Port of Dubuque Marina Seeks Participants for Lighted Boat Parade on Aug. 9

The Port of Dubuque Marina is excited to announce the return of the Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, August 9, from 5–11 p.m. and is currently seeking boaters to participate in the event.

This year’s parade theme, “Retro Rewind,” invites participants to decorate their boats in styles inspired by their favorite decade, like the groovy ‘70s, the bold neon ‘90s, or any other era.

Free Community Event

Starting at 5 p.m., the public is invited to enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities at the Port of Dubuque Marina, including:

• Live music by Marzipan Mailbox from 5 – 10 p.m.
• Cash bar and food trucks offering local favorites for purchase, including Pulido’s Tacos, The Hangry Hobo, Hibachi Time, and Freddie’s Popcorn Company
• Free kids play zone with inflatables and activities provided by the City of Dubuque’s Rec-n-Roll trailer

At sunset, spectators are invited to watch the illuminated boats parading along the Mississippi Riverwalk. The live music, kids play zone, and parade are free and open to the public.

Call for Boaters

Entry Deadline: Monday, July 28
Boaters are invited to join the parade for a $50 entry fee per boat. Registration includes:

• A commemorative t-shirt for the boat captain
• Six free beverage tickets
• Free ice cream cones for all passengers, courtesy of the Port of Dubuque Marina store
• Two free orders of funnel cake fries from The Hangry Hobo
• Two $5 coupons per boat for Pulido’s Tacos
• Two $5 coupons per boat for Hibachi Time

Participants will compete in two size categories: 32 feet and under and over 32 feet. Winners in each size category will receive the following:

• 1st Place – A complimentary two-night stay at the Port of Dubuque Marina and a $50 gift certificate valid for any marina purchase
• 2nd Place – A complimentary one-night stay at the Port of Dubuque Marina and a $25 gift certificate valid for any marina purchase

The entry deadline is Monday, July 28. Boaters can register and find additional information at www.portofdubuquemarina.com/boatparade2025 or by contacting the Port of Dubuque Marina at 563-582-5524.

 Notice of Intent to Fill the Vacancy of the Dubuque County Recorder by Appointment 

The Dubuque County Supervisors are taking applications to fill the vacant office of the Dubuque County Recorder.

Persons interested in the appointment should submit a letter of interest and resume to ke********@***************wa.gov, not later than 4:30 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025. Please note that the email subject line must include “Recorder Application”.

Residency in Dubuque County for at least 60-days is required at the time of the appointment, and throughout the length of the term.

The Board of Supervisors will conduct interviews of selected applicants on Friday, August 8th in a closed session starting at 1:00 pm.

The appointment made by the Supervisors will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 9:00 am.

Iowa Health Officials Confirm Measles Case, Release Locations for Potential Exposures

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Eastern Iowa and is notifying the public of potential exposure locations.  The individual is fully vaccinated and has no known link to the previous measles cases in Iowa, nor any recent travel outside the state. Iowa has a total of seven confirmed measles cases in 2025. As of July 8th, 2025, a total of 1,288 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States. Of these, 1,185 (92%) were unvaccinated, and 103 (8%) had received at least one dose of MMR vaccine.

Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by the individual while contagious, where the public might have been exposed to measles. Anyone born in or after 1957 who visited the following locations and is unvaccinated or unsure of their immune status should report to the online questionnaire which can be found at the following link:https://forms.office.com/g/znkgFZwhWQ.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. If you think you have been exposed to a measles case and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms before arriving.

Due to a locally-acquired case of measles not linked to other known cases, an accelerated MMR vaccination schedule should be considered. While the routine MMR schedule is one dose at 12–15 months and a second dose at 4–6 years, Iowans should discuss with their healthcare provider to consider:

• An early extra dose of MMR between 6 and 11 months of age (“dose 0”); this dose does NOT count toward the routine series
• The first routine dose (dose 1) can be given after 12 months of age, at least 28 days after dose 0
• The second routine dose (dose 2) can be given at least 28 days after dose 1, instead of waiting until age 4–6 years

For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page. This page is updated weekly, on Thursdays, with current case counts and public health guidance.  Iowa HHS will issue a press release when there is a confirmed public exposure that may pose a risk to others. When possible, individuals identified as close contacts will also be notified directly by public health officials.

This email was sent to you by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.https://hhs.iowa.gov/

City of Dubuque to Provide Free Collection of Storm-Damaged Tree Limbs and Branches

Beginning on Tuesday, July 15, the City of Dubuque will provide free collection of tree limbs and branches that were downed as a result of the storms that impacted the city on Thursday, July 10, and Friday, July 11. The final day for this no-charge collection be Monday, July 21.

Staff can only collect storm-damaged branches/limbs up to three inches in diameter. Limbs and branches must be placed at the curb or alley line where residents normally set out solid waste containers. Branches must be no more than five feet in length should be tied together with rope or twine. Bundles of branches should be no greater than 18 inches in diameter and weigh less than 40 pounds. Setouts that do not meet these requirements will not be collected.

Collections will be performed by City yard waste crews on the resident’s regularly scheduled trash/recycling collection day and must be set out by 6 a.m. Residents do not need to contact City staff to schedule limb or branch removal.

Seton Catholic School Public Release: National School Lunch Program School Year 2025-2026

The Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services, has finalized its policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program and the Afterschool Care Snack Program.

Seton Catholic School officials has adopted the following family size and income criteria for determining eligibility:

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES (Effective 7-1-2025)

Households may be eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits one of four ways

1. Households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for reduced price meals or free meals, if they complete an application for free and reduced price school meals. Households may complete one application listing all children and return it to Seton Catholic School. When completing an application, only the last four digits of the social security number of the household’s primary wage earner or another adult household member is needed.
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households, students receiving benefits under the Family Investment Program (FIP) and students in a few specific Medicaid programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Most students from SNAP and FIP households will be qualified for free meals automatically. These households will receive a letter from Seton Catholic School notifying them of their benefits. Households that receive a letter from the school need to do nothing more for their student(s) to receive free or reduced price meals. No further application is necessary. If any students were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free or reduced price meal benefits extended to them. If you feel you would qualify for free meal benefits and received notification qualifying for reduced price benefits, complete an application for free and reduced price meals. Households must contact the school if they choose to decline meal benefits.
3. Some SNAP and FIP households will receive a letter from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) which will qualify the children listed on the letter for free meals. Parents must take this letter to the student’s school to receive free meals.
4. SNAP or FIP households receiving benefits that do not receive a letter from Iowa HHS must complete an application with the abbreviated information as indicated on the application and instructions, for their students to receive free meals. When the application lists an assistance program’s case number for any household member, eligibility for free benefits is extended to all students in a household.

