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
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
Children’s Book Week
As part of the longest-running national celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading, schools, libraries, and bookstores will celebrate Children’s Book Week on May 5-11 and on November 3-9 from coast to coast in all 50 states.
Established in 1919, it is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country, now celebrating its 105th anniversary with over 3,000 participating schools, libraries, and bookstores.
illustrator and author. The poster features this year’s Children’s Book Week slogan, An Ocean of Stories. This slogan celebrates the vast, collective ocean populated by the stories we read, share, and tell. (Photo submitted)
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.”
There seems to be one or more of these folks behind the pulpits of our congregations in Decorah and surrounding communities. Many more live and are retired in Decorah. Those of whom I write are ordained members of the clergy. Who and what are we?
Whom are we not? I was asked this question by a member of an inquiry class for new members when we talked about this subject — “But you are better than we are, are you not?” I smiled and told him this — recently I had attempted to pass a slow moving lumber truck on Highway 101, just before a small hill and gentle curve, and I met a member of the CHP coming down that curving hill. I paid dearly for that. I had broken a law of the state and God. We are not better than the non-ordained.
Some comedian pastor coined the phrase “Pastors are paid to be good…lay people can be good for nothing.” Not really. We are not better than a
layperson. Hopefully no worse either, though when a member of the clergy errs openly it does seem to make a more juicy story.
We are given a number of titles such as “the reverend,” priest, pastor, Father and others. I personally like to be called pastor, a word for one who cares for and is concerned about the welfare of her or his flock. I have been asked many times to intercede with the weather. My answer is always, “Remember, I am in sales, not management.”
Yes, we clergy are both saint and sinner. When we are ordained, we believe we have been called by God and God’s people to a special task of declaring the good news of the Gospel and charged to care for the sacraments and rites of the church.
I wondered before typing this, do I dare tackle this subject in less than 400 words? Well…here it is. Talk about it with friends and family. ONE LOCATION 6 SALES! Something for everyone baby gear • pack-n-play girls clothes 4/5T • toys household • craft items antiques • signs local advertising books • misc furniture dolls - some vintage needle work fabrics & thread baked
Seasonal allergies can turn a warm and welcoming spring or summer day into something else entirely. Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes are just some of the unpleasant symptoms of seasonal allergies, which are most often triggered by high pollen counts during spring and summer.
The Mayo Clinic advises seasonal allergy sufferers to stay indoors when pollen counts are high. But what about indoor air quality? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that eight out of 10 people are exposed to dust mites and six out of 10 are exposed to cat or dog dander. Dust mites and pet dander can each trigger allergic reactions. Pair those two triggers with higher pollen counts common in spring and summer and it’s no wonder that many seasonal allergy sufferers are ambivalent about the warm weather seasons. Fortunately, steps can be taken to keep indoor air clean during allergy season.
Close windows and doors.
Many people embrace opportunities to open their windows and doors on warm days, but
The Ossian Lutheran Church will be hosting a special meal deal during Ossian’s City-Wide Garage Sales. The church, located at 305 Jessie St. in Ossian, will be serving a sloppy joe, chips, bars or cookies and a drink for $7.50. The public is also invited to visit the church’s “Holy Grounds Café” from 2-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8. The cafe will begin serving again from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, with a special Friday feature of Elaine’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls.
Items from parish members and an estate sale will also be available. We will also have quality items from our parish members for sale and items from an estate as well.
busy– our classes work WITH your chaotic schedule. Why Choose NICC?
+ Campus life, athletics and housing. + Faculty and staff who want to help you succeed. + Meet your new besties– they’re probably just as awesome as you.
STAY
doing so allows outdoor allergens like pollen to get inside. Pollen can attach to furniture and clothing, and that can make time indoors unpleasant for allergy sufferers. Maintain indoor air quality by closing windows and doors on windy days and/ or days when pollen counts are high.
Employ air cleaning devices
The AAFA notes that air cleaners with Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® filters can filter nearly 98 percent of allergen particles in the air. The
AAFA maintains a list of certified air cleaners at asthmaandallergyfriendly.com.
Keep a clean home
The Mayo Clinic notes that, in most homes, items such as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites, which are microscopic bugs that trigger allergic reactions in many people. The AAFA recommends keeping surfaces in a home clean and uncluttered to control dust mites. Washing bedding and uncovered pillows in hot water each week also can
help to corral dust mites and improve indoor air quality.
Vacuum frequently
Frequent vacuuming is another way to improve indoor air quality. The AAFA maintains a list of Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® vacuums that have been tested and found to prevent allergens from reentering the air.
