August 7, 2025

Ossian celebrates 175 this weekend

Judge agrees to postpone Bachmurski murder trial

Separate ruling allows defense access to portions of missing teen’s confidential file

BY SETH BOYES

NEWS EDITOR

A judge has finished a review of confidential documents regarding a teenager whom investigators believe was murdered by a former Decorah man approximately eight years ago. The court ruled certain information from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services may be relevant to the case and will be made available to attorneys. James David Bachmurski, age 66, faces a charge of second-degree murder for the death of 15-year-old Jade Marie Colvin, whom investigators believe was at Bachmurski’s rural home south of Decorah in March of 2017. Colvin was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on June 10, 2016, and information from the U.S. Justice Department’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System listed her last known date of contact with her

family occurred around the time she is believed to have been at Bachmurski’s home.

Defense seeks to establish ‘prior history of runaway behavior’

The U.S. Marshal Service contacted the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2022, saying Colvin was believed to have been in Winneshiek County prior to her disappearance — Colvin’s case was one of more than two dozen taken up by the USMS in December of 2020, as part of an effort called Operation Homecoming. By the spring of 2022, marshals had identified a number of individuals to interview regarding the teen’s disappearance. The investigation was then turned over to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office following the interviews, and the sheriff’s office launched a local investigation with the aid of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office.

Information released by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office in August of 2024 said Colvin’s mother brought the teen to Iowa from Arizona to live with Bachmurski at his rural Decorah residence in the early spring of 2017. A criminal complaint filed against Bachmurski as part of the mur-

der case claimed he had “encouraged and participated in a one-on-one relationship with Jade Colvin via electronic messaging” without the mother’s knowledge for approximately a month before Colvin arrived in Decorah, and Bachmurski allegedly “used some of his own money to facilitate Jade Colvin being brought to his residence in March of 2017.”

Bachmurski’s attorneys had previously sought a subpoena for information from the National Center for Missing and

Bachmurski

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Stauch visits Decorah as part of campaign for governor’s office

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

Iowa Democratic candidate for governor Julie Stauch hosted a conversation with about 20 Winneshiek County residents the afternoon of Friday, July 1 at The Landing in Decorah. The 68-year-old announced her campaign on June 3, and she told Friday’s audience her campaign strategy is unconventional.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has been Iowa’s governor since 2017, announced on April 11 that she will not seek reelection in 2026. To date, State Rep. Eddie Andrews, U.S. Rep. Ran-

dy Feenstra and former State Rep. Brad Sherman have declared their candidacies for the Republican ticket in the race, while Stauch, fellow candidate Paul Dahl and current Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand of Decorah have declared their candidacies in the Democratic bid. Stauch told Friday’s audience she is a small business owner, and information from her campaign cited described her as “an executive with more than 20 years of experience in a variety

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Decorah’s new Chrysalis Center a dream come true for NEIBH

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

The Chrysalis Center, one of Decorah’s newest downtown additions held an open house July 30, and former Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health Executive Director Marcia Oltrogge said the center is a long time coming. The organization is a branch of NEIBH and provides mental health and support services for children and their families.

“We have needed something like this for kids for a long time,” said Oltrogge, who retired from NEIBH in 2021 and was hired back to manage the $4 million grant which helped fund the new downtown facility. “We have a play therapy room in our main office, but it’s just one room. This really allows us to do a lot more. The grant has al-

lowed us to provide more wraparound services. When I started in 1994 and I’d see kids in the old building at the hospital, we could have used a play (therapy) room. So, this has been a dream for all the therapists and everybody for a long time.”

Chrysalis currently sees almost 200 clients under the age of 18, according to Lexi Rustad, project manager with Chrysalis Children’s Center. Oltrogge added she hopes four to six therapists will eventually be available on site at the new center.

Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health purchased the office

space at 219 West Water St. — near the corner of Water Street and Court Street — in December of 2022, according to county records. The building formerly housed offices for Alliant Energy, and Rustad said renovations began inside the building during May of 2024. She previously said Chrysalis hoped to see around 500 clients after renovations to the new office space were complete and the space became fully functional. The facility offers multiple Chrysalis Center continued on page 2

Two-year-old Naya plays during Chrysalis Center’s open house on Wednesday, July 30, as Alden, age 5, watches in the background. The new facility in downtown Decorah provides mental health and support services for children and their families. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Decorah residents implore city council to support drafted immigration ordinance

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

Decorah’s regular city council meeting was standing room only the evening of Monday, Aug. 4, as dozens of residents — clad in red shirts as a sign of solidarity — gathered to speak with the city council and advocate for a proposed ordinance supporters say would offer increased protections for Decorah’s immigrant residents.

Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights, the group spearheading the ordinance, said the drafted proposal would prohibit local authorities from offering Immigration and Cus-

toms Enforcement — or ICE — assistance beyond what federal or state law already requires. The ordinance would also result in changes to local jail intake forms, replacing the “place of birth” field in favor of an optional consular notification. In addition, if the ordinance is approved, law enforcement would be required to provide individuals booked into the local jail with clear notification of their rights — beyond their Miranda rights — in multiple languages. The drafted Immigration ordinance continued on page 14

Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Julie Stauch spoke with a small group of Winneshiek County residents Friday night at The Landing Market in Decorah. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Jade Marie Colvin

James David Bachmurski

Joined by dozens of fellow supporters, many clad in red as a symbol of solidarity, Joshua Ratel-Kham (center left at podium) addressed Decorah City Council regarding a proposed immigration ordinance that would offer protection for immigrant residents. “Neutrality in the face of justice is not neutrality at all-it’s complicity,” Ratel-Kham said, asking the city council to put the ordinance on their agenda for future consideration and discussion. (Photo by Denise Lana)

‘WE’RE

ALL PEOPLE’ Spectrum Network helps clients integrate into the community

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

Iowa’s most recent fever broke July 31, with temperatures dipping into the 70s, and the Spectrum Network celebrated the more comfortable weather by taking a handful of clients to the Oneota Golf and Country Club just east of Decorah. The group enjoyed the putting green and driving range.

“I had fun, because I kind of learned how to putt for the first time today,” said Spectrum client Amanda Blankenship. “Being outside is nice, too.”

Brad Carlson, a Spectrum Network day habilitation specialist and avid golfer, chaperoned the outing. He said he enjoys taking clients outside and into the community as part of the organization’s day habilitation program. Day habili-

tation is a service which helps individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges acquire, retain and improve self-help, social and adaptive skills, according to information from Iowa Health and Human Services.

“They need to get physical exercise, and it’s also good for them to get outside while the weather is nice,” Carlson said. “We try to get them outside as much as we can, and it’s important for them to be out in the community. It’s always fun to do things like this with them.”

Spectrum Day Habilitation Administrator Brittany Collins said the organization’s clients have been on several such outings this summer, including golfing, swimming and taking advantage of free movies in Decorah.

“It’s good to integrate them

Chrysalis Center

therapy offices, play therapy rooms, a care coordination professional and a drop-in center for middle-school-aged kids, which is to be open from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., every Thursday.

“Any appropriately-aged kid in the community can come in,”

said NEIBH Executive Director Charlie Woodcock. “They don’t need to be a client or anything like that. It’s an opportunity for them to have a safe place to come and socialize, play pool or ping-pong or video games. We do have a full kitchen, and our

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ultimate goal is to offer cooking classes. It’s a pretty cool place.”

Seth Robinson is one of the therapists who will be working at the Chrysalis Center, and he hopes the variety of spaces offered in the new center demonstrates to area youths that the facility has been built with them in mind.

“That includes neurodivergent kids — kids who are looking for a space where they can move and express themselves in ways that might be hard to do in traditional classroom settings,” he said. “This is also a place where parents can receive support in the really hard work of parenting.”

Last Wednesday’s open house drew more than 50 people to visit the facility, including Decorah mother and former mental health professional Mallory Askelson, who said mental health is a big part of everyone’s overall health.

“Mental health is a very vital part of all peoples’ lives but especially children’s,” she said. “The whole realm of what Chrysalis does is to support not only the children but also help the parents learn how to best support and parent their children. In order for children to be successful, parents need to play an active role in their lives, and mental health is a big part of that.”

For more information, call 563-382-3649 or visit neibh. org.