Eligibility from the previous year will continue within Seton Catholic School for up to 30 operating days into the new school year. When the carryover period ends, unless the household is notified that their students are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the students must pay full price for school meals and the school will not send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility. An application cannot be approved unless complete eligibility information is submitted. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. If a family member becomes unemployed the family should contact the school to complete an application. Households notified of their student’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits.

Foster children are eligible for free meal benefits. Some foster students will be qualified for free meals automatically through the state direct certification process. Their host family will receive notification of these benefits. Families that receive this notification from the school need to do nothing more for their foster students to receive free meals. If a family has foster students living with them and does not receive notification and wishes to apply for such meals, instructions for making application for such students are contained on the application form. A foster student may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other students. Including students in foster care as household members may help other students in the household qualify for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster student from receiving benefits. Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals based on a completed application.

When known by the school, households will be notified of any child eligible for free meals if the children are enrolled in the Head Start/Even Start program or are considered homeless, migrant or runaway. If any children are not listed on the notice of eligibility, contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits. If households are dissatisfied with the application approval done by the officials, they may make a formal appeal either orally or in writing to the school’s designated hearing official. The policy statement on file at the school contains an outline of the hearing procedure. School officials may verify the information in the application, and that deliberate misrepresentation of information may subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable state and federal criminal statutes. Households should contact their local school for additional information.

There will be no discrimination against individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the school meal programs.

Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: in****@**da.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Declaración de no Discriminación del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos

City of Dubuque Announces Arts and Culture Operating Support and Special Projects Grants Awards

The Dubuque City Council recently approved recommendations from the City’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission to award $250,000 in Operating Support Grant funds to 20 of Dubuque’s 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations and $35,000 to fund six Special Projects Grants to cultivate unique and innovative creative arts and culture experiences that prioritize community engagement.

Operating Support for Arts and Culture Nonprofits

The City’s Arts and Culture Operating Support Grant Program allows established 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations located within the city of Dubuque to request 6% or up to $30,000 of their most recently completed fiscal year operating budget. Twenty eligible organizations, with operating expenses ranging from $20,607 to $1.93 million, applied for this year’s funding cycle, collectively requesting $331,244 in support.

The Operating Support Grant Program is designed to support nonprofit organizations contributing to cultural vibrancy and community resiliency by focusing on publicly accessible arts, arts education, and cultural heritage programming. Applicants must demonstrate a record of financial and management stability and show evidence of a commitment to excellence as an arts and culture leader.

Competitive scoring of the applications was utilized to determine awards totaling $250,000. Arts and cultural organizations to receive funding, listed in alphabetical order by organization name, are:

• Bell Tower Productions – $17,805
• Colts Youth Organization – $21,942
• Creative Adventure Lab, Inc. – $22,260
• Dubuque Area Arts Collective – $5,775
• Dubuque Arts Council – $3,551
• Dubuque Chapter of SPEBSQSA / Music Men Barbershop Chorus – $708
• Dubuque Chorale – $2,745
• Dubuque County Fine Arts Society – $4,335
• Dubuque County Historical Society – $23,850
• Dubuque Museum of Art – $23,850
• Dubuque Symphony Orchestra – $22,896
• Fly-By-Night Productions – $1,541
• Heritage Works – $10,570
• Julien Dubuque International Film Festival – $18,845
• Key City Creative Center – $5,108
• Northeast Iowa School of Music – $11,589
• Pigeon Art Center, Inc. – $13,320
• Rising Star Theatre Company – $9,106
• The Grand Opera House – $23,214
• Voices Productions – $5,668

Arts and Culture Special Projects

Through the Arts and Culture Special Projects Grant Program, the City of Dubuque provides funding to Dubuque-based nonprofit organizations and partnership groups to cultivate unique and innovative creative arts and culture experiences that prioritize community engagement.

The Special Projects Grant Program received 12 eligible applications collectively requesting $80,050. Based on the results of competitive scoring, six applications were selected to receive support, with awards ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 and totaling $35,000 in Capacity Building grants.

The organizations and projects to receive funding, listed in order of award amount, are:

• Dubuque Museum of Art – $8,000
• Dubuque Forward – $8,000
• Voices Productions – $8,000
• $Northeast Iowa School of Music – $4,500
• The Grand Opera House – $4,000
• St. Mark’s Enrichment – $3,700

In total, 32 eligible applications were submitted across both grant programs, with each program’s applications reviewed and scored by a selected three-person panel comprised of individuals independent of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission. Volunteer reviewers are knowledgeable of the arts, actively participate in the arts, and possess professional experience in fields such as nonprofit, business, education, or government. The Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission reviewed application scores and submitted funding-level recommendations to the Dubuque City Council for approval.

For additional information on the City’s Arts and Culture grant programs, contact the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs at 563-690-6059 or ar*********@***********ue.org.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine Recognizes UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital Sleep Center

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recognized UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital’s Sleep Center for 10 consecutive years of accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to providing high-quality care for people who have sleep problems.

“For the past ten years, our accredited sleep lab has helped thousands of patients uncover the root of their sleep issues — from restless nights to serious sleep disorders — providing answers, relief, and a path to better sleep health,” said Leah Hoffmann, BS, RRT, Manager of Respiratory Care at Finley Hospital.

AASM-accredited sleep centers provide diagnostic and therapeutic care for people who have problems related to sleep and alertness. Sleep disorders include obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Finley Hospital’s Sleep Center offers sleep studies that can be completed in the comfortable in-hospital suite or at home.

To receive and maintain accreditation for a five-year period, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. These standards address core areas such as personnel, facility and equipment, policies and procedures, data acquisition, patient care, and quality assurance. Additionally, the sleep center’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital Sleep Center on continuing to meet the rigorous standards necessary to maintain accreditation for sleep services,” said AASM President Dr. Anita V. Shelgikar. “AASM accreditation is the gold standard in sleep care, reflecting a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered services that help people sleep better and live healthier lives.”

