Vince Kilburg, by all appearances, appears to possess a serious, stoic personality. The life-long farmer and former pork producer has worked hard for many decades raising a family and being a good steward of the land at his farm in rural Bellevue.
But if you dig a bit deep deeper, you’ll discover that there’s a just hint of Santa Claus within.
In fact, young and old alike for decades have experienced the Christmas morning joy of opening gifts to find small barns, doll houses, wooden puzzles and more – all carefully hand-crafted by Kilburg himself at what is known to many in the area as “Vince’s Toy Shop.”
Located at 31980 167th Street southwest of Bellevue, Vince’s Toy Shop has been around a long time. Of course, Christmas time is the busiest season for the shop, and once again this holiday season, Kilburg is busy sawing, sanding, gluing and putting the finishing touches his fine scale model creations. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT

Seventy-four years after it was made, a Murray Steelcraft pedal car, modeled after the 1941 Chrysler, has a new lease on life and become a new heirloom for a local Bellevue family.
The child’s toy was left behind when an Andrew family packed up and moved to California. “It belonged to Larry McGowen and it ended up with us when they moved out to California because of hay fever problems,” notes Eldon Hoerschelman who owns the pedal car now.
The metal child’s toy was stored for years in the granary on the Harry Hoerschelman farm southwest of Andrew. It was moved to the basement of the farm house there and later at the residence of Hoerschelman’s sister, Gloria Petesch, rural Bellevue.
Now rusted and pitted, the  condition of the paint and metal had of course deteriorated through the years. There was the problem of a missing hub cap and fender ornament as well. It needed new tires.
Enter Milton Cornelius, Andrew. The car and tractor restoration enthusiast agreed to give the old car a new lease on life. Cornelius found the missing and replacement parts for the little car on the internet. Some body work, a fresh coat of paint and new parts and the little car will delight another generation of youngsters.

The construction of a second youth ball field at the outdoor sports complex near Ensign Corporation in full swing this fall.
The estimated $100,000 expansion project is a result of generous Bellevue citizens who are donating their resources and time to make the new ball field a reality.
When completed, not only will Bellevue have adequate room for its massive Little League program, which has over 250 youngsters participating each year, it will also be able to host regional and state tournaments, which could bring hundreds and hundreds of people to town each summer.
“As in typical Bellevue fashion, several great and generous people in the community have come together to make this happen,” said Mike Griebel, President of the Bellevue Youth Ball Association, who noted that a second field had been discussed before.
“After seeing how many kids and how many fans from Bellevue come to out-of-town tournaments every year, the state Little League Commissioner really thought we should have this so we could host these big tournaments here. Now we can.”
Last week, workers from J.J. Scheckel Heaving Equipment were moving massive amounts of dirt to make room for the second ball field, which was hauled away by drivers from Bellevue Sand and Gravel. About 6,000 cubic yards of dirt had to be removed to make the field level and large enough for tournament play. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT UPPER RIGHT.

Bellevue’s Lock and Dam 12 is undergoing a major overhaul this summer.

Maintenance crews from the Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, are in town with giant cranes, divers, engineers and heavy equipment in order to replace the lock’s original 1935 auxiliary gates, which have been in disrepair and leaking for several years now.

This week, the old gates are being removed and new refurbished gates will be gently placed by the Corp’s 300,000-ton crane on the giant pintel balls that are located at the river bottom. The equipment was floated in via construction barges and tows.

Oddly enough, the original 1935 gates are  being replaced with another set of gates which came from Lock and Dam 17 in New Boston, which are also 80 years old, but completely refurbished. They are 30 feet tall, 63 feet wide and weigh 90 tons each.

According to Bellevue Lockmaster John J. Mueller, replacing gates on the ever-flowing and massive Mississippi River can be a bit tricky, and a lot of preparation and safety measures had to be taken to make it a smooth process.

“We started this spring when we put in the new bulkhead slots on the upper side of the auxiliary gates, which allowed us to put in the bulkhead to block off the river from flowing in the chamber,” said Mueller. “Once the bulkheads were in place the water will be equalized so it is the same on both the upstream and downstream sides.”

