July 27 Public Opinion

a special group of young people during Nordic Fest this year.

The senior group of Nordic Dancers will dance their final Fest, after being together for the past 10 years.

As third-grade students back in 2013, members auditioned for a spot on the coveted group. This group of talented young people graduated from high school in May.

Nearly 500 dancers and musicians have proudly entertained and represented Decorah at home and around the world over the years.

Public Health:

Stay safe during extreme heat

Winneshiek County Public Health issued safety reminders for dealing with expected extreme temperatures this week.

• Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.

• Use your stove or oven less often to keep your house cooler.

• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Sugary and alcoholic drinks may dehydrate you further.

• Avoid hot and heavy meals.

• If you must be outdoors, pace your activity. Try to do your work when it’s cooler and rest often in shady areas. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity and get into a cool area and rest.

• Do not leave people or pets in a parked car with the windows cracked open. Anyone can suffer a heat-related illness but some people are at higher risk, including infants and young children, those over 65, are overweight or those with a high blood pressure or heart conditions.

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/pdf/ Heat_Related_Illness.pdf.

commit to 10 years of dancing together. Practices are held January through July each year.

According to Amy Bruening, one of the directors of the senior group, “We had over 30 girls try out and 17 boys. Shortly after auditions, we heard from another boy who was interested and so we added him and then added the first girl on the waiting list. We have 36 dancers – 18 girls and 18 boys.”

This year’s senior group of dancers includes: Rebecca Bruening, Chloe Chyle, Chloe Dixon, Amelia Dugger,

Izabel Evans, Ella Grouws, Brinley Krivachek, Sophia Lewey, Ada Lovelace, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Kailyn O’Gara, Kylie O’Hara, Mya Redenius, Ellen Rooney, Ava Syverson, Jaden Weis, Rorie Wiedow, John Baldridge, Ethan Bockman, Grady Brauer, Casey Brickley, Aiden Burroughs, August Cowie, Ethan Folkedahl, Erik Hjelle, Blake Jermier, Jack Knoke, Franklin Lesmeister, Easton Luzum, Jake Magner, Michael Njus, Lane Rolfs, Noah Spilde, Brady Stille and Ethan Stravers.

To say being a Nordic Dancer is a “coveted” selection is an understate-

ment. It has been rumored over the dancers’ long history in Decorah that some folks have actually planned their child’s birth around the year Nordic Dancer auditions occur.

Junior dancers move up

Decorah also boasts a younger group of junior dancers, who will soon step up as senior dancers after this year’s Nordic Fest. Nordic Junior Dancer auditions are held every five years. Auditions for the new junior dancer group will be held later this fall.

Directors of the current Junior Dancers are Al and Anita Weis, Amanda Huinker, Ann Grimstad and Marcie Dodd.

ABOVE- Decorah’s Senior Nordic Dancers are gearing up for their final Nordic Fest performances this weekend. They will perform Thursday during opening ceremonies at 6:45 p.m., again on Friday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on Saturday during the Fest Parade and at the grand finale performance at 7 p.m. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Roz Weis)

Nordic Fest Yard and Garden Tours July 28-29

Each year during Nordic Fest the Town and Country Garden Club coordinates three beautiful yard and garden tours for the public to enjoy through selftours at one’s own pace. Enjoy a brief reprieve from the bustle of the fest with the lush vibrancy these thoughtfully planted gardens offer.

This year the Garden Tour locations can be viewed on Friday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturday, July 29, from 1-4 p.m. free and open to the public. Freewill donations gratefully accepted for Garden Club projects.

Three tour locations Sharon Drew, 106 Riverview Drive Nestled on the west side of Decorah, Sharon Drew has cultivated a small informal English

Sharon Drew, 106 Riverview Drive (submitted photo)

countryside garden. Grasses, trees, flowers and shrubs offer radiant colors, textures, layers and fragrances for the senses. Two bubbling fountains and a shade pergola offer a peaceful backdrop to sit and enjoy the garden’s wonders. Butter-

programs, buttons &

flies and various birds visit all year to enjoy the shade and beauty found here. Framed by a white fence Sharon’s yard

Garden tours continued on page 2

Winneshiek County Fair Homegrown Flower Contest

Homegrown Flower Contest winners at the 2023 Winneshiek County Fair were Julie Buddenberg, first; Tom Mathiasen, second; and Denise Buddenberg, third. Judges were Lauren Fink, Jodi Kappes and Arlene Lage. See inside for more Winneshiek County Fair coverage. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Roz Weis)

History

The Nordic Dancers were founded by the late Betty Hacker and a number of community members back in 1967, as a way to bring the folk traditions of Scandinavia alive during the annual Nordic Fest celebration. The original group was known as “Young Nordic Folk Dancers.”

Response to the young group of dancers has been enthusiastic since their first appearances. They have become one of Decorah’s finest, long-lasting traditions, and have been proven ambassadors for the community.

The dancers have taken their talents

Nordic Dancers

continued on page 2

more!

Decorah’s 2023 Nordic Fest is July 27-29. Pictured distributing buttons and programs for the Fest are Alyssa Ritter, (l) and Jessica Rilling (r). Fest programs, buttons and a treasure trove of Nordic Fest merchandise are available at the Decorah Visitor Center at 507 West Water Street. For details, visit nordicfest.com. (Drifless Multimedia photo by Roz Weis)

Static Judging at the Winneshiek County Fair

Winneshiek County 4-H hosted Static Judging Day on Thursday, July 6, leading up to the 2023 Winneshiek County Fair, with judges evaluating 262 4-H exhibits, 39 Clover Kid exhibits and nine Pet Show entries. The Bucket of Junk contest, Bucket of Tall Corn and Upcycle Flower Planter contest entries were evaluated and first, second and third place entries were awarded.

Forty-six of the 4-H exhibits evaluated on Static Judging Day were selected to advance to the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Exhibits selected will be on display Aug. 10-20 in the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair.

Youth advanced to the Iowa State Fair in the following project areas: Agriculture and

Natural Resources, Creative Arts, Family and Consumer Science, Personal Development and Science Engineering and Technology. 2023 State Fair and Alternate State Fair honors are as follows.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Veterinary Science State Fair: Rylee Averhoff and Eden Scheidel.

Animal Science State Fair: June Fassbinder Entomology State Fair: Elizabeth Pritchard

Horticulture and Plant Science Alt State Fair: Henry Schmitt

4-H Judging Day continued on page 3

Decorah bids a fond farewell to

Nordic Dancers

on the road many times during the past 10 years.

This year’s group of senior dancers danced in Norway last summer. Other past performances were at the Gammel Dag Fest in Peterson, Minn., at the Syttende Mai celebration in Spring Grove, Minn., and at the International Festival in Forest City.

Directors

The senior group is directed by David Grouws, Jeni Grouws and Amy Carlson Bruening. Bruening was a member of the Nordic Dancers in the 1980s and a member when they toured Norway in 1987. Orchestra director is Chris Hadley.

For the directors, the final year for the Senior Dancers is bittersweet.

“We’ve had a great 10 years,” Bruening said. “It is hard to believe that our time together as Nordic Dancers is coming to a close. However, we will all be alumni dancers/orchestra

continued

These young 3rd graders were issued a warm welcome back in 2013 after being selected as the newest group of Nordic Dancers. They have danced together for the past 10 years, and they graduated from high school this past May. They will have their final Nordic Fest performances this weekend. (submitted photo)

members forever! It has been amazing to watch these cute little eight-year-olds transform into the senior dancers that they are today. Ten years is a long time to commit to an organization and we have had our share of ups and downs; but I would have to say, other than dancing

Garden tours

encompasses a serenity and calm that allows one to breathe and simply be.

Shirley and Kirk Larsen, 2419 Pole Line Road

Shirley and Kirk have been adding flower and vegetable gardens and fruit tree plantings around their new home since 2017. Gardens include an eclectic mix of traditional and native plants to complement the butterfly habitat, prairie plantings, and woodlands that surround their home. Motivated by their desire to care for creation, their gardening efforts focus on providing food and habitat for pollinators and birds. At mid-summer the floral blooms are at their peak.

