April 17, 2025

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Vol. 160, Issue 16 www.decorahleader.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

One Section

Price $1.50

phone: 563-382-4221

Beckman closes curtain on almost four decades of middle school musicals

Transforming Tomorrow project not imperiled after federal lawmakers leave grant funding requests unfulfilled

Beckman glances at papers while seated in his one-man orchestra pit as he prepares for the next scene during last Thursday’s performance. (Photos by Seth Boyes) WinnMed’s Transforming Tomorrow project includes the construction of a two-story addition estimated to add 30,000 square-feet to the facility, which would house specialty services and clinic spaces. The hospital’s operating rooms are also being reworked as part of the project. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR The lights went up last week after an early performance of the Decorah Middle School’s spring musical — director Dean Beckman took no curtain call himself. He afforded himself only a modicum of what he called vanity – an inside page of the playbill listed the 37 operettas and musicals Beckman has helmed during his time teaching music at Decorah Schools.

He will be retiring after this school year ends.

“A lot of us only know the Decorah Middle School Music Program with Mr. Beckman – so big shoes to fill, for sure,” said Grace Redenius, who teaches sixth grade language at Decorah Middle School.

Redenius herself is a former student of Beckman and participated in the middle school’s 2013 production of “Honk Jr.” She’s not the only former student to return to Decorah Schools — sixth grade reading teacher Taylor Amund-

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Decorah Middle School music teacher Dean Beckman recognized the students who operated the spotlights during last week’s early performance of “Elf The Musical Jr.” at Carrie Lee Elementary. Beckman has directed 37 spring productions during his time in Decorah, and his colleagues said he often involves students who are not typically part of the music program to operate lights, sound equipment as well as act as the stage crew. son was part of the Decorah’s 2003 production of “The Music Man Jr.,” and Decorah Middle School Principal Justin Albers

was a spotlight operator during “The Granny Awards” in 1995.

The soon-to-be retired music teacher said working alongside

Beckman continued on page 7

Federal lawmakers opted not to include Community Project Funding requests in a continuing budget resolution approved last month — WinnMed in Decorah had requested $1.68 million for the expansion of its surgical facilities. However, officials with the hospital said WinnMed’s overall improvement project didn’t hinge on the now-nixed federal funding.

Steve Slessor, WinnMed’s chief administrative officer, said the hospital had applied for an appropriations grant through U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s office after funding for WinnMed’s $50 million Transforming Tomorrow project had already been identified and the overall project had been approved by hospital officials.

“During the last cycle, we did apply for the grant, which was based upon a percentage of the total surgical equipment in the new project, along with the po-

tential of purchasing a da Vinci robot for our surgical space, and (we) were excited about the prospect of either reducing our loans for the project or moving forward with the da Vinci without having to sacrifice other items in our capital budget,” Slessor said. “With this grant no longer being an option this year, WinnMed’s project funding will remain as originally planned and approved, and WinnMed leadership will be managing a tighter capital budget in order to still hopefully be able to move forward with the purchase of the da Vinci robot.”

A spokesperson with Hinson’s office said WinnMed’s $1.68 million request was among many initially included as part of an appropriations bill previously passed by a House committee. A statement from Hinson’s office said Congress was unable to reach an

WinnMed Visit us online www.decorahnewspapers.com Iowa DNR estimates 100,000 fish died during last months fish kill in Dry Run

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Iowa Department of Natural Resources may impose action on a farm operation near Ridgeway state authorities found caused a manure spill which killed more than 100,000 fish in Dry Run Creek and the Upper Iowa River last month.

An April 2 report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said officials received reports of manure runoff entering the creek on March 10.

The report went on to say Iowa DNR Environmental Specialist Brett Meyers and others determined the contamination was coming from an open cattle lot owned by Dale Humpal in the 2600 block of Town Line Road

Both adult fish and juveniles were found in early March following a fish kill which caused the death of more than 100,000 fish in Dry Run Creek and at least one tributary. (Photo submitted)

“Great rates got us the car.”

“Great service keeps us coming back.”

in Ridgeway. The farm operation has approximately 330 head of dairy cattle in an open lot, according to the DNR’s report, and Meyers wrote, “the runoff appeared to be coming mainly from the west side of his facility.” Investigators found during a March 12 visit to Humpal’s property that the operation’s earthen basin appeared full and had exceeded its freeboard — additional footage at the top of a raised flood barrier, according to information from Iowa State University — but the report said investigators observed no overflow at that time.

“Mr. Humpal stated he had

Fish kill

continued on page 6

continued on page 13

Bon Appétit to succeed Sodexo as Luther College’s food service provider

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Officials with Luther College said its incoming food services vendor expects to bring employees onboard in the coming weeks. The college announced Monday that, as of June 1, Bon Appétit Management Company will be taking on the role, which was previously held by Sodexo.

Luther had released a statement earlier this month, following the release of information

from Iowa Workforce Development, which showed Sodexo provided a legally required notice of a closure in Decorah which was expected to result in a layoff of 130 employees — the state information showed an effective date of June 30.

Additional, information from Iowa Workforce Development indicated federal entities

Luther food service continued on page 13

(563) 582-1331 | DuTrac.org

PHOTOS

2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Spring

INTO ACTION!

HAVE YOUR HEARING CHECKED TODAY! Call (563) 275-7448 Or Book Your Appointment Online!

Over 35 years in the Hearing Industry!

Calvin Trepp

Hearing Instrument Specialist

®

911 S. Mill St., Suite 3 • Decorah, IA 52101 www.NorthIowaHearing.com

©2025 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. All

Kids take a crack at Easter egg hunts throughout the area

Rights Reserved. 3/25 1619119558

Youngsters took off at the start of the Decorah Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt Sunday afternoon.

(Photo by Roz Weis)

Rori Christopher is ready to capture a prized, colorful, candy-filled egg at the Decorah Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday afternoon.

Fort Atkinson’s second annual Easter egg hunt was held Saturday, April 12 outside the Fort Atkinson Public Library. The event attracted 54 children and their families. Children wandered with their eyes on the ground in hopes they would spy a colorful container of candy. Jensen Bakula, age 2, of Fort Atkinson excitedly picks up an Easter egg during Fort Atkinson’s second annual Easter egg hunt, held outside the local public library. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Area youngsters eagerly dashed off the starting line as soon as the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department’s annual Easter Egg Hunt began Sunday afternoon. The colorful plastic shells were scattered across the athletic fields at Will Baker Park, and children’s feet beat across the grass — bags, buckets and baskets in hand — as they rushed for the nearest egg. ABOVE- Eversyn and Elowyn Panos of Decorah posed with the Easter bunny.

INSET TOP- Jody Niess-Ellickson of Decorah has been cast as the Easter bunny for the Decorah Parks and Recreation Easter egg hunt for the past 27 years.

She is pictured talking strategy with Blake Moen, Decorah Parks and Rec superintendent of recreation and aquatics.

INSET RIGHTAshton and Olivia Orr of Decorah are dressed in their bunny ears, awaiting the start of the annual Decorah Parks-Rec Easter egg hunt Sunday afternoon near Will Baker Park.(Photos by Roz Weis)

One-year-old Esther Holien of Decorah wasn’t quite sure what to do with the colored eggs she found Saturday during Fort Atkinson’s second annual Easter egg hunt, but she had a great time. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Colter Futrell, age 2, of Fort Atkinson, grabs an egg during the town’s second annual Easter egg hunt. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Pianist + Composer

PHILIP DANIEL Saturday, April 26 7:00PM

Doors open at 6:30PM

TICKETS

Adults $20 • Students $15 Tickets available at Cresco Bank & Trust, CUSB Bank, Cresco Chamber, Cresco City Hall and Cresco Theatre & Opera House 115 2nd Ave. W. Cresco 563-547-1066 crescotheatreoperahouse.com

Get tickets online!

tinyurl.com/42zwr2bm

Call Wendy with questions at 563-547-3101

Lenten Special

FISH DINNER Savor the freshest, crispiest 3-piece breaded cod fish dinner, perfectly cooked and served hot with coleslaw, dinner roll and your choice of baked potato, cheesy potatoes, french fries, sweet potato fries or homemade potato salad. $17.25 Add +$5 for All-You-Can-Eat...

Every Friday Night: 4-10pm March 7- April 18, 2025

CLIP-N-SAVE

$75 OFF

ALL SPORT COATS! MUST PRESENT COUPON TO REDEEM

OFFER GOOD THRU APRIL 30, 2025 Cannot be combined with other offers OPEN DAILY! MON-SAT 9-6 SUN 10-4

Pre-Order for Take-Out: 563-382-5970 ext. 2 309 W. WATER ST., DECORAH | 563-277-1317

DL

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

3

Decorah School Board moves ahead with plan for competition-sized school gym

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER The Decorah Community School Board is moving forward with plans for an enhanced, competition-size gymnasium in conjunction with the construction of a new elementary school.

The Decorah School Board voted 4-1 on March 10 in favor of enlarging the gym, but some members of the board were divided on the specific expansion proposal, citing safety concerns and additional expense — enlarging the elementary’s gym to a competition-sized facility would cost an estimated $3 million. Proponents said the larger facility could accommodate middle school and high school events and also serve as an additional community recreation space. Potential safety issues related to a competition gym within the new elementary building were voiced during a special March 28 school board meeting, and the design team with Emergent Architecture was tasked with addressing some of those concerns.

School board members heard a full slate of public comment and entertained a robust debate during a four-hour meeting Monday night, before unanimously approving a preliminary schematic design for the elementary school project.

Community members respond Several community members endorsed the plan for the proposed gymnasium during Monday’s meeting.

“Every year, our kids get bigger, faster and stronger and more competitive, and the design of the current high school gymnasium is not safe, and now we have a place to fix that … this project is great for Decorah,” local attorney Andy Nelson said.

Joie LaFrentz of Decorah said she and her husband currently have four boys attending school in the district, and she called the plans for a competition-sized gym “an incredible opportunity.” She highlighted the importance of providing a safe and “adequately-sized” gym for larger athletes in the community, and she cited several athletes’ injuries which she believed could have been avoided if the district’s gymnasium space had been bigger.

Second floor plan

Andy Nelson of Decorah shared his enthusiasm about proposed plans to include a new competitive-size gymnasium in the Decorah Elementary School building project. (Photos by Roz Weis) Also endorsing the plan for the new larger gym was retired school physical education teacher Cindy Albers who served the district for 39 years.

“Having this opportunity (for additional gym space) is something we need to embrace,” Albers said.

The enhanced gym would potentially be available for community athletic groups, and several letters submitted to the board expressed concerns regarding the impact a larger gymnasium might have on the public’s access to the elementary school.

A number of the letters argued the need for a smaller gymnasium and asked that the district retain additional green space on the campus of the proposed new elementary.

“Young children are easily overwhelmed by large and noisy spaces, especially kids with special needs,” a letter from Deb Edwards of Decorah read, later calling the issue of safety paramount. “Even if you lock the doors after an event, it would be easy for someone to remain in the building after hours.”

Designers refining specifics of school plans Staff with Emergent Architecture held the first of three planned sessions with local teachers and administrators this month to discuss drafted design plans for the new school — designers were asked to add security features in an effort to address previous safety concerns.

Additional meetings are scheduled for April 30 and May 1.

In a follow-up with the board on Monday night, the firm’s spokesperson Patty Spowart presented a schematic drawing for review, which included large corridors with locking

doors to close off the elementary wings from the gymnasium when needed. Decorah School Board member Aaron Zander, who cast the lone dissenting vote to last month’s expanded gym proposal, admitted many of his concerns about safety in the building were adequately addressed by the architects.

However, he said he had hoped further consideration would have been made to find an alternative space for the gymnasium — Zander had proposed placing the gym on the east side of the elementary campus as a separate structure.

He and fellow board member Carole Sand both expressed additional funding concerns during Monday night’s lengthy debate, citing recent reports of declining enrollment and cuts in state funding for schools in Iowa.

Sand said she had renewed concerns about the increased costs associated with expanding the gymnasium size and the ongoing expenses associated with staffing and maintaining the facility as well as the cost of heating and cooling the larger gym.

“We are looking at tough times for public schools,” Sand said. “I think we are looking at a new era in public education.”

Board President Cindy Goodner pointed out that the board has already approved the larger gym by the 4-1 vote in March, and reminded the board the added costs for the expanded gym would be paid through the district’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy — or PPEL — and Secure an Advanced Vision for Education — or SAVE funds, rather than from the $38 million bond issue the public approved in November for the construction of a new elementary school.

The proposed gym would be situated at the south side of the school, and preliminary draw-

A preliminary schematic drawing of the proposed new elementary school and competitive-size gymnasium was presented by the Emergent Architecture during Monday night’s board meeting. Representatives from Emergent will hold two more meetings with teachers, board members and administrators as the footprint for the new space is finalized.

Joie LaFrentz of Decorah spoke at Monday night’s school board meeting, showing support for the new competitive-size gymnasium proposed as part of the Decorah Elementary School building project.

ings showed five kindergarten classrooms, two preschool classrooms, and five first-grade classrooms on the main floor, as well as five second grade classrooms on the building’s second floor. A modern “social stair” feature was also highlighted during Spowart’s presentation.

The social stair area, which boasts various platforms, would be incorporated in the main commons area at the center of the building, offering space for students to gather for various activities throughout the school day.

math to Decorah’s sixth through eighth grade students, echoed Fromm, saying teacher pay must remain competitive, and encouraging members of the Decorah School Board to make themselves heard on the issue.

“You were dealt a hand of 2 percent SSA, and that’s not good,” Lyon said. “I have been to town halls and not many people attend … I would appreciate some public representation from the board in attending public forums and asking questions” regarding state school funding and legislation.

In other business Board members also approved the 2025-26 school budget with an estimated overall tax rate of $13.55.

Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin said the state legislature recently endorsed an increase of 2 percent to the State Supplemental Aid — the per-pupil state aid paid to Iowa’s K-12 public schools — but the measure is still awaiting Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signature.

“It’s the third decrease in a row to that rate,” Cronin noted in his report to the board. “In 2023, the rate was 3 percent, and in 2024 it was 2.50 percent.

As we know, many of our costs will go up more than 2 percent, so it will be difficult for school districts to keep a balanced budget without some form of reductions.”

School districts in Iowa are required to submit final budgets to the state by April 30, and Decorah Schools previously approved a budget assuming no increase in SSA funding — when a finalized SSA rate is signed by the governor, the board has the ability to reduce its overall tax rate.

A pair of Decorah teachers — both Decorah High School alumni — reminded the board of the need for continued support of local teachers during a time of reduced state aid. Fifth grade social studies teacher Zach Fromm said, while he is excited about the construction of an elementary building which he said “will stand the test of time,” he has concerns about recruiting and retaining quality instructors.

“I’ve heard grumbling about teacher pay, and how difficult it is to recruit and retain quality staff,” Fromm said. “I truly believe the current teachers you have in your buildings are your best tool in bringing in new talent, but it is hard when earnings are not competitive with other districts in Iowa.”

Jesse Lyon, who teaches

Board approves other expenses The school board also approved an expenditure of $215,280 for 40 new Smartboards to be installed throughout Decorah High School, Carrie Lee Elementary, Decorah Middle School and John Cline Elementary.

An update in the current 2024-25 school calendar was also adopted, designating May 23 as the last day of school — forgiving two snow days.

Director of Technology Shawn Gordon recommended the board approve an expenditure of $86,482.95 to replace 11 network switches for the district. Gordon said the switches were initially installed in 2014, and the expected lifespan of the enterprise-grade switches was five to eight years. He said replacing the outdated switches will help ensure a dependable network at Carrie Lee Ele-

mentary School. The board approved Gordan’s recommendation and will contract with the district’s current vendor Communications Engineering Company to complete the work.

The board approved expenditures totaling a little more than $83,000 to purchase improved stage lighting, rigging and other safety features for the high school auditorium from Gopher Stage Lighting.

A $24,630 bid from Farmer’s Union Cooperative was also approved for the construction of an on-site propane fueling station. Earlier this year, the board approved the purchase of the district’s first propane-powered school bus, which is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks. District Transportation Director Chris Pronschinske told the board additional dollars will be spent on pouring a concrete pad and adding electrical components to the fueling station.

Board members also approved a detailed listing of summer projects, including sidewalk improvements at John Cline, Decorah Middle School and the high school as well as new roofing projects — one for the gymnasium at Carrie Lee Elementary and the other for the high school commons.

Decorah School Board meetings can be viewed live on the day of the meetings and are archived on the district’s YouTube channel – @decorahTV.

• TRIMMING • REMOVAL • STORM DAMAGE DECORAH BASED • UTILITY FULLY INSURED LINES FREE ESTIMATES • CLIMBERS dotzenrodtreeservice@gmail.com AVAILABLE 319-361-6856

Decorah Leader

(USPS# 151-000) is published weekly by Enterprise Media Inc., 110 Washington Street, Suite 4, Decorah, IA 52101. Periodicals postage paid at Decorah, IA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Enterprise Media Inc., P.O. Box 350, Decorah, Iowa 52101-0350.

Phone: 563-382-4221

News: editor@decorahleader.com Advertising: megan.warner@decorahleader.com Publisher: Christopher Hall Editor: Seth Boyes Subscription Rates ....................... One Year ...................... Six Months 521 zip codes ................................. $57.00 ..............................$35.00 Elsewhere. ...................................... $72.00 ..............................$44.00 Single copies $1.50, mailed $3.50.

First floor plan

Official publication for Decorah and Winneshiek County, Iowa.

Periodicals postage at Decorah, Iowa.

Enterprise Media Inc. DEADLINE POLICY Decorah Leader display advertising: 12 Noon Monday.

News, submissions: 12 Noon Tuesday.

Publisher reserves right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time.

OPINION

4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Reliable sources become a precious commodity when injustice looms Journalists from across the state of Iowa heard from Marisa Kwiatkowski, during the annual Iowa Newspaper Convention – you might recognize Kwiatkowski’s name from a few

BY SETH years ago when she was one of BOYES the investigative reporters who News Editor dug into allegations of abuse within USA Gymnastics, including those against the team’s tions that have come our way former doctor Larry Nassar. as of late, I’d say there’s a fair She told Iowa’s journalists in number of folks in the commuFebruary that, when reporting nity who feel there are deeper on sensitive topics, it’s best to angles – more personal angles – let the sources who are willing to be had. And I don’t disagree to come forward and share their (trust me, we’ve likely heard stories know upfront that what a many of the same accounts reporter may believe about their you have, dear reader, and the account isn’t always the same staff here has tried to pursue as what they can publish. many of them, at times coming Lately, I’ve had to keep re- away without success). To put minding myself of that. it bluntly, hearing simply isn’t Some folks in this area of enough. We as journalists must northeast Iowa are worried. gather verifiable information in That’s been made clear by the order to remain a truthful, ethirecent local protests and those cal and credible source of inforscheduled in the not-too-distant mation for our community. future. People continue to be Like I said, that sometimes concerned about claims of U.S. requires hard work, and it often Immigration and Customs En- takes time. forcement taking action within You see, the public isn’t comthe neighboring community of pelled to answer any and every Postville during recent months question from a reporter who – and those flames of advocacy brandishes a yellowed press have likely been fanned by more pass they keep tucked inside the recent happenings regarding the band of their fedora. We’re not deportation of Kilmar Abrego armed with Wonder Woman’s Garcia to a prison in El Salva- lasso of truth to force irrefutdor. It’s a situation even the U.S. able testimony from reluctant Justice Department had to admit lips. In fact, some might be should not have happened, it’s surprised to learn there are relaone the president of El Salvador tively few instances outside the said he doesn’t intend to remedy realm of government in which and it’s one some worry could anyone is specifically required happen elsewhere in the country to provide journalists with the – I’m sure some worry it could information they may be seekjust as easily happen here in our ing. corner of Iowa.

Yet, we depend on sources – That sort of injustice is some- reliable sources – to build our thing I think is worth speaking reporting. So, the key to purout against. suing those deeper, personal However, not everyone af- angles on topics of importance fected by such things is able is you, dear reader. The key is to speak for themselves, and people like you who have seen sometimes people in the know what’s happening in the comfear potential consequences for munity with your own eyes and speaking up in defense of others are willing to speak on the re– their friends, neighbors or rel- cord. atives. And that sort of silence It’s been about nine months can make a journalist’s job dif- since readers first saw the Decficult. Again, Kwiatkowski’s orah Leader’s golden eagle in words have repeatedly come their mailboxes and on newsback to me in recent weeks and racks around town. In that demonths – we can believe ev- but edition, I introduced myself ery ounce of what we’ve heard here on good ol’ page four, saythrough the grapevine about ing “A local newspaper is part ICE raids or the revoking of lo- of its community and by extencal college students’ visas, but sion is a reflection of the comour professional standards de- munity — for better or worse.” mand we use verifiable sourcFor better or worse, dear es to corroborate what we’ve reader – if the community is heard before any ink touches silent on such matters, its repaper. flection may become much the And such sources become a same. precious commodity when inAgree with Seth? Think he’s justice looms and people are got it completely backwards or afraid. he’s missed the point entirely?

Covering marches, rallies and Let your voice be heard. Letters other large, crowd-based events to the editor may be emailed to is simple enough from a news editor@decorahleader.com or perspective. Yet, judging by the dropped off at 110 Washington phone calls and curious ques- St. Suite 4 in Decorah.

