ACED Office will be closed for the holidays:

​​​​​​From the prairies of Saskatchewan to the stages of the world, sharing his talent with some of the greatest and most influential musicians of all time, Colin James has quietly and steadily established himself as one of Canada's greatest musicians. 

Now after a career that has spanned over 25 years and 18 albums Colin continues to make the music he loves and perform to sold out theatres from coast to coast.  ​

"Since I was a child I’ve always been romantic about the railway.  Spending a couple weeks on a train and pulling into some of these idyllic towns will not only be a new experience for me but a fantastic way to ring in the Christmas season." ​
 

Kelly is no stranger to Holiday Train. She has taken part in numerous tours and was featured on many of the past Holiday Train CD's, including the gold record release in 2005. In 2013 she shared the stage with Sheryl Crow and Take Six on the Holiday Train 15th anniversary show in Minnesota.

"The Holiday Train exemplifies the spirit of giving and brings so much joy and hope to communities across North America. Once again, I look forward to another year aboard the Holiday Train and helping in the fight against hunger."​​

Coming Home to Allamakee County


 

Nick and Melissa Hammell
by Cindy Schellhammer

Hometown. Stomping grounds. Native soil. As children we grow up in a geographical place that has been chosen by others. We find ourselves planted in the world by parents, extended family, adoptive or foster parents, or other adults whose blood we may not share but whose house is our home. Our childhood households and the people in them, our life events and our surroundings may contribute as much to whom we eventually become as our distinctive DNA . These factors help make up our frame of reference when we venture forth, into the world. It is little wonder then that we ask and are asked about the place that we “hail” from when meeting new people. It gives us insight, perspective, and helps us get to know one another.

Allamakee County is native soil to many people. Some may feel this was a stroke of luck and
some may feel the need to relocate as soon as possible. Allamakee County is not on either coast or in a major metropolitan area. We do not have a large variety of shopping and dining options or cultural and entertainment opportunities. As a result, area teenagers are often in a hurry to graduate and leave the “provincial, rural, small-town life” behind.

However, many native adults, young and old, are choosing to RETURN to this area. To Allamakee County. To their hometowns. To their “stomping grounds”. Returning to the beautiful hills and valleys of NE Iowa, part of America’s Heartland. They are taking pride in this area, in the communities, in themselves. This is an indication of what Allamakee County DOES have.

They are returning with a renewed appreciation for sparkling creeks, rolling fields, winding
rivers, lush hills and shady woodlands. A renewed appreciation for opportunities to hunt, bike, canoe, fish, camp, boat, and hike. A renewed appreciation for self-employment opportunities. A renewed appreciation for the many extraordinary, ordinary people. A renewed appreciation for a quieter, simpler lifestyle. A renewed appreciation for family.

In this article you will meet one such couple. In the weeks to come we will be meeting more
county natives who have returned to live and raise their own families or to retire.

Nick and Melissa (Missy) Hammell own the Safe House Saloon in Lansing. They both grew up in NE Iowa. Nick was born 35 years ago in Washington, Iowa. His parents, Mark and Renee (Fruechte) Hammell, both Lansing natives, moved back to Lansing when Nick was a toddler and currently live on English Bench in Union Township. His dad was a tradesman boilermaker for 30 years until his retirement. His mother, Renee, is retired after working several years at the New Albin Savings Bank.

Nick and his parents, along with younger brother, Levi, now 29, lived on Bench Street in Lansing during his childhood years. Nick attended Eastern Allamakee Community Schools from kindergarten through high school and is a member of the Class of 2000.

“I was a ‘pool rat’ during the summers”, Nick says, referring to countless hours spent at the
public swimming pool. He also spent a lot of time in his younger years on the river. But one of his fondest memories is the annual deer hunt with his dad during shotgun season. A tradition that has continued. “My dad worked on the road a lot and was mostly home on weekends. But he was ALWAYS home for deer hunting! We would all go, even my mom. And now my older daughter has come along in the last couple of years.”

Melissa Zwiefka was born 35 years ago in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She grew up in and around the Harpers Ferry area. Her mother and stepfather, Deb and Dick Taylor, owned Taylor’s Market in Harpers Ferry for a number of years during Missy’s childhood. She is the oldest of three children including brother, Justin, and sister, Amanda. Missy and her family lived in Taylor Court located in the city of Harpers Ferry and later moved to rural Harpers on Whippoorwill Hollow. She attended elementary school in Waterville and New Albin and attended Waukon during middle school years. When Missy was in ninth grade her family moved to LaCrescent, Minnesota. She attended LaCrescent High School through her senior year and was a member of the Class of 2000. Missy’s family had moved back to Harpers Ferry after her sophomore year, but to finish out her high school education, Missy commuted to and from LaCrescent High School with her mother who had continued her employment in LaCrescent.