After the river is blocked and the water equalized with the bulkheads (which weigh 48 tons), Army Corps maintenance crews will remove the old gates with the crane, after which divers will inspect the silt plate and removed debris and mud around the plate and pintel balls.

“This is something that needed to be done for a long time,” said Mueller, who noted similar work is underway at Lock and Dam 11 in Dubuque. “Essentially, the auxiliary gates are bolted shut and become part of the dam - unless for some reason, the chamber needed to be used. At least now they are no longer leaking.”

Lock and Dam 17, where the refurbished gates for Bellevue’s Lock and Dam 12 came from, will receive new gates. Locks 13 and 21 are also receiving maintenance as part of this year’s work by the Corps. Chambers at both will be de-watered, pumped and dried for inspections and repairs.

The annual Outdoor Way of the Cross service took place in St. Donatus on Good Friday with hundreds attending the traditional march up the hill past the many stations to the old chapel above.

The Rev. Michael Podhajsky, who was named the new pastor of the church in July, led the event for the very first time. He and the parishioners recited prayers and bowed at each station, while guests and church members took turns carrying the large wooden cross.

Conducted for over 150 years, the outdoor stations used in the Way of the Cross ceremony were built by Father Flammang and are said to be the first of their kind in the United States. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT.

Brian Kueter, known to most as simply “Beaver,” has a wealth of local history at his Bellevue home that will bring back a lot memories for some.
Kueter, who has been collecting signs and memorabilia from gas stations, as well as farm and feed stores, has many pieces from the Bellevue and St. Donatus areas in his stash of over 200 artifacts.
He’s obtained the old DX sign from Front Street, a large shoe advertisement sign from Lucke Brothers, the 1961 Dri-Gas sign from Till’s Auto and just recently acquired the original neon-lit anchor from the old Anchor Inn.
“It needs some work to get the neon lights working again – so right now, I’m just cleaning it up a bit,” said Kueter at his garage and shop area behind his home on Jefferson Avenue. “I got from an old scrapper and was really excited to find it.”
The 1990 graduate of Bellevue High School who works at John Deere in Dubuque said that he has always been collecting something. He focused that collecting bug on signs, as well as a few other items of interest.
“I have the old ‘ding-ding’ system from the Car Wash too. You know, that sound it used to make when you pulled up to the pumps back in the day,” said Kueter. “I had it hooked up un my garage for a while so it would ding when someone came in the door.”
As well as local signs and memorabilia, Kueter and his wife Pam travel to swap meets and auctions searching for those special signs which strike his fancy. “It’s a fun and wholesome hobby and kind of interesting,” said Kueter, who also enjoys shows like American Pickers. “I don’t know why I like it, I just do.” READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT.

About two dozen local Cub Scouts met last Sunday at the Bellevue American Legion Post to race their sleek handmade pinewood vehicles down a wooden track at the 2015 Pinewood Derby in Bellevue
The event also featured a large viewing screen, which displayed the races, times and winners, so parents, grandparents and friends of the young participants could easily watch the action.
"Everyone seemed to enjoy the derby, and it was definitely a good experience for the scouts," said Bellevue Cub Scout leader Denny Walgamuth of Pack 342, who helped plan the event for the Bellevue Scouts and was there to line up the cars at the start of each race.
The announcer and color commentator during the Pinewood Derby was none other than Garden Tractor Pullers Association President Bear Sieverding of Bellevue, who called each race and kept the crowd entertained and excited.
The many scouts, who made their own racers in accordance with Pinewood Derby rules, got to race their uniquely-painted pinewood vehicles four times, twice in each lane of the track.
In the end, Kempton Sikkema placed first for the fastest time in the Pinewood Derby, followed by Beau Walgamuth, Maverick Scheckel, Jason Wedeking, Trevor Haxmeier and Shane Kelchen.