The AASM accredited a sleep disorders center for the first time in 1977. Today there are more than 2,300 AASM-accredited sleep centers across the country.

UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital Sleep Center is directed by Scott D. Geisler, MD, and is located at 350 N. Grandview Ave.

The AASM is a medical society for physicians, researchers, and other health care professionals in the field of sleep medicine. As the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers, the AASM advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives.

To learn more about Finley Hospital’s Sleep Center, visit uph.link/SleepCenter_DBQ.

Stonehill Communities Forms Partnership to Expand Home Health

Stonehill Communities is expanding its home health services through a strategic partnership with 24-Hour Care. On July 1, 2025, Stonehill reached a formal agreement with 24-Hour Care, a local business providing home health and certified home nursing services in the Dubuque area and northwestern Illinois.

Over the past year, Stonehill Communities and 24-Hour Care have worked closely to align values, improve service coordination, and plan for seamless integration.

“With this partnership, we are building a more integrated support system for aging adults—one that recognizes that care at home is often the first and most important step toward independence and living well, said Peggy Stockel, Stonehill Communities President/CEO, “This marks the beginning of an exciting collaborative phase between our two organizations that will expand and enhance home health services available in our communities.”

The partnership will enhance care coordination, expand upon the non-medical home care services provided by Stonehill At Home as well as Stonehill’s Outpatient Therapy services, and align care teams and technology for a better patient experience.

Additional information on services is available online at https://24hourcarehha.com/ or 563-588-2424.

The mission of Stonehill is to, in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, provide a continuum of quality lifetime care services in a dignified atmosphere. Stonehill offers a full continuum of services including independent and assisted living, affordable senior apartments, memory care, post-acute rehab, long term care, inpatient and outpatient therapy, non-medical home care services, the GUIDE Dementia Program, the Caregiver Resource Center, and a state-of-the-art wellness center open to the public. More information is available at www.stonehilldbq.com.

24-Hour Care is a home health and home nursing agency that has been providing healthcare support at home for 10 years. Their mission is to provide compassionate care at home, bridging the gap between hospitals and home environments. We are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our patients through personalized rehabilitation and supportive services ensuring a seamless transition back into the comfort of their own home.

Veterans Memorial Park Pickleball Courts Closed July 14-24 for Resurfacing

Ohnward Fine Arts Center Presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr

Saturday, August 2 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, August 3 at 2:00 PM

Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics). Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

Written to flow seamlessly between land and sea, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. provides plenty of opportunities to bring these locations to life through creative movement and configurations. The fantasy of being underwater means your entire cast and crew can let their imaginations run wild.

Tickets – In Advance: Adults $12 Students $8; At the Door – Adults $15 Students $10

 Come and see the amazing costumes, beautiful sets and talented local kids!

 The cast includes:  

Ariel – Aria Soenksen
Prince Eric – Daniel Hagen
Sebastian – Jaelyn Roth
Flounder – Cohen Kirchhoff
King Triton – Kohen Widel
Mersisters (Sisters of Ariel) – Annabelle Hagen, Kenlynn Leroy, Ariana Edwards, Erin Leon,
Lily Soenksen,  Abigail Moubry
Ursula – JoAnna Ochoa
Flotsam – Aspen Rushford
Jetsam – Dex Stamp
Scuttle – Jay Henshaw
Grimsby – Brad Ruley
Chef Louise – Oliver Schweitzer
Chefs/Gulls – Mia Shearer, Kelcee Jones, Micah Hess, Meyer Soenksen, Penny Pape, Kaelyn Magill,
Averie Hoffman, Paisley Westercamp, Trinity Nikkel, Natalie Kintzle
Carlotta – Lillian Miracle
Princesses – Gwendolyn Hagen, Paityn Dingbaum, Kyrsten Perez, MJ Tenney
Pilot – Samuel Hess
Seahorse – LillyAnna Ochoa
Sea Creatures/Sailors/Lagoon Animals – Porter Miracle, Bradyn Notz, Rosie Pape, Poppy Hoffman, Evelynn Hoffman, Jolene Schwager, Emma Schmidt, Ella Smith, Violet Stamp, Eleanor Schweitzer, Emma Stroyan, Mansyn Kirchhoff, Jilaina Sieverding, Francis McLaughlin, Aubrielle Haan, Evan Shearer
Dancers – Anna Hess, Madilynn Hoffman

This show is directed by Ohnward Fine Arts Centers executive director Richard Hall.  Music is directed by Linda Polk, Julie Weirup and Shannon Soenksen with choreography by Shannon Soenksen and accompanist is Jenna Williams.

 The Little Mermaid Jr will have two public performances on Saturday August 2 at 7 PM and Sunday August 3 at 2 PM. Tickets for the public performances will be $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for students.  If purchased at the door on the day of the performance tickets will be $15 for adults and $10.00 for students

Tickets can also be purchased at The Ohnward Fine Arts Center 563-652-9815 (from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday – Friday), Osterhaus Pharmacy, both Maquoketa State Banks in Maquoketa, Hartig Drug in Preston and Bellevue.

 Tickets are also available on line at www.ohnwardfineartscenter.com.

The shows approximate runtime is one hour.

UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital Volunteers Honored with Governor’s Volunteer Awards

Two UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital volunteers received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer at a recent ceremony.

“Our volunteers are the heart of our hospital,” said Marie Zoromski, Volunteer Services Manager at Finley Hospital. “They give their time, compassion and energy to every person that enter our facility – and that makes a lasting difference in creating an exceptional experience. We are incredibly proud of all our volunteers for their commitment and grateful for the impact they’ve had on our patients, visitors and team members.”

Those recognized include:

Trent DeVries, who serves on the Admitting Escort Team, providing a warm welcome and compassionate support to patients. He guides individuals to their designated clinics with a reassuring and calming presence, helping to ease anxieties and ensure a positive experience.

Tanner Schoulte, a volunteer in the Emergency Department, who demonstrates attention to detail, a strong work ethic and an ability to provide both practical support and emotional empathy to patients and their caregivers.

More than 290 awards were presented this year. It is estimated that 96 communities in Iowa were served by this year’s honorees.

