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BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

The pottery competition during ArtHaus’ Hoedown Throwdown features five amateur potters, who compete by throwing pots behind their backs, while blindfolded or merely as fast as they can. (Photo submitted)

ArtHaus’ third annual Hoedown Throwdown will take place Saturday, and the organization’s director said she’s excited for the annual fundraising event.

“Our mission is to connect people through creativity, and art connects people in many ways,” ArtHaus director Shannon Durbin said.

“You can connect by making together, but you can also connect by seeing someone’s voice in their artwork. That’s why we have the gallery as well — you can connect by bringing a piece of someone into your home and having them with you all the time.”

ArtHaus’ third annual Hoedown Throwdown and Gala will be held 7-10 p.m. Saturday, April 26 inside its studio at 107 W. Broadway St. in

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BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Decorah High School senior Grant Zilka knew some news was headed his way as he was called out of his physics class Tuesday morning. He just didn’t know if it was good news or bad. But when he was led into the school’s conference room, a smile quickly spread across his face — he knew he had won the $100,000 scholarship he was hoping would open the door for him to pursue an engineering degree at Purdue University.

The scholarship, provided by sign manufacturing company Gemini through the Frederick M and Siri J Oss Family Foundation was established as a way to give back to the broader engineering community and support students interested in entering the field, according to Tom Toland, director of engineering with Gemini. The scholarship is only available to students who intend to study engineering at one of the country’s top 50 engineering schools and who live in communities which are home to Gemini facilities — aside from Decorah, Toland said the company has sites in Minnesota, Texas, Virginia and Nevada.

Toland said many of the top candidates for the annual scholarship are from the Decorah area, which he attributed to the strength of the local school system. He said a total of only eight applicants made it through the initial screening process for this

Gemini Director of Engineering Tom Toland shook hands with Decorah High School senior Grant Zilka as high school counselor Pat Trewin led him into the school’s conference room.

Zilka was selected to receive a $100,000 scholarship from Gemini, and he plans to pursue an engineering degree at Purdue University. (Photo by Seth Boyes) year’s scholarship and, of those eight, three were selected as finalists — one from the nearby South Winneshiek School District, another in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and Zilka.

Toland said the selection committee considers what each applicant plans to do in the engineering field and their likelihood of success. He said Zilka’s resume, as well as his skills in math and science, put him ahead of the other applicants.

“It was clear Grant is going to be successful,” Toland said.

“It’s also clear that anything he’s done, he’s successful. It doesn’t matter what it is.”

Decorah High School Coun-

selor Pat Trewin agreed, calling Zilka an excellent student who is highly diligent in both his academic studies and extra curricular activities.

“I would call him a leader in school in many ways,” Trewin said.

Trewin went on to say Zilka is well respected for his character and positive contributions in the classroom, saying the high school senior often helps others both in and outside of school.

“He’s really generous with his time and efforts to help other people,” Trewin said.

Scholarship

continued on page 14

Northeast Iowa RSVP’s future uncertain amid expected AmeriCorps cuts

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER AmeriCorps staff cuts could mean the end of the Northeast Iowa Retired and Senior Volunteer Program — or RSVP — which offers community betterment programs across Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek counties.

A statement released by Northeast Iowa RSVP on April 17 said government officials arrived at AmeriCorps’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. last week and, on April 15, “shuttered a popular, long-standing youth service program that assists with projects like disaster relief,” before an estimated 85

Hageman said 50 percent of the local RSVP chapter’s funding comes from a federal grant, and an additional 20 percent comes from the state, which also relies on federal funding.

Hageman said RSVP will lose 70 percent of its funding, and the regional nonprofit will be forced to stop providing its services, if further AmeriCorps cuts occur. The Decorah Public Library provides fiscal oversight of projects and technical assistance to RSVP, and staff there echoed Hageman’s assessment.

“The whole thing would be shuttered after 24 years,” said Decorah Public Library Director Kristin Torresdal. “There is

not a way to replace 70 percent of our funding. There is no vehicle for that.”

Northeast Iowa RSVP recruits, screens and onboards volunteers for a wide range of community partners, including food pantries, senior centers, schools and public health agencies.

Northeast Iowa RSVP’s current volunteer roster includes more than 600 individuals who collectively contributed more than 42,000 hours of service last year. Based on the Independent Sector’s valuation of volunteer labor, Hageman said that equates to an estimated $1.2 million in services provided to local communities — repre-

Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com percent of AmeriCorp’s program staff were placed on administrative leave the next day, which Northeast Iowa RSVP Deana Hageman said immediately disrupted national service programs. RSVP’s statement said the local chapter had not been directly affected as of last week, but “the changes have raised concern among

those who rely on the program to deliver volunteer services throughout northeast Iowa.”

RSVP is part of the broader AmeriCorps Seniors initiative, which was established in 1993, and the organization is part of a federal effort to connect older adults with volunteer opportunities in order to meet critical needs in their communities.

senting a massive return on the program’s $100,000 operating budget. Torresdal said defunding a program which is able to provide a large number of services on a limited budget isn’t sensible from a business perspective.

“Isn’t that what businesspeople look at — return on investment?” she asked. “What kind of business sense does that make? When you invest a minuscule amount of money and get massive, massive benefits from it, isn’t that the definition of efficiency?”

RSVP continued on page 14

City Council in favor of maintaining traffic flow during College Drive bridge repairs

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Construction on the College Drive bridge in Decorah, slated to take place in summer or early fall, may see part of the bridge closed down, but traffic is expected to still flow, according to discussion during Monday’s city council meeting.

The four-lane bridge will see a new crosswalk and remodeled concrete barriers in addition to new pavement and repairs to its joints and bracket supports.

The bridge repairs are expected to come with a price tag of approximately $366,000. The bridge repairs are part of an ex-

tensive $2.84 million project to improve Heivly Street between the Decorah Fire Station and College Drive.

The Decorah City Council heard concern from the public during Monday’s meeting, regarding difficulties an extended bridge closure might cause for emergency services as well as residents who may live on the west side of Decorah but work on the east side.

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said traffic could be diverted to Highways 9 and 52 during a full bridge closure — an option he said would result in a shorter construction period and lower cost to the city. However,

However, he said, if the council chose, to allow vehicle traffic on the bridge during construction, work would last longer and the city would incur additional costs for traffic management and onsite labor — Goedken gave a rough estimate of $15,000 to $20,000 for added traffic control.

Goedken also recommended the council consider which months the construction would be scheduled for and take into account important community events. He noted Luther College’s commencement is

Bridge repairs continued on page 7

College Drive bridge repairs are expected to take more than two months to complete, but city council members were adamant Monday night that the flow of traffic be kept open on the bridge throughout the repairs. (Photo by Denise Lana)

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2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221 The American flag rippled in the wind as protestors gathered along the river dike near the College Street bridge Saturday afternoon.

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3/25 161911955 8 ny had at least one more stop to make Monday. Families gathered outside Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah for an Easter egg hunt. Dozens of young children dashed across the grass as they spied colorful plastic eggs among the grass and landscaping at the senior care center. The group migrated around the property, gathering the hidden treats as they moved to the facility’s front door.

Residents of Aase Haugen were able to watch as the children cracked their eggs in the home’s commons area and bagged their bounty of sugary snacks. A number of youngsters were also able to greet relatives or friends who reside inside the senior care home, and some took the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

Local military veterans participated in Saturday’s rally.

Several held signs demanding the government not cut back veteran services. Approximately 83,000 veterans are expected to lose their jobs as part of a major restructuring plan the Trump Administration plans to carry Protestors held signs high as they stood on the river dike, out by August, according to information posted to the while fellow protestors lined the sidewalks below, near the American Legion’s website. (Photos by Zach Jensen) intersection of College Drive and Fifth Avenue.

Northeast Iowa Indivisible voices opposition to current administration Northeast Iowa Indivisible hosted a Day of Action from noon to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 19, at Carl Selland Wayside Park in Decorah to protest the actions of the Trump Administration.

Information on the broader Indivisible organization’s website described the group as “a grassroots movement of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy and defeat the Trump agenda.” The National Organization is led by husband and wife team Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg. Some 200-plus individuals rallied near the College Street bridge in Decorah, holding signs high as traffic passed by that afternoon.

A number of families, including Wanda Askelson and daughter-in-law Ashley with Harper and Cameron took a few moments to have their photos taken with the Easter Bunny inside Aase Haugen following Monday’s Easter egg hunt.

More than 200 concerned local citizens participated in the April 19 Indivisible rally at Carl Selland Wayside Park in Decorah.

Children and adults kept their eyes low Monday morning as they searched among the plantings near the front door of Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

Members of Saturday’s crowd enjoyed reuniting with friends, listening to music and celebrating in solidarity.

LEFT- Nanette Forde helps young Elisha Forde stow a pair of colorful eggs found Monday morning during Aase Haugen’s Easter egg hunt.

The Forde family was also able to spend some time with grandfather Wes inside Aase Haugen following the hunt.

Winneshiek Saddle Club raises nearly $150,000 since 1970 for disabled adults and children

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

Jim Ludeking of Decorah receives a donation from a passing motorist Friday morning in Calmar. “It’s always important to help people with special needs,” he said, adding that his work with the Pony Express is a continuation of his service from 1971-1973 in the Peace Corps. “It’s important to give back to the community and help people who need it.” (Photo

by Zach Jensen) farmer down by St. Lucas who was in a wheelchair, but he could farm, because the Easterseals and Pony Express fixed his machinery so he could get in and out of it.”

She said, even at age 92, she continues to help Pony Express

and Easterseals just to make life a little easier for individuals with disabilities.

“Whatever you give is going to make somebody’s life a lot simpler, a lot easier” she said.

“That’s why we do it.”

Pre-Owned

The Pony Express Riders of Iowa, which raises money exclusively for Easterseals, began in 1967 near Spencer, and two years later, Ted and Edna Schrandt of Decorah began Winneshiek County’s own Pony Express chapter, which has since raised nearly $150,000 for the cause since that time.

“They had three or four older horsemen who rode around in that county and got money, and sent it to Camp Sunnyside — a camp by Des Moines for handicapped children and adults,” Edna Schrandt said. “Those guys wanted to extend it all over Iowa.”

She recalled that, in 1969, the riders from Spencer hosted a meeting in Elkader in hopes of creating a statewide network of Pony Express clubs and riders.

“Ted, my husband, and several others from the Winneshiek Saddle Club went down there and found out the makings of

it,” she said. “So, in 1970, we sent the first money to Camp Sunnyside. That was just our thing. Ted wanted to do it, so we did it.”

Pony Express volunteers raised money through raffles, roadblocks and dances before hauling the funds on horseback down to Camp Sunnyside once each year, but Schrandt said the Winneshiek Saddle Club stopped using horses in 2012, explaining the hard-surfaced roads were bad for the horses’ feet.

And, although her husband passed in 2013, Schrandt said the Winneshiek Saddle Club has raised $149,600 for Easterseals Iowa since 1969. The saddle club holds one roadblock per year in Calmar and begins selling raffle tickets every Jan. 1. This year’s raffle was for the chance to win a 2024 Massimo T-Boss 700 4x4 UTV — the drawing for which was held Saturday, April 19.

“We do good things,” Schrandt said. “There was a

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Proposed Decorah sports complex may Incoming American Library Association president talks advocacy face cuts to meet budget shortfalls

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Many features of Decorah’s future athletic complex are now under scrutiny after project bids were received last week. The lowest bid received for the project came in at $3,107,176.28 — nearly 10 percent higher than the city engineer’s estimate of $2,850,750 — and the Decorah City Council voted unanimously Monday night to table the awarding of the bid.

Initial plans for the complex included two ball fields, batting cages, four pickleball courts and a large parking lot. Construction was slated to begin later this spring, but groundbreaking was put on pause temporarily after Monday’s city council meeting.

Council members voted unanimously to table the awarding of the bid to Skyline Construction of Decorah in order to give council members time to consider options for whittling down the project’s price tag.

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken extended another invitation for public support of the project, saying private fundraising efforts had fallen short of where organizers hoped they would be.

“In all reality, in two weeks, if we don’t have a semi-clear path, we are going to miss our window to get this project awarded and get construction underway and have it done this season,” Goedken said Monday. “We’re

going to lose an entire season of ball field play.”

Goedken, along with Decorah City Engineer John Hjelle and project engineers, selected features which could potentially be eliminated to reduce cost. In no particular order of importance or cost, Goedken proposed removing concrete from the outfield fences, drain tiles from the fields, the complex’s overflow drain, the western sidewalk and irrigation. Goedken said the city could save more than $10,000 by eliminating designs for portable bathroom enclosures. Officials also noted some aspects of the project, such as the planting of trees and bushes or the possible building of batting cages, could be performed by city employees — those items were said to have come in at almost triple the cost estimated by the engineer.

“The batting cages were bid substantially over cost — we estimated $35,000 for a cage, and the bid was $90,000,” Goedken said. “If we eliminated those and came in on the back end and put them in, it doesn’t eliminate game play.”

The largest item considered for elimination was the parking lot, which is currently drafted as 4-inch asphalt overlay, according to Goedken. Such a change would potentially save the city an estimated $500,000.

“If we remove asphalt and go with crushed aggregate like at Will Baker Park, that would

change the scope of the bid tremendously,” Goedken said.

“We could do a code change or pursue a variance of our city code to allow for gravel.”

However, Goedken also pointed out, if the city chooses to change its plans for the parking lot, the council may want to consider rejecting Skyline’s bid and beginning the bidding process again.

“There could be other companies out there that might have bid the project had it not included the parking lot,” Goedken said.

He went on to say putting out a new call for bids would also put the project months behind schedule and may complicate game play for area athletic teams. Construction on Decorah’s new elementary school is slated to begin in August and plans on that site call for the decommissioning of a large baseball field.

“You need a year to establish a grass field. If we reject this bid and rebid, we are out this season,” Goedken said, later adding, “We wouldn’t see a field completed by August, when the new school construction is due to break ground and the current ball field at that site is no longer available to be used.”

Goedken asked council members to review and prioritize the compiled list of proposed cuts and be prepared to discuss them during a future meeting.

FEMA still owes county more than $150,000 for 2024 flooding

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Staffing issues with the Federal Emergency Management Agency have resulted in the delay more than $150,000 in disaster relief funds from flooding that occurred in 2024, according to Winneshiek County Engineer Michael Kueny.

The flooding and subsequent damages occurred from June 24 to July 23, 2024, when nearly 17 inches of rain fell across the county, according to National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration records — twice the average amount of rain which typically falls during that time.

The Upper Iowa River crested at 13 feet in Bluffton on Monday, June 24, that year, but it lost water as it flowed to Decorah, cresting at 9.71 feet, Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Snyder said at the time.

Kueny said during Monday’s Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting that staffing issues have caused delays in FEMA’s release of $155,683 in disaster relief funds related to damages the county incurred during last summer’s rains and flooding. However, he also said FEMA’s staffing shortage isn’t a recent development.

Water safety The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors also brief-

Julie Fischer of Decorah asked the supervisors about the county’s water safety practices. (Photo by Zach Jensen) ly discussed the county’s water monitoring practices Monday morning. Decorah resident Julie Fischer questioned the board during its regular meeting on issues related to providing safe water for the public.

Fischer, inquired whether the county will continue to monitor waterways around its landfill after the landfill closes decades in the future.

“It’s monitored now,” board co-chair Mark Vick said. “There are monitoring wells around the whole landfill, and they’re monitored (several) times a year.”

Fischer also asked what role the county plays in the construction of confined animal feeding operations, and several supervisors said CAFO oversight is one of the duties of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Decorah Leader

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In other business • County Engineer Michael Kueny reported 6,500 tons of rock will be applied in each blade district in 2025, including Conover Road, Townline Road, River Road, Meadowlark Road and County Road A14.

• A total of 11 applications have been received for three open positions within the county’s secondary roads department.

• Construction on the Neste Valley Recreation Area began the week of April 14.

• The county will host a used office supply sale from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 26 at the former location of the local Health and Human Services office — 2307 US-52 South, Decorah. The sale includes assorted desks, bookshelves, chairs and various file cabinets. Winneshiek County Health and Human Services is moving to the county’s Community Services Building — 607 Washington St. in Decorah.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, April 28, in the courthouse annex.

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BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER About 100 members of the Friends of Decorah Public Library attended the organization’s annual public meeting Monday night at The Landing Market and heard from guest speaker Sam Helmick, president-elect of the American Library Association. Helmick shared insights on advocating for local libraries — focusing on situations in which legislative actions seem to be at odds with public libraries’ goals.

“Talking about the power of trust, talking about the fact that your public library might be actually the most … trusted public face of government in your community is very powerful, because we do a lot of work to earn that trust,” said Helmick, who currently acts as the Iowa City Public Library Community and Access Coordinator.

Helmick touched on proposed state legislation which would affect Iowa’s libraries. Iowa Senate File 347 and House File 558, both introduced in February, target what their Republican sponsors consider obscene descriptions in public library materials. If the bills become law, staff at the Decorah Public Library believe they would be forced to remove countless books from the library’s shelves in order to become complaint with the proposed legislation.

“Despite the fact that Iowa has more public libraries per capita than any state in the nation, and despite the fact that 75 percent of us own at least one library card, and despite 12 million visits to Iowa libraries in the last year alone, we seem to have year after year after year after year of legislation that does not reflect our values,” Helmick said. “It comes as everything from book burning to losing our funding to, honestly, one of the most trusted faces of government (being) castigated as groomers. It’s suddenly like Des Moines forgot we trust each other. We might find our way back, but we might have to do it in court rooms instead of gymnasiums this time. And, that’s fine. What a worthy cause.”

Helmick said she loves her work, saying that, even if she’s not having the best day, she’s still able to spread good will.

“Even when I’m having a B+ day, and I go to work, I recognize that … as a library worker, I get to contribute to public good everywhere I go,” Helmick said. “I really think about what we’re accomplishing, whether it’s inside the building or out-

Sam Helmick, president-elect of the American Library Association, shared insights on advocating for local libraries during the Friends of the Decorah Public Library’s annual meeting Monday night at The Landing Market in Decorah.

(Photo by Zach Jensen) side …, and it’s just incredible to me. I have 133 Iowa library cards, and I’ve never been to a library that looks similar to the next one. It’s amazing.”

Helmick, whose original career goal was to become a legal professional, said public libraries are an example of how it looks to “make America great again” — quoting a popular slogan often associated with the Trump Administration.

“We have that history — that heritage to move forward,” Helmick said. “If we’re thinking about concepts that make America great again or remind us how America has always been great, this is our heritage and our responsibility to move forward, because when I go to other countries as the president-elect of the American Library Association … it’s because I represent an international standard of free people read-

ing freely.”

Helmick said book burning is gaining traction in the United Kingdom as British citizens see it happening in the United States.

“So, no pressure, friends, (but) the world is watching,” Helmick said.

The ALA president elect said, when contacting lawmakers to share opinions about public library legislation, such efforts aren’t wasted, even if the messages don’t necessarily reach legislators themselves.

“I know the work is hard,” Helmick said. “Let’s say you write a letter and you get a poor response from a senator, or you make a phone call and you only get a staffer, or you go to a committee hearing and they cancel at the last second, you’re still contributing to public good and making people’s lives better, and that’s a privilege.”

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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

___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

OPINION

4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

CONFESSIONS OF A ROYAL WATCHER: The British royals’ animal kingdom

BY RACHEL FALDET SPECIAL TO THE DECORAH LEADER Let’s get straight to the confessions.

After Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, my interest in the British royals cooled, but press coverage of their animals has given me a pick-me-up.

Brits adore their dogs. Windsors are Brits.

Get me away from these mutts Before delving into royal pets, I’ll come clean. I never wanted to be a pet owner but, no matter my age, I am unfortunately a dog magnet.

My childhood dog Andy chilled under the kitchen table during meat-heavy meals as I slid chunks of cheeseburgers and ring boloney his way so I could belong to the clean plate club. Andy responded by nudging me to stroke his forehead and ears, which left an oily odor that triggered compulsive handwashing. I required pediatric medical intervention.

Just last year, someone hoodwinked me into entering an urban dog park. While Archie, my hypoallergenic grand-dog, sprinted around with newfound playmates and while his millennial owners beamed, I plopped down on a bench far from any canines. Within moments, an off-leash monstrosity’s front paws dug into my bony shoulders and its — I guess — owner said, “Don’t worry. He’d never hurt anybody.”

That’s what the love-blinded always say.

Me? I have flushed healthy goldfish down a toilet because their projected life expectancy would interfere with upcoming family vacations.

Relatable, mystical royals and media In the recent wave of top British royal coverage, Kate’s late-March Mothering Sunday video ignited global debates on whether the Wales family got a new dog to be a companion for their cocker spaniel Orla, but Orla’s newly released portrait showed Orla alone on April’s National Pet Day. Like my childhood mate Andy, royal pets beg for attention. And the world’s press gives it to them, as when Charles and Camilla’s dog Beth died last November. Anyone with internet access could locate Beth’s obituary and click a link to the front hem area of Camilla’s floor-length, silk coronation dress. Tasteful, it featured two

gold-thread embroidered rescue dogs, Jack Russell Terriers Beth and Bluebell, the only children Camilla and Charles had together. Camilla had even loaned the lovable, furry pair her hefty pearl necklaces to wear along with their dog collars, on the magazine frontispiece of July 13, 2022, Country Life, which she guest-edited in honor of her 75th birthday.

Years earlier, Charles’s first wife Princess Diana forced Charles to give away his old, faithful yellow labrador Harvey, because the dog was “smelly.” I get it.

British royals can be called out-of-touch and parasitic or esteemed symbols holding an island nation together during peace and turmoil, but they are not random.

May 6, 2023, was not a haphazard date for Charles and Camilla’s “scaled-down” coronation ceremony, which required politically correct animal fur, organic anointing oil, re-fitted bejeweled crowns and seating for approximately 2,000 people in Westminter Abbey. I watched the drama in the United Kingdom, sitting on a sofa next to a King Charles Spaniel mix named Jem who preferred me to his owners.

King Edward VII, the current king’s great-great granddad — whose mistress was Camilla’s great-grandma-ancestress Alice — died on May 6, 1910. King Charles’s aunt, Princess Margaret, who was a chameleon and dog owner as a kid, was not allowed to marry the divorced man she loved. Hitched on May 6, 1960, she settled for Anthony Armstrong-Jones whom she later divorced. The current king’s grandson, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on May 6, 2019. Archie’s mum was a divorcee, and reportedly, Archie’s got access to free-range chickens.

May 6 was a cagey choice for Charles’s televised 21st century extravaganza: hinting that out-of-wedlock love is a family tradition and that marrying a divorcee could be perfectly fine for anyone, including a king.

Golden Beth and Bluebell, castoffs previously at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, evoked a tender narrative of second chances.

Victoria and Dash vs.

Elizabeth and Susan Who is the most over-the-top royal pet owner? Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022) with her yappy packs of corgis descended from Susan, her dachshunds and mixed breeds, and her ob-

sessive horse-breeding habit seems like a shoe-in. Her Majesty got an early start. A 1936 book for youngsters, titled “Our Princesses and Their Dogs,” lists a pair of corgis — Dookie and Jane — three labs, a Tibetan lion dog — Choo-Choo — a golden retriever and a cocker spaniel.

But Queen Victoria (18191901) is a strong contender.

After her June 28, 1838, coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, which lasted more than five hours, the then 19-year-old Queen Victoria ditched the well-wishers at Buckingham Palace and rushed to her beloved Dash, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and gave him a bath.

Not sure if Queen Elizabeth ever rushed to give anyone a bath, but her dresser Angela Kelly broke in Eizabeth’s shoes because they had the samesized feet.

In Queen Victoria’s 63-plus years as monarch, she amassed scads of newfangled Pomeranians, dachshunds — including one named Boy — from foreign lands, clumber spaniels, greyhounds, more than 80 collies — including Darnley II who was born on Jan. 8, 1888, and won a prize in the first Crufts dog show in 1891 — a Pyrenean mastiff from France — an untrustworthy biter responsibly sourced to the London Zoo — cattle, sheep and, naturally, ponies and horses. She didn’t have a car. When Queen Victoria died, Queen Alexandra (1844-1925) inherited 83 of her mother-in-law’s dogs.

Didn’t anyone consider “death cleaning?”

By the way, when Victoria was born, she was merely fifth in line to the British throne. Her father died when she was a tot, and she had an unhappy childhood. Goes to show that Prince Harry, fifth in line to the throne, possibly could be King Henry IX, despite moving to California.

As for Dash, Victoria’s childhood spaniel, who died in December of 1840, well, his tombstone in private Home Park of Windsor Castle reads, “His attachment was without selfishness / His playfulness without malice / His fidelity without deceit / Reader, if you would live beloved and die regretted, / Profit by the example of Dash.”

What’s not to like?

Dogs of distinction The genetic saga of Queen Elizabeth and Susan — no biological relation — evokes Bibli-

cal beget and begot litanies that turn off readers fast. So does untangling breeding consequences of one of Princess Margaret’s squatty dachshunds with one of Queen Elizabeth’s foxfaced corgis to get a concoction called a dorgi. First off, what kind of sisters do that?

Secondly, when vetted sources indicate that the queen had more than “30 herding dogs,” does that include dorgis or just ankle-biting corgis?

I’d rather think about my own dogs.

Tippy was a shedding papillon orphaned at age 6 after my husband’s aunt keeled over in Tippy’s presence. A nervous lad with fluffy ears and a plumed tail, Tippy endured a hard transition to our young family of four. Though his previous owner cooked a fried egg sandwich for him each morning, I refused — though I did vacuum a lot.

After 12-year-old Tippy’s death, my hubby thought puppy ownership would make me a better person. After our youngest child hand-picked Willoughby, a curly-haired runt from a dwindling litter of non-shedders in northern Minnesota, and my spouse paid cash, the breeder said, “He won’t be easy to train.”

Unlike Queen Elizabeth, I never had salaried staff dedicated to cleaning up pee and poo accidents inside my dwelling.

One of my most unsettling dog owner days was when Willoughby escaped through a slightly open kitchen door and disappeared up the alley. Before I knew it, in looking for him, I’d turned up in a cemetery and came upon a bereaved family.

“Sorry to bother you, but have you seen a little dog?”