Missy’s favorite childhood memories center around the river. “We would fish off the dock and
go boating and swim and my dad trapped.”

Nick and Missy both held part-time jobs during their teen years. The summer they were both
seventeen, they met and started dating while working at Clancy’s Supper Club in Lansing.

Nick and Melissa continued their relationship after high school and married on June 18, 2005. At the time of their marriage, Nick was attending Iowa State University in Ames and Missy had finished an Associates’ Degree in Liberal Arts at DMAC (in Des Moines) and had gone on to the Iowa School of Beauty (also in Des Moines) where she earned her License in Cosmetology in 2005. The couple made their home in Ames until Nick graduated from Iowa State in 2006 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Business.

A job for Nick with Schrieber Foods, one of the nation’s largest cheese and fast food manufacturers, took them to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Nick was a Team Advisor and worked in operations. Eventually his duties expanded to interim Team Leader at the Schrieber facility. Missy worked at Bed Bath & Beyond as well as the YMCA until the birth of their daughter, Isabelle in 2007.

The Schrieber Foods plant in Wisconsin Rapids closed in the fall of 2008 and moved operations to Missouri. Though they could have relocated to another Schrieber Foods location, Nick felt that the job had been “unfulfilling” and both he and Missy had been feeling “the tug” of moving home to raise their family. They decided to “explore other options”. As it happened, Missy’s parents had purchased the Safe House Saloon in Lansing two years prior. The couple had purchased it with the idea of a small retirement business but came to realize that running a bar business was more than they cared to take on. Nick and Missy made the decision to move back to Lansing and manage the Safe House Saloon. They leased the bar for 1 ½ years and then bought the business from Dick and Deb Taylor in the spring of 2010. “The pieces just kind of fell into place for us and we felt like it was meant to be”, Nick states.

Nick and Missy continue to live in Lansing with their two daughters, Isabelle, age 9, and Leona, age 2. Missy worked in Decorah at a hair salon when they first moved back to the area. Since then she has started her own salon in their home on Diagonal Street in Lansing. Currently Nick and his father are remodeling the second floor of the Safe House so that Missy can move her salon to that location on Main Street. The couple is hopeful that the new salon site will be ready by spring of 2017 or before.

Cindy: How has your home community changed?

Nick: “The look of Main Street was far different when we moved back. There were empty store fronts and some of the main town businesses were gone, like the drug store and the bakery. Even our lumber yard is now closed. But, in the last few years, little by little, the town is becoming much more vibrant.”

Missy: “Main Street Matters helps a lot. They keep the business owners connected to what’s going on with other businesses and keep us informed on what’s going on in the area.”

Cindy: How has your home community NOT changed?

Nick: “We still have tremendous community support. The community turnout is phenomenal for local benefits when someone is struggling with illness. Or people who are in need – this community still ‘steps up’ and helps out without a second thought. There are great people everywhere I’ve lived but I’ve never felt a part of the greater community like I do here.”

Cindy: Has anything surprised you since being back?

Missy: “How fluid Main Street is. The change in businesses coming and going. We have more and more young people with energy infusing local businesses. At first I felt like there were ‘walls up’ for us as new business owners, but the attitude between businesses here in Lansing has morphed into ‘stepping up’ and helping each other. We can go to other business owners with a need or problem and they don’t hesitate to lend a hand.”

Cindy: What is the best part about living back in Lansing?

Missy: “Knowing our kids are growing up somewhere safe. Kind of like when WE were growing up.

People protect each other’s families. But the biggest draw for Nick and I is that our families are here.”

Cindy: Name some advantages to living here.

Nick: “We are uniquely equidistant from a lot of great towns that people drive to like Decorah, Viroqua, LaCrosse.”

Missy: “We have amazing scenery and surroundings. It’s as great as any part of our country,
comparable to the oceans or the mountains. Kids get a good education that prepares them well for college and beyond. It’s a great place to raise a family even if you have to commute for a job, it’s worth it.”

Cindy: Are there any businesses or services that Lansing does not currently have that you feel would be beneficial?

Nick: “If you’re not a farm legacy or business owner, there are not a lot of mid-level jobs here. A small community can only support so much, but we are seeing a lot more diversity.”

Missy: “I’d like to see more recreational and park areas for kids and good hiking trails.”