Culbie’s Event Center, officially opening its doors on Friday, August 8, 2025

Culbie’s Event Center Opens in East Dubuque, Bringing Exceptonal Events and Local Charm to the Tri-State Area

A new era of celebration begins in East Dubuque as Culbie’s Event Center, a stunning new venue designed to transform special events into unforgettable experiences, announces its Grand Opening on Friday, August 8, 2025. The community is invited to enjoy an evening of live music by the Hors d’Oeuvres Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, giveaways, and more — all while exploring this exciting new destination in downtown East Dubuque.

An Event Center Rooted in Local Legacy

Culbie’s Event Center is the realization of a shared dream by East Dubuque natives and lifelong friends Mike Meyer, Toby Culbertson, and Todd Colin. With deep family ties to the region’s entertainment and business community, the partners set out to create a venue that celebrates local spirit and brings people together in meaningful ways.

“Culbie’s isn’t just a venue — it’s a space where people gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories in the community we love,” said Mike Meyer, partner at Culbie’s. “We’re proud to open our doors and invite everyone to experience what we’ve built together.”

A Versatile Space for Every Celebration

Culbie’s Event Center offers:

• A 9,000 sq. ft. building, featuring a 6,000 sq. ft. event center and a 3,500 sq. ft. patio and beer garden

• Capacity for up to 800 guests, ideal for weddings, graduations, corporate events, fundraisers, and private celebrations

• Modern amenities, timeless design, and a warm, inviting atmosphere

Every detail at Culbie’s has been thoughtfully designed to provide a flexible yet intimate backdrop, ensuring each event is executed with style, sophistication, and personalized care.

Exceptional Events. Local Charm. Your Trusted Venue Partner.

Culbie’s mission is simple: to turn special events into extraordinary experiences. With a dedicated team focused on creativity, expert execution, and personalized service, each gathering is tailored to reflect the unique vision of its host — all while embracing the welcoming spirit of East Dubuque.

Grand Opening Celebration

• Friday, August 8, 2025
• Live music by the Hors d’Oeuvres Band
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres, drink promotions, and giveaways
• Culbie’s Event Center, East Dubuque, IL

This event is open to the community, engaged couples, event planners, and anyone excited to discover East Dubuque’s newest destination for unforgettable gatherings.

UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital to Begin Parking Lot Repaving Project July 7

Finley Hospital will begin a parking lot and entrance improvement project starting Monday, July 7, which will temporarily impact the Main Entrance drive-through area and the Delhi Street parking area. The project will be completed in two phases:

• Phase 1 (July 7–15): Repaving of the main entrance drive-through under the overhang
• Phase 2 (July 23–24): Repaving of the parking lot directly in front of the main entrance (24-hour period)

The hospital entrance will remain open. Signage and hospital team members will be on-site to help guide patients and visitors to the correct entrances and available parking.

City buses and nursing home shuttles will use a designated drop-off and pick-up area, as outlined on the enclosed construction map.

The Delhi Medical Center parking lot and Finley Hospital Emergency Department parking lot on N. Grandview Avenue will not be impacted.

Dubuque Regional Airport to Host TSA PreCheck Enrollment Event

The Dubuque Regional Airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will host a TSA PreCheck® enrollment event at the Capt. Robert L. Martin Terminal, 10965 Aviation Drive, beginning Tuesday, July 22, through Friday, July 25.

Appointment hours will be held each weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the terminal’s Airline Ticket Office #2. Applicants do not need an airline ticket to access the enrollment center. TSA recommends that interested individuals pre-enroll and make an appointment online at www.Identogo.com/precheck. Walk-in appointments will be accepted as space and personnel are available. It is recommended that those interested in enrolling apply as soon as possible, as appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Our TSA PreCheck enrollment events are always very popular, and appointments usually completely fill up,” says Dubuque Regional Airport Manager Todd Dalsing. “We’re expecting the same to happen this time, given this is our first enrollment event of 2025. We’ve already been hearing from interested folks wondering when their next chance to sign up would be.”

Enrollment appointments generally take ten minutes or less. Applicants should bring documentation which prove their identity and citizenship status. They will also be fingerprinted and have their photo taken in order to complete the TSA background check.

Travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck® can participate in an expedited screening process at more than 200 airports across the United States. They are allowed to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and can leave their laptops and liquid 3-1-1 bags inside their carry-on when processing through an airport security checkpoint.

The application fee is $76.75, which covers a five-year membership. The fee must be paid at the enrollment center by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted. Enrollees will need to bring documentation proving identity and citizenship or legal residency status. Documentation requirements are listed on the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool website. Fingerprints are collected to complete a background check.

Successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which they can access online about a week after their application is processed. Passengers should enter the KTN when booking airline reservations via a participating airline website, via phone call to the airline reservation center, or with the travel management company making reservations.

For more information about the TSA PreCheck program, visit www.tsa.gov/precheck

The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov

Pool 13 River Cleanup was a grand success

The June 7 Upper Mississippi River Cleanup in Pool 13 was a grand success. Participants walked the shoreline and gathered in watercraft including boats, kayaks and canoes. A large amount of trash was collected along several miles of shoreline, islands and backwaters.

The river cleanup was co- sponsored by Stewards of Upper Mississippi River Refuge, City of Savanna, and Delta Waterfowl. The cleanup covered many areas of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Pictures of the cleanup can be viewed on the Stewards Facebook page.

The Stewards are a non-profit conservation organization that supports the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. They provided support for the event including promotion, organization, volunteers, distribution of gloves, garbage bags and water. The Stewards meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday at 6PM at Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson IL. They offer golf cart tours at Spring Lake, bus tours at Lost Mound Unit and are sponsoring a Kids Fishing Clinic this Saturday June 14 at Frog Pond in Savanna IL. Pre-registration is required. You can contact the Stewards via email (st**********@***il.com) or call 815-273-2732 to sign up.

The City of Savanna provided two dumpsters and waived boat launch fees at Marquette Park for the event. Participants in the cleanup included members and coach of the West Carroll High School football team, Jo Daviess County Natural Area Guardians, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers, and members of the public. Manny’s Pizza donated pizzas to feed the large group of volunteers that participated.

Delta Waterfowl is a non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to secure the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting. They provided boats, volunteers and assistance to other boaters, in addition to funding the purchase of gloves, garbage bags and water.

This River Cleanup event was a partnership that removed a large amount of trash from Pool 13 of the Upper Mississippi River. We are grateful for the sponsors and volunteers that made this event a grand success.