Curling irons haven’t really changed much since the Titanic sank back in 1912.
Now that is all changing  – thanks to a group of Bellevue siblings, who have developed a new product they hope to sell nationwide in the coming months and years.
Jaycinda Smith, a hair stylist who invented the new “Tyme Iron,” along with her brothers Kierre Reeg and Kendrick Reeg, are currently packaging and shipping the fist batch of the unique curling irons this week in a garage behind Water Street Market.
The first shipment of the product has already been sold out, and more are on the way.
The new iron, which was invented, patented and brought to market over the past two years is a breakthrough in terms of operation and results. According to Smith, there is less heat damage to hair and it takes a lot less time to curl with the new Tyme Iron.
The new iron curls by heating and cooling the hair, while flat iron curls are created through heat and tension.
The new product is also designed with a “twist,” where other irons are straight or flat.
“With the Tyme, you can curl from top to the bottom instead of the bottom to the top – going from root to tip with ease and hardly any stress on the wrist,” said Smith, who styles hair at Centre Grove Suites in Dubuque. “This is due to the fact that the twist is in the iron itself and not the wrist.”
Smith has also found that when styling clients hair, her wrist feels much better using the Tyme iron as opposed to a flat iron, she has also found much more comfort when curling her own hair.
“With Tyme, you can achieve fuller big wavy curls too,” said Smith. “I have tried and cannot produce the same curls with any of my flat irons. It also retains moisture, leaves hair more shinier and luminous.”
Several demonstrations have taken place, including one recently at the Bronco Inn in Bellevue, where Smith received rave reviews for the product. A lot of orders were taken on the spot.

It was back in 1864 when18 early settlers of Bellevue, who originated from Pennsylvania, wanted to organize a Lutheran church here.
That church was established, and this Sunday, Oct. 12, St. John Lutheran Church of Bellevue will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a special service, meal and open house.
A worship service coordinated by Pastor Paul Gammelin, in conjunction with Bishop Micheal Burk, will begin at 10 a.m, followed by a meal, program and historical displays at Horizon Hall.
Folks are also invited tour the St. John Retreat Center and Rickert Lodge south of Bellevue after the meal and program. All are invited to attend the service and celebration.
“This sesquicentennial celebration is not about us, but rather it is about God and what God has accomplished through this congregation over the past 150 years,” said Pastor Gammelin. “This is also a time to remember the faithfulness of past members who committed themselves to doing God’s work in the community of Bellevue and throughout the world.”
“God has truly blessed this congregation over the years- and we have been and will continue to be a blessing to others,” Gammelin added. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION

A large delegation of officials from Bellevue, Maquoketa and Jackson County descended on the State Capitol in Des Moines Monday morning for a big announcement on the future of parks and recreation in Jackson, Dubuque and Jones counties, which will include $1.9 million in start funding just for the planning stages.
Iowa Govorner Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds were joined on the steps of the Capitol building by the Iowa Parks Foundation and the Green Ribbon Commission - a special commission charged with developing a long-term and sustainable strategy to revitalize Iowa's State Parks systems – to present the group’s 100 year strategy for Iowa parks to the public.
“We want to create a premiere park system in the state of Iowa that will rival the nation, and it will all begin in the Mississippi River Valley,” said Branstad, who formerly announced the strategy. “This will be a new dawn for the state park system.”
The Governor and Lt. Governor, in conjunction with the Iowa Parks Foundation, following the strategy outlined in the Commission's strategic plan, announced that the Grant Wood Mississippi River Region will be the location for the first strategic Iowa parks pilot project. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION

Dave Scheckel is fond of classic farm tractors. So much so, he’s got 17 of them stashed away at various locations around rural Bellevue.
From International Harvesters to Farmalls to John Deeres from the 1930s to the 1960s, Scheckel is the local master of tractor restoration.
He’s restored dozens of them for himself and others in his large machine shed and shop on Mill Creek Road, which is fully equipped with an entire kitchen, lounge and all the equipment needed for the job.
He and his wife Carol also regularly take part in tractor rides, tractor shows and tractor pulls across the tri-state area.
And, of course, Scheckel will be front and center at the next big tractor-related event, the Bellevue Horsemens Club’s annual Truck and Tractor Pull set for Friday, Aug. 1 up on the club grounds on the Bellevue-Cascade Road.
A thousand spectators or more are expected at the event, which has grown considerably over the decades. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT.

Dave Eischeid has been the face of creativity and art to several generations in the community of Bellevue, teaching art, ceramics and photography for 33 years, as well as volunteering his time and talent to countless worthwhile causes.

