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Articles by Erica Lyons
Black Girl Power
Edited by Leah Johnson. Freedom Fire, $18.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-368-09898-4 This empowering collection of 15 stories about girlhood, written by authors of the Black diaspora—including Sharon Flake, Kekla Magoon, and Ibi Zoboi—and edited by Johnson (Ellie Engle Saves Herself), who also contributes, contains messages of hope, resilience, power, and friendship.
The rhythm of the work day
“There’s not enough hours in the day” is a common phrase used to describe seemingly all facets of life in the modern world. Both personally and professionally, trying to assess who and what to prioritize as well as when the best time is for tasks and activities can feel like a time-consuming task in itself, one that occasionally must be re-evaluated almost as fast as it is set.
Expanded offerings: Dyersville library adding guitar, microscopes, stroller, other nontraditional items
DYERSVILLE, Iowa — Patrons of Dyersville’s library soon will be able to check out more than just books and DVDs. After receiving a $10,000 grant, James Kennedy Public Library will begin offering more nontraditional items in its circulation starting next month. Executive Director Shirley Vonderhaar said the grant is allowing the library to purchase items including a stroller, Instant Pot, guitar, pickleballs, telescopes and microscopes. “A lot of this is part of our strategic plan,” she said.
'Men who care' make morning impact for Dubuque students
Thursday morning’s gray skies couldn’t cloud the brightness of the smiles of students at Audubon Elementary School in Dubuque. The joy on their faces was prompted by high-fives and positive words from 16 men from the local organization 100+ Men Who Care who came out to form a tunnel of affirmation for the students entering the building.
Peosta council purchases land near community center to use as green space
PEOSTA, Iowa — Peosta City Council members this week agreed to purchase a tract of land on a busy street in a pre-emptive effort to deter development that could affect neighborhood safety. Council members voted, 3-1, to purchase a 0.31-acre lot at 7790 Burds Road for $24,000 from Gary Miller Construction Inc. Council Member Carla Reuter cast the lone opposing vote. After the meeting, Reuter said she was worried about the precedent being set for future land acquisitions.
Platteville commemorates 18 years since world-changing terrorist attacks
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Eighteen American flags surrounded the monument in Platteville City Park on Wednesday evening, a testament to the resilience of the community’s fire department on the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The flags’ colors were vibrant against the gray sky, which seemed to echo the somberness of the day. The monument’s bell tolled “3-3-5,” the sound hanging in the humid air.
WD officials advance plan for 6-classroom addition at Peosta elementary
FARLEY, Iowa — A more in-depth design for a planned addition to Peosta Elementary School will be drafted in the coming months, according to Western Dubuque Community School District officials. School board members this week agreed to enter into a contract with Iowa City-based architects Neumann Monson. The firm will craft plans for a six-classroom addition at the building, located along Burds Road.
Game of Oars: Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival a fierce, friendly competition
The waters of the mighty Mississippi River typically are filled with boaters on any given weekend during the summer. But Saturday morning, dragon boats were among those racing through waves during the 32nd annual Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival. The event, held at Miller Riverview Park & Campground, brings together people of all abilities, ages and experience levels to compete and enjoy a fun, family-friendly weekend.
Game of Oars: Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival a fierce, friendly competition
The waters of the mighty Mississippi River typically are filled with boaters on any given weekend during the summer. But this morning, dragon boats were among those racing through waves during the 32nd annual Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival. The event, which was held at Miller Riverview Park & Campground, brings together people of all abilities, ages and experience levels to compete and enjoy a fun and family-friendly weekend.
Local student mentor reading group expands to Asbury library
ASBURY, Iowa — A local youth reading mentor group is about to begin a new chapter in a new location. IRead Kids, which brings together high school-aged student volunteers and elementary-aged kids, will be expanding its program to the Asbury branch of the Dubuque County Library District. The program has been in place since last fall at the Multicultural Family Center in Dubuque, program founder and President Lauren Barnes said.