Cindy: What advice do you have for native NE Iowans who are considering a move back home?

Nick: “It depends on why they’d like to move back. If they have something to offer the community, like a new business, be passionate about it! Do it and do it WELL. Educate yourself, make connections and don’t let others tell you it won’t work. We had a lot of ‘growing pains’ when we first started in the bar business. It took a while to figure out our “identity” as a business. Our bar reflects who we are as people. We want it to be a place to relax, have conversations and just hang out with friends.”

Cindy: Do you have any hobbies?

Nick: “I love the whole culture of the Craft Beer business. I love learning the stories behind each beer. I love being at the different events that bring Craft Beer people together. I have people come in to the bar from other areas that are awestruck at all the different and unique and rare artisanal Craft Beers we offer. I have 11 Craft Beers on tap at all times on a rotating basis. We began the Craft Beer selection about three years ago at the Saloon and it’s done so well that I started a ‘Carry Out’ retail space of 51 different single Craft beers that are harder to find at an approachable price. It’s been successful enough that I have expansion planned for the retail side of the business.”

Missy: “I love to cook. I cook a five-course meal for our beer tasting events. I do some baking, mostly breads. I crochet, read and I also sing and play guitar.”

Cindy: What are you most proud of in your life (thus far)?

Nick: “My wife and my kids.”

Missy: “My family.”

This story was printed in the November 16th edition of the Waukon Standard.

VMH's Christmas Fantasy 2016

The 25th annual Veterans Memorial Hospital Foundation Christmas Tree Fantasy was held November 11-14th at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds.  The theme for the event was “25 Years of Caring & Sharing”.  There were 57 decorated Christmas trees at the event.  This year ACED donated a Shop Allamakee County Gift Basket for the Silent Action.     

New Businesses/New Locations

Tumbleweed Welding
1929 Main St, Lansing, IA

Tumbleweed Welding has relocated to the Blumenthol Building at 1929 Main St, Lansing, IA 52151.
They will utilize approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of the 100,000+ sq. ft. building.

Tumbleweed Welding has been serving the Asphalt Industry for more than 15 years through sales and service of a wide range of products.  They offer industry leading products at affordable prices and have the knowledge and experience to back their products. If service is what you need give them a call.  Tumbleweed Welding has the equipment and know how to tackle the toughest jobs.

Wall to Wall Custom 
101 West St SW, Waukon, IA

Wall to Wall Custom picture framing
LOVES to Re-claim + Re-purpose + Re-Invent = take the old & make it new.

Speaking of new, Janine will soon be moving the Wall to Wall store on Main St. to the Zahn Plumbing building behind Kwik Star in Waukon.

Here is where "Wirth a Look" will bloom as her only existing business. Janine is looking forward to downsizing a bit and invites you to stop in to Wall to Wall CUSTOM for some great buys on all inventory not going to the new location!!! NOW thru the end of the month!!! She is even willing to do some bartering!!
 

 

Dec. 4-Waukon HS Choir tour during; 10:45 a.m. 
Dec. 18-Christmas Program; 10:45 a.m.  
Dec. 24-Christmas Eve Candlelight Service; 5 p.m.
 

Dec. 24-Christmas Eve Candlelight Service; 7 p.m.
 

Dec. 3- Bake Sale at Quillins; 9 a.m.-noon
Proceeds will fund The Voice of the Shepherd radio ministry.
Dec. 21-Norwegian Christmas Song Service; 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
 

Dec. 11-Sunday School Christmas program; 1 p.m.
Dec. 24-Christmas Eve service; 8 p.m.     
Dec. 25-Christmas Day service; 10:30 a.m.
 

Dec. 18-Sunday School Christmas program; 9 a.m.  
Dec. 24-Christmas Eve service; 3 p.m.               
Dec. 25-Christmas Day service; 9 a.m.
 

Dec. 24-Sunday School Christmas Program; 7:15 p.m.            
Dec. 25-Christmas Day Service; 9 a.m.
 