This year, Eischeid will also become the face of Heritage Days, as he has been named Grand Marshal of the 52nd annual event, which gets underway tonight with the Queen Contest at Bellevue High School.

Eischeid, who will be featured as Grand Marshal of the Heritage Days Parade on Friday morning July 4 at 10 a.m., will ride on the Bellevue Arts Council float, as he requested that the local organization be incorporated upon being asked to lead the event.

“There are so many other deserving people who could be named Grand Marshal, it is humbling to be honored in this manner,” said Eischeid, who was an instrumental part of forming the Bellevue Arts Council several years ago.

Eischeid has spent most of his life dedicated to art.  Originally from Cresco, he graduated from Loras College in Dubuque in 1967 with a Bachelors degree in art and a minor in education.  

He went on to achieve his Masters degree at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 1974. 

Eischeid and his wife Carol have lived in Bellevue since 1967. While he served as an art teacher in the public school district for several decades, the couple also still started ... READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT

While Steines & Griebel Logging has been around for well over 50 years now, many in the local community may not be aware that the longtime multi-generational Bellevue business is serving a world market with some of  the best hardwood logs available.
In fact, last week Orville “Junior” Steines and partner Keith Griebel, owners of Steines & Griebel Logging, Inc., loaded up another container at their shop north of town with a load of high quality veneer Walnut logs. This load of veneer Walnut logs was on its way to Switzerland to be sliced into high end veneer panels and furniture.
 “Most of our product comes within a 70 mile radius of Bellevue,” said Junior. “We have  some of the best walnut  in the world and some very good quality oak as well right here. Although we have operated in several surrounding states as well, travel has never been an issue. The timber is good because the soil quality is good.”
The hardwoods logged by Steines & Griebel  can be found in products across the nation as well as world wide, from fine furniture and high end architectural veneers, to products many would not even think about.
 “Mercedes and other top end car companies use many types of veneer for their dashboards, consoles, steering wheels and other fixtures. Walnut is used as well in high quality gun stocks and pistol grips- a lot of high dollar products. Our walnut trees in the Upper Midwest have the best quality of any in the world,” explained Keith. “Many of our White Oak logs have been used for whiskey and wine barrels in Kentucky since the business originated in 1960 and they are still making them today. Wood makes better whiskey and wine than plastic does” READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT.

Members of the Ski Bellevue Waterski Team spent last Saturday afternoon assembling a new 16 x 40-foot practice dock that arrived here from a company called Tiger Docks in St. Louis, Missouri.
The dock, which was custom-designed to hold 30 skiers at once on the take-off side, was trucked in pieces and assembled on property which is owned by Bellevue Sand and Gravel, long-time supporters of Ski Bellevue.
The owner of Bellevue Sand and Gravel, John Schneider, unloaded the dock parts from the truck for the team and loaned other equipment to assist in assembly.
“With the high water it was the perfect time to construct the dock, then float it down to the team's practice site,” explained Dave Valant of Ski Bellevue, who was on the site overseeing the assembly. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT.

The Bellevue Fire Department responded to a boat on fire Monday, March 31 at 32671 Smith’s Ferry Road north of Bellevue approximately 4:38 p.m.
When fire crews arrived they found the small boat fully engulfed in flames. Fire fighters spent over 30 minutes putting out the blaze, which was intense due to the large amount of fuel on board. Crews utilized a special foam mixture to eventually snuff out the fire.
The boat’s owner, Tom Kunnert of Dubuque, told officials that he was charging the batteries and shortly thereafter noticed the boat was on fire. He added that he had just filled the boat with fuel as he was planning to fish on the Mississippi River that afternoon.
The boat and its motor are a total loss. The boat, which was insured, had an esti

