Free Powerful Tools for Caregivers virtual series

      Do you help take care of a child with special health and behavioral needs? If so, you are not alone. Over 43.5 million family caregivers in America provide a vast array of emotional, financial, nursing, social, homemaking, and other services on a daily or intermittent basis. 

      Powerful Tools for Caregivers provides tools to help families of children and young adults with special needs take better care of themselves. Keystone Area Education Agency (AEA) will host this series for families of children with special health and behavioral needs.  The program is an educational series designed to provide the tools for caregivers need to take care of themselves.

      Participants will learn how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, balance life, increase the ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.

Classic Tractors Christmas Jan. 13

       Classic Tractors of NE IA, Inc. invites antique tractor enthusiasts to its annual Christmas Party beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at Johnson’s Restaurant in Elkader.

      The event allows the opportunity to meet “Old Iron” lovers to learn about the club, share pictures, memories and discuss 2024 club activities.          A buffet dinner follows the 11 a.m. social hour. In addition, the party includes a program and door prizes. Paid 2024 club members receive a discount on their meal.

      Proceeds from the organization’s rides go to local food pantries, NICC Student Crisis Funds and community projects.

      In the event of inclement weather, the party will be rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20.

      For additional information or to make reservations, call Denny at 563 379-0817 or Jan at 563-380-7600.

Blue Blood Drive Jan. 8-13

        In support for local law enforcement, LifeServe Blood Center will host its annual Blue Blood Drive Monday, Jan. 8-Saturday, Jan. 13. LifeServe Blood Center is partnering with Iowa C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) to host special blood drives across the tristate area the week of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 9.

      The Blue Blood Drive will be held at every LifeServe Donor Center the week of Jan. 8-13. Donors who roll up a sleeve to give the gift of life and show their support will receive a free limited-edition police themed squeeze ball. For more information on hours and locations or to book an appointment, visit lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800-287-4903. 

OHV/snowmobile registrations due Dec. 31 

      All off-highway vehicle (OHV) and snowmobile owners are reminded registrations are required to be renewed by Sunday, Dec. 31, to avoid a penalty fee. Exclusions apply to those OHV owners, who strictly use the vehicle for farm use.

      For additional information, call the Fayette County Recorder’s Office at 563-422-3687.

Holiday schedule

Zion Lutheran Schedule:

December 17 - Children’s Program during regular morning worship

December 24 - 4th Sunday of Advent @ 9 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services - 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 9:30 p.m.

Elgin First Baptist Church:

December 24 - Christmas Eve Candle Light Service @ 7 p.m.

(Photographer available before and after service for free family pictures)

Wadena Community:

December 24 - We will have 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Redeemer Lutheran, West Union:

December 24 – We will have a 3:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

December 25 – There will be a FREE  Community Christmas dinner at 12:00 noon. Reservations requests call Pr. Rusty at 319-270-7819. Thank you.

Illyria schedule:

      Due to the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train making a stop in Ossian Friday, Dec. 8, the City of Ossian will be moving its recycling bins from Tuesday, Dec. 5 - Wednesday, Dec. 13. During that time, the recycling bins will be located behind the fire station by the city maintenance shop.

Ossian Lutheran Craft and Vendor Fair

      Ossian Lutheran Church is hosting a holiday craft and vendor fair from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.

      Over 14 vendors will be featuring their crafts and items for sale, just in time for holiday shopping. The church will also be selling Elaine’s homemade cinnamon rolls with hot coffee for refreshments.

      A craft make-and-take will be available for the kids, along with a photo op with Baby Jesus – a perfect opportunity for a Christmas picture.

WU Hardware announces winner

 West Union Hardware is pleased to announce that Jim Berg of West Union won the in-store “Holiday Drawing.” Berg received a bird feeder with bird seed included.

UWF meeting December 6

The Wednesday, Dec. 6, meeting of the United Women’s Fellowship will be hosted by the Bethel Presbyterian women.

Elgin/Clermont/Wadena blood drive

It’s not to late. Schedule an appointment to save lives. The Elgin/Clermont/Wadena blood drive will be held Wednesday, December 6 at the Elgin Legion Hall, 308 Mill Ave, Elgin from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservation may be made by Text: LIFESERVE TO 999.777; Call: 800 287-4903; Visit: lifeserve.info/schedule.