Bluffside Gardens, 1020 Park Street

Kevan Klosterwill, landscape designer, and Brent Formanek, developer, are growing a botanical garden for Decorah. This sustainable tourism destination will showcase many different planting schemes and feature some of the unique plants and trees that call Eastern North America home. Come and see the first phase which was newly planted this spring.

For more details and directions, see the Nordic Fest Official Program.

together at Nordic Fest, our trip to Norway was the most memorable experience. We took off on our amazing adventure the day after Nordic Fest last year and we spent nine days traveling around Norway together. We danced at two museums –Valdres Folk Museum and the Voss Folk Museum – and we also danced in front of the Palace in Oslo.”

“When we were at the top of Mount Floyen in Bergen, we decided to do a couple of dances too,” Bruening continued. “Sometimes the impromptu dances are the most fun. We went white water rafting, ziplined or took a Gondola ride in Voss. We took many different modes of transportation – bus, railway, train, fjord cruise – and were able to see so much of the beautiful country of Norway. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.”

The directors said that another special memory over the

past 10 years has been watching most of the dancers’ enjoyment grow and how they have embraced their roles as ambassadors to Decorah.

“Many have also stepped up as positive role models for the junior dancers,” Bruening said. “They are excited about dancing, and I never know what exciting ideas they are going to come up with to make the performances even more personal and memorable.”

Fest performance schedule

The group will perform several times during the upcoming Fest: at opening ceremonies Thursday night, at 6:45 p.m., and Friday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., as well as several dances as the group walks the parade route Saturday morning; and their grand finale Saturday night, at 7 p.m., in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse. Saturday evening’s performance is also a chance for alumni dancers to take the stage during a portion of the program.

continued from front page

Shirley and Kirk Larsen, 2419 Pole Line Road. (submitted photo)

Nordic Fest author presentation

Midwestern author Genevieve Gornichec returns to Decorah during Nordic Fest for an author presentation and book signing Friday, July 28, at 1:30 p.m., at the Viking State Bank community room on the second floor at 321 W Water Street, inDecorah. Gornichec will also sign books at 4 p.m., that day at nearby Dragonfly Books.

The free event is sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation with support from Viking State Bank and book sales by Dragonfly Books.

Public hearing set for Festina wastewater plans

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a public hearing to be held Monday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m., regarding the Festina Wastewater System proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the project.

The deadline for submitting bids for the project is Aug. 17, with bids being considered at 10:15 a.m. Watch the legals in the Public Opinion for details on bid letting.

This special quilt illustrates the mission of the Quilts of Valor and will be on display at the Fest quilt presentations.

Nordic Fest Quilts of Valor schedule

Decorah Quilts of Valor #541 will be awarding Quilts of Valor to 35 area Veterans during Nordic Fest in Decorah during two separate presentations.

The first presentation will be held Friday, July 28, at 2 p.m., and the second Saturday, July 29, at 2 p.m. Both presentations will take place in the Decorah Middle School Gymnasium, located at 405 Winnebago Street in Decorah. The public is welcome to attend.

The following Veterans will be honored on Friday, July 28: Kory Barth, Kevin Ellingson, Robert Eppens, Mike Gulrud, Alyssa Petersburg, Marlyn Knutson, Scott Bullerman, Chris Steggall, Dan Holien, James Leuenberger, Cliff Seelinger, Terry Rollins, Brian Tekippe, Martin Iversen, Doug Sturtz, Terry Sturtz and Jay Uthoff.

Veterans honored Saturday, July 29 include: Dennis Gulbro, Robert Karlsbroten, Greg Peterson, John Cutting, Sam Miller, Richard Svenson, James Nelson, Jay Deones, Kyle Meyer, Mary Guyer, Justine McCarty, Michael McCarty, Charles Emery, Kelly Luzum, Les Frana, Robert Watson, Durwin Bakken and Leon Wiemann.

The Senior Nordic Dancers smiled for the camera in this 2023 picture at Decorah’s Porter House Museum. (Photo courtesy Tami Hendrickson Bohr)

Bluffside Gardens, 1020 Park Street. (submitted photo)

Pictured are 2023 State Fair and Alternate State Fair participants. (submitted photo)

4-H Judging Day

Creative Arts

Visual Arts: Original Art: State Fair: Jadrienne Langreck, Ruby Timp, Lucas Fankhauser and Piper Lenth

Visual Arts: Design, Process, or Technique Exploration: State

Fair: Atticus Raabe

Visual Arts: Original Art: Alt State Fair: Tessa Phillips, Hanna Lensch and Addison Wicklund

Visual Arts: Design, Process, or Technique Exploration: Alt State Fair: Brooks Dodd

Music State Fair: Elizabeth Pritchard

Photography State Fair: Rylee Averhoff, Cloey Zweibohmer, Lucas Fankhauser, Harrison Schmitt, Justin Fortman, Karissa Steines, Lydia Fankhauser, Henry Lensing, Jayden Timp

Photography Alt State Fair: Landon Bullerman, Logan Fort-

man, Annabelle Baker, Jadrienne Langreck, Caylie Adam and Elizabeth Pritchard

Family & Consumer Science

Home Improvement State

Fair: Kelsey Timp, Rylee Averhoff and Jayden Timp

Home Improvement Alt State

Fair: Annabelle Baker, Addison Bentley, Jayden Timp and Adam Schmitt

Clothing/Needle Arts State

Fair: Ruby Timp, Haylee Dahl, Riley Timp, Kennedi Vagts and Jadrienne Langreck

Clothing/Needle Arts Alt State Fair: Hanna Vagts, Grace Baker and Piper Lenth

Food & Nutrition State Fair: Kendric Langreck, Annabelle Baker, Anders Wicklund, Jadrienne Langreck and Tessa Phillips

At the fair...

continued from front page

Food & Nutrition Alt State

Fair: Addison Wicklund, Caylie Adam and Henry Schmitt

Child Development State

Fair: Kinsey White

Child Development Alt State

Fair: Brinley Lechtenberg

Thrifty Meal Challenge State

Fair: Grace Baker

Personal Development

Communication State Fair: Lydia Fankhauser

Citizenship & Civic Engagement State Fair: Kendric Langreck

Citizenship & Civic Engagement Alt State Fair: Addison and Anders Wicklund

Leadership State Fair: Chase & Caylie Adam

Leadership Alt State Fair:

Addison Wicklund

Self-Determined Alt State

Fair: Jadrienne Langreck

Winneshiek County Road Matters

By Kate Klimesh

At the Monday Winneshiek County Supervisors Meeting, Jeff Kuboushek reported on the road projects, including the completion of Wren Valley Road Bridge, and reported good progress on Bridge 26 west of Fort Atkinson, where concrete was poured that day. Kuboushek estimated about three weeks of work remained to finalize construction of Bridge 26 on 295th Street.

significant roof leak, mainly around joints and piping and will need repairs to the roof, insulation and interiors.

Supervisors agreed to installation of a solar-powered flashing red stop sign at the intersection of 265th Street and B16. The Engineer’s Office has one on hand they purchased for $1,400 at the time the last one was installed in the county.

Other news

Poster Communication Exhibit State Fair: Addison Wicklund and Anders Wicklund

Poster Communication Exhibit Alt State Fair: Karmyn Bakken

Science, Engineering, and Technology

Small Engine State Fair: Kendric Langreck

Robotics State Fair: John Donovan

Woodworking State Fair: Savannah Phillips and Owen Bentley

Woodworking Alt State Fair: Addison Bentley Mechanics State Fair: Kendric Langreck

Welding State Fair: Lucas Weigle

Narrowing of Conover Road gravels to 30-feet wide is progressing, with extra dirt being applied to widen shoulders on W14 ahead of 2024 road work.