Bellevue’s Rick Klemme wants the public to know the importance of organ donation.
In fact, if it wasn’t for the National Donor Registry, he may not be alive today.
Klemme underwent a double lung transplant at the University of Wisconsin in Madison last spring and continues recover from the procedure.
Since the surgery on May 23, 2013, he has to be careful about being in public places with a lot of people, and sometimes has to wear a respiratory mask to protect himself against germs.
Back at his home in the Cheney-Wagner addition, Klemme and his wife Joan are thankful for the success of the surgery and are encouraging others to place their names on the Iowa Donor Network so other lives may be saved.
“April is National Donate Life Month, so we thought this would be a good time to make people aware of how important it is to save a life through organ donation. One donor can save up to eight lives,” said Rick

Bellevue native and Iowa National Guard soldier Steven Moellers, who is currently stationed in Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo, is asking the local community to help the needy in that country.
Moellers, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter mechanic arrived in Kosovo in January on his first deployment overseas. His unit’s mission is to ensure that peace is kept within the territory. He is also spearheading a project to help the less fortunate in the developing country, which was formerly part of Serbia.
Moellers, in conjunction with National Guard veteran Chuck Kueter and Bellevue American Legion Post #273, are collecting coats and school supplies for the children and families of Kosovo, who were devastated by years of conflicts, attacks and a struggling economy.
The drive has been dubbed “Coats for Kids,” and a similar program was conducted in 2007 and 2008 when Kueter was also stationed in Kosovo.
After hearing about what Chuck did when he was deployed over here, I knew I would like to get it going again to help the people of Kosovo,” explained Moellers.
Those who wish to donate coats and school supplies should drop them off at Bellevue City Hall from now through April 11. Monetary donations are also need to help pay for shipping costs.
When the coats and supplies arrive, Moellers, will help distribute them to the needy.
READ MORE by purchasing an e-edition.

A longtime Bellevue business is expanding its market in eastern Iowa and beyond.
Roeder Brothers Inc. of Bellevue, an agriculture equipment and parts dealer serving the eastern Iowa area for over 70 years, has purchased Dague Equipment in Maquoketa.
The sale, which was effective Monday, added a second major location in Jackson County for Roeder Brothers, a Massey-Ferguson dealership, which also offers many other farm equipment brands including AGCO, Bobcat, Demco, Kuhn and Featherlite.
“We are excited to have Dague Equipment, Inc. as part of our Roeder Brothers, Inc. family,” said Scott Roeder, who added that both locations will continue to provide reliable, family-friendly sales, parts, and service expertise which customers have come to value from both Roeder Brothers and Dague Equipment teams. “Having two locations will add better service and more convenience for parts and customer service.”
Roeder Brothers Inc. began in 1938 with the Roeder brothers, Harry, Floyd and Kenneth Roeder in Bellevue.
The family-owned operation is a third-generation business now owned by Scott and Nick Roeder. READ MORE BY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT TOP RIGHT...

While the snowflakes fell outside on a frozen river last Saturday, just a few blocks away, the Ski Bellevue Waterski Show Team conducted it’s first “dryland practice” of 2014 at the old Bellevue Elementary School gymnasium.
It’s all part of the intense preparation for another exciting season on the water, as Ski Bellevue is one of only four waterski show teams in the state of Iowa and the only one performing on the Mississippi, which takes even more skills and talent.
“It is the way our ski team practices before we do our stuff on the water,” said Dave Valent, one of the main organizers of the famous Ski Bellevue shows. “We’ve got several shows lined up for this summer, so we need to be prepared.”
During dryland practice, ski ropes are attached to the gymnasium wall instead of a boat.
In this way, the team can practice pyramid building along with lots of other acts that make up a ski show. READ MORE BY PURCHASING AN E-EDITION.

Today, (Friday, Jan. 31) at 9:11 a.m. the Jackson County Sheriff's Office received a call that the Baldwin bank had been robbed by a male subject.  The subject is between 5'10" and 6'0" and possibly wearing a fake beard.  Police say the subject drove off in a white colored older truck with a red stripe heading southbound on 50th Avenue.
If you see vehicle or subject please call the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 563/652-3312

A new business is opening in Bellevue which will serve the community with a healthy dose of workout and fitness equipment options.
“On Track Fitness,” created by Melissa Roeder and sister-in-law Tonya Roeder, is located right on the railroad tracks at 306 North Second Street, which is the former home of the Achen car dealership.
The Roeder ladies will host a public open house to show off the new Bellevue fitness center on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Inside, patrons will find a newly remodeled workout area with dozens of pieces of high quality, state-of-the-art workout equipment, big screen televisions and a wall of new lockers for members. READ MORE BY CLICKING on E-EDITION.