Visit decorahleader.com to read all past Letters to the Editor

I stand with Sheriff Dan Marx

A letter for the legislators, the governor and others

As hard as you may try, it will be impossible to make America all white and “clean.” You must realize caucasian numbers are in decline compared to the general population. Establishing a white minority power base is selfish and dishonorable.

This country is built on diversity, equity and inclusion, making it great. The steps you’re taking to limit DEI will never work.

Try as hard as you may. Have you watched television lately?

Has DEI affected that? Have you seen the churches that accept everybody? Has DEI affected that?

Have you ever watched sports and special olympics? Has DEI affected that?

And now this: “Ban on DEI positions in local government passed by Senate GOP.” Local governments would be prohibited from having diversity, equity and inclusion offices under legislation passed by Senate Republicans. Leave us alone!

Obviously, you don’t have any friends or relatives that fit the DEI profile. What does it feel like to be so special? People don’t want to grow up with your DEI governance. These are false wishes. Stand back.

Look at what you have done: Not a proud moment in our history.

In recent weeks, we have seen reports of multiple examples of errors by immigration and control enforcement. For example, a New Jersey man, married to an American woman and with three American children and with a 2018 court order forbidding his deportation to El Salvador because of likelihood of torture and death, was seized and deported to a notorious El Salvador prison. The administration admits it was an error, but it claims he can’t be returned.

A 30 year old Tufts University graduate student on a student visa was seized by six masked men and whisked 1,300 miles away to a prison in Louisiana, far from her home, friends and her lawyer. She’s not accused of, much less charged with any crime. It’s reported, however, that she co-authored an article in the student newspaper a year ago urging Tufts to sell investments in companies that do business in Israel. That’s not a crime. It would violate the First Amendment if Congress sought to make it crime.

If authorities can ignore the rights of one group, they can ignore the rights of another group. Remember Paster Martin Niemoller’s poem criticizing German passivity in the ‘30s?

“First they came for the socialists, but I was not a socialist, so I said nothing. Then they came for the union members, but I was not…Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.”

I am proud that we have a sheriff who enforces the law to protect our lives and property while also protecting our rights. I stand with Sheriff Dan Marx.

Bill Pardee Decorah

John Carver Decorah

Prosperity, like nobody’s ever seen before

When Trump announced his aspiration to Make America Great Again, we all listened in wonderment about the meaning of “great again.” He never really spelled it out for us. We assumed that he was hankering for some long-lost golden age…but when, exactly? The vague uncertainty of it all kept Americans attentive and guessing. Then, as he began holding rallies, we learned more about the man — his racism, his misogyny, his disdain for cultural elites, his ethnic nationalism, his attraction to blood sports and his fawning over Hollywood celebrities like Marlon Brando, John Wayne and JeanClaude Van Damme. All of this suggested to some of us that “great again” must be a reference to his formative years of the late 1950s, when men were men, women were women, racial minorities were silent and no one had ever heard of acronyms like LGBTQ and DEI. But now it is becoming clear that this understanding of Trump’s vision for America was completely mistaken. He didn’t mean the ‘50s after all. His ambitions, all along, were to recapture the glory of the Gilded Age of the late 19th century. The Gilded Age was a period of rapid population increase, industrialization, urbanization and supercharged economic growth, with most of the immense wealth going into the pockets of policy-meddling monopolists, bearing names like Rockefeller, Morgan, Carnegie and Vanderbilt. The United States of the Gilded Age was, in every way but official, a deeply corrupt oligarchy. And Trump, who is obsessed with economic prosperity, aspires to Make America Gilded Again.

Everyone should be thrilled

that Trump is concerned about enabling Americans to prosper. At the same time, everyone should be both dismayed and perturbed that his understanding of prosperity is so completely callow and impoverished. Material wealth is a mere aspect of prosperity. Would any reasonable person use the word “prosperity” to describe the condition of a billionaire struggling with a terminal illness while languishing under a life sentence in a brutal El Salvadoran prison?

If you haven’t already done so, you might consider checking out the website for The Prosperity Index — index.prosperity.com. There, you will find a much deeper and more realistic understanding of prosperity.

The idea is that true prosperity amounts to a composition of many variables, to include: economic and enterprise conditions, local and national governance, safety and security, personal liberties, social capital, education, living conditions, health and natural environment.

The quality of each of these components is measurable, so the Prosperity Project gathers prodigious amounts of quantified information relevant to determining the quality of each particular component. The result is an annual index, ranking the general prosperity of 167 nations. According to the 2023 index, the United States, which may be the wealthiest nation in the world, ranks No. 19 in terms of prosperity.

If President Trump wants to make America great, then he should adopt policies that promise to improve our prosperity ranking. So far, however, the prospects are not encouraging .

Loyal Rue Decorah

What would Decorah do?

My name is Danielle Dotzenrod. I am the privileged one.

Or at least that’s what Thomas Johnson of Decorah Human Powered Trails called me when addressing city council on Monday, April 7, 2025. He called me that because I have been allowed to speak at Parks and Rec meetings even though I am a non-city taxpayer. Under Iowa Open Meetings Law - Chapter 21, public meetings are required to allow all interested parties the chance to express their views. Johnson stated, “Decorah Human Powered Trails has put in thousands of hours over the past decades to maintain, promote and enhance our trails.” That is true.

They have invested a lot of time and money. But that was their choice. They knew the Van Peenen family included horseback riding when they deeded the land to the city, and they knew adding mountain biking went against family wishes. But they continued investing anyway.

Over the years, DHPT has created trails without city approval, made firepits, bullied equestrians on and off the trails and acted as if the parks are their own private playground. It wasn’t until last fall the Saddle Club learned that in February of 2024, horses had been removed from all other city trails including Ice Cave and Dunning Springs Parks. The very trails we are responsible for creating at the request of then Parks and Rec Director Bob Hunt. Why are we getting kicked off the very limited number of trails we have responsibly ridden for over 50 years, while DHPT’s bad behavior not only continues to go unpunished, but gets rewarded with more and more trails, including up and coming Carlson Park?

Johnson argues that “allowing equestrian use on our trails comes at the request of a social club primarily comprised of non-city residents, and thus, non-city taxpayers,” that “allowing equestrian use puts our trails at great risk” and “the financial well-being of our businesses at great risk.” Should an entire town be designed to appease one small interest group?

Every business person knows that’s a bad investment. And why should catering to their

non-city residents, and thus, non-city taxpayers be more important than the interests of our surrounding community members who spend substantially more of their hard-earned money in Decorah week in and week out. No one group should have the right or power to eliminate any of the rest of us. Johnson states “Decorah will continue to be a mountain biking and trail running destination, and our city will continue to benefit socially, culturally, and of incredible importance to the here and now, financially.” This is rural Iowa with a rich history of agriculture and equestrian use. Many of our families have been in the area a long time and helped build this community while some families are newer and help us grow. Interests and hobbies progress with time. But none of us should undeservingly have our history erased or replaced by progress. Progress should not come at the expense of history.

The Winneshiek County Saddle Club remains committed to sharing the trails with fellow outdoor enthusiasts in a respectful and safe manner. We ask the city of Decorah to require we be treated fairly with the same standard set of rules and regulations you find on these types of shared trails across America to ensure our safety. We do not deserve to be treated differently than other equestrians due to DHPT’s ambition of taking over the Decorah City trail system.

I am “privileged” to be from northeast Iowa. When I was 16, this same newspaper asked me what my life’s dream was.

I responded, “to move back home one day,” although I still had two years of high school at South Winn left to complete.

After fulfilling that dream, I owned a restaurant in nearby Elgin for five years. Whenever city matters came up, I always asked myself, “What would Decorah do?” As the county seat, Decorah’s responsibilities extend beyond city limits and include protecting its surrounding community members that heavily contribute to its success.

Danielle Dotzenrod Canoe Township

Research crucial before Decorah commits to roundabout To the Editor: I appreciate John Hjelle’s suggestion that the public be educated regarding roundabouts. For quite some time, I have been asking whether Decorah will have a roundabout.

There are positives for having a roundabout. There could be less major and fatal accidents, but statistics indicate that there could be a significant increase in minor accidents. The research that i have seen did not include where the roundabouts were located: within city limits, outside city limits or within the business district. The research that I found indicated that the majority of the accidents involve the 16-18 age group, followed by the 65-plus age group. Knowing that the majority of the roundabout accidents involve high school students, does it make sense to have a roundabout constructed relatively close to the high school?

It was just noted in The Decorah Leader that the city of Decorah hired a company to conduct a study regarding vehicle usage on Heivly and College Drive. One of the representatives shared that there is high usage on Heivly as 4,500 vehicles use it per day, and College

Drive is used by 9,500 vehicles per day. As far as I could tell, no information was given as to when the studies were completed. It would be a true representation if two studies were completed with one study being in the summer during non-Nordic Fest days, and one study during the fall/winter during non-peak Luther days. It would also be important to know when the time period for the highest usage occurs and what the numbers reflect. Are we talking a peak period of one to two hours before and after school and work? The representative also implied that Decorah’s population might grow by 1 percent, and that a large population growth is not expected as Decorah does not have the room to expand. How will the delivery of services by law enforcement, fire department and emergency management be affected by a roundabout? Roundabouts are expensive, and the city of Decorah needs to conduct thorough research before committing to a multi-million dollar project.

Laurie Worcester Decorah

NEWS/OBITUARIES

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

5

Nikki Barth

April 13, 1969 - April 6, 2025

Winneshiek County Treasurer Tim Smock (left) introduced his new clerk, Eric Sovereign, during the board of supervisors meeting Monday morning. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Vick proposes $350,000 FY26 budget for public health

Supervisors move forward with previous plan

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors decided Monday to stick with its original plan for covering public health expenses, after Supervisors Vice-Chair Mark Vick proposed to cut Winneshiek County Public Health’s budget by 27 percent.

Winneshiek County Public Health’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2026 is $481,000, and Vick put forward the idea of cutting that amount by more than $120,000.

“We had a public health meeting on Wednesday afternoon, and I’ve just come up with some information I’ve gotten from them,” Vick said Monday. “My recommendation for the budget would be just to give them a flat $350,000 a year, and they get to keep … their grant money, their nursing fees. That way … they can figure out the costs to run the nurses, they can hire more if they want, and with that budget cut, they can figure it out.”

Vick told his fellow board members his calculation was

based on a $1.41 cost per county resident multiplied by 12 months and the county’s total population for a total of approximately $330,000 per year, adding he “just rounded it up to $350,000.”

Winneshiek County Public Health Administrator Krista Vanden Brink said the dollar figures Vick used in the supervisors’ meeting were discussed during the board of health’s meeting last week, and she said “those numbers would fluctuate as the year progressed.” However, she said Vick didn’t share his proposal with the board of health during its meeting.

The supervisors had previously reached a consensus during an April 7 meeting to explore a public health contract with either WinnMed or Gundersen Clinic in Decorah — a process that hasn’t yet begun and which, several supervisors agreed would take some time.

Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck recommended the board continue with the previous plan they agreed upon last week, with the understanding that the public health budget could be amended in June if needed. The

board generally agreed with Langreck’s proposal.

In other business • The supervisors approved the hiring of Eric Sovereign as a new clerk in the Winneshiek County Treasurer’s office.

• County engineer Michael Kueny’s budget and five-year plan was approved. Kueny said his annual budget is approximately $9 million.

• Kueny announced a new bonding agent will be used on the gravel along Town Line Road from Iowa Highway 52 to Middle Calmar Road and on Whitetail Road from Quarry Hill Road to Clay Hill Road. The new agent contains enzymes which will reduce the amount of rock needed to cover gravel roads, and a byproduct might also reduce dust, Kueny said.

• A public hearing on zoning ordinance amendments was scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, April 28.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 21 in the courthouse annex.

Bliven pleads not guilty to sexual exploitation charge Court records indicate trial not likely until after mid-June

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A former Decorah High School band director has pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual exploitation by a school employee.

Dustin Harland Bliven was placed on leave in mid-February following allegations he engaged in what court records called a pattern of inappropriate behavior with a female student over several months. A criminal complaint filed in the case accused the 48-year-old of physically touching a student in what was described as sexual nature on Feb. 15, 2025, while the teen was inside Bliven’s high school office. Bliven signed his plea of not guilty on April 9, and he waived his right to a trial within 90 days — the plea indicated Bliven and his attorney will not be available to appear for trial prior to June 15.

A statement previously released by the Decorah Police Department said officers were informed of concerns involving Bliven on Saturday, Feb. 15, and an officer met with the student and her mother that Monday.

Investigators said the student and Bliven had been communicating regularly as early as Oc-

Dustin Harland Bliven tober of 2024 via text messages, FaceTime and the mobile app Snapchat. Court records show the teen told police Bliven regularly initiated conversations with her — court records outlined a lengthy video call which occurred outside of the school day — and at times commented on her appearance. Court records show police seized at least three mobile devices belonging to Bliven on Feb. 18 as part of the investigation.

The student said she and Bliven at some point “made a plan to meet so she could get music for her solo contest, but Bliven told her he was just using it as an excuse to see her.”

Court documents allege Bliven and the student met in his office on Saturday, Feb. 15 — the student had turned 18 earlier that month.

The teen claimed Bliven embraced her from behind before sitting beside her for several minutes, holding her hand at times and repeatedly touching

her arm and thighs. The teen told police she initially did not feel Bliven had done anything wrong, adding she thought he “was just really excited to see her and that was why he was so touchy that day,” but she also said the 48-year-old’s alleged behavior made her “afraid Bliven might start doing stuff, such as kissing her,” and “she was thinking about what she was going to do if he did try to do something.”

Police ultimately notified the school district of the concerns regarding Bliven, and investigators began working with school officials to “isolate the incident” and ensure student safety in order to conduct a proper investigation. Bliven was placed on leave as of Tuesday, Feb. 18 — the school had been closed that Monday in observance of President’s Day. Bliven was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:40 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 — four days after police initially met with the teen and her mother. Bliven was released after posting bond on Feb. 22, and a no contact order has since been put in place. The Decorah School Board unanimously accepted Bliven’s resignation on March 10 — less than three weeks after he was initially placed on leave.

Bliven faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Investigators said anyone with information about the alleged incident is encouraged to contact the Decorah Police Department at 563-382-3667.

Nikki Barth, 55, of Decorah, died Sunday, April 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at St. Mary’s Hospital in R o c h e s t e r, Minnesota following complications from heart bypass surgery.

Nikki Jo Nikki Barth Barnes Barth was born April 13, 1969 at Mercy Hospital in Mason City to Bert E. and Velma K. Valley Barnes. Nikki joined her siblings Terri, Robert, Richard and Sabrina to complete their family. She was the princess of the family and had everyone wrapped around her finger!

Nikki lived in Plymouth, Iowa, until she was five and then moved to Rockwell where she graduated with the class of 1987. After high school, she graduated from Hamilton Business College and attended NIAAC in Mason City. She worked at Hardee’s, prepared taxes for many individuals, was a graphic designer for Metalcraft and worked in the lab at Kraft Foods in Mason City.

The most important person in her life was her son, Mitchell.

She adored him and loved him with unconditional love. As a single mother, she made sure he had a wonderful life.

Nikki met Eric Barth, the love of her life, in Lansing through her brother, Rich. They were married on May 10, 2014, at Decorah Lutheran Church.

While living in Decorah, she managed several apartment

buildings and worked at Collins.

In their free time together, she and Eric loved to go camping with friends and family, fishing in Lansing while staying at the family cabin, ride their motorcycle and watch TV. Nikki was a competitive card player, always trying to beat her fatherin-law, Gordy, every time they played together. She loved to play cards and Yahtzee.

She was the master negotiator; she could talk a bear out of his fur! It didn’t matter if she was shopping or antiquing, she could get a deal every time! She was a talented artist. More of her favorite things to do were antiquing, decorating her home, eating at Taco Taco and Godfather’s. At Christmas, she would pull out all of the decorations and deck her house with style.

Dogs were her passion. She lived her entire life with dogs: Pierre, Baby, the St. Bernard, Queenie, Ben, Maggie, Romeo, Abby and Bella.

Nikki is survived by her loving husband, Eric Barth of Decorah; her son, Mitchell Lee Barnes (partner Taylor Spies of Osage); her mother, Velma Valley Barnes of Mason City; siblings: Terri (Marty) Nowotny of Victor, Iowa, Robert Barnes (partner Lisa Peter) of Mason City, Richard Barnes (partner Bev Needham) of Waukon, and Sabrina Burton of Breese, Illinois; nieces and nephews: Catherine (Tyler) Varo, Belle Plaine, Iowa, Christopher Nowotny (Nikki Junge) of Hiawatha, Iowa, Alexander (Kirsten) Nowotny of Victor, Andrew (Megan) Nowotny of Cedar Rapids, Jonathan (Medora)

Nowotny of Williamsburg, Jennifer (Zach) Phelps of Tipton, Iowa, Marissa (Kevin) Mason of Mason City, Derrick Barnes (partner Devon Mullenbach) of Northwood, Iowa, Dustin Barnes of Mankato, Minnesota, Erin (Justin) Hamiel of Collinsville, Illinois, and Maddison Burton of St. Louis, Illinois.

She is also survived by her other family, Eric’s parents, Gordon and Gertrude Barth of Decorah; his siblings: Geoff Barth and Tim Barth both of Austin, Minnesota, Sue Holladay of Decorah, and Troy (Rose) Barth of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota; and by nieces and nephews.

Nikki is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Milan Eugene and Alma Marie Moellermann Valley; paternal grandparents, Bernard Wesley and Vera Valley Roberts Barnes; her father, Bert Elwood Barnes; niece, Elizabeth Antoinette Nowotny; and nephew, Matthew Aaron Nowotny.

While she believed she was going to heaven because “she was a good person,” she understood she was wrong, and asked Jesus to save her, and “He said yes. Jesus is Lord!” She is now spending eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For this, we are at peace with her death.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials or cards of condolence can be sent to: Eric Barth, 601 E. Main St., Decorah, IA 52101; Mitchell Barnes, 516 Chase St., Osage, IA 50461; or Velma Barnes, 435 19th St. SW., Mason City, IA 50401.

ful children into the world, and they made their home on the Busta Farm, just south of Little Turkey. There, Steven’s passion for farming continued to flourish as he expanded into raising hogs, showcasing his versatility and dedication to providing for his family. In 1997, with a spirit of lifelong learning, Steven returned to NICC and earned his degree in 2000, embarking on a new career path as an electrician. His first position with Mracek Electric was a stepping-stone that led him to Luther College in Decorah where he joined the Maintenance Department. His time at Luther was marked by joy and camaraderie, as he cherished the good times and friendships formed with his co-workers.

After two decades at Luther College, Steven transitioned to MercyOne Hospital in New Hampton where he continued to apply his electrical expertise for another two years. His professional journey was a testament to his adaptability, skill and unwavering work ethic.

Steven’s “best life” unfolded in the years of his retirement. With the same passion and vigor that characterized his earlier years, he embraced a host of activities that connected him to the outdoors. Rebuilding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, trapping,

and simply being part of nature were pursuits that brought him immense joy. His hands, ever-creative and skilled, breathed new life into old tractors and warmed his home with wood he had cut himself.

Steven crafted toy boxes for his cherished grandchildren, infusing each creation with love and care. Even when illness prevented him from building one for Sarah’s family, his selflessness shone through as he ensured one was made.

Survivors include his wife, Susan; children: Matthew (Kelly) Busta of Poulsbo, Washington, Natalie (Chris) Niedbalski of Omaha, Nebraska, Carolyn Busta of Decorah and Sarah (Kelby) Reicks of Waucoma; six grandchildren: Annelise, Rosalie, Maisy, Owen, Isabelle and Baron; sister, Alice (Robert) Kuennen of Cedar Falls; brother, James (Rita) Busta of Mountain Grove, Missouri; motherin-law, Helen Stark of Cresco; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ann Ott; father-in-law, Dean Stark; and brothers-in-law: Jean Ott, Greg Stark and Larry Stark.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, March 22 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Little Turkey with Rev. Nick Radloff as celebrant. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Little Turkey.

Steven Busta

Oct. 31, 1961 - March 11, 2025 Steven M. Busta, 63, of Little Turkey, died Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home.

S t e v e n Mark Busta was born Oct. 31, 1961, in New Hampton, the son of Ben and Lorraine (Dvorak) Busta. He received his Steven Busta education in the Turkey Valley Schools, graduating in 1980.

Even as a high school student, he was deeply involved in the agricultural community, working on the farm, raising cattle and handling custom round baling while also raising corn and beans.

Steven’s zest for life was not limited to his agricultural endeavors; he relished the camaraderie and adventures shared with friends, including some memorable ski trips. During an encounter at the Brite Spot in Lawler in 1982, Steven met the love of his life, Susan Stark. From a casual meeting to a steady relationship that blossomed in 1986. They exchanged vows on Nov. 14, 1987, at Assumption Parish in Little Turkey, uniting their lives in a ceremony that celebrated their deep affection.

Steven and Susan started their family, welcoming four beauti-

Harriet Onsager

Oct. 10, 1927 - April 14, 2025 Harriet Onsager, 97, died Monday, April 14, 2025 at Regina Senior Living in Hastings, Minnesota.