Center line road painting will be scheduled in August, following the arrival of the shipment of road paint ordered earlier this year. Center lines are painted every other year.

The Locust Road County Road Salt/Sand Shed is cleared for demolition in preparation of construction of the new hoop building for salt/sand following a clean inspection for asbestos.

The Freeport Shed has a

The supervisor’s scheduled tour of Horn Hollow Road was postponed due to the Engineer’s Office having more than enough on its plate. This reporter later learned that Winneshiek County Interim Engineer Isaac Wiltgen passed away Sunday, July 23. The office is working to continue operations in this time of loss, prior to hiring a certified engineer to replace Lee Bjerke who resigned his position in May.

To date, the county has one application for the vacancy.

The Supervisor’s next meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, August 1, at 9:30 a.m.

Quilters to showcase embellishments

Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest winners were: Harper Novak, first place; Jada Bahls Kargalskiy, second place; and Luane Henzler, third place. Winneshiek County Royalty Autumn Schmitt, Brynn Storhoff an Megan Blong joined judges in presenting the awards. Judges were Ruth Riha, Morgan Fechner, Heather Benzing and Makenzie Schnitzler.

Apple

at the fair included Deb Schoff, first; Olivia Sheffield, second; and Julie Scheidel, third. Judges were Johanna Stayskal, Taylor Lensing, Holly Ellen and Mary Conway. Winneshiek County Royalty Autumn Schmitt, Brynn Storhoff and Megan Blong joined judges in presenting the awards.

Wendy Nichols

The NorthEast Iowa Quilters’ Guild Tuesday, Aug. 1, program will feature Wendy Nichols, who will demonstrate her technique for adding embellishments to quilts. Programs will be held at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Luana Savings Bank meeting room.

Nichols’ work has appeared in several places in Minnesota including the Textile Center in Minneapolis, Carnegie Art Exhibit in Mankato, Red Rock Art Center in Fairmont, Albert Lea Art Center, at local county fairs and the Minnesota State Fair.

Additionally, patterns and kits will be available for purchase for the September workshop with Sandi Irish of the Irish Chain. The meeting will be held in the Luana Savings Bank Community Room Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As always, there will be a member display of show-andtell of projects recently completed, as well as information

and late breaking news. For more information, contact Roxie Schnitzler at 563-419-0183, visit www.neiqg.com or follow NorthEast Iowa Quilters’ Guild on Facebook.

The NorthEast Iowa Quilters’ Guild is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that meets on the first Tuesday of the month, with meetings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. A short business meeting is followed by announcements, show-and-tell, and a program or presentation by a quilting expert. New members are always welcome.

Homemade Salsa Contest winners at the fair were, from left: Elaine Knutson, first place; Alex Kane, second place, and Julie Scheidel, third place. At far right is Becky Winkler, representing the Winneshiek County Fair Board. Judges were Emily McConnell, Rachel Kemp and Rachel Palmer.

Homemade Berry Pie Contest winners at the fair were, from left: Julie Scheidel, third; Wanda Rueber, first; and Elaine Knutson, second. Winneshiek County Fair Queen Brynn Storhoff is pictured at left. Judges were Breanna Baumler, Linnea Rahlf, Bri Sivesind and Alison Gehling.

Pie Contest honorees

(Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

Seed Savers Exchange receives Humanities

Iowa grant

Seed Savers Exchange was recently awarded a $9,500 grant from Humanities Iowa used for 100 sponsored scholarship-level tickets in support of the project “Humanities Presentations at the 2023 Virtual Conference.” The statewide grant program supports public humanities projects and educa-

tional programs that encourage contemplation, spark conversation and invite communities to explore the human experience. The 43rd annual Seed Savers Exchange conference, “Seed the Change: Grow Something Good,” took place virtually July 21-22, and featured four keynote presentations that repre-

OPINION

My country ‘tis of thee

Kate Klimesh Editor-in-Chief

Living for over 30 years in this county, I’ve been very grateful that so many issues, concerns and problems happening in the bigger cities didn’t really affect me here at home. I’ve felt very lucky and grateful. Here people wave to each other, they’re friendly to people they may not know, and for the most part work together to get things done that they can be proud of in the community, state and nation. They’ve sacrificed, they’ve served, and they care – especially our Veterans. The stunning Winneshiek County Veterans Memorial illustrates that pride in service.

Instilled in me since childhood, to me standing with hand over heart, saying the simple Pledge of Allegiance is my own personal way to remember all that our Veterans have given for this great country and the freedoms it offers, and pledge to do all I can to support the way of life and values for which we have so valiantly fought as a nation. It’s my reminder to do my part in making things better as I am able, and to give what I am able to in support of the community in which I live, and anywhere I happen to go.

Monday, I saw something that struck me as odd when, during the opening Pledge of

Allegiance at the Winneshiek County Supervisors Meeting, two supervisors stood hands down, with lips still for the entire pledge. It just felt odd, not saying it together with everyone.

It deeply hit home: the division of the nation had come to my quiet corner of paradise.

When asked why during her after-meeting public hours, Supervisor Shirley Vermace answered, “I recite it in my head and in my heart. Everyone does it in their own way. I’m a strong advocate of this democracy.” I didn’t get a chance to ask Supervisor Mark Faldet his reasoning behind it.

It got me thinking, are we as a nation past the Pledge of Allegiance? Are we simply too far divided to agree on a single common statement that we can recite as a unifying thread among our dealings together? Is it a common occurrence to simply change a person’s pledge to the flag to be whatever one wants to believe in? How is this unifying as a country?

The current U.S. Flag Code states, “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” There’s some that question what this stands for in today’s world. There’s some who think twice

Isaac Wiltgen

Obituaries

sented diverse cultural perspectives on the meaning of seeds in communities across the globe. For more information about Humanities Iowa or to find a list of funded programs across the state, go to humanitiesiowa.org. For more information about Seed Savers Exchange, go to seedsavers.org.

Isaac Joseph Wiltgen, 29, of Ridgeway, passed away from a short but courageous battle with cancer, on July 23, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus surrounded by his family.

and the Dallas Cowboys. Isaac relished the outdoors. He liked the thrill of a deer coming into his sight, a fish biting the lure, floating in a canoe and being out on the boat. Isaac also enjoyed exploring nature with his dogs Copper, Otis and Harvey.

A HUGE Thank You for your

Anderson Law Office

Barney’s Bar & Grill

Bayer Crop Science/Four County Crop Service

Becker Hardware

Bodensteiner Imp.

Brynsaas Sales & Service

Bushman Organic Farms

C & C Land Management- Kurt

Headington Christopher Construction

Craig’s Auto Repair

CUSB Bank

Dave Werges

Decorah Bank & Trust

Decorah Electric

Decorah Sales Commission

Dennis & Eileen Linderbaum

Dr. Drew Pellet

Ellingson Elevator

about reciting the pledge, as they aren’t happy with or the direction the country is taking. Maybe in today’s world, this is too much to truly ask of the American people. So many people talk of the democracy (the will of the majority prevails) they wish to uphold, when the pledge states the country is a republic (guided/ruled by the constitution).

And unfortunately, we are truly a divided nation. Anytime free and open dialog is shut down, the path moving forward together closes. Communication and compromise for the greater good is important to forward progress, but not using absolutes to quiet the opposition.

Even liberty and justice have people on specific sides, with each side certain their view upholds the downtrodden, whether criminal or victim. Is it worthwhile to find middle ground?

The point of a pledge is a verbal statement of commitment. Something you believe and freely, even proudly, state to tell others of your commitment. Is it too late for people to work together toward a common end, if we cannot all agree on what that statement should be; if we can’t all agree which direction we should be taking?

I sure hope we have the time to figure it out.

Service Notice

JAMES A. SCHREFFLER, 79, of Morristown, Minn., and formerly of Decorah, died on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at his home. Memorial services will be held at Peace United Methodist Church in Morristown Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Elden Eklund officiating. A memorial visitation will be held at Boldt Funeral Home in Faribault, Minn., on Monday, July 31, from 4 to 7 p.m., and for one hour prior to the service on Aug. 1 at the church.

