U.S. Navy’s new USS Iowa to be commissioned April 5
Decorah All Vets Club to host public watch party for the event
Glenn Larson, left, and Doug Smith, both U.S. Navy submarine veterans, flank a photo of a Virginia Class submarine on display in the Decorah’s All Vets Club. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
cient and fun ceremony without leaving the state. During the ceremony, the ship officially becomes the USS Iowa. It is great tradition and very moving.”
WATCH PARTY
Saturday, April 5, 8:30 a.m.
All Vets Club 104 State St., Decorah
to launch ballistic missiles for the stealthy and precise delivery of nuclear warheads. Fast attack submarines, which fall under the Virginia Class, Seawolf Class or Los Angeles Class, conduct antisubmarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering and special operations. Both types of submarines are known to travel more than 800 feet below sea level.
Larson joined the Navy in 1960 and retired in 1995, while Smith signed with the Navy in 1974 and served 28 years. Unlike many other military stations, Smith said serving on submarines is strictly voluntary.
The Decorah Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of the city’s archery range from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the Will Baker Athletic Fields. Mayor Lorraine Borowski will fire the first arrow on the range. Food and refreshments will be available, and attendees may enter for a chance to win a Grizzly Drifter 12 cooler and gift cards. City officials said the event is the result of community involvement and partnerships. Questions may be directed to the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department at 563-382-4158.
The USS Iowa, SSN-797, was photographed during sea trials. (Photo submitted)
(The complete version of this article originally published in the March 20 Decorah Leader, find it in full at decorahleader.com)
The United States Navy is commissioning the next evolution of the USS Iowa on April 5, and VFW Post 1977 in Decorah will be hosting a free watch party for the public to view the event that morning.
“We on the Commissioning Committee are happy to support these watch parties to bring the commissioning ex-
perience to our home state,” said retired Capt. Doug MacCrea USN, chairman of the USS Iowa Commissioning Committee. “We are working with local submarine, Navy, and veterans organizations to allow all Iowans the opportunity to see this honored, an-
The submarine is set to be formally commissioned at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 5 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. The commissioning will be held pier side in front of an estimated 2,000 attendees, including the ship’s sponsor, former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack. The public is invited to join local veterans for coffee at 6:30 a.m. April 5, and the watch party is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. that day at the All Vets Club — 104 State St. in Decorah. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
The Iowa, SSN-797, is the Navy’s newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine. This USS Iowa will become the fourth ship to bear the name of the Hawkeye State. The most recent was the former USS Iowa, BB-61, an iconic battleship which served from 1942 to 1949 as well as from 1951 to 1958 and finally from 1984 to 1990 before she was officially decommissioned. That ship now serves as a museum in the Port of Los Angeles.
At least two local U.S. Navy veteran submariners are looking forward to next month’s watch party for the new sub’s commissioning. Glenn Larson and Doug Smith, both of Decorah, served on submarines during their naval careers, although Smith served mostly on fast attack subs, and Larson served on “boomers” — submarines designed
“It’s all volunteers,” Larson confirmed. “They don’t draft people into submarines.”
Larson was inspired to be a submariner by a 1950s TV series called “The Silent Service” — true stories about the importance of submarines in World War II.
“Those are the true heroes,” he said.
Smith said submarine-launched ballistic missiles are used as nuclear deterrents.
“With the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, we had to have deterrents,” Smith said. “Those were silo nuclear missiles, the bombers carrying nukes and the fleet ballistic missile submarines, which were always on patrol, and all of these were locked and loaded on the Soviet Union at all times. Those were the biggest deterrents in the Cold War — to keep the Soviets at bay.”
Larson said, if any of the boomers he served on had launched their missiles, they would have failed their mission to keep Cold War tensions from rising to the level of full-scale attacks.
“The whole idea of the SSBN’s was deterrence,” he said. “‘You mess with us, and we’ll put you back to the stone age.’ It was called ‘mutual assured destruction.’ The acronym was MAD, which was quite appropriate. Fortunately, we never had to launch our missiles.”