Harriet was born Oct. 10, 1927 to Minnie and Jack Telford. She Harriet Onsager grew up in the Decorah Iowa area and attended school in Decorah. Harriet worked in a dental office growing up and after marriage, worked in the Decorah lunch program; eventually became the supervisor of that program.

Harriet married Oscar Onsager in January 1948 and was blessed with two children. Harriet and Oscar owned and operated Model Paint and Wallpaper for over 30 years.

She loved knitting, crocheting, sewing, needle work and counted cross stitch. Harriet

was strong-willed and determined. She did not let problems bother her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Jack Telford; husband, Oscar; brother, Robert Telford; brother-inlaw, Rollie Grotegut; and sisters-in-law, Vicki Telford and Lin Fuhs.

Harriet is survived by her children, Jacklyn (Jerry) Rosendahl and Judy (Bruce) Hamilton; four grandchildren: Tina Schmitz, Tammi Brochman, Jenifer Winter and Scott Hamilton; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Hazel Grotegut, Neal Telford and Nadine (Dave) Siems; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Interment will be in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah at 11 a.m.

Friday, April 18.

Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.

Service Notices ALICE ELSBERND, 89, of Fort Atkinson, died Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Stoney Brook in West Union. Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, April 14 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Father David Beckman presiding.

GARY STORTZ, 76, of Highlandville, died Monday, April 14, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church with Rev. Matthew Becker presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church.

NEWS

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

County conservation board votes to proceed with Neste Campground project

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Winneshiek County Conservation Board is moving forward with its plans for the Neste Valley Recreational Area and Campground.

The board voted 4-1 on April 8 in favor of proceeding with the current design of the campground and widening the entrance road to the recreation area. The vote came after the board heard from Andrea Ondrashek and her husband Mark, whose back yard is approximately 500 feet from the campground’s future location.

“We’re here today to continue to share our opposition to the construction of the campground at the Neste Valley Recreation Area,” Andrea Ondrashek said.

The Ondrasheks previously shared their concerns with the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on March 17 but were told they should first address the conservation board.

Ondrashek went on to say she and her husband had provided a list of questions to Barb Schroeder, executive director of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board, on March 27 and reiterated their questions to her in a March 31 email, but the Ondrasheks claimed during the conservation board’s April 8 meeting that they received no response — Schroeder said she plans to answer the Ondrashek’s questions within a timeframe of two weeks to 30 days.

“There’s no plan on your website showing this campground,” Ondrashek told the conservation board last week.

“It seems like it’s very quiet, and it’s being done without the public’s knowledge.”

Schroeder said the Ondrashek family came to a board meeting in 2021 and expressed concern over the campground plans near their property. Officials attempted to redesign the campground to accommodate the Ondrasheks’ request and build the campground farther away, according to Schroeder, but the resulting design included fewer camp sites than originally planned, which didn’t meet requirements for the grant funding which was expected to pay for the campground’s construction. Schroeder noted the most recent design meets those requirements while still placing the campground approximately 1,000 feet from the Ondrasheks’ property. The new design con-

Winneshiek County Conservation Board member Tim Wagner shared how much money comes into the county each year because of tourism and recreation. (Photo by Zach Jensen) sists of 36 camping spurs, rather than the 74 which were originally planned, she said.

The Ondrasheks’ said during last week’s meeting that their primary concern is the proximity of the campground to their property. They have also expressed concern about the cost of the campground, how much revenue it would generate for the county and how much the project will cost taxpayers.

Winneshiek County Conservation Board member Tim Wagner said he contacted Winneshiek County Development and Tourism to added learn more specifics about the campground’s feasibility and potential economic benefits.

“Direct visitor spending coming into Winneshiek County was $45.9 million in 2023, and out of that, $6.8 million was directly related to recreation,” Wagner said, adding those numbers have increased each year.

“The bottom line is these are not privately-run facilities, and they’re not designed to generate a profit …, but it brings money into the county — a lot of money into the county.”

Schroeder and board members said county officials also previously considered other locations for the campground project.

“If you didn’t know any of the background at all, it does seem like an odd place to put a campground right now,” said Winneshiek County Conservation Board Vice-Chair Tina Hall. “Certainly, if it was just a campground and nothing else, I don’t think it would get a lot of use. But … there is a much

larger vision for connected bike trails. Way beyond our conservation board — there are plans and ideas. There is evidence and data to show that this would likely become a used campground once we have the bike path. But, we’ve got to start somewhere for moving forward, and I think this is the logical first step.”

Schroeder said some of the county conservation board’s current priorities include Dry Run Trail and the widening of the campground’s entrance. She said the recreational area at the proposed campground has been closed to the public, adding it hasn’t been safe to drive on, and she said officials plan to create a sturdy entranceway for vehicles in order to allow visitors to use the area for hiking.

“This has been in the works for over a decade, and this is how far we are,” said Winneshiek County Conservation Board Chair Kristin Torresdal.

“Which isn’t to say good stuff hasn’t happened, but the timeline stretches out pretty far into the future before we’re potentially up and running with a full-fledged campground, if my estimation of that is correct.”

Schroeder echoed Torresdal, saying the campground project is still in its initial phase.

“We’re a long ways from (having) a campground,” she said. “We have to do all our work piecemeal, so this is the first step.”

Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck, who sits on the conservation board, voted against proceeding with the project.

Decorah All Vets Club Manager and U.S. Army veteran Daniel Kirkeby lines up a shot on one of the club’s five 7-foot pool tables. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Decorah All Vets Club to open pool hall to the public

Pork loin dinner scheduled to raise funds for new kitchen equipment

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Decorah All Vets Club is keeping busy this spring by opening its basement pool hall to the public, adding a new chair lift and hosting a pork loin fundraiser to pay for a new dish sanitizer in its kitchen.

Decorah native and United States Army veteran Daniel Kirkeby, who manages the club, said that beginning April 27, the club’s basement pool parlor — consisting of five 7-foot pool tables — will be open to the public from 1-5 p.m., every Sunday starting April 27. The parlor will also be open by special request. Kirkeby, who is also the club’s head cook, began hosting pool classes for local middle schoolers earlier this year, and he said he’s encouraging people to play simply because he loves the game.

“For kids, I think it’s important that you learn pool etiquette early,” he said. “You see too many guys in bars getting mad and smacking their sticks.

I just want kids to learn to respect the equipment, respect the game and definitely respect your opponent. My whole goal is to teach them early, and I’ve always enjoyed working with kids.”

The Decorah All Vets Club is already hosting Decorah pool leagues, and Kirkeby said he may host a number of tournaments during the off season. Pool tables may be rented

A recently-donated stair chairlift will help Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1977 members and visitors traverse the stairs leading to the basement museum and pool hall. (Photo by Zach Jensen) for $1 per game or $6 for one hour, and soda, pizza and chips will be available in the family-friendly environment. The club is located at 104 State St, Decorah.

Need a lift?

The club’s basement is also home to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1977’s new museum, which contains military photos, uniforms, books, patches, medals and other memorabilia. The post recently received a dona-

Fish Kill placed a few berms near the east side open lots to prevent runoff from flowing into the grassed waterway,” the report said. “There was an area near the west side open lots, where he had stacked a lot of snow, and he also mentioned he had a waterline break in the winter that caused more water to accumulated around the open lot areas.”

The report said the runoff was entering Dry Run Creek and at least one of the creek’s unnamed tributaries from March 10-12. The runoff was found to have entered the tributary west of 255th Avenue, and investi-

gators found ammonia in the water “all the way downstream at 233rd Avenue,” southwest of Decorah. Ammonia levels as high as 23 milligrams per liter were found in several places downstream from the runoff, including the mouth of the “cut” on the Upper Iowa River in Decorah, Meyers’ report said.

The high concentrations of ammonia caused the waters to turn yellow and foamy, according to a report from DNR District Supervisor Mike Siepker.

Fish species affected by the kill included blacknose dace, bluntnose minnow, brook stick-

leback, common shiner, creek chub, fantail darter, longnose dace, johnny darter, sand shiner, stoneroller and white sucker, Siepker said in his report. State officials also found dead aquatic worms, crawdads and frogs were impacted by the runoff.

Steve Veysey, a retired chemist and current member of the Driftless Water Defenders — a regional nonprofit environmental group — claims the death of 100,0000-plus fish may not have been caused strictly by the increased ammonia.

“The toxicity of ammonia to aquatic life is dependent on the pH and the water temperature,”

Veysey said. “Both of those measurements need to be done at the time a sample is grabbed for ammonia analysis.”

Veysey also said adult fish and juveniles were included in the kill, but he noted no dead trout were found.

“What this indicates to me is the possibility that chronic pollution, not enough to show up as a fish kill, may be going on,” he said. “Water quality has

continued from front

degraded over time. There also may be some variable flow limitations. What is really needed is an ongoing, annual assessment to establish the index of biotic integrity. That’s one metric to quantify biological impairment.”

Documents from the Iowa DNR indicated officials will be pursuing enforcement actions, but Meyers said it was unclear which

tion of a stair chairlift to help members and visitors traverse the basement stairway.

The post’s quartermaster, Mark Stockdale, said the chairlift — valued at approximately $6,000 — was provided by a donor wishes to remain anonymous.

Fundraiser meal planned The VFW and All Vets Club are also planning a fundraising dinner, which will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 25 at the club. The meal, which will include sliced pork loin, mash potatoes, vegetables, salad, dinner rolls, coffee, milk and a dessert, will cost $15, and tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting VFW members, calling the club at 563-3825232 or visiting the club when it’s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesdays, 6-10 p.m. Thursdays, 3-8 p.m. Fridays and 7-10 a.m.

Saturdays.

Take-out meals will be available, and all funds raised will be used to pay for a new dish sanitizer in the club’s kitchen.

SILK FLOWER SERVICE Offering service to all Winneshiek Co. cemeteries

Visit our Facebook page to view Floral Arrangement options @SolacedLovedOnes

563-419-6478 • solacedlovedones@gmail.com

Congratulations to Storied Folk & Co. on the grand opening of their brick-and-mortar location! Pictured is owner Linley Cavin with husband Jess, son Holden and daughter Andi along with Chamber Ambassadors Tade Kerndt, Ray Rinkol, Tara McConnell, Nick Wilz, Maureen Duncklee, David Robinson, Lashelle Evans, Chris Hicks, Heather Benzing, Marcia Madrigal, Joe Hammel and Adam Baker.

507 W. Water St., Decorah 563.382.3990 decorahareachamber.com

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

7

Beckman continued from front his former students has been a rewarding experience, and his colleagues say Beckman has established a local legacy by helping young minds see passion in the musical arts.

“I was not musically talented, but I was still in chorus all eight years,” Amundson said.

“I never quit, even through high school, because he made it fun. Everyone did it in middle school — that was the thing you did — because it was enjoyable to just sing.”

Decorah sixth grade science teacher Scott Boylen said it’s rare for any student to withdraw from one of Beckman’s productions, and he credited Beckman with a distinct ability to motivate the young students — Boylen described himself as a less than musical individual, but said he directed a handful of plays while previously employed at the MFL MarMac Community School District.

“I know what it takes to get a group of kids to do that – and I had seventh and eighth graders, he’s got sixth graders,” Boylen said. “There’s advantages to that, and there’s also challenges to it, but he does an amazing job, and the kids absolutely love him.”

Building a program Beckman said he himself was once assigned a lead role in his own high school’s production of “Here Comes Mr. Jordan” — perhaps before he felt ready to be a lead actor, he said — but he would later become involved with regional stage productions in Decorah as well as Spring Grove, Minnesota. Beckman said he joined a traveling tent show in 1982 — serving as both actor and musician while traveling across southern Iowa and northern Missouri. He attended Luther College, performing under Luther’s famed conductor Weston Noble — an experience he called life-changing for all who had the privilege — and graduated in 1985 before taking his first teaching job in Westby, Wisconsin, where he had been a student teacher.

It was there that he said he was first exposed to musical productions at the elementary level.

“I just was like, ‘If I could go back to Decorah, which is a marvelous town, and build a program like I saw those teachers build in Westby, that would be the cat’s meow,” Beckman said.

And he was given the chance to do just that a few years later.

Beckman began a position with the Decorah Community School District in 1988, and the first in what would become a string of almost 40 productions began the next year, with

ABOVEDecorah Middle School music teacher Dean Beckman will be retiring at the end of the school year. He began teaching there in 1988 and has directed 37 stage productions since then.

RIGHT- Santa Claus, played by Carson Bateman, handed a snow globe to Buddy the Elf, played by Maximus Rinkol, during Thursday’s performance as he explained Buddy’s father lived in New York City. a performance of “Tom Sawyer.” That middle school debut was followed by “Pandora” in 1990, and today the full list includes titles such as “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” and “Hairspray Jr.” Beckman chose to end his streak with “Elf The Musical Jr.” — Beckman explained he had wanted to direct a Christmas show for many years, but there was never enough time to do so following auditions for the annual Opus Honor Choir in September.

“I limit how much I try to match a show with a group of kids, because I’m always surprised with certain students,” Beckman said. “Often there are surprises like ‘Oh, I didn’t see that coming. This person is going to be perfect for this part,’ and it wasn’t who I would have guessed.”

Beckman said the audition process for the middle school productions spans three weeks — several times what he said many directors would schedule. But he said introducing the musical material during that process and filling each role with the ideal student helps set each year’s show on the right trajectory. Redenius said many parents are surprised to see how confidently their children sings, dance and recite pages of memorized dialogue in front of a crowded auditorium, and Amundson said students’ time in the spotlight often allows them to be recognized for more than their academic work.

“There are so many students that we’ve had over the years

Middle school performers belted out a happy tune at the urging of Buddy the Elf during Thursday’s performance of “Elf The Musical Jr.” at Carrie Lee Elementary. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

who have this knack for performance arts that don’t always stand out in the classroom – it’s not that they’re bad students, but they find their place within performing arts, and it gives them a chance to find early on what makes them shine,” Amundson said.

Beckman said he’s not entirely sure whether he’s met his goal of building a musical theatre program like the one which inspired him as a young teacher, but he indicated that’s only because his years of experience continue to show him ways he could potentially refine the annual productions.

“The great thing about teaching is you can’t get everything right, and so each fall you have a list of things you want to improve,” Beckman said.

But his fellow teachers said it’s clear he has made a lasting impact on generations. Several staff members said they have seen students gain a sense of self-worth, belonging and accomplishment thanks to Beckman’s leadership.

“I just felt like, if you can make them a star, your teaching will be more credible to them,” Beckman said.

Building relationships Beckman’s middle school colleagues said students are drawn to his personality and sense of humor, which they said create a sense of family among the budding young musicians. Amundson also noted that, while she and many of her fellow teachers only teach a given student for one school

ONEOTA VALLEY COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA Music Director Matthew Cody

SEASON FINALE & OVCO ONLINE AUCTION

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 **NEW TIME**

4:30PM at Decorah High School 100 Claiborne Dr., Decorah Free will donation

Featuring pieces by Jessie Montgomery, Johannes Brahms & Howard Hanson

Season sponsors: Marion E. Jerome Foundation & Depot Outlet

www.ovcorchestra.org Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority

AUCTION CLOSES MAY 4 Proceeds benefit OVCO

Buddy the Elf, played by Maximus Rinkol, stood above the busting New York crowds as he searched for his father during Thursday’s performance of “Elf The Musical Jr.” at Carrie Lee Elementary. year, Beckman often welcomes students to his classroom several years in a row as they participate in vocal music class and middle school chorus. Beckman also assists ninth grade choir students for half the year to add what he called continuity to the district’s vocal music program, and a number of Decorah’s high school students also support the annual middle school productions by teaching choreography, handling sets and applying makeup backstage.

“He just builds this connection with these kids, and he gets to see them change from 10 year olds to 14 year olds,” Amundson said. “That’s a huge part of their life, and he gets to be there for it.”

Lisa Witzke, who is also preparing to retire from teaching sixth grade social studies, said a

full-fledged production requires the sixth-grade performers to put in plenty of work, “It all comes together, and it meshes, and it’s beautiful,” Witzke said.

Amundson and others said Beckman also takes steps to involve students who don’t enter his music room as often as some. Amundson noted a pair of 11 year olds were responsible for the 24 microphones involved in last week’s production, and young students were also operating the spotlights — a bulb failed in one of the lights during Thursday night’s performance, and staff noted how seriously the young students took the matter as part of their role in the production.

And Decorah sixth grade math teacher Kelly Farley said it was clear last week many

students weren’t ready for the experience to end after Friday’s final curtain.

“It’s something to be a part of – you’re a part of it, and it sticks with you forever,” she said.

“You talk to former students of Mr. Beckman, their sixth-grade musical always comes up.”

Witzke and others said, while they will celebrate alongside Beckman as he retires, his successor will have big shoes to fill.

But Beckman likely won’t be an unfamiliar face at the middle school next year. Staff expects him to be seated in the audience during next year’s musical production, and Beckman himself said he’ll likely take on a substitute teaching role.

“I don’t need to feel like I’m never going to step foot in a school again,” he said.

8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

u o Y k Than BUS DRIVERS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

9

BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY IS APRIL 22, 2025 for going the extra mile!

Decorah school bus driver reflects on 50-year career DECORAH SCHO OLS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

As Gary Fairchild looks back on his 50-year career with the Decorah Community School District, a smile comes over his face.

What he’s doing is as sacred to him as it was on the first day he started — safely driving kids to and from school.

The 73-year-old Decorah man started out driving kindergarteners to school in a red Ford Galaxy station wagon — partly due to the fact the youngsters only attended school for half-days at that time. He had what he called an official route from 1976 until 2017. Since then, he has taken pride in driving one of the district’s special education buses with a morning and afternoon route, as well as driving for frequent field trips and Special Olympics activities throughout the year.

During his early years driving bus, he coordinated his bus schedule around his full-time job at Camcar Manufacturing in Decorah. He retired from Camcar in 2017.

A Cresco native, he graduated from Mabel-Canton High School and moved to Decorah in 1974. He and his wife Karen are at home in Decorah. He has two sons and two stepsons.

When he started driving bus in the fall of 1974, the Decorah district’s vehicle fleet was hovering around 20 vehicles. Times have changed, and the district’s transportation department currently boasts a fleet of 46.

Fairchild cited other bus improvements over the years, including advances in safety systems, controls and the comfort of the buses. In the early days he used a manual stop arm to signal along the route. Buses in that era had no tinted glass, and there were no two-way radios or cell phones to help drivers communicate if there were problems along their routes.

Among the other transportation industry changes during the 50 years, according to Fairchild, are modern GPS tracking systems and bus routing software. Gas prices were another big change. Back in 1974, gasoline had a 50-cents— pergallon price tag, compared to diesel prices today, which are hovering around $3.50 per gallon.

Gary Fairchild of Decorah, pictured with one of buses at the Decorah Community School District’s new bus garage, has been dedicated to driving students to and from school for 50 years.

(Photo by Roz Weis)

Gary Fairchild sits behind the wheel of one of the Decorah School District’s buses.

(Submitted photo)

Inspiring Senior Living Options for Everyone aasehaugen.com 563-382-3603

Kids are his therapy 101 W. Main St., Ossian, IA 52161

563-532-9120 www.beckerhardwareinc.com

2191 US Hwy 52, Decorah | (563) 382-2901

BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS, INC.

900 Montgomery St., Decorah 563-382-2933

Decorah • 382-5592 | Waukon • 568-3130

www.jwkitchens.com

PLAN 1 FINANCIAL

Gregory T. Weis, LUTCF

General Securities Principal; Graduate, College for Financial Planning

Martin T. Weis, LUTCF

General Securities Representative 403 W. Water St. | 563-382-8258 | plan1financial.com

The veteran driver knows his job isn’t just about driving a bus every day — it’s fostering relationships with the kids on the bus, with the families and with teachers, administrators and coworkers.

What hasn’t changed over the 50 years is his dedication to the students he serves.

Fairchild emphasized the impact the young people have had on his career.

“I’ve been battling cancer for 2.5 years,” he said, “and these kids are my therapy.”

His dedication to his job is reflected in his commitment to his daily routes, oftentimes scheduling

his medical appointments around his bus schedule.

He said the best part of his day is the very first greeting in the mornings, and a favorite “perk of the job” is a big, early-morning hug from one of his student passengers.

Fairchild’s consistent respect and admiration for the kids is returned.

“I treat every kid like my own,” he continued. “I try to be as kind as I can.”

Appreciation

As he drives out of the district’s new bus garage every morning, he sees a sea of yellow buses lined up and ready to serve. He realizes that vision came about due to dedication from many transportation officials, district administrators and board members.

He said one of the biggest improvements to Decorah Schools’ transportation department in recent years was the purchase of a district-owned bus garage in 2022.

“The new bus garage is great,” he said. “It was a long time coming.”

Fairchild has worked under four bus superintendents during the past 50 years, and he acknowledged the work of the current director – Transportation Director Chris Pronschinske.

“Chris is great,” he said. “He’s really on top of things.”

Pronschinske praised Fairchild for his kindness, consistency, dedication and passion for the driving bus.

“I’ve had parents call me to tell me what a good driver he is,” Pronschinske said. “That doesn’t happy very often.”