Helgerson Dairy Hovden Oil, Inc.

JD Farms Jesse & Val Massman

Jet’s Meat Locker John & Roxie Schnitzler John Ryan

Norwegian Mutual Palmer Electic LLC

Paramount Insurance Perry Novak Electric

Pioneer Seed - Adam

Tollefsrud

Pioneer Seed - Mitch

Hemesath

Randy & Lisa Hanson

Reilly Construction

Roger & Pat Bullerman

Ron & Bob Hemesath

S&C Organic Farms Schultz Bros-Frankville

Scott and Amy Courtney

South Winn Vet

Steve & Donella Darrington

Isaac J. Wiltgen was born May 24, 1994, in Rochester, Minn., the son of Mark and LuAnn (Heying) Wiltgen.

Isaac Wiltgen

Isaac was a 2012 graduate from Crestwood High School and went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University. For the past seven years, Isaac has been employed with Winneshiek County Engineer’s Department doing what he loved: designing and building roads and bridges.

Isaac had the gift of being able to strike up a conversation with anyone – whether they were young or old. He was the friend who was quick to lend a helping hand and known for his many “Isaac-isms.” He loved to play and watch all sports, especially the Iowa State Cyclones

Phyllis Faldet

Phyllis C. Faldet, 98 of Decorah, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, at Aase Haugen in Decorah.

Most important to Isaac were his family and friends. Growing up Isaac was very protective of his sisters. He was excited to become an uncle and loved his niece and nephews dearly. Isaac met and fell in love with Jodi Sorensen, together creating a perfect life. The couple became engaged and were planning a wedding for May 18, 2024.

Isaac has the best group of friends that knew how to have a good time and always had time for “just one more.”

There is no way to put into words to describe the kind, courageous, strong, loving and caring man Isaac was. If you knew him, you loved him!

Isaac is survived by the love of his life, Jodi Sorensen, of Ridgeway; parents, Mark and LuAnn Wiltgen of Cresco; sisters, Daron (Shawn) Omar of Cresco, and Michaela (Chase Lienhard) Wiltgen of Stewart-

ville, Minn.; niece, Eversynn Omar; bonus sister, Shannon Seehusen of Cresco; paternal grandfather, William Wiltgen of Ossian; maternal grandparents, Ernest and Kathleen Heying of Calmar; mother-in-law, Julie Sorensen of Cedar Falls; brother-in-law, Ben (Beth Bellinger) Sorensen of Marshalltown; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Jake) Weitzell of Reinbeck, and Jessi (Derek) Noteboom of Grundy Center; nephews, Jamisen and Jaxsen Weitzell; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Marian Wiltgen, and father-in-law, Harold Sorensen. A Memorial Mass will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Monday, July 31, at 11 a.m., with Father Jacob Rouse officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Sunday, July 30, from 3 to 7 p.m., followed by a prayer service. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Phyllis Faldet

Phyllis was born on March 23, 1925, in her family home near Ridgeway, to Philip and Cora (Dahle) Knutson and was baptized and confirmed at Madison Lutheran Church, Ridgeway. Elementary grade school was in Madison Township country school then on to Decorah High School where she graduated in 1943. After high school Phyllis was employed as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell while waiting for “Derv” to return home from Europe after WWII.

Dervin Bernell Faldet and Phyllis Corrine Knutson were married on June 9, 1946, at Madison Lutheran Church then made their home in Calmar where they raised three daughters. Phyllis worked part-time for thirty-five years in the cafeteria at South Winneshiek High School enjoying co-workers, staff and particularly students as they grew and matured from kindergarten to graduation day. Her passion for cooking and baking was evident in… the

best Duchess Apple Pie around, Norwegian lefsa, rommegrot and sweet soup, homemade bread, buns and cinnamon rolls, cookin’ up the best Thanksgiving Day Feast followed by Christmas Day Dinner with her delicious ham gravy atop a heap of “smashed tators!” These were a few of her families’ favorites.

Phyllis was a longtime member and actively involved in Calmar Lutheran Church women’s and children’s groups, a member and frequent officer of the American Legion Auxiliary, Calmar Senior Club and enjoyed the fellowship of two women’s sewing clubs in Calmar. Most pleasured and loved times were when she could be with “all the kids,” grandkids and great-grandkids! Crocheting afghans, quilting and waltzing with “Derv” to the Big Band Era Music at dances in the area were also fond memories as she aged.

Survivors include daughter, Linda (Stan) Brandt of rural Ridgeway and son-in-law Roger Larson of Mauston, Wis.; six grandchildren: Shira (Patrick) Gebel of Charles City, Brian (Christy) Brandt of Solon, Kristian (Christy) Larson of Reedsburg, Wis., Amanda (Jay) McGeough of Postville, Aaron Nordheim of Monona,

Law Enforcement

Winneshiek County Sheriff

Robert C. Hanson, 69, of Waukon, was arrested July 20 at 5:28 p.m., on West Ridge Road in Waukon, and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for D felony possession of controlled substance 3rd or subsequent (Methamphetamine), D felony control of a firearm by a felon and serious misdemeanor possession of prescription drug.

Randy Sweet, 65, of Oelwein, was cited for unsafe passing following an accident July 17 on Iowa Highway 150. Investigating officers reported Sweet was driving a semi-trailer south on Highway 150 and was behind farm equipment and several other vehicles when he passed all of them. A tractor and implement trailer operated by David Weber, 31, of Kenyon, Minn., was turning onto 110th Street. Weber was using a turn signal and had slowed to turn. Sweet’s vehicle then side-swiped the Weber vehicle in the northbound lane. Damages totaled $3,000 to each of the vehicles. Shawn Schultz, 39, of Postville, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail July 17 on an arrest warrant for

and Amy (James) Johnson of Cedar Falls; great-grandchildren: Brandt, Elliott and Sadie Gebel, Greg, Thomas, Charlie and Will Brandt, Kael and Kiah Larson, Kristen and Mason McGeough, Caleb Nordheim and Ella, Cooper and Finley Johnson. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Diane Knutson, Kari (Gary) Anfinson, Philip (Jackie) Rustad, Lana (Marc) Oyloe, Cindy (Merle) Steines, David (Rachel) and Mark (Kristen) Faldet.

Preceding her in death are husband, Dervin; daughter, Nadine Larson; daughter and sonin-law Julie and James “Jim” Nordheim; parents, Philip and Cora; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Willie Stenseth; brother-in-law, Russell Rustad; parents-in-law, Nels and Grace (Musser) Faldet; brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law: Homer and Alphea Olson, Arnold and Irene Faldet, and Melbourne and Virginia Faldet; and niece Mary Faldet.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Calmar Lutheran Church with Rev. Daryl Thompson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Praise God for a life welllived until He called her to her Heavenly Home!

possession of firearm or offensive weapon by domestic abuse offender.

Jeremy Snell, 40, of Decorah, was arrested on County Road A14 July 18, and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for harassment, 3rd degree.

A search warrant was executed at a residence on Victory Street in Spillville July 19 at 4:24 p.m., as part of an ongoing investigation by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, Leanna Higgins, 45, of Spillville, and Marcus Higgins, age 20, of Spillville, were arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail. Leanna Higgins was arrested and charged with aggravated misdemeanor possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) 2nd offense, aggravated misdemeanor possession of controlled substance (marijuana) 2nd offense, serious misdemeanor unlawful possession of prescription drug, and simple misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Marcus Higgins was arrested and charged with serious misdemeanor possession of controlled substance (schedule 4), serious

misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), and simple misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. This is an ongoing investigation with additional charges pending.

Leanna Higgins, 45, of Spillville, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail. July 21 on an arrest warrant for violation of pre-trial supervision.