Boards and Brews to return
April 23
Decorah Public Library and Pulpit Rock Brewing Company invite adults 21 and over to step away from their screens and step into the world of tabletop games with Boards and Brews, a special community-building event from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 at Pulpit Rock’s event space at 207 College Drive in Decorah. The program is part of a series of free game nights and will feature a variety of classic and modern board games, along with the option for participants to bring their personal favorites to share and play.
“This program is all about fostering genuine human connection in a relaxed, welcoming environment,” said Zach RowHeyveld, assistant director at Decorah Public Library. “We’re thrilled to partner with Pulpit Rock Brewing Company to offer a night of good games, great drinks and meaningful interactions.”
For more information, visit decorahlibrary.org, pulpitrockbrewing.net or contact Decorah Public Library at 563-3823717.
Women’s Weekend Out this weekend in Decorah
Decorah’s
Decorah
“This
that we vote with our dollars. If you love a
vibrant and active downtown, you can choose to support it.” Chamber officials said nine new stores have opened in downtown Decorah since Women’s Weekend Out last took place in 2024 — Jubilee, KD Refillery, Mercantile 1028, Oak & Olive, Storied Folk & Co., Coffee Break, Jenny Wren Gift Market, Interior Design by Emily and Lefse Lodge.
In total, more than 50 stores have joined together for this year’s Women’s Weekend
Out. In addition to in-store specials and pop-up collaborations, the weekend is expected to feature a number of special events, including a Friday Art Crawl, an emerging artist exhibition, Saturday Style Show Brunch, a comedy show at T-Bocks Sports Bar and Grill, a craft and vendor show at the fairgrounds, a “Pieceful Puzzling” gathering and live music. A full list of participating locations is available online at decorahchamber.com.
Call us
Easter egg hunt planned at Fort Atkinson
Fort Atkinson Public Library will be holding its second annual Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12 in the Fort Atkinson Park. The public is invited to meet the Easter Bunny and have their photos taken. The event is for all ages, and organizers are accepting free will donations to help cover the cost of candy.
Robey Memorial Library to host table game night
Robey Memorial Library in Waukon will be hosting a free table game event, with games suitable for the whole family, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 in the lower level community room. The public is invited to learn to the featured game — Takenoko. Visitors may also register for door prizes and play — or learn to play — beginner-friendly, non-competitive casual table games. A variety of table games are available for ages preschool through adult, including Apples to Apples; Aggravation; backgammon; Boss Monster; Candyland; Settler of Catan; chess;
Connect Four; Dixit; Elephant’s Trunk; Exploding Kittens; Gloom; Go; Gotcha!; In a Pickle; Jenga; Monopoly: Electronic Banking; Number Chase; The Oregon Trail: Card Game; Pandemic; Phase 10 Twist; Qwirkle; Rummikub; Seismic; Skip-Bo; Takenoko; Yeti, Set, Go!; Zombie Dice; and more. Participants may also bring their own games and snacks. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For more information, contact Robey Memorial Library at 563-568-4424 or visitwaukon.lib.ia.us.
The public is invited to visit ArtHaus and view works from some of the best young artists in the Driftless Region. A juried selection of 20 artists, ages 1825, haling from three states will be on display April 4-25 in the Doyle G Heyveld Gallery. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 4. For more information on ArtHaus, including classes, workshops and public arts events, visit arthausdecorah.org, call 563-382-5440 or email info@arthausdecorah. org. ArtHaus is located at 107 West Broadway St. in Decorah.
A Women Marketing Cattle course will be held from 5:308:30 p.m. April 8, 15 and 22 at the Winneshiek County Extension Office — 2316 Sweet Parkway Rd. in Decorah. A meal will be provided at 5 p.m. Registration may be completed online at extension.iastate.edu/ womeninag for a cost of $25. Registration must be completed by Tuesday, April 1. Organizers said cattle and calves are Iowa’s fourth largest agricultural commodity, contributing more than
$5 billion in agricultural sales to the state economy annually. Producers enrolled in the course will learn how they can use futures prices to help them managing price risk and develop a marketing plan. The course includes a market simulation activity in which class members can practice news skills and try out a marketing strategy. For more information, contact Alexandria McIntyre by calling 563-382-2949 or emailing alliemc@iastate.edu.