“Friendly” and “kind” are just a few of the comments echoed by parents along Fairchild’s bus routes, according to Pronschinske.

Several local parents shared their admiration for Fairchild’s service to the community.

“The DCSD is very lucky to have Gary as a bus driver,” said Tonya Remick. “The way he builds relationships not only with the kids who ride his bus but also the parents. He is such a caring person. He definitely has made an impact on our family’s life as well as others. Thank you Gary for all the years you have connected with students and families. You are truly something special.”

Claire Martin said Fairchild has been picking up her son Luke at their front door for the past two years.

“Luke runs to the bus and is always greeted by a smile and a “Good job, Luke!” from Gary,” Martin said. “At the end of the day, Luke almost always has to give Gary a hug before getting off the bus. Gary is kind and patient even if students are struggling. We appreciate his steady presence and warm personality.”

Dustin and Erin Vercande said Fairchild’s positivity seems perpetual.

“Gary always has a smile on his face and goes above and beyond whenever there is a change in our schedule,” the couple said. “He’s an incredible asset to the school system and we hope for many more years transporting our child to school.”

Among the longest drivers in Decorah School District history, Fairchild has earned the admiration of parents, but also students, his coworkers and the district’s administrative team.

Drivers agree it’s not always easy being a bus driver. They are faced with navigating routes, managing potential safety concerns and handling stressful situations. But Fairchild says consistency helps. The veteran driver said, despite any challenges of the job, the students riding his bus are kind. That positive sentiment has stayed with him over the last 50 years of driving, and Fairchild said he feels fortunate to have chosen to drive school bus and, each morning, anticipate his daily calling — to get the kids to school.

Front row (l-r): Chris Frantsvog, Bob Hlubek, Tim Mueller, Dean Barth, Dean McCabe, Gary Fairchild, Ron Fulsaas, Mike Casterton, Linda Canton, Transportation Assistant Abby Halderson, Orabel Ehrie, Bryon Ehrie and Ron Onsager. Back row: Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin, Erik Stoen, Brian Westby, Kirk Johnson, Loren Foels, DeAnn Christopher, Erv Yahr, Dan McCaffrey, Larry Ingvalson, Wayne Petersburg, Jim Boland, Jeff Ode, Paul Nichols, Kevin Barth, Dennis Benzing and Transportation Director Chris Pronchinske. (Photo submitted)

SOUTH WINNESHIEK COMMUNITY SCHO OL DISTRICT Front row (l-r): Lynda Johnson, Mike Johnson, Alan Severson, Don DiLaura and Kurt Anfinson. Back row: Jason Halverson, Keith Frana, Todd Wagner, John Frana, Dan Dietzenbach, Dave Orvis and Ken Ehler. Not pictured: Kyle Meyer and Bob Bily.

Substitute/Activity Drivers (Not Pictured): Luther Anderson, Paul Bakewell, Adam Brincks, David Brincks, Doug Bullerman, Justin Einck, Kris Einck, Will Hageman, Jason Halverson, Todd Hills, Mitch Holthaus, Jeff Kuboushek, Jake Ludeking, Isaac Phillips, TJ Schissel, John Svendsen, Mike Wilder and Brian Zweibohmer. (Photo submitted)

r u o Y k Than TURKEY VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHO OL DISTRICT Pictured (l-r): Jim Mihm, Marsha Wenthold, Dennis Dietzenbach, Liz NiemanSimmons, Ernie Schmitt, Jennie Reicks, Tyler Schwade, Kurt Huinker and Tammy Winter.

Substitute Drivers (Not Pictured): Dave Anderson, Tim Beckman, Clair Dietzenbach, Shane Riehle and Ryan Vsetecka. (Photo submitted)

Open Daily 6AM-8PM

501 Sanford Street - Decorah, IA 52101

563-382-2441

900 Short St. Decorah, IA

On the fourth Tuesday each April, we extend our appreciation and support for local bus drivers and thank them for caring for our children. Whether transporting children to and from school, or to activities or sporting events, drivers deserve recognition for their important roles in our lives.

• Create a handwritten thank-you note or small gift that students can deliver to their bus driver

www.dentalassociatesdecorah.com

• Buy the driver a coffee or give them a gift card

ROCKWEILER

Come Grow With Us!

APPLIANCE & TV

Home of Quality Service & The Lowest Price Guaranteed

1789 Hwy. 9 E Decorah 382-9000

BUS DRIVER!

Monona • Cresco • Decorah

321 West Water Street & 1801 Old Stage Road, Decorah • 563-387-0191 www.vikingstatebank.com

• Remember to say “THANK YOU!”

NEWS/COMMUNITY

10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Both sides move to dismiss case filed over contested zoning permit for local biodigester project justment’s motion by filing his own motion on April 7 to dismiss the case without prejudice — leaving the door open for the environmental group to file a similar legal case in the future.

“DWD interprets the ‘surrender’ of the (conditional use permit) as a concession by (the) defendants that, had the matter proceeded to trial, DWD would have prevailed in its claim that the CUP had been issued unlawfully by the BOA,” Larew said in an email.

Hill disagreed, saying a recent ruling shows the court was leaning in Novilla’s favor.

The Driftless Water Defenders had filed a motion for temporary injunction against Novilla on March 4, asking the court to halt construction of the proposed facility. District Court Judge Laura Parrish denied the injunction request on March 20 — just three days after Novilla RNG, LLC filed its resistance to

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER A case brought against the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment by a nonprofit environmental group may be moot — attorneys for both parties filed motions to dismiss the case earlier this month. The Driftless Water Defenders filed a petition against the county board in the fall of 2024, taking issue with the board’s decision to grant a condition use permit to Novilla RNG, which plans to construct a biodigester near Ridgeway.

Novilla co-CEO Mark Hill said the CUP was surrendered, because the board of adjustment had recently updated its rules related to public meetings.

The Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment filed a motion on April 2 to dismiss the lawsuit. The Driftless Water Defenders’ attorney Jim Larew responded to the board of ad-

the injunction request.

“DWD has no knowledge of how the court would have ruled, and based on court rulings throwing out DWD’s injunction motions, the court has found DWD’s previous arguments invalid,” Hill said “Novilla RNG pursued this path, because it was the most expeditious way to clear the matter without dragging Winneshiek County and farmers through more of DWD’s lawsuits.”

Novilla RNG, a Michigan-based renewable natural gas company, hopes to construct a manure biodigester facility on land owned by Craig Bohr and Deb Storlie, near the intersection of 275th Street and Iowa Highway 9. A biodigester contains microorganisms which break down manure in an oxygen-free environment, producing renewable natural gas, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency —

First Lutheran Church invites public to Holy Week services A Maundy Thursday worship service and meal will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17 in the Fellowship Hall. The service is a remembrance of Christ’s last meal with his disciples. Though especially designed for children and their friends and families,

First Lutheran Church began offering a variety of Holy Week worship services earlier this month, which will culminate Easter Sunday, April 20. All worship times and livestream links can be found at firstlutherandecorah.org/lent-2025

Pre-Owned SALE PRICE

2024 CHEVROLET BLAZER

$29,500

4D Sport Utility AWD 2.0 Turbo 4-cyl.

Sterling Gray Metallic. Jet black perforated leather seats.

34,526 Miles.

Alloy Wheels Back-up Camera ■ Brake Assist ■

■

■

■

Tow Hitch Blind Spot Monitor

■ ■

Keyless Start Remote Start

View inventory at www.weisgmc.com

Driven by trust.

Your local automotive dealer for four generations 131 College Drive, Decorah, IA ■ 563-382-8474

NEW & USED SALES

OPEN HOUSES THURSDAY, APRIL 17 4-6PM 3 bdrms, 2 full baths, double att garage 2521 GK Ave., Decorah $214,900

4-6PM

3 bdrms., 3 baths, att. double garage.

1210 Skyline Dr., Decorah $376,500

SATURDAY, APRIL 19 9- 11AM 3 bdrms., 2 baths, triple att garage 2372 Shagbark Lane Rd., Decorah $449,900

11AM - 1PM

4 bdrms., 3 baths, triple att garage

2364 Allan Drive Rd., Decorah $405,000

1870 State Hwy 9 P.O. Box 8 Decorah, IA 52101 e-mail: kelly@davekelly.com

(563) 382-8406 or 1-800-246-8406

all are invited.

A joint Lutheran worship service will be held at noon on Good Friday, April 18, at First Lutheran Church. At 7 p.m. A special Good Friday cantata will be presented at 7 p.m. the same day at Decorah Lutheran Church. The First Lutheran and Decorah Lutheran choirs will present “Behold the Darkness,” which will combine scriptural texts and musical reflections.

The community is invited to a 7 p.m. Easter Vigil Saturday, April 19 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

On Easter Sunday, April 20, the First Lutheran congregation will gather at 9:30 a.m. in the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College. A livestream will be available at firstlutherandecorah.org/worship. The festive celebration will include a number of choral and instrumental musical offerings. All are welcome to sing with the First Lutheran Church choir. A brief rehearsal will be held immediately prior to the service, at 8:30 a.m. in the Center for Faith and Life.

All worship services and activities are open to the public.

For more information, visit www.firstlutherandecorah.org, call 563-382-2638 or email office@firstlutherandecorah.org.

the facilities are also sometimes called anaerobic digestion systems or anaerobic digesters.

Larew alleged in an Oct. 3 lawsuit that the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment acted illegally earlier that year, when it approved a conditional use permit for the facility. Larew also claimed in the lawsuit that the county’s board of adjustment approved the permit without due process, claiming the board “denied the public a full and fair opportunity to be heard at the public hearing on the (conditional use permit) application by failing to read written public comments into the record.”

Hill, Storlie and Bohr plan to apply for a new permit for the project sometime this year, and Larew said The Driftless Water Defenders will keep an eye on how the new application proceeds.

“It is our hope that this will

Pictured is Novilla’s West Branch project, which is located near the city of Maurice and is connected to Sioux Center’s natural gas distribution system. (Photo submitted) be the end of lawsuits against Winneshiek County,” Hill said, “and that the Driftless Water Defenders will respect the decisions made by the county board as we reapply for our conditional use permit, regardless of the outcome. That is the approach Novilla RNG is taking.”

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors were

named as defendants as part of a separate petition Larew also filed on behalf of the Driftless Water Defenders in the fall. The group alleges the board of supervisors acted illegally during the summer of 2024, when it approved the rezoning of the property near Ridgeway where the biodigester is to be placed.

That case is still ongoing.

Area artists advance following April 5 display

A total of 46 entries from 17 artists were featured as part of an art show organized by Pivo Brewery and Blepta Art Studio on Saturday, April 5.

Results from the Region 3 Iowa Artist Show produced five blue ribbon winners, including Sara Kuboushek of Decorah. They will advance to state competition May 3 at the Ankeny Kurkendall Public Library. In addition, all 3-D enteries advance to the state event.

Sara Kuboushek of Decorah earned a blue ribbon for her 3-D art. (Photo submitted)

Luther College to host author Jeff VanderMeer for Earth Day lecture Luther College’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement invites the public to “One Evening in Area X,” a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Jeff VanderMeer at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. The lecture is a free event, but tickets are required.

Seating is limited.

“Whether you’re an avid reader of speculative fiction or environmental nonfiction, a keen birder, an outdoors explor-

er, or a climate advocate, this Earth Day event will engage and enliven you,” said Andy Hageman, the CEPE director and professor of English at Luther.

VanderMeer will discuss the social roles of fiction in uncertain times, the critical need for biology and ecological thinking, the ethics of rewilding yards, the ecstasies of birding and more during the “One Evening in Area X” conversation.

Hageman will be facilitating

DECORAH’S CITYWIDE

GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, MAY 3

Suggested sale hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A $25 fee goes towards the publication of a city map showing the location of the garage sales within city limits and a listing of 25 words or less of the items for sale. Sales outside the city limits will receive a listing of 25 words or less and have their address printed near the map indicating the direction of the sale.

Map and listing will be published in the Decorah Leader May 1.

Please return the form, along with $25 to Decorah Leader, 110 Washington St., Suite 4, Decorah, IA 52101 OR Call 563-382-4221 or EMAIL: classifieds@decorahnewspapers.com

ALL ADS MUST BE PAID BEFORE PUBLICATION DATE

Register by Noon on FRIDAY, APRIL 25 to be on the map!

DECORAH CITYWIDE GARAGE SALE Mail this form along with the $25.00 fee to: Decorah Leader, P.O. Box 350, Decorah, IA 52101

25 words or less description:

___________________________ ___________________________

Name: _____________________________________

___________________________

Address: ___________________________________

___________________________

____________________________________________

___________________________

Phone #: ___________________________________

___________________________

ecora Questions? Call 563-382-4221

___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

Jeff VanderMeer the dialogue with VanderMeer.

Following an audience Q&A session, VanderMeer’s books will be available to purchase.

VanderMeer is best known for his Southern Reach series, four novels which explore themes related to the environment and the future. The series’ first novel, “Annihilation” won both the Nebula Award and Shirley Jackson Award in 2014. The novel was made into a film released by Paramount in 2018. VanderMeer has lived in Florida since he was in middle school, attending the University of Florida in Gainesville before moving to Tallahassee in 1992.

He has given lectures related to climate change and storytelling at Vanderbilt University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Key West Literary Seminar, Yale University and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

“The fact that Jeff VanderMeer will be in Decorah to interact with Luther students and the broader community is an honor and a real thrill,” Hageman said.

Reserve a seat for the April 22 lecture at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the ticket office at tickets@ luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information. The lecture will also be livestreamed.

COMMUNITY

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Community briefs County conservation to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day on May 10, Winneshiek County Conservation will host two spring birding events. The public is invited to go birding for spring migrants with naturalist Larry Reis at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4. Walden Pond, a reservation-only park, is located at 1432 130th Ave. in Castalia. Attendees are asked to follow the driveway to the parking lot to meet the group for the start of the walk. Walden Pond is open to the public for special events only. The public may join Larry again at Cardinal Marsh to search for shorebirds at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 11. Cardinal Marsh is located west of Ridgeway. Attendees are asked to meet at the marsh’s south parking lot, located approximately 3.5 miles south of Highway 9 on Madison Road.

Both birding events are free, and no registration is required.

Participants may bring binoculars. For more information, call (563) 534-7145.

Naturalists to host wild foraging hike

Area residents are invited to forage for wild edible plants with Winneshiek County Conservation naturalists Tuesday, May 6 at Lake Meyer Park and Campground. The foraging hike will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m., departing from the campground shelter to explore the trails around Lake Meyer. After the hike, participants will bring their finds back to the shelter to cook and hold a taste-testing.

The event is free and open to all ages. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. The trails at Lake Meyer are unpaved and may be slippery. Participants should wear clothes and shoes appropriate for muddy conditions. Registration is required.

Please call the Winneshiek County Conservation office at (563) 534-7145 to register. Visit www.winneshiekwild.com for more information.

Robey Memorial Library to host Ultimate Puzzle Challenge

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites puzzle enthusiasts to join the Ultimate Puzzle Challenge on from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 in the lower level Community Room as part of its monthly Live and Learn series. This event is free to attend. Ten teams of one to four participants will compete to be the first to complete a 400-piece jigsaw puzzle within a two-hour period. Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to fuel their puzzle-solving skills. The winning team members will receive gift certificates to local businesses. Registration is required to participate. Secure a spot by contacting the library’s front desk at (563) 568-4424 or by visiting www.waukon.lib.ia.us

DECORIDE to benefit free clinic

The DECORIDE Organizing Committee recently announced DECORIDE 2025, a biannual community cycling event dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation, active living and healthcare access, will take place along Trout Run Trail on Saturday, May 10 in Decorah. Proceeds from the event will directly support the Decorah Community Free Clinic by helping to fund essential services such as medications, laboratory fees, medical supplies and specialist referrals.

Staffed by volunteer healthcare professionals, the free clinic provides primary care to un-

derinsured and uninsured individuals throughout the region.

All healthcare services are free of charge provided by unpaid volunteers. Checkin for the ride will begin at 9 a.m. at Luther College, and the ride will begin at 10 a.m. A post-ride gathering with live jazz music will be held at noon at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company in Decorah.

Businesses, organizations and community leaders are invited to support DECORIDE through sponsorships, in-kind contributions and promotional partnerships. Top sponsors will be recognized following the event.

For sponsorship information or to get involved, email sengso01@luther.edu

Willie to speak on Decorah Airport

The Decorah Lions Club will be meeting at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at the All Vets Club in Decorah. Brett Willie, chair of the Decorah Airport Commission, will speak on the Decorah Airport, its operation and new terminal. Willie will be the guest of Lions Club member Steve Maurer. The Decorah Lions Club meets at 6:15 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the All Vets Club on State Street in Decorah. For more information or a membership application, contact Lions Club member Brad Schwartz by email at beschwartz@salamander.com, or text 563-419-4020.

accompanied by an adult. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic. Cookies will be provided. Bicycle helmets will be given out to those in need.

Organizers welcome donations of old, broken or unwanted bicycles for recycling, upcycling or repurposing. Bicycles to be recycled may be dropped off in the rear parking lot of Decorah City Hall at designated bike racks the week leading up to, and during, the event. Bicycles can also be dropped off anytime between April 27 and May 29 at Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission’s rear parking lot — 406 Winnebago St. in Decorah.

For more information, visit contact the Decorah Parks and Rec Office at 563-382-4158.

Northeast Iowa Indivisible to host pair of protests

Northeast Iowa Indivisible will be hosting two “Days of Action” to protest the actions of the Trump Administration.

Organizers will host a sign rally from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Carl Selland Wayside Park in Decorah. Participants are encouraged to bring signs and stand in solidarity to show their support of the United States Constitution and democracy. Northeast Iowa Indivisible will also host an “Invisible Town Hall” at 6:30 p.m., April 24 at Pivo Brewery in Calmar.

Organizers said area lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, State Rep. Mike Bergan, State Rep. Jason Gearheart, and State Sen. Michael Klimish, have been invited, but none had agreed to attend as of Monday morning.

Burr Oak museum thanks volunteers as fundraising continues

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Board recently expressed its thanks to the organization’s members, donors, individuals and businesses which have donated towards the ongoing Burr Oak Mercantile restoration.

Organizers said the project has made progress with the help of contractors and volunteer workers. Fund-raisers and appeals for support continue as the museum gradually restores the 1908 building. Once complete, the Burr Oak Mercantile buildig will become the museum’s new visitor center and gift shop. The next fund-raiser will be Laura’s Sack Lunch drive, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church parking lot. Donations of any size are appreciated. For more information or to donate, visit lauraingallswilder.com. Checks may be mailed to LIW Park and Museum — 3603 236th Ave. in Burr Oak, and “mercantile” should be written in the memo line.

11

Photo submitted

OVCO orchestra to hold finale concert

The Oneota Valley Community Orchestra will present its season 11 finale on Sunday, April 27 at the Decorah High School Auditorium. The orchestra’s performance will be delayed from its normal time to start at 4:30 p.m. due to the Luther College scheduling of Rick Steves. OVCO Music Director Matthew Cody will again be on the podium to conduct the orchestra in a program that will conclude with Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2. “Romantic.”

The concert will open with “Overture” by African-American composer and violinist Jessie Montgomery. The first half of the performance will also include the great Viennese composer Johannes Brahms’s “Variations on a Theme.”

The finale concert this year will again mark the opening of bidding in an online auction benefiting the orchestra. Auc-

tion bidding will end on May 4.

This year’s auction items feature a violin — along with a bow and case — finished by Harmony, Minnesota, luthier Mason Weedman; hats and purses by artist Bonnie Koloc; dinner for two at Rubaiyat; a Stradivari cello cheeseboard

by Benjamin Kratchmer; composer dolls crocheted by Nicole Cody; and Ukrainian Pysanky Easter eggs by Pam Butters.

The items will be available for bidding online at app.galabid. com/ovcoauction/items.

The concert is free and open to the public. The orchestra is sponsored by the Marion E. Jerome Foundation and The Depot Outlet. Further support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For more information, visit ovcorchestra. org.

Ossian Lutheran Church offering meal next month

The Ossian Lutheran Church will be hosting a special meal deal during Ossian’s City-Wide Garage Sales. The church, located at 305 Jessie St. in Ossian, will be serving a sloppy joe, chips, bars or cookies and a drink for $7.50. The public is also invited to visit the church’s “Holy Grounds Café” from 2-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8. The cafe will begin serving again from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, May 9, with a special Friday feature of Elaine’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls. Items from parish members and an estate sale will also be available.

We will also have quality items from our parish members for sale and items from an estate as well.

Organizations partnering for bicycle safety, maintenance event

Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School is partnering with Decorah Parks and Recreation, Decorah Iowa Scholastic MTB Race Team, Decorah Human Powered Trails, Decorah Rotary Club and local EMS members from fire, police and sheriff departments, to offer a bicycle safety and bicycle maintenance event on Thursday, May 1. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Decorah City Hall Parking Lot — 400 Claiborne Dr. Participants are encouraged to bring their bicycles for instruction on basic bicycle maintenance and a short community bike ride. This event is open to all ages, but children must be

Photo submitted

Northern Lights Women’s Chorus to present spring concert The Northern Lights Women’s Chorus will present its spring concert at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Decorah Lutheran Church — 309 Winnebago St. in Decorah. The 49-member ensemble, composed of singers from Decorah and nine other communities, will perform a variety of beautiful choral music with the theme “Not Goodbye... Just a New Song.” Organizers said the concert’s start time was changed to 1 p.m. to

health Peace of Mind Call (563) 382-9691 to learn more

avoid scheduling conflicts with a talk by Rick Steves at Luther College at 2:30 p.m. and the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra concert at 4:30 p.m.