Kayla Kennedy, 25, of Cresco, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on Short Street in Decorah July 23 at 7:31 p.m. for operating while under the influence, 2nd offense. Kennedy was also cited for failure to provide insurance and driving whie license under suspension.

Decorah Police Officers responded to a report of a male wielding a knife inside an apartment at 1308 Bluegrass Drive in Decorah July 24 at approximately 4:45 p.m. After an investigation, 56-year-old Jeffery Dighton of Decorah was arrested for domestic abuse assault with a dangerous weapon.

continued support of the Winneshiek County

4-H and FFA programs, their members & families. Your financial support is important and a huge part of the success of our programs. 4-H and FFA members know you understand the hard work, skill and learning that has occurred throughout the year as they have worked with their livestock projects and they truly appreciate your support!

Historic Preservation Commission announces

‘Significant Decorah Properties’ list

The Decorah Historic Preservation Commission has created an inventory of “Significant Decorah Properties” not on the National Register. The list is available as a downloadable PDF at www.decorahia.org/ commission-and-boards/historic-preservation/historic-tours.

There are approximately 125 properties on the list, including cemeteries, parks, businesses and residences. The properties were designed by a variety of Decorah architects, builders and property owners over the past 175 years, including William S. Bucknell, H.O. Ball, Lars Seim, A.R. Coffeen, Borger Hanson, Lully Lund, William Sihler, William Lockard, Lowell Erdman and most notably, Charles Altfillisch.

DHPC member Kathy Buzza added, “Everyone recognizes that local National Register properties are significant. Our new list applies the National Register standards for significance integrity to properties throughout Decorah – although often at a somewhat-lower level.”

DHPC Chair Mark Z. Muggli noted that next steps will be to develop Iowa Site Inventories for some of the properties, with some properties eventually being nominated for the National Register.

Participating businesses lined the streets in downtown Decorah with ridiculous sales July 23. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Denise Lana)

A Ridiculous Day in Decorah

Ridiculous Day in Decorah proved “ridiculously” successful for many participating businesses Saturday, July 23, with Water Street abuzz with locals and out-of-town visitors taking advantage of the numerous tents and stalls set up with a variety of bargains. Many downtown businesses reported record sales, with one having tripled its sales compared to

the previous year’s event, and another business selling a fullday’s amount of merchandise before 9:30 a.m.

Several area non-profits shared the street space, as well. Crowds certainly reacted to the open-market feel, cooler early morning shopping hours and mild summer weather. It may have been a ridiculous day, but it was not ridiculously hot!

According to DHPC Secretary Judy van der Linden, the list incorporates many properties discussed in other local tours and histories. “But this list should be helpful because it’s considerably more comprehensive than any other one source. And we’ve identified many new significant properties as well.”

Juniper tree planted in honor of garden club member

The Town & Country Garden Club recently planted a Wichita Blue juniper tree at Trout Run Park in memory of Jan Tyler-Blanchard, an active member of the club and a certified judge with the African Violet Sociey and National Garden Clubs. She created many beautiful floral designs and grew excellent horticulture. Pictured at the tree planting (l-r): Jean Thompson, Marian Rovang-Rude, Virginia Leidahl, Lois Ruff, Karen Guttebo, Betty Eggers, Sharon Drew and JoAn Stephenson. (submitted photo)

Iowa PBS’s ‘Our Great State Fair’ to show Viking 3 Theater

Iowa PBS’s newest documentary, “Our Great State Fair,” is showing a free screening at Decorah’s Viking 3 Theater Sunday, July 30, at 2 p.m., ahead of the statewide public television broadcast.

Explore the history of Iowa’s biggest event – the annual showcase of the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement.

The story of “Our Great State Fair” begins in 1854 as an ex-

perimental agricultural exposition in Fairfield and continues into the 21st century as a statewide celebration in Des Moines.

Following the free screening, watch the documentary in two parts on Iowa PBS Tuesday, Aug. 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m.

For more information about Iowa PBS, contact Susan Ramsey at 515-725-9703 or susan. ramsey@iowapbs.org.

The commission hopes that the public will find the inventory a useful resource and for self-guided touring. People are encouraged to send corrections and potential additions to the new list to historicpreservation@decorahia.org.

The DHPC is a state-certified city board established in 2007 to promote the public’s educational and economic welfare through the recognition of historic sites.

Leaders in healthcare, tax accountancy and ed-tech join Luther Board of Regents

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward announced that this fall three new members will join the Luther College Board of Regents: Brent Asplin, M.D., CEO of Gather Health of Barrington, Ill.; Kelly Birkenholz, MBA, director of the Ernst & Young Center for Executive Leadership Chief Tax Executive Program of Chanhassen, Minn.; and Brad Miller, Ph.D., president of Runestone Academy Ltd. of Luck, Wis.

The regents serve as trustees and stewards, ensuring that Luther fulfills its mission by providing fiduciary and strategic oversight in collaboration with college constituents.

“I am delighted to welcome these new regents to the board at Luther College. In my conversations with them during the process leading up to their selection, I was impressed by the way in which they represent a forward-looking mindset with a love and respect for the way their own Luther experience shaped them as citizens and professionals,” said Ward. “They will be instrumental in working with me and their board colleagues to ensure that we expand our reach, strengthen our organization, and align our resources and student experience to our brand promise, as called for in our strategic framework.”

Asplin, Miller and Birkenholz will attend their first Board of Regents meeting in October.

About the new Regents

Dr. Brent Asplin, Luther College Class of 1990, is the CEO and co-founder of Gather Health, a holistic, socially-supported primary healthcare service for older adults.

Launched this year in Boston, Gather Health is driven by the community for the community, using primary care as a catalyst for positive change. Prior to Gather Health, Brent served as VillageMD’s chief operating officer and as the inaugural president of Village Medical, the medical practices group within VillageMD. An emergency physician, Brent previously served as chief clinical officer for both Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis and Mercy Health in Ohio and Kentucky. He also served in a range of academic emergency medicine and other leadership roles with the Mayo Clinic and HealthPartners in Minnesota.

Kelly Woods Birkenholz, Luther College Class of 2003, is the director of the Ernst & Young Center for Executive

Leadership Chief Tax Executive Program. In her current role, Kelly is responsible for all aspects of the program design, development and delivery of the Ernst & Young Chief Tax Executive Program. She is the vice president of the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors for the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter.

Brad Miller, Luther College Class of 1986, is founder and president of Runestone Academy Ltd., a non-profit organization that partners with institutions and professionals to make high-quality interactive textbooks for math and computer science available to all students at no cost. This entrepreneurial venture grew from a sabbatical project at Luther College, where he taught computer science and data science from 2003 to 2018. In 2019, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota; he also served as an instructional design consultant for Google from 2018 to 2020.

AUCTION CALENDAR

SATURDAY, JULY 29 - 9 a.m.

Lionel Train Coll., Tools, Household, Furniture, & More. Peterson Estate (Decorah). In-house bidding or Online bidding at www.daviscornersauctionservice.com. Davis Corners Auction Service, 14225 Hwy 9, Lime Springs, IA 52155. 563-547-1018. www.daviscornersauctionservice.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 - 10

a.m. Large Online Only Antique, Collectible, Household Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center, Waukon. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon, IA 563-568-2464.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 - Closes at 1 p.m. Online Only Real Estate Auction. James “Jim” Byrnes, 303 E Main St., Waukon, IA Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, IA 563-568-2464.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9 -

Starts closing at 1 p.m. Bin Augers, Bulk Bins, Dump Pit, Misc. Farm Equip. Online Only Auction. Bob & Ron Hemesath, 1623 220th Ave, Decorah, IA 52101. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-5682464.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 - 1 p.m.

Sweeney Machinery Consignment Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center, Waukon. Call to cosign. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-568-2464.