Amanda Blankenship, Tiffany Koshatka, Justin Berns, Kirsten Snell, Spectrum Network’s Brad Carlson, Logan Humpal, Oneota Golf pro Morgan McMillan, Ryan Monroe and Jane Bergan enjoyed some time at the driving range and putting green the morning of July 31 at Oneota Golf and Country Club.

into the community and help them experience different things — to make connections with each other and with people around the community and to make meaningful memories,” Collins said. “Every person is an able-bodied person to their extent, and every single individual not only has the right but should be able to enjoy any activity you or I would also enjoy.”

Christina Symmonds, Spectrum’s lead day habilitation specialist, agreed with Collins, saying she and other Spectrum dayhab workers are strong proponents of deinstitutionalization — a process which involved the closure of mental hospitals and the release of patients into the community which began in the mid-1950s, according to the American Medical Association.

“Throughout history, somebody who does something a little bit differently is looked at as not needing to be part of society,” Symmonds said, add-

ing that integrating intellectually-challenged youths into public schools around 1975 was a major step for the general public. “It’s still really hard to go out and not have somebody judge you because your hair is a different color, you’re using adaptive devices or you don’t speak, hear or see the same as them.”

Instead of thinking of people as being disabled, Symmonds said she sees all human beings as differently-abled — meaning that not every individual does things exactly the same way as anyone else.

“We’re all people,” she said.

“That’s the bottom line. It doesn’t matter what we use to get on with life. We are all people, and being integrated into the community helps everybody. It helps (the clients) with their lives, and it helps society and the community understand that we’re all here to enjoy our lives.”

Heivly Street pavement to be poured this month

Spectrum Network client Ryan Monroe sinks a putt during the organization’s day habilitation outing Thursday morning. (Photos by Zach Jensen)

Heivly Street remains closed between Mill Street and College Drive as crews continue to work on the current phase of the summer improvement project. Crews are reconstructing water mains, sewer mains and storm sewers as part of the overall street work, and utility companies have been seen working on site. Paving of the new concrete street is expected to begin sometime in August. (Photos by Roz Weis)

Saturday protest ‘an extension’ of those past

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

About 50 area residents representing up to four different organizations gathered Saturday on the College Drive bridge in Decorah to let their positions be known regarding President Donald Trump and the policies put in place since he took office for his second presidential term in January.

President Trump has signed more than 170 Executive Orders so far this year, according to the Federal Register. Trump has also signed into law the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which opponents feel increases the costs of living among working class individuals while providing tax breaks for billionaires. Saturday’s protesters alluded to such decisions resulting in, among other policies, federal spending cuts, increased tariffs on imported goods, the unemployment of thousands of federal employees, increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and imprisoning suspected immigrants without due process.

Multiple grassroots political action organizations have been formed in protest against the president and his administration — one such organization is called 50501 and was repre-

sented in Decorah on Saturday. The group had called for similar protests across the country that day as part of an effort dubbed “Rage Against the Regime.”

“50501 came on the scene due to a post on Reddit to fight back against what Trump was doing,” said Freeport resident Christine Kilarski. “They were the very first group that called for a nationwide protest. Originally, it stood for 50 protests in 50 states on one day. Now, it’s 50 protests, 50 states, one mission — which is to fight back against fascism.”

Kilarski said 50501 organizers feel it’s time to start protesting through increased nonviolent and direct action, such as sit-ins and other activities, which will be more “in your face so they can’t be ignored.”

“We’re using this action as (a means) to speak with people about what’s happening and how they can help our immigrant neighbors, because ICE is not here yet, but they are coming, and we need to be prepared,” she said.

Other groups represented in Saturday’s protest include Indivisible, Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights and the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.

“Nationwide, we’re seeing a bunch of different groups com-

About 50 people representing four different political movements lined the west side of Decorah’s College Drive bridge on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s policies. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

ing together to create coalitions, and (those) produce unity,” said Decorah resident Sarah Brandt.

“We’re seeing that in Minneapolis, Des Moines — everywhere. Yes, they’re all individual groups, but they also share overlapping interests. Through that overlapping, they create coalition-based events like this.”

Brandt said many similar groups have formed in response to what some see as negative impacts of the president’s policies on America’s working class. She said Saturday’s protest wasn’t necessarily different than earlier protests in the Decorah community.