Marquette High School will have a special fan watching over Mohawk basketball games this winter.
A 9-foot tall 250-pound lighted crucifix, donated by Chris and Kathie Lampe of Bellevue, was blessed by Father Kruse of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church during Christmas Eve services Tuesday.
“This is an important symbol of the Church,” said Father Kruse of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. “Therefore, before we put in use any such symbol or sign we bless it.”
The crucifix was carved by Jr. Cadawas of Chicago, who was born and raised in the Philippines amongst a community of carvers. He has honed his craft for over 40 years and today, his artworks are considered collector’s items.
“In the Fall of 2012, I was in the Xavier High School gymnasium in Cedar Rapids and I noticed a beautiful lighted crucifix on the wall,” explained Chris Lampe.  “On the drive home, I mentioned to my wife, Kathie, that I wasn’t even aware if Marquette High School had a crucifix in the gymnasium.  I decided that the MEC (Marquette Education Center) should have a crucifix to express that Marquette is a religious institution.” READ MORE BUY CLICKING ON E-EDITION AT RIGHT.

Two sisters from Bellevue were united with a brother they didn’t even know they had this past weekend. Pam Moriarty and sister Gemma Still who both live in the Spruce Creek addition north of town, met their newly found brother Peter Joseph Lana, for the first time when he flew into Dubuque last Friday night. “To me, it is a Christmas Miracle,” said Moriarty, who explained that her mother gave birth to her older brother when she was only 17 and gave him up for adoption. “She hadn’t told us about him because we were all too young. She died of cancer in 1982, and the secret sort of went with her.” Now age 62, Peter Lana was given to Catholic Charities and sent to an orphanage after he was born in April of 1951. He was the first of eight children born to Mary Elaine Steinhoff. She named him Robert Joseph Steinhoff, but his middle and last name would change when he was adopted by a several months later. READ THE ENTIRE STORY by picking up a copy of the Bellevue Herald-Leader or clicking on e-dition at right.

Bellevue’s iconic Springside home is once again glowing with the spirit of the Christmas. And so are owners Dave and Penny North, who are inviting the public to tour the unique eye-catching 165 year-old historic structure located on the north bluff on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. Donations from the tour will benefit Brittany Moore, who underwent a bone marrow transplant in Wisconsin this past summer. The daughter of Brian and Kimberly Moore, Brittany is a sophomore at Marquette Catholic in Bellevue and currently recovering from the surgery at home. The Norths came up with the idea of a tour to help the Moore family defray medical expenses. “The Moore’s are our friends and that’s what friends do,” said Penny North. As well as this weekend’s Springside Tour, other events and prayer vigils have taken place at Marquette High School since Moore was diagnosed with “aplastic anemia” in November of 2010. Aplastic anemia is basically a bone marrow disorder that occurs when a person’s white cells are unable to fight infection.

The holiday season in Bellevue is officially here  – and the local Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Bellevue merchants, have big plans to put everyone in the Christmas spirit this weekend.
A holiday fireworks display, lighted Christmas parade, wagon rides with Santa, Firemen’s Chili Supper and a Holiday Tour of Homes are all on tap Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 through Dec. 1 as folks are invited to “Unwrap the Magic of Christmas” in Bellevue.
The Wonderland of Trees is also open at the Great River Gallery on Riverview Street and the weekend events will culminated there on Sunday with the annual tree raffle and reception following the tour of homes.
On Saturday, Nov. 30, a series of non-stop holiday events and shopping opportunities will take place. Special appearances by Santa Claus will include the annual Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Water Street Market; and
Wagon Rides with Santa from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bob Ernst Building on Riverview.
Other events on Saturday include a Ceramics Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the art studio above the Happy Bean, a Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shore Events Centre on the north end of town and the annual Firemen’s Chili and Pie Supper from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bellevue Fire Station.
A Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair will also take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Shore Event Centre in Bellevue.
The big finale for Saturday will be a Christmas Fireworks Display over the Mississippi River at approximately 6:15 p.m., which is sponsored by Lampe’s True Value Hardware,  followed by the annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Riverview.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
• Breakfast with Santa 9-11 at  Water Street Market
• Ceramics Workshop 10-2 in the studio above Water Street Market
• Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair 10-4 at The Shore Event Centre
• Wagon Rides with Santa 1-3 p.m. at the Bob Ernst Building
• Firemen’s Chili & Pie Supper
4-8 at the Fire Station
• Fireworks at 6:15 followed by the Lighted Christmas Parade