Regional Advertising

August 4-6, 2023 Tyson Center, Sioux City IA Fri 3-8pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm. $10 (under

FREE) . Large selection of GUNS and AMMO for sale! More info: 563-608-4401

Paying for college can be confusing

Paying for college can be confusing

The free college financing information kit can help. Visit www.IowaStudentLoan.org/ CollegeKit to request your free copy. www.IowaStudentLoan.org/CollegeKit

The free college financing information kit can help. Visit www.IowaStudentLoan.org/ CollegeKit to request your free copy. www.IowaStudentLoan.org/CollegeKit

To All Persons Interested in the Estate of LINDA A. LANGLAND, Deceased, who died on or about March 17, 2023: You are hereby notified that on July 11, 2023, the Last Will and Testament Linda A. Langland, deceased, bearing date of October 3, 2019, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Shirley A. Frimml and Dennis Holthaus have been appointed executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is

and the area will encompass Approx. 36.42 acres.

The petition asks that:

A Conditional Use Permit be granted allowing the extraction, processing, and stockpiling of sand and limestone products. The petitioners are Jesse Quandahl and Bruening Rock Products, Inc.

The Public Hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tuesday Aug 8th, 2023, at 7:30 P.M. in the Board of Supervisors Office, Courthouse Annex Building, 201 West Main St. Decorah, Iowa, at which time you may

The world is so much better with you. If you’re having problems, let’s talk.

Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to waive the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1316, Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Luse made a motion to approve the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1317 amending Sections 17.16.030 and 17.68.030 of the Decorah Municipal Code regarding accessory buildings and permitted accessory uses. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All

deleting said section and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

17.53.020 Storage on residential use properties.

A. A zoning permit is required prior to construction of an accessory storage building (per Section 17.16.030, accessory building) or the temporary placement of shipping container. The application shall show that the construction of an accessory storage building or the temporary placement of a proposed shipping container is accessory to the permitted use of the property and meets the placement criteria for the zone.

B. Only accessory storage buildings defined in subsection 17.53.010(B) above shall be permitted as accessory storage containers on property in any residential zone of the city, or on any property within the city the primary use of which is residential. Shipping containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles and similar prefabricated items and structures originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials are not permitted to be used as accessory storage building on property zoned residential or on property the primary use of which is residential.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (B) of this section, the temporary placement of shipping containers on residentially zoned properties, or on properties the primary use of which are residential, for the limited purpose of loading and unloading household contents shall be permitted for a period of time not exceeding one hundred eighty days in any one calendar year without approval for a limited extension from the city’s code enforcement officer. Original permit holder is allowed two placements of the container within the one hundred eightyday period when listed on the original permit. Denial of any extension from code enforcement office can be appealed to the planning and zoning commission for an extension.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (B) of this section, all contractors may use shipping containers for the temporary location of an office, equipment and/or materials storage structure during construction which is taking place on the property where the shipping container is located, if the use of the shipping container is authorized pursuant to a city zoning permit. (Exception: With written approval from adjacent lot owner at the time of permit application container may be placed on adjacent property during construction).

E. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (B) of this section, shipping containers may be used as a building construction material. Buildings utilizing shipping containers as construction material must comply with City Code Chapter 15.12 and Section 3115 of the International Building Code 2021 Edition. Furthermore, shipping containers must be finished with roofing materials such as asphalt shingle, metal shingle, metal panels, or other suitable materials and finished with exterior siding materials such as vinyl, wood, fiber cement,

National Night Out is Tuesday

The Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and Helping Services for Youth and Families National Night Out will celebrate National Night Out Tuesday, August 1. The public is invited to Phelps Park from 5-7 p.m.

My girlfriend and I are in need of a rental house. We are looking for a 3 bedroom, 1-2 bath, house with a garage and basement; located within 3040 minutes of Decorah. Preferably the house would be located either in the country or a quiet neighborhood. We have 4 wonderfully well-behaved cats that must come with us. We are looking to rent for around $1200/month. Please call or text with any inquiries!

Rock painting at Nordic Fest

Decorah Rock painting is back at Nordic Fest on Friday, July 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. Join the Driftless Multimedia staff and members of the Decorah Rocks group at the 100th Block of East Water Street to create some #decorahrocks to keep or hide. All supplies will be provided. Rockin’ the Driftless drawstring bags will be available with free-will donations to area food pantries.

Echoes of the PastBy Roz Weis

Decorah Community School Board Regular School Board Meeting Minutes Central Administration Office Monday, July 17, 2023

• Brock Christensen - 12th Grade for 2023-2024, from South Winneshiek to Decorah CSD. Parents: Ryan Christensen & Amy Christensen • Isabella Sailor - 10th

Nordic Fest 1967

disappeared, but the spirit of Nordic Fest is alive and well today. (Photo from the Driftless Multimedia archives)

ciate) Step 3

tling Coach) Level C, Step 5

Asso-

b. Matt Simon (Varsity Asst. Girls’ Wres-

c. Felecia DeJong (High School Special Education Techer) MA+24, Step 11

d. Sara Blake (Carrie Lee Special Education Teacher) BA, Step 8

e. Joshua Stello (Middle School Associ-

ate) Step 1 f. Gina Folkedahl (Direct Support Profes-

sional) Activity Driver Rate

g. Scott Boylen (Middle School Asst.

TAG) Level G, Step 4

h. Summer Season Coaching Contracts

Transfers:

a. Don Dehning (High School to Middle School Custodian)

b. Dan Duda (High School Night Shift to High School Day Shift)

c. Jordan Thompson (Varsity Girls’

Wrestling Coach to Varsity Boys’ Wrestling Coach)

d. Gene Adams (Middle School Wrestling

Coach to Varsity Girls’ Wrestling Coach)

e. Lee Fullhart (Varsity Boys’ Wrestling

Coach to Middle School Wrestling Coach)

Resignations:

a. Shirley Mulcahey (Custodian)

b Andrea Knaack (7th Grade Girls’ Basketball Coach)

c. Barbara Massman (John Cline Part-time

Food Service)

d. Joel Rollinger (8th Grade Football Coach) e. Adam Riley (Head Varsity Baseball Coach) Mentors:

a. Carolin Remmen (Mentor for Sara Blake)

b. Michelle Nesteby (Mentor for Felecia DeJong) There was no communication from the public. There was no presentation in July 2023.

Motion: Director Lange moved, seconded by Director Petersburg to approve the 2023-2024 Agreement with NEICAC Early Childhood Head Start. Rental fee will remain at $425.00 per month. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Goodner moved, seconded by Director Petersburg to approve the 2023-2024 Clinicare 28E Agreement. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Petersburg moved, seconded by Director Goodner to approve the 2023-2024 UPAH (Unity Point at Home) Agreement. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Lange moved, seconded by Director Goodner to adopt the Retention Incentive Resolution. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Goodner moved, seconded by Director Lange to adopt the Tuition Reimbursement Resolution. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Lange moved, seconded by Director Petersburg to approve the 20232024 Classified Employee Handbook. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Lange moved, seconded by Director Petersburg to approve the 20232024 Student Handbooks for elementary, middle school, and high school. Motion carried by all voting aye. The board discussed the 2023 Iowa Association of School Board (IASB) legislative priorities. Top priorities included mental health, teacher recruitment & licensure, teacher professional development and retention, and school funding policy.

Shawn Gordon, Director of Technology, presented to the board computer buyback bids from Diamond Assets, Second Life Mac, and Total Technology. Administration recommended the highest bid from Total Technology. Motion: Director Goodner moved, seconded by Director Lange to approve Total Technology’s bid of $393,688.00 for the technology device buy back. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Supt. Dr. Cronin updated the board of a unique district position. A High School Musical Accompanist, with varying daily hours, has been utilized previously. Due to a resignation, the district is looking to fill this position and increase the hourly rate to $30.00 per hour. Motion: Director Petersburg moved, seconded by Director Goodner to formalize this district position of High School Musical Accompanist. Motion carried by all voting aye. Supt. Dr. Cronin presented additions and reclassifications to Schedule B for the 20232024 school year. Motion: Director Goodner moved, seconded by Director Lange to approve the MOU to Schedule B positions to add and reclassify as presented. Motion carried by all voting aye. Supt. Dr. Cronin presented the idea to the board of the Central Office moving into the office space at the new transportation building in Freeport. Increased office space and security were positive comments for the relocation, with administrative access and the location being drawbacks. Motion: Director Goodner moved, seconded by Director Petersburg to approve the relocation of the Central Administration Office to the transportation building office space, with the timeline to be determined by office staff. Motion carried by all voting aye. The board was presented with furniture purchases for the school buildings. John Cline has received $8,000 in new tables.