The concert will be the last conducted by Rachael Buresh, who began directing the chorus in 2018. A new artistic director will be named this spring. The program will include some of Buresh’s favorite songs from past concerts as well as new pieces. During intermission, a

small group of chorus members will perform. A freewill offering will be taken at intermission, and a portion of the proceeds will be shared with a local nonprofit organization.

“For so many years, the Northern Lights Women’s Chorus has been more than just music — it has been love in harmony, commitment in every note and a community woven together by song,” Buresh said.

“Through laughter and joy, we

have shared moments that will echo in our hearts forever. This is not an end but a beautiful new melody — one that carries on with the everlasting friendship and music that binds us all.”

The chorus would like to thank The Depot Outlet for a major grant to support its 202425 season, as well as the many businesses and individuals that contributed to its fall fund drive.

beauty D I R EC TO R Y Decorah

563-382-4302 511 W. Water St.

~

Lansing

2479 River Rd., Decorah wellingtonplacedecorah.com

563-382-4662

305 Montgomery Street, Decorah

563-538-4673 267 Main St.

moellersdentistry.com

50+ Premiere Neighborhoods Assisted Living • Respite Care Dementia Care Skilled Care and Rehabilitation Long-term Nursing Care

www.aasehaugen.com 563-382-3603

563-382-2911 • winnmed.org Call 563-382-4221 to include your services here.

CELEBRATE YOUR GRAD!

Congratulations TO ALL ARE A GR

The 2025 Graduating Classes will be published in The Driftless next month

Reserve your space in this commemorative edition by April 30

EE

O LI VI A W YA TT DEC ORA H HIG H

SCH OOL

Decorah, IA: 563-38 2-8822 Cresco, IA: 563-54 7-2492 Monona, IA: 563-53 9-2405

www.fiskfarma ndhome

Megan Warner ...........Megan.Warner@DecorahLeader.com Megan.Warner@DecorahLeader.com

ns

tulatio

.com

Call 563-382-4221 or email us today!

C

AD UAT ES

AND OUR EMP LOY

Congra

Creed!

you proud of We are so achievements! ur yo and all e wait to se ter We cannot next chap is th re whe s you! in life take , Mom, Love, Dad ke Gabe, Bur mpsey

PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS

12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

E-FILED 2025 MAR 28 3:24 PM WINNESHIEK - CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY DONNA M. BARTH, Plaintiff CASE NO. EQCV027133 v.

FRANK P. ADAMS, GEORGIA V. ROSENTHAL, CHARLOTTE ROSENTHAL, AND VIRGINIA ROSENTHAL, and ALL UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHTS, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO: ORIGINAL NOTICE Lot 1 of 1 of 14 in Block 2 of Townsley’s Addition to the City of Decorah, and the West Half of Lot “K” in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 16, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., all in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, per the plat of survey recorded May 18, 2009, as Document No. 2009-2473 of the Winneshiek County Records.

AND ALL HEIRS, SPOUSES, ASSIGNS, GRANTEES, LEGATEES, DEVISEES, AND BENEFICIARIES OF EACH AND ALL OF THE DEFENDANTS NAMED ABOVE, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS You are hereby notified that Plaintiff’s Petition to Quiet Title is now on file in the office of the clerk of the above court, stating in substance that Plaintiff own in fee simple the property described therein situated in Winneshiek County, Iowa, as described above.

Such ownership is claimed by reason of facts fully stated in the Petition, which also alleges Defendants claim some interest therein, but their claims are without right and constitute a cloud on the title, which Plaintiff desires to remove. The Petition prays Plaintiff’s title to the premises be established as an absolute title in fee simple, and quieted and confirmed against all Defendants, each of whom be forever barred and estopped from having or claiming any right, title, lien or interest in the property; and for costs and such other and further relief as the court deems just and equitable under the circumstances.

The names and address of the attorney for the plaintiff is John S. Anderson of Anderson, Wilmarth, Van Der Maaten, Fretheim, Evelsizer Olson, Noble, Lynch & Zahasky whose address is 212 Winnebago, P.O. Box 450, Decorah, IA 52101-0450. That attorney’s phone number is (563) 382-2959; facsimile number is (563) 382-3773.

You are further notified that the above case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. Unless, within 20 days after service of this original notice upon you, you serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file a motion or answer, in the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, at the courthouse in Decorah, Iowa, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Please see Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 for information on electronic filing and Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, division VI regarding the protection of personal information in court filings. ..If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call your district ADA coordinator at (319) 833-3332. (If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942).

Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17, 24 & May 1, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCIS E. MYRAN DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016389 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Francis E. Myran, Deceased, who died on or about March 21, 2025 You are hereby notified that on April 2, 2025 the Last Will and Testament of Francis E. Myran, deceased, bearing date of April 6, 2023, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Carlton Kjos was appointed Executor 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 thereafter forever barred.

Dated April 8, 2025.

Carlton Kjos, Executor of Estate 2579 265th Ave. Decorah, IA 52101 Andrew P. Nelson, ICIS# AT0005669 Attorney for Executor Meyer, Lorentzen & Nelson 101 1/2 E. Water Street, P.O. Box 126 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: April 17, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 10 & 17, 2025

April 7, 2025 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Lorraine Borowski at 5:45 PM. The meeting was held at the Decorah Council Chambers and electronically.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members present: Randy Schissel, Kirsten Olson, Christopher Miculinich (Zoom), Steve Zittergruen, Cody Whittle, Brent Parker, Emily Neal, Mayor Lorraine Borowski, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Absent: None Mayor Borowski read the Fair Housing Proclamation. This act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.

Thomas Johnson of 110 Winnebago St. #301, Decorah spoke regarding the Parks and Recreation Board. Johnson expressed concerns the Park and Recreation Board has lost sight of why the vitality of our trails is so important to our city of Decorah. Johnson feels that allowing equestrian use on the trails is an uncertain. Johnson pushes to the Board to preserve the trails.

The consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of March 17, 2025, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Amendment Class C Retail Alcohol License Outdoor Service May 1, 2025-August 31, 2025-lmpact Coffee Trivia Night d. Renewal Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-B.P.O. Elks #443 e. Renewal Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-Dixie’s Biergarten f. Resolution 3543 Approving Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Award Decorah 2025 Heivly Street Improvements Project to Skyline Construction g. Resolution 3544 Setting Public Hearing on Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget-April 21st h. Impact Coffee Trivia Night Special Event May 1, 2025-October 9, 2025 i. Nordic Fest Special Event July 24, 2025July 26, 2025 j. Pulpit 2 Pulpit Charity 5K and 1 Mile Walk Special Event July 4, 2025 k. Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League Race Special Event May 31, 2025 I. Warriors on Washington Street Outdoor Yoga Special Event May 21, 2025-August 20, 2025 m. Vesterheim’s Syttende Mai Special Event May 16, 2025 n. Professional Service Agreement for Heivly Street Redesign with Erdman Engineering Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Whittle seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

The scheduled Mitigation Banking Feasibility Presentation was postponed until May 5, 2025.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hear-

ing on the proposed expansion of the 2022 Decorah Business Park Urban Renewal Area at 6:13 PM. No public comment. Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 6:14 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3545 declaring necessity and establish an Urban Renewal Area, pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and approve the Urban Renewal Area Amendment for the 2022 Decorah Business Park Urban Renewal Area. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to approve the first reading of an ordinance providing for the division of taxes levied on taxable property in April 2025 Addition to the 2022 Decorah Business Park Urban Renewal Area, pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing on approving the plans, specifications, form of contract, and awarding the Decorah 2025 Chip Seal Project at 6:24 PM. No public comment. Mayor Borowksi closed the public hearing at 6:25 PM. Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3546 approving plans, specifications, form of contract, and awarding the Decorah 2025 Chip Seal Project to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve the first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 9.58.020 on Throwing and Shooting. Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3547 approving the depository maximum balances in the city’s financial institutions.

Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve the new Decorah Police Department Academy Reimbursement Contract. Neal seconded the motion. The revised contract takes the contract from five years to four years with the percentage of reimbursement being 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. The contract also allows the city to deduct training expenses from an officer’s payroll upon voluntary termination of employment. The remainder of the balance owed would be a minimum monthly payment of $250.00. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the 2025 Farmer’s Market Lease Agreement and waive the $16.00 a day fee; Whittle seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Whittle, Zittergruen, Miculinich, Parker, Olson. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Decorah and AFSCME regarding the addition of Public Works Technician position. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3548 assigning an accessible parking spot on Winnebago Street. Neal seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to table the professional service agreement for street light designs until the April 21, 2025, meeting. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve the professional service agreement with Erdman Engineering for Heivly Street Staking. Whittle seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Zittergruen made a motion to approve the request for qualifications with the addition of multimodal transportation for Heivly Street project goals. Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. General consensus of the Council is to bond to complete Heivly Street in FYE 26.

Zittergruen made a motion to approve the request for qualifications for roundabout in the Heivly Street and River Street intersection while remaining open to direction for other options. Neal seconded the motion. Ayes: Zittergruen, Neal, Olson, Parker, Miculinich, Whittle. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

The Council discussed Chapter 2.22 Board of Park Commissioners and their responsibilities. The Council would like it reiterated that the Park and Recreation Department Head works for the City Manager and the City Manager works for the City Council. The Council also gave the City Attorney, John Anderson, direction to investigate how other city councils work with their park commissioners and what that structure looks like. The Council asked staff to bring forward any ideas on possible changes to the language in the ordinance regarding the Park Commissioners.

Mayor Borowski announced that there are two openings on the Decorah Human Rights Commission and one opening on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Applications will be taken until April 25, 2025. Mayor Borowski also announced the intention of reappointing Steve Runde to the Civil Service Commission.

Meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, April 7, 2025 Payroll, For 3/28/25...................179,362.88 Merchant Bank, Credit Card Fees ....594.96 Ebs/Wellmark, Health Insurance - City Share ..78,231.70 Authnet, Credit Card Fees ..................20.10 Clover, Credit Card Fees .................... 53.45 Bankcard, Refund ...............................72.00 Icap, Cyber Security Insurance .....3,809.00 Merchant Bank, Credit Card Test .........0.01 Ia Dept Of Revenue, Rec Tax ...........310.73 Ia Dept Of Revenue, Sewer Tax .... 2,119.48 Ia Dept Of Revenue, Water Tax.....8,239.85 Tricon Construction Group, Hangar W/Attached Terminal Building 83,025.67 Ups, Ups-Postage ...............................26.77 Chill, Nick, Ads .................................. 50.00 Connell Flying Service, March 2025 Services .................3,977.97 Delta Dental, April 2025 Dental ....1,252.80 Denise Lana, Reimbursement For Strongtowns Nomination...............235.21 Engen, Lakin, Reimbursement For Sewer Back Up Per Todd .........................723.84 Hageman, Deana, Points Of Light Conference New Orleans............ 1,109.54 O’Hara, Mike, Reimburse Mileage ..273.00 Ups, Ups-Postage ...............................13.38 Acentek, Fees ...................................270.00 Aia Services , Soccer Shirts ..........2,296.00 Albert, Jeff, Reimbursement For Postage Return Battery Backup .................... 32.70 All Star Enviromental, All Star Enviromental Llc ........................5,475.00 Alliant Energy, Alliant-Elec Bills 21,092.73 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies ...................................... 3,777.81 At&T Mobility, Fd Phone/Mobile Router ............................................173.32 Bodensteiner Implement, Tractor & Gator Service .............1,001.13 Capital One, Supplies ....................... 550.26 Caroline Allen, Program .....................75.00 Casper Plbg & Htg, FixedToilet, NewRtu 2.5 Ton........................12,579.74 Cdw Government, Equip ..................766.00 Center Point Large Print, Books.........98.25 Civic Systems, Semi Annual Service And Support 01/01/25-06/30/25.........1,579.33 Corey Meyer, Spring Conference Coralville ........ 365.22 Dalco, Supplies.................................452.25 Decorah Comm School District, Icn Internet ....................................140.77 Decorah Leader, Advertisements......738.69 Decorah Tire Service, Mower Tires .125.00 Dell Marketing, Laptop Engineering ...................2,910.85 Erdman Engineering , W Heivly Street Design ............. 1,732.00 Eurofins Enviro Testing North Central, Eurofins ......................................... 181.90 Fareway Stores, Program Supplies..... 65.28 Feld Fire, 5 Lanyards For Tic Camera, New Hen Hose Nozzles..............3,380.50 Fire Service Training Bureau, Instructor Training ..........................50.00 Fisk Farm And Home Decorah, Ice Melt, Supplies ..........................144.74 Geiger, Jon, Spring Conference/Coralville .......168.61 Hacker Nelson, Fye 24 Audit ......43,575.00 Hahn, Logan, Spring Conference Coralville .......381.22 Hawkins, Tank Rental Fluoride .....2,218.35 Hovden Oil, Oil .............................1,228.83 Ia Dept Of Inspections And Appeals, 2025 Food Service License, Boiler Insp. ....................................770.00 Impact Coffee, Program Expense .......93.50 Ingram Library Services, Books....1,616.68 Iowa One Call, Services ....................78.80 Joice Public Library, Damaged Ill Item ............................. 22.28 Kanopy, Kanopy-Film Database ...... 181.00 Laura Gillespie, March 2025 Cleaning Services ...................................... 2,195.00 Luther College, Luther Reimbuirsement Domain ............................................55.97 Malcom Enterprises, Garbage ..........717.50 Mei, Yearly Service .......................2,727.92 Microbac Laboratories, Drinking Water Analysis ...............177.25

Mississippi Welders, Recharge Fire Extingusher ..............33.19 Modstreet, Panels And Shade Sail For Parklets...............................17,192.00 Mti Enterprises, Drama Show CampSeussical, Jr! ...............................1,067.00 Napa Auto Parts, Parts ......................292.30 Olson Explosives , Fuel ....................826.59 Overdrive , Digital Materials.........1,536.66 Petty Cash, Postage ............................24.50 Randy’S Auto Parts, Shop Supplies ...12.19 Ricoh , Services ...............................942.76 Salus Saunas, Sauna Ultra Low Emf Infrared Sauna ...................2,695.00 Sherwin Williams, Painting Supplies ...........................151.48 Skyline Cons, Storm Sewer Repairs, Intake, Water Main Repair........43,245.90 Spahn & Rose Lumber, Supplies...... 112.71 State Hygienic Laboratory, Lab Fees ........................................751.00 Steven T Pedretti, Staff Treats .......... 115.70 Stevenson Tree Care, Services ..... 1,160.00 Storey Kenworth, Building Supplies 454.38 Strand Associates, Water Meter Replacement Project ................... 3,119.25 Sunflower Child Center, Water/Sewer Refund, Program ........................4,766.34 The Courier, Annual Subscription .1,080.00 The Gazette, AnnualSubscription .....468.00 Thornton’S Feed & Grain, FairwayMix- Dog Park..................192.00 Tollefson, Jim, Janitorial Exterior ....160.00 Truck Equipment, Street Sweeper Parts ...................3,095.63 Ups, Late Fee........................................1.07 Usa Blue Book, Usa Blue Book ....1,403.89 Uscellular, Hotspots ........................... 59.58 Verizon Wireless, Feb-March2025 1,277.46 Voltmer, Traffic Signal Repair ......2,200.00 Windstream, Internet ..........................38.34 Winn Co Recorder, Recording Fees .179.00 Winneshiek County Auditor, Council Special Election Whittle, Meu Election ............................13,498.63 Bruening Rock Products, Bruening 3/4 Road Rock ...............312.10 Decorah Auto Center, Dec Auto Center ............................232.50 Decorah Tire Service, Services .......467.52 Fisk Farm And Home Decorah, Supplies .........................................242.38 Leon’S Auto & Truck Repair, 2017 Ford F250 ............................. 259.00 Olson Explosives, Fuel ..................1,171.58 Randy’S Auto Parts, Parts ................129.52 Ubben Building Supplies, Survey Supplies .............................461.50 Vick’S Htg And Plbg, Services .......308.00 Revenue To Date - April 7, 2025 General Fund .......................... 4,433,741.51 Street Electric Franchise Fee .....147,187.23 Road Use Fund .......................... 716,203.83 Employee Benefits..................1,193,652.07 Hotel/Motel ............................... 253,588.15 Emergency Fund.......................... 83,348.27 Local Option Sales Tax .............936,775.82 Tiff .............................................121,047.54 Ssmid ...........................................14,488.24 Park Special Gifts ........................21,779.74 Library Special Gifts ...................45,144.12 Street Equip Fund ..........................6,798.96 Debt Service Fund .....................922,446.86 Special Projects Water Utility Fund .....................881,950.72 Sewer Utility Fund ....................932,880.57 Enterprise Project Interest ........... 11,842.78 Metronet ......................................63,900.50 Forest Utility.............................. 113,469.53 Storm Sewer Utility ................... 443,475.21 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17, 2025

Board Minutes April 7, 2025 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am April 7, 2025 with Kelsay, Vick, Langreck, Vermace, and Faldet present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Public Health personnel presented a proclamation for National Public Health Week.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to approve the proclamation as presented.

Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vick to have two members of the Board of Supervisors and two members of the Board of Health pursue a Public Health Services contract with medical services providers. Motion carried with Kelsay, Vick, Langreck, and Faldet voting aye; and Vermace voting nay. Vermace and Langreck will be the Board of Supervisor representatives.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreements with Chauffeurs, Teamsters, and Helpers local 238 (Jailers) and with United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers (roads).

Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Vermace to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and to accept and file the monthly report of the County Recorder and the quarterly report of the County Auditor. Motion carried unanimously.

Sean Snyder, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Michelle Barness, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning, met with the Board to present the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 25-30, adopting the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to discuss road topics.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vick to approve the bid by Bruening Rock Products for contracted road rock at $15.379 per ton hauled to the roads. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the hire of Brandon Stille as Road Foreman effective immediately. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to adopt resolution 25-31, awarding the contract for project SBRFM-3772(601)5D-96 to the low bidder Brennan Construction and authorizing the County Engineer to execute related documents. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Andy Van Der Maaten, County Attorney, met with the Board to discuss county issues.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Kelsay to enter a closed session to discuss pending litigation with counsel authorized under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c). Motion carried unanimously and the closed session was held.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to enter open session. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to authorize County Attorney Van Der Maaten to retain outside counsel for the County and Sheriff Marx separately. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, April 14, 2025.

Motion carried unanimously.

Benjamin D. Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE The City of Decorah plans to submit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to be covered under the NPDES General Permit Number 2 “Storm Water Discharge Associated with Industrial Activity for Construction Activities” for public construction in Decorah, Iowa.

The stormwater discharge will be from site grading associated with the construction of a City Athletic Complex and supporting features. Soil disturbing activities will include the following: Stripping of topsoil, redressing all disturbed areas with topsoil, trenching of conduit, driveway and parking lot construction, and seeding and restoration of disturbed areas. The project is located within the city limits of Decorah, Iowa and more specifically within the SW ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 23, T-98-N, R-8-W. Runoff is currently conveyed to a combination of private and City storm sewer systems. The proposed project will construct new storm sewers to serve the proposed athletic complex. Runoff will be directed to the new storm sewers throughout the project area. This runoff will drain off-site through one point source and two non-point sources.

The majority will drain to the storm sewer from an infiltration basin on the north side of the site before ultimately entering the Upper Iowa River.

Comments may be submitted to the Storm Water Discharge Coordinator, IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Environmental Protection Division, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. The public may review the Notice of Intent from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the above address after it has been received by the department.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17, 2025

April 7, 2025 The public hearing was called to order by Mayor Borowski at 5:00 PM. The meeting was held at the Decorah Council Chambers and electronically.

Members present: Randy Schissel, Emily Neal, Kirsten Olson, Christopher Miculinich (Zoom), Steven Zittergruen, Cody Whittle, Brent Parker, Mayor Lorraine Borowski, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing regarding the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2026 at 5:04 PM. No public comment. Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 5: 13 PM. Meeting adjourned at 5:22 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17, 2025

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DIANNE E. WEMARK, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016387 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Dianne E. Wemark, Deceased, who died on or about December 30th, 2024: You are hereby notified that on April 1st, 2025 the Last Will and Testament of Dianne E. Wemark, deceased, bearing date of July 30th, 1999, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Jeff Wemark was appointed Executor 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 date of 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 thereafter forever barred.

Dated April 11th, 2025 Jeff Wemark, Executor 2940 Ollendieck Road Ridgeway, IA 52165 Joseph P. Braun, ICIS#: AT0001120 Attorney for Executor ELWOOD, O’DONOHOE, BRAUN & WHITE, LLP 217 North Elm Street PO Box 377 Cresco, IA 52136 Date of second publication: April 24, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17 & 24, 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS A proposal to revise the text of the Winneshiek County zoning ordinance. Revisions are to: the Commission membership, application timelines & procedures, miscellaneous clerical items, and the addition of 2 new principle uses to the A-2 district. A copy of the proposed text amendment is available for inspection at the office of the Winneshiek County Zoning Administrator and on the county website at www.winneshiekcounty.org.