Prevent mold
Prevent mold and treat areas where infestations have occurred. Mold also contributes to poor indoor air quality. Dehumidifiers can be used to reduce mold and dust mites, making these beneficial additions to allergy sufferers’ homes. Minimizing house plants around the house and addressing leaky fixtures immediately are some additional measures to prevent mold infestations. It may not be enough to simply stay indoors to avoid allergic reactions on spring and summer days. Embracing measures to improve indoor air quality can be vital for allergy sufferers as well.
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 zrow-heyveld@decorahlibrary.org or by calling 563-382-3717.
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/BH-
(The complete version of this article originally published in the April 17 Decorah Leader, find past editions of the newspaper at decorahleader.com)
The Decorah All Vets Club is keeping busy this spring by opening its basement pool hall to the public and adding a new chair lift.
Decorah native and United States Army veteran Daniel Kirkeby, who manages the club, said that beginning April 27, the club’s basement pool parlor — consisting of five 7-foot pool tables — will be open to the public from 1-5 p.m., every Sunday. The parlor will also be open by special request. Kirkeby, who is also the club’s head cook, began hosting pool classes for local middle schoolers earlier this year, and he said he’s encouraging people to play simply because he loves the game.
“For kids, I think it’s important that you learn pool etiquette early,” he said. “You see too many guys in bars getting mad and smacking their sticks. I just want kids to learn to respect the equipment, respect the game and definitely respect your opponent. My whole goal is to teach them early, and I’ve always enjoyed working with
kids.”
The Decorah All Vets Club is already hosting Decorah pool leagues, and Kirkeby said he may host a number of tournaments during the off season. Pool tables may be rented for $1 per game or $6 for one hour, and soda, pizza and chips will be available in the family-friendly environment. The club is located at 104 State St, Decorah.
Need a lift?
The club’s basement is also home to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1977’s new museum, which contains military photos,
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.
Effigy Mounds National Monument has scheduled sev-
Cross-Quarter Day
Sunrise Hike
Visitors are invited to meet outside the visitor center at 5 a.m. Monday, May 5 for a hike up to Fire Point to watch the sunrise over the Fire Point Mound Group. This two-mile round-mile round trip hike climbs 350 feet on a wood chipped trail. Visitors should dress for the weather and bring water. The hike should take 1-1.5 hours to complete.
World Migratory Bird Day: Birding hike along the Yellow River
A recently-donated stair chairlift will help Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1977 members and visitors traverse the stairs leading to the basement museum and pool hall.
uniforms, books, patches, medals and other memorabilia. The post recently received a donation of a stair chairlift to help members and visitors traverse the basement stairway.
The post’s quartermaster, Mark Stockdale, said the chairlift — valued at approximately $6,000 — was provided by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, visitors are invited to join Upper Iowa Audubon Society birding expert Dennis Kirschbaum on the annual birding hike on the Yellow River boardwalk. The park has a limited number of binoculars that can be borrowed for the hike; visitors are encouraged to bring their own.
Activity tables will be set out in the visitor center that day for kids to learn about conservation and the migratory birds of this area.
National Historic Preservation Month celebration
Visitors are invited to join the park and local historical associations in the celebration of National Historic Preservation Month from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 18. There will be information on local historic sites and museums, and hands-on activities to earn the National Historic Preservation Act Junior Ranger badge and the 75th anniversary Effigy Mounds NM Junior and Senior Ranger badges.
“US-Indigenous Treaties at Prairie du Chien, 18251830” lecture
At 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, Historian Joshua Wachuta will discuss the Treaties of Prairie du Chien signed in 1825, 1829 and 1830 between the United States and delegates of the Dakota, Ho-Chunk, Iowa, Otoe, Missouria, Omaha, Sauk, Meskwaki, Menominee, Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. These nation-to-nation treaties have had long-lasting consequences for the relationships between Indigenous people, American settlers and the landscape of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
Effigy Mounds hiking challenge
The park currently has six hiking patches for hiking one of six park trails: Yellow River Boardwalk, Fire Point, Hanging Rock, Heritage Addition, Marching Bears, and Sny Magill. Hikes are self-guided and patches can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
About Effigy Mounds
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, including some in the shape of animals. The monument is located three miles north of Marquette and 22 miles south of Waukon on Highway 76 and is one of 430+ national park sites. For more information call 563-873-3491 ext. 123, visit www.nps.gov/effigymounds or www.facebook/ EffigyMounds.
