cleared early so anyone who needs to be downtown will still have a place to park.

The ordinance does not say how much snow must fall before an emergency is declared but “generally this will be reserved for six inches or more.”

Wed

Oct

Training dogs to serve others

Submitted by admin on Wed, 10/30/2019 - 16:41

A local kennel is training dogs to work with veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder as well as youngsters with autism. Read their remarkable story in next week's issue of the Clayton County Register.

Mon

Oct