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
• Holiday Open House Tour 12-5
• Wonderland of Trees Reception and Raffle at the Great River Gallery 5-6

Fish and fishermen alike will benefit greatly for years to come as a result of a water project currently underway at the north edge of Bellevue on the Mississippi River.
A $90,000 dredging project Spruce Creek Harbor, approved earlier this fall by the Jackson Country Conservation Board, will remove about 3,000 cubic yards of silt, soil and sludge from the bottom of the harbor, creating a better flow of water for boaters and easing flooding problems.
Perhaps more importantly, the project will be a major benefit to many species of fish during the winter months – which is the main goal of the project. READ MORE in this week's Herald-Leader. To purchase an online version, click on e-edition at right.

Bellevue City Council incumbents Gary Feuerbach and Darla Lawson retained their seats in Tuesday’s municipal elections, while newcomer Jayson Heiar was also elected to one of the three open seats.

Feuerbach received the most votes with 279, while Lawson received 228.

Coming in with 227 votes was Heiar, who is employed as an officer with the Maquoketa Police Department.

Sabra Roling received 153 votes in the contest, while Bellevue Mayor Chris Roling came in last with 94.

All votes are unofficial until canvassed by the county. Look for officials results, comments and totals from all the races in eastern Jackson County in next week’s Herald-Leader.

For 95 years, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has been a remembrance of those who served America in time of war.
But the original Nov. 11 Veterans Day commemoration began as a day to celebrate peace - the silencing of the guns of World War I, “The Great War,” which claimed the lives of more than 15 million soldiers and civilians.
On that day in 1918, at the 11th hour, Germany signed an armistice with the Allied Powers - including the U.S., France, Britain, Japan and Italy - ending major hostilities in a war that nearly wiped out a generation of men.
A full peace was concluded the next year in France at the Palace of Versailles, and the first Armistice Day was proclaimed and celebrated by President Woodrow Wilson on the anniversary of the ceasefire: Nov. 11, 1919.
Known today as Veterans Day, traditional observances and events are held in memory of those who served our country from across eastern Jackson County.
Veterans Day ceremonies, conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273, will be conducted on Monday. Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. in the Bellevue High School gymnasium.
Featured speakers will include a handful of Bellevue-area Korean War veterans who recently participated in the Honor Flight program to Washington D.C.
The schedule of events for the Veterans Day program, which will be attended by both Bellevue and Marquette students along with the general public, includes a patriotic performance by the Bellevue High School Band, the advancement of flags by the Post #273 Color Guard, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the traditional Armed Forces Salute by the Bellevue High School Band.
Opening remarks will be given by Post #273 veterans Leonard Ernst and John Bohy.

The City of Bellevue has seen an influx of out-of-town tourists over the past few weeks.
They haven’t done a lot of shopping on Riverview, but they have spent a lot of time at the waters near Lock and Dam 12 catching fish and flying around over the Mississippi River.
Large flocks of seagulls, according to Lockmaster Bill Hainstock are not an unusual sight this time of year. He said the large birds will most likely be moving on in a few weeks and will be replaced by Eagles.

 Bellevue century-old machine shop collection with a wealth of historical significance will be donated to the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque.
Jan Brinker, a first cousin to the late William Brandt (grandson of famous boat builder Joseph Brandt), has announced that the contents of the former Iowa Marine Engine and Launch Works building, located at 207 South Second Street, will be given to the national museum, which will build a separate display for the one-of-a-kind collection.
The building and its contents are extremely significant to Bellevue and the Mississippi River as the old limestone structure at the corner of Chestnut and South Second Street was the location where some of the first racing boat engines were built, and the location where the famous recording-breaking Red Top – which was the toast of racing boat enthusiasts from St. Louis to St. Paul in the early 1900s.
“We know there are people who wanted it to stay in here and be taken over by the Jackson County Historical Society, but we think this is the best way to pay tribute to the Brandt family ...