Carrie Lee Elementary ($13,000 for chairs to be determined by staff) and Decorah Middle School ($62,158) will be receiving chairs and desks. Motion: Director Lange moved, seconded by Director Goodner to approve the furniture purchase as presented. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Dr. Cronin updated the board on

vouchers and the drainage at the new transportation building.

1943 Highway 9 could be routed around city

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: The Iowa State Highway Department is seriously considering the re-routing of Highway 9 away from the City of Decorah! The highway would no longer pass through Water Street. Confronted by this likelihood, the Decorah Mayor and City Council are earnestly wanting to know the reaction from the community.

…Mrs. Elda Wright, a former science teacher here, will teach the general science course at the Decorah Schools this year. Mrs. Grant Woldum of Decorah will take on the responsibility of teaching the third and fourth graders at West Side School.

…The first Test Blackout was held in Winneshiek County, and it was termed a “complete success” by the officials of the Civilian Defense Council.

…The film “My Friend Flicka” starring Roddy McDowell, is showing at the Grand Theatre in downtown Decorah.

…The Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Decorah has posted ration coupon offerings this week: fresh, churned butter is available for 8 red points. Ration cards also are available for gasoline for vacation purposes.

port was released by City Engineer Lowell Erdman.

…Miss Decorah 1963 is Miss Diane Mallu. She participated in the Miss Iowa Pageant recently in Clear Lake and won the talent contest.

…The annual Bike Derby was sponsored by the city’s summer rec program. Winners in the 1-lap race for little girls were Theresa Lynch, Becca Mears, Mimi Grinna and Helen Bruening.

…Seven foxes have been causing some trouble on an Ossian area farm, so the mother of the house took action. She grabbed a gun and went after them last Friday afternoon. Her aim was excellent, as she snagged a red fox with her first shot and grazed another with the second.

be a reality. A representative of the Boone-based Fareway outlined a proposal for construction of a new 21,160-squarefoot store in Block 16, which is bounded by Broadway, Main, Washington and State Streets. If completed, the proposed store would carry a pricetag of up to $800,000 and would employ 25 additional workers. Doors could open as early as late summer of 1994.

…Another plan to expand the Decorah Public Library has been initiated by the library’s board of directors.

…Decorah continued its postseason dominance in the Class 3A district baseball finals with a victory over New Hampton in a 5-0 win. Decorah will play Oelwein in a substate semifinal game.

…The local schools are looking for help. Secretarial positions start at $6 per hour.

SEVENTY YEARS AGO: A new, modern two-way radio system is being installed at the local courthouse. It is now possible for the county sheriff’s office and local police to remain in constant contact with other law enforcement agencies in the state.

…Stavanger Lutheran Church of Ossian is observing its centennial with a festival service this month.

…For the first time in 75 years, Iowans will be permitted to hunt deer! The setting of a 1953 five-day deer hunting season was announced by the Iowa Conservation Commission and will run Dec. 10-14.

…Little Turkey’s Assumption Parish is observing its golden anniversary Aug. 15, 1953, with a Bohemian sermon preached at the High Mass. A supper will follow.

FIFTY YEARS AGO: The 95th annual Winneshiek County Fair is Aug. 8-11. Fair queen candidates are Marsha Schutte, Carol Rasmussen, Joan Viste, Ramona Christopher, Mary Akre, Nancy Kratz, Christy Macal, Arlene Patterson, LuAnn Thorson and Nancy Ira.

…Steve Anundsen’s timely hitting and good pitching by Mike Rima helped the Decorah Vikings move to within one game of a state tourney trip with a victory over the Mason City Mohawks by a score of 4-0 in sub-state tourney opener.

…The film “High Plains Drifter” is now showing at the Viking Theatre.

…Homegrown sweet corn is available – 5 cents per ear at local corn stands in the area.

TWENTY YEARS AGO:

Julie Buddenberg had the supreme grand champion mare and grand champion horse in “LuLu” at the local fair recently. Rachel Reilly and “Snow White” captured supreme reserve champion mare and the pair also won grand champion pony.

…Jessica Anderson is the 2003 Winneshiek County Fair Queen.

…Police are investigating damage reported at Wapsie Produce near downtown Decorah. Six capon delivery trucks had their windshields damaged.

…The engagement of Kjersten Hanson and Travis Snell was recently announced. They will be married Sept. 20, 2003 at First Lutheran Church.

FORTY YEARS AGO: The 17th annual Nordic Fest theme is “Sing, Dance and Be Glad.”

…The new Iowa license plate slogan is “A State of Mind” and it will be introduced in the next year.

…Francis Peterson began duties as the new superintendent of the Decorah Schools. He was previously at the Cherokee Community School District. He replaces Supt. Wayne Burns, who retired earlier this year after 20 years as the school’s superintendent here.

TEN YEARS AGO: The large amount of cash was stolen from the Silver Springs Golf Course near Ossian the other morning.

…Starting in August, Pepperfield Project will host openfarm garden tours following their Sunday Dinners on the Farm family-style meals.

…Our own Rachel Faldet and her “Confessions of a Royal Watcher” series is dedicated to the upcoming birth of His or Her Royal Heighness the Prince of Princess of Cambridge.

SIXTY YEARS AGO: A total of 27 building permits were issued for general construction projects around Decorah for the first six months of 1963. The re-

THIRTY YEARS AGO: Decorah’s new Fareway store in downtown Decorah may soon

Spoiler alert: Prince George was born July 22, 2013, in St. Mary’s Hospital in London.

“

1. God is real.

2. There are two genders.

3. Human flourishing requires fossil fuels.

4. Reverse racism is racism.

5. An open border is no border.

6. Parents determine the education of their children.

7. The nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to mankind.

8. Capitalism lifts people up from poverty.

9. There are three branches of the U.S. government, not four.

10. The US Constitution is the strongest guarantor of freedoms in history.

Vivek2024.com

We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable.” - THOMAS JEFFERSON

Area athletes honored on All-District teams

One Viking, two Warriors and two Trojans were honored as members of the All-District teams as released by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association recently.

Kaden Alstad Decorah, So.

Splitting time between the pitcher’s mound and third base for the Vikings, Kaden Alstad was named to the Class 3A Northeast All-District second team for his efforts on the baseball field. The sophomore finished the season with a 2.37 ERA on the hill for Decorah, recording 56 strikeouts and a 2-5 record. Alstad also led the Viking offense with a .398 batting average with a team-high 37 hits and 28 RBI.

For the second time in his career, South Winn’s Keagen Streeter received a first team all-district nod in the Class 1A Northeast District as a pitcher.

In his 12 starts, the senior put together a 1.64 ERA and 1.12 WHIP for the Warriors, throwing 55-1/3 innings. Streeter rang up 76 batters, allowing just 13 earned runs. He helped his own cause in the batter’s box with a .388 batting average, tallying 38 hits and scoring 37 times.

Warrior senior Jamie Kuennen earned his Class 1A First-Team Northeast All-District honor as a utility player for South Winn, pitching and playing first and third base. On the hill, he recorded a 7-1 record, giving up just five earned runs with 54 strikeouts. He posted a 0.70 ERA and 0.82 WHIP. The senior also was

efficient at the plate with a .312 batting average and .384 on-base percentage, scoring 29 runs on 35 hits.