A public hearing will be held by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at 10:00am. in the Board of Supervisors Office, Courthouse Annex Building, 201 West Main St. Decorah, Iowa, at which time you may appear, if you so desire, either in person or by agent or attorney, in opposition to or support of the proposal. If you would prefer not to attend in person please contact the Auditors office at 563-3825085 for remote log in information and link.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17, 2025

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DERALD B. TIESKOETTER DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016390 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Derald B. Tieskoetter, Deceased, who died on or about November 26, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 14th day of April, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of Derald B. Tieskoetter, deceased, bearing date of February 13, 1997, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Bonnie Tieskoetter was appointed executor 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 abovenamed 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 thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 15th day of April, 2025.

Bonnie Tieskoetter Executor of Estate 3151 North Winn Road Decorah, IA 52101 Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dan.fretheim@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: April 24, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17 & 24, 2025

Pictured are first place winners (left to right) Matthew Burkholder, Nils Peterson, Charlotte LaBelle and Kaya Johnson.

(Photo submitted)

DHS earns gold during the Future Problem Solving State Bowl Students in Decorah High School’s Advanced English 9 class competed at Iowa’s State Future Problem Solving Bowl Friday, March 28 at Central College in Pella. Decorah’s four teams competed in the global issues category, and Nils Peterson submitted a short story in creative writing. The team of Peterson, Kaya Johnson, Charlotte LaBelle and Matthew Burkholder was declared state champions in the global issues category. This group now has the opportunity to compete at the FPS 2025 International Conference, which will be held in Bloomington, Indiana, this June. Peterson received second place in the state middle division for his short story entitled “Hanz’s Vertical Farming Fiasco.” Pranav Caton and Sophia McGee received fourth place for a skit performance presenting their solution to the nanotechnology scenario. Those two, along with Raelyn Newhouse, earned sixth place in the state for their global issues submission.

“I am so proud of my students and the hard work they have put into this contest,” Ad-

vanced English 9 teacher Addie Sadler said. “It is not easy, but they persevered and won. This is an excellent group of future leaders.”

Future Problem Solving presents students with a fictional scenario set in the future. Students then analyze the scenario, using critical thinking skills to identify an underlying problem within the scene and apply problem-solving skills to generate a solution. This year, Future Problem Solvers received a scenario built around nanotechnology usage in the future.

Over the course of two hours, students developed a solution to combat possible issues that could arise from the scenario.

The competition welcomes students in grades four through 12 students in several categories: global issues, community projects, creative writing and storytelling. Organizers said students participating in FPS develop skills which are beneficial in both school and work environments, including leadership, communication, problem solving, creative thinking and writing.

Malcom Enterprises

GARBAGE PICK-UP ALL GOOD FRIDAY (APRIL 18) CUSTOMERS will be picked up on

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

16-2-DL-17

REGIONAL ADVERTISING Monticello, IA

Huge Flea Market

Antique & Collectible Show Sunday, April 27th JONES COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS ONE OF IOWA’S LARGEST SHOWS WITH OVER 100 SELLERS!

8:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. • ADM. $5.00

319-462-0135

$10 FOR EARLY BIRD ADMISSION: 6:30 - 8:30 A.M.

GET 50 $

Miscellaneous Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

FOR RECYCLING

Miscellaneous Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250.

Call 1-866-554-1730

Must be a MidAmerican residential electric customer in Iowa or Illinois

Miscellaneous Safe Step. North America’s #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today!

Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154

YOUR OLD, WORKING FRIDGE

MidAmericanEnergy.com/appliance-recycling

CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Luther food service

DHS FBLA to host ‘Birdies for Business’ golf tournament

continued from front

Decorah High School’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America will be hosting “Birdies for Business” — a four person 18-hole best shot golf tournament — on Saturday, April 19 at Silvercrest Country Club. Proceeds of this event will support students who hope to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference competition in Anaheim, California, this summer.

The entry fee is $120 per team, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

“DHS FBLA members worked very hard and came home with ten national qualifiers from the state-level competition,” said FBLA advisor Alyssa Marso. “The qualifiers are hoping to attend the national-level competition in Anaheim, so the proceeds of this tournament could go a long way in supporting their efforts. We have space for up to 24 teams in the tournament, so the more teams we get registered, the better.”

18th annual Military Ball planned in Spring Grove

portraits, dancing and more.

Attire for the ball is Sunday best, semi-formal or formal, with many wearing their military uniform or the uniform of a veteran’s organization.

Organizers request no casual street clothes. The night’s guest speaker will be retired Air Force Col. Jennifer J. Fuller. Following the program, Cheers Big Band from the La Crosse area will provide a variety of music for dancing and listening pleasure. This event is planned and carried out by a committee of volunteers from American Legion Posts in the local area. For more information, contact Gary Buxengard at 507-498-3461 or janleebuxengard@gmail.com.

require businesses with at least 100 employees to provide notice of mass layoffs at least 60 days in advance — Sodexo employs approximately 104,000 people in the United States and provides food services and facilities management to clients in 3,400 locations across the country, according to the company’s website.

Bon Appétit is based out of Redwood City, California, according to the company’s website, and the business operates more than 1,000 cafes in 33 states. Luther’s statement this week said management with Bon Appétit is currently in the process of interviewing employees for positions ahead of the company’s official start date.

“We’re appreciative of Bon Appétit’s willingness to provide support to the current food service team working at Luther.

It was very important to us that the people working here had opportunities to stay,” said Patti Hetrick, Luther’s vice president for finance and administration.

Sodexo has managed Luther’s food services since approximately 2009, according to college officials, and the company’s most recent 10-year contract with Luther expired in 2024. The college began accepting applications in the fall

of 2024 from other vendors interested in providing the campus’ food services, and Sodexo agreed to extend its contract with Luther by one year in order to help college officials avoid rushing the proposal process while officials were in the midst of hiring a new finance director for the college.

“We are grateful for Sodexo and their successful partnership with us since 2009,” Luther College President Brad Chamberlain said in a statement released Monday. “We look forward to our new partnership with Bon Appétit and the impact they will have on the student experience at Luther.”

Bill Smith, Luther’s vice president of communications confirmed Monday Sodexo was involved in last fall’s request for proposal. Luther’s statement this week said staff visited campus locations to evaluate the operations of companies which were selected as finalists.

“Along with campus administration, focus groups including representatives from the Luther student Food Council, Norse athletics, campus sustainability, advancement, campus ministries and student engagement participated in providing feedback in the selection process,” the college said.

Luther’s board of regents ap-

Luther College’s dining services offer a variety of dining options for students, faculty and staff. The dining area on the lower level of the Dahl Centennial Union offers a view of the college’s outdoor athletic fields. (Photo submitted) proved the new contract with Bon Appétit during a special April 10 meeting, according to Monday’s statement, and college officials highlighted the company’s culinary experience and what Luther called its socially responsible practices.

Bon Appétit’s website said the company began focusing on such practices during the 1990s by connecting with local farmers and eventually forming its Farm to Fork purchasing program in 1999. The company’s website claims Bon Appétit became the first in its industry to transition to practices such as sustainable seafood, cage-free eggs, humanely raised ground beef and became “the first to address food’s role in climate change and the issue of farm-

HELP WANTED

WinnMed

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS

FULL TIME POSITIONS

continued from front agreement regarding govern- first delivery in early January.

Hinson said during her tour ment funding for the 2025 fis$1,000 SIGNING later that month Iowa’s critical cal year, and legislators — in BONUS Enjoy working outside and looking

order to avoid a government access hospitals — such as WinDecorah, IA • 563-382-2953 for a change? We provide on the

shutdown — are now operating nMed — are sometimes in need www.olsonexplosives.com job training!

Class A or B CDL under a continuing resolution of renovations in order to con info@olsonexp.com desirable.

No CDL, no problem, we Enjoy working outside and looking through Sept. 30. Hinson and tinue providing modern health will help you get one.

Equal Opportunity Employer for a change?

We provide on the her staff have been in com- care, and she said WinnMed’s job training! Class A or B CDL munication with all the enti- current improvement projects 9-8-DL-12 desirable. No CDL, no problem, we may help the hospital continue ties which were selected forget one. will help you

community project funding in attracting specialists to northDecorah, IA • 563-382-2953 • Insurance Benefits, IPERS Fiscal Year 2025, www.olsonexplosives.com according to east Iowa. Hinson’s office said and paid time off her office, and staff info@olsonexp.com there has Tuesday the congress woman • Shift Differential Stipend equivalent offered those entities the oppor- intends to continue advocating to $2.00 per hour Equal Opportunity Employer tunity to reapply for funding-codein to bring federal dollars back to Send letter of application and resume Iowa in order to support various the upcoming fiscal year. to Director of Buildings & Grounds Public Works Technician “We appreciate Congress- projects, such as improved acKurtis Johnson,100 Claiborne Drive, woman Hinson’s office select- cess to local healthcare, particIA 52101, or email kurtis.

The City of DecorahDecorah, is currently accepting applications johnson@decorah.school by endof ing our project as a potential ularly in rural communities. for the position of Public Works Technician.

Minimum the day on April 16, 2025, or open “Since coming to Congress, to include in this year’s cycle, qualifications include high school diploma until position is filled. or equivalent even though it didn’t move I have made it a priority to enrequired. Previous experience in municipal utility operations, The Decorah Community School forward in the end,” Slessor sure rural Iowans have access including water and wastewater, is highly preferred.

District is an EEO/AA employer.

Previous experience in construction, maintenance, or said. “WinnMed has reapplied to the affordable, quality health equipment operation preferred. Valid Class B Commercial for next year at a lower dollar care they need,” Hinson said Driver’s License (CDL) with airbrake endorsement and Tuesday. “I will always fight to figure.” tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within 6 months Hinson toured WinnMed in bring as many federal resources of hire. Ability to operate equipment, read blueprints and $1,000 SIGNING BONUS mid-January to observe the as possible back to Iowa to inmaps, perform basic math calculations, and communicate hospital’s expansion efforts. vest in our communities while effectively. Position is subject to post-offer physical The hospital’s Transforming working to restore fiscal sanity examination including drug testing, background and Seeking applicants for Tired of losing miles and money motor vehicle by records Starting Tomorrow project includes the to Washington andFullend waiting check. to load and unload?wage at $25.20 with TimewasteMechanic position. additional This compensation on qualifications. construction of a two-story ad- ful spending. I will not let the dedicated run isbased what you Decorah, IA • 563-382-2953 are looking for!

Minimal wait and dysfuncdition, estimated to add 30,000 Washington chaoswww.olsonexplosives.com Application and complete job description may be obtained times and high miles await you. delivering square-feet to the facility. The tion get in the way ofinfo@olsonexp.com at the City Clerk’s office, Decorah Municipal Center, 400 Home every weekend. addition would house speciality for Iowans.”

Claiborne Drive or online at www.decorahia.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer Apply at Olson Explosives, Inc. WinnMed’s Transforming services and clinic spaces, and For more information callRd, 563-382-3651.

Return city -code1837 Trout Run Decorah the hospital’s operating rooms Tomorrow project is expected application to: Citywww.olsonexp.com of Decorah, Attn: Michael O’Hara, Public are also being reworked as part to be complete in January of Works Director, PO info@olsonexp.com Box 138, Decorah, IA, 52101 or mohara@ of the project. WinnMed’s ob- 2026. decorah.iowa.gov. will be received until the EqualApplications Opportunity Employer position is filled, with first -codestetrics unit was the first portion review of applications of the project to be completed, 4:00 PM, April 25, 2025. and OB staff saw the new unit’s AUCTION

FULL TIME POSITIONS

HELP WANTED Full or Part-time

cook

(Decorah High School)

or chef

OTR CDL

DEDICATED RUN

15-2-L-12

Auction May 10th 12pm. Storage Unit #14. 240 170th St., Calmar. $150 starting bid. 162-LD-2

Sunday, April 27, 2025

FOR SALE

Methodist Church Broadway St., Decoarh Directors Meet @ 12:30 pm Meeting will start @ 1:00 pm Coffee will be provided Bring finger food to share, if you want!

For Sale: Outdoor firepit firewood. Pickup load delivered $80. You pick-up $60, 1/2 load $40. Call or text Dan 940-7450895. 14-6-L-pd-1

The Decorah Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

NOW HIRING

ASSISTANT CHILDREN’S & YOUNG ADULT LIBRARIAN The Decorah Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic person to fill a full-time Assistant Children’s and Young Adult Librarian position. Ideal candidate will be a dynamic, creative individual who has a passion for serving children, young adults, and families and providing transformative library experiences.

DUTIES

Duties include but are not limited to: planning and implementing programs for children and young adults; providing book recommendations to youth and families; expanding outreach services to local school districts and at off-site events (program-specific duties will be approx. 20 hours/week); and working in a forward-facing customer service role at the library’s front desk (approx. 20 hours/week). This position reports to the Library Director but also receives direction from both the Children’s and Young Adult Librarian and Circulation Manager, as well as collaborating with other library staff. This full-time role requires a varied work schedule that fluctuates day to day and week to week including some evening and weekend hours based on the needs of the Children’s and Young Adult department. PTO requests generally need to be arranged around critical program times including June and July.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Join our team!

Demonstrated ability to relate to children individually and in groups and to provide stimulating activities which interest them. Consideration may be given for an appropriate combination of related educational, professional, and volunteer experiences. Must have (or be willing to obtain within one year) State Library of Iowa Staff Certification.

Spanish language skills desired. Lifelong learners with a willingness to continuously re-evaluate best practices and a passion for serving youth are encouraged to apply. Position subject to post-offer physical examination including drug testing, background check and motor vehicle records check.

Full time positions with

Pay: $15.00—$21.53 hourly based on

TO APPLY

experience. $1,000 Retention Bonus

Full job description available at www.decorahlibrary.org. For more information e-mail ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org or call 563-382-3717.

Send application, resume, cover letter and a minimum of three professional references to: Kristin Torresdal, Director, Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St., Decorah IA 52101 or ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org.

Position open until filled; first review of applications will be May 1. Desired start date June 2. Starting wage $18.30/hr. Competitive benefit package offered.

available for .5 FTE or greater (20+ hr/week)

M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer 13-4-L-1

SATURDAY, MAY 10 - 12:00 p.m. Storage Unit #14. 240 170th St., Calmar. $150 starting bid. 162-LD-2

Cook

and holiday rotations required.

CLOSES THURSDAY, APRIL 24 - 8:00 a.m. Online Only Auction. Selling 1600+ Lots of Guns & Sporting Goods! Kramer Auction Gallery. Kramer Auction Service.

Prairie du Chien, WI. 608-3268108. www.kramersales.com

QUALIFICATIONS

varied shifts 5 a.m.—7 p.m. Weekend

AUCTION CALENDAR

15-8-LD-12

Exemplary customer service skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; a passion for working with children, young adults, and families; willingness to develop working knowledge of children’s and young adult literature and library materials for youth in various formats; the ability to form effective collaborative relationships with schools and other community organizations who serve children; the ability to quickly respond to and solve problems; a high degree of empathy, diplomacy, and patience; superior listening skills; a friendly, approachable style that children and teens gravitate to; and curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking.

16-4-LD-12

The Russell Cemetery Association Annual Meeting

M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer

Mail resume to: Cook c/o Decorah Leader PO Box 350 Decorah, IA 52101

15-6-LD-12

15-2-DL-12

MECHANICS

ANNOUNCEMENT

workers’ rights.”

Monday’s statement said Bon Appétit is expected to make what the college called “significant investments in the cafeteria and other dining locations,” adding “final design work is underway for renovations of current food and beverage service areas.” The company will manage not only the campus’ cafeteria, but Oneota Market, Nordic Brew, Nordic Mart and Marty’s inside the Dahl Centennial Union on Luther’s campus.

Bon Appétit will also oversee catering services for campus events, according to Monday’s release.

More specifics regarding renovations to Luther’s food service facilities are expected in the coming weeks.

202 Winnebago St., Decorah, IA | 563-382-3717 www.decorahlibrary.org

14-4-LD-12

American Legion posts in Houston County, Minnesota, are preparing to host their 18th annual Military Ball Saturday, April 26 at the Fest Building in Spring Grove, Minnesota.

Cocktails and photos will begin at 4:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m. The event is for all military service members and veterans as well as their spouses and families. The ball is also open to the public, and newcomers are encouraged and welcome to attend. The cost to attend evening’s event is $30 per person. Attendance will be

by RSVP only.

The Military Ball will include dinner of roast beef or chicken, ceremony, displays, photo

13

SPORTS

14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Viking girls tennis shutout Charles City

Bulldogs sweep SW linksters Blustery conditions made it hard on the South Winn girls and boys golf teams Monday as they hosted MFL MarMac during their first conference dual meet of the season at the South Winn Golf & Country Club near Calmar. Both squads fell as the Bulldog linksters swept up all the medals.

Looking at the boys In boys action South Winn came up six strokes short, 169 to 163. MFL MarMac’s Ben Krambeer was the medalist with a 38. Teammate Quinn

McGeough was the runner-up, carding a 40.

Carson Streeter and Jackson Goltz carded 41s for the Warriors with Cale Kleppe firing a 43. Matson Winings wrapped up the scoring for South Winn with a 44. Braiden Todd (46) and Carver Wenthold (47) also toured the course in varsity action.

“With 40 mph winds, it wasn’t great scoring conditions.

Nevertheless, we saw some kids come in pretty low, and the boys put up a completely respectable team score,” said boys’ coach Claire Becker sends up a cloud of dust from the ninth hole sand trap Tuesday. (Photo by Becky Walz) Mike Wenthold. “I was glad we were able to get this meet in, because it’s important for the guys to get used to facing adversity and still find ways to put together solid rounds. That helps develop mental toughness, and I think the guys proved that they have it.”

From the No. 2 fareway, Jackson Goltz watches where his hit will land at the South Winn Golf and Country Club Monday during the gusty wind conditions. (Photo by Becky Walz)

For the girls In the less than ideal conditions MFL-Mar-Mac won the meet, with a team score of 208 to 224. Medalist honors went to Hanna Jacobson (48) and runner-up honors went to Morgan Jacobson (52).

For the Warriors, Julia Car-

nesi and Claire Becker both put together strong rounds in tough conditions, shooting 53 and 54, respectively. Avery Luzum (58) and Maya Lensing (59) completed the scoring for South Winn. Abby Wagner (60) and Chloe Wiltgen (64) were also on the links in varsity action.

“We also saw a couple of great scores from players who were not in the varsity lineup for the night. Aubrey Hageman (52) and Bailee Frana (54) both shot career lows,” noted girls’ coach Glenna Munuswamy.

“The battle continues for the Warriors to solidify a varsity roster.”

Decorah boys soccer find ways to score wins It has been a busy week for the Decorah boys soccer team (1-6-1) as it continues to search for scoring opportunities, falling to Dubuque Senior, Dubuque Hempstead and Independence.

Rewind to last Thursday Dubuque Senior (2-0-2) came

to the Viking pitch Thursday, April 10 and left with a 2-1 victory. Each team scored once in the first half, but it was a second half goal that lifted the Rams to the win.

Decorah had four shots on goal with two by Reid Berns and one coming from Oak Pasche and Ian Giddings. It was the

Viking junior Noah Milburn slides to take the ball away from a Dubuque Senior player on the move during last week’s home match. (Photo by Becky Walz)

one from Giddings that found its way by the Rams’ goalkeeper. In all, the Vikings’ goalkeeper came away with 14 saves.

Saturday game It was another Dubuque squad coming to town Saturday morning as Decorah hosted Dubuque Hempstead (2-2).

The Vikings battled through the match, but the Mustangs rode away with a 4-1 win.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Viking freshman Oak Pasche put the Vikes on the board in the second as he found room passed the goalkeeper for the score in the second half. Kelton Casterton had Decorah’s only other shot on goal, while the goalkeepers came up with six saves.

First win Decorah’s first win came at home Monday against Independence (2-3) as the Vikings outscored the Mustangs 8-1.

The Vikings scored twice in the first half and continued to pad their lead in the second with six more goals.

As a team, the Vikes had 17

shots on goal with Will Larson leading the offensive charge, scoring two of Decorah’s goals in his three shots on goal. Fellow juniors Reid Berns, Riley Berns, Caden Malanaphy; sophomore Liam Huang and freshman Bryan Ortiz Gonzalez also found the back of the net for the Vikes.

Others who fired on the goal were Kelton Casterton, Oak Pasche, Gavin Luzum, Ian Giddings and Noah Milburn.

Garrison Grinna stood in the goal and made five saves.

Finding the net Tuesday night the Vikes played their fourth game in six days at Postville, picking up the 3-0 shut out.

Scoring twice in the first half, Decorah added an insurance goal in the second with the Viking defense holding strong.

The Vikings had just three shots on goal and made the most of each by Larson, Reid Berns and Huang.

In the goal, Grinna had 13 saves.

Viking girls looking for elusive first win The Decorah girls soccer team (0-5) was back in action Friday, Saturday and again Monday, without the outcome players, fans and coaches were looking for.

Tough second half North Fayette Valley (2-1-1) came to Decorah and left with a 5-0 win over the Vikings.