“Was he wearing clothes?”

PICTURED CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT- Royal Watcher Rachel Faldet is pictured here with her dog Willoughby (RIP). An authentic ancient lithographic print of Queen Victoria hangs in the hallway of the Royal Watcher’s home. Queen Victoria bequeathed 83 dogs to her daughter-in-law. A queen and corgi salt and pepper set were a birthday gift to Rachel Faldet, the Royal Watcher.

(Photos submitted) “Yes,” I panted. (He was in a second-hand polyester fleece embroidered with the words “Animals love winter fun.”)

“He went that way,” someone said.

But, hey, speaking of a dying older generation and pet legacy, what could be a better 18th birthday gift for a future queen from her king-papa than a subtle reminder that she, like her new short-legged Pembroke Corgi, needed to produce heirs?

Susan even went on Elizabeth’s honeymoon! I eye-witnessed Susan’s family tree, displayed on a wall in London’s Wallace Collection Museum, and took notes. In fact, I scrawled “in 1969, she and four of her corgis met Apollo 11 astronauts at Buckingham Palace.”

Pretty sure “she” meant Queen Elizabeth, not Susan, but there’s no way to doublecheck.

Don’t quote me, but 57 dogs, counting feisty Susan, were on the family tree. I don’t have enough column inches to name everybody, but I will report Susan begot Sugar who begot Sherry and Whiskey whose branch, without stated reason, ended — addiction problems?

Happily, Susan also begot Honey who begot Bee, the parent of Heather and Buzz. Heather produced Foxy who begot Brush who begot Windsor Loyal Subject! The mind-boggling list

includes siblings Dash, Ranger, Diamond and Apollo, and other barkers, some of them named (who knows why) Blackie, Fable, Myth, Disco and Windsor Quiz.

Think of the chaos! Chow bowls! Whining!

It’s still a toss-up whether Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth wins the honor of mostover-the-top royal pet owner, but Elizabeth had 100 or so riding, breeding and racing horses. Not sure if that includes her Shetlands, Highlands and Fell ponies, but the silhouette horse head necklace worn by the then-teenage Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and the teensy diamond horseshoe brooch worn by the then-age-7 Princess Charlotte during their grandma/great-grandma’s funeral earn bonus points.

Royal British animal kingdom goes wild In case you’re wondering, the alphas of the royal herd – King Charles and Queen Camilla – are reported to be upbeat newly-adoptive parents of Moley, a young rescue dog whose biological mum is half Jack Russell Terrier and half unknown.

Moley’s dad is, to borrow from singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, “a complete unknown.”

Take that, Susan!

Echoes of the Past Penicillin available to general public

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER The story of penicillin came to the forefront back in the spring of 1945, when the U.S. War Department Production Board released the drug for general use by the public. Prior to that time, the lifesaving medicine had been almost wholly reserved for the exclusive needs of the armed forces.

The story of this new drug was well documented. Discovered in 1929 by Dr. Alexander Fleming, a London bacteriologist, it would take 10 years for the drug to “come to life,” and the effectiveness was further studied by a group of research men at Oxford, headed by a Dr. Chain and a Dr. Florey. Penicillin would surpass sulfa drugs in potency and effectiveness

beyond all reasoning. Large-scale production of Penicillin for military requirements were undertaken in the mid-1940s reporting that the drug would be available to a general civilian, was well received locally.

Here are some other headlines from the past:

80

YEARS AGO: 1945 – The vote to approve a $1 million dollar levy to finance purchase of land and construction of an airport has been approved in the city by a vote of 958 to 253. …Stores here will be closed for the balance of the day on V-E Day (Victory in Europe). The Decorah Chamber of Commerce has released details about a spring observance.

A Community Program of Thanks-

giving will be held at the CK Preus Gymnasium on the Luther campus.

Services also are scheduled at all area churches at 6 p.m. Churches also will be open through the day for personal prayer and thanksgiving. The V-E Day Parade is still in the planning stages, and folks are encouraged to make their own appropriate signs, floats or costumes. …Pfc Charles Tupy, weighing 50 pounds more than he did when liberated from a Japanese prison camp, has been greeted by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Tupy of near Waucoma. He arrived home after

Echoes continued on page 14

Decorah Hospital This vintage photograph was taken in the early 1900s from the grounds of the old Decorah Hospital on Montgomery Street. The hospital opened its doors in 1914, followed by many additions in the decades to follow. The hospital was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1957 and was named Smith Memorial in honor of its first donor.

The new hospital in town was constructed in 1971.

OPINION

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

‘Allowing equestrian use puts our trails at great risk’

Much to be thankful for this Earth Day

To the Editor: On April 22, we will celebrate Earth Day. Many are concerned as we read of all kinds of extreme weather events and learn more about their relationship to long-term climate change. In Iowa alone, 55 percent of adults want Congress to act on climate solutions, according to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.

Solutions are at hand. Private companies are innovating various types of battery storage that don’t use rare earth minerals.

Energy produced by renewable sources is now cheaper than that produced by fossil fuels.

In March, for the first time ever, more energy on the electric grid came from renewable sources than from fossil fuels.

Agriculture is turning to regenerative practices that build carbon in soil — increasing soil fertility, water holding capacity and drought and flood resilience while reducing needs for commercial fertilizer, which is a win-win for farmers and the

earth. Seaweed added to the diet of cows is reducing the amount of methane they produce.

There is a lot to celebrate this Earth Day! However, we have more to do, quickly, if we want to get our carbon emissions to levels that will preserve a livable planet.

To that end, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, an international non-profit with members and chapters across Iowa, works in a non-partisan manner to respectfully urge our members of Congress — Sen. Grassley, Sen. Ernst and Rep. Hinson — to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. You can learn more at cclusa.org or come to our Earth Day open house and letter writing party from 5:15-6:30 p.m. on Earth Day at the Decorah UCC Church or at the Winneshiek County Earth Day Festival on April 26 in the Danan Lansing building at the fairgrounds.

Jim Martin-Schramm Decorah

A program that helps people navigate Medicare is under threat of elimination

President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 draft budget calls for the defunding of many critical programs provided to older persons across the country.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program — SHIP — provides Medicare beneficiaries with information, counseling and enrollment assistance. Its mission is to empower, educate and help Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care.

Each year, the 54 SHIPs across the U.S. provide nearly 2 million people with personal, free and local assistance that cannot be replicated through existing tools, such as 1-800-Medicare. In fact, the federal agencies that oversee Medicare — the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration — routinely re-

fer beneficiaries with Medicare questions to SHIP counselors.

Because SHIPs do not sell insurance products, they are a vital source of unbiased information about the different options people have for Medicare coverage. SHIPs also provide assistance with fraud and abuse issues, billing problems and appeal rights.

This administration has pledged to make America healthy again by empowering individuals with the best information to inform their healthcare choices. SHIPs serve a critical function in working toward this goal, and I urge you to contact your federal legislators today and demand that they preserve funding for this program to continue.

Mike Donohue CEO, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging

Volunteer trail efforts benefit Decorah Many thanks to Decorah Human Powered Trails for organizing volunteer work on Tuesday, April 15. My understanding is there were 25 volunteers that put in 57 hours of volunteer time in Van Peenen, Ice Cave and Palisades parks.

The efforts by these volunteers

benefit our city, as well as our community of trail users. Your work for our city and our parks is much appreciated, DHPT. Sincerely, Matthew Hammen Decorah

My name is Thomas C. Johnson. I am a city resident, and I am a city taxpayer. And, I am a mountain biker and birdwatcher. As city council and parks and recreation discuss rules and regulations pertaining to equestrian use, I ask them to preserve the vitality of our trails by prohibiting equestrian use. In short, this is what Decorah should do.

Right now, Decorah has a reputation as a hiking, mountain biking, trail running and birdwatching destination. To help make it so, Decorah Human Powered Trails has put in thousands of hours over the past decades to maintain, promote and enhance our trails. Last year, they did over 500 hours of volunteer work on our trails.

This year, as in past years, visitors will come to our city to experience our trails.

When it comes to those visitors, I point to the Trust for Public Land’s recent study, “Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking.” Key finding — “mountain biking tourists spend an average of $416 per visit, contributing to local businesses like lodging, restaurants and retail establishments.” Once again, this year, visitors will

come to our city to experience our trails. And, spend their money in our businesses.

Simply put, allowing equestrian use on our trails, which comes at the request of a social club primarily comprised of non-city residents, and thus, non-city taxpayers, is an uncertain, unpredictable proposition that will make potential visitors question whether or not to come to our city. Furthermore, allowing equestrian use puts our trails at great risk. And, it puts the financial well-being of our businesses at great risk.

As city council and parks and recreation discuss rules and regulations pertaining to equestrian use, I ask them to preserve the vitality of our trails by prohibiting equestrian use. By doing so, Decorah will continue to be a hiking, mountain biking, trail running and birdwatching destination, and our city will continue to benefit socially, culturally and of incredible importance to the here and now, financially.

Sincerely,

Thoughts on the oath of office Dear Editor, This is the content of an email I sent to the six U.S. congressional delegates Friday morning. It seems to me they can be reminded of the weight of their oath of office: Sen. Charles Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst, as senators-elect at the beginning of their term in office, spoke the oath of office in an open session of the Senate.

Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks from District 1, Ashley Hinson from District 2, Zach Nunn from District 3 and Randy Feenstra from District 4 spoke the oath of office to defend the Constitution in a group swearing-in on the House Floor on the opening day of Congress.

The oath each spoke with their name at the beginning follows: I do solemnly swear —

or affirm — that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. I ask each member of the U.S. congressional delegation to print the oath of office, fold the page and place it next to your phone. When the phone rings, it can be a reminder to read and act to fulfill the vow you spoke to faithfully discharge the duties of your office.

Elaine St. Clair Decorah

Reader sees military support for Ukraine as proxy war Thomas C. Johnson Decorah against Russia

Messages from this month’s Hands Off rally ring true for Minnesota attendee My husband and I attended the Decorah, Iowa, Hands Off rally on April 5, 2025. There were about 500 participants.

The two-hour rally was well organized with excellent speakers and inspiring songs.

Some of the posters were creative, such as this one that stated “Sex Offenders Can’t Live in Government Housing” with a sketch of the White House, alluding to the fact we have a convicted felon living there.

Public Housing Agencies prohibit people with a history of criminal activity involving acts of violence. If this dichotomy concerns you, research the criminal backgrounds of all government candidates and vote against anyone with a sexual abuse history.

Another poster stated “IKEA has Better Cabinets” suggesting that Trump’s cabinet is not qualified for the positions for which they were appointed and are more loyal to him than to the good of the country. One cabinet area of local concern is Homeland Security with a poster suggesting “Break the ICE.” A woman involved with the immigrants in Postville, Iowa, shared the recent incident of ICE breaking down the door of an apartment, deporting a man and leaving his 10-year-old son alone. This is criminal! She also shared immigrant horror stories from their countries of origin and their hope for a better life here in America. Most immigrants are not taking away jobs that most of us wish to do, they are not criminals, but are rather hardworking tax paying contributors to our communities.

In fact, undocumented immigrants paid $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022. Unfortunately, they are not eligible for many of the services those tax dollars fund.

In contrast, billionaires pay a lower tax rate than the average American. If you wish this to change, call your legislators and advocate for immigration reform as well as putting a stop to tax cuts for the rich.

One women’s reproductive rights poster said, “Abortion is Healthcare.” Another pleaded “Don’t Touch! HANDS OFF” with a sketch of a uterus. There is no logic in opposing abortion while failing to support organizations that provide contraception. Is the goal to keep women pregnant so they are too busy

5

childrearing to fight for their rights? A study shows a link between misogyny and authoritarianism in the 21st century. I encourage more women to run for local, regional, state and federal offices and for the rest of us to support them in their quest for equality.

A sign reading “DEMOCRACY OVER DICTATORSHIP” suggested our president is using the playbook of dictators, especially in denying rights to the LGBQT+ populations — blaming minority populations is a ploy to distract from the real issues such as taking away essential services for the masses to provide tax cuts for billionaires.

LGBQT book banning serves no useful purpose. One brave young woman stated, “Reading books about queer people did not make me queer. Rather, reading books about queer people helped me see that I was not alone, that I was okay.” Uphold the integrity of our local libraries.

As well as being concerned for lack of moral leadership and negative lessons to our children, “MAKE LYING WRONG AGAIN” also reflected how corporate America has used lies to enhance the pockets of CEOs and shareholders to the detriment of the general public.

American authoritarianism has rigged corporate democracy, and Trump may be following that playbook, as well as that of global dictators. Note the corruption around us and stand up to corporate oppressors.

People are upset for a variety of reasons and coming together in a rally unifies us and helps generate courage to take further action. We were encouraged by one of the last speakers to choose the area where our passion lies and call legislators, write letters to editors and opinion pieces, financially support nonprofits, volunteer, help our neighbors and run for local, regional, state and national offices. To see on social media the thousands of people who rallied in cities and small towns around the country gives us hope that, in unity, we can save our democracy. So let each of us take a stand on what matters most to us personally.

Renee Bergstrom Lanesboro, Minnesota

Editor’s note: Newsweek reported on April 4, 2022, that Russian state-run media outlet Komsomolskaya Pravda’s military correspondent Alexander Kots saying far right political figure Sergei Korotkikh had given the order to fire on civilians in the city of Bucha, and claiming Russian forces had left the city on March 30 that year.

The BBC reported on April 11, 2022, that satellite images from March 19 seemed to contradict Russian claims that the dead bodies were staged following Russia’s withdraw from the city.

Dear editor, This past Saturday, I attended the sign rally at Carl Selland Park. I carried a sign with the words “Out of NATO” and “No $ 4 Ukraine.” As I walked through the gathering, I received several comments, mostly negative but a few positive ones as well. Some of the negative ones included (paraphrased): · What have you got against NATO? · Putin invaded Ukraine with no justification or provocation. · Putin recklessly caused the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians in attacks targeting civilians. · You must love Putin. · Putin wants to invade and occupy large swaths of Europe. · Putin wants to take Alaska back. · What are your sources of information?

NATO was formed in 1949 to defend Europe against perceived encroachments by the Soviet Union. When the Soviet Union ceased to exist, there was no longer any real reason for NATO to exist. But instead, NATO expanded continuously eastward as part of an expansionist policy, despite earlier assurances that it would not move “one inch eastward.” This threatened the justified security interests of Russia. Most of NATO’s involvements since the dissolution of the Soviet Union have been disastrous aggressions. We only have to look at Libya, Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The major beneficiary of NATO actions has been the military-industrial complex.

Mainstream media outlets are now acknowledging that the war in Ukraine has been a proxy war from the start. The New York Times — “The Partnership: The Secret History of the War in Ukraine,” March 30, 2025 — has admitted to the direct involvement of the United States in the conflict, contradicting previous Biden administration statements that US/NATO was not involved in the war. Looking back at the Maidan coup in 2014, we can see that the purpose was to install a government in Ukraine that would provoke Russia into

a war, in which Ukraine would be used as proxy to defeat Russia, leading to regime change and dismemberment. This has been a US war against Russia all along, using Ukrainian lives as battlefield pawns. Unfortunately for the collective west’s ego, Russia has not succumbed.

I do not love Putin, but I do admire some of his accomplishments, such as ousting Western-supported oligarchs who were bleeding Russia of its wealth in the 1990s. Putin managed to stop the kleptocrats and put his country on a course for growth. Under Western sanctions, Russia has become the fourth largest economy, and Putin is immensely popular.

Threats of NATO missiles on its border provoked Russia to start its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, and Putin has exercised patience and restraint in avoiding civilian casualties.

The same can be said of his response to Ukrainian attacks against the Russian homeland.

There is strong evidence that the much-publicized Buchan massacre in March 2022 was orchestrated by the Ukrainian fascist Azov Battalion as a false flag to scuttle peace negotiations.

Another incorrect assumption is that Putin will use victory in Ukraine to invade other European countries. He has stated that Russia has enough territory, and he is intelligent enough to not want to occupy and try to subdue hostile populations.

My main sources of information are YouTube channels that provide independent information alternative to the western mainstream media, including: · Judge Andrew Napolitano (Judging Freedom) with appearances by Lawrence Wilkerson, Prof. John Mearshimer, Pepe Escobar, Jeffrey Sachs, Max Blumenthal, Aaron Mate and others · Alexander Mercouris and Alex Christoferou (The Duran), both of them independent experts in geopolitics · Prof. Glenn Diesen of the University of North-Eastern Norway (provides numerous expert interviews) · Nima R. Alkorshid (Dialogue Works) The best thing now would be to stop all military aid to Ukraine, negotiate a settlement that takes into account the true root causes of the conflict and normalize relations with Russia. This would result in a rebuilding of Ukraine and a restoration of Russian gas to Europe, which would revitalize the continent’s economies and bring it back from its current downward slide.

Sincerely, Robert Fischer Decorah

OBITUARIES/NEWS

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Former sheriff’s deputy to Janice Helgeson, 82, origi- Partners with good friend and during the summer months, Maaya, A.J. (Ella) Helgeson, serve one year on probation nally of Decorah, died March partner Londa Grinna, helping where she could spend time Peyton Helgeson, Brice 25, 2025, surrounded by her dozens of clients grow their re- listening to their stories and Helgeson, Emma Helgeson, for fraud, misconduct children at tirement nest eggs. supporting their adventures in Grace Helgeson, Gannon Janice Helgeson

Sept. 8, 1942 - March 25, 2025

her home in Poinciana, Florida.

Janice Lou Helgeson (Keck) was born in Decorah on Janice September Helgeson 8, 1942 to Wesley and Odella Keck. Jan graduated from Decorah High School in 1960 and was united in marriage with Richard (Dick) Helgeson on June 10, 1961 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church.

Janice spent over 29 years working for Decorah State Bank, culminating in her role as a financial planner and later as the director of The Good Neighbor’s Club, where she led club members on journeys around the world, traveling to destinations many had never even dreamed of visiting.

Jan opened Lifetime Financial

In 1976, Jan and Dick repurchased the Hattlestad family farm in Decorah. After building their home and moving there in 1979, she spent her time gardening, cooking huge farm-style meals complete with meat, potatoes and gravy (Norwegian meatballs being a family favorite), and always a delicious dessert like graham cracker pie, chocolate cake with 7-minute frosting or apple crisp.

She enjoyed quiet walks up the farm hill with the dog and picking berries to serve with cream and sugar. Jan also had a close group of friends that enjoyed golfing and ladies’ day at Silver Crest Country Club. As she entered the age of grandparenting, Jan took great pleasure spending time with her grandchildren taking long walks on the farm trails, and bike riding. As the grandchildren grew older, Jan loved hosting her grandsons

the woods and keeping them very well fed. Holiday gatherings where dozens of family members came together to eat, laugh, play cards and take wagon rides up the hill were one of many highlights spent in Iowa.

After the passing of Richard, she moved to Solivita, an active retirement community in Poinciana, where she quickly made friends and settled into a comfortable lifestyle. She and her merry band of close friends enjoyed spirited card games, local theatre, pickle ball and long walks.

Jan is survived by her three children: Tim (Cami) Helgeson of Ames, Todd (Misty) Helgeson of Port Orange, Florida, and Traci Schmitz of Cedar Rapids; daughter-in-law, Carrie Helgeson of Monticello; 12 grandchildren: Samantha Corso, Rick Helgeson, Jason Helgeson, Riley Maaya, Robin

Schmitz and Easton (Grace) Schmitz; brother, William (Bill) Keck of Coralville, Iowa; sister, Linda (Dennis) DeBuhr of Waukon; great-grandchild, Sebastian Corso; along with numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; son, Terry; sister, Marlene; parents, Wesley and Odella Keck; and daughter-in-law, Lisa.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at St. Benedict’s Cemetery in Decorah. A celebration of life will follow at 12 p.m. at T-Bocks Upstairs in Decorah with appetizers and refreshments served. The family will address attendees at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trailways Camps of Florida at www.trailwayscamps.org.

A devoted father, hardworking professional and man who took pride in life’s simple joys, Stephen’s presence will be deeply missed. He dedicated 25 years of his career to IBM and later brought his expertise to ICMA-RC, where he left a lasting impact before retiring at age 70. Even in retirement, he never truly slowed down – always keeping busy with home projects, tending to his yard, and finding fulfillment in the work of his hands. At the end of the day, nothing brought him more satisfaction than sitting back and enjoying a well-earned cold beer.

Stephen had a gift for story-

telling. He loved sharing tales of his childhood in Decorah, his time in the Navy, and his everyday observations – sometimes questionable but always entertaining. His wit and humor will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of hearing his stories.

Above all, Stephen cherished his family. He was a loving father to Beth, Jolene and Michael, instilling in them the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of laughter. He was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Matt, Bryan, Grace, Samantha, Taylor and Kate. His kindness, wisdom and unwavering support will live on

in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Stephen’s legacy is one of dedication, love and an appreciation for life’s simplest pleasures. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit will forever remain in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life to honor Stephen’s memory will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at the Bed and Breakfast on Broadway in Decorah.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to raise a glass in his honor and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a job well done.

Star Cooperative, Hawkeye Community College and the State of Iowa Department of Human Services. Her strong work ethic was cultivated from a very young age, having been her father’s little farmhand on the family dairy farm. There she learned the values of hard work and responsibility, often found milking cows, feeding calves, pitching manure and wheelbarrowing silage down the 80-foot feed bunk in the cattle yard.

Glenda was also known as a caretaker. As a teenager, she volunteered over 100 hours as a candy striper at St. Joseph Community Hospital. In high school, she spent her summer months providing secretarial services and care to Chickasaw County Care Facility residents.

These early service experiences laid the groundwork for a lifetime commitment to helping others.

Glenda’s life was rich with the love of family. She cherished the memories created with her nieces and nephews; hosting slumber parties, swinging on her front porch, providing Kool-Aid Jammers and snacks and playing Santa Claus. Her adventurous spirit led her on many spontaneous road trips, seeking new experiences and enjoying nature. Her beautiful flower beds were her

happy place and a testament to her love for the outdoors.

Glenda will be remembered as a source of inspiration in the lives of many. While her sudden departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, the legacy of love and laughter she leaves behind will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to know her. Very fittingly, God called Glenda home during Holy Week, having her punch out on earth’s time clock on Tax Day, April 15. Her hard work on earth is now complete.

Left to honor Glenda’s memory are her siblings: Gladys (Gary) Martin of Waucoma, Barbara Holthaus of Marshalltown, Susan (LeRoy) Gossling of New Hampton, Randy (Melissa) Holthaus of Plain-

field, Nancy (Bruce) Dunahoo of Zearing, Iowa, and Amy (Dale) House of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her cherished parents and her brothers, Rick and Roger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 25 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Hampton. Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to Mass at the church Friday.

Steven Varner

Aug. 1, 1941 - March 30, 2025 Stephen Varner, 83, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota and formerly of Decorah, died Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Stephen Clay Varner was born on Aug. 1, 1941.

He was raised in Decorah, the son of Clay and Le- Steven Varner lah Varner and the brother of Ruth, John, Faye and William.

He proudly served in the Navy before attending the University of Northern Iowa, later earning a master’s degree in business from Saint Francis University.

Glenda Holthaus

Sept. 16, 1960 - April 15, 2025 Glenda Marie Holthaus, 64, died unexpectedly at her home in Cedar Rapids on April 15, 2025, due to cardiac causes.

Born on Sept.

16, 1960, in New Hampton, Glenda was the beloved daughter of Glenda Holthaus James and Arlene (Rosenbaum) Holthaus and grew up as the second oldest of nine children.

She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School until its closure, then attended the New Hampton public school, graduating in 1979. Her academic journey continued as she earned a secretarial degree from Ellsworth Community College.

Then, while working full-time, she attended night classes to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Buena Vista College. These educational endeavors laid the foundation for a successful career where her hard work and dedication made her a valued employee.

Professionally, Glenda was known for her dedication and meticulous attention to detail.

She worked at Pat Brickley, CPA / Hacker, Nelson & Co., PC for 26 years. This was followed by employment at Five-

Service Notice LOUELLA LUDEKING, 86, of Decorah, died Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Veterans Memorial in Waukon. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24 at Salem United the Church of Christ, 1097 Pole Line Rd, Waukon, with Pastor Susan Klimstra presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held after 10 a.m. at the church Thursday.

CONTACT US! 563-382-4221

editor@decorahleader.com 110 Washington Street, Decorah, IA 52101

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A former sheriff’s deputy is expected to serve a year of probation after pleading guilty earlier this month to fifth-degree theft, fraudulent practices and non-felonious misconduct while in office.

Makenz Allen Kriener, age 33, of Fort Atkinson was initially charged with sales tax evasion and theft after it was discovered he had visited Norbys Farm Fleet in Decorah while on duty in early December of 2024 and used cash to make unauthorized purchases on the office’s tax-exempt account — court documents indicated the purchases totaled less than $300 and said Kriener “admitted the use of (the) items is on a mostly personal basis, and (he) had stored the items at his residence.”

The sheriff’s office previously said it launched an internal investigation — with the assistance of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation — immediately after receiving a report of possible misconduct regarding Kriener. Several additional charges were added to the case’s trial information that February. Law enforcement said those charges stemmed from a separate investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Transportation, which local authorities became aware of around the same time the sheriff’s office began its internal investigation. In addition to theft and sales tax evasion, Kriener was charged with four counts of third-degree fraudulent practice — each an aggravated misdemeanor — and two counts of non-felonious misconduct while in office — both serious misdemeanors.

The added filed trial information indicated Kriener knowingly provided false information or concealed certain facts while applying for a vehicle registration or title. Prosecutors listed four separate offenses which took place between February and August of 2024, and attorneys said Kriener failed to report the actual amount paid for the vehicles, which they said resulted in his evading of taxes which were due on the transfer of those vehicles. Prosecutors also said Kriener purchased the vehicles while on duty and provided the seller a ride home in a patrol vehicle, resulting in charges of misconduct for the misuse of public property “for a private purpose and for personal gain,” according to court

Makenz Allen Kriener documents. Court filings said the first of those offenses took place on July 6, 2024, and the second occurred between Aug. 1 and Aug. 9, 2024.

