Members of the Alta Kiwanis Club, with some help from Alta-Aurelia shop students, constructed and installed an access ramp at a home on Peterson Street. The home belongs to a longtime club member, and his wife who was recently injured in a household fall, and was due to return home the next day after a rehabilitation stint. / Pilot photo by Dana Larsen...

What do a seat belt, a bicycle helmet, and a parachute all have in common? They are all safety measures to keep you safe in the case of an emergency. Parents need to feel that their children are safe when they send them to school and to show how they are doing that; the Alta-Aurelia School district is rolling out a new technology to provide an extra layer of safety for their students...

After a well-received Alta-Aurelia student trip to Washington. D.C. during the summer, the next trip is already being planned for 2023. The organizers told the school board recently that they feel strongly that the opportunity should be offered to another group, using the same touring company...

Alta-Aurelia schools are focusing on cultural respect efforts early in this school year. At the elementary level, students are exploring the cultures in their communities and learning how to stop bullying. Staff is providing positive messages places on student’s lockers and in backpacks...

There will be a race for mayor in Alta on the November ballot, with incumbent Kevin Walsh and James Eaton running. Incumbent Willie Lang and Desi Suter are running for the two open council seats. On the Alta-Aurelia school board, five candidates will compete for two open seats. They are Jodi Theisen, Corey Diischer, Tom Hinkeldey, Mitch Langschwager and Bradley Rohwer...

Alta-Aurelia High School has set its homecoming court, with a week of activities coming next week. Front row: Shea Lockin, Sara Cargin, Angela Lopez, Jocelyn Launderville, Kim Weflen. Back row: Preston McCoy, Zach Erpelding, Tanner Randall, Lane Kraemer, Brennan Shea...

Alta-Aurelia schools have ensured that all classrooms have an American flag in them, following a new state mandate. The state is requiring that all rooms in use during a daily reading of the Pledge of Allegiance must have a flag. The district requires the pledge daily...

The Mom2Mom of Alta group will be holding a pumpkin sale at Summit Evangelical Free Church, Wednesday, October 6 - 3-8 p.m. The group will be selling pumpkins grown by one of their mentor moms and use the money raised to help support the group of moms. They will be in the parking lot until the pumpkins are gone...

From out of the mists of baseball history, Paddy comes to bat one more time for his home community. A drive to make the Alta-Aurelia baseball complex into the best thing this side of the major leagues is nearing its goals, with a big boost from a most unexpected source - the one, the only, player from the neighbor towns to even play major league baseball. Get your Cracker Jacks fans, because there’s a story about to play out...

New Alta-Aurelia Elementary Principal Tim Scott donned an apron to start the school year seeing education through the eyes of the school lunch staff. “Had the pleasure of serving with the hardest working lunch ladies around. I’m proud to be part of the gang,” he said. / AA schools photo...

The new Alta-Aurelia High School Health Occupations class is off to a good start, although the numbers have dropped from 10 enrolled to 7 in the first weeks of the school year. School nurse Peg Hinkeldey reported on the class to the school board this week. Students will start their clinical work in October, partnering with the nursing home in Aurelia...

The Alta-Aurelia School Board unanimously approved a resolution Monday to place a Public Educational and Recreational Property Tax levy on the November general election ballot, with no discussion. The levy, if approved, could not exceed 13.5 cents per thousand dollars of property valuation...

Alta-Aurelia School District has used some of its COVID-19 funding to start a three-year-old preschool program. The development was one the district had already hoped to pursue, and should prove a benefit to the community, Superintendent William Walters said this week...

Kevin Walsh announced his intentions this week to run for a second term as Alta mayor. “It will be my privilege and honor to serve our community for another two years if elected to do so,” he said.  “I believe we have started some good momentum on several things and want to see it continue. ...

Joe Aube and Evan Grieme would like to partner up and purchase the last six lots in Cyclone Drive and get houses built.  They offered $87,000 total for the six lots, based on what Grieme paid for a lot in the area recently. The project was addressed at a recent city council meeting...

Alta-Aurelia 8th grade football players and Coach Fry helped the VFW set up up flags for a 9/11 commemoration. / AA schools photo

Everyone is invited to enjoy the 6th Annual German Feast Meal to benefit the Hanover Historical Society on Saturday, September 25, starting at 6 p.m. The Hanover Historical Society Board of Directors is hosting this carry out only German Feast meal as a fundraiser. ...

The online world is inundated with so-called ‘experts’, churning our websites, blogs, podcasts, and posts on a variety of subjects. Truly, one has to sift through a lot of chaff, to get to the wheat. Technology makes it extremely easy for folks to get their brand on social media, whatever the content might be. ...