Iowa's firefighting 'family' gathers for annual convention in Manchester
MANCHESTER, Iowa — Fayette Street in downtown Manchester was filled Friday morning and afternoon. More than 200 firefighters and their families lounged near the sidewalks, relaxing in lawn chairs, watching teams of their peers participate in annual drill competitions. The competitions were part of the 141st Iowa Firefighters Convention, a multi-day event which brought an estimated 2,000 people to Delaware County.
New Dubuque library mural designed to be 'forever piece'
When partnered with a child’s imagination, books can come to life. Fostering creativity with a lifelong love of reading is the message behind a new mural that was unveiled Wednesday evening at Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque. More than 30 people gathered in the library’s children’s program room to be some of the first to see the design of author, illustrator and graphic designer Tim Read. It includes images of children playing, relaxing and adventuring in a book-filled scene.
State proposes 43% spike in assessed values of more than 200 Dubuque County properties
More than 200 properties in Dubuque County could see a massive spike in their assessed values, thanks to new orders from the state. The Iowa Department of Revenue Aug. 20 released its tentative equalization adjustments for multi-residential properties outside of major metro areas. In Dubuque County, that would mean a 43% increase in the 2019 assessed values of properties such as nursing homes, apartment buildings and mobile home parks located in Dubuque County outside of the city of Dubuque.
State proposes 43% spike in assessed values of more than 200 Dubuque County properties
More than 200 properties in Dubuque County could see a massive spike in their assessed values, thanks to new orders from the state. The Iowa Department of Revenue Aug. 20 released its tentative equalization adjustments for multi-residential properties outside of major metro areas. In Dubuque County, that would mean a 43% increase in the 2019 assessed values of properties such as nursing homes, apartment buildings and mobile home parks located in Dubuque County outside of the city of Dubuque.
Peosta classroom addition discussed as part of WD's 5-year facilities plan
FARLEY, Iowa — Work to add up to six new classrooms to Peosta Elementary School could begin as early as the end of the year. The Western Dubuque Community School District’s facilities committee met last week in Farley to discuss possible next steps. The discussion is part of an overall effort to better distribute students throughout district campuses.
Father, stepson duo recount efforts to launch popular vet-centric Worthington concert series
WORTHINGTON, Iowa — More than two years ago, Phil Frasher, of Worthington, and his stepson, Kevin Boge, of Cedar Rapids, sat at Bill’s Boat Landing in Clayton. As the men listened to friend and musician Beau Timmerman perform, they found themselves having a familiar conversation. “I said, ‘Kevin, how about you and Beau, let’s get some big entertainment to come to Worthington to come do some entertainment for the vets?’” Frasher recalled.
WD teachers, staff give students toe-tapping welcome to new school year
EPWORTH, Iowa — The energy was palpable within the walls of Western Dubuque High School on Friday morning. Music played over the intercom system as students made their way into the building to start the new school year. Staffers shook hands, high-fived and hugged students as they made their way to their lockers and eventually to the auditorium for a welcome assembly.
WD teachers, staff give students toe-tapping welcome to new school year
EPWORTH, Iowa -- The energy was palpable within the walls of Western Dubuque High School this morning. Music played over the intercom system as students made their way into the building to start the new school year. Staffers shook hands, high-fived and hugged students as they made their way to their lockers and eventually to the auditorium for a welcome assembly.
Finishing touches being applied to new $11 million Dubuque County office complex
Employees of several Dubuque County departments are settling into a new facility located just outside city limits. Construction was completed earlier this month on two new buildings — an office space and road shop — at 1225 Seippel Road. The structures will serve as the new home for the county’s zoning, health and road and engineering departments, as well as the county assessor’s office. Assistant zoning administrator Tammy Henry said her department moved into the “beautiful building” on Aug. 13.