Potters Marsh Drawing is July 26

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the drawing for Potter’s Marsh waterfowl hunting sites will be held on Saturday, July 26th at Majestic Pines 11503 3 Mile Road Thomson, IL 61285. Applications will be accepted from 9:00am to 1:00pm, with the drawing to be held at 1:00pm. A $10.00 application fee is required. You must apply in person and must be present at the drawing. When your ticket is drawn in the lottery, you will select your choice from the 49 available sites. A $100.00 non-refundable fee is charged for each applicant that receives a hunt site.

Applicants are required to show the following information: photo identification, 2025 Hunting or Sportsman’s License, 2025 Federal Waterfowl Stamp, 2025 State Duck Stamp and a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card (Illinois residents only). Residents under the age of 21 do not need a FOID card but must be accompanied by an adult (21 years of age or older) who has a valid card. Non-residents can provide a current year license and State Duck Stamp from their resident state. Applicants must be a minimum of 16 years of age.

For additional information and copies of the regulations, hunters may call the Refuge Office at 815-273-2732 or stop in the office at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL 61285.

                                                                                                                                            *******

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. to Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife.

In addition to being the most visited refuge in the country, the “Upper Miss” Refuge has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams, within its boundary. It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; more than 300 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered species.

Lost Mound Unit Managed Deer Hunt Applications Available July 1

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has announced the availability of 2025 applications for the special deer hunts held at Lost Mound. Two managed deer hunts, one for youth (10-17)/family and one for adults with disability (18 and older), are conducted within designated Closed Areas of Lost Mound. All hunters must be accompanied by an adult able-bodied attendant that is capable of tracking and retrieving a deer.

The application period extends from July 1 through July 31 and is open to residents and non-residents. All applications will be entered into a random drawing for 35 hunt sites on August 13. All hunters, attendants and any accompanying individuals must attend the mandatory hunt site check in and scout day that corresponds with their hunt. Youth Hunt check in will be held on November 8 12pm-5pm or November 21 from 12pm-4pm, and Adults with Disability Hunt check in will be held on Friday, November 14 8am-4pm. Location will be the Lost Mound Unit equipment storage building, 3159 Crim Drive, Savanna, IL 61074.

The youth/family hunt will be held on November 22-23, 2025 which coincides with the Illinois Firearms Deer First Season. An unfilled Illinois Youth Deer Permit or Jo Daviess County Deer Permit must be obtained and brought to the orientation. All youth must show certification of completion of a state approved hunter safety course.

The hunt for adults with disability will be held on November 15-16, 2025 which is the Saturday-Sunday prior to the Illinois Firearms Deer First Season. A minimum P2a Illinois disability classification (or similar disability certification from non-resident states) is required.  Wheelchair-bound and amputee hunters will receive priority selection for hunt sites. A Jo Daviess County Deer Permit is not needed in order to apply for this hunt, as this permit is provided by the Refuge. For additional information and copies of the regulations, hunters may call the Refuge Office at 815-273-2732 or stop in the office at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL 61285.

Finley Hospital Warns of Rising E-Bike Injuries, Offers Safety Tips

With the return of warmer weather, more people are getting back outside and hitting the road on two wheels — and each year, an increasing number are opting for motorized bikes.

Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, include an electric motor to assist the rider with pedaling. This allows for higher speeds, longer distances and less exertion. They also increase the risk of injury.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates e-bike injuries led to roughly 53,200 emergency room visits across the United States between 2017 and 2022, the most recent year with available data. Nearly half of those ER visits— about 24,400— happened during 2022.

Injuries are similar to normal bicycle injuries, including falls/crashes that create wrist, elbow, clavicle injuries or head injuries, but the e-bikes’ heavier frame and faster speeds can create more serious injuries.

“The major risk with e-bikes is how easy it makes it to go faster – it’s just a push of a button rather than manual pedaling, so that increases the risk and potential severity of injuries,” said Dr. Michael Banyasz, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital.

The extra speed makes it easier to lose control of the e-bike for those who may be inexperienced, while the ease of use also allows older populations, who are more at risk of head bleeds or fractures, to enjoy biking again.

Here are some tips for e-bike safety:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Follow the rules of the road; Use trails or bicycle lanes whenever possible.
• Ensure high visibility by wearing reflective or bright clothing. At dusk or dawn, use lights, and consider not riding while it is dark outside.
• Keep up with routine maintenance to be sure your bike’s brakes and other components work properly.
• Don’t ride an e-bike if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Build up to higher speeds as you gain experience riding.
• Brake sooner than you would on a standard bike as the higher speeds require a longer stopping distance.

UnityPoint Health – Finley Health Foundation Welcomes Rising New-Comer The Castellows to Annual Event

UnityPoint Health – Finley Health Foundation is pleased to announce rising stars, The Castellows, as the feature act for the annual Miracles on the Mississippi at Diamond Jo Casino.

The event, set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, will support mammography equipment and services at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital. Tickets will include hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a live auction before the concert.

Neo-Traditional Country music trio, The Castellows, are bringing a literal meaning to the phrase, “family tradition.” The band comprised of sisters Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo) and Lily (vocals), hail from small rural Georgetown, Georgia. The Castellows’ sound is traditional, yet modern. Authentic, yet harnessed. The common thread among the trio, is their masterful three-part harmonies which blend together to create one singular, almost angelic, voice. After signing a record deal in early 2023, their first major award-nomination was CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.

“The Finley Health Foundation is proud to partner with the Diamond Jo Casino to bring amazing up-and-coming talent to Dubuque,” said Barbara Potts, Executive Director of the Finley Health Foundation. “Community members will have an evening to remember and the opportunity to support Mammography services at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital.”

For more information, visit uph.link/DBQMiracles. Tickets may be purchased online, by contacting the Finley Health Foundation at (563) 589-2572 or via email at*************@********nt.org.

Keep your trees healthy and hydrated this summer

Is your newly planted tree thirtsy? You may need to water trees planted in the spring or summer one to three times a week in the first few months after planting. Water early in the morning or evening so the tree roots have a chance to absorb most of the water and the sun can’t evaporate it away.

Check the moisture level in the soil near the tree’s trunk (four to six inches below the surface) at least once a week, and more often during hot, dry weather. If the soil feels moist or damp you can hold off on watering, if it is dry you need to water your tree. The soil should be moist, but not saturated after watering.