A possible solution has been presented to rid Altans of ash trees being destroyed by the emerald ash borer. Brad Bunjes has offered use of his rural property to accept remains of trees taken down on private property in town, meeting the requirements of the Department of Natural Resources, which forbids residents from burning trees in town, or hauling remains of infected trees outside of the county...

A dramatic change in the Alta Municipal Utilities operation will go before local voters on the November general election ballot. The council voted unanimously Monday to place the measure on the ballot. In July, a petition was circulating calling for the city council to take over what has been an independent utility organization, eliminating the Alta Utilities Board...

After much good-natured mutual trash-talking, the Alta Fire Department and the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department faced off on the softball field recently, in a fundraiser game as part of the fire department’s anniversary celebration. The sheriff’s sluggers prevailed, but a great time was had by all, and proceeds were split between the departments. / Pilot photos by Adam Dublinske...

Bunjes Landscaping, McCormick Lawncare, and Cole Peterson hosted a golf tournament and decided if there was any money raised, they would donate the money to the Alta Backpack Program. Today they gave the donation in the amount of $1,318.00 raised from the tournament. / Pilot photos by Adam Dublinske...

The Hanover Historical Society marked its 25th year with the celebration of the annual festival at the rural Alta site Sunday. Malek’s Fishermen polka band and the popular area band The Expressions performed for the family-friendly historical event, which shares a glimpse into the life and work of an earlier time in rural northwest Iowa...

Sherie Van Berkum of Alta has been named the 2021 Buena Vista County honoree for the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame at the Iowa State Fair. The Iowa 4-H Foundation sponsors the annual induction ceremony. Counties nominate volunteers, community leaders, and Extension staff members who have exemplified outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H youth program in their county. Only one individual or couple per county can be nominated each year. Inductees can be recognized posthumously...

Janet Sullivan of Aurelia was inducted into the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame during the Iowa State Fair. Inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame represent the many people in Iowa who have contributed countless hours to the 4-H program.            She started her ability to lead and get things done at a young age. Janet was a nine-year member of 4-H and loved livestock, especially those little piggies.  She has always had her record book completed to perfection and happily passed that skill on to her children and grandchildren.             . ...

The Alta Firemen’s Association celebrated its 140th anniversary (plus one) in a big way over last weekend, with a softball challenge against the county sheriff’s department, parade, community meal and a visit from an emergency helicopter. /Photos by Dana Larsen...

The Alta Warrior PTO hosted “Playground, Principal & Popsicles” Monday night - a cookout meal to celebrate the start of the school year as well as introduce new principal Tim Scott and dedicate the new school playground. The county pork producers were on hand for the BBQ. Kids had a ball exploring the playground, which was scheduled to get its finishing touches this week. / Pilot photos by Dana Larsen...

=Alta-Aurelia schools will begin school with a recently-approved Return to Learn plan in place. “We have a protocol. We’re not requiring masks - obviously we can’t. But we want our kids and families to know that they are very much free to wear masks if they wish to,” Superintendent William Walters said. The same policy is in place for teachers and staff. Some teachers are already using masks in the buildings, especially if there are medical issues in their families...

The 17th Annual Hanover Tractor Ride will be Saturday, August 28. Registration will be 8:00-8:30 at the Hanover Village located at the intersection of County Roads C-65 and M-27 southwest of Alta). This is an opportunity to spend several hours seeing the countryside and enjoying the comradery of those attending. ...

Alta continues to struggle with a heavy emerald ash borer infestation, and so far, the Iowa DNR isn’t proving to be much help. The city council discussed the issue again recently, as residents forced to take down trees have no place to go with the waste wood...

A meticulously-restored fuel delivery truck will be on exhibit during this year’s Albert City Threshermen Show, Aug. 13-15. The 1934 Ford is owned by Phil and Jean Jahde of rural Alta. They just recently finished up the restoration, and debuted the truck at the Star Spangled Spectacular car cruise and show...

The Alta City Council continues to wrestle with owners of nuisance properties. A couple of deteriorated trailers are bringing down the condition of the entire park, it was reported. One has been condemned for a year with ownership uncertain, but council member Tom Lane said he has been told that there apparently are plans to repair the unit as soon as work on another trailer is completed...

A no parking ordinance change on the residential portion of Main Street was discussed by the Alta City Council last week. Currently parking is allowed on the west side of the street, but with parked cars, it is difficult for two lanes of traffic to pass...

Condensing the history and heritage of the USA into four days is a tall task, but a group of Alta-Aurelia Middle School students set out to do just that. The recent Washington, D.C. trip was planned for a year ago, but had to be postponed due to COVID concerns. About 45 students took part, along with over 20 parents and teachers...

