The Allamakee County Extension Council has

been elected by the people of the county to guide

local educational programming by partnering with

extension staff. From needs assessment through

program implementation and evaluation of outcomes,

the council represents you and your issues. We are

always serving Iowans and we are here for you.

Now. Always.

Thank you for your support.

Serving the People of Allamakee County

As Iowans adjusted to life during the COVID-19 pandemic,

ISU Extension and Outreach continued to prioritize health

and safety as we delivered research-based education to the

people of Allamakee County. During 2021 we focused on

the following efforts.

• Economic Development

• Food and the Environment

• Health and Well-Being

• K-12 Youth Outreach

Showcasing 4-H at the County Fair

The Allamakee County Fair in 2021 provided youth, the

opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned through

their 4-H project work over the past year.

• Static exhibits were judged face to face. Benefiting the

youth through one on one communication with the judge

to enhance communication skills and improve their

project area of work.

• Allamakee County offered 4-H livestock shows for the

youth in the ‘traditional’ style.

• All livestock shows were live streamed for audience

viewing.

Nate Gebel Extension Council Chair

Caitlin Johnson Extension Council Vice

Chair

Bobbi Baxter Council Member

Justin Lyons Council Member

Lynn Reburn Council Member

Fred Reinhardt Council Member

Annette Stock Treasurer

Brittany Tilleraas Secretary

Chad Waters Council Member

2021 IN ALLAMAKEE COUNTY Iowa State University Extension and Outreach connects the needs of Iowans with Iowa State research and

resources. We listen, learn, and work with the people of Allamakee County for a #STRONGIOWA.

Working toward Recovery

As our state works toward recovery, ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County has been reviving the Iowa Economy to keep businesses and people in our community. We want to help attract families, businesses to Allamakee County.

• supporting Iowans in reviving the Iowa economy, including the farm economy.

Throughout the year we offered ways for our local farmers to attend their Private Pesticide Training. We offered two face to face meetings with social distancing and face masks. For those unable to attend we held the opportunity for farmers to come to our office and watch the DVD with making accommodations for individual needs.

We also offered a face to face Farmland Leasing Meeting. We had a great group of land owners, renters and farmers.

• supporting Iowans in improving financial security.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) has taken a ‘hybrid’ look since the COVID epidemic. We started a drop off site to help families file their taxes and proceeded with follow up phone calls or zoom meetings when taxes were prepared. Staff and volunteers were still able to help Iowans, while keeping everyone safe. We were honored at a Virtual Partner Ceremony for our efforts to provide service to our community and partnering counties. (photo below)

• engaging Iowans in improving food supply, safety, and access.

The Iowa Food Hub launched an online farmers market during the pandemic

with curbside pick-up and home delivery options. They have drop-sites in Waukon, Postville, Calmar and West Union. They assist area food pantries, restaurants, grocers, families, and schools with produce purchases from local farms.

We assisted the Waukon Farmers Market with a market experience for the 2021 season. Vendor numbers were steady. With hopes of bringing back more opportunities for 2022.

• engaging Iowans in addressing mental health. During any given year, 29% of the U.S. population

provides care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend. Research indicates caregiving impacts physical, emotional, and financial health of the caregiver. This fall, Powerful Tools for Caregivers was offered in partnership with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging. The six session program focuses on skill development in the areas of communication, self-care, and stress management so individuals can thrive while caregiving.

• expanding educational opportunities for youth. Workshops for enrolled 4-H’ers in 4-12 grades are

starting back up. Enrollment is holding steady for the upcoming year.

Our Clover Kids program K-3 grades is heading in a significant direction since the pandemic. There are four groups meeting, three in Waukon and one Postville. Youth receive program information on a topic and a do, reflect, apply application.

Summer day camps consisted of Minds in Motion in Lansing and Postville and Bug camp in Waukon. Partnership camps were Jr. Chef, Home Economics, Safety Day and STEAM Camps.

Looking ahead to 2022, ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County will continue build relationships with organizations to better serve our audiences. Support our community in engaging workshops.

Kraig Tweed Regional Director

Sarah Ferguson

County Director

Teresa Wiemerslage Food Systems Specialist

Kayla Koether

Food Systems Specialist

Marissa Foels

County Youth Coordinator

Becky Rea K-12 Program Coordinator

Lana Dahlstrom

Office Assistant

Extension Staff This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext. ADV.21.04G. September 2021.

ISU Extension and Outreach

Allamakee County

218 7th Ave SE Suite #102

Waukon, Iowa 52172

563-568-6345

www.extension.iastate.edu/allamakee

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Allamakee