State proposes 43% spike in assessed values of more than 200 Dubuque County properties
More than 200 properties in Dubuque County could see a massive spike in their assessed values, thanks to new orders from the state. The Iowa Department of Revenue on Tuesday released its tentative equalization adjustments for multi-residential properties outside of major metro areas. In Dubuque County, that would mean a 43% increase in the 2019 assessed values of properties such as nursing homes, apartment buildings and mobile home parks located in Dubuque County outside of the city of Dubuque.
Youthful anglers reel 'em in during Dubuque Walleye Club's annual Kids Day
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Youthful anglers reel 'em in during Dubuque Walleye Club's annual Kids Day
In the early hours this morning, more than 50 boats took to the waters of the Mississippi River as part of the Mississippi Walleye Club's annual Kids Day fishing event and expo. The anglers, who numbered over 100, were aged 9 to 12, all with varying degrees of fishing experience. Volunteer drivers and on-board helpers, many of whom are avid fishers, navigated the boats along the shores and open water to their favorite fishing locations.
Cascade residents wish 185-year-old city a happy birthday
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Space conference blasts off at UW-Platteville
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — More than 170 students, faculty members and aerospace industry professionals touched down in Platteville on Thursday for the 29th annual Wisconsin Space Conference. This year’s event featured presentations and educational sessions by students and educators from around the state. They showcased their work and research pertaining to the field.
Space conference blasts off at UW-Platteville
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. - More than 170 students, faculty members and aerospace industry professionals touched down in Platteville today for the 29th annual Wisconsin Space Conference. This year's event featured presentations and educational sessions from students and educators from around the state. They showcased their work and research pertaining to the field. The event, hosted by the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, is held each year at different sites across the state.
Peosta sewer rates would more than double over 2-year period under fee hike proposal
PEOSTA, Iowa — Residential sewer fees in Peosta could more than double over the next few years as the community prepares for construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. Peosta City Council members this week set an Aug. 27 public hearing date for an ordinance outlining residential sewer rate increases. If adopted, the base rate would incrementally increase from the current $12.33 per month to $24.81 in July 2021.
Dyersville kids get kickoff to school at annual event
DYERSVILLE, Iowa — Table after table filled the Oak Gardens Pavilion at Dyersville Commercial Club Park on Wednesday night. Hundreds of children and their parents moved between them, learning about area resources during the fifth annual Kickoff to School event. The tables’ contents included backpacks, folders, paper, binders, coloring supplies, books, stuffed animals and more. All of the items were free of cost.
Rates of diabetes rises in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin over 10-year period
Reported cases of diabetes have spiked by more than 40% in Iowa over a recent 10-year period, according to data that show climbing rates of the disease in all 50 states. In 2007, 6.8% of Iowa’s population had diabetes, according to data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By 2017, the most recent year for which data were available, that figure had risen to 9.6%.
Person who makes a difference: Peosta woman makes volunteering a priority
PEOSTA, Iowa — Giving back has always been important to Valerie Gaff, of Peosta. “I just like to be helpful,” she said. “It’s the way I was raised and a big part of my personality and who I am.” Since she and husband, Todd, moved to the city five years ago, she’s made volunteering a big part of her free time. She gives her time and talent at CrossRoads Church, the Peosta Food Pantry and as a member of the Peosta Days committee, the group that organizes the annual celebration.
'The heat catches up to you': Hot wings, cool jams highlight 15th East Dubuque Wingfest
EAST DUBUQUE, Ill. — The smell of charcoal and smoke wafted through the air in downtown East Dubuque on Saturday afternoon while thousands partook in some of the best chicken wings the area has to offer. The 15th annual East Dubuque Wingfest brought together restaurant owners and backyard grilling enthusiasts, pairing them with live music and other vendors selling wine, beer, popcorn, ice cream and more.
Dyersville man's innovative truck bed attachment vying for ticket to Las Vegas competition
DYERSVILLE, Iowa — For Wesley Poole, of Dyersville, trucks have always been a passion. And now Poole, 28, has turned that passion into a business — one that has earned him national recognition. “I’ve always been a truck enthusiast, since I was a kid,” he said. “Being able to do a lot of things with a truck is a staple for the community.” Poole now owns and operates Forged Authority. He recently patented a product called a mounting frame rail, which allows for greater versatility in a truck bed.