“This game was much closer than the score would indicate. NFV was strong, but our girls were matching their intensity throughout,” said coach Loren Hendrickson.

NFV scored a goal off a corner in the first half which Decorah may have actually deflected in. The second half was more of the same, but NFV scored a couple goals right under the crossbar that Viking goalkeeper Taylor Sloan-Dahl couldn’t reach, and another on a breakaway at the very end when Decorah sent its girls forward to try and score on a corner kick. The ball bounced out a directly to one of their forwards who took it all the way to goal with only Sloan-Dahl to beat.

In the end Regine Hougen had the lone shot on goal for the Vikes while Sloan-Dahl picked

up five saves.

Saturday rewind In another game during which the Vikes played even with an opponent, Decorah gave up a cheap goal early to Dubuque Senior (2-1-1) Saturday and went on to lose 5-0.

With 12 minutes left in the first half of the game, Decorah defenders scored on their own goal trying to clear the ball from the penalty area. Only five minutes later, another goal was scored against the Vikes when a corner kick went directly into goal off the far post — extremely rare.

“Part of our problem was our inability to maintain any consistent possession, not allowing us to move the ball forward in attack,” said coach Hendrickson.

The Vikings failed to take a shot on the goal, but freshman goalkeeper Taylor Sloan-Dahl finished the match with nine saves.

Ranked opponenent Coach Hendrickson said his Viking girls probably played their best half this far as they held Class 2A No. 9 Independence scoreless for nearly the

Tuesday the Decorah girls tennis team earned a decisive 9-0 victory over the Charles City Comets. Impressively, the varsity only lost four games in total the entire meet.

Shutouts were accomplished

by No. 2 singles player Leah Holland over Marissa Avelar, No. 4 singles player Dylin Thompson over Joselin Bonnstetter, and No. 6 singles player Klaara Short over Paige Pickar.

All three doubles teams also recorded shutouts, including Olivia and Grace Huinker (at No. 1 doubles) winning 8-0 over Avelar/Baldus, Jaidyn Duvel and Camryn Holland (at No. 2) defeating Hall/Bonnstetter 8-0, and Addie Maki and Alynne Brandel (at No. 3) winning 8-0 over Eaves/Brooklyn Hanson.

The JV also had a solid performance against the Comets, winning four matches and tying

4-4 in another.

Varsity matches Singles: No. 1 Kaitlyn Bjork (Dec) won 8-2 over Marissa Avelar (CC); No. 2 Leah Holland (Dec) won 8-0 over Savannah Baldus (CC); No. 3 Camryn Holland (Dec) won 8-1 over Jacy Hall (CC); No. 4 Dylin Thompson (Dec) won 8-0 over Joselin Bonnstetter (CC); No. 5 Myla Leitz (Dec) won 8-1 over Aliyah Eaves (CC); No. 6 Klaara Short (Dec) won 8-0 over Paige Pickar (CC) Doubles: No. 1 Olivia Huinker/ Grace Huinker (Dec) won 8-0 over Avelar/Baldus (CC); No. 2 Jaidyn Duvel/C. Holland (Dec) won 8-0 over Hall/Bonnstetter (CC); No. 3 Addie Maki/Alynne Brandel (Dec) won 8-0 over Eaves/Brooklyn Hanson (CC) JV matches Singles: Gwen Thompson (Dec) won 7-1 over Linsey (CC); Esme Cuevas/Ava Burreson (Dec) tied 4-4 with Melany/Rarah (CC); Teagen Menke/Nina Sessions won 5-3 over Linsey/Paige (CC); Natalie Holthaus/Isis Timm won 6-2 over Vivian/Paige (CC); Kimberly MenjiaJunech/Ava Burreson (Dec) won 5-3 over Melany/Rarah (CC)

Trojans’ relays come out of gates strong

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com Squads are going to be hard pressed to catch Turkey Valley this season out on the oval as the Lady Trojans have come out of the gates strong so far in 2025.

Trojan co-coaches Dalton Hackman and Sarah Bakula’s top relays are some of the best in all of Class 1A as evident by TV’s winning time of 4:29.55 in the distance medley at the Lady Pirate Bossom Relays last week.

That marquee relay group of sophomores Kendall Kuennen, Hazel Nieman and Bella Stika, along with freshman Brynlee Hayek now sport the fifth-fastest time in the small-school class for that event.

TV has not one, but two of the better relays in Class 1A as the Trojan sprint med team clocked a 1:56.67 at the Decorah girls’ Invite Thursday. The Trojans did not win the relay but are now listed as the seventh-fastest sprint med squad in Class 1A according to the website Bound. Decorah won that relay in 1:53.87, listed as the 18th best time in that event in Class 3A. Decorah ended up winning its home invite with 191 points.

TV managed 20 points.

The Trojans tallied 53 points at the Postville meet and that get-together of northeast Iowa teams saw Waukon became the victor in the team standings with 156 points.

Other highlights for the Trojans last week came in the open 800. Stika could not be beaten as she raced first to the tape in 3:30.95. That’s a season best and 14th-fastest in her class.

TV’s distance medley also took first at Decorah in 4:30.16 with that same group of Kuennen, Hayek, Nieman and Stika.

Spectators at Postville also saw TV’s sprint medley quartet of junior Jenna Throndson, Hayek, Nieman and Stika

placed runner-up in 1:57.82.

The 4x400 squad of freshman Alexis Gruenberg, Nieman, Kuennen and Stika was also second in 4:31.03.

Nieman ran to a third place showing in the open 200 in 28.2.

Decorah girls’ invite team scores 1. Decorah 191; 2. Crestwood 90; 3. Waukon 85; 4. Waverly-Shell Rock 64; 5. New Hampton 55; 6.

South Winn 44; 7. Kee 39; 8. Turkey Valley 20

Varsity results Shot put – 8.

Ellaney Bodensteiner 30’10.5”; 16. Nora Chicken 26’2.5” Discus – 9. Bodensteiner 82’2”; 16. Chicken 66’10” 100m – 14. Addison Steinlage 15.12; 15. Emersyn Hoffert 15.41 200m – 12. Hoffert 33.13 400m – 9. Hoffert 1:17.67; Jocelyn Desloover 1:26.44 100m hurdles – 14. Desloover 23.78 400m hurdles – 8. Desloover 1:43.19 Shuttle hurdle – 6. Jenna Throndson, Brynlee Hayek, Alexis Gruenberg, Desloover 1:24.28 4x100 – 7. Kendall Kuennen, Hayek, Hazel Nieman, Throndson 55.46 4x200 – 6. Throndson, Steinlage, Hayek, Gruenberg 2:01.02 Sprint medley – 2. Kuennen, Throndson, Nieman, Bella Stika 1:56.67 Distance medley – 1. Kuennen, Hayek, Nieman, Stika 4:30.16 Bossom Lady team scores 1. Waukon 156; 2. Crestwood 128; 3. Sumner-Fred 98; 4. Kee; 61; 5. Turkey Valley 53; 6. North Fayette Valley 39; 7. Central Elkader 35; 8. Postville 15; 9. Clayton Ridge 13; 10. West Central 12; 11. MFL MarMac 2 Varsity results Long jump – 7. Kuennen 12’9.75”; 13. Gruenberg 11’6.75” Shot put – 8. Bodensteiner 31’9.5”; 14. Chicken 26’4” Discus – 7. Bodensteiner 89’4”; 14. Throndson 69’8” 100m – 16. Hoffert 14.99; 26.

Courtney Ball 17.10 200m – 3. Nieman 28.20; 17.

Hoffert 32.24 800m – 1. Stika 2:30.95 400m hurdles – 6. Desloover 1:35.21 Shuttle hurdle – 6. Throndson, Hayek, Gruenberg, DeSloover 1:24.37 4x100 – 9. Kuennen, Hayek, Gruenberg, Throndson 59.00 4x200 – 4. Hoffert, Chicken, Ball, DeSloover 2:20.01 4x400 – 2. Gruenberg, Nieman, Kuennen, Stika 4:31.03 Sprint medley – 2. Throndson, Hayek, Nieman, Stika 1:57.82 Distance medley – 1. Kuennen, Hayek, Nieman, Stika 4:29.55

Coming up in area varsity sports Stella Grinna dribbles the ball away from an Independence player during Monday’s home match against the No. 9 Mustangs. (Photo by Becky Walz)

entire first half of Monday’s home game. In the end, Decorah couldn’t keep up the defense, dropping the match 5-0.

Independence scored with only two minutes left in the first half on a shot just under the crossbar.

“We started the second half strong, but after Independence put one more goal on the board 12 minutes in, we deflated a

bit,” added coach Hendrickson.

“Then the rains and buffeting winds came (in our face) and we couldn’t maintain concentration. Independence scored three more times to finish the match.”

Nora Lesmeister had Decorah’s lone shot on the goal, while Sloan-Dahl had seven saves in the goal.

April 17 – Dec g golf vs. New Hampton (Oneota), 4 p.m.; SW golf vs. Central Elkader (Ossian), 4 p.m.; TV golf vs. Postville, 4 p.m.; Dec g ten vs. Waverly-Shell Rock, 4:30 p.m.; Dec b ten at Aplington-Parkersburg, 4:30 p.m.; Dec b tr at West Delaware, 4:30 p.m.; TV g/b tr at New Hampton, 4:30 p.m.; Dec g soc vs. Mason City, 5 p.m.; Dec b soc at Mason City, 5 p.m.; Dec/SW g tr at Decorah, 5 p.m.

April 19 – SW b golf at New Hampton tnmt., 9 a.m.

April 21 – Dec g ten vs. Independence, 12 p.m.; SW golf at Dike-New Hartford, 12 p.m.; Dec b golf vs. Charles City (Oneota), 3 p.m.; Dec g golf at Charles City, 4 p.m.; Dec b ten vs.

Winona Senior, 4:30 p.m.; SW g tr at Hudson, 4:30 p.m.; TV g tr at New Hampton, 4:30 p.m.; Dec/SW b tr at Decorah, 5 p.m.

April 22 – SW g/b golf vs. Dec/TV (Calmar), 4 p.m.; Dec b ten vs. Onalaska, 4 p.m.; Dec/TV g tr at Crestwood, 4:30 p.m.; Dec g soc at Clayton Ridge, 5 p.m.; Dec b soc vs. New Hampton, 5 p.m.; Dec g tr at Charles City, 5 p.m.

April 24 – Dec g golf at New Hampton tnmt., 12 p.m.; Dec b ten at Waverly-Shell Rock, 12 p.m.; SW golf at Clayton Ridge, 4 p.m.; TV golf at West Central (Fayette), 4 p.m.; Dec g ten vs. Union, 4:30 p.m.; Dec b tr at Waukon, 4:30 p.m.; TV g/b tr at Kee, 4:30 p.m.

SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

15

Vikings picking up speed as season progresses

edged teammate Ashton Saltou at the line for the 400-meter title. Stemper stopped the clock at 54.29 seconds, while Saltou posted a time of 55.29 seconds.

Finishing first in the 1600-meter run was Bennett Coppola in 10:45.11. In the 3200-meter run, it was Davis Coppola breaking the tape in 10:45.11.

Quandahl, Trevor Kuennen, Mason Avila and Webb won the only relay event. The quartet posted the winning time of 1:35.63 in the 4x200 relay.

The Decorah boys track and field team has seen a wide variety of competition lately as it participated in three meets in five days. It also means numerous athletes have seen action and have stepped up their abilities.

Dave Sage Relays The Vikings put up a solid finish in Waverly Thursday, picking up 93 points, good for third place in varsity team standings at the Dave Sage Relays. Waverly-Shell Rock took the top spot with 201 points.

Decorah had two events claim first place. In the shot put, William Hahn took gold with a throw of 51 feet, 1.5 inches, while D’Mitry Lesser won the 3200-meter run in 10:40.20.

Henry Brynsaas picked up a bronze in the discus with a throw of 127 feet, 10 inches. In 4:51.83, Clarence Nimrod won the 1600-meter run.

Dave Sage Relays team scores 1. Waverly-Shell Rock 201; 2.

Waterloo West 157; 3. Decorah 93; 4. New Hampton 78; 5. Crestwood 72; 6. Wapsie Valley 70; 7. North Fayette Valley 43

Thomas Hammel posted a time of 10:43.18 in the 3200-meter run as a Viking exhibition runner. (Photo by Becky Walz) Varsity results High jump – 6. Thomas Davis 5’2”; 8. Parker Low 5’2” Long jump – 5. Dakota VanGundy 16’1”; 8. Kellen O’Gara 15’0” Shot put – 1. William Hahn 51’1.5”; 6. Luke Franzen 43’0.5” Discus – 3. Henry Brynsaas 127’10”; 4. Carter Riley 126’10” 100m – 11. Drake Phillips 12.85; 12. O’Gara 13.27 200m – 8. Kaden Tarwater 25.19; 9. Archer Sims 25.22 400m – 5. Carson Bohner 57.05 800m – 6. Esteban Fernandez 2:30.98 1600m – 3. Clarence Nimrod 4:51.83; 5. Davis Coppola 4:59.94 3200m – 1. D’Mitry Lesser 10:40.20 110m hurdles – 8. Brayden Miculinich 19.47; 9. Kyan Oftedahl 19.49 400m hurdles – 6. Ray Hayek 1:03.34 Shuttle hurdle – 5. Riley, Miculinich, Oftedahl, VanGundy 1:13.86

Decorah invite team scores 1. Decorah 189; 2. West Delaware 103; 3. New Hampton 88; 4. Waukon 61; 5. South Winn 50; 6.

MFL MarMac 45; 7. Kee 33

Weston Cote stretches to hand the baton off to Camden Kerner in the Viking 4x800 Monday night. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Varsity results High jump – 6. Davis 5’0”; 7.

Oftedahl 4’10” Long jump – 3. Walter 18’11.25”; 5. VanGundy 18’3.75” Shot put – 1. Hahn 53’5”; 2.

4x100 – 4. Kyle Pattison, Kade O’Hara, VanGundy, Grant Remington 46.78 4x200 – 4. Pattison, Remington, Jace Buddenberg, Max Grimstad 1:36.02 4x400 – 4. Miculinich, Karter Orris, Riley, Grimstad 3:47.31 Sprint medley – 5. Gavin Knutson, Matthew Burkholder, Buddenberg, Hayek 1:45.77 Distance medley – 4. O’Hara, Knutson, Orris, D. Coppola 3:57.01

Saturday’s results Saturday, a smaller than normal contingent of Vikings set off for Iowa City and the Eastern Iowa Track and Field Festival hosted by Iowa City West.

Decorah scored the most points with 10 in the large field of competition.

Highlighting the day was Peyton Webb, winning the high jump as he cleared 6 feet, 4 inches.

Hahn’s throw of 54 feet, 6 inches gave him a bronze and sits him fifth in Class 3A overall.

Other notable performances were turned in by Josh Adam, Davis Walter, Trevor Kuennen and Bennett Coppola in the distance medley with a fourth place finish as well as Adam in the 110-meter hurdles finishing fifth. The 4x800 relay of Grant Zilka, Bill Fullhart, Garrett See and Mitchell Stemper also finished fifth.

Varsity results High jump – 1. Peyton Webb 6’4” Long jump – 7. Trevor Kuennen 20’0.25” Shot put – 3. William Hahn 54’6” 800m – 10. Thomas Hammel 2:01.77; 11. Bill Fullhart 2:02.40 1600m – 23. Grant Zilka 4:51.44; 25. Garrett See 5:14.19 110m hurdles – 5. Josh Adam 15.67 400m hurdles – 12. Ashton Saltou 1:00.35 4x100 – 9. Landon Quandahl, Adam, Davis Walter, Webb 44.29 4x200 – 8. Grimstad, Ashton Saltou, Quandahl, Webb 1:33.44 4x400 – 8. Mitchell Stemper, Mason Avila, Bennett Coppola, Kuennen 3:33.78 4x800 – 5. Zilka, Fullhart, See, Stemper 8:14.82 Sprint medley – 6. Quandahl,

Keaton Nalean-Carlson returns a serve in recent home action. Last week the junior went 3-0 in singles action in the No. 3 spot for the Vikings tennis team. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Viking boy netters move to 5-0

Mitchell Stemper (left) and Ashton Saltou went 1-2 in the 400-meter dash Monday at Decorah’s home boys’ invite.

(Photo by Becky Walz) Walter, Avila, Grimstad 1:38.46 Distance medley – 4. Adam, Walter, Kuennen, B. Coppola 3:44.83

At home again Decorah had another successful night on the oval in spite of blustery conditions Monday at home, winning the meet with 189 points over West Delaware, who garnered 103.

Seven golds were won by the Vikings with two coming in the field events. Hahn won the shot put with a throw of 53 feet, 5 inches, and second was claimed by teammate Luke Franzen with a heave of 43 feet 7.5 inches. Henry Brynsaas was crowned the champion in the discus as he sent the weight 122 feet, 6 inches.

Four others won individual titles, including Landon Quandahl in the 200-meter dash as he went the distance in 23.05 seconds. Mitchell Stemper

Franzen 43’7.5” Discus – 1. Brynsaas 122’6”; 3.

Riley 118’4” 100m – 2. Adam 11.33; 3. Webb 11.41 200m – 1. Quandahl 23.05; 3.

Zach Driscoll 23.55 400m – 1. Stemper 54.29; 2.

Saltou 55.29 800m – 2. See 2:18.73; 3. D’Mitry Lesser 2:26.93 1600m – 1. Bennett Coppola 4:56.30; 3. Fernandez 5:33.84 3200m – 1. Davis Coppola 10:45.11; 2. Clarence Nimrod 10:51.09 110m hurdles – 2. Oftedahl 19.07; 3. Miculinich 19.39 Shuttle hurdle – 3. Riley, Miculinich, Oftedahl, VanGundy 1:15.38 4x100 – 3. Kyle Pattison, Kade O’Hara, VanGundy, Grant Remington 47.05 4x200 – 1. Quandahl, Kuennen, Avila, Webb 1:35.63 4x400 – 3. Quandahl, Walter, Miculinich, Riley 3:53.67 4x800 – 3. Weston Cote, Camden Kerner, Gavin Wilkins, Wyatt Birdsell 10:48.55 Sprint medley – 4. Gavin Knutson, Matthew Burkholder, Jace Buddenberg, Archer Sims 1:46.40 Distance medley – 4. O’Hara, Knutson, Orris, Nimrod 4:25.15

“You’re never sure as a coach how newcomers will take to a long week like this, but they and the veteran leaders fought hard all week,” Decorah boys tennis coach Matt Anderson said of his squad playing three matches in two days.

Friday, the 5-0 Vikings hosted Osage and picked up a 9-0 victory. Highlighting the match was No. 1 Liam Chamberlain against Jarin Camlin. Chamberlain had to fight back in each set, after being down 1-4 to win 6-4 and 6-4.

“He changed tactics, and his experience and patience really showed,” noted coach Anderson.

The Vikings had a quick turnaround to play a double dual in Mason City on Saturday, defeating Spencer 8-1 in the morning and Mason City 5-4 in afternoon.

It’s always very windy in Mason City and that wind, combined with four matches over the course of nine hours, is tough to mentally stay up for, but the entire team fought through and brought their best to each match,” according to the coach said.

“Wrapping up a very long week of tennis the team finished 5-0 on the week and I’m really impressed with the newcomers to the lineup this year...Elliot Berland, Caleb Krieg and Aitor Cuevas. You’re never sure as a coach how newcomers will take to a long week like this, but they and the veteran leaders fought hard all week.” he finished.

Versus Osage Singles: No. 1 Liam Chamberlain (Dec) won 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 over Jarin Camlin (O); No. 2 Tristan Hunter won 6-1, 6-1 over Carter Muller (O); No. 3 Keaton Nalean-Carlson (Dec) won 6-1, 6-3 over Brady Nicholson (O); No. 4 Elliot Berland (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Kolton Olson (O); No. 5 Caleb Krieg (Dec) won 6-1, 6-0 over Tillmann Welge (O); No. 6 Aitor Cuevas (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Payton Scott (O) Doubles: No. 1 Chamberlain/ Hunter (Dec) won 6-3, 6-3 over Camlin/Nicholson (O); No. 2 Berland/Nalean-Carlson (Dec) won 6-1, 6-2 over Muller/Olson (O); No. 3 Krieg/Cuevas (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Welge/Scott (O) Versus Spencer Singles: No. 1 Chamberlain (Dec) won 6-4, 6-4 over Colby Sherrod (S); No. 2 Hunter won 6-0, 6-2 over Ade Thomas (S); No. 3 Nalean-Carlson (Dec) won 6-1, 6-0 over Cole McDanel (S); No. 4 Berland (Dec) won 6-1, 6-0 over Charlie Moeller (S); No. 5 Krieg lost 6-0, 7-6 to Jackson Bergstadt (S); No. 6 Cuevas (Dec) won 7-5, 6-1 over Robert Gerlock (S) Doubles: No. 1 Chamberlain/ Hunter (Dec) won 6-1, 4-6, 1-0 (119)) over Sherrod/Moeller (S); No. 2 Berland/Nalean-Carlson (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Thomas/McDanel (S); No. 3 Krieg/Cuevas (Dec) won 6-1, 6-0 over Bergstadt/Gerlock (S) Versus Mason City Singles: No. 1 Liam Chamberlain (Dec) lost 6-1, 6-4 to Seth VandenBerg (MC); No. 2 Hunter (Dec) lost 6-2, 6-1 to Treton Kruger (MC); No. 3 Nalean-Carlson (Dec) won 6-3, 7-6 (9-7)) over Max Lang (MC); No. 4 Berland (Dec) won 6-2, 6-2 over Avery Beyer (MC); No. 5 Krieg (Dec) won 7-5, 6-2 over Michael Solberg-Maas (MC); No. 6 Ceuvas (Dec) won 6-0, 6-4 over Jackson Squier (MC) Doubles: No. 1 Chamberlain/ Hunter (Dec) lost 6-2, 6-3 to VandeBerg/Kruger (MC); No. 2 Berland/ Nalean-Carlson (Dec) 6-2, 6-1 over Lang/Beyer (MC); No. 3 Krieg/Cuevas (Dec) lost 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 (10-3)) to Solberg-Maas/Squier (MC)

Busy time on area ovals for SW boys

The South Winn boys track and field team continues to make strides in competition, finishing second at Postville last week and fifth in Decorah Monday.