Regional songwriters will present an acoustic concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the historic St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro, Minnesota. The event is the first Spring Songwriters Showcase of 2025 and will feature songwriters Jill Burkes, Audrey Robinson, Jason Chaffee and Sarah Peterson.
Audience members will be immersed in this intimate concert setting, where four singer-songwriters will share their original songs and the inspirations and stories behind them. Each concert in this series is presented in a Nashville-style round robin format, which removes the usual distractions of a normal gig, and allows the audience to be drawn into the emotional heart of each song.
About the artists
are honest and straightforward. Jason Chaffee is an award-winning composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose music exists in the space between notes—where emotion lingers and inspiration resonates. He is preparing for his most ambitious project yet –a double album release on July 18, 2025. The first, a folk-rock/ pop album, and the second an ambient album.
Jill Burkes is a singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Hibbing, Minnesota. She began studying the violin at age seven and performed with various string ensembles through childhood and young adulthood. She is currently fronting the folk rock band Morningbird; their debut album “Echoes in the Meadow” was released in May 2024.
Audrey Robinson is a singer-songwriter originally from Waterloo and now based out of Rochester, Minnesota. She has been playing and writing nearly 20 years and has been performing throughout the Midwest for about 15 years. With a folk/ punk style, her lyrics and songs
Sarah Peterson has written with songwriters worldwide. Recent success includes a song on rotation on Sirus XM radio called “If Country Was a Town” and two songs in rotation on Malaysian Radio Stations: “Glitter and Gold” and “Together”. From her home base in Lanesboro she developed her first artist project last year, releasing four singles and the full six-song EP “Singing to the Angels”. Peterson will lead a songwriting workshop at 2 p.m. April 12 called “Songwriting through Inspiration, Intuition & Practice” at the St. Mane Theatre upper level studio. Participants at any experience level can register for the workshop for only $5. Tickets are on sale online at lanesboroarts.org. Seating is general admission. Songwriters Showcase concert and workshop series is presented by Sarah Peterson in partnership with Lanesboro Arts. Peterson is a fiscal year 2025 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites the public to attend an upcoming Homeschool Art Fair, showcasing the artistic talents of homeschooled students across Allamakee County. Visitors may view the art fair from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 3 in the library’s community room. Organizers said the fair provides students with a platform to display their artwork and fosters skills such as creativity, confidence and critical thinking. Visitors are encouraged to engage students in meaningful conversations about their inspirations and artistic journeys. Complimentary cookies and lemonade will be provided during the art fair, and the artwork will be available for later viewing at the library throughout April.
The members of the Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company will meet Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mabel Community Center, 201 S. Main St., Mabel, MN. (snow date April 16)
Nominations for directors for a three-year term are: Darci Baumann-Fern or Tim Mengis Duane Falck (unopposed) Jeremy Carolan or Dean Nierling Lunch will be served and door prizes given away. We hope to see you there!
Kevin Manning, Secretary
HELP WANTED
Brincks Construction & Cabinets Co.
Looking for FULL TIME CARPENTERS - Build new homes, framing, repair work, installation of doors, windows, & other duties assigned. Also for a FULL TIME CABINET MAKER FINISHERS to work in the cabinet shop to build custom cabinets and install them. Preferred candidates with good working experience and construction background. Must have valid drivers license. Competitive wage based on experience. Interested parties please call Dewey Brincks at (563) 380-6122 or stop by the shop in person at 413 E. Grove Street, Lawler, IA
Now Hiring Traveling Service Technician
Firefly Reliability, a sister company of Hovden Oil in Ridgeway, IA, is expanding its team as it continues to grow and take on new and exciting opportunities. We are currently hiring for a Traveling Service Technician who have:
• Basic understanding of hand and power tools
• Ability to work in a variety of environments
• Willingness to travel – up to 75%
• Valid Driver’s License
• Flexibility in work schedules
• Mechanical or industrial experience a plus Full Benefits Package including, health and dental insurance, HSA, 401k with employer match, PTO and more!