Kriener was terminated from his position as a Winneshiek County Sheriff’s deputy earlier this year — he began his career in law enforcement in 2017, according to a previously public staff profile.

The 33-year-old initially pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him, and the case was most recently scheduled to be heard during a July 9 trial, but Kriener entered two new pleas on April 8. The court filed its judgements less than a week later.

The charge of sales tax evasion was dismissed, but the former deputy was ordered to pay a $500 fine for the fifth-degree theft charge. He was also ordered to serve two one-year periods of probation — one for misconduct and another for fraudulent practices — and both may be served simultaneously.

Kriener is also to complete 20 hours of community service and pay an $855 civil penalty for the fraudulent practice charges.

The court saw fit to suspend a $430 civil penalty and jail sentence of up to one year for one of the misconduct charges, and a second $430 penalty has been suspended, pending Kriener’s completion of his prescribed probation. In addition, the court agreed to a deferred judgement regarding for all four counts of fraudulent practices and one charge of misconduct — if Kriener fulfills the terms of his probation, those charges may be dismissed without a formal judgement being entered in the court record. However, if the terms of his probation are not met, the court may pronounce the 33-year-old guilty and impose a sentence against him.

The former sheriff’s deputy was also ordered to report for fingerprinting within 30 days of the court’s April 14 decision.

Law Enforcement Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office

Drake Edward Folkedahl, age 27, of Ridgeway turned himself in at the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:11 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 on an arrest warrant for first-degree theft.

A criminal complaint indicated Folkedahl sold a 2015 GMC pickup truck in late March without clear title to do so.

Raymond Delagarza, age 41, was served an arrest warrant for violation of pre-trial supervision at 3:09 p.m. Monday, April 7 while already incarcerated at the Winneshiek County Jail. Delagarza was initially jailed the morning of April 4 for possession of methamphetamine — first offense.

Jordan Victor Klimesh, age 28, of Ridgeway was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 on the charge of operating while intoxicated — second offense. A criminal complaint said an individual reported nearly being struck by a possible intoxicated driver near the Kwik Star in Cresco, and law enforcement observed a vehicle matching the caller’s description at approximately 9:50 p.m. the same day near the intersection of HighPRSRT.STD CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PD CHARLES CITY, IA PERMIT #144 ECRWS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

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the

Sales tax evasion charge dismissed

way 9 and Short Street in Ridgeway. Klimesh exited the vehicle and a deputy determined him to be intoxicated. The complaint went on to note Klimesh had previously been convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causing serious injury in 2015 — separate court records show Klimesh received a suspended jail sentence for the 2015 conviction and was placed on probation for a period of two to five years, which ended in December of 2017.

William George Hruska Jr., age 43, of Lawler was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:55 p.m.

Friday, April 11 on an arrest bench warrant and held on a $5,000 cash bond. A criminal complaint said a video recording from the afternoon of Sunday, March 30 showed Hruska wandering around a property, “checking doorknobs and looking in windows” in the 1600 block of Highway 52 in Decorah before returning and entering the house later the same day. The 43-year-old was charged with third-degree burglary.

Michelle Clark, age 36, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, April 12 to serve two consecutive days.

Rodrigo Flores Flores, age 29, of

Caledonia, Minnesota, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:05 a.m. Sunday, April 13 on the charge of operating while intoxicated — second offense.

Maleki Isaak Timmerman, age 24, of Ossian turned himself in at the Winneshiek County Jail at 7 a.m. Monday, April 14 on an arrest warrant for domestic abuse/assault — first offense — and he was held on a $1,500 bond. A criminal complaint accused Timmerman of sending threatening messages to an individual, and doorbell camera footage showed Timmerman arrive at the individual’s Ossian residence around 2:39 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24.

An arrest warrant was issued Feb. 25 and served to Timmerman on April 14.

Decorah Police Department

Justin Amos Pritchard, age 43, of Decorah was charged with possession of a controlled substance — third or subsequent offense — and public intoxication — first offense — at approximately 10:51 p.m.

Friday, April 11 in the 900 block of Short Street in Decorah. A criminal complaint said Pritchard was in possession of a vaping device

which tested positive for THC. He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:25 p.m. the same day.

Cody Ray Mahr, age 36, of Spring Grove, Minnesota, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana — first offense — and two counts of child endangerment at approximately 11:52 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at the Quality Inn and Suites in Decorah. The Decorah Police Department was asked to perform a welfare check on two children, according to a criminal complaint, and law enforcement had to awaken Mahr after using a master key to enter the hotel room — the complaint said Mahr “appeared heavily intoxicated” once he was awake. The children were placed in the custody of a family member at the request of their mother, according to the complaint, and Mahr was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:40 a.m.

Sunday, March 13.

All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

7

Additional arrest made in connection with area narcotics trafficking

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Iowa lawmakers advanced a bill to regulate anaerobic digesters on animal feeding operations. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA)

Legislation may set regulations for anaerobic digesters on livestock operations in Iowa

BY CAMI KOONS IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH A bill advanced from the Iowa House last week would regulate anaerobic digesters, or systems that break down organic material in an oxygen-deprived system to produce usable biogas and fertilizer, at animal feeding operations.

House File 989 would task the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with regulating the construction, expansion, placement and operation of anaerobic digesters and associated structures that hold manure feedstocks at animal feeding operations.

The bill describes anaerobic digestion in three steps. First the feedstock, both liquid and dry animal waste, is stored.

Next, the feedstock is “digested” in a structure specifically designed for anaerobic digestion. As the material is broken in the digester, the bio gas is extracted. The final step takes the leftover material, called the digestate, and either stores it or applies it as organic material to farmland.

Rep. Mike Sexton, R-Rockwell City, said the bill draws a “distinct line” between animal feeding operations and anaerobic digesters so the two can be enforced properly.

Sexton said under current regulations, any compliance issues that happen with an anaerobic digester are put on the livestock operation because the digesters don’t have their own licenses with the state.

Under the bill, operators would have to apply for a construction permit from the DNR before building an anaerobic digester or any of the related storage structures. This permit would require information on things like construction, size, operators and how the digestate would be applied.

The bill states anaerobic digesters must comply with separation distances for clean air

regulations and follow the same water quality separation distances put on animal feeding operations. The bill lists civil penalties for operations that do not comply with these regulations.

According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Iowa has fewer than 10 anaerobic digesters on livestock operations — most are at dairies.

Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, spoke in support of the bill, but said she hopes for more conversation moving forward on the impacts to the environment and health.

“There (are) remaining environmental concerns, there’s health concerns around this technology, and I believe that there should be a lot more robust conversation going forward,” James said.

An article from the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club called the Iowa bill a “bandaid on a bigger problem” with the agricultural industry. The environmental group, which registered against HF 989, said the bill does not provide adequate separation distances from houses and other structures and will encourage animal feeding operations to expand.

Sexton said he does not believe the regulations will inspire more concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, to be built in Iowa because “there’s just not that much money in farming right now.”

“These anaerobic digesters are going to get built on existing animal feeding operations,” Sexton said.

Anaerobic digestion can generate renewable energy from other feedstocks, including things like food waste. Sexton has also worked on an additional bill, House File 987, that would create regulations for “community anaerobic digester systems” that use organic material other than animal manure.

Sexton said his amendment to

HF 989, which passed, brought the language in line with the other digester bill.

PFAS amendment Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, filed an amendment to the bill that would require testing the materials in the digester structure for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. “They are everywhere, and they are aptly named forever chemicals because they don’t break down, they don’t go away,” Kurth said.

Kurth said the amendment would prevent digestate with high levels of PFAS from being applied to the land.

The amendment is similar to House File 723, which required water treatment plants to test sewage sludge for PFAS and notify landowners of the results before the sludge was applied as fertilizer. HF 723 did not advance ahead of the legislative funnel deadlines.

Sexton urged the body to reject the amendment and said the DNR would have opportunities to write additional rules on such matters.

“I appreciate the amendment, but Iowa’s farmers are very concerned about what they put on their farm ground,” Sexton said. “They’re the ones that have to live there. They’re the ones that have their livestock on that ground.”

Kurth’s amendment failed, 59-32.

Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, said he had several concerns with what he perceived as loopholes in the bill but said he appreciated the efforts on HF 989, especially in comparison to the anaerobic digestion policy in the governor’s energy bill, that he said was “very concerning.”

The bill will advance to the Senate, and Sexton said he hopes to see the community digester bill advancing soon.

Congratulations to Mercantile 1028 on their grand opening! Pictured are owners Kaleb and Taylor with Chamber Ambassadors Marcia Madrigal, Adam Baker, Chris Hicks, Tara McConnell, Ray Rinkol, Tade Kerndt, Heather Benzing, Lashelle Evans, Maureen Duncklee, Joe Hammel, David Robinson and Nick Wilz.

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

An investigation earlier this year into the trafficking of narcotics in Winneshiek County has resulted in at least one additional arrest.

Tara Collette Albertson of Decorah was charged with controlled substance violation — a Class B felony — earlier this month. A criminal complaint said investigators believe the 30-year-old conspired to deliver more than 5 grams of methamphetamine in Winneshiek County during the month of February. Albertson was also charged with violation of her parole for multiple offenses in neighboring Howard County, following the charge in Winneshiek County.

The charges against Albertson come after eight individuals were arrested earlier this month as part of the same investigation.

Court records said law enforcement examined various phone records, social media accounts, electronic currency transactions and other evidence over a number of months and determined 33-year-old Marissa Michelle Kelty of Decorah had used her John Street residence as a gathering point for drug-related activity, saying she conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine — court documents listed Kelty’s home address as the location of Albertson’s alleged crime. The sheriff’s office, with assistance from Decorah Police Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, executed multiple search warrants the morning of Friday, April 4 at five local residences — 309 John St., 1015 South Mechanic St., 508 Plum St., 2480 Dogwood Rd. in the Freeport area and 803 East Pearl St. in Decorah, which was listed as be-

Tara Collette Albertson longing to Albertson.

Kelty was charged with controlled substance violation — methamphetamine — and gathering where controlled substances are being used. Court records also showed 42-yearold Lucas Harold Oneill of Decorah was charged with failure to affix a drug tax stamp and possession of a controlled substance — marijuana — second offense, after a search of his Mechanic Street home yielded approximately 14 grams of psilocybin mushrooms and around 4 grams of marijuana.

In addition, 41-year-old Raymond Delagarza, 42-year-old Erin Elizabeth Chambers and 29-year-old Paige Lynn Johanningmeier — each of Decorah — were charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Faith Ellen Hill, age 39, of Decorah was charged with possession of marijuana. Mandy Jo Hammond, age 37, of Eldorado was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and 37-year-old Mitchell Joseph Kubik of Postville was charged with possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine — and possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to three counts of violation of sex offender registry requirements.

Kubik’s permanent residence was listed as a Postville ad-

dress, but he allegedly admitted to staying at the Dogwood Road residence — the home of Delagarza, Johanningmeier and Hammond, according to court documents — for a number of weeks. Court filings say Kubik failed to properly inform authorities of his whereabouts on Jan. 28, April 4 and April 8.

Court records indicate Albertson was served a warrant by the Cresco Police Department on April 15 — less than two weeks after investigators executed the five local warrants. She was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 7:30 p.m. the same day and remains in custody on a $25,000 cash bond.

Hammond was arrested and booked into the county jail again at 8:10 p.m. Thursday, April 17 on an arrest warrant for two counts of possession of contraband in a correctional facility. A criminal complaint dated April 7 said staff at the Winneshiek County Jail discovered “a green zip-style coin purse” in Hammond’s cell after her release — the purse was found to contain three baggies of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine as well as two small containers of a white powdery substance as well as other items, such as “a cut straw” broken glass pipe with white powdery reside on it, and a small pocket knife. The April 7 filings list Hammond as a resident of Ossian, and records filed 10 days later list an address in Sparta, Wisconsin — records filed Monday show Hammond was served a Winneshiek County warrant on April 17 and was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail from the Monroe County Jail in Wisconsin.

Johanningmeier was the only defendant to have entered a plea as of Monday — her attorney entered a not guilty plea as part of an April 11 filing.

Bridge repairs scheduled to take place next month, but he also pointed out a lane reduction later in the summer would also separate the city’s downtown area from popular area attractions like Dunning’s Spring and Ice Cave.

He added there could be penalties or incentives written into the bridge project’s contract, potentially motivating workers to complete construction expeditiously and offset some of the costs for added traffic control.

Decorah City Councilmember at Large Emily Neal said she thinks construction should be done while Luther isn’t in session, while fellow councilmember Randy Schissel said he wanted the city to do whatever it could to keep the bridge open. Decorah City Engineer John Hjelle told the room his priority was the bridge itself.

“When this project is happening, the primary purpose is to protect the multimillion-dollar bridge. Right now, the expansion joint is getting hit

by snowplows and vehicles,” Hjelle said. “There will be some inconvenience, but we can encourage people to not go downtown if they don’t have to.”

Goedken added the bridge would remain open for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout construction.

“And if people have to go downtown, they should walk or ride bikes,” said Goedken.

The council did not put the matter to a vote, but all of its members were in support of keeping the bridge open during

continued from front

the construction project. A meeting to review partial project plans is scheduled for May 19. City council members, city staff and representatives of WHKS engineering firm plan to be present. Council members said they aim to get a better sense of the engineer’s opinion and probable costs while also ensuring the project’s design elements are met. Options for lane openings will also be discussed, along with cost estimates for traffic management.

Ham & Meatball Dinner I.O.O.F. #58

WINNESHIEK #58

I.O.O.F. #58

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326 Washington St., Decorah (located across from the Social Security Office)

Sunday, April 27 • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Menu includes: Real Mashed Potatoes

and Gravy, Vegetables, Cole Slaw, Beverage, Bread and Dessert17-2-DL-17

DINE-IN & CARRY-OUTS ARE WELCOME CALL 563-382-4731

LifeHouse Church of Decorah celebrates 15th anniversary Sunday, April 27 On Sunday, April 27, LifeHouse Church of Decorah will be celebrating its 15 year anniversary!

Our entrance into the Decorah community back in 2010 was a bit rough, but over time we found several niches in Decorah that we believe was the reason God sent us here.

Within a few months of our grand opening at Club Pyramid (RIP), one of our pastors opened a game store as a training ground for his 6 homeschooled kids and to connect gamers with God. It didn’t take long for us to discover what a great need there was to help geeks and gamers find a safe, fun community to belong to and, for those who were interested, find a faith in Jesus. Several of our church leaders were gamers that first started coming around during those first few years. The store continues to be a geek gaming paradise in more ways than one.

Concurrently, we were being constantly approached by homeless people in need of food, money and shelter. We soon discovered that Decorah didn’t have a homeless shelter, and so we began to open up our hearts and homes to these people. I will admit that this has been a challenging ministry. We have had a lot of very hurtful things happen as a result of opening our homes to these folks, but to refuse to help those that God was sending to us was unthinkable. This is still a need in our community and, I’ll admit, it has taken a toll on our church.

The last niche that we unexpectedly found ourselves filling was with the special needs community. People with physical and social disabilities brought a whole other level of blessings and challenges to our church family. It has been an incredible joy to see these folks find Jesus and grow beyond the limits that their disability had placed on them. Of course, their great needs and lack of social etiquette have given our church and Sunday services an atmosphere that requires a great degree of tolerance, but we’d have it no other way.

So here we are… 15 years later… and we are growing slowly but surely in numbers and maturity. It has become a true joy to be a part of the Decorah community and help meet some needs less tended to over the years. Thank you, Decorah, for letting us serve you and God in these ways! To Him be the glory!

– Pastor Bob Hibbing & Pastor Tim Borseth

8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

9

A salute to

g n i m r o f r e P Arts

TURKEY VALLEY JUNIOR HIGH CHOIR SOUTH WINNESHIEK AT MEISTERSINGER HONOR CHOIR

Photos submitted Students pictured left to right

John Donovan, Megan Henning, Grace Baker, Claire Becker and Jordan Peterson participated in the Meistersinger Honor Choir at Wartburg College.

Front row: Keira Fencl, Gracyn Dagit, Kinsey Rausch, Lydia Chicken, Addison Martin, Lucy Steinlage, Cidney Tiedt, Avery Lantow, Lauren Dagit, Ella Carolan, Mackenzie Albertson and Aisha Owenes. Second row: Arabella Ahrndt, Nayeli Bushman, Annika Kuennen, Morgan Reicks, Ashlyn Murray, Ariannah Martin, Lillian Duckworth, Madeline Rausch, Lexi Sawyer, Serenity Geisler and Lauren Ball. Third row: Adam Woods, Cooper Dietzenbach, Blade Hurd, Bentley Hulbert, Edar Hernadaz, Blake Kuennen, Eli Chicken, Kole Sticka, Bradley Runyon, Lewie Wurzer, Layne Weissenfluh, Javian Hudson, Adian Bramow and Taylor Keyes. Back row: Liam Langreck, Chase Shindelar, Mason Gebel, Cole Adams, Jacob Hanson, Gene Carolan, Tate Reicks, Brody Hayek, Easton Hackman, Bentley Emery and Matthew Balk.

TURKEY VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL BAND DECORAH ALL STATE RADIO BROADCASTING – KMCD

Deborah Hougen, Jerald Thompson, Asmere Jensen, Gavy Smith and Mason Myers.

Front row: Courtney Ball, John Forbes, Nicholas Bernhard, Brynlee Hayek, Betsy Hyer, Annie Raymond and Ellaney Bodensteiner. Middle row: Raelen Manderfield, Autumn Maklenburg, Layni Schuhhardt, Jesselyn Hudson, Emma Brincks, Ava Kuennen and Harley Quail. Back row: Claire Bentley, Band Instructor Melissa Meyer, Michael Vanda, Brayden Hoffert, Kanin Drilling, Bree Balk, Jocelyn DeSloover, Dawson Humpal, Hugo Busta, Aidan Berst, Larry Vrba, Hunter Kruse and Annika Bodensteiner.

SOUTH WINNESHIEK AT DORIAN VOICE FESTIVAL

Jordan Peterson, John Donovan, Grace Baker and Julia Carnesi participated in honor choir performances during the Dorian Vocal Festival at Luther College.

DECORAH ALL STATE CHORAL READING

Front row: Jayden Lundtvedt, Jillian Volz, Emma Cline and Lauren Severtson.

Back row: Olivia Rissman, Camryn Holland, Ava Hanson and Natalie Goodner.

TURKEY VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

Front row: Annie Raymond, Bree Balk, Dairean Keyes, John Forbes, Chloe Schmitt and Claire Bentley.

Back row: Courtney Ball, Jocelynn DeSloover, Nora Chicken, Callie Busta, Lexi Gruenburg, Betsy Hyer, Raelen Manderfield, Emma Brincks and Adysen Wurzer.

TURKEY VALLEY DECORAH ALL STATE ENSEMBLE ACTING “HOW TO GET AWAY WITH A MURDER MYSTERY”

High School students took to the stage this year to perform “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.”

DECORAH ALL STATE ONE ACT PLAY

Karmyn Bakken, Elliana Brodbeck, Ryan Northup and Alex Mercado-Arneson.

Front row: Hannah Arendt, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley and Caleb Johnson. Back row: Grace Blikre, Lily Sandhorst, June Breitenbach-Dirks and Nathan Rhodes.

SOUTH WINNESHIEK INDIVIDUAL SPEECH PARTICIPANTS

SOUTH WINNESHIEK LARGE GROUP SPEECH PARTICIPANTS

Peterson participated in state competition for poetry and reviewing. Phillips was selected for state competition for prose. Desselle advanced to state competition in poetry, and Andera attended state to compete in poetry and spontaneous speaking. Other district participants included Horstman for improvisation, Ondrashek for original oratory and Jansen for solo musical theatre.

Witt, Desselle, Peterson and Andera participated at state competition in group improvisation. Peterson and Desselle also participated at the state level in radio broadcasting. District participants included Henry Schmitt, Adam Schmitt, Baker and Zweibohmer, who competed in short film.

Front row: Matthew Horstman and Amy Andera. Back row: Jordan Peterson, Madalyn Desselle, Tessa Phillips, Maddy Jansen and Lauren Ondrashek.

DECORAH ALL STATE RADIO BROADCASTING – KORN

Claire Storhoff, Lily Sandhorst, Kamryn Steines, Carter Riley, Grant Zilka and Kyan Oftedahl.

DECORAH ALL STATE ENSEMBLE ACTING “LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE” DECORAH ALL STATE ENSEMBLE ACTING “THESE SHINING LIVES” Jillian Volz, Teagan Menke, Grace Stockman and Olivia Volkmann.

Elsa Christman, Nora Lesmeister and Kaylie Wemark.

TURKEY VALLEY

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Oliver Brummel, Liam Chamberlain, Beau Newhouse and Ansel Kowitz.

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Back row: Sam Cline, Carter Riley, Kaelyn Kuhn, Claire Storhoff and Kamryn Steines.

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Natalie Goodner, Clarence Nimrod, Elliana Brodbeck, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Emma Cline and Mikayla Hiner.

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10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Stories, memories of Art’s Roller Rink sought for Ossian 175th

The city of Ossian is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its establishment. The milestone will be recognized Aug. 8-10, and officials with the community’s historical committee are searching for memories, stories and photos of Art’s Roller Rink, which was later called Dean’s Roller Rink.

Specifically, organizers are hoping for stories of couples who met there and were later married — they said many couples met at the roller rink between 1950 and 1970 and

organizers are also looking for information as how far skating enthusiasts traveled in order to roll the floorboards at Art’s Roller Rink.

Messages and memories may be sent to the Ossian Crown Club by emailing ossianiowacrownclub@gmail.com or to the Amelings at PO Box 54, Ossian, IA 52161.

Contributors are asked to include a name and contact information in their message. Organizers ask that all stories be received by June 1.

Organizers with the Winneshiek County Extension Office and Winneshiek County 4-H said dedicated and caring 4-H club leaders in Winneshiek County make a lasting impact on local youth. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Darcy Wemark, Angela Linderbaum, Sara Vagts, Jackie Langreck, Jessica Hammell, Kathy Moen, (middle row, left to right) Donella Darrington, Michelle Timp, Renate Hunter, Kathy Donovan, Lisa Bullerman, Brenda Broghamer, Carlena Gallagher, (back row, left to right) Andy Darrington, Steven Darrington, Bridget Adam, Jennifer Bentley, Sara Schmitt, Chris Wicklund, Melissa Wicklund, Michelle Schwartzhoff, David Broghammer and Patrick Gallagher. (Photo submitted)

County extension office, 4-H to recognize volunteers

The Winneshiek County Extension Office along with Winneshiek County 4-H members will recognize youth and adult volunteers, alongside millions of other volunteers across the nation, during National Volunteer Week which will take place April 20-27.

In Iowa, it takes more than 6,000 volunteers to keep the 4-H program going each year,

according to local organizers.

Officials said some volunteers work with youth as club leaders, guiding them during monthly meetings, while providing them with a safe meeting location, fun activities and opportunities for personal development. Others will work with youth as project leaders, who guide youth in a less formal setting during project-related workshops, clinics

and training sessions. Still others volunteer during one-time special events, activities and adventures as well as the county and state fair.

4-H volunteers guide young people in developing essential skills like communication, civic engagement and leadership through various projects and community service activities.

They create safe environments

where youth can learn, thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

Those interested in volunteering as a club leader, project leader, helper or during a onetime event are asked to contact the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-382-2949.

Photo submitted

City adding new informational sign near historic Steyer Bridge The city of Decorah will recognize a new informational sign at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 1 near the historic 1875 Steyer Bridge on Twin Springs Road.

The Decorah Historic Preservation Commission developed the sign’s content. The city of Decorah, which has in recent years invested in the bridge’s preservation, funded the sign.

Decorah Parks and Recreation Director Marc Holtey coordinated the sign production, and Deb Paulson of Zelda Productions in Decorah designed the layout.

The Steyer Bridge is one of the few remaining stone arch bridges in Iowa. In light of its distinctive design and rarity, the bridge was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Mark Stanmeyer, great-great-grandson of bridge mason Michael Steyer is ex-

pected to attend the celebration.

Stanmeyer provided biographical information and several photos for the Steyer sign. The bridge and the Stanmeyer connection are to be highlighted as a cover story in the Luxembourg American Gazette this spring.

Michael Steyer was born in Luxembourg in 1838. He visited his brother Joseph in Decorah in 1867 and decided to settle here. In his 1903 obituary, Michael Steyer is credited with being the first local builder to use fossil stone, sometimes called “Decorah Marble,” for monuments and other decorative uses.

May is National Historic Preservation Month, and the Steyer Bridge sign dedication is one of several events being planned by local preservation groups.

ISU Extension to host Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program Training

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Winneshiek County recently announced a partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to host an Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program vendor training, which will take place at 9 a.m.

Wednesday, April 30 at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office in Winneshiek County, located at 2316 Sweet Parkway Rd. in Decorah. The training is for fruit and vegetable growers, as well as honey producers, who sell their products at farmers markets, and the session is an initial step toward FMNP certification — a requirement for farmers who wish to accept FMNP vouchers.

The Iowa FMNP, administered by IDALS with support from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services,

supports local farmers and provides access to fresh, locally grown produce for eligible seniors and WIC families. In 2024, more than 14,000 seniors and 30,000 mothers and children in Iowa received FMNP vouchers, contributing to the certification of more than 600 farmers at 125 farmers markets and 100 farm stands. Certified farmers saw an average increase of $1,800 in sales through FMNP participation.

Attendance is free, but preregistration is mandatory. For registration and further details, contact the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-3822949.

For inquiries regarding FMNP vendor certification, contact IDALS at 515-7251179 or email FarmersMarket@IowaAgriculture.gov.

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St. Benedict students advancing to National History Day contest

A group of 23 St. Benedict students will advance to the National History Day contest on April 28 at Iowa State University in Ames. The theme for this year’s contest is Rights and Responsibilities in History. The students advancing are Emery Friederick, Nessa Kane, Audrey Remington, Henry Hahn, Kalin Harman, Isaiah Harman, Gage Hartley, Quinn Peterson, Kenan White, Christopher Graham, Roman Remington, Gus Pole, Rex LaFrentz, Jack Gullekson, Nina Coppola, Clara Hartley, Jodi Fullhart, Lottie McDermott, Anelise Courtney, Emma Drahn, Audrey Searcy, Eloise Pole and Norah Wilmes. (Photo submitted)

DHS student musicians see success at state festival The Decorah High School Music Department participated in the Iowa High School Music Association State Solo and Small Ensemble Music Festival on Saturday, March 29, at Independence High School.