'The heat catches up to you': Hot wings, cool jams highlight 15th East Dubuque Wingfest
EAST DUBUQUE, Ill. -- The smell of charcoal and smoke wafted through the air in downtown East Dubuque this afternoon while thousands partook in some of the best chicken wings the area has to offer. The 15th annual East Dubuque Wingfest brought together restaurant owners and backyard grilling enthusiasts, pairing them with live music and other vendors selling wine, beer, popcorn, ice cream and more. Country music could be heard up and down the street as adults and kids alike danced near the stage.
State's biggest pig again hails from Northeast Iowa
DES MOINES — It turns out that humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy a bowl of cereal. Captain Crunch cereal is one of the favorite treats of Captain, a 3½-year-old crossbred pig from Monticello. “He’s a captain, and he likes to partake in all the things a captain would,” said his owner, Bryan Britt. “He got to eat all he wanted.” And eaten he has. Captain was one of 11 competitors in the Big Boar Competition this week at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
Western Dubuque Lions Club forming
PEOSTA, Iowa — A new service organization is being formed in western Dubuque County. Citizens, business leaders and academic administrators from Epworth, Farley and Peosta are coming together to form the Western Dubuque Lions Club. Joey Hoover, of Epworth, will serve as its inaugural president. He previously was a member of the Lions Club in Winterset, and he said he is looking forward to the work the Western Dubuque chapter will do.
No warning: Dubuque County family recounts surviving stealthy tornado
At about 10 p.m. Monday night, the lights flicked on and off in the Thill family’s rural Dubuque home. It had just started to rain, Zach Thill said. It was intense, and the wind speed was picking up. Shortly thereafter, the lights went out — and stayed out. It was then that Zach and his wife, Nicole, went to get their 7-month-old son, Vincent, to head downstairs. “We thought that it was bad enough (that) we should head toward the basement when the power went completely out,” he said.
Community mourns longtime River Ridge teacher, FFA adviser, pastor
HANOVER, Ill. — A teacher, FFA adviser, pastor and beloved family man is being remembered for his kindness, generosity and dedication to his community. Edwin “Ed” Curry, 58, of Pearl City, died suddenly July 29. He was a married father of three. Kerstin Traylor, of Pearl City, said her father “knew no stranger” and that, as much as he loved to tell stories, he was a good listener as well. “He was definitely an adviser,” she said.
Christian group draws more than 2,000 ready to rock, praise
More than 2,000 people came to rock — but also to praise — during a concert Saturday night in Dubuque. Christian contemporary rock group Casting Crowns was making its second appearance at Five Flags Center. HIGH-ENERGY SHOW Band members took the smoke-covered stage and began with their most recent hit “Only Jesus,” which is also the name of their current tour. Audience members immediately were on their feet, hands raised and arms spread wide, something that continued throughout the performance.
Christian group draws more than 2,000 ready to rock, praise
More than 2,000 people came to rock -- but also to praise -- during a concert Saturday night in Dubuque. Christian contemporary rock group Casting Crowns drew the crowd during its second appearance at Five Flags Center.
Brain health theme of Dubuque's Back to School Bash
Spending time at Comiskey Park is commonplace during the summer months, especially for kids living in downtown Dubuque. However, on Saturday afternoon, the park was full with more than 20 tables and hundreds of kids and families connecting over resources to help prepare for the upcoming academic year. “Connecting people to people and people to resources” is the mission of the annual Back to School Bash event, said Anderson Sainci, organizer and member of Dubuque’s Black Men’s Coalition.
Brain health theme of Dubuque's Back to School Bash
Spending time at Comiskey Park is commonplace during the summer months, especially for kids living in downtown Dubuque. However, this afternoon, the park was full with more than 20 tables and hundreds of kids and families connecting over resources to help prepare for the upcoming academic year. "Connecting people to people and people to resources" is the mission of the annual Back to School Bash event, said Anderson Sainci, organizer and member of Dubuque's Black Men's Coalition.