Newly planted trees need regular and consistent watering for optimal growth and health. A gallon of water is equal to about one inch of rainfall.

• Immediately after planting and mulching – 5-15 gallons, depending on container size
• Week 1 – 2 gallons of water per diameter inch of trunk daily
• Week 2 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 4-5 days per week
• Week 3 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 2-3 days per week
• Week 4 and thereafter – 2 gallons per diameter inch once per week
  

  Trees for Kids grant applications due August 22

  The popular Trees for Kids grant program is accepting applications through August 22 to plant trees in public areas of communities (park, community center, public school, etc.) this fall.

  Grantees can be awarded up to $2,500 to purchase trees and mulch. Youth are required to be engaged in the process, most often helping to plant the trees on site.

  Studies show trees planted around schools and in neighborhoods give youth increased levels of concentration, lower levels of aggression, lower levels of obesity and fewer symptoms of ADHD.

  Apply online today!

Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Species in Your Community

Iowa woodlands, wildlands and waterways draw hundreds of thousands of tourists and recreational users each year. Much of the spread of invasive species comes from people simply enjoying nature. Uninvited guests can hitch a ride on outdoor gear, shoes and clothes, travelling hundreds of miles in a single day.

Take these easy steps to stop the spread of invasive species in your community.

1. Verify that the plants you buy for your yard or garden are not invasive. Many non-native plants can become invasive. The Forest Invasive Species Guideincludes quick ID photos and common management techniques to control 19 invasive trees, shrubs and plants.
2. Look for spongy moth egg masses on all outdoor equipment when traveling from a spongy moth quarantined area.
3. Clean your boots before and after you hike in a new area to avoid spreading seeds. This is a common way garlic mustard and other plants are spread.
4. Do not buy or sell firewood from outside your county. Firewood can contain emerald ash borer, Sirex woodwasp, Asian longhorned beetle, oak wilt and many more pests. Plenty of firewood is available locally near state and county parks. Make sure to burn all of the firewood at the campsite and not leave it or transport to a new area.
5. Work with your Private Lands Forester for plans to make your forests more resilient to invasive species.

 Field of Dreams Movie Site to Host ESPN SportsCenter July 25 

Dyersville location chosen for the news program’s “50 States in 50 Days”

ESPN’s flagship program SportsCenter will feature the Field of Dreams Movie Site as one of its locations as part of its “50 States in 50 Days” nationwide tour. The news and information program will record segments and broadcast live from the famous Dyersville, Iowa location on July 25.

This marks the first time in 20 years that SportsCenter has undertaken a cross-country tour of this scale. The original 2005 SportsCenter Across America effort inspired this modern revival — now reimagined for a digital-first audience and reflecting ESPN’s commitment to both physical and digital fan engagement ahead of the company’s direct-to-consumer launch later this year. The Field of Dreams played host to the Iowa segment during that original tour.

This year, SportsCenter will visit during one of the Movie Site’s youth baseball tournaments and will share details from the site, from its history to ongoing updates.

The Field of Dreams Movie Site was originally the primary filming location of the film “Field of Dreams” and has since played host to millions of visitors. The Site features house tours, hosts baseball tournaments, and overnight stays in the house. Food and beverages are offered in The Dugout pub, The Stretch concession stand, and an ice cream stand featuring Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

Dubuque’s 2024 Water Quality Report Now Available

The City of Dubuque Water Department has published the annual water quality report for the Dubuque water supply. The drinking water met all state and federal water quality requirements and had no drinking water violations in 2024.

The complete report is available online at?www.cityofdubuque.org/2025waterquality

Printed copies of the Dubuque water quality report are available at several City of Dubuque facilities:

• City Hall, 50 West 13th St.
• Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 West 11th St.
• Housing and Community Development Department, 350 W. 6th St., Suite 312
• Intermodal Transportation Center, 950 Elm St.
• Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Ave.
• Water Distribution Office, 925 Kerper Ct.
• Water & Resource Recovery Center, 795 Julien Dubuque Dr.

The City of Dubuque’s Eagle Point Water Plant sources water from aquifers and produces an average of 6.5 million gallons of treated water per day. The treated water is distributed through more than 330 miles of water mains, that are controlled by 8,008 control valves. The City’s water supply is available to over 2,606 fire hydrants and to more than 23,880 service connections.

“Our water department staff takes great pride in delivering high quality drinking water to our community at an affordable cost,” said City of Dubuque Water Department Director Chris Lester. “Providing safe and reliable drinking water is a tremendous responsibility that we take very seriously.”

When compared to the other large cities in Iowa that soften their drinking water, Dubuque has the fourth-lowest rate, which translates to $43.74 per month for the average household, or simply stated, 65 cents per 100 gallons.

For additional information, please call 563-589-4291 or visit?www.cityofdubuque.org/water

Stonehill Communities Earns 2025 Bronze National Quality Award

Stonehill Communities Health Center has been recognized as a 2025 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. This distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The Program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to enhancing the quality of care for our nation’s older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Matt Jahn, Administrator, is proud of the recognition. “The bronze award signifies Stonehill’s commitment to the continual emphasis on achieving the Quadruple Aim in healthcare delivery, which structures services around improved resident experience, population health, lower costs, and improving the care team experience. We know these goals help us provide high quality service to residents and their families.”

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a rigorous three-level process reviewed and evaluated by trained experts against a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence. The standards of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program help organizations achieve superior performance over time to improve the quality of life and care of long term care residents.

Providers begin the quality improvement journey at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile detailing among other elements their vision, mission, key customers, and key strengths and challenges. Bronze applicants must demonstrate the use of a performance improvement system. Trained examiners review each application to determine if a center has met the demands of the criteria. As a recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality award, Stonehill Communities may now move forward to the Silver – Achievement in Quality award criteria.

“Receiving this award marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards excellence,” said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair. “Congratulations to Stonehill Communities for this significant achievement. I encourage you to take some time to celebrate and continue striving for higher levels of quality and performance.”

The National Quality Awards will be presented during Delivering Solutions 24, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 6-9, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.

The 2025 National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: HealthCap, McKesson, Rosie, Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare, and Prevail by First Quality.

Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays Returns   July 6, July 20, Aug. 3, 2025

The Mud Lake Music Society in partnership with the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation announce the return of the Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays Series. This popular event draws music performers from all around the country. – This Free music series began as an effort to bring bluegrass music to an outdoor setting by the Mississippi River in Dubuque. The Dubuque County Conservation Board and friends promotes the series that is staged at Mud Lake Park along the Mississippi.

The Mud Lake Music Society has presented over thirty groups and countless individual performers, for audiences up to 2,000 per show! Jim Zmudka, series organizer said, “We are pleased to offer this type of recreation for the Dubuque Community, and to promote the parks, Bluegrass music, and a great Iowa lifestyle. We started Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays with three things in mind: family, music, and the Mississippi River.  “People really love it.” Zmudka, a Dubuque native, who worked in Nashville as the agent for Bill Monroe, the “Father of Bluegrass Music,” and has promoted the popular series since its inception.” It’s the perfect picnic atmosphere, and with all we’ve been through lately, we need more picnics!”

With a focus on audience involvement, each event kicks off with the “Pickers Pick-nic” starting at 12 noon and goes till 2pm. It’s the perfect setting to meet and play with other aspiring pickers. Guest instructors help with tuning, answer questions and then organize the jam sessions.

Then at 2pm the main stage fires up with a regional opening act, followed by a national touring act at 3:30pm. They entertain till approximately 6 pm.

“The Friends 0f Dubuque County Conservation are very supportive of our efforts to put these shows together.” Their goal is to educate and promote to people, all the activities and opportunities available at our county parks.” says Zmudka.  Asking attendees only for free-will donations, the Society’s goal is to raise enough money to cover costs and retain a small fund to continue Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays the next year.

Camping spaces are available at Mud Lake Park, along with food concessions and special Mud Lake Bluegrass souvenirs (shirts , instrument raffles) No alcohol is served but visitors may bring their own coolers, and it is recommended that people bring lawn chairs. People are also encouraged to bring their own instruments and participate in the free music clinics prior to main stage acts.

Information on the musicians is available on Facebook at Mud Lake Bluegrass. Look them up and give them a listen. For further information please contact Jim Zmudka at Mud Lake Music (563)-590-4004 or Friends of Dubuque County Conservation at (563)556-6745 or drop us an email at mu**********@***il.com

Super line up this year! Don’t miss a show! This year’s performers are as follows;

July 6,  Greg Garing Band

Long time Bluegrasser and former fiddler for JImmy Martin, Greg Garing has put together some hot pickers from around the country to entertain us this year at Mud Lake.

The group features multiple Iowa state banjo champion Darrin Manson, Mandolin master James Horak, Bass fiddler Keli Kingery and of course Greg on fiddle and guitar.

July 20,  Bigtooth

After years of sharing festival bills and bumping elbows at open jams, Starr Moss, Trent Cuthbert, Michael Falk, Claire Kannapell and Paul Kienitz have joined forces to make their own brand of Bluegrass inspired music. Bigtooth, the culmination of this shared history, keeps one hand on the book of Bluegrass standards and the other on the songwriting pen. Count on a distinctive repertoire that intertwines traditional material and original compositions, delivered with precision, finesse, and style.

With a special performance by the Mississippi Acoustic Trio !Dubuque’s Longest running musical group. Entertaining for your pleasure for over 50 years. Come see the “Boy’s” Dave, Cricket and Denny play some bluegrass, folk. Americana and country in their inimitable classic style!

August 3  Dig Deep

Foot stomping rhythm, sing along harmonies and infectious mandolin and banjo picking. DIG DEEP brings a youthful hard edged twist to the Mud Lake stage. Their blistering, boisterous live performance takes folk and Bluegrass to a new fun place! Not your mom and dad’s Bluegrass! Be prepared to dance and have fun to this energetic high speed show

With special guests; Denny and the Folk-ups!

A grouping of our area’s best and favorite musicians! Denny Garcia-multi inst. AJ Steils- guitar, Tim Knauss-Bass, Tim Connelly-drums.

City of Dubuque’s 2025 Asphalt Overlay Program Now Underway

The City of Dubuque’s annual asphalt overlay program is now underway and will improve just less than 10 centerline miles on 42 city streets or street sections during the 2025 construction season.

The program targets streets that would benefit from an asphalt overlay to extend the life of the existing pavement. The streets involved in the 2025 program will receive their first repaving in at least twelve years. The City of Dubuque Public Works Department manages the program which includes milling and/or grinding the existing pavement surface, recycling the old asphalt, and repaving streets for a safer and smoother ride.

Unlike street reconstruction projects, property owners are not assessed for costs associated with the asphalt overlay program. Instead, the program is funded with money collected from Iowa’s Road Use Tax Fund (gas and diesel fuel tax). The asphalt overlay program is part of the City’s yearly street maintenance activity, which is budgeted as $1.16 million for fiscal year 2026 and includes approximately $750,000 to bring curb ramps up to ADA compliance along the overlaid streets.

The following is a schedule outlining when individual streets are expected to receive a partial or complete asphalt overlay this construction season:

Phase One: May

• W. 32^nd St. (from Wildwood Dr. to 3155 W. 32nd St.)
• Kerry Ct.
• Killarney Ct.
• Breven Dr.

Phase Two: June

• Kehl Ct.
• Tomahawk Dr.
• Laurel St. (from S. Grandview Ave. to 815 Laurel St.)
• Cannon St.
• Mount Carmel Rd.
• Arrowhead Dr.
• Wallis Pl.
• Indian Ridge

Phase Three: June-July

• N. Grandview Ave. (from Delhi St. to Loras Blvd.)
• N. Grandview Ave. (from Atlantic St. to Clarke Dr.)
• N. Grandview Ave. (from Clarke Dr. to Kaufmann Ave.
• Rosedale Ave. (from N. Grandview Ave. to Asbury Rd.)
• St. Ambrose St. (from Clarke Dr. to Asbury Rd.)

Phase Four: July

• Cornell St. (from Loras Blvd. to W. 16^th St.)
• Montrose Ter. (from Loras Blvd. to W. 16^th St.)
• Fairview Pl. (from W. 16^th St. to W. 15^th St.)
• W. 15^th St. (from Fairview Pl. to Cornell St.)
• W. 16^th St. (from Montrose Ter. to dead end)

Phase Five: August-September

• Southgate Dr.
• Jenni St.
• Theisen St.
• Stetmore St.
• St. Joseph St. (from Stetmore St. to S. Algona St.)
• Cardiff St. (from W. 3^rd St. to Mazzuchelli St.)
• Mazzuchelli St. (from Cardiff St. to James St.)
• Langworthy St. (from James St. to Hill St.)
• James St. (from Langworthy St. to W. 3^rd St.)
• Wooten St. (from Hill St. to Medical Associates entrance)
• Clara Ct.