Other schools participating were Anamosa, Benton Community, Center Point-Urbana, Independence, Vinton-Shellsburg, Dubuque Wahlert, Waukon, West Delaware and Cedar Rapids Xavier. Students received one of five division ratings based on a point scale for their performances — Division I “Superior,” Division II “Excellent,” Division III “Good,” Division IV “Fair” and Division V “Poor.”

Each judge is allowed to bestow one “Outstanding Performance” award on the performance the judge deems to be the most superior of the festival.

Of the nine judges in the vocal, orchestra and band categories,

six awarded honored DHS musicians with the distinct recognition. Receiving “Outstanding Performance” awards were Grant Zilka — baritone saxophone solo, Natalie Goodner — vibraphone solo, Gwen Thompson — vocal solo, Mikayla Hiner and Gwen Thompson — vocal duet, Junior Treble Clef Ensemble and Concert Choir Chamber Singers.

Perfect scores were also given to Grant Zilka — baritone saxophone solo, Aitor Cuevas — trumpet solo, Gwen Thompson — vocal solo, Kealy Hines — vocal solo, Mikayla Hiner and Gwen Thompson — vocal duet, and Senior Treble Clef Ensemble 9.

Students were accompanied on piano by Dean Beckman, Mike Ellingsen, Chris Hadley, Lani Himegarner, Xiao Hu, Miko Kominami, Linda Martin, Jessica Paul, David Severtson and Nicholas Shaneyfelt.

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Division I ratings Solos: marimba — Natalie Goodner, Kealy Hines, Olivia Rissman, Grace Stockman, Jerald Thompson; vibraphone — Natalie Goodner; soprano saxophone — Grant Zilka; alto saxophone — Grant Zilka; tenor saxophone — Grant Zilka; baritone saxophone — Grant Zilka; flute — Jay Hawthorn, Mikayla Hiner, Olivia Volkmann; piccolo — Jay Hawthorn, Sophia McGee; trumpet — Aitor Cuevas; oboe — Ansel Kowitz; violin — Spencer Christensen, Liam Huang, Naomi Kutz, Lauren Severtson, Gwenyth Thompson; cello — Lulu Bellrichard, Andie Gegax; string bass — Nina Sessions, Ezra Vorvick; soprano — June Breitenbach-Dirks, Mikayla Hiner, Kealy Hines, Greta Jones, Gwen Thompson, Jillian Volz, Margret Zook; alto — Emma Cline, Amelia Wadsworth; tenor — Spencer Christensen, Lawrence Christman, Andy Kruger, Jameson LaBelle; and bass — Oliver Brummel, Davis Coppola, Derek Hrdlicka, Noah Potvin, Jack Sovern, Davis Walter, Ezra Vorvick Ensembles: flute choir — Millennium Percussion Choir; saxophone quartet — Zilka, E. Christman, Breitenbach-Dirks, D. Walter; percussion quintet — Hines, Chamberlain, Rissman, Stockman, N. Goodner; French horn duets — Sandhorst and Wadsworth; flute duet: Hawthorn and Volkmann; string duets: Severtson and Kutz, Davis and Brown, Sessions and Vorvick, L. Bellrichard and Sessions; violin quartet — Weis, Opheim, P. Bellrichard and C. Ko; cello quartet — L. Bellrichard, Cline, Harmening and Hahn; string ensemble — Huang, Christensen, C. Riley, Franzen, Kuennen and Vorvick; Royal Chamber Orchestra; Elegie Chamber Orchestra; vocal duets: M. Hiner and G. Thompson, Brummel and Kruger, G. and C. Thompson; Madrigal Singers; CC Chamber Singers; VC Chamber Choir; Ninth Grade Bass Clef — L. Nalean-Carlson, Peterson, Sabelka, Ewing, M. Goodner, Hrdlicka, Burkholder, D. Walter, Wilkins; Ninth Grade Treble Clef — Evelsizer, Carlson, Dowden, Cord, C. Ko, McGee, C. LaBelle, R. Newhouse, K. Johnson; Sophomore Treble Clef — Lundtvedt, Severtson, Volz, Volkmann, Searcy, Stockman, Timm, Cline, A.

Hanson, Rissman; Junior Treble Clef — Breitenbach-Dirks, Hiner, E. Christman, Klara Kelly, Albert, Lesmeister, Wemark; Junior Bass Clef — Malanaphy, J. LaBelle, Duder, Mercado-Arneson, Milburn, Nalean-Carlson, Harman-Wood, C. Johnson, Sassaman; Senior Treble Clef 6 — E. Downing, Suhr, Bakken, Wicklund, C. Holland, Brodbeck; Senior Treble Clef 9 — C. Sheffield, G. Thompson, Zook, Jones, Hines, E. Johnson, Blikre, Steines, Wadsworth; Senior Bass Clef — Kruger, B. Newhouse, Hammel, Brummel, D. Coppola, Chamberlain, Krieg, Vorvick, Sovern; vocal trio — Hiner, G. Thompson, C. Thompson; and vocal quartet — Kruger, Brummel, Chamberlain, Vorvick Division II ratings Solos: saxophone: Mary Brown; Flute: Amelia Pankow; horn: Lily Sandhorst, Jillian Volz; flute: Sophia McGee; Bassoon: Noah Potvin; timpani: Jackson Irwin; trumpet: Max Goodner, Nils Peterson; trombone: Evan Madsen; piano: Olivia Volkmann; Violin: Elsa Johnson, Jayden Lundtvedt, Haylee Stravers, Rachel Weis; viola: Thatcher Brown, Madysen Lippe; cello: Grace Blikre, Emma Cline; soprano: Regine Hougen, Jayden Lundtvedt, Vivian Searcy, Grace Stockman; alto: Ariana Albert, Grace Blikre, Kaya Johnson, Olivia Rissman; tenor: Beau Newhouse; bass: Liam Chamberlain, William Duder, Ezra Harman-Wood, Caleb Johnson, Tyler Shaw, Colin Thompson Ensembles: Drum Check Percussion Choir; Brass Choir; Saxophone Choir; Woodwind Choir; Trumpet Trio — Cuevas, Peterson and Goodner; flute/clarinet duet — Newhouse and Volkmann; brass quintet — Cuevas, Peterson, Sandhorst, Madsen, Brummel; trombone trio — Searcy, C. Thompson, Madsen; marimba quartet — Hines, Rissman, Stockman, Goodner; trumpet duet — Cuevas and Peterson; vocal duets: Rissman and Volz, Searcy and Cline; 9th Grade Chamber Choir; CC Chamber Choir; Sophomore Bass Clef — Christensen, Irwin, Nimrod, L. Christman, Courtney, Oftedahl, Potvin, Shaw, Berland, Madsen, C. Riley, C. Thompson.

COMMUNITY

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Community briefs Decorah Schools says last day of school will be May 23

The Decorah School Board recently approved the administration’s recommendation to forgive two snow make-up days originally scheduled for May 27 and 28. School officials said the district operates on an instructional hours calendar rather than a traditional days-based calendar, allowing it the flexibility to forgive these days — even with the cancellation of the two make-up days, the district will still meet the 1,080 instructional hours required by Iowa Code. With the approval of the amended calendar, the last day of school for Decorah Community School students will be Friday, May 23. Superintendent Tim Cronin encouraged students and staff to make the most of the final weeks of school and finish the year strong.

Blood drive to be held at Waukon

A LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 5 at the First Baptist Church located in south Waukon. Blood drives are held the first Monday of each month in Waukon.

The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon with their blood and blood products. Appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, contact the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903. Organizers said blood centers across the United States see a decrease in blood donations during the busy summer months, while hospitals see an increase in the need for blood — more driving can mean more automobile accidents, and a person who has suffered severe injuries from a collision may need up to 50 units of blood.

Robey Memorial Library hosts Children’s Book Week 2025

More than 1,300 schools, libraries and bookstores in all 50 states will celebrate Children’s Book Week from May 5– May 9 with the theme, An Ocean of Stories. Robey Memorial Library in Waukon is planning a week full of fun with several activities. An Adopt a Puppy Pajama Party will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, May 5.

Visitors may wear their pajamas, listen to stories and participate in the Adopt a Puppy activities, before taking a stuffed toy home. The library will also host an ice cream party with this year’s Dairy Princess and offer rock painting from 4-5:30 p.m.

Friday, May 9. All ages are welcome, and supplies will be provided by the library. For more information, contact the library at 563-568-4424 or visit waukon.lib.ia.us

Dragonfly books to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day

Dragonfly Books will participate in the 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 26. Customers are invited to take part in daily sales, promotions and activities leading up to Saturday’s celebration, which include more than 15 exclusive Independent Bookstore Day items available for purchase, giveaways for both children and adults and complimentary balloon twisting

by Twisted by Mariann from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees may also participate in Banned Books Bingo and receive 20 percent off everything which can fit into an Independent Bookstore Day tote bag.

Area organizations announce Tax Smart Giving program

Decorah Public Library and Winneshiek Energy District will be hosting a free presen-

tation on Tax Smart Giving

by Erick Kephart, trust officer with Decorah Bank and Trust, at 10 a.m. Friday, May 2. The presentation will take place in the library’s mezzanine. Organizers said the public may benefit from knowing tax-efficient gifting methods, including gifting appreciated assets, charitable trusts, employer matching gifts and gifting via life insurance and/or IRAs. For more information, contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library by emailing zrowheyveld@decorahlibrary.org or by calling 563-382-3717.

Decorah Public Library, Decorah Human Rights Commission to host Landlord-Tenant Law presentation

The public is invited to join the Decorah Public Library and the Decorah Human Rights Commission for a primer on Iowa Landord-Tenant Law, presented by attorney Dakota Moore. The program will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 in the mezzanine of the Decorah Public Library. The program will cover the Iowa Landlord Tenant Code, outline the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords, and walk through the eviction process from the perspective of both the tenant and the landlord. Dakota Moore is an attorney who lives in Decorah and practices law at Erickson Law Office in Postville. He has successfully represented both landlords and tenants in Winneshiek, Howard, Allamakee, Clayton and Fayette counties. For more information, contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library by emailing zrowheyveld@decorahlibrary.org or by calling 563-382-3717.

NWP preparing to hold auditions for “Pirates of Penzance”

Auditions for the New Minowa Players summer production of “The Pirates of Penzance” will take place from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 25 and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26 at the New Minowa Players Theatre — 906 South Mill St. in Decorah. Performance dates will be June 26-29. Those who intend to audition should complete an audition form by visiting newminowaplayers.org and following the links there.

Questions may be directed to director Sheryl Scheffert by emailing sherylscheffert@ gmail.com or calling 563-3795738.

Upper Iowa Audubon chapter sponsoring public program

The Upper Iowa chapter of the Audubon Society will sponsor a presentation entitled”Birds of Costa Rica” with guest speaker Darrin Siefken, former owner of CrawDaddy Outdoors in Waverly, who leads a variety of guided outdoor experiences and excursions. The public is invited to attend the event at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 14 at The Place — 116 S. Main St. in Protivin. Darrin and Janeen Siefken, along with friends Rod and Miriam Patton, traveled to Costa Rica to see a number and variety of colorful birds, and attendees of the upcoming program may view photography and hear stories of the beautiful birds and diverse scenery found there. All are welcome to attend this free program.

Kjome to present on life of Brynild Anundsen

The Decorah Genealogy Association invites the public to attend “B,” a presentation on the life and work of Brynild Anundsen. Books, papers and photos given to the association

by Eric Anundsen provided a rich resource of materials for

researching Anundsen and his family, work and accomplishments, and Midge Kjome will give the presentation at 7 p.m.

Monday, April 28 in the Decorah Senior Center. In 1865 the 21-year-old Anundsen left his home and family in Telemark, Norway, to seek his fortune in America. He brought with him his skills as a printer as well as his youth determination to create a better life for himself. What he accomplished was the establishment of a Norwegian language newspaper which would be read by Norwegian-Americans across the nation for nearly 100 years, and a publishing company which would continue through the three generations of his family. However, organizers said there is much more to Anundsen’s story. All are welcome to attend Monday’s presentation.

NAMI offering pair of support groups

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups for both for those who live with mental health conditions and those who love them.

A NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group for any adult living with a mental health condition will meet from 6:308 p.m. the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month in the lower level of Decorah Lutheran Church — 309 Winnebago St. in Decorah. Farah Fritz and Pam Moss will facilitate the meetings. Call 563-422-8852 for more information. A NAMI Family Support Group for any adult with a loved one who is living with a mental health condition will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the North Fayette Valley Community Coalition Youth Center — 23689 Canoe Rd. in Elgin. Contact facilitators Shannon Brown at 319-505-7802 or Susan Friedrich at 563-422-7882 for more information. These support groups are free of cost. Specific medical therapy or treatment is not offered or endorsed. Participants agree to confidentiality.

More information on NAMI be found at namineiowa.org.

Waukon among communities to receive Paint Iowa Beautiful grant funding

Diamond Vogel and Keep Iowa Beautiful recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Paint Iowa Beautiful grants. The partnership supports community betterment projects across the state by providing free paint for initiatives which improve public spaces, such as historic buildings, libraries,

schools, parks and community facilities. The West Paint Creek Synod Cemetery Association in Waukon was selected as one of 87 grant recipients.

“Paint Iowa Beautiful is more than just fresh paint. It’s about revitalizing community spaces and strengthening connections,” said Andy Frantz, executive director of Keep Iowa Beautiful. “When volunteers come together to improve local amenities, it cultivates leadership, civic pride and a renewed sense of place.”

In its 21-year partnership with Keep Iowa Beautiful, Diamond Vogel has awarded enough paint to cover more than five million square-feet of surface area and supported 1,564 community projects throughout Iowa.

“Diamond Vogel is proud to work with dedicated volunteers who are committed to strengthening the economic vitality of Iowa’s communities,” said Doug Vogel, vice president of marketing and strategic relationships of Diamond Vogel.

“These projects not only enhance the visual appeal of our towns but also foster collaboration, pride and a deeper sense of belonging among Iowans.”

Public invited to Community SongBath

The community is invited to listen, rest and relax as singers share simple, repetitive songs of courage and comfort from 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 during a song-bath in the fireside room of First Lutheran Church, located at 604 W. Broadway St. in Decorah. Visitors may come and go as they like. For more info, contact Liz Rog at liz@decorahnow.com or call 563-382-8013.

VMH continues seeking community input via Community Health Needs Assessment Survey

Veterans Memorial Hospital is required to survey the residents of Allamakee County and the surrounding area served by the hospital every three years to collect a list of the health needs residents feel are most important or unmet. Community Health Needs Assessments gather information to help guide and direct health planning activities. Information from this survey is compiled and used to update and improve the hospital’s health plan for its entire service area. Veterans Memorial Hospital is conducting the survey through May 15. The survey can be accessed online at veteransmemorialhospital. com or surveymonkey.com/r/ BHVHJJS.

11

Decorah Area Chamber to host annual gala The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Gala fundraiser Friday, April 25 at Impact Coffee. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is the popular television sitcom “The Office.” Attendees may expect unique games, signature event drinks, hors d’oeuvres by U2BBQ, raffles and a curated Office-themed live auction.

This event supports the work the chamber undertakes all year long, such as small business technical assistance, hosting the Decorah Visitor Center and leading tourism initiatives — all in an effort to strengthen the local economy. Chamber staff said the gala is also a chance for members of the area business community, professionals and community leaders to gather socially and increase connectedness. The event is open to all, with ticket prices at both a member and nonmember level.

To learn more about the chamber gala event, browse raffles and live auction packages, or buy event tickets, visit decorahareachamber.com.

Luther College to offer activities to complement Sunday’s soldout Rick Steves presentation Luther College invites community members to attend special activities planned on Sunday, April 27 to complement the upcoming sold-out “Travel with a Norwegian Sensibility” lecture by best-selling guidebook author Rick Steves.

“We’re thrilled to offer these activities to enhance the experience for those traveling into Decorah for Rick Steves and locals who may or may not be attending Steves’ talk,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach at Luther College.

Attendees need not be ticket holders to participate in the additional activities.

Community Worship: Let All the World in Every Corner Sing Luther’s Office for College Ministries invites the Luther campus and the extended community to a service of songs, readings and prayers. The public is invited to the service at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

Koselig Brunch Luther College Dining Services will serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27 inside the cafeteria on the lower level of Luther’s Dahl Centennial Union. The public is invited to partake in a Norwegian-inspired breakfast featuring scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and fresh dill, French toast bake with lingonberry compote, eggs Benedict quiche and rømmegrøt bars. A salad bar and allergy-friendly options will be available. The price is $12.50 per adult and $6.25 for children between ages 6-12. Advanced tickets are encouraged, and dining times may be reserved online at tickets. luther.edu. Tickets will also be

available at the door for patrons using credit or debit cards — no cash payments will be accepted.

Free admission at Vesterheim Museum The public may also enjoy free admission to Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Visitors may explore Heritage Park, Hanson Vesterheim Commons and Vesterheim’s Museum Building, which is currently showcasing “200 Years of Norwegians in America,” a special exhibit commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the first organized immigration of Norwegians to the United States.

Sunday’s lecture Sunday’s lecture will focus on Steves’ own heritage and the importance of continued connections across a global society.

Steves will share photos, stories and insights from more than 50 years of traveling outside of the United States.

“Travel with a Norwegian Sensibility” sold out less than two weeks after tickets went on sale. The college’s Center for Faith and Life is expected to be at full capacity Sunday, and the Luther officials cannot add seating for the event. Patrons, who are willing and able to walk to the venue, are encouraged to use the Preus Library lot as well as the Jenson-Noble parking lot. Parking along Luther Drive will be designated as additional handicap parking.

The Luther College Ticket Office has a lengthy waiting list for those still interested in attending the event. Those who find they are unable to use their tickets are asked to contact the ticket office by calling 563387-1357 or emailing tickets@ luther.edu.

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12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 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 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 Decorah Community School Board Public Hearings Meetings Minutes Central Administration Office Monday, April 14, 2025 5:30 p.m.

Present: President Cindy Goodner, Directors: Brad Darling, Ron Fadness, Carole Sand, and Aaron Zander.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin, Director of Business Services Cathy Dietzenbach, Board Secretary Darlene Woodhouse, Staff, News Media, and Guests.

President Goodner called to order the first public hearing at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of the first public hearing was to hear comments oral or written concerning the proposed 20252026 school budget. Zach Fromm inquired about line item #29.

President Goodner adjourned the first public hearing at 5:32 p.m.

President Goodner called to order the second public hearing at 5:32 p.m. The purpose of the second public hearing was to hear comments oral or written concerning the High School and Carrie Lee Elementary roof drawings and specifications.

There were no comments oral or written.

President Goodner adjourned the second public hearing at 5:32 p.m.

Decorah Community School Board Regular School Board Meeting Minutes Central Administration Office Monday, April 14, 2025 5:32 p.m.

President Goodner called to order the regular school board meeting at 5:32 p.m. Director Darling read the mission statement.

There was no old business.

Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded

by Director Darling to approve the agenda as presented. Director Sand moved, seconded

by Director Darling to amend the motion to move new business agenda items H and Q to follow new business agenda item C. The motion to approve the amendment was carried by all voting aye. There was discussion on the agenda. Director Fadness moved, seconded by Director Darling to approve the agenda as modified. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded Director Sand to approve the consent items: March 10, 24, & 28, 2025 minutes, bills and personnel as listed below except Activity fund claim #9 to Brad Darling and Activity fund claim #43 to Aaron Zander.

New Hires: a. Kenna McGee (High School Assistant Girls Soccer Coach) Level D, Step 1 b. Ryan Tyler (Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach) Level C, Step 1 c. Leah Meyer (John Cline/West Side Associate) Step 1, Lane 1 d. Montana Bohr (High School Associate) Step 3, Lane 1 e. Macy Manning (Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach) Level C, Step 1 f. Daniel Mayo (Interim High School Science Teacher-one year only) MA, Step 16 g. Allysen Lovstuen (High School Collaborative Teacher) h. Addison Sadler (High School Collaborative Teacher)

i. Laura Smith (5-12 & Crossroads Special Education Director) j. Christel McNeil (Carrie Lee Associate) Step 1 k. Michael McCandless (Carrie Lee Food Service) Step 1 Resignations: a. Peggy Harvey (Carrie Lee Food Service) b. Linda Kirkeberg (Carrie Lee Associate) c. Sue Sander (Middle School Associate) d. Beth Wahlberg (Middle School Associate) e. David Hansmeier (High School Night Custodian) f. Steve Nesteby (John Cline Associate) g. Loran Storts (Head Boys Swimming Coach) h. Loran Storts (Head Girls Swimming Coach) i. Kristen Underwood (Large Group Speech Coach) j. Alyssa Marso (High School Business Teacher) k. James Alberts (High School Night Custodian) 1. Elise Bennett (Carrie Lee Special Education Teacher) Transfers: a. Matt Amundson (Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade) b. Julie Strickler (Carrie Lee Food Service) c. Matt Cody (MS Band Director to HS Band Director) Approval as a Volunteer/Volunteer Coach a. James Fritz (Volunteer High School Instrumental Music Support) b. Andrew Davis (Volunteer High School Assistant Boys Soccer Coach) c. Isaac Alexander (Volunteer High School Assistant Baseball Coach) d. Teo J De Albuquerque (Volunteer High School Girls Soccer Coach) Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded

by Director Sand to approve the Activity fund claim #9 and Activity fund claim #43. Motion carried by three votes. Directors Darling & Zander abstained. Communication from the public: Superintendent Dr. Cronin read four letters addressed to the board for public comment.

The letters were from Carol Dowe, Deborah Edwards, Cheryl Miller, and Laurie Worcester. Dowe expressed interest in virtual comments. Edwards, Miller and Worcester commented on the enhanced gym. There were six individuals who addressed the board in person. Cindy Albers, Andrew Nelson, Joie LaFrentz, and Blake Moen commented on the enhanced gym. Zach Fromm and Jesse Lyon addressed the board on the district’s certified pay scale. Presentation: Special Education-Self Contained (Marie Conway, Sarah Elsbernd). Ms. Conway and Ms. Elsbernd updated the board on the Level 3 special education rooms and students with complex cognitive and physical needs. The staff works closely with family, school nurses, and the AEA staff.

New Business: Motion: Director Darling moved, seconded

by Director Fadness to approve the Carrie Lee Elementary Network Bid for three switches from CEC for $22,697.58 and $63,785.37 totaling $86,482.95 as recommended by administration. The district may receive a reimbursement of $13,618.55 for this project.

Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded

by Director Darling to approve the propane fueling station quote from Farmers Union Cooperative for $24,630.57. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded

by Director Darling to approve the capital improvement projects as presented. Director of Technology Shawn Gordon recommended accepting the bid of $83,182.54 from Gopher Stage Lighting, Inc. to upgrade the rigging to adhere to safety standards. Director of Technology Shawn Gordon recommended accepting the bid of $171,870.00 from Bradfield’s Inc. to replace forty smartboards. Motion carried by all voting aye.

The board took a break from 7:11 p.m. until 7:17 p.m. The board resumed at 7:17 p.m.

Motion: Director Zander moved, seconded

by Director Fadness to adopt the Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $15,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof. Motion carried by all voting aye and President Goodner declared the Resolution adopted. Patty Spowart, Emergent Architecture, presented an updated schematic design of the new elementary facility. Modifications included the enhanced gym, a multipurpose room, and increased safety features. The enhanced gym would cost approximately $3 million dollars, and the funds would not come from the approved bond passing. PPEL and SAVE funds would be used. A stand-alone gym could cost millions more. If the district relocated the enhanced gym, there would be internal classrooms with no natural light as the current facility now has. Motion: Director Darling moved, seconded by Director Fadness to approve schematic design for the elementary building project. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Zander moved, seconded

by Director Sand to approve the 2023-2024 audit as presented. There were no issues with the audit. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Darling moved, seconded

by Director Fadness to approve the 20252026 proposed school budget as presented with a tax rate of $13.56. Administration will bring an amended school budget to the board for approval once Governor Reynolds has signed the 2% Supplemental State Aid (SSA) legislation. The administration will research line item #29 that was asked about during the public hearing. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Sand moved, seconded by Director Zander to approve the High School and Carrie Lee Elementary roof drawings and specifications. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded

by Director Sand to approve the driver education training between Decorah CSD and Northeast Iowa Community College. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Zander moved, seconded

by Director Fadness to approve the three-year Northern lowa Teacher Education Agreement as presented. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Sand moved, seconded by Director Darling to approve the Morningside Teacher Education Agreement as presented.

Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded by Director Sand to approve the Local Government Risk Pool. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Zander moved, seconded

by Director Darling to approve the three-year Timberline Agreement of Service. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Darling moved, seconded

by Director Fadness to approve the revised 2024-2025 school calendar forgiving the last two student days for students, certified staff, and classified staff, with the last day of school being Friday, May 23, 2025. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Superintendent Dr. Cronin updated the board on Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) student numbers. There are one hundred and four students registered. The district will have five kindergarten classes and one TK class for 2025-2026.

Motion: Director Zander moved, seconded

by Director Fadness that the Recommendation of the Superintendent be accepted and that the .5 FTE employment contract of Bonnie Johnson as a teacher be terminated effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year for the reasons that were set forth in the Superintendent’s Notice and Recommendation to Terminate the Contract of Bonnie Johnson. I further move that the additional Recommendation of the Superintendent be accepted, and that Bonnie Johnson be issued a .3 FTE continuing teaching contract for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll Call: Director Sand, aye; President Goodner, aye; Director Fadness, aye; Director Darling, aye; Director Zander, aye. Motion carried by all voting aye.

Motion: Director Darling moved, seconded

by Director Fadness that the Recommendation of the Superintendent be accepted and that the 0.8 FTE employment contract of Kelly Johnson as a teacher be terminated effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year for the reasons that were set forth in the Superintendent’s Notice and Recommendation to Terminate the Contract of Kelly Johnson. I further move that the additional Recommendation of the Superintendent be accepted, and that Kelly Johnson be issued a .6 FTE continuing teaching contract for the 2025-2026 school year. Roll Call: President Goodner, aye; Director Fadness, aye; Director Darling, aye; Director Zander, aye; Director Sand, aye.