Tri-state flotation rental businesses struggle to stay afloat after waterway woes in May, June
The Midwest summer typically supplies ideal weather to boat or float on the area’s rivers, creeks and lakes. But for local kayak, canoe and inner tube rental businesses, the cool, rainy weather and high water levels in May and June made for a slow start to what is normally their busy season. Now — thanks to a recent spate of warmer temperatures and less rain — business owners hope to be able to stay afloat and, ideally, make up for some of the losses they took in prior months.
Manchester to pig out during annual Bacon-N-Hops Fest
MANCHESTER, Iowa — Pigging out will be taken to the next level this weekend during a street festival in Manchester. The fifth annual Bacon-N-Hops Fest will bring together vendors providing pork-infused entrees, side dishes and desserts, as well as more than 80 local beers and wines to sample. The event is hosted by the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses donated food for the meal. Festivities are set for 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, on East Delaware Street.
Tri-state educators offer tips to get back in scholastic mindset as summer winds down
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Peosta officials to identify 'marching orders' for community's future
Peosta city officials recently put pen to paper to outline the city’s current status and identify goals for the future. A draft of the city’s inaugural goal-setting report was discussed by City Council members last week. It includes an assessment of the city’s strengths and weaknesses in areas such as economic development, infrastructure, public safety, parks and recreation, housing, overall administration and more.
Fire-ravaged East Dubuque golf clubhouse torn down, but new facility to rise from ashes
EAST DUBUQUE, Ill. — Demolition is going to be par for the course over the coming days at Lacoma Golf Club in East Dubuque. Lacoma’s original clubhouse, which was more than 50 years old, is being torn down following a fire that destroyed the building on Jan. 17. A new clubhouse will be built in the coming months in its place. The facility, which likely will open in spring 2020, will feature amenities like a bar and grill and social space, according to course officials.
Centerpiece: tattoos
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — June 16, 2014, is a date that will forever be ingrained in the mind of Carrie Gates. It was on that warm summer night that a storm came over southwest Wisconsin, one that would end up leaving a mark on her in more ways than one. Carrie’s husband, Josh Gates, is a storm chaser. That night, the then-recently wed couple observed the storm build digitally on his storm-chasing equipment before he left to go locate it with a friend.
New Dyersville brewery could be catalyst to downtown rebirth
DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — For longtime residents of Dyersville, the brick building that lies in the shadows of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier affectionately has been called "the pajama factory" for years. However, inside the former H.B. Glover sewing factory, a new business is brewing. And when it fully opens, it will soon offer residents and visitors a taste of local history and a look at the future for downtown Dyersville.
New Dyersville brewery could be catalyst to downtown rebirth
In a Wednesday, July 17, 2019 photo, a soft opening of Textile Brewing Company in Dyersville, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. The business will open to the public July 26. (Nicki Kohl/Telegraph Herald via AP) less In a Wednesday, July 17, 2019 photo, a soft opening of Textile Brewing Company in Dyersville, Iowa, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. The business will open to the public July 26. (Nicki Kohl/Telegraph Herald via ...
New Dyersville brewery could be catalyst to downtown rebirth
DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — For longtime residents of Dyersville, the brick building that lies in the shadows of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier affectionately has been called "the pajama factory" for years. However, inside the former H.B. Glover sewing factory, a new business is brewing. And when it fully opens, it will soon offer residents and visitors a taste of local history and a look at the future for downtown Dyersville.
New Dyersville brewery could be catalyst to downtown rebirth
DYERSVILLE, Iowa (AP) — For longtime residents of Dyersville, the brick building that lies in the shadows of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier affectionately has been called "the pajama factory" for years. However, inside the former H.B. Glover sewing factory, a new business is brewing. And when it fully opens, it will soon offer residents and visitors a taste of local history and a look at the future for downtown Dyersville.
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