Ossian Crown Club hosts annual Easter Egg Hunt

Children, second grade and under, are invited to the Ossian Crown Club’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at St. Teresa of Calcutta playground on Saturday, April 3, at 10 a.m. 

The Easter Bunny will be there.  

Those attending are encouraged to bring cameras, Easter basket and an umbrella if needed, this will be held,  rain or shine.  

It’s no secret around town that the Bino Burger at Bambino’s in Ossian is one of the best burgers around. Now, however, the entire state is learning just how tasty it is as the Bino Burger was named one of the top 10 burgers in the Iowa Beef Best Burger contest. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Bino Burger named one of Iowa's best

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

The secret is out! Bambino’s in Ossian has one of the best burgers in the state as the bar and restaurant’s Bino Burger was recently announced as a top 10 selection in Iowa’s Best Burger Contest.

“To tell you the truth, there’s nothing flashy or extra special about it. It’s just a good burger,” said Sue Lienau, who along with husband Ron have owned and operated the downtown Ossian business for 39 years. “I would describe the burger as an over 1/3-pound, hand-pattied chunk of beef with a slice of American cheddar and Swiss cheese on top.”

Supervisors hear complains on road rocks damaging tires

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

Several citizens along with the West Union Post Master Sheila Soppe attended the Fayette County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday, March 22, to express their concerns about rock that is being applied to several county gravel roads.

According to those present, a lot the rock is larger than one-inch in diameter and is causing damage to tires.

“A lot of my carriers have had multiple flat tires because the rocks are sharp. They also say it’s very rolly and feels like they are driving on ice,” she told the Board.

She mentioned that one of the problem areas was on 240^th Street where the flat tires occurred, and that a door actually came off of a vehicle because the pins that held it on, were shook out.

Kaleena Langreck, one of the mail carriers, was present and said her back window actually popped off her vehicle. “I’m just waiting for something else to break,” she said.

A revamped main entrance to Max Clark Hall on Northeast Iowa Community College’s Calmar campus is one of many upgrades coming to the facility. Originally built in 1971, Max Clark Hall will see a $6 million-plus renovation over the coming months with an anticipated completion date of Feb. 28, 2022. (submitted photo)

Accept $6 million dollar bid for NICC's Max Clark Hall renovations

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

Big changes are coming to the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) campus in Calmar as the local college’s Board of Trustees approved the recommended bid for renovations to Max Clark Hall. The building, which is one of the first buildings seen on the campus when driving past on Highway 150 or when entering the college grounds, is the home to accredited NICC nursing program as well as several other of the school’s programs.

The renovation project will include an updated main entrance to the building, classrooms, offices, restrooms, and a six-bed nursing student training lab that will include additional classrooms for health programming.

Kenlin Schmitt was crowned as Miss Elgin on Tuesday, March 16.  Schmitt, the daughter of Chris and Vanessa Schmitt, is currently a junior at North Fayette Valley High School. Miss Elgin is sponsored by the Elgin Community Betterment Club.

Miss Elgin 2021

'Partners' getting the vaccine out in Fayette County

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

“The vaccine process is going very well in Fayette County.”

That’s according to Fayette County Public Health spokesperson Jamie Hoey.

“In alignment with the Governor’s announcement, those aged 16+ are eligible starting in April, as long as vaccine is available; however, pharmacies and providers will continue to prioritize those at risk,” she added.

Shayla Smith

WCCA royalty announced

The Winneshiek County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its banquet and drive through meal on Tuesday, March 23, in Decorah.

This year’s event will serve steak sandwich meals ($10) and cheeseburger meals ($8) with sides of cheesy potatoes and corn. Drive through meals will be served at the Danan Lansing Building on the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in Decorah from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Current paid memberships or new paid memberships will receive a free meal.

De Sales Child Care Center is Community Foundation grant recipient

The Ossian De Sales Child Care Center will receive a $4,600 grant for new playground equipment.

It was one of the grants awarded in the latest round of  grants from the Winneshiek County Community Foundation (WCCF).

WCCF has granted $111,201.83 to 26 projects of organizations serving Winneshiek County through its 2021 grant cycle.

Starting March 22, 40-64 year-old group getting Covid-19 vaccine

Winneshiek County Health Partners have announced that on Monday, March 22, people between 40 and 64 years old with chronic health conditions will be able to receive the vaccine as available.

This will allow for the Health Partners to work on completion of Phase 1B age group and tiers. They report that only 300 doses per week have been coming to Winneshiek County plus 100 doses to a local pharmacy. “This remains a slow process,” said Director of Winneshiek County Public Health Nancy Sacquitne. “While you may be eligible for vaccine, we may not have vaccine available for you. Your continued patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated,” she added.

The Fayette County Fair board and the West Union Chamber of Commerce office invite everyone to come down and enjoy a little poker, some good food, and A LOT of fun during the Shenanigans event Saturday, March 20.  Pictured are (l-r) Fayette County Fair Board member Eric Albert and West Union Chamber of Commerce director, Lisa Davis.  (Megan Molseed photo)

Springtime Shenanigans!

By Megan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

The West Union Chamber of Commerce and the Fayette County Fair Board are inviting you to come join them for a day of fun and shenanigans at the Fayette County Fairgrounds this Saturday evening, March 20.  

The event will begin at 11 a.m. with registrations for a variety of tournaments where event-goers are invited to “try their luck and get lucky” participating in euchre tournaments, beanbag tournaments, or poker tournaments.