Across 3. '___ guy in a little coat.' -Tommy Boy
6. 'I’m not bad. I’m just ____ that way.' -Who Framed Roger Rabbit
7. 'You can’t ______ the truth!' -A Few Good Men
11. 'With great ____ comes great responsibility.' -Spider-Man
12. '______, we have a problem.' -Apollo 13
13. 'Life is like a box of _______, you never know what you’re gonna get.' -Forrest Gump
14. 'If you’re a ____, I’m a ____.' -The Notebook Down
1. 'Because I’m _____.' -The Dark Knight Rises
2. 'I’m gonna steal the Declaration of ______.' -National Treasure
4. 'I’ll never let go, ___. I’ll never let go.' -Titanic
5. 'My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my ____. Prepare to die.' -The Princess Bride
8. 'Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a ____.' -Gone with the Wind
9. 'I _____ as tribute!' -The Hunger Games
10. 'Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in ______ anymore.' -The Wizard of Oz
11. 'You shall not ____!' -The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Children commonly like to give their mothers a break from cooking on Mother’s Day. Youngsters may be eager to help out in the kitchen and whip up something that Mom is certain to enjoy. But many recipes can be complicated for younger children or others who might not be so adept with meal creation. However, with a few ingredients that families may already have on hand, it’s possible to craft a delicious Mother’s Day brunch.
This recipe for “Wee Chicken & Waffles with Jezebel-Maple Syrup” from Denise Gee’s “Southern Appetizers: 60 Delectables for Gracious Get-Togethers” (Chronicle Books) utilizes commercially available miniature waffles and popcorn chicken bites to create a chicken and waffles dish with a kick. Serve alongside mini muffins, deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, and other brunch dishes that are simple for youngsters and their little fingers to prepare.
WITH JEZEBELMAPLE SYRUP
Serves 10 to 12 (three or four waffles each)
Jezebel-Maple Syrup
2 cups maple syrup
1⁄4 cup pineapple preserves
1⁄4 cup apple jelly
11⁄2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
40 mini waffles from a 10.9-ounce package, lightly toasted
40 pieces cooked fried popcorn chicken
Finely chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley or green onion for garnish (optional) Hot sauce for serving
To make the syrup: In a large microwave-safe glass measuring cup with pour spout (one holding at least 3 cups) or a bowl, add the maple syrup, pineapple preserves, apple jelly, horseradish, pepper, and salt; whisk to combine.
Microwave the mixture on high for 35 seconds. (You also can heat it in a small saucepan on low until the mixture is warm.) Stir and taste, adjusting the flavor if desired. Set the syrup aside. Place the toasted waffles on a large serving platter. Top each waffle with a piece of chicken. Drizzle the chicken-waffle bites with about 1 teaspoon of the syrup. Garnish with the parsley, if desired, and serve with the remaining syrup and hot sauce.
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.
Decorah Public Library and Winneshiek Energy District will be hosting a free presentation 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 know-
ing 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 zrow-heyveld@decorahlibrary. org or by calling 563-382-3717.
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“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.”
As
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.
“We do good things,” Schrandt said. “There was a 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.”
shape the culture and success of Deco Products for over 30 years.
Congratulations, Cheryl! You will be truly missed. We wish you all the best for a happy, healthy, and adventure-filled retirement!
506 Sanford St., Decorah, IA • www.decoprod.com •
Lanesboro Arts invites early career artists based in Minnesota and New York City to apply for the Lanesboro Early Career Artist Residency Program for residencies occurring in 2026.
Lanesboro Arts offers two or four-week residencies to two to three artists per year, providing immersive, meaningful experiences for early career artists from Minnesota and the five boroughs of New York City. Lanesboro Arts defines an “early career artist” as an individual who has great potential in their artistic practice but has not yet received major recognition, has not yet been substantially celebrated for their work and/or has
not yet established significant footing within their field.
The application process consists of two rounds. Round one applications are open to all and are due May 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The first round asks for basic information about the artist and a bit about the proposed project. These applications are reviewed by a Lanesboro Arts staff panel for alignment and best fit with program mission and goals. All artists will receive an application status update by June 9, and round two applications will open by invitation. A smaller pool of selected applicants will then be invited to apply for round two, which includes more detail about the artist and their proposed community project. Round two applications are due Aug. 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
and are reviewed by a diverse jury of artists from around the state of Minnesota. The twostep application process is meant to alleviate some of the time-consuming nature of applications.
About the Residency Program
Since it began in 2001, The Lanesboro Early Career Artist Residency Program has welcomed early career artists of all disciplines to live, work and create in the rural context of the greater Lanesboro community. This residency is a place-based program for early career artists where art and the artistic process instigate positive change, addresses or creates an opportunity to move the community forward or is otherwise be central to problem-solving. The Lanesboro Early Career Artist Residency Program is supported by the Jerome Foundation.
About Lanesboro Arts
Lanesboro Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts organization working to weave the arts into the social and municipal fabric of Lanesboro, MN (pop. 754). Lanesboro Arts has been a national model in bringing innovative arts experiences to community members and visitors alike for over 40 years. Lanesboro is a rural hub of artistic and outdoor activity, nestled in the bluffs of southeastern Minnesota along the Root River. The Lanesboro Arts women and non-binary-led team is committed to empowering rural communities through the arts. For more information, visit lanesboroarts.org or call 507-467-2446.