Motion carried by all voting aye.

Superintendent report: Superintendent Dr. Cronin updated the board on the infeasibility of geothermal for the new elementary facility.

The district will pursue solar and other environmentally sustainable solutions.

Open Enrollment In: Hudson Schultz, TK, from Postville to Decorah CSD. Director of Business Services, Cathy Dietzenbach, presented the monthly financial reports for March 2025.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

Cindy Goodner, Board President Darlene Woodhouse, Board Secretary Claims for March 2025 – Activity Fund Albers, Cindy, MS Boys/Girl BBall Worker..........450.00 Albers, Justin, Reimbursement for Supplies............54.88 Apple Awards, HS Supplies..............499.05 Bahr, Leisha, Reimburse for Wrestle Parking........48.00 Berland, Jonathan, MS Boys BBall Official...................75.00 Berland, Larry, MS Boys BBall Official.................150.00 Copyland, MS Supplies.....................167.94 Courtney, Blake, HS Girls BBall Ticket Work.............25.00 Darling, Brad, HS Boys Wrestling Bench . .............50.00 Decker Sporting Goods, HS Supplies.................................2,435.60 Decorah CSD General Fund, Reimb. Coder.................................281.36 Decorah CSD General Fund BMO, C.C.............................................31,285.24 Decorah CSD Nutrition, HS Speech Conc..........................3,840.93 Fareway, HS Speech Food for Judges.88.64 Fridley Theatres, MS Trimester 2 Movie................1,795.00 Hampton Inn, HS Boys Basketball Rooms...........554.40 Hampton West Des Moines, Wrestling ....................................1,397.76 Hoffert, Chris, HS Boys Basketball Official.............140.00 Hoyme, Jackie, Boys/Girls State Meals................2,092.50 IHSAA, HS Supplies.........................284.00 IHSMA, Registration: Vocal, String, Choir..435.00 IHSSA, Large & Individual Speech Reg..1,446.00 Iowa FBLA, HS Conference Registration...........665.00 Iowa Sports, HS Supplies..................196.88 Keleher, Jerry, HS Boys Basketball Official.............140.00 Kolor Graphics, HS Boy Wrestle State Sign.............140.00 Krauskopf, Kurt, MS Boys BBall Official......................75.00 LA Communications, HS FFA Sponsor.............................250.00 Letterwerks, HS Supplies............... 5,510.00 Luther College, HS Track Fee/CL Tickets...............794.00 Mabe’s Pizza, HS FFA Pizzas...........550.80 Matthias, Max, HS Boys Basketball Official..........140.00 North Fayette Valley CSD, HS Supplies....................................168.00 O’Shea, Pat, HS Boys Wrestling Announcer........25.00 Rollinger, Joel, HS Boys/Girls Bench Work..............50.00 Rosendahl, Marc, MS Boys BBall Official...................75.00 Sailor, Matt, HS Girls Wrestling Bench Work......50.00 Sew Happy, HS Supplies...................225.00 Snell, Paul, HS Boys Wrestling Bench Work....100.00 Storlie, Laura, HS Boys Swim Announcer...............25.00 Walter, Jarrad, HS Boys Basketball Bench..............25.00 Yeomans, HS Girls Track Jerseys/Speech......912.00 Zander, Aaron, HS Boys Swim Meet Mgr..............100.00 Total Claims:..............................$57,812.98 Claims for March 2025 Food Service Fund Anderson Erickson, Dairy..............7,715.75 Casper Plumbing & Heating, Repairs............................................ 242.50 Country View Dairy, Dairy................583.00 Decorah Activity Fund, Produce.........26.00 Decorah General Fund (BMO), Misc............................................. 2,941.06 EMS Detergent, Supplies/Repairs.. 1,333.35 Iowa Food Hub, Produce/Dairy.....3,179.19 Joe’s Restaurant Equipment, Repairs............................................104.00 Kwik Trip, Ala Carte...........................56.16 Martin Brothers, Food/Produce/Supplies..............34,552.57 Pan-O-Gold, Bakery..........................856.23 Total Food Service Claims.........$51,589.81 Claims for April 2025– General Fund Prepaids: AcenTek, Internet..............................540.00 Alliant Energy, Electricity............35,801.59 Century Link (Lumen), Phones-dist..................................1,835.16 Decorah CSD Gen. Fund BMO, CC ..............................................9,287.37 Iowa FCCLA, FCCLA Registration.. 730.00 U.S. Cellular, Phone Usage-district...643.92 Total General Fund Prepaid Claims...................................... $48,838.04 General Fund Payables: Ace Hardware, Supplies-district........ 262.66 Adamantine Spine Moving, HS Piano Move.............................. 675.00 Ahlers Cooney, Legal Services......2,380.50 Apple Inc., Technology Repair Parts.............. 1,118.95 Betteridge, Margaret, Interpreting/Conf............................144.62 Bio Corporation, HS Supplies...........176.07 Bruening Rock Products, Sand/Salt..367.68 ByteSpeed, LLC, Business Lab Computers...........23,814.00 Carousel Digital Signage, District Contract..........................3,080.00 Carquest, Misc. Vehicle Repairs..........93.43 Casper Plumbing & Heating, Repairs-dist................................15,566.73 CDW Government, Server Parts....1,832.23 Clinicare Corporation, Tuition... 113,251.12 Continental Clay Company, HS Supplies......................................60.00 Culligan Water Conditioning, Cooler Rental....................................53.00 DeBauche Truck & Diesel, Bus Garage................................10,551.47 Decorah Activity Fund, RevTrak-AP Tests...........................433.00 Decorah Chamber Commerce, Membership....................................250.00 Decorah Electric, HS Repairs..............50.00 Decorah Leader, Advertising.............785.66 Decorah Mobile Glass, Repairs-Bus Garage........................ 647.00 Decorah Music Boosters, Online Member.............................. 200.00 DHS Cashier 1st Floor, Medicaid Direct......................... 29,971.25 Digital Theatre, HS Subscription...1,868.50 Dragonfly Books, HSAP/MS Books.302.11 Ellingsen, Mike, Accompanist Solo Contest.............330.00 Fareway, MS/HS Supplies...................17.75 Farmers Win Coop, Diesel............. 1,108.60 Fastenal, HS Supplies.......................... 21.57 Field & Forest Products, Shiitake 8 Block ............................ 260.00 Fisk Farm & Home, Supplies/Repairs-dist......................187.33 Freeport Water District, Sewer/Water...................................155.60 Gerk, Katelyn, Reimbursement for Fuel...................25.00 Green, Emily, HS Community Jobs....19.42 Hacker Nelson & Co., 2023-24 Audit Ser......................36,950.00 Headington Repair & Sales, District Equ...............................12,104.86 Hennessy & Sons Towing, Towing...450.00 Hovden Oil, Diesel......................... 917.40 Hrdlicka, Donnie, HS Community Jobs.........................41.08 IHSMA, Large Group Vocal Registration..... 360.00 Imperial Dade, Cleaning Supplies-dist............... 11,899.82 Iowa Communication Network, Internet........................................ 2,476.80 Iowa FPS State Bowl, HS IA FPS.....340.00 Iowa HSAP, HSAP Spring Conference Reg......... 30.00 Iowa Testing Programs, HS/MS/CL Test .......................... 4,208.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies-district................................47.89 Juicebox, Contract Renewal...........2,018.00 Kinderhaus, 4 Year Old Preschool Prog..........2,808.40 King Pin Entertainment, HS Bowling Lanes.........................856.06 Kwik Trip, Fuel............................12,073.99 Lippe, John, HS Community Jobs.......27.89 Mabe’s Pizza, HS Teacher Conferences................150.00 Malcom Enterprises, Garbage Service..........................1,022.00 Mann, Carly, HS Community Jobs......60.14 Marco, Copier Expenses/Repairs... 3,484.06 McDonald Supply Company, Supply-dist..................................1,098.12 MercyOne Occupational Health, Drug Test..........................................60.00

Mueller, Tim, Reimburse for Meals.... 11.76 Napa Auto Parts, Misc. Vehicle Repairs.....................628.65 NewzBrain Civics Ed., MS Class Games............................ 209.00 Nisse Childcare/Pre., 4 Year Preschool.......................... 7,622.80 North Central International, Bus Repairs.................................... 649.93 Northeast IA Montessori, 4 Year Pre.................................... 2,407.20 Novak, Perry Electric, District Repairs............................ 4,916.11 Pleggenkuhle, Wyatt, HS Community Jobs......................... 26.20 Racom Incorporated, HS/Bus Install/Parts....................... 774.05 Ramstad, Braden, HS Community Jobs......................... 27.27 RevTrak, Transaction Fees for March......... 1,648.48 Riddell, HS Equipment (Helmets).......... 11,310.84 Riverside Insights, JC CogAt Tests...440.00 Rochester100, CL Supplies............... 285.70 School Bus Sales, Bus Repairs..........482.43 School Specialty, CL Office Supplies......................... 251.69 Schultz Strings, HS/MS Instrument Repairs............765.94 Shaneyfelt, Nicholas, Accompanist Solos......................... 405.00 Spahn & Rose Lumber, HS Repairs....14.82 SSE Music, HS Instrument Repairs..128.00 St. Benedict School, 4 Year Preschool .........................8,024.00 Stewartville Auto Center, Towing Fee..................................1,890.60 Stinson, Haley, HS Community Jobs..20.71 Sunflower Childcare Center, 4 Year Pre....................................8,228.00 Tandem Tire, Bus/Vehicle Repairs....365.46 Timberline Billing Service, Medicaid . ...................................3,094.79 Truck Country, Vehicle Repairs/Maint.................4,569.14 Twedt, Gabe, Reimbursement for Fuel.................134.47 Uline, Bus Garage Supplies..............503.98 Verizon Connect, Bus Garage 2 months..................1,128.22 Viking Pest, Pest Control, District....100.00 Vital Source, HS Ebook.......................45.99 Ward’s Science, HS Supplies............235.50 Woodward-Granger CSD, Tuition.. 6,236.16 Zep Sales & Service, Bus Garage Supplies...................... 205.97 Total GENERAL Fund Claims....................................$371,333.61 SAVE Fund Payables: ByteSpeed, LLC., Server..............10,495.00 Total SAVE Fund Payables:.......$10,495.00 PPEL Fund Payables: CJ Lensing, 2016 Ford Fusion.......9,500.00 Shive-Hattery, Roof Project-CL/DHS...............18,000.00 Total PPEL Fund Payables: ......$27,500.00 MANAGEMENT Fund Payables: AssuredPartners Great Plains, 2025 Chevy.................................... 520.00 Constangy Brooks, Smith & Prophete, Serv...............2,047.50 Total MANAGEMENT Fund Payables:.................................... $2,567.50 Total Add’t April GENERAL Fund Payable Alliant Energy, Electricity – WS/HS.................. 13,204.81 Apple Inc., Technology Repairs........ 467.95 City of Decorah, Sewer/Water........ 3,795.67 Decorah CSD Food Service, HS Supplies...................................... 54.87 Keystone AEA, AI Class..................... 75.00 Lydon Electric Motors, MS Repairs.. 268.07 Paul, Jessica, HS Solo Accompanist.150.00 Severtson, David, HS Solo Accompanist..................... 263.00 Twedt, Gabe, Reimbursement for Fuel................... 68.18 Uline, Bus Garage Supplies........... 4,570.26 US Cellular, District Phones.............. 644.03 Viking Pest Control, District Pest Control....................... 100.00 West Music, HS/MS Instrument Repairs......... 6,931.73 Total Add’t April GENERAL Fund Pay........................................... $30,593.57 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24, 2025

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY EQUITY NO: EQCV027116 ORIGINAL NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust Plaintiff, vs.

Rhonda A. Lettington; Kevin E. Port; Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank; Parties in Possession; Casper Plumbing & Heating Inc.; HSBC Bank Nevada, NA; LVNV Funding; Midland Credit Management, et al.

Defendants.

You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of this court naming you as a defendant in this action. The petition was filed on February 11, 2025, and prays for foreclosure of Plaintiffs Mortgage in favor of the Plaintiff on the property described in this notice and judgment for the unpaid principal amount of $89,217.96, with 4.625% per annum interest thereon from August 1, 2024, together with late charges, advances and the costs of the action including (but not limited to) title costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, as well as a request that said sums be declared a lien upon the following described premises from May 28, 2014, located in Winneshiek county, Iowa: Lot 1 of the West 25 acres of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and Lot 2 of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter in Section 22, Township 98 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa.

More Correctly Known As: Lot 1 of the West 25 acres of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and Lot 2 of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter in Section 22, Township 98 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M., commonly known as 1340 250th St, Decorah, IA 52101 (the “Property”) The petition further prays that the Mortgage on the above described real estate be foreclosed, that a special execution issue for the sale of as much of the mortgaged premises as is necessary to satisfy the judgment and for other relief as the Court deems just and equitable. For further details, please review the petition on file in the clerk’s office. The Plaintiffs attorney is Richard Reinblatt, of SouthLaw, P.C.; whose address is 10855 W Dodge Road, Suite 250, Omaha, NE 68154.

NOTICE The plaintiff has elected foreclosure without redemption. This means that the sale of the mortgaged property will occur promptly after entry of judgment unless you file a written demand with the court to delay the sale.

If you file a written demand, the sale will be delayed until six months (or three months if the petition includes a waiver of deficiency judgment) from the entry of judgment if the mortgaged property is your residence and is a one-family or two-family dwelling or until two months from entry of judgment if the mortgaged property is not your residence or is your residence but not a one-family or two-family dwelling. You will have no right of redemption after the sale. The purchaser at the sale will be entitled to immediate possession of the mortgaged property. You may purchase at the sale.

You must serve a motion or answer on or before June 4, 2025, and within a reasonable time thereafter, you must file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Winneshiek County, at the county courthouse in Decorah, Iowa. If you fail to respond, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in a court action 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.

This case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. You may find more information and general rules governing electronic filing in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16.

You may find information concerning protection of personal information in court filings in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, Division VI. BY: CLERK OF THE ABOVE COURT Winneshiek County Courthouse 201 West Main Street, Decorah, IA 52101 IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS. Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24 & May 1 & 8, 2025

Board Minutes April 14, 2025 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am April 14, 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.

Tim Smock, County Treasurer, met with the Board to request approval of a new clerk in his office and introduce him to the Board.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to approve the hire of Eric Sovern as a Treasurer’s Office Clerk, starting at paygrade 10 during his probationary period, with increase to paygrade 12 at a later date after positive performance review. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and the claims filed with the Board. Motion carried unanimously.

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

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to approve the FY26 DOT Budget and Construction Program. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to adopt resolution 25-32, setting the public hearing for Zoning Ordinance amendments for 10:00am on April 28, 2025. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Public notice will be published as required.

The Board discussed the FY26 Public Health budget. They discussed lowering the budget before adoption or managing expenditures through the use of limited appropriations throughout FY26. More discussion about these options at future meetings.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, April 21, 2025.

Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D. Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Claims 04-14-2025 General Basic Fund A-Tec Recycling, Inc., Services...... 2502.46 Alice Abbott, Mileage......................... 99.12 AcenTek, Telephone Service............. 511.96 AireSpring, Telephone Service..........416.57 Allamakee-Clayton Electric, Utility.. 218.06 Alliant Energy, Utilities...................3495.29 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies.2705.57 Anderson Law Office, Legal Services..............................3525.16 Andy’s Speed Lube, Services............570.00 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas Service......................2798.20 Suzanne Boeke, Mileage...................281.40 Terry Buenzow, Services...................250.00 C.J. Lensing Motors, Inc., Services... 320.95 Capital One, Payment.......................... 53.76 Carquest Auto Parts, Parts................... 52.11 Casper Plumbing & Heating, Inc, Services..........................................736.10 CEC, Services.................................... 349.65 Cen Tec Cast Metal Products, Markers........................................... 141.47 CentralSquare Tech, LLC Service Contract........................... 1672.00 CenturyLink, Telephone Service....... 792.58 Column Software PBC, Publications.244.71 Court View Place LLP, Payment..... 1970.00 Culligan, Services.............................. 117.64 Christian Cutsforth, Reimbursement...40.00 Dan’s Standard Service, Services...... 485.00 Decorah Ace Hardware, Supplies......150.32 Decorah Auto Center Inc, Services.....95.56 Decorah Community Schools, Services.......................................... 187.70 Decorah Electric Inc, Services.......... 625.46 Decorah Leader, Publications............ 628.36 Decorah Tire Service, Services........... 80.27 Decorah Veterinary Clinic, Services... 53.90 DecorahNews.com, Advertising........139.00 Dell Marketing LP, Equipment........ 7609.41 Elan Financial Services, Payment..... 455.90 Erdman Engineering, Services........ 2502.00 Valerie Erickson, Mileage.................519.44 ESRI, Maintenance Agreement.......6550.00 Fareway Stores, Supplies................1382.78 Fashion Floor Center, Services........ 1127.61 Fastenal Co, Supplies..........................67.12 John Fels, Reimbursement..................25.00 Fisk Farm & Home Inc., Supplies.........9.84 Freeport Water District, Utilities....... 154.71 Galls, LLC, Supplies......................... 359.97 Teresa Gehling, Mileage........................ 5.25 Hageman Cleaning, Services.............225.00 Kayla Hageman, Reimbursement........25.00 John Halverson, Reimbursement.........25.00 Harmony Enterprises, Inc, Services..315.00 Healthcare First, Services.................. 111.02 Sally Herold, Mileage....................... 258.30 Heron Consulting, Inc., Services..... 1800.00 Faith Hlubek, Reimbursement...........195.00 Byron Hook, Reimbursement..............10.00 Logan Hopp, Reimbursement.............75.00 Huber’s Store, Supplies.......................57.30 ImperialDade, Supplies.....................433.45 Inovalon Provider, Inc., Services...... 499.31 Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Registration.................................... 125.00 Iowa Secretary of State, Services........30.00 Fatimetu Jatri Emhamed, Reimbursement.................................25.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies......... 949.28 Ian Kemp, Services...........................747.50 Elizabeth Klimesh, Mileage..............230.62 Ethel Barbara Krueger, Services.......106.04 Kwik Trip Extended Network, Fuel...............................................4705.12 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel........................... 916.83 LA Communications, Inc, Advertising.....................................272.00 Chuck Lensing, Services................. 1800.00 Leon’s Auto Repair, Services............ 479.95 LetterWerks Sign City, LLC, Printing...........................................846.80 Level’n Up Construction LLC, Services........................................ 2620.00 Logistics Recycling, Inc., Services... 266.28 Luther College, Printing....................419.13 Mail Services, Services...................7572.91 Marco Technologies LLC, Service....401.67 Anna Mark M.D., Services................325.00 Martin Bros. Distributing, Supplies.. 797.50 Jamie McConnell, Reimbursement.....25.00 Hanna Meyer, Reimbursement..........215.00 MiBroadband, Services.......................91.35 Motorola Solutions, Inc, Equipment.920.00 MWSCO, Supplies.............................. 16.03 Ness Pumping Service, Inc., Services........................................ 1335.00 Netsmart Technologies, Inc., Maintenance Agreement...............3446.71 North Slope Estate’s LLC, Rental... 1152.00 Northern Safety Co Inc, Supplies........89.62 O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., Parts.........66.48 Oneota Community Co-oop, Rental....42.64 Pens.com, Supplies............................389.44 Brittany Provost, Reimbursement....... 50.80 Quadient Fiance USA, Inc., Postage......................................... 2500.00 Quadient Leasing USA, Inc., LeaseAgreement............................. 978.66 Mary Raatz, Mileage......................... 254.10 Ricoh USA Inc, Maintenance Agreement................. 630.58 Riley’s Inc, Supplies............................ 39.42 Sanitation Resources, Inc, Services...722.50 Schilling Supply Company, Supplies..........................................581.40 Barb Schroeder, Reimbursement.........63.00 Schumacher Elevator, Services.........287.98 SMI Co., Materials.......................... 1140.00 Timothy Smock, Reimbursement...... 480.24 Smoky Lake Maple Products, Parts.1088.99 Gordon Snitker, Reimbursement......... 25.00 Solutions Inc., Services.....................599.99 Ben Steines, Reimbursement...............25.00 Steve’s Car Care, Services.................. 27.00 Storey Kenworthy, Supplies.............. 111.30 John L. Storkamp, Reimbursement.....25.00 The Keeper of the Stationery, Flags....32.80 The Warrior Wash, LLC, Services.....280.25 Thrifty White Pharmacy, Services.....665.23 Thryv, Advertising...............................21.00 Truck Country of Iowa, Services......... 12.42 US Cellular, Cell Service................ 1497.17 Krista Vanden Brink, Mileage........... 536.94 Morgan Walsh, Mileage...................... 35.70 Weis GMC, Inc, Services................ 2099.05 Diana Wilharm, Reimbursement.......277.87 Windstream, Telephone Service..........88.33 Wright Way Computers, LLC, Services........................................4994.50 Christopher Wuebker, Reimbursement...............................140.00 General Supplemental Fund Lynne Bullerman, Reimbursement.... 180.08 ICAP, Insurance................................. 643.00 Lauri Kaeser, Reimbursement........... 302.30 Ben Steines, Reimbursement.............336.88 Winn Co Auditor, Postage.................680.91 Winn Co Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Fees.......................................60.00 Youth & Shelter Services, Inc, Services........................................2799.00 Water Testing Grant Fund Ronald Borsheim, Plug Well............. 700.00 State Hygienic Laboratory, Services.300.00 Rural Services Basic Fund Arden Auna, Meeting.......................... 50.00 Kevin Barth, Meeting.......................... 50.00 Bruce Bergsgaard, Meeting................. 50.00 Erik Bodensteiner, Meeting................. 50.00 Column Software PBC, Publications.112.13 Blake Courtney, Meeting................... 100.00 Kendall Curtis, Meeting.................... 100.00 Allen Dahlen, Meeting........................ 50.00

Decorah Leader, Publications............107.55 Dan Dietzenbach, Meeting.................. 50.00 Austin Dodd, Mileage......................... 24.39 James Ehrie, Meeting.......................... 50.00 Elan Financial Services, Payment....... 81.24 Stephanie Fromm, Meeting............... 100.00 Christopher Hackman, Meeting.......... 50.00 Thomas Hansen, Meeting.................... 50.00 Leland Hovey, Meeting....................... 50.00 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel............................. 58.94 Ben Lange, Meeting.......................... 100.00 Steve Langland, Mileage..................... 25.20 Karen Lee, Meeting............................. 50.00 Danny Leidahl, Meeting...................... 50.00 Dave Lewis, Meeting........................ 100.00 Randy Logsdon, Meeting.................. 100.00 Roger Nelson, Meeting....................... 50.00 Dave Nienhaus, Meeting..................... 50.00 Kenneth Nordheim, Meeting............... 50.00 Tom Otteson, Meeting......................... 50.00 Alice Palmer, Meeting......................... 50.00 James Palmer, Meeting........................50.00 Tony Phillips, Reimbursement.......... 124.40 Joe Pinter, Mileage..............................35.00 Donna Rasmussen, Mileage................56.00 Carl Schmitt, Meeting......................... 50.00 Gary Smorstad, Meeting..................... 50.00 Wendy Stevens, Mileage..................... 36.40 Leroy Webb, Meeting........................ 100.00 Winn Co Auditor, Postage................. 170.42 Winn Co Landfill, Fees.................... 1741.92 Sawyer Wise, Meeting......................... 50.00 Secondary Road Fund AcenTek, Telephone Service............. 266.35 Agvantage FS Inc, Propane........... 46169.77 Alliant Energy, Utilities................... 2263.38 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies.2206.61 Bodensteiner Implement Company, Services........................................ 2999.95 Calmar Courier, Publications..............60.00 Carquest Auto Parts, Parts............... 2668.14 City of Ossian, Utilities....................... 32.23 City of Ridgeway, Utilities.................. 29.26 Culligan, Services................................ 47.50 Dan’s Standard Service, Services...... 125.74 DeBauche Truck & Diesel, Parts....... 126.44 Decorah Leader, Publications............422.50 Decorah Tire Service, Services.......3536.10 Dick’s Petroleum Company, Services........................................ 1450.50 Don’s Truck Sales, Inc, Equipment................................ 631340.00 Dultmeier Sales LLC, Parts............... 391.15 Fisk Farm & Home Inc., Supplies..... 124.93 Freeport Water District, Utilities.........86.90 Heartland Asphalt Inc., Services..... 8270.20 Hovden Oil Co, Fuel......................... 478.50 Iowa DOT, Payment........................ 5250.43 LetterWerks Sign City, LLC, Signs..... 36.00 Mabel Co-op Telephone, E911 Service..................................... 98.65 Martin Equipment of IA/IL, Inc, Supplies........................................ 2461.05 Matt Mettille, Reimbursement............ 40.00 Meyer Big Iron Repair, Parts............. 636.82 MiBroadband, Services..................... 210.38 MSC Industrial Supply Co., Parts..... 115.54 MWSCO, Supplies............................ 227.90 Napa Auto Parts, Parts......................... 21.00 NE Iowa Metalworks, Inc., Services........................................ 4635.42 Precision Overhead Door, Services.2073.09 Racom Corporation, Services............ 704.84 Ronco Engineering, Supplies.......... 2252.82 Sadler Power Train, Parts.................. 312.08 Safety X-treme, LLC, Supplies....... 1980.57 Sanitation Resources, Inc, Services... 170.00 Truck Country of Iowa, Services..... 1705.68 US Cellular, Cell Service..................384.46 Verizon, Services............................. 1142.17 Vestis, Services................................2716.95 Windridge Implements, LLC, Parts... 862.65 Winn Co Auditor, Postage................... 58.73 WinnMed, Services............................. 90.00 Co Conserv Capital Improv Fund Erdman Engineering, Services........5252.50 County Assessor Agency Fund ESRI, Maintenance Agreement....... 2910.00 Mailing Services Inc, Services........ 5881.18 Winn Co Auditor, Postage................... 59.14 E911 Surcharge Fund AcenTek, E911 Service..................... 512.66 Alliant Energy, Utilities..................... 335.15 American Tower Corporation, Rental........................................... 2009.04 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas Service.......................... 45.97 Mabel Co-op Telephone, E911 Service................................... 123.08 Emergency Management Comm Amazon Capital Services, Supplies.... 76.83 AT&T Mobility, Cellular Service...... 132.55 Comfort Inn & Suites, Lodging......... 170.36 Elan Financial Services, Payment..... 270.42 NICC, Equipment.............................. 290.00 Olson Explosives, Fuel........................ 59.87 The Warrior Wash, LLC, Services.......48.00 Upper Explorerland RPC, Services......................................16724.00 US Cellular, Cell Service....................61.36 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service............14.04 Waterloo Fire Department, Training...................................... 11600.00 Winneshiek Co Health Ins Fund Assured Partners Great Plains, Services...................................... 10000.00 Midwest Group Benefits, Health Insurance......................... 54480.72 Wellmark, Insurance.................... 134368.10 Grand Total................................ 1089880.97 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24, 2025 RIDGEWAY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 16, 2025 The Ridgeway City Council met in special session April 16, 2025, at the Ridgeway Community Center, at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Schnur calling the meeting to order. Council persons present were: Linderbaum, Hauber, Engelhardt, Novotny and Schnur. Absent: None.