Questions? Contact Kala, kala@hovdenoil.com, 563-737-2709 Visit our website, fireflyreliability.com/careers, to apply today!
HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE
SUMMARY: Responsible for general Carpentry, Repairs, Landscaping/Snow removal
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Must be capable of regular and predictable attendance
•Able to work overtime as needed
•Able to work holidays as needed
•Able to be on call (occasionally) for emergency site repairs
•General carpentry, plumbing, electrical, steel fabrication, and concrete skills
•General repairs in offices, yards, and other buildings
•Replacing light bulbs
•Repairing fences
•Repairing doors
•Repairing chutes
•Repairing damaged equipment
•Able to use heavy equipment such as farm tractors, backhoe, skid steers
•Able to use a wide variety of hand and power tools
•Yard and landscaping
•Spraying for weeds
•Set up for special events
•Snow removal
•Performs other duties as needed and/or assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
•Valid Driver’s License
•Ability to work overtime
•Able to work in a weekend and holiday rotation within the maintenance crew
Applicants will be paid based on experience in the field, Ideal applicants have experience in at least one of the following:
•General Carpentry
•Plumbing
•Electrical
•Concrete
•Landscaping
•Heavy equipment operator
•Roofing
•Welding
•Knowledge of CAFO’s
Base pay is 21.00 but will increase based on the experience you bring at the time of application.
BENEFITS:
Health, Life, Short & Long-term Disability, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Flex Spending Plan, Wellness Program, EAP, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacations, Paid Sick Days, Competitive Wage and Great People to work with! WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment and physical characteristics are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Refer to the “Essential and Marginal Function Analysis” statement for a complete description of essential functions and functional requirements.
EEO - Pre-Employment Drug Test and Post-Offer Physical Stop by to fill out an application or mail resumes to: Apply at: lynchfamilycompanies.com/careers or by calling 563-776-3051
Shake up Lenten dinners with variety
It’s customary for people participating in Lenten fasting to skip meat and poultry dinners on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. However, opting for vegetables and fish in lieu of meats doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.
“Seafood Pancakes” from “Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food” (White Lion Publishing) are a popular Korean appetizer. Any shellfish can be substituted, but the ingredients listed help keep the pancakes crispy. Enjoy this dish as a light lunch or in addition to other offerings for a
SEAFOOD PANCAKES
a kitchen paper-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining batter,
2 tablespoons dwengjang (Korean soy bean paste)
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large pinches of sea salt
31⁄2 ounces brown shrimp
5 spring onions, julienned
1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 red chillies, thinly sliced at an angle
Vegetable oil for frying
In a large saucepan, add enough water so that it’s three-quarters full and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and clams and cook until the shells open. Remove the shellfish and set aside to cool. Retain 3⁄4 ounces of the cooking liquor then strain it to remove the meat from the shells of the mussels and clams and set aside.
In a large bowl, gently whisk together the rice flour, cornflour, self-rising flour, dwengjang, pepper, salt and 8 ounces of cold water and liquor from the cooked shellfish until smooth. Add the brown shrimp, mussels, clams, spring onions, garlic and red chillies (keeping the seeds, if you like more heat) and stir batter until thoroughly combined.
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of oil over a medium-high heat. Spoon in the batter and spread it evenly to form a pancake about 5 inches wide. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the base, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden. Transfer to
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Wenzil Taylor Food
Building History
The Wenzil
originally
for Spillville resident Wenzil Taylor for use as a merchandise
Located in the town’s original commercial district, it’s the last remaining commercial structure from that era, according to information from the National Park Service.
April as Wenzil Taylor Food & Brew. The establishment is to be named in honor of the 1871 building’s first owner, Wenzil Taylor, who opened it as a merchandise store. Mason said the building’s previous owner rented the seven upstairs apartments to college students, but the main floor and kitchen as well as the basement bar and restaurant hadn’t been touched in the last 10 years. Mason said the restaurant will feature what we calls “high-end pub food,” including pizzas, smoked chicken wings, pub nachos, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, homemade desserts and more.
The two-story structure has side and rear walls of rubble limestone and a brick facade. The Italian-style building fea-