It’s a battle for bragging rights, as Alta firefighters take on the county sheriff’s department in a softball challenge on Saturday, August 21 at 1 p.m. at the Alta billfold. Both sides are predicting victory and a trophy coming home to their department. “Our bats will be as hot as the fires we put out,” the firemen proclaim. Free-will donation proceeds will go to assist the two departments...

RAGBRAI is like a wedding, says Kim Walsh, of the Alta planning committee for the massive event. “You’re nervous as heck planning it, but in the end, it’s going to be what it’s going to be, and you just have fun with it.” For a town of 2,000 to host 15,000+ bike riders streaming through is a herculean task - especially when a town has never been on the route before - but committee members feel the event was a positive one...

The status of the Alta city pool continues to be a concern. With a lack of lifeguards, the pool has had to shut down at times. While the pool was open for RAGBRAI Sunday, with limited staffing, the city chose not to advertise the fact. The difficulties have been going on for a few years now. ...

The Hanover Historical Society was awarded a $4000 grant by Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Charitable Foundation from its Round Up program to install electric service to the Hanover Village barn. The illumination will make the displays and their descriptions more visible and is a safety factor. The electrical work was done by Power Solutions, Alta. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative also assisted in the installation of an outdoor security light on the grounds...

Over 80 motorcycles (and numerous cars) took part in Saturday’s Ride For A Cause in Alta, benefitting motorcycle accident victim Judd Thompson from Galva. Power Solutions organized the event, the fifth annual ride out of Alta. The community took on the look of a small version of Sturgis, as two lines of bikes rolled out toward Cherokee, first stop on the tour that would end with a celebration in Galva. ...

Alta City officials continue to negotiate with the owner of the dilapidated Danish Lutheran Church to have the building demolished. The city had asked that the building be removed by May 1, but there is still no date for removal, according to Mayor Kevin Walsh, who said he hopes that a solution can be arranged within the next month or two. ...

From the Alta RAGBRAI Sunday Expecting riders starting to come through maybe 10, not that some may come through earlier. And by 3, riders need to be on their way again. Alta will definitely grow in huge number in our population that day! Hoping riders will find Alta to be a welcoming town, and enjoy their time here...

The following road closures are planned in Alta for the RAGBRAI visit: • No parking on Main Street in the residential area (3rd St. to 9th St.) starting at noon Saturday, July 24 through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 25. • On Sunday July 24, the entire Main Street including the business district will be closed, 5 a.m.-10 p.m. West 14th Street and East 2nd Street will be closed from 5 a.m.-10 p.m...

Two Alta residents were elected to receive nursing scholarships from the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Foundation. The scholarships are funded by donations to help the next generation of health care providers with their educations. fRecipients include: BVRMC Nursing Scholarship to Kimberly Steffen, Alta; and the William and Evelyn Meyer Nursing Scholarship to Jessica Flaherty, Alta...

The Alta Library hosts Buena Vista County Naturalist Katie Struss July 22, 1:30-2:30 p.m. There will be activities, snack and fun activities. All ages are welcome for this free event. The library is located at the school building.

A lack of vendors for the RAGBRAI visit July 25 has an Alta volunteer committee concerned about finances. A member told the city council recently that it only found out in late June that it was to be responsible for the cost of serving the event, too late to do a fundraiser. It had been hoped that fees from vendors would cover the expense, but with only seven or eight signed up, that is not realistic...

The Alta City Council is planning to declare a no parking area along NE 1st Street, concerned that the roadway is too narrow to allow on-street parking safely. The city was leaning toward making just the north side of the road a no parking area, but at the request of the street superintendent, is now preparing a proposal for no parking on both sides of the street, which is expected to come up for a reading at the August city council meeting. ...

Members of the VFW and Auxiliary maintained a booth at the Buena Vista County Fair, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, including displays of military uniforms and equipment. The anniversary of the war was observed March 29, recognizing the veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice during one of America’s longest Wars. ...

The Buena Vista County Fair grandstand hosted the ever-popular West Central Iowa Pullers tractor pull event Sunday afternoon, with local pullers joining the tour pros to thunder down the front stretch of the BV Raceway. / Pilot photo by Dana Larsen

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) announced today that Senior Vice President and Entrepreneur-in-Residence Brian Dalziel is resigning from the organization effective at the end of the month. “We want to thank Brian for his 11 years at the Corridor,” said Debra Satern, Corridor Board Chair. ...

For Tim Scott, accepting the Alta elementary school principal position this summer was literally like coming back home. “I grew up in Cherokee, and graduated from high school there. So yes, it’s been like coming back home,” says Tim. After getting his BA in history education from UNI, Tim started his teaching career in a small district in southwest Iowa. ...