Engelhardt made a Motion to approve the consent agenda, minutes, and claims, seconded by Novotny. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A discussion was held regarding the City summer event, June 14, 2025. It is established that there will be a ball tournament, bean bag tournament, a car show and shine and DJ, a silent auction, Winneshiek County Cattleman’s supper, a 50-50 draw, Entertainment, a beer garden, and food trucks. At the Turkey River Culture Center (the former Ridgeway Elementary building) will have the Toe Tappers, a flea market, and the wood carving museum will be open.

The next City summer event planning meeting will be May 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center.

The next City Council meeting will be April 23, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center.

Novotny made a Motion to adjourn, seconded by Hauber. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Sharla Berns City Clerk Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24, 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF DECORAH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the City of Decorah, Iowa, has set 5:15 PM, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 for a regular meeting to be held at the Council Chambers of City Hall, in Decorah, Iowa, 52101, as the time and place for consideration of requested variances from the Ordinance requirements to-wit: Craig Running at 205 Riverside Avenue, legally described as the South 26 feet of Lot 6, in Block 6 of Original Decorah in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa as per plat recorded in Book A of Town Plats on page 228. Also, Lot 2 of 3, Lot 2 of 1 of 3 in the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter and Lot 2 of 1 of 25 in the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 16, Township 98 North, Rannge 8 West of the 5th P.M., in the City of Decorah, in Winneshiek Couty, Iowa; is requesting permission to construct an accessory building in the side yard of a corner lot and with a 1’ setback, contrary to City Code Section 17.16.030 – Accessory Building.

Alex Gisleson at 608 East Main Street, legally described as the East 41 feet of Lot 7, in Block 41 of Original Decorah in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa is requesting permission to construct an accessory building exceeding 30% of the back yard, contrary to City Code Section 17.16.030 – Accessory Building All interested persons may appear at said time and place to be heard for or against the granting of variances from the Ordinance requirements. /s/ Sue Sander Sue Sander, Chair Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

A &M PREFERRED PROPERTIES

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 17-8-DL-9

Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available in any format. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website and Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website or Issuing Office.

This Notice is issued by: Owner: City of Decorah By: Lorraine Borowski Title: Mayor Date: April 21, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24, 2025

240 170th St., Calmar.

STORAGE UNITS AVAILABLE

HELP WANTED

563-380-4648

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: (Decorah High School) 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 • Insurance Benefits, IPERS whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. and paid time off Notice is further given that all •persons in- erential Stipend equivalent Shift Diff

debted to the estate are requested to make

immediate payment to the undersigned, andto $2.00 per hour $1,000 SIGNING BONUS creditors having claims against the estate

shall file them with the Clerk of the above Send named district court, as provided by law, letter duly of application and resume

Director authenticated, for allowance, and to unless so of Buildings & Grounds filed by the later to occur of four months Kurtisfrom Johnson,100 Claiborne Drive,

the second publication of this notice or one IA 52101, or email kurtis.

Decorah,

month from the date of mailing of this notice by endof Enjoy working outside and looking (unless otherwise allowed or paid) ajohnson@decorah.school claim is the day on April 16, 2025, or open thereafter forever barred. for a change? We provide on the Dated this 15th day of April, 2025.

The Decorah Community School until position is filled. job training! Class A or B CDL Bonnie Tieskoetter District desirable. No15-8-LD-12 CDL, no problem, we is an EEO/AA employer.

Executor of Estate The Decorah Community School 3151 North Winn Road District is an EEO/AA employer. will help you get one.

Decorah, IA 52101 Daniel L. Fretheim Decorah, IA • 563-382-2953 ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER www.olsonexplosives.com MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY info@olsonexp.com 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Equal Opportunity Employer Decorah, IA 52101 -code(563) 382-2959 Email: dan.fretheim@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: April 24, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17 & 24, 2025

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

or Part-time Full

cook

AUCTION Multi-family garage sale. 701 E Main St, Decorah. Friday, April CALENDAR GARAGE SALE

25th 1-6 pm, Saturday April 26, 7-12 pm. Wedding decor, women’s clothes S-XL, puzzles, home decor, housewares. 17-2DL-2

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 - 8:30 a.m. Live Antique, Collectible & Household Auction held at Sweeny Auction Center, Waukon, IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www. sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.

Garage sale: April 25-27, 10a.m.-3 p.m. at 2470 Birch Rd., Decorah. Lots of name brand, clothes, shoes, household, etc.17-2-DL-2

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

WANTED TO BUY Wanted: Old Bunn coffee makers, working or not, any condition. 563-794-1858. 17-2-LD-3

HELP WANTED $1,000 SIGNING BONUS

FULL TIME POSITIONS

or chef

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

Decorah, IA • 563-382-2953 www.olsonexplosives.com info@olsonexp.com Equal Opportunity Employer

15-6-LD-12

15-2-DL-12

NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA General Notice City of Decorah (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: DECORAH 2025 CARLSON PARK GATEWAY TRAIL PROJECT Sealed bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Decorah City Hall Office located at 400 Claiborne Drive, P.O. Box 138 in Decorah, Iowa 52101, until Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The Project includes the following Work: Excavation and grading, natural surface trail, trail features, and erosion control.

The project location(s) is as follows: Within Carlson Park East of Pleasant Avenue and South of State Highway 9; all in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa.

Bids will be received for a single prime contract. Make bids on all items of Work.

One contract will be awarded. The Contractor may begin construction upon execution of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) with a Substantial Completion date of November 30, 2026, as shown in the NTP. Final payment will be made upon final acceptance of the Work.

Submit a Bid Bond with each Bid in accordance with the Bidding Documents. The Bid Bond will be a certified or cashier’s check payable to the Owner, drawn on a solvent Iowa bank or a bank chartered under the laws of the United States, or a certified share draft drawn on a credit union in Iowa or chartered under the laws of the United States, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Bid, or a Bid Bond executed by a corporation authorized to contract as a Surety in the State of Iowa, in the penal sum of five percent (5%) of the Bid. The Owner may, at their discretion, reject any or all bids, waive informalities, irregularities or technicalities, or accept the bid and award the Project.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish bonds and insurance, in accordance with Article 6 of the Contract for Construction of a Small Project, when the Contract is delivered to the Owner.

All Work and material are to be in strict compliance with the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost now on file at the office of the City Engineer, and by this reference made a part thereof as though fully set out and incorporated herein.

By virtue of the statutory authority, a preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa and to Iowa.

In accordance with Iowa statutes, a resident bidder shall be allowed a preference as against a nonresident bidder from a state or foreign country if that state or foreign country gives or requires any preference to bidders from that state or foreign country, including but not limited to any preference to bidders, the imposition of any type of labor force preference, or any other form of preferential treatment to bidders or laborers from that state or foreign country. The preference allowed shall be equal to the preference given or required by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident. In the instance of a resident labor force preference, a nonresident bidder shall apply the same resident labor force preference to a public improvement in this state as would be required in the construction of a public improvement by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident.

Obtaining Bidding Documents Bidding Documents for the Project may be obtained either in printed or electronic formats for free.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project may be obtained in electronic format at the following designated website: QuestCDN.com Ebid Reference No.: 9581060 Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format.

The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project may be obtained in printed format from the Issuing Office Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM: The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: City of Decorah Street Department 108 Railroad Avenue Decorah, IA 52101 Ph: 1-563-382-2157 / E: cityengineer@decorahia.org

FOR SALE

Enjoy working outside and looking for a change? We provide on the job training! Class A or B CDL desirable. No CDL, no problem, we will help you get one.

9-8-DL-12

NOW HIRING

REGIONAL ADVERTISING

Driveway Specialist of Decorah is seeking motivated individuals to join our team.

Bookkeeper/Secretary Operator/Laborer To apply, contact Mike at 563-380-7066 or e-mail drivewayspecialistllc@gmail.com 17-8-DL-12

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

13

1805 Heritage Rd., Decorah drivewayspecialistllc.com

Public Notice The Towers, LLC proposes to build a 284-foot Lattice Communications Tower.

Anticipated lighting application is medium intensity dual red/white strobes. The Site location is 1336 170th Ave, Ossian, Winneshiek County, Iowa 52161, Lat: 43-7-50.84, Long: -91-43-59.55. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1309196.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS – Interested persons may review the application (www.fcc.gov/asr/applications) by entering the filing number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review (www.fcc.gov/asr/ environmentalrequest) and online filings are strongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.

HISTORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS � Public comments regarding potential effects on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Elise J., e.johnson@trileaf.com, 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 500, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 - 630.227.0202.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24, 2025

CLEAN MECHANICS ENERGY MADE

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS

Seasonal Yard Waste DEDICATED RUNAttendant

OTR CDL

The City of Decorah is currently applications for Seeking applicants for Tired of losing miles and accepting money Seasonal Yard Waste SitetoAttendant.

This is a part-time position by waiting load and unload?

Full Time Mechanic position. (up to 8-12 hrs./week) during the 2025 season. Good This dedicated run issummer/fall what you Decorah, IA • 563-382-2953 interpersonal and are organizational skills required.

Valid driver’s license looking for! Minimal wait www.olsonexplosives.com required. Positiontimes subject to background and high miles await you.check and MVR check. info@olsonexp.com Home every weekend.

Applications and job description are available at City Hall, Equal Opportunity Employer Applyor at Olson Explosives, Inc. www.decorahia.org, by calling 563-382-3651.

Applications -code1837 Trout Run Rd,isDecorah are accepted until the position filled. EEO/AA Employer Disabled and Veteran. www.olsonexp.com Completed applications can be dropped info@olsonexp.com off at City Hall during business hours or emailed to Public Works Director, Michael O’Hara, Employer at mohara@decorah.iowa.gov Equal Opportunity -codeEEO/AA Employer, M/F Disabled and Veteran.

17-2-L-12

REGISTER TO EARN A

$

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All new and currently registered SP3 participants will Iowafor high school seniors mayfor register for atochance be eligible a one-time drawing a chance win to receive one of 25 scholarships a $1,000 529 college savings deposit.worth $2,000 each.

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Follow the emailed instructions to complete two online tutorials and a related assessment before 4 p.m. on March 11.

ONE OF IOWA’S LARGEST SHOWS WITH OVER 100 SELLERS!

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Protect Your Baby’s Health Vaccines can help keep your child healthy Did you know most childhood vaccines are very effective?

Vaccines can help protect infants from many diseases including: • Chickenpox • Measles • Polio

• Tetanus • Whooping cough • And more

Ask your child’s healthcare provider about vaccines.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics 3/25

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16-4-LD-12

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.

NEWS

14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Decorah firefighters respond to residential blaze on Easter evening Winneshiek County emergency dispatchers received a call at approximately 11:38 p.m.

Sunday, April 20 from an alarm company, saying a resident in the 200 block of St. Lawrence Street in Decorah had reported smoke in her home.

Decorah Police officers and deputies from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office arrived and were unable enter the home due to heavy smoke but were able to locate the occupant of the home and remove her through a bedroom window. The occupant was conscious and talking. The resident was transported by WinnMed Ambulance service to the WinnMed Emergency Department for evaluation and treatment.

Personnel with the Decorah Fire Department were able to enter the residence and perform a search. No other occupants were located. One pet was lo-

cated alive and removed from the residence. Fire was found in the basement of the home, and the flames had extension into the first floor kitchen. The fire was quickly extinguished. Firefighters checked the basement as well as the kitchen area for any remaining flames or embers — a second pet was found deceased and removed from the home.

The Decorah Fire Department said there was moderate fire and water damage to the home’s basement and smoke damage throughout the rest of the house. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Decorah Fire Department was assisted by the Winneshiek Dispatch Center, Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, WinnMed Ambulance and Alliant Energy.

Law Enforcement Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office Alan Blekeberg, age 62, of Ridgeway was charged with speeding and interference with official acts at approximately 3:19 p.m.

Thursday, April 10 in the area of 255th Avenue. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy attempted to stop Blekeberg’s vehicle near Madison Road, but the 62-year-old sped away to the south, turned near a building site and fled the vehicle. A K-9 unit was deployed and helped locate Blekeberg, who was “hiding in the bottom of a grain wagon inside a building.” The 62-year-old was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail and later pleaded guilty to the charges. He is to pay approximately $250 in fines for both offenses.

Crystal Soppe, age 46, of Ridgeway was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at approximately 8:58 a.m. Friday, April 11 on the charge of operating while intoxicated — third or subsequent offense. Court documents indicated Soppe was served a warrant that day for a previous incident which occurred on March 14 in Spillville.

Alexander Daniel Sheimo Logan, age 39, of Decorah was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of possession of a controlled substance — second offense at approximately 4:47 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15 in the 1600 block of Panoramic Road in Decorah.

Criminal complaints filed against Logan said the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Logan’s home, and the 39-year-old was found to be in possession of several drug-related items as well as marijuana and methamphetamine. He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 5:15 p.m. the same day.

Jacob Allan Huinker, age 39, of Decorah was charged with operating while intoxicated — first offense — at approximately 9:36 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 in the area of 185th Avenue in Ossian. He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:10 a.m. Tuesday, April 16.

Eric Moen, age 39, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 and held for another agency. Bond was set at $2,000.

Maia O’Byrne, age 25, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 to serve two consecutive days.

David Dwain Pipkin, age 48, of Minnesota City, Minnesota, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:35 p.m. Thursday, April 17 on an arrest/bench warrant. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said Pipkin was transported to the jail from Winona County, Minnesota. Bond was set at $2,500. Court documents indicate Pipkin failed to complete an intake appointment after being sentenced on Feb. 27 to two years of probation for theft — a criminal complaint said Pipkin left the Decorah Walmart with approximately $2,350 of goods from the Decorah Walmart in mid-November of 2023, and the 48-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge on Feb. 25.

Mandy Jo Hammond, age 37, of Decorah was booked into the Win-

neshiek County Jail at 8:10 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 on an arrest/ bench warrant. Bond was set at $5,000.

Aaron Zimmerman, age 34, of Decorah turned himself in at the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office on an arrest warrant for violation of sex offender registry requirements — first offense — at approximately 11:08 a.m. Friday, April 18.

Aaron Anderson, age 53, of Chester was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for failure to serve fail time at 3:20 p.m. Friday, April 18. He was to serve two consecutive days.

Dustin Tobin, age 42, of Decorah turned himself in at the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for failure to serve jail time and was booked at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 20.

He was to serve two consecutive days.

Ronald Gerleman, age 51, of Calmar was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for failure to serve jail time at 7:55 a.m. Monday, April 21. He was to serve two consecutive days.

Decorah Police Department Susan Kathleen Holthaus, age 82, of Decorah was charged with public intoxication — first offense — at approximately 10:20 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15 behind Your Place in the 300 block of West Water Street in Decorah. Holthaus was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:10 p.m. the same day.

Jeanette Louise Finley, age 58, of Cresco was charged with first-degree theft at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 in the 1800 block of Highway 9 in Decorah. A criminal complaint said Finley rented a 2013 Ford Taurus from Decorah Rental and Sales in early April, but failed to return the vehicle by April 14 as agreed — the complaint said staff at the rental business contacted Finley several times, and Finley allegedly made false statements regarding her whereabouts on multiple occasions before the company reported the vehicle as stolen the afternoon of April 15. Finley was served with an arrest warrant at 8:50 p.m. the same day, and she was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 16. Bond was set at $10,000.

Kari Rae Thomford Wentz, age 55, of Waukon was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana — first offense — and possession of methamphetamine — first offense — at approximately 6:55 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 in Decorah’s Palisades Park. A criminal complaint said law enforcement received a report of two women smoking methamphetamine in the park and provided a license plate number. A Decorah Police officer stopped the vehicle, and a K-9 unit indicated the presence of drugs in the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle uncovered 2.8 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of marijuana and pipes used for inhalation. Wentz was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:35 p.m. the same day.

All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal process.

Scholarship Zilka said he had been drawn to science fields like engineering from an early age.

“As I’ve taken advanced math and science classes, since kind of the middle school age, I always knew this was where my interest was,” he said. “It wasn’t in English or Social Studies — although I did enjoy some of those classes. I really enjoyed learning about the math, and then what I’ve learned in physical science and physics is applying that situationally, and that’s what I enjoy the most — just using what I know and the mathematical principals to solve issues, and that’s basically what an engineer does.”

Zilka said he had looked at some of Iowa’s top engineering programs, but he was most impressed by what he saw during a visit to Purdue.

“We went on the tour, and

they were really emphasizing research and collaborations and internships,” he said. “And I was like ‘This school will really prepare me for my future.’”

Toland said Gemini’s selection committee was impressed

by Zilka’s self-awareness and excitement to prepare himself for his future career by surrounding himself with other keen minds.

“Grant was not afraid of that,” Toland said.

Zilka plans to study mechanical engineering, which he indicated will likely expose him to a number of areas possible specialties.

“I think mechanical engineering will open that up for me,” he said. “It will allow me to find what I want to do, and that’s why the internships and the coops were important to me. I can find what I enjoy while I’m in

the college experience.”

Zilka said he also expects to become part of what Purdue calls a learning community — small cloisters of students in the same field of study whose courses largely mirror one another, and his parents said they are glad their son will have the chance to work with other engineers as part of a team during his first year of college. His mother Jessica noted that’s essentially what adults do in the professional world, and his father Keith indicated young Zilka’s peers won’t be disappointed by what he brings to the table.

“This guy puts 100 percent effort into everything he does, and it obviously shows,” he said of his son.

Zilka’s mother indicated, though her son’s successes shine brightly, he has also learned to persevere when he

continued from front doesn’t initially reach his goals — whether it’s physically getting back on his feet during an athletic event or putting in extra work to perform well during a musical competition.

“Every time you got knocked down, you would just get right back up and you wouldn’t let it take you in a different direction,” she told Zilka Tuesday morning. “And I love that about you.”

She went on to say such experiences have helped her son build resilience, and she feels lucky to have watched him develop into an independent person — she joked she still has the power to ground her son for another month or so, but she can’t recall the last time she or her husband had cause to.

“He’s got a work ethic second to none,” his father said. “It’s probably stronger than mine.”

Arthaus continued from front Decorah. Durbin said ArtHaus wanted the annual fundraiser to have an artistic theme. Organizers were then inspired with an idea of what became the annual pottery throwing competition.

“For our entertainment, we have the competition with wheel-throwing potters — basically in the amateur or beginning stages of their art,” Durbin said, noting the potters may be blindfolded, or they might be

asked to sit backwards at their wheels. There will also be a speed round.

Durbin said the event raises funds for ArtHaus through the admission cost, which is $25 in advance, and the crowd size ranges from 50-100 people.

“Besides bringing people who value art together, this event gives them the opportunity to financially contribute to this organization,” she said.

“This is something they see as really valuable and important in the community — a place for themselves or their families to come and safely be able to express themselves and have an audience that can hear and see them as well.”

Other attractions that night include music by Jeff Abbas, a silent auction, an art dash so attendees can take art home, a wine and whiskey walk and a

barbecue dinner. Durbin said the evening’s lineup fits in nicely with ArtHaus’ overall mission.

“It’s a big event,” she said.

“There’s a lot of stuff that goes on, and we’re excited about it.

Good music, good food, good art, good entertainment — it’s all good.”

For information call 563382-5440 or visit arthausdecorah.org.

RSVP RSVP’s annual budget allows the organization to pay for one full-time staffer, Hageman, and one part-time employee — in addition to all the agency’s operating costs, such as office supplies, mileage and other expenses. The Congressional Budget Office says the nation’s 2024 budget was $6.9 trillion —Northeast Iowa RSVP’s $100,000 budget is equal to less than .0001 percent of that figure, and Hageman questioned the potential funding cuts to RSVP in light of the amount of services those dollars provide in regions like northeast Iowa.

“There’s no logic to it,” she said. “And, mostly I’m concerned for the volunteers at all

the stations and the people that we serve. This will impact people who need us the most in so many areas — the food pantries, the seniors we deliver daily meals to — those are the most vulnerable people, and we’re taking services from them.”

RSVP volunteers work for more than 80 area nonprofit and government entities, including animal shelters, boards, councils and committees, care centers and hospitals, community needs, disaster services, food pantries, meal delivery services, gardening and outdoor recreation, museums, veteran services, youth services and education and more.

“Without RSVP, our two

part-time staff — who are already stretched thin managing the day-to-day operation of the pantry — would have to take on the additional burden of recruiting, screening and training volunteers,” said Decorah Community Food Pantry Director Matt Tapscott. “That’s a huge challenge on top of everything we already struggle to get done within our allocated hours.”

Northeast Iowa RSVP attracted 618 volunteers and partnered with 82 organizations to provide services in 2024. This tax season, Hageman said 30 of RSVP’s volunteers helped community members prepare more than 700 tax returns, totaling more than $400,000.

continued from front

Hageman said the pending cuts to RSVP’s funding may also prevent the organization from providing its newest service in which volunteer military veterans would visit their fellow veterans in long-term care facilities.

“For now, RSVP staff and volunteers continue to serve the community as always, but program leaders and local stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation,” Hageman said.

For information on Northeast Iowa RSVP, call the Decorah Public Library at 563-382-3717, email staff@decorahlibrary.org or visit decorahlibrary.org/rsvp.

Echoes continued from page 4 convalescing at a hospital in San Francisco, California. He was held in the prison for 32 months. …A group of Decorah women met late last month at the Hotel Winneshiek to plan formation of a Decorah branch of the American Association of University Women. …The oiling of Decorah’s unpaved streets will begin soon.

Decorah City Council approved the oiling at their last meeting.

70

YEARS AGO: 1955 – Joseph Keefe from Clear Lake will soon become associated with the Isadore Meyer law firm in Decorah. …A rural eighth grade pupil tour is planned to Des Moines in mid-April, according to Jarla Clausen, Winneshiek County Elementary School Supervisor. …Connor-Knight Department Store is hosting a going out of business sale.

60

YEARS AGO: 1965 – Decorah students will make up four of the six missed days due to snow and bad road conditions. Whether or not the other two days will be made up will be decided at the April school board meeting. …A Young People’s Club, a teenage rec center, will open this week at the former Luke’s Store building at 106 East Water Street in downtown Decorah. …Decorah High School’s baseball season should begin this week, if the snow melts and weather permits. …FOR SALE: A new house

with attached garage, finished in mahogany, and located on a spacious lot in Minowa Heights.

Pricetag: $15,950.

50

YEARS AGO: 1975 - The annual awards banquet put on by the Decorah Jaycees drew a large crowd at Nob Hill Supper Club. Among the honorees this year were Clark Mikkelsen, outstanding Jaycee of the year; Richard Valley, outstanding young educator; Duane McIntosh, outstanding young farmer; Roy Belz, boss of the year; Robert Ward, outstanding young law officer; Jean Corrigan, outstanding secretary; Reginal Laursen, outstanding young religious leader; and Carroll Sunde, distinguished service honoree.

Gary Svenson earned the coveted International Jaycee Senatorship award. …The Decorah Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps has launched a fund drive to help them on a trip to Miami, Florida, to march in the National Jaycee Convention Parade. …Traffic signals will soon be installed at the dangerous Mechanic-Broadway Street intersection.

40

YEARS AGO: 1985 – Decorah voters have soundly defeated a proposal to sell $1.8 million dollars of general obligation bonds to finance construction of a new year ‘round swimming pool. The results of the election leave the future of the city pool in doubt. …Construction is expected

to begin soon on the new fourroom addition at St. Benedict’s Catholic Elementary School.

30

YEARS AGO: 1995 – Clara Muggli, an 8th grader at St. Benedict’s School, has advanced to compete at the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C. …Café Deluxe in Decorah is celebrating 12 years in business with 99-cent breakfast specials and 12-cent coffee! …Marlys Lien of Decorah has opened a new bookstore near Vesterheim. The store is called Once Upon A Time. …Returning letter winners for the Decorah girls tennis team are Andrea Fure, Kari Barnaal, Michele Clements, Rachel Hageman and Abigail Darwin. …Two youths robbed an employee at Cathy’s Mini Mart in Spillville at gunpoint last week. …About 40 people were involved in an early-morning brawl in North Alley last weekend. Investigators have not learned what sparked the incident. …The 46-year-old Peterson Store over at Highlandville will close at the end of the month.

Antique pop machines and other equipment will be sold at a public auction.

20

YEARS AGO: 2005 – By a 5-1 vote the other night, Decorah City Council approved traffic signals for two intersections along Highway 9. They will be installed at the Montgomery Street and County Road A-52 intersections. The

pursuit of signals resulted from the number of accidents involving injuries at the intersections. …Decorah High School Band Director Jim Fritz has been selected as a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar. …Decorah community members said a fond goodbye to the Tavener Bridge recently, when a crowd assembled on the historic structure for a potluck. …Decorah Bank and Trust will soon open doors at the new headquarters at 202 East Water Street in the downtown business district. …George Lowe of Decorah has a big heart and a big idea.