Senior Noah Hanson is one of two Trojans named to the Class 1A All-District Second Team for the Northeast District. A catcher for Turkey Valley, Hanson boasted a .300 batting average and .441 on-base percentage with a team-high 24 hits to go with 10 RBI. Hanson also saw time on the mound with a 3-4 record, 1.64 ERA and struck out 47 batters. Logan Busta, a freshman pitcher for Turkey Valley, also was listed on the Northeast District Second Team in Class 1A. He went 5-4 on the hill with a 2.95 ERA, giving up 18 earned runs and striking out 36 opposing batters during the 2023 season.

Class 3A

Northeast All-District Team

Second team – Clayton Lindecker, Jr., P, Western Dubuque; Grant Parke, Jr., P, Waverly-Shell Rock; Andrew Hamlett, Jr., P, Xavier; Preston Lang, Jr., C, Xavier; Abram Wrage, Sr., C, Waverly-Shell Rock; Peyton Aldrich, Sr., 1B, West Delaware; Patrick Fitzgerald, Sr., 2B, Wahlert; Mitch Johnson, Sr., SS, Independence; Ben Hakert, Sr., 3B, Center Point-Urbana; Dylan Stockdale, Sr., OF, WaverlyShell Rock; Will Ward, Sr., OF, West Delaware; Trevor Antes, Jr.,

Get ready to Fest July

Test your skills during the annual Nordic Fest by competing in the many sporting events, July 23-24. Challenge yourself

Do you have what it takes to become the Ultimate Norseman? Festers who participate in the three Saturday events of the Elveløpet 5K or 15K run, the Nordic Rock Throw and the famed Lutefisk Eating Contest will have their results combined to face off with other Ultimate Norse. Register for free at packet pick up for the Elveløpet.

Bags tournament

Team may register for $10 at the Decorah Middle School Field Friday or Saturday 1:30-1:50 p.m. Double elimination play will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. with cash prizes for first, second and third place winners.

Kanoløpet

Friday is the annual Kanoløpet canoe race. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., at Will Baker Park to the Twin Bridges located on 5th Street.

Registration is $30 per person which includes canoe rental, life jackets and paddles. Those who provide their own canoe may enter for $20 per person. The race will have two canoe divisions determined by the combined ages of the participants in each canoe and a third division for kayaks. Regis-

OF, Center Point-Urbana; Wyatt Rinderknecht, Jr., UT, Benton; Kaden Alstand, So., UT, Decorah; Connor Maiers, Sr., UT, Western Dubuque; Cooper Schenck, Sr., UT, Xavier

Class 1A

Northeast All-District Teams

First team – Ty Purdy, Sr., P, Don Bosco; Cohen Kamaus, Sr., P, Lisbon; Cael Funk, Sr., P, Edgewood-Colesburg; Keagen Streeter, Sr., P, South Winn; Hunter Clark, Sr., C, Lisbon; Kaiden Knaack, Jr., C, Don Bosco; Landon Stolte, Sr., 1B, Lisbon; Jarin Peyton, Sr., 2B, North Linn; Landon Frost, Jr., SS, Don Bosco; Cam Lind, Jr., 3B, Kee High; Cael Bridgewater, Sr., OF, North Linn; Pryce Rochford, So., OF, Edgewood-Colesburg; Luke Czarnecki, Sr., OF, Lisbon; Mason Bechen, So., UT, North Linn; Corbin Woods, Sr., UT, North Linn; Jamie Kuennen, Sr., UT, South Winn; Tucker Ladeburg, Jr., UT, Wapsie Valley; Ben Wheatley, Sr,. UT, North Linn

Second team – Jordan Cota, So.,

P, Kee High; Anthony Harrington, Fr., P, Midland; Logan Busta, Fr.,

P, Turkey Valley; Ryder Fair, Jr.,

P, Riceville; Cael Benesh, So., C, North Linn; Noah Hanson, Sr., C, Turkey Valley; Cale VanderHeiden, Sr., 1B, Calamus-Wheatland; Alex Bock, Sr., 2B, Lisbon; Zain Sauer, Sr., SS, Midland; Jacob Snyder, Jr.,

3B, Dunkerton; Jake Schoer, Jr., OF, Wapsie Valley; Cole Griffith, So., OF, North Linn; Dillon Brayton, Sr., OF, Lisbon; Keegan Eastman, Sr., UT, Janesville; Toby Grimm, Jr., UT, Maquoketa Valley; David Schmitz, So., UT, Don Bosco; Peyton Trees, Sr., UT, Janesville; Kaden Kobliska, Jr., UT, Riceville

27-29

tration will be taken at the Nordic Fest Headquarters/Chamber of Commerce until 5 p.m.

*Event will be cancelled if river water levels are too low. Check at the Decorah Visitor Center for event status.

Elveløpet

Join the hundreds of participants early Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m., in the traditional Elveløpet 5K walk/run and 15K run along the Upper Iowa River. Online registration ends Thursday, July 22. The race begins and ends at Decorah’s City Hall. Participants may register at nordicfest.com/elvelopet. Final registration and packet pick up is at City Hall located at 400 Claiborne, Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday morning 6-7 a.m.

Nordic Rock Throw

Show off your strength by tossing a rock at the Nordic Rock Throw behind John Cline Elementary, south of the tennis courts at 1 p.m. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age. There is a $2 registration fee and three weight classes for men and one weight class for women.

Lutefisk Eating Contest

Finally, put your lutefisk eating skills to the test at the Courthouse Square at 3 p.m. There is no registration or fee, just show up ready to down that lutefisk.

Duo named to All-District softball teams

Two area softball players were named all-district by the Iowa Girls Athletic Coaches Association. Decorah senior Bryar Duwe, along with Turkey Valley’s Macie Weber, were recognized for the first time in the Northeast district in their respective classes.

Duwe capped off her career as the leading hitter for the Vikes, hitting .402, with a .518 on-base percentage. The senior shortstop rapped out 45 hits, including four home runs, six triples and nine doubles while driving in 23 runs and scoring 41 times herself.

A freshman catcher for the Trojans, Weber led the team with a .451 batting average, rattling of 46 hits and scoring 22 runs to go with 39 RBI. Of her 46 hits, Weber collected three home runs, one triple and eight doubles for her first all-district nod.

Bryar Duwe Decorah, Sr. Class 4A All-District

Maici Weber Turkey Valley, Fr. Class 1A All-District

Central City; Audrie Helmrichs, Jr., Edgewood-Colesburg; Rachel Eglseder, Jr., Edgewood-Colesburg; Alaina Bakewell, So., Kee High; Jada Knipper, So., Maquoketa Valley; Ellie Flanagan, Sr., North Linn; Skylar Benesh, Jr., North Linn; Mackenzie Bridgewater, So., North Linn; Jersey Peyton, Jr., North Linn; Nia Howard, Sr., Springville; Ashlynne Zaruba, Sr., Springville; Maici Weber, Fr., Turkey Valley Coach of the Year – Chad Spore, North Linn

Class 4A

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Class 1A Northeast All-District Team Reagen Crawford, So., BCLUW; Emily Boeckman, Jr., CalamusWheatland; Bailee Weber, Jr., Central City; Belle Whitson, Jr.,

Northeast All-District Team Ava Ellis, Sr., Charles City; Kyla Schulte, Fr., Clear CreekAmana; Reese Stockman, Sr., Decorah; Marleigh Louvar, Sr., Independence; Clare Hackman, Sr., Maquoketa; Michaela Goad, Jr., Marion; Peyton Johnson, Sr., Marion; Adyson Evans, Jr., Mason City; Maddy McDermott, Sr., North Scott; Sydney Skarich, Jr., North Scott; Erica Ernzen, Sr., Western Dubuque; Kiya Steger, Jr., Western Dubuque; Braylen Conlon, So., Xavier; Duanna Coyle, Sr., Xavier Coach of the Year – Nikki Gahring, Xavier

• AFFORDABLE. Could be low to no cost.