So close In spite of chilly temperatures the Warriors performed well Thursday at Postville, finishing second with 129 points. Wau-

With the wind at his back, Eric Greve sprinted down the track in 11.69 seconds to take fifth in the 100-meter dash Monday. (Photo by Becky Walz)

kon secured 143 points to win the team title.

South Winn had five events win the gold. Hugh Conway was a two-time champion. He first won the 3200-meter run in 10:30.92 and later ran another mile (1600-meter run) in 4:51.50 for gold.

Kaden Barton-Franzen cleared 5 feet, 10 inches in the high jump to win that event and Brennan Franzen circled the oval in 55.64 seconds during the 400-meter dash to win.

The 4x100 team also broke the tape. Eric Greve, Irving Flores, Franzen and Barton-Franzen had the best time in 46.56 seconds.

Taking second was Greve in the 200-meter dash and the 4x200 relay of Gavin Feickert, Camden Bullerman, Kyle Kuboushek and Landen Schnuelle.

Seven events also won bronze, including Flores in the high jump, Schnuelle in the discus, Cameron Einck in the 1600-meter run, Barton-Franzen in the 110-meter hurdles, the shuttle hurdle relay, the 4x800 relay and sprint medley relay.

Post. Foster-Kiesau team scores 1. Waukon 143; 2. South Winn 129; 3. MFL MarMac 109; 4. Central Elkader 84; 5. Turkey Valley 50;

6. Tripoli 28; 7. Kee 24; 8. West Central 15; 9. Postville

Varsity results High jump – 1. Kaden BartonFranzen 5’10”; 3. Irving Flores 5’6” Long jump – 4. Gavin Feickert 17’11.5”; 8. Levi Feickert 15’0.75” Shot put – 6. Kyle Kuboushek 33’4”; 7. Tristen Bodensteiner 33’0.5” Discus – 3. Landen Schnuelle 116’6”; 4. T. Bodensteiner 110’0” 100m – 2. Eric Greve 11.37; 6.

Flores 11.81; 18. Brendon Riehle 15.58 200m – 18. Tyler Fels 32.45 400m – 1. Brennan Franzen 55.64 800m – 7. L. Feickert 2:50.50 1600m – 1. Hugh Conway 4:51.50; 3. Cameron Einck 5:18.55 3200m – 1. Conway 10:30.92; 4.

C. Einck 10:46.09 110m hurdles – 3. BartonFranzen 16.95 Shuttle hurdle – 3. BartonFranzen, Jordan Einck, G. Feickert, Andy Acahua 1:17.80 4x100 – 1. Greve, Flores, Franzen, Barton-Franzen 46.56 4x200 – 2. G. Feickert, Camden Bullerman, K. Kuboushek, Schnuelle 1:41.45 4x400 – 4. Brad Dahl, Bullerman, Acahua, G. Feickert 4:03.48 4x800 – 3. Dahl, Clayton Kuboushek, Caden Tieskoetter, L. Feickert 10:13.79 Sprint medley – 3. Acahua, Bullerman, Greve, Franzen 1:42.61 Distance medley – 7. Adam Schmitt, Landon Humpal, Tieskoetter, C. Kuboushek 4:46.95

Back in Decorah The Warriors were back in action Monday in Decorah at the Decorah Relays, collecting

South Winn 4x200 middle runners Kyle Kuboushek (left) and Gavin Feickert exchange the baton Monday. The duo combined with Camden Bullerman and Landen Schnuelle to finish fourth with a time of 1:46.07. (Photo by Becky Walz) 50 points to finish fifth. The Vikings won their own meet with 189 points.

For the second meet in a row, Barton-Franzen bested the high jump field as he cleared 6 feet even.

The 4x100 relay quartet of Greve, Flores, Franzen and Barton-Franzen took home silver after stopping the clock at 46.99 seconds. Rounding out the top three finishes was the sprint medley relay with a bronze.

Bullerman, Landon Livingood, Franzen and Conway posted a time of 1:45.56.

Decorah team scores 1. Decorah 189; 2. West Delaware 103; 3. New Hampton 88; 4. Waukon 61; 5. South Winn 50; 6.

MFL MarMac 45; 7. Kee 33 Varsity results High jump – 1. Barton-Franzen, 6’0”; 4. Flores 5’2” Long jump – 4. G. Feickert 18’4.25”; 10. L. Feickert 15’2.25” Shot put – 9. K. Kuboushek 32’10.50”; 10. T. Bodensteiner

32’6.5” Discus – 4. T. Bodensteiner 114’10”; 6. Schnuelle 109’1” 100m – 5. Greve 11.69; 10.

Flores 11.93 200m – 5. Greve 23.92; 7.

Franzen 24.12 110m hurdles – 5. BartonFranzen 17.26 4x100 – 2. Greve, Flores, Franzen, Barton-Franzen 46.99 4x200 – 4. Bullerman, G. Feickert, K. Kuboushek, Schnuelle 1:46.07 4x400 – 4. Dahl, Conway, J. Einck, C. Einck 4:15.26 Sprint medley – 3. Bullerman, Landon Livingood, Franzen, Conway 1:45.56

SPORTS

16 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

A day for the races; Decorah claims 10 golds at home girls invite

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Kelby Kerndt led the winning shuttle hurdle relay. Lily Sandhorst finishes the 4x800 relay. Regine Hougen (front) and Natalie Stevens finished third and fourth in the 3,000-meter run. McKenzie Riley takes the baton from Stella Pole as the anchor of the champion sprint medley relay. (Photos by Becky Walz) Nearly three weeks into the outdoor season the Decorah girls’ track and field team remains a team with lots to cheer about, winning its home invite Thursday and splitting the team Monday with a title at the Hudson Relays and finishing third at Waukon Monday.

A big win It was a blustery but busy night Thursday as the Decorah girls track and field team hosted the girls invite.

The host team ran away with the team title, securing 191 points. Crestwood was a distant second with 90.

Decorah took gold in 10 of the 19 varsity events.

Individually, Annika Schmelzer, Audrey Essa, Cassandra Stammeyer, Stella Pole and Renae Wilson won. Schmelzer had the best discus throw of the field at 119 feet, 10 inches, while Essa exploded out of the blocks and down the track in 12.85 seconds to win the 100-meter dash.

Stammeyer broke the 200-meter tape in 27.75 seconds. In the 400-meter dash it was Pole who earned the win in 1:03.65.

Wilson’s time of 15.63 seconds

won the junior the 100-meter hurdle title.

Moving to the relays, the shuttle hurdle relay of Kelby Kerndt, Addisyn Ivy, Kennady Riehle and Wilson made it look easy, winning in 1:08.18.

Pole, Wilson, Stammeyer and Essa combined their speed to win the 4x100 in 50.87 seconds. Blazing around the track for the win in the 4x200 were Ava Holthaus, McKenzie Riley, Ella Stille and Natalie Goodner.

They had a time of 1:52.91.

Riley, Eden Northup, Jerikah Dodd and Lillian Olson posted the winning time of 4:18.68 in the 4x400. The sprint medley relay put together the best effort by a quartet. Essa, Stammeyer, Pole and Riley stopped the clock at 1:53.87.

Decorah Girls Invite team scores 1. Decorah 191; 2. Crestwood 90; 3. Waukon 85; 4. Waverly-Shell Rock 64; 5. New Hampton 55; 6.

South Winn 44; 7. Kee 39; 8. Turkey Valley 20 Varsity results High jump – 5. Lauren Holthaus 4’4”; 8. Brylee Hanson 4’2”; 8. Ava Steine 4’2” Long jump – 5. Ava Holthaus 14’8.25”; 7. Jerikah Dodd 13’5”

Shot put – 2. Lauren Luzum 38’3.5”; 3. Grace Tangen 37’1” Discus – 1. Annika Schmelzer 119’10”; 2. Tangen 117’10” 100m – 1. Audrey Essa 12.85; 10. Ella Stille 14.30 200m – 1. Cassandra Stammeyer 27.75; 5. Ava Holthaus 29.19 400m – 1. Stella Pole 1:03.65; 2.

Lillian Olson 1:05.34 800m – 2. Raelyn Newhouse 2:35.13; 3. Eva Hurley 2:36.24 1500m – 5. Riley Christopher 5:45.71 3000m – 2. Deborah Hougen 12:37.44; 3. Natalie Stevens 12:36.37; 5. Grace Blikre 12:59.12 100m hurdles – 1. Renae Wilson 15.63; 4. Kelby Kerndt 17.33 400m hurdles – 3. L. Holthaus 1:18.36; 5. Olivia Volkmann 1:23.34 Shuttle hurdle – 1. Kerndt, Addisyn Ivy, Kennady Riehle, Wilson 1:08.18 4x100 – 1. Pole, Wilson, Stammeyer, Essa 50.87 4x200 – 1. A. Holthaus, McKenzie Riley, Stille, Natalie Goodner 1:52.91 4x400 – 1. Riley, Eden Northup, Dodd, Olson 4:18.68 4x800 – 2. Volkman, Olson, Hurley, Lily Sandhorst 10:27.71 Sprint medley – 1. Essa, Stammeyer, Pole, Riley 1:53.87 Distance medley – 3. Caylee Malanaphy, Dodd, L. Holthaus, Newhouse 4:41.96

Split squads Tuesday, the Vikes split the

Bellrichard leads Decorah girls The Decorah girls golf team had its share of challenges, competing Thursday in Winona and at home Monday against Independence at Silvercrest Golf and Country Club.

First 18-hole round The Winona Senior team was not only challenging, so was the course with elevation changes and water hazards on the The Bridges’ course in Winona.

In the end Winona took the dual 448 to 498.

“This was our first one-hole round of the season. Winona only had nine girls, two of which were seventh graders, so we only had our top four girls play 18 holes. Everyone else played nine,” explained coach Katherine Woodhouse.

Leading the Vikes with a 109 was Lulu Bell-

richard. Olivia Brynsaas fired a 118, while Shelby Hageman put up a 133. Riann Oberbroeckling rounded out the Viking quartet with a 138.

Home advantage The girls came close to a win Tuesday at one of their home courses against Independence, falling 226 to 234, at Silvercrest Golf and Country Club.

Bellrichard was the runner-up of the meet with a 53, behind Mustang Emma Gonzalez who carded at 51.

Joining Bellrichard on the scorecard were Brynsaas (58), Anna Knaack (61) and Oberbroeckling (62). Fashioning a 64 was Hageman, while Drew Zwart came through with a 67.

Hageman wins 3,000-meter at Decorah Competing in the Decorah girls invite Thursday, the South Winn girls track and field team posted 44 points to finish sixth.

Sophomore Annie Hageman was the lone champion. She won the 3,000-meter run in 11:59.69.

One relay took silver. The 4x200 relay of Katie Shimek, Adele Conway, Alexis Johanningmeier and Maddy Jansen went around the track in 1:53.69.

In the 100-meter dash, Cloey Zweibohmer sprinted to third in 13.69 seconds. Also taking bronze was the 4x400 quartet of Shimek, Jansen, Zweibohmer and Conway in 4:26.43.

It took Annie Hageman 11:59.89 to win the 3000-meter run at Decorah last week.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Decorah girls invite team scores 1. Decorah 191; 2. Crestwood 90; 3. Waukon 85; 4. Waverly-Shell Rock 64; 5. New Hampton 55; 6.

South Winn 44; 7. Kee 39; 8. Turkey Valley 20

Varsity results High jump – 8. Alyssa Holthaus 4’2”; 8. Alexis Johanningmeier 4’2” Long jump – 6. Jena Peters 14’3.25” Shot put – 10. Emily Hovden 30’1”; 14. Jayden Timp 27’5” Discus – 8. Kelsey Timp 87’7”; 13. Hovden 70’5” 100m – 3. Cloey Zweibohmer 13.69; 5. Katie Shimek 13.92 3000m – 1. Annie Hageman 11:59.69; 4. Lauren Ondrashek 12:48.44 100m hurdles – 9. Izzy Kuboushek 19.49 4x100 – 6. Emmy Gehling, Holthaus, Allison Hageman, Britney Hageman 55.38 4x200 – 2. Shimek, Adele Conway, Johanningmeier, Maddy

squad, sending half to Hudson and half to Waukon.

At Hudson, Decorah earned the team title with 126 points over West Delaware, who collected 97.5 points.

In addition, the Vikings won gold in five events. In the shot put, Lauren Luzum was crowned as the champion. She had a throw of 41 feet 6.75”.

Pole raced to the win in the 100-meter dash, stopping the clock at 12.63 seconds. Stammeyer won the 200-meter dash for the second meet in a row, improving her best time to 27.09 seconds. Wilson continued to dominate in the 100-meter hurdles, taking the gold in 15.21 seconds.

The sprint medley was the only relay to come out on top as it broke the tape in 1:51.37.

Members of the winning relay were Pole, Wilson, Essa and Riley.

“This was a good effort for the team, but a special mention to Renae Wilson and Lauren Luzum for both meeting the Blue Standard for their respective events – Renae in 100-meter hurdles and Lauren in the shot put. Those are incredibly hard to meet standards,” said co-head coach Brad Johansen.

The Blue Standards Johansen referred to the times and distances set for qualification for the Drake Relays in Des Moines next week.

At Waukon, the other half of the girls team turned in solid performances as well, finishing third with 93 points behind Waukon and Sumner-Freder-

icksburg.

A trio of second place finishes highlighted the night on the oval. Liz Bucksa was the runner-up in the discus with a throw of 100 feet, 6.5 inches. In 5:39.25 Regine Hougen took silver in the 1500-meter run, and Riley Christopher was second in the 3,000-meter run, stopping the clock at 12:40.55.

Four events also won bronze.

Margaret Hahn took a pair of field event medals in the shot put with a throw of 31 feet, 4.5 inches and the discus with a distance of 88 feet, 5 inches. In the high jump it was Brylee Hanson in third after she cleared the bar at 4 feet, 4 inches. The 4x800 relay also took home third in 11:55.49.

Hudson Invite team scores 1. Decorah 126; 2. West Delaware 97.5; 3. Grundy Center 82; 4.

Hudson 69; 5. Dike-New Hartford 59; 6. Jesup 57.9; 7. Wapsie Valley 46.2; 8. Waverly-Shell Rock 40; 9. Union 36.2; 10. Cascade 29.2; 11.

Aplington-Parkersburg 26; 12. Denver 25; 13. AGWSR 20; 14. Gladbrook-Reinbeck 11; 15.

Independence 10; 16. South Tama 6 Varsity results Long jump – 6. A. Holthaus 14”9.5; 11. Dodd 14’1” Shot put – 1. Luzum 41’6.75”; 3.

Tangen 35’2.25” Discus – 2. Tangen 115’0”; 3.

Schmelzer 104’3” 100m – 1. Pole 12.63 200m – 1. Stammeyer 27.09; 11.

Malanaphy 29.13 400m – 7. Northup 1:04.79; 13.

Dodd 1:09.19 800m – 9. Volkmann 2:38.41; 11.

Hurley 2:40.43 1500m – 2. Sandhorst 5:26.22 3000m – 8. Stevens 12:53.57; 11.

Waukon Invite team scores 1. Waukon 136; 2. SumnerFredericksburg 102.5; 3. Decorah 93; 4. Oelwein 89; 5. North Fayette Valley 88; 6. Kee 86; 7. Clayton Ridge 64; 8. Postville 20.5; 9. MFL MarMac 19 Varsity results High jump – 3. Hanson 4’4” Long jump – 5. Camryn Elster 14’1”; 7. Poppy Bellrichard 13’4” Shot put – 3. Margaret Hahn 31’4.5”; 6. Kate Pattison 29’8” Discus – 2. Liz Bucksa 100’6.50”; 3. Hahn 88’5” 100m – 7. Jayden Lundtvedt 14.36; 9. Willow Blair 14.77 200m – 9. Blair 31.78 400m – 5. Addison Quandahl 1:13.25 800m – 5. Simone Downing 2:52.10; Riley Christopher 2:53.40 1500m – 2. Hougen 5:39.25; 4.

Olivia Rissman 6:05.66 3000m – 2. Christopher 12:40.55 100m hurdles – 8. Elster 18.29; 11. Emily Myers 19.04 4x100 – 4. 57.56 4x200 – 5. 2:05.34 4x400 – 4. 4:56.03 4x800 – 3. 11:55.49 Sprint medley – 8. 2:14.63 Distance medley – 5. 5:20.42

Viking boys are busy on links

Finally getting on the course in 2025, the Decorah boys golf team finished in the middle of the pack as the Vikings hosted an 18-hole tournament Thursday at Oneota Golf and Country Club. Friday, the Vikes competed in a triangular at Oelwein and Monday, Decorah traveled to New Hampton.

First time out The Vikes combined for a 327 on the links to finish fourth in the eight-team tournament won by Holy Family with a 295. Waverly-Shell Rock was the runner-up with a 302.

Decorah had two medalists when the afternoon ended.

Jackson Pipho and Jacob Stevens each carded 79s to finish 14th and 15th overall.

Carter Dlhy toured the course with an 84, finishing 25th and firing an 85 to claim 26th was Tommy Sexton. Louie Bucksa’s 86 earned him 29th. Also on the course in varsity action were Keaton Riehle (92) and Jackson Naber (93).

The Vikes also had a junior varsity team on the course including Caden Hubka (33rd place, 87), Andrew Olson (39th, 88), Evan Roe (40th, 88), Adri-

Tessa Phillips passes by the start/finish line with the baton as the second leg of the Warriors’ 4x800 relay. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

Jansen 1:53.69 4x400 – 3. Shimek, Jansen, Zweibohmer, Conway 4:26.43 4x800 – 4. Karissa Wenthold, Tessa Phillips, Kuboushek, Vanessa Bullerman 11:18.75 Sprint medley – 5. Gehling, Al. Hageman, B. Hageman, Conway 2:03.76

Blikre 13:05.75 100m hurdles – 1. Wilson 15.21; 13. Kerndt 17.24 400m hurdles – 6. Newhouse 1:15.37; 7. L. Holthaus 1:20.04 Shuttle hurdle – 3. Kerndt, Ivy, Riehle, Wilson 1:09.26 4x100 – 2. Pole, Wilson, Stammeyer, Essa 51.94; 3. 52.34 4x200 – 2. Stammeyer, Ivy, A. Holthaus, Stille 1:53.07 4x400 – 6. Riley, Olson, Northup, Dodd 4:23.82 4x800 – 2. Olson, Newhouse, Hurley, Sandhorst 10:29.17 Sprint medley – 1. Pole, Wilson, Essa, Riley 1:51.37 Distance medley – 5.

Malanaphy, Goodner, L. Holthaus, Volkman 4:43.71

Decorah senior Jackson Pipho eyes the lay of the ninth hole at Oneota Golf and Country Club during last week’s home tournament. (Photo by Becky Walz)

an Smith (49th, 92), Garrett Henry (52nd, 94), Bryson Wemark (56th, 96) and Jack Turner (60th, 98).

24 hours later Taking on Oelwein and Independence at Hickory Grove Golf Course in Oelwein Friday, the Vikes finished in the middle.

The meet was won by Independence with a 148 as Decorah fired a combined 160, edging the host Huskies’ 168.

Pipho led the Vikings with a 36 as the runner-up. Sexton toured the course, finishing with a 40 while Stevens, Dlhy and Olson all carded 42s. Bucksa was also on the links in varsity action, wrapping up his day with a 47.

In JV action Naber fired a 42 while Roe came through with a 43. Others on the course were Hubka (47), Riehle (47); Adrian Smith (50).

Against the Chickasaws Decorah’s first dual win came Monday as the Vikings traveled to New Hampton for conference action, winning 159 to 168.

Pipho was a medalist for the meet with a 36, while Stevens tied with New Hampton’s Charlie Kriener for the runner-up with a 40. Dlhy carved out a 41 for the Vikings with Sexton finishing the scorecard with a 42.

Olson (44) and Naber (46) also competed in varsity action.

The junior varsity also won over the Chickasaws, 175 to 191. On the course for Decorah were Bradan Darling (41), Turner (42), Roe (45), Riehle (47), Hubka (48) and Bucksa (49).