He wants to collect 20,000 pairs of shoes for people in the poorest country in the hemisphere – Nicaragua. Over the past year, he has been to that country three times on service projects.

Olson Explosives has donated a semi-trailer to be parked at the city hall for donations.

10

YEARS AGO: 2015 – Luther College has been ranked the best private-college value in Iowa and the fourth best among all colleges in the state, according to smartasset.com. …Dan Marx has been appointed the new Winneshiek County Sheriff (unanimously) by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. …The New Minowa Players will soon host auditions for the musical “Les Miserables.” The performance is in late June at the Decorah High School auditorium.

SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

15

TV boys fire impressive nine-hole round SW girls finish mid-pack at invites

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com

Turkey Valley first-year boys golf coach Nick Bernhard was pleased with his team’s performance in the home opener at Jackson Heights Golf Course

last week Thursday versus visiting Postville.

TV, led by Bernhard’s son Nicholas Bernhard, bested the Pirates by a score of 165 to 197.

That 165 was the best ninehole round shot by Turkey Valley in the post-COVID-19 era.

Trojan junior Logan Busta winds up to kick his ball out of the sand during Tuesday’s triangular with Decorah and South Winn. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Nicholas Bernhard, who did not compete in the season opener at Pleasant Valley Sports Club versus North Fayette Valley on Tuesday, April 15, earned medalist honors against the Pirates with an even-par 36.

Trojan sophomore Brady Blong shot a 39, and the next best score for TV was junior Logan Busta’s 44. Completing the Trojan scorecard with a 46 was Colton Kurtenbach. Wyatt Maklenburg and Calen Franzen toured the course with 50s.

“We bounced back nicely after the loss to NFV with scores that were more in line with what they are capable of shooting,” said the TV head coach.

NFV defeated TV, 179-212, at the TigerHawks’ home course in Clermont.

Blong was the top TV scorer with a 49, and Busta carded a 51 on a blustery day, according to the TV head coach. Kurtenbach rounded out the Trojan team score with a 58. Graham Schmitt (54), Maklenburg (60) and Franzen (64) also competed.

“The Trojans were no match for the strong winds, golf course or the TigerHawks… proving that there is still a little rust that needs to be knocked off their golf swings,” the elder Bernhard said.

Trojans tee off home portion of season

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com

Turkey Valley’s Karstyn Lukes follows her tee shot during Tuesday’s Winneshiek County showdown with South Winn and Decorah.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

The Turkey Valley Trojan girls golf team shot one of its better nine-hole scores over the course of the last five seasons in the home opener against Postville last week Thursday at Jackson Heights Golf Course.

While Postville did not generate a team score – the Pirates have only three golfers – Turkey Valley brought out five linksters to the fairways at Jackson Heights. TV proceeded to cruise to an impressive victory with a 221.

TV junior Annika Bodensteiner fired a 48, and Trojan senior Morgan Vsetecka was next up on the leaderboard with a 56. Karstyn Lukes toured the course with a 58, with Miyah Byrne concluding the team score with a 59. Brooklyn

Kuennen (65) was also on the course for the Trojans.

The season opener last week Tuesday saw the Trojans travel to Pleasant Valley Sports Club in Clermont to take on the North Fayette TigerHawks.

NFV topped TV, 205 to 243.

Bodensteiner once again led the charge for TV with 48, followed by Vsetecka’s 54. Lukes fired a 68, while Byrne came through with a 73.

“The first meet of the year is always interesting. The girls were able to battle the wind and play well,” said Steve Hoffert, who is in his first year as girls golf coach at TV. “It was another windy day for the girls to compete in, and I thought the girls handled it well. I was really impressed that we were able to improve our team score by 22 strokes.”

Bodensteiner continues ascent in discus

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com Turkey Valley sophomore Ellaney Bodensteiner continued her ascent into the upper ranks of Class 1A in the discus toss last week at the New Hampton Coed.

The TV thrower recorded a personal-best heave of 104 feet.

While she placed fifth in that event, the throw is now listed as the 24th-best toss in the smallschool class on the Bound website as of Tuesday afternoon.

That distance bodes well for Bodensteiner as Iowa takes the top 24 throws to state in each of the four classes.

Bodensteiner ended up winning the discus with a throw of 86 feet, 6 inches at the Nashua-Plainfield Coed last week Tuesday, and she placed third in the shot put with 30 feet, 2.25 inches.

TV freshman Alexis Gruenberg ran a career PR in the open 400-meter dash with a time of 1:04.13. That put her in second place over in Nashua.

Trojan sophomore Kendall Kuennen, freshman Brynlee Hayek, along with sophomores Emersyn Hoffert and Hazel Nieman placed third in the 4x100 relay in 55.56.

Hayek ran 19-flat in the 100-meter hurdles for a fifthplace result.

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The New Hampton meet saw Nieman place second in the 400-meter dash in 1:04.75 and she was third in the 100-meter dash in 13.62.

The sprint medley relay of Gruenberg, Hayek, Kuennen and Nieman crossed the tape third in 2:00.63.

Complete results for the Trojans can be found online at www.decorahleader.com.

DUSC team finishes shy of championship

The U12 DUSC competitive team had an impressive showing at the 2025 Iowa Rush Championship Cup in Ankeny recently.

Returning for their second year at the tournament, the team entered with high expectations after taking home the medal in the Classic Division in 2024.

This year, they were elevated to the more competitive Elite Grey division.

Despite the tougher competition, the team won two of their three group stage games and advanced to the finals by winning Bracket B on point differential.

In the final match, they faced the Vision Soccer Academy, winner of Bracket A. It was an intense and evenly matched game, ending in a 2-2 draw that pushed both teams to a dramatic penalty shootout. The shootout was a nail-biter, with both teams converting three out of five shots. Unfortunately, the final came down to a 1:1 shootout tiebreaker, where DUSC narrowly missed out on the championship.

Jena Peters, Alyssa Holthaus, Al. Hageman and B. Hageman putting up a time of 55.44 seconds. Shimek, Jansen, Alexis Johanningmeier and Conway circle the track in 4:29.42 in the 4x400 relay.

Decorah Girls Relays team scores 1. Decorah 184; 2. West Delaware 169; 3. Riceville 55; 4.

South Winn 52; 5. Charles City 50; 6. Central Elkader 28; 7. Osage 25

A throw of 30 feet, 4 inches earned Emily Hovden a sixth- place finish in the shot put in Decorah last week.

(Photo by Becky Walz) The South Winn girls track and field team continues to roll with the punches of the weather, finishing in the middle of the team races at Decorah last week and Hudson Monday night.

Many bronze medals The short trek to Decorah Thursday led to a fourth-place finish at the relays hosted by the Vikings. The Warriors garnered 52 points to finish fourth in the seven-team field. Decorah won the team title with 184, ahead of West Delaware who garnered 169. Riceville just beat out South Winn for third with 55 points.

South Winn didn’t come away with any gold or silver medals, but the Warriors did collect seven bronze.

Individually, Cloey Zweibohmer took third in a pair of sprint events. The junior went 100-meters in 13.67 seconds and 200-meters in 29.42 seconds to earn bronze.

The other five third-place finishes came from relays. The night began with the bronze for the sprint medley quartet of Allison Hageman, Zweibohmer, Britney Hageman and Katie Shimek. The foursome posted a time of 2:04.28. In the 4x800, Maddy Jansen, Addie Conway, Annie Hageman and Karissa Wenthold combined for a time of 10:31.36.

Shimek, Conway, Zweibohmer and Jansen went around the track in the 4x200 relay in 1:53.85. The night finished with back-to-back bronze medals for the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. In the shorter event it was

Varsity results High jump – 5. Alyssa Holthaus 4’2”; 8. Alexis Johanningmeier 4’2” Long jump – 7. Jena Peters 14’9.5” Shot put – 6. Emily Hovden 30’4”; 8. Jayden Timp 27’11” Discus – 4. Kelsey Timp 98’7”; 8.

Hovden 90’9” 100m – 3. Cloey Zweibohmer 13.67; 7. Holthaus 14.89 200m – 3. Zweibohmer 29.42 1500m – 4. Annie Hageman 5:44.66; 7. Lauren Ondrashek 5:59.00; 10. Tessa Phillips 6:03.27 4x100 – 3. Peters, Holthaus, Allison Hageman, Britney Hageman 55.44 4x200 – 3. Katie Shimek, Adele Conway, Zweibohmer, Maddy Jansen 1:53.85 4x400 – 3. Shimek, Jansen, Johanningmeier, Conway 4:29.42; 5.

Karissa Wenthold, Izzy Kuboushek, Vanessa Bullerman, Hayden Steffans 4:50.71 4x800 – 3. Janson, Conway, An. Hageman, Wenthold 10:31.36; 4.

Phillips, Kuboushek, Ondrashek, Bullerman 11:23.43 Sprint medley – 3. Al. Hageman,

the runner-up. Jansen stopped the clock at 2:27.33 good for second in the 800-meter run.

The Warriors collected fourth-place points from Annie Hageman in the 1500-meter run and the 4x400 relay, along with fifth place finishes in the 4x200 and 4x800 relays. Taking sixth in the long jump was Jena Peters, while McKenna Looby was seventh in the discus. The 4x100 relay also took home seventh. Rounding out the scoring for the Warriors in eighth place was Tessa Phillips in the 1500-meter run Hudson Invite team scores 1. Grundy Center 98; 2. Union 84; 3. Hudson 79; 4. Dike-New Hartford 66; 5. South Hardin 59; 6.

Sumner-Fred 45; 7. AGWSR 44; 8.

South Winn 42; 9. Janesville 39.5; 10. Clarksville 38; 11. BCLUW 32.5; 12. Gladbrook-Reinbeck 29; 12. Dunkerton 29; 14. Columbus Catholic 22; 15. Denver 20; 16. Don Bosco 4 Varsity results High jump – 10. Holthaus 4’2” Long jump – 6. Peters 13’9.25” Shot put – 9. Hovden 29’3.5”; 18.

J. Timp 26’10” Discus – 2. Kelsey Timp 103’4”; 7. Looby 88’7” 100m – 13. Peters 14.41; 17.

Holthaus 14.65 200m – 25. Jenna Schissel 32.70; 28. Lia Vsetecka 34.39 800m – 2. Jansen 2:27.33; 14.

Adele Conway (left) takes off for her leg of the Warrior 4x200 as Katie Shimek slows her pace at Decorah last Thursday.

(Photo by Becky Walz) Zweibohmer, B. Hageman, Shimek 2:04.28

Two silvers for South Winn The Warriors were back on the oval Monday, this time at Hudson. Grundy Center won the team title with 98 points over Union’s 84. South Winn finished the night in eighth with 42 points.

South Winn garnered a pair of silvers in the large field of competitors. Sending the discus 103 feet, 4 inches, Kelsey Timp was

Bullerman 2:52.18 1500m – 4. An. Hageman 5:29.26; 8. Phillips 5:39.24 100m hurdles – 19. Peters 21.73 400m hurdles – 9. Kuboushek 1:18.26 4x100 – 7. Zweibohmer, Holthaus, Al. Hageman, B. Hageman 54.50 4x200 – 5. Shimek, Conway, Johanningmeier, Zweibohmer 1:53.65 4x400 – 4. Jansen, Conway, Johanningmeier, Shimek 4:20.15 4x800 – 5. An. Hageman, Wenthold, Phillips, Kuboushek 10:57.26 Sprint medley – 9. Shimek, Zweibohmer, Jansen, Conway 1:59.61

Barton-Franzen second at Decorah invite Decorah boys invite team scores 1. Decorah 150; 2. Wahlert Catholic 135; 3. Osage 85; 4.

Crestwood 72; 5. Waukon 64; 6.

South Winn 39; 7. MFL MarMac 31

Seven schools took part in the Decorah Boys Invite Monday night, featuring mostly area boys track teams. Decorah won the night with 150 points. South Winn came in sixth with 39 points.

Senior Kaden Barton-Franzen was second best in the high jump, clearing the bar at an even 6 feet.

Three other Warrior events took home bronze, including Hugh Conway in the 1600-me-

ter run. The freshman finished the long race in 4:38.95. Eric Greve, Barton-Franzen, Brennan Franzen and Conway joined forces in the distance medley relay to earn third in 3:52.92.

In the 4x100 relay it was Greve, Irving Flores, Lukas Weiss and Franzen circling the oval in 45.26 seconds.

Putting up fourth place points for the Warriors were Brad Dahl in the 800-meter run and the 4x800 relay. Weiss took fifth in the 100-meter dash. The sprint medley relay, long jumper Gavin Feickert and Cameron Einck (1600-meter run) earned

Tristan Bodensteiner finished 10th in the discus Monday with a throw of an even 103 feet. (Photo by Becky Walz) sixth place points. Jordan Einck was seventh in the long jump and eighth in the 800-meter run.

Kyle Kuboushek rounded out the scoring with an eighth place finish in the 400-meter dash.

South Winn sprint medley runners Lukas Weiss (left) and Irving Flores make a clean exchange of the baton as the first event got underway at Monday’s meet in Decorah. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Varsity results High jump – 2. Kaden BartonFranzen 6’0” Long jump – 6. Gavin Feickert 17’8.75”; 7. Jordan Einck 17’4.25” Shot put – 11. Kyle Kuboushek 32’4”; 12. Tristan Bodensteiner 31’7” Discus – 9. Landen Schnuelle 108’0”; 10. T. Bodensteiner 103’0” 100m – 5. Lukas Weiss 11.48; 10. Irving Flores 12.03 400m – 8. K. Kuboushek 58.79; 9. Schnuelle 1:00.77 800m – 4. Brad Dahl 2:19.15; 8.

J. Einck 2:30.66 1600m – 3. Hugh Conway 4:38.95; 6. Cameron Einck 5:02.85 400m hurdles – 9. BartonFranzen 1:03.31; 11. Landon Livingood 1:05.30 4x100 – 3. Eric Greve, Flores, Weiss, Brennan Franzen 45.26 4x800 – 4. Dahl, C. Einck, Caden Tieskoetter, Clayton Kuboushek 9:45.52 Sprint medley – 6. Flores, Weiss, Franzen, Greve 1:47.75 Distance medley – 3. Greve, Barton-Franzen, Franzen, Conway 3:52.92

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16 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Viking netters serve up aces, moves to 7-0

It’s a great time to be a Viking tennis fan as the boys team has improved its record to 7-0 after shutting out Aplington-Parkersburg, edging Winona Senior

and defeating Onalaska.

Shut out at A-P Decorah picked up all the singles wins by Liam Cham-

Andrew Kruger (left) is ready for a return as his doubles partner Domenik Smith serves the ball to a Winona Senior duo Monday. (Photo by Becky Walz)

berlain, Tristan Hunter, Keaton Nalean-Carlson, Elliot Berland, Caleb Krieg and Aitor Cuevas. All three doubles teams also were victorious at Aplington-Parkersburg last Thursday.

At No. 2 Hunter had to battle his way to the win against Tyler Wedeking, winning the first set 7-6 (8-6) before dropping set two 2-6. Set three went the Viking sophomore’s way 10-5.

Varsity results Singles: No. 1 Liam Chamberlain (Dec) won 6-1, 6-1 over Keegan Bolhuis (A-P); No. 2 Tristan Hunter (Dec) won 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 10-5 over Tyler Wedeking (A-P); No. 3 Keaton Nalean-Carlson (Dec) won 6-0, 6-2 over Kaidyn Purdy (A-P); No. 4 Elliot Berland (Dec) won 6-3, 6-2 over Sam Janssen (A-P); No. 5 Caleb Krieg (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Noah Harbaugh (A-P); No. 6 Aitor Cuevas (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Jonah Carney (A-P) Doubles: No. 1 Chamberlain/ Nalean-Carlson (Dec) won 7-6 (75), 6-7 (5-7), 10-4 over Bolhuis/ Wedeking (A-P); No. 2 Hunter/ Berland (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Janssen/Purdy (A-P); No. 3 Krieg/ Cuevas (Dec) won 6-2, 6-1 over Harbaugh/Carney (A-P)

Monday afternoon On the home courts Monday, the Vikings defeated Winona Senior 7-4 as Decorah celebrated senior night. All 10 seniors for Decorah competed as well as six other players to round out the matches.

“It’s so much fun to get all seniors into the lineup and play varsity matches, for many it was their first varsity match, which brings nerves but the kids played great and had fun,” said coach Matt Anderson.

Decorah singles winners included Elliot Berland (6-1, 6-0), Beau Newhouse (6-2, 6-2) and Gavin Groux (6-2, 5-7, 11-9).

In doubles action Chamberlain/ Nalean-Carlson won 6-2 and 6-4, as did Krieg/Cuevas 6-2 and 6-2.

Also victorious in doubles were Oskar Swanson/Tyler Shaw by 6-2, 4-6 and 10-6 sets and Jack Hammell/Bryan Ajzac in 1-6, 7-6(8-6) and 10-8 sets.

Tristan Hunter steps into a swing during Monday’s home meet versus Winona Senior. (Photo by Becky Walz) At home Tuesday Tuesday, Onalaska came to town, a hard follow-up to Monday’s late matches, but the Vikes came ready to play and secured a 7-2 team victory.

Sophomore Tristan Hunt-

er played grueling 2.5 hour singles match coming up just short but rallied with teammate Elliot Berland to play their best doubles of the year securing a hard fought victory.

Ring up the wins; Decorah girls win multiple meets It was another successful week for the Decorah girls track and field team as the Vikings won their final regular season home meet last week and topped the field at the Comet Relays Tuesday.

Seven golds Thursday evening presented challenges on the oval, Thursday as the Vikings hosted the Decorah Girls Relays, finishing as the best of the seven-team field with 184 points. West Delaware was a close second with a169 points.

“Progress is not linear but it does happen. We continue to get better every day through the challenges we overcome,” said co-head coach Brad Johansen.

When the final competition wrapped up, the Vikes recorded seven gold medal performances. Three of those titles came in the field events.

Renae Wilson claimed the crown in the high jump after the junior cleared the bar at 5 feet, 2 inches. Lauren Luzum and Grace Tangen went 1-2 in the shot put for big points. Luzum had a throw of 39 feet, 8 inches, while Tangen sent the weight

37 feet, 9.5 inches. Tangen then won the discus with a throw of an even 125 feet over teammate Annika Schmelzer’s 121 feet, 11 inches.

In the sprint events it was Stella Pole and Eden Northup winning gold. Pole took the 100-meter dash crown in 12.92 seconds, while Northup won the 200-meter dash in 27.82 seconds.

Two relays also won gold. In 1:52.23, the sprint medley relay of Audrey Essa, Cassandra Stammeyer, Pole and McKenzie Riley won gold. The distance medley quartet of Ella Stille, Northup, Jerikah Dodd and Lily Sandhorst was the final champion of the night. They posted the best time of 4:39.42 to win the event.

Others winning silver included Deborah Hougen in the 3,000-meter run, the shuttle hurdle relay, the 4x100 relay, the 4x200 relay, the 4x400 relay and the 4x800 relay.

Decorah Girls Relays team scores 1. Decorah 184; 2. West Delaware 169; 3. Riceville 55; 4.

South Winn 52; 5. Charles City 50; 6. Central Elkader 28; 7. Osage 25

Raelyn Newhouse (left) and Lillian Olson make an easy exchange of the baton in the 4x800 during Thursday’s home meet for the Vikings. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Varsity results High jump – 1. Renae Wilson 5’2”; 4. Brylee Hanson 4’4” Long jump – 5. Ava Holthaus 15’9.5”; 9. Jerikah Dodd 14’2.75” Shot put – 1. Lauren Luzum 39’8”; 2. Grace Tangen 37’9.5” Discus – 1. Tangen 125’0”; 2.

Annika Schmelzer 121’11” 100m – 1. Stella Pole 12.92 200m – 1. Eden Northup 27.82; 5. Ella Stille 29.89 400m – 3. Raelyn Newhouse 1:07.73 800m – 3. L. Holthaus 2:35.70; 4.

Olivia Volkmann 2:38.87 1500m – 3. Lily Sandhorst 5:37.02; 9. Natalie Stevens 6:01.02 3000m – 2. Deborah Hougen 12:43.77; 3. Grace Blikre 13:11.18 100m hurdles – 3. Addisyn Ivy 17.58; 4. Kennady Riehle 17.98 400m hurdles – 4. Lilian Olson 1:15.82 Shuttle hurdle – 2. Kelby Kerndt, Ivy, Riehle, Wilson 1:09.35 4x100 – 2. Ivy, A. Holthaus, Kerndt, Cassandra Stammeyer 51.85 4x200 – 2. Stammeyer, A. Holthaus, Kerndt, Olson 1:49.51 4x400 – 2. McKenzie Riley, Audrey Essa, Wilson, Pole 4:11.55 4x800 – 2. Olson, Newhouse, Eva Hurley, Volkmann 10:22.50 Sprint medley – 1. Essa, Stammeyer, Pole, Riley 1:52.23 Distance medley – 1. Stille, Northup, Dodd, Sandhorst 4:39.42

Split again Tuesday night half of the Viking squad trekked to Charles City for the Comet Relays, picking up the win with 236 points over Clear Lake who garnered 176 points. The other half went to Crestwood and earned 46 points to finish fifth.

At Charles City, 10 titles propelled Decorah to the win with three coming in the field events.

Brylee Hanson’s clearance of 4 feet, 6 inches won her the high jump title. Tangen was a twotime champion. The freshman won both throwing events with the shot put going 38 feet, 3 inches and the discus flying 122 feet, inches.

Individual running titles began with Stammeyer in the 100-meter dash. The freshman stopped the clock at 13.08 seconds. In 1:00.28, Riley broke the tape in the 400-meter dash.

In the 800-meter run it was Lauren Holthaus with the best time of 2:31.92.

Four relays also won gold.

ABOVE: Ava Holthaus (left) reaches to take the baton from Cassandra Stammeyer in the Vikes’ varsity 4x200 Thursday.

RIGHT: Grace Tangen took second in the shot put with a heave of 37 feet, 9.5 inches. (Photos by Becky Walz) The sprint medley relay was the first to take a win. Caylee Malanaphy, Stille, Riley and Northup combined their talents for a time of 1:56.04. In the 4x800 relay it was Sandhorst, Olivia Volkmann, Raelyn Newhouse and L. Holthaus posting the winning time of 10:11.21. The shuttle relay quartet of Kelby Kerndt, Addisyn Ivy, Kennady Riehle and Camryn Elster broke the tape in 1:12.42. In 1:52.62 it was Northup, A. Holthaus, Malanaphy and Stille winning the 4x200 relay.

At Cresco, Natalie Stevens had the best finish of the night in the 3000-meter run, finishing as the runner-up in 13:01.55. Simone Downing earned bronze in the 800-meter run in 2:42.22, while Grace Blikre was third in the 3000-meter run in 13:02.86.

The 4x800 relay also took third.

Comet Relays girls’ team scores 1. Decorah 236; 2. Clear Lake 176; 3. Riceville 105; 3. Charles City 105; 5. Newman Catholic 4 Varsity results High jump – 1. Hanson 4’6”; 4. L. Holthaus 4’4”

Long jump – 4. Dodd 13’10.25”; 6. Camryn Elster 13’0.25” Shot put – 1. Tangen 38’3”; 2.

Luzum 37’7” Discus – 1. Tangen 122’7”; 3.

Schmelzer 105’5” 100m – 1. Stammeyer 13.08; 2.

Wilson 13.18; 3. A. Holthaus 13.22 200m – 2. Stammeyer 26.73; 3.

Wilson 27.39 400m – 1. Riley 1:00.28; 2. Pole 1:03.27; 3. Olson 1:03.63 800m – 1. L. Holthaus 2:31.92; 2.

Hurley 2:32.83; 3. Sandhorst 2:32.89 1500m – 2. Hougen 5:34.22; 3.

Brinlee Courtney 5:49.37 3000m – 4. Riley Christopher 12:14.17; 5. Courtney 12:43.06 100m hurdles – 2. Kerndt 16.87; 4. Riehle 17.68 400m hurdles – 3. Olson 1:12.05; 4. Newhouse 1:14.75 Shuttle hurdle – 1. Kerndt, Ivy, Riehle, Elster 1:12.42 4x100 – 2. Ivy, Pole, A. Holthaus, Stammeyer 50.97 4x200 – 1. Northup, A. Holthaus, Caylee Malanaphy, Stille 1:52.62 4x400 – 2. Northup, Dodd, Olson, Volkmann 4:23.20 4x800 – 1. Sandhorst, Volkmann, Newhouse, L. Holthaus 10:11.21 Sprint medley – 1. Malanaphy, Stille, Riley, Northup 1:56.04 Distance medley – 2. Stille, Malanaphy, Dodd, Volkmann 4:41.30 Crestwood Invite team scores 1. Crestwood 162; 2. Saint Ansgar 140; 3. Waukon 97; 4. North Fayette Valley 79; 5. Decorah 46; 6. Kee 36; 7. Turkey Valley 32; 8. MFL MarMac 2

Varsity results Long jump – 5. Poppy Bellrichard 13’1.5”; 5. Ava Steine 13’1.5” Shot put – 8. Margaret Hahn 31’11.25”; 9. Kate Pattison 31’8.5” Discus – 6. Liz Bucksa 99’10”; 10.

Hahn 88’0” 100m – 12. Willow Blair 15.24; 13.

Bellrichard 15.44 200m – 11. Eden Scheidel 31.67; 14. Bellrichard 33.23 400m – 9. Addison Quandahl 1:11.13; 11. Camryn Quandahl 1:14.00 800m – 3. Simone Downing 2:42.22; 10. Lillian Dahlen 3:01.94 1500m – 5. Olivia Rissman 5:52.34 3000m – 2. Stevens 13:01.55; 3.

Blikre 13:02.86 100m hurdles – 10. Emily Myers 19.27; 12. Lyla Lovstuen 20.45 Shuttle hurdle – 5. 1:18.13 4x100 – 7. 56.67 4x200 – 6. 2:00.71 4x400 – 4. 4:59.60 4x800 – 3. 11:27.05 Sprint medley – 6. 2:09.13 Distance medley – 4. 5:29.13

Improvement shown by Viking girls Progress continues for Decorah girls soccer team (0-6-1) as the Vikings battled Mason City last week and ended in a scoreless tie with Clayton Ridge Tuesday.