 

			Dec 1 Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
			Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center  ATV/UTV Club Meeting - Postville's Turner Hall
			Fri Dec 2 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Winter Book Sale - Robey Memorial Library
			Sat Dec 3 Winter Book Sale - Robey Memorial Library
			BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
			Tailgate Party Saturdays - Mulligan's Grill Pub, Rossville Road, Waukon
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery
			Bake Sale at Quillins by King of Grace - Quillins Food Ranch NAIL'S Annual Holiday Vendor/Craft Show 9 a.m - 2 p.m., Santa 11 a.m., Stone Quarry Hall and Townhouse
			Sun Dec 4 CP Holiday Train Rolling thru Harpers Ferry - Harpers Ferry, Lansing, New Albin, Iowa
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery
			Mon Dec 5 East Elementary Concert, 7pm - Waukon High School Gym Waterville City Council Meeting
			Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
			Waukon City Council Meeting
			Unemployment Outreach Representative - Waukon, IA,
			Tue Dec 6 Keep Calm & Color: Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
			Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library - Robey Memorial Library, Waukon
			Wed Dec 7 Brown Bag 'n' Books {adult storytime} - Robey Memorial Library
			Thu Dec 8 Waukon Middle School Holiday Concert, 7pm - Waukon Middle School Gym Postville School Winter Concert - Grades 5-8 - Postville School Auditorium Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
			I Found It On Pinterest: 3-D Paper Stars - Robey Memorial Library
			Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
			Fri Dec 9 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Sat Dec 10 BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
			Tailgate Party Saturdays - Mulligan's Grill Pub, Rossville Road, Waukon
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery
			Christmas Magic in the Park (Santa) - Tillinghast Park, Harpers Ferry, IA
			Sun Dec 11 Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery
			Mon Dec 12 Waukon High School Holiday Concert, 7pm, - Waukon High School Gym Kee Band/Vocal Concert 6th – 12th Grade, 7pm - Kee Gym. New Albin City Council Meeting
			Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
			Unemployment Outreach Representative - Waukon, IA,
			Tax Clinic - Robey Memorial Library
			Harpers Ferry City Council Meeting
			Postville City Council Meeting  Tue Dec 13 New Albin Concert, 7pm - Kee Gym.
			Keep Calm & Color: Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
			Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library - Robey Memorial Library Wed Dec 14 Kindergarten Concert, 2pm -  WHS auditorium
			HF Boosters Inc. Meeting - HF Community Center Thur Dec 15
			Postville HS Winter Concert - Postville HS Auditorium  Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
			Thursday Night Book Club: Christmas-themed - Robey Memorial Library
			Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center
			Auxiliary Euchre Marathon - Waukon Wellness Center
			Book Sale - Robey Memorial Library Fri Dec 16
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery Sat Dec 17
			BINGO - Harpers Ferry Legion Hall
			Author Event: Rick “Hoot” Larson Book Reading & Signing - Robey Memorial Library
			Tailgate Party Saturdays - Mulligan's Grill Pub, Rossville Road, Waukon
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery Sun Dec 18
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery Mon Dec 19
			Waukon City Council Meeting
			Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
			Unemployment Outreach Representative - Waukon, IA,
			Lansing City Council Meeting  Tue Dec 20
			Postville Winter Concert Grades 3-4 - Postville School Auditorium Keep Calm & Color: Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
			Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library - Robey Memorial Library, Waukon  Thur Dec 22
			Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
			Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center  Fri Dec 23 Winter Break Starts - Allamakee County School District
			ACED Office closed
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery Sat Dec 24
			Tailgate Party Saturdays - Mulligan's Grill Pub, Rossville Road, Waukon
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery Sun Dec 25
			MERRY CHRISTMAS Mon Dec 26
			Chess Club - Robey Memorial Library
			Fresh Conversations - Waukon Wellness Center
			Unemployment Outreach Representative - Waukon, IA,
			ACED Office Closed
			FREE MEALS in WAUKON - First Presbyterian Church Tue Dec 27
			Winter Break Make & Take - Robey Memorial Library
			Keep Calm & Color: Adult Coloring - Robey Memorial Library
			Tuesday Story Time - Robey Memorial Library - Robey Memorial Library, Waukon
			After School with Ross - Robey Memorial Library Thur Dec 29
			Winter Break Make & Take - Robey Memorial Library
			Tech Tutor - Robey Memorial Library
			FREE CLASS: Using BRIDGES, 5:30pm - Robey Memorial Library
			Tai Chi - Harpers Ferry Community Center  Fri Dec 30
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery Sat Dec 31
			Murder Mystery Dinner Theater - Empty Nest Winery
			Empty Nest Winery Tasting - Empty Nest Winery
			Madigan's Winery Tasting - Madigan Winery, 1536, Lily Rd, Lansing, IA 52151

 

Visit http://www.allamakeecounty.com/calendar-of-events.html   for more information/details on above events or click on the following links to go to individuals sites.

Robey Memorial Library             WW Homestead Dairy          Kids Against Hunger
      NICC Waukon Center                Empty Nest Winery              Waukon Wellness Center
         Waukon Banquet Center            Madigan Winery                   Veteran's Memorial Hospital