Phase Six: August-September

• Asbury Rd. (from John F. Kennedy Rd. to Carter Rd.)
• Woodland St.
• Chippewa Dr.
• Karen St. (from Evergreen Dr. to Carter Rd.)
• Lindale St. (from Evergreen Dr. to Carter Rd.)
• Kevindale St. (from Karen St. to Lindale St.)

Phase Seven: September

• S. Grandview Ave. (from U.S. 61/151 overpass to Carmel Dr.)
• Carmel Dr. (from S. Grandview Ave. to 1025 Carmel Dr.)
• Julien Dubuque Dr. (north from S. Grandview Ave. to dead end)
• Julien Dubuque Dr. (from S. Grandview Ave. to Inland Ln.)
• Twin Valley Dr. (from Rockdale Rd. to U.S. 61/151)
• Southpark Ct.
• Pinard St. (from E. 24^th St. to dead end)

The schedule of projects is available online at www.cityofdubuque.org/asphaltoverlay and will be updated as details are available.

Residents will be notified by mail prior to the start of the project with contact information and parking instructions. Normally, projects can be completed in one week and streets can be driven on soon after paving takes place and as soon as traffic control devices have been removed.

For more information, contact the public works department at 563-589-4250 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/publicworks

Skin Cancer: What’s sun got to do with it? Thinking ahead to warmer days…

By Dr. Michael Wells, Midwest Medical Center

Summer is about spending time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine.

The sun’s warmth makes us feel good and many believe tanned skin gives us a “healthy glow.” The truth is that sun exposure carries risks. The non-life threatening skin changes include early wrinkling skin, sun spots (solar lentigos), and sagging. Most people receive 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by the end of the teenage years. A single serious sunburn can increase your risk for skin cancer by up to 50%, which may take up to 20 years to be recognized as skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and it is estimated that 1 out of 7 people in the U.S will develop skin cancer. More than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (basal and squamous cell) diagnosed yearly are sun-related. Most non-melanoma skin cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the body; like the face, ears, nose, neck, backs of hands. These types of skin cancer are curable if detected and treated early. They can be fast or slow growing, but rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It accounts for less than 5% of total skin cancers, but causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. However, it is very curable if detected and treated in its early stages.

A number of factors may put you at risk to develop skin cancer. The most obvious is significant sunburn(s) and chronic sun exposure. Avoiding sunburn in your teenage years can help reduce your risk by as much as 70%.  Heredity also plays an important role. You are probably at higher risk if there is a history in your family. Having light colored eyes, fair skin, and/or red or blond hair also places you at higher risk. Another risk factor is having multiple nevi or atypical moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Other factors such as altitude, latitude, and cloud cover play apart. Remember, you can get as much sun, if not more, on a cloudy day.

Monitoring for skin cancer is as easy as “A, B, C, D, E” = ASYMMETRY – If you draw a line through the middle of a skin lesion and the sides do not match; B O R D E R – the borders are irregular or jagged ; COLOR – the color is uneven shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue; DIAMETER (size) – it has changed in size significantly (greater than 6mm); and ELEVATION – it is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface. Other concerning signs are bleeding, fast growing, crusted skin, slow healing, and itching. The body does need some sun exposure to function properly; however, you need to practice sun safety. Most importantly, avoid significant sun exposure. Avoid peak sun hours, mainly 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; don’t use tanning booths or sunlamps. Also, wear protective clothing/hats/sunglasses, seek shade whenever possible, and wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen often when swimming or perspiring, even if the label states sweat or water-proof. Self-examinations are very important as well. Use a hand-held and full-length mirror to check every inch of your body. 

Become familiar with the appearance of your birthmarks, moles, and freckles. Checking yourself regularly helps you to get familiar with what is normal for you. Also, make a yearly skin check appointment with your doctor and if you notice any changes or find anything unusual, see your doctor right away. The earlier skin cancer is found, the better.

About Midwest Medical Center

Midwest Medical Center is a not-for-profit Illinois Critical Access Hospital serving northwestern Illinois, southwestern Wisconsin, and eastern Iowa. Its comprehensive services includehealth clinics, hospital and emergency care, fitness and rehabilitation programs, and senior care through assisted living and nursing home facilities. To schedule an appointment at Midwest Health Clinic, call 815-776-7381. www.MidwestMedicalCenter.org

Kerper Blvd. Lane Shift between East 16th St. and East 11th St.

Due to Dubuque Gate and Pump Station Mitigation Project, the southbound lanes of Kerper Blvd. will be shifted between E. 16th St. and E. 11th St. starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, May 12, until 5 p.m. on Friday, August 15.

Due to Dubuque Gate and Pump Station Mitigation Project, the southbound lanes of Kerper Blvd. will be shifted between E. 16th St. and E. 11th St. starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, May 12, until 5 p.m. on Friday, August 15.

Southbound traffic will be redirected into one of the typically northbound lanes, and traffic in each direction will be reduced to a single 11.5-foot wide lane.

Motorists will need to follow the posted detour and/or use a different route during this time. View a map of current closures/detours.

If you have questions regarding the closure/detour, please contact the City of Dubuque Engineering Department at 563-589-4270. Please note, closure dates and times are estimates and subject to change without notice based on weather and contractor schedules.

Get Ready to Party at Party for the Planet at the River Museum!

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will host the annual Party for the Planet on April 26 from 10 AM – 2 PM. General admission grants access to the day’s activities and visitors who bring canned food items will receive $5 off admission (one discount per transaction, unlimited number of canned items) All donations will benefit the Dubuque Food Pantry.

72nd Annual Dubuque County Fair July 22-27, 2025

The 2025 72nd Annual Dubuque County Fair is almost here, and it’s going to be a blast!
July 22-27, 2025 – mark your calendars and get ready to make unforgettable memories with us! 

All of this FREE entertainment during these days are included with the purchase of your gate admission into the fair.

For More Information about the Dubuque County Fair go to www.dbqfair.com