Clara Hjelle makes a pass during a recent home soccer match. (Photo by Becky Walz)

First half draw Thursday night the Lady Vikes hit another brick wall against a skilled Mason City (4-2) squad, falling 3-0.

“Once again we played a pretty strong team to a draw in the first half only to commit a couple costly errors to give up a couple goals early in the second half,” said coach Loren Hendrickson. “Our girls are playing better with each outing. We had a few opportunities to score in the second half too but couldn’t find the final pass to put one in.”

The Riverhawks scored all three of their goals in the second half as Viking goalkeeper Taylor Sloan-Dahl deflected another six for saves. Decorah had three shots on the goal with

two by junior Nora Lesmeister and another by Regine Hougen.

A chance to win On the road to Tuesday, Decorah primarily played the ball on their offensive half of the pitch but were left with a 0-0 draw against Clayton Ridge.

“This was a game we pretty much dominated. We had plenty of shots, several corner kicks and a really good chance to post our first win. Nora Lesmeister had a shot ring off the cross bar and their goalie made some good saves. I really wanted to see the girls rewarded for all their hard work lately. We are steadily improving and it shows,” said coach Hendrickson.

Decorah’s four shots on the goal were provided by Nora Lesmeister who had two and one by Vivian Searcy and Amelia Wadsworth.

Sloan-Dahl had one save in the Tracking down the ball in a recent home match is goal.

Decorah junior Ana Simon. (Photo by Becky Walz)

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17

Decorah boys tie MC, win big over NH Winn. Co. golfers tame 18-holes Bailee Frana (108), Abby Wag-

Will Larson dribbles in an open field during a recent home Viking match. (Photo by Becky Walz)

The Decorah boys’ soccer team (3-5-2) kept the season rolling this past week with a draw and a shutout.

The Vikings found the back of the net Thursday at Mason City; however, so did the Riverhawks as the match ended in a 1-1 tie.

Following a scoreless first half, both squads scored a goal in the second as freshman Oak Pasche netted the Vikes’ goal.

Decorah had four shots on goal including Pasche’s score and one each by Will Larson, Reid Berns and Ian Giddings.

In goal, Jameson LaBelle had 11 saves.

Tuesday night the Decorah boys were back on their home pitch and earned an 6-0 shutout over New Hampton (1-6).

The Vikes put the ball in the goal six times with their 32 shots on the goal, including four scores in the first half.

Junior duo Reid Berns and Ian Giddings each scored twice for the Vikings with Will Larson and Liam Huang putting the ball by the Chickasaw goalkeeping once.

Giddings led the offensive attack with eight shots on goal while Larson and Reid Berns had five. Huang added another four. Riley Berns was there for three shots. With two apiece were Gavin Luzum, Brayan Ortiz Gonzalez and Noah Milburn. Kelton Casterton accounted for the Vikes’ final shot on goal.

Close finish for Viking linksters at CC The Decorah girls golf team has been lowering its strokes and is coming closer to earning it first dual win after a pair of closer matches this week.

Tough Chickasaws Playing through another night of winds and below average temperatures, the Viking girls continued to show improvement as they hosted New Hampton at the Oneota Golf Course Thursday.

The Chickasaws left with

the win 165 to 216 and swept the medals. Lulu Bellrichard had the best score for Decorah with a 49, while Olivia Brynsaas came through with a 52.

Riann Oberbroecking fired a 57 as Drew Zwart concluded the Vikes’ scorecard with a 58.

Shelby Hageman (59) and Anna Knaack (60) also competed on the varsity level.

On the road Nine strokes separated the Vikings from the win at Cedar

TV boys notch season-bests

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com Turkey Valley sophomore Hugo Busta ran a career PR in the open 800 at the Nashua-Plainfield Coed Invite last week Tuesday.

Busta ripped off a 2:14.26 to place runner-up in the event to Jase Hansen (2:12.38) of the host Huskies.

TV’s 4x800 relay foursome of Busta, Isaiah Wheeler, Kaden Schmidt and JD Kruse cranked out a season-best performance of 9:18.22, good for second place.

TV also competed at the New Hampton Co-Ed the following Thursday and produced several season-bests.

TV’s 4x100 relay of Wheeler, JD Kruse, Schmidt and Dairean Keyes ran the top time this year

for the Trojans with a clip of 48.08 seconds.

The Trojans’ 4x200 relay was third in 1:39.38 with the four runners being Schmidt, Wheeler, Busta and Keyes.

The 4x400 relay at New Hampton ran a 3:48.8 with the squad of Kruse, Busta, Schmidt and Kayes. That saw them finish fourth in the event.

Two career personal records were set for TV as Busta placed fifth in the 100 dash in 12.17 and seventh in the 200 dash (25.43).

JD Kruse notched a career PR in the open 400 with a time of 55.95.

Turkey Valley placed eighth at the N-P meet with 32 points and fifth at New Hampton with 33 points.

Complete Trojan results from both meets are available online at www.decorahleader.com.

Ridge Golf Course in Charles City Monday as the Comets won 226 to 235.

Charles City’s Mya Rimrod took medalist honors as Decorah’s Bellrichard and Brynsaas were the co-runners up with 54s. Hageman toured the course with a 62 as Knaack finished Decorah’s scoring with a 65. Oberbroeckling and Zwart fired 68s to round out the varsity competitors for the Vikings.

Recruiting class for Cougar softball finalized

Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) first official softball game is more than 10 months away, but head coach Nick Weinmeister recently completed the inaugural recruiting class.

Coach Weinmeister has received commitments from 17 student-athletes from locations all over the map, including Nevada, Montana, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri and Saskatchewan, Canada.

The college’s inaugural intercollegiate competitive season starts in spring 2026, with scrimmages starting next fall.

Decorah’s Jacob Stevens chips the ball onto a green.

TV’s Annika Bodensteiner lines up for a putt.

Chipping on to a green is SW’s Braiden Todd.

Trojan Brady Blong watches his ball head toward the hole.

Winneshiek County golf teams converged on a pair of local courses Tuesday in an 18hole showdown to see who was the best. The Decorah, South Winn and Turkey Valley boys teams hit the links at Jackson Heights Golf Course in Jackson Junction, while the girls were on the South Winn Golf and Country Club course near Calmar.

South Winn swept the team titles, while Decorah finished second in both the boys and girls competition.

Top boys Firing a combined 311, the South Winn boys edged Decorah by two strokes. The Trojan boys fashioned a 353 on their home course.

In spite of finishing runner-up, it was Decorah who swept the medals with Jackson Pipho carding a 74 for the top spot. Teammate Jacob Stevens fired a 75 for the runner-up spot.

Joining the pair of the Viking scorecard were Tommy Sexton (78), Jackson Naber (86), Carter Dlhy (88) and Bradan Darling (95).

Warrior junior Braiden Todd led the way with a 76, while Carson Streeter carved out a 77. Coming through with 79s were Jackson Goltz and Cale Kleppe to fill out South Winn’s scorecard. Matson Winings (81) and Carver Wenthold (90) also toured the course.

Nicholas Bernhard led the Trojans with a 77 with Logan Busta coming through with an 89. Brady Blong fired a 90 and Wyatt Maklenburg providing a 97. Calen Franzen (104) and Colton Kurtenbach (115) also competed for the Trojans.

SW girls top field The Warrior girls took the win in Calmar, firing a combined 391. Decorah came through with a 437 to take second, while the Trojans finished the afternoon with a 441.

South Winn freshman Maya Lensing was the medalist with a 91. There was a four-way tie at 99 for the runner-up medal that ultimately was won by Trojan senior Morgan Vsetecka via the cardback.

The near-perfect conditions yielded PRs for the Warriors.

Behind Lensing it was Aubrey Hageman and Claire Becker tallying a 99s. Addi Timp rounded out the SW scorecard with a 102. Others on the course for South Winn were Julia Carnesi (103), Avery Luzum (105),

ner (114), Chloe Wiltgen (117) and Ella Theis (120).

Decorah’s Lulu Bellrichard was one of those in a tie for the runner-up with a 99. Olivia Brynsaas toured the course with a 104 while Clair Smedsrud fired a 115. Tallying 117s were Anna Knaack and Drew Zwart.

Shelby Hageman carded a 119 as Riann Oberbroeckling and Kahri Oberbroeckling rounded out the Viking lineup with 130s.

With Vstecka leading the Trojan charge, Annika Bodensteiner was one stroke back with a 100. Karstyn Lukes toured the course with a 119 while Miyah Byrne completed the Turkey Valley scoring with a 123. Brooklyn Kuennen fashioned a 124.

Warrior freshman Maya Lensing was the medalist at the girls triangular Tuesday with a personal record 91.

Viking Olivia Brynsaas follows the path of her tee shot at the SW Golf and Country Club. (Photos by Becky Walz)

Warriors sweep Central, boys top NH invite Warmer temperatures have allowed the South Winn golf teams ample opportunity the last week to compete and lower their strokes.

Sweeping Central Thursday, the Warriors played host to Central at Silver Springs Golf Course in Ossian. The girls won 217 to 272, while the boys defeated the visitors 166 to 184.

South Winn also swept the medalist honors as Julia Carnesi was the top girl with a 51, followed by Maya Lensing with a 54. After a card back, Cale Kleppe won medalist honors over teammate Jackson Goltz after the pair of them shot 39s.

Also on the course for the boys were Carson Streeter (40), Matson Winings (48) and Carver Wenthold (51). Braiden Todd competed for the varsity but inadvertently signed his scorecard with a wrong tally on a hole and was disqualified from the competition.

“It was another windy day, but the boys battled the adversity nicely and competed hard.

They were able to put together a good team score, led by Cale and Jackson who are both having very nice seasons,” said SW boys coach Mike Wenthold.

“I think the more adversity we can face early in the season, the better, as it prepares us for our

postseason in May.”

Champs at NH Saturday the Warrior boys played 18 holes at the New Hampton Invitational against some very strong Class 2A competition. The Warriors were winners by a single stroke, shooting a very strong 323, edging Oelwein’s 324 and New Hampton who finished with a 328. Denver (338) and Sumner-Fredericksburg (352) rounded out the field.

Todd was the meets runner up, shooting a 77 overall, behind New Hampton’s Charlie Kriener who carded at 74.

Streeter and Winings also finished in the top five with a

The South Winn boys golf team of (l-r) Braiden Todd, Matson Winings, Carson Streeter, Cale Kleppe, Carver Wenthold and Jackson Goltz earned the team title at New Hampton Saturday and came up with a runner-up finish at Dike-New Hartford Monday. (Photo courtesy of South Winn Warrior Golf Facebook Page)

pair of 81s. Rounding out the scorecard with an 84 was Goltz.

Kleppe came through with an 84 while Wenthold toured the course with a 91.

“This was a very exciting result for our program. It’s always fun to come to this tournament where you can expect to see some high quality golf, and it’s great that we were able to compete. The squad faced some adversity early in the round, but they put together a very strong score, highlighted by Braiden Todd’s 33 (3 under par) back nine. We were really able to demonstrate our team depth,” noted coach Wenthold.

Streeter runner-up Monday, both the boys and girls team were back in action together at the Dike-New Hartford 18-hole tournament. This time the Warrior boys came up one stroke short of the title with a 335 behind the host Wolverines (334). North Fayette Valley finished third with a 345, followed by West Fork (349), Jesup (352) and Crestwood (355).

“The boys again competed well on a tough course on a wet day. It’s always tough to lose, especially by a single stroke, but I thought each of the players had an opportunity to throw in the towel and chose not to but chose to compete instead. I do think we, as a squad, need to make better decisions on the course, but the boys still played

Julia Carnesi was the medalist following Thursday’s dual meet with Central Elkader as she fired a 51 at Silver Springs Golf Course. (Photo by Becky Walz) fine as a whole. Carson has very quietly had a very nice season, and winning runner-up honors at this meet is a strong accomplishment. He will be an important component of this team as the season progresses,” said coach Wenthold.

Goltz and Winings finished in the top 10 as well with an 85 and 86, respectively as Kleppe rounded out the scorecard with an 86. Todd (87) and Wenthold (88) also competed in the top 20.

The SW girls took fourth with a 417 as Class 2A No. 2 Roland-Story took home the title with a 357. Crestwood was

second with a 383, followed

by Dike-New Hartford (412), South Winn, North Fayette Valley (425) and West Fork (429).

“Fox Ridge Golf Course is a long course with more obstacles than many of the courses we’re used to playing. This course is one that can get you into a lot of trouble. The girls responded by playing some of their best golf of the season,” said girls’ coach Glenna Munuswamy.

Addison Timp went low for the Warriors with a 101. Lensing was close behind with a 104, while Aubrey Hageman and Claire Becker fired 106s.

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More titles for Decorah track and field boys

There seems to be little competitors can do to beat the Decorah boys track and field team as the Vikings won the West Delaware title last week and won at home again Monday.

Jaidyn Duvel takes a step closer to the net to return a volley during last week’s dual versus Waverly-Shell Rock’s Megan Heyer. Duvel won the No. 5 match in a pair of 6-0 sets. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Viking netters slam opponents

The Decorah girls tennis team kept the wins flowing as it recorded a pair of shutouts this last week.

Shutting out Go-Hawks The Lady Vikes defeated (Waverly-ShellRock) 9-0 on Thursday at home as they maintained control in all matches, dropping a few games here and there but largely dominating in point play.

Highlights included Dylin Thompson playing and winning her first varsity singles match over Gracie Gulick in the No. 6 spot. Thompson won her sets 6-4 and 6-0.

Another highlight was the No. 3 doubles team of Klaara Short and Myla Leitz fighting through a slow start to ultimately win the first set 6-3 before taking total command and winning the second set 6-1.

The JV girls had a solid night, winning two of the four doubles matches played and four of the eight singles matches played.

“It was great for the JV girls to get a chance to play both singles and doubles and rewarding to see them utilizing some of the skills we’ve been developing in practice within their match play,” said coach Amanda Huinker.

Varsity results Singles: No. 1 Olivia Huinker (Dec) won 6-1, 6-1 over Addy Huisenga (W-SR); No. 2 Kaitlyn Bjork (Dec) won 6-1, 6-2 over Natalie Beck (W-SR); No. 3 Grace Huinker (Dec) won 6-1, 6-4 over Maddy Vankley (W-SR); No. 4 Leah Holland (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Nevaeh Dowlen (W-SR); No. 5 Jaidyn Duvel (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Megan Heyer; No. 6 Dylin

Playing at No. 3 Grace Huinker won 6-1 and 6-4 over Maddy Vankley of W-SR last Thursday. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

Thompson (Dec) won 6-4, 6-0 over Gracie Gulick (W-SR) Doubles: No. 1 Bjork/L. Holland (Dec) won 6-2, 6-1 over Huisenga/ Beck (W-SR); No. 2 Camryn Holland/Duvel (Dec) won 6-0, 6-2 over Vankley/Dowlen (W-SR); No. 3 Klaara Short/Myla Leitz (Dec) won 6-3, 6-1 over Heyer/Gulick (W-SR) JV results Singles: Ava Burrenson (Dec) won 4-3 over Morgan Smith (WSR); Alynne Brandel (Dec) won 7-0 over Layla Sobczak (W-SR); Gwen Thompson (Dec) won 4-3 over Libby Nosbisch (W-SR); Natalie Holthaus (Dec) lost 5-2 to Addy Hamilton (W-SR); Teegan Menke (Dec) lost 5-2 to Taylor Badura (WSR); Esme Cuevas (Dec) lost 6-1 to Emily Meyer (W-SR); Isis Timm (Dec) won 6-1 over Layla Sobczak (W-SR); Nina Sessions (Dec) lost 4-3 to Halle Arnholz Doubles: Addison Maki/Brandel (Dec) won 4-3 over Georgi Heelmers/Addie Kruse (W-SR); G. Thompson/Timm (Dec) won 4-3 over Sobczak/Nosbisch (W-SR); Burreson/Cuevas (Dec) lost 4-3 to Rylee Tempel/Smith (W-SR); Holthaus/G. Thompson (Dec) lost 4-3 to Meyer/Autumn Sorenson (W-SR); Sessions/Menke (Dec) lost 6-1 to Hamilton/Badura (W-SR); Kimberly Mejia-Junech/Timm (Dec) lost 4-3 to Arnholz/Everly Beam (WSR)

A win over the Mustangs Hosting Independence Monday on the Luther College tennis courts, the Vikings improved to 4-0 as they produced another shut out, winning 9-0 over the Mustangs.

In singles action, Decorah gave up just two games throughout the six matches. At No. 1, Olivia Huinker defeated Lizzy Wright in a pair of 6-0 sets.

Kaitlyn Bjork bested Tessa Post 6-0 and 6-1 at the No. 2 spot.

Grace Huinker also shut out her No. 3 opponent Devin Ludwig in a duet of 6-0 sets. At No. 4, Leah Holland topped Isla Reed in two 6-0 sets while Jaidyn Duvel defeated Sofia Leon 6-1 and 6-0 at No. 5. Camryn Holland closed out the shut outs at No. 6 over Brooklyn Pint 6-0, 6-0 in the No. 6 slot.

Duvel/C. Holland had a battle at the No. 1 doubles match, winning 2-1 over Wright/Post.

At No. 2 Short/Thompson defeated Ludwig/Reed 6-1 and 6-4. Addison Maki/Leitz took the No. 3 win 6-0, 6-1 over Leon/Pint.

Varsity results Singles: No. 1 O. Huinker (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Lizzy Wright (Ind); No. 2 Bjork (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Tessa Post (Ind); No. 3 G. Huinker (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Devin Ludwig (Ind); No. 4 L. Holland (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Isla Reed (Ind); No. 5 Duvel (Dec) won 6-1, 6-0 over Sofia Leon (Ind); No. 6 C. Holland (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Brooklyn Pint (Ind) Doubles: No. 1 Duvel/C. Holland (Dec) won 4-6, 6-3 over Wright/Post (Ind); No. 2 Short/Thompson (Dec) won 6-1, 6-4 over Ludwig/Reed (Ind); No. 3 Maki/Leitz (Dec) won 6-0, 6-1 over Leon/Pint (Ind)

Before the break The titles continue to flow for the Vikings as they won the West Delaware boys invite Thursday by an overwhelming margin. Decorah racked up 210 points and 11 gold medals, well ahead of second place Marion who garnered 98 points.

Decorah swept the field events. Clearing an even 6 feet, Peyton Webb was crowned the high jump champ. Trevor Kuennen’s distance of 19 feet, 3.5 inches put him first in the long jump. William Hahn won another shot put title with a throw of 54 feet, 7 inches, while Henry Brynsaas topped the discus field with a throw of 144 feet, 3 inches.

Four Vikes won individual gold in the running events.

Ashton Saltou broke the tape in the 200-meter dash in 23.35 seconds while Bennett Coppola’s time of 54.45 seconds in the 400-meter dash won him gold. Mitchell Stemper stopped the clock first in the 800-meter dash. He had a time of 2:04.78.

In 1:00.79, Kyle Pattison won the 400-meter hurdles.

Three relays were also crowned the best. The 4x200 relay circled the track to win in 1:32.82. Members of the winning quartet were Landon Quandahl, Josh Adam, Davis Walter and Webb. In the 4x400 relay, Kuennen, Max Grimstad, Mason Avila and Stemper joined forces to win in 3:37.75.

Bill Fullhart, Grant Zilka, B.

Coppola and Thomas Hammel took home the 4x800 relay title in 8:12.37.

Seven other events took second, including Brynsaas in the shot put, Carter Riley in the discus, Adam in the 100-meter dash and 100-meter hurdles, Fullhart in the 1600-meter run, in the 4x100 relay and the sprint medley relay.

200m – 1. Saltou 23.35; 3. Walter 23.71; 4. Zach Driscoll 23.92; 12.

Karter Orris 25.27 400m – 1. Bennett Coppola 54.45; 4. Davis Coppola 55.20; 9.

Thomas Hammel 57.50 800m – 1. Mitchell Stemper 2:04.78; 3. Grant Zilka 2:09.08; 7.

D’Mitry Lesser 2:19.07 1600m – 2. Bill Fullhart 4:52.12; 3. D. Coppola 4:54.02; 4. Clarence Nimrod 4:59.14; 6.

Esteban Fernandez 5:28.07 3200m – 3. Lesser 10:35.84; 7.

Fernandez 11:59.16 110m hurdles – 2. Adam 15.50; 6. Kyan Oftedahl 19.05; 6. Brayden Miculinich 19.10; 7. Riley 19.80 400m hurdles – 1. Kyle Pattison 1:00.79; 3. Ray Hayek 1:02.73 4x100 – 2. Quandahl, Adam, Walter, Webb 43.56 4x200 – 1. Quandahl, Driscoll, Kuennen, Webb 1:32.82 4x400 – 1. Kuennen, Max Grimstad, Mason Avila, Stemper 3:35.76 4x800 – 1. Fullhart, Zilka, B. Coppola, Hammel 8:12.37 Sprint medley – 2. Driscoll, O’Hara, Grant Remington, Grimstad 1:38.76 Distance medley – 3. Remington, Pattison, Orris, Nimrod 4:03.92

West Delaware team scores 1. Decorah 210; 2. Marion 98; 3.

Crestwood 78; 3. Maquoketa Valley 78; 5. West Delaware 51; 6. Central Elkader 31; 7. Maquoketa 21 Varsity results High jump – 1. Peyton Webb 6’0” Long jump – 1. Trevor Kuennen 19’3.5”; 5. Davis Walter 17’5.25”; 6. Dakota VanGundy 17’1.25”; 10.

Ashton Saltou 16’6.5” Shot put – 1. William Hahn 54’7”; 2. Henry Brynsaas 45’8”; 5. Luke Franzen 42’5”; 12. Cash Riehle 37’8”; Discus – 1. Brynsaas 144’3”; 2. Carter Riley 137’6”; 3. Franzen 131’0”; 10. Thatcher Brown 115’3” 100m – 2. Josh Adam 11.35; 8.

Landon Quandahl 11.58; 10. Kade O’Hara 11.63; 15. Jace Buddenberg 12.09

Final home host It the final regular season

A throw of 130 feet, 11 inches gave Henry Brynsaas a silver in the discus Monday night for Decorah at the final regular season meet. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

their talents to win in 8:30.91.

Quandahl, Adam, Walter and Webb went 43.40 in the 4x100 relay for the top spot. In the 4x400 relay it was Grimstad, Stemper, Avila and Kuennen winning in 3:31.69.

Decorah boys invite team scores 1. Decorah 150; 2. Wahlert Catholic 135; 3. Osage 85; 4.

Crestwood 72; 5. Waukon 64; 6.

South Winn 39; 7. MFL MarMac 31

Davis Walter (left) and Trevor Kuennen make the exchange of the baton in the distance medley relay during Decorah’s distance medley relay during Monday’s home invite. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

home meet of the season Decorah came out on top of the seven team field with 150 points, picking up nine titles.

Webb and Hahn topped their respective field events once again. Webb won the high jump at an even 6 feet, while Hahn took gold in the shot put with a throw of 53 feet, 8.5 inches.

Other individual titles were won by Zilka in the 800-meter run as the senior posted a time of 2:08.97. Hammel was the best in the 1600-meter field in 4:33.93, while Davis Coppola won the 3200-meter in 10:36.16. In 57.75 seconds, Saltou crossed the finish line first in the 400-meter hurdles.

In the relays it was a trio of wins. The 4x800 was the first to win gold. Stemper, B. Coppola, Hammel and Fullhart combined

Grant Remington (left) picks up his pace as sprint medley relay lead off runner Kade O’Hara enters the exchange zone Monday night. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Pipho, Stevens medal

Correction

Monday night the Decorah boys golf team took on Charles City at Oneota Golf Course, squeaking out the win 157 to 160.

Viking senior Jackson Pipho was the medalist of the meet after he carded a 9-hole round of 35. Teammate Jacob Stevens was one stroke back to take runner-up in a tie with Comet Bryce Walker.

Bradan Darling came through with a 42 as Carter Dlhy, Tommy Sexton and Andrew Olson all finished with 44s.

The Decorah junior varsity team also notched a victory, winning 171 to 210. Competing on the squad were Jackson Naber (41), Caden Hubka (42), Garrett Henry (43), Bryson Wemark (45), Evan Roe (46) and Louie Bucksa (48).

Last week’s Decorah Leader published a track photo misidentifying Decorah runners as Regine Hougen and Natalie Stevens. The runners identified should have been Deborah Hougen and Natalie Stevens.

The Leader regrets and apologizes for the error.

Adventure Awaits with every turn of the page

Chipping the ball on to the ninth green at Oneota Golf Course in a meet earlier this season is Carter Dlhy. (Photo by Becky Walz)

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Varsity results High jump – 1. Webb 6’0”; 5.

Thomas Davis 5’0” Long jump – 9. Kuennen 13’6” Shot put – 1. Hahn 53’8.5”; 4.

Franzen 44’2” Discus – 2. Brynsaas 130’11”; 3.

Riley 126’4” 100m – 4. Adam 11.40; 11.

Pattison 12.11 200m – 5. Driscoll 23.75; 8.

Kaden Tarwater 24.67 400m – 5. Carson Bohner 57.82; 6. Orris 57.87 800m – 1. Zilka 2:08.97; 5.

Garrett See 2:21.11 1600m – 1. Hammel 4:33.93; 4.

Fullhart 4:48.41 3200m – 1. D. Coppola 10:36.16; 3. Nimrod 11:36.91 110m hurdles – 9. Oftedahl 18.82; 10. Miculinich 19.11 400m hurdles – 1. Saltou 57.75; 8. Hayek 1:02.37 Shuttle hurdle – 3. Riley, Miculinich, Oftedahl, VanGundy 1:11.84 4x100 – 1. Quandahl, Adam, Walter, Webb 43.40 4x200 – 3. Quandahl, Adam, Saltou, Webb 1:32.15 4x400 – 1. Grimstad, Stemper, Avila, Kuennen 3:31.69 4x800 – 1. Stemper, B. Coppola, Hammel, Fullhart 8:30.91 Sprint medley – 3. O’Hara, Remington, Buddenberg, Grimstad 1:42.30 Distance medley – 5. Driscoll, Kuennen, Walter, Lesser 3:59.60

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