Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe was one of  many volunteers from Fayette who helped with the drive through  Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Thursday, Jan. 28, on the Upper Iowa University campus. (Submitted photo)

UIU will be site for future vaccination clinics

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

With the help of area partners, Fayette County Public Health held it's first COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to complete Phase 1-A at Upper Iowa University Thursday, Jan. 28. Going forward, Public Health says community COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held in Fayette at Upper Iowa University for Phases as vaccine becomes available.

Fair entertainment the hottest tickets around!

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

While the 2021 Fayette County Fair is still over five months away, plans and preparation for the annual event are well underway. Fair Board president Kevin Converse and the fair board are proud to announce the Grandstand entertainment for this year, which begins Tuesday, July 20, with opening ceremonies.

Supervisors to act on County Shop approval following public hearing Feb. 8

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

The new Fayette County Secondary Roads main shop is getting closer to a reality.

A public hearing has been set for Monday, Feb. 8, 9:45 a.m., at the Supervisor’s Board Room at the Courthouse, to review the design and specifications, and the estimate of cost of the project, prior to possible approval by the Fayette County Board of Supervisors. A bid document is expected to be completed by Thursday, Feb. 4.

'Faith in the Home' the theme for CSW 2021

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated across the country beginning next week, including locally at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Schools. Officially kicking off Sunday, the theme to this year’s celebration is “Faith in the Home.”

Throughout the week, students are encouraged to bring in spare change to donate in order to see a teacher or staff member get a pie in their face. Students and faculty will also celebrate different themed days.

No sign-up for Covid-19 vaccine

Winneshiek County Public Health is asking for the community to help by having some patience as the state continues to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine.

“We are working to complete Phase 1A and will not be starting Phase 1B until February. Iowa Department of Public Health sent out an updated Phase 1B and tier listings that will include persons 65 years and older as well as other tiered priority groups,” said  Winneshiek Public Health Director Nancy Sacquitne.

“However, vaccine remains in short supply. This means not everyone in Phase 1B will be able to get vaccine right away. In each county, further prioritization must occur due to vaccine shortage and not being able to vaccinate everyone at once. All counties are working to distribute the vaccine safely to our communities.,” she continued.

Winneshiek County natives Josey and Micole Jewell, along with 1-year-old daughter Rohen, are preparing to pursue one of their longtime dreams of starting their own smoothie shop and juicery. Root 43 Juicery is located at The Landing Market in Decorah and will be open for business in mid-February. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Returning to their roots

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

It’s all about getting back to their roots for Winneshiek County natives Josey and Micole Jewell, who along with daughter Rohen, currently reside in Denver, Col.

“We had always talked about the idea of opening a smoothie bar and were recently presented with the opportunity to actually do it,” said Micole Jewell, who grew up in rural Ossian and graduated from South Winneshiek. “Neither of us have any experience with starting or running a business, so it’s been a bit of a process for us but we are really looking forward to being able to open up in February!”

The public is invited to the Gilbertson campground on Friday, January 29th  for a self-guided, one-mile illuminated walk along the Turkey River and woods.  Much of the path will be lighted for those who are looking for a well-lit stroll in the moonlight. 

A stroll in the moonlight at Gilbertson; Full Moon Outdoor walk this Friday

By Megan Molseed

mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com

“This will be the first event of its kind at Gilbertson and we are hopeful to hold more outdoor night walks in the future,” smiled Gilbertson Campground naturalist, Brian Gibbs of the upcoming Full Moon Outdoor walk along the Turkey River Friday evening.  

“I know we all get a little bit of cabin fever this time of the year,” Gibbs continued of the January 29 event.  “So I thought hosting a full moon walk that featured some bright colorful lights would be a good way to reenergize peoples spirits!” 

Therese Slack is shown with a photo of her parents, H. L. and Josephine Heying. They started the business in the 1960s.

Daughter continues 'Chick' business started by her parents in the '60s

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

On Dec. 31, 2020, the keys to the former Heying Firms, Inc. building were turned over to Therese (Heying) Slack, now sole owner of the complex, with her purchase of the building which houses a hatchery and rental properties.  A landmark on the edge of West Union, the building has gone through many transitions since it was built in the 1960’s. 

Gary Allan

Sara Evans opens for Gary Allan at the Fayette County Fair!

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

It looks like a night of country is in store for Fayette County Fair fans this summer, when an evening filled with music will greet fairgoers in the grandstand on Saturday, July 24.

The Fair Board just announced that the headliner will be Gary Allan. Opening for Allan will be Sarah Evans and the Cory Farley Band will kick off the night of music starting at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

SW preschool and kindergarten registration

Preschool and Kindergarten registration for the South Winneshiek Community School District has been set for the week of Monday, January 25th until Friday, January 29th. Parents may register anytime during the week. Registration may be accomplished by emailing tiwagner@swinn.k12.ia.us.  Please include your child’s name, birth date, and parent contact information. Initial contact with the school is for the purpose of enrollment counts and receiving and filling out the necessary registration materials.