A special memorial service for the late Terry Putman was conducted Sunday in Bellevue overlooking the river where the longtime Riverboat Captain and fisherman spent much of his life.
Bellevue American Legion Post #273 provided the traditional 21-gun salute for Putnam, who was a veteran of the Vietnam War, while the Tugboat River Rat floated below with flag at half-mast.
Putman, age 65 of Bellevue, passed away from cancer and on September 2, 2013. The special private service for family and friends celebrated his life in a unique way.
He was born September 30, 1947 in Bellevue, the son of Edward and Angeline Putman. In 1966 , he served in Vietnam, seeing action in some of the most important battles of the war.
Twice awarded Purple Heart, Putnam spent many months in the hospital recovering from his wounds.
After the war, he returned to Bellevue and spent the next 40 years raising a family, building businesses and fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming a Riverboat Captain and piloting tows on the inland waterways. After retiring from his many years on the river, the Putnam home would become the daily meeting place for a group of friends that would last for decades.

With the deadline now passed to file for this fall’s municipal elections, five candidates have emerged for three open seats on the Bellevue City Council.
Candidates who have filed papers to get on the Tuesday, Nov. 5 ballot include incumbents Gary Feuerbach and Darla Lawson, as well as newcomers Sabra Roling and Jayson Heiar. In a somewhat unique move, current Bellevue Mayor Chris Roling has also officially filed for one of the open council seats. READ MORE IN THIS WEEK'S HERALD-LEADER. (buy an e-edition or pick up a print edition today)

When former Bellevue Mayor and longtime school administrator Virgil Murray took a test ride on a new bike from Backwaters Bicycle Shop a few years ago, he didn’t come back for over an hour and a half.
“I thought he stole it,” joked Mark Rogge, who has owned and operated the local bike shops now for about a decade. “But he came back with a huge smile and said it was the most comfortable bicycle he ever had the pleasure to ride  – now that’s a great testimonial.”
Backwaters Bicycle Shop, located at 305 and a half South Second Street not only made an impression on Murray, but on hundreds of other folks from Bellevue and across the states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota over the years. READ MORE IN THIS WEEK'S HERALD-LEADER ... click on e-edition at right.

The massive steamboat known as the American Queen rolled down the Mississippi River from Dubuque to Bellevue last Tuesday afternoon to lock through on its nine-day journey to the Port of St. Louis, Missouri.
Lock and Dam #12 Lockmaster Bill Hainstock said the mighty paddle steamship, which was carrying 370 passengers, comes through Bellevue about twice each year and always turns a lot of heads.
On its journey through Bellevue, the music notes of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” wafted from the giant ship, and scores of passengers came out on deck to get a brief peek at Bellevue. Read this week's Herald-Leader for more photos and information or suscribe to an e-edition today.
 

What started with a defective duck decoy has turned into a new and unique home business for Shannon Witt and her family of rural Bellevue.
A middle school math and computer teacher at Andrew, Witt created “Kaotic Ducks,” and sold her first dozen creations at the arts show on the river during Bellevue’s Fishtival Celebration just three weeks ago.
Now she has store owners in LeClaire and Galena who want to sell her creatively painted duck decoys, and she also has custom-made orders for various customers around Jackson County.
It all started when Witt’s husband Darryn, a federal wildlife refuge officer on Upper Mississippi River .... READ MORE by subscribing to our e-edition at right)

Bellevue’s Don Michels said it’s going to be tough, but once she turns 100 years old, it’s time to let her go.
He’s talking about his 1914 Model T, (of course), which he has owned now for the past 25 years. Most around these parts have probably seen he and the car regularly over past three decades driving in parades and town celebrations across eastern Jackson County.
“I always said when she turns 100, I’m selling,” said Michels, who found the old Ford on a farm near Andrew back in 1979 and spent years restoring the old machine.  Read more on our e-edition ...