“This is an extension of all the work that’s been done thus far and all the work that was done before this election,” Brandt said. “Continuing the presence is important, and to me, there are multiple hands in the pot of work like this that is combating such a huge, multifaceted aggressive (problem). You need the hand that’s doing the presence work — that’s consistent, that’s there, so it’s in peoples’ lines of sight. Then you need the people who want to do legislative work and the people who want to do mutual aid work and community relief. You need all those hands, and this is just one of them.”

Correction: June 26, 2025

An article in the June 26, 2025, edition of the Decorah Leader entitled “Proposed separation ordinance focuses on immigration rights” mistakenly quoted Gabriele Eide as say-

ing, “I’ve seen such a fear in the lives and experiences these children have, having to check their immigration status every morning to see if it’s been revoked or not” in reference to

international students at Luther College. Eide’s quote should have read “I’ve seen such a fear in the lives and experiences they have…” Staff regrets the error.

Former Decorah teen accused of sexually abusing children rejects plea deal

Attorney asks court to set hearing to confirm Yos-Eddy’s decision was his own

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

The attorney representing a former Decorah resident accused of sexually abusing multiple children between 2022 and 2023 has asked a court to determine whether his client’s rejection of a plea agreement with state prosecutors should be considered valid.

Isaiah Alexander Yos-Eddy of Waterloo faces eight counts of second-degree sexual abuse. Prosecutors claim Yos-Eddy abused at least three different children under the age of 12 between January of 2022 and November of 2023 while he was living in Winneshiek County.

Formal trial information listed the initials of three children as the victims in the case, while initial criminal complaints filed earlier this year listed three different sets of initials. The initial complaints also indicated the abuse may have occurred as early as 2019. Yos-Eddy would have been 16-17 years old during the time of the alleged offenses, but court documents noted Iowa law does not give the juvenile court system jurisdiction to prosecute defendants age 16 or older when they are charged with certain offenses, such as those Yos-Eddy is currently facing.

The victims had made statements about the alleged abuse to their parents at some point, according to court documents, a Health and Human Services worker informed the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office of the allegations against Yos-Eddy in late May of 2024. The now 18-year-old Yos-Eddy was interviewed by the sheriff’s office as part of the investigation, according to the filings, and he allegedly admitted he had engaged in sex acts with the children. Criminal complaints in the case said Yos-Eddy also allegedly told investigators “these sexual assaults occurred several times a week” during the period in question.

The teen turned himself in to authorities in mid-January, and he was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on Jan 17. He was released on Jan. 19 after posting bond, and he pleaded not guilty on Feb. 3.

Court documents filed late last month say state prosecutors offered Yos-Eddy a plea agreement which would have allowed him to admit to half the charges filed against him without mandating he serve prison time. The deal did not guarantee the teen would serve only probation, but court documents indicated the teen would have then had the opportunity to make such a request of the court during a subsequent sentencing hearing.

Yos-Eddy rejected the proposed agreement on July 22 against the advice of his attorney, according to recent court

Army Reserve trains in Decorah

Members of the 527th MCT U.S. Army Reserve held its Battle Assembly weekend late last month in Decorah. The group conducted an Army fitness test on Saturday, July 26 and participated in the city’s annual Nordic Fest celebration by running in the Enveløpet 5K and marching in the Nordic Fest parade. The group’s training culminated in a ruck march on Sunday, July 27. Organizers said Sgt. Israel Salas of the 527th reenlisted at the end of the ruck march. Salas is pictured taking his oath with First Lt. Cmdr. John P. Marcella atop Pulpit Rock in Decorah. (Photo submitted)

documents, and the teen insisted his case proceed to trial.

“Counsel has reason to believe that the defendant’s decision is being influenced by family members — including his mother and aunt — who clearly do not understand the legal process, have instructed (the) defendant not to talk to counsel and have advised the defendant based on inaccurate or misleading legal information — specifically that, if the prosecution will not stipulate probation, trial testimony regarding (the) defendant’s remorse, difficult childhood and ‘mended ways’ may result in either acquittal or probation,” Yos-Eddy’s own attorney wrote in a July 27 motion.

The teen had filed a motion earlier that month, requesting his court-appointed attorney be replaced. The motion, which is written in a different hand than the one Yos-Eddy used to print his name on the signature line, cited poor communication with his attorney and disagreements regarding a strategy for the case.

“I don’t feel as though said attorney is keeping me informed about the progress of my case, responding to my questions and going to the prosecution with a plea offer before talking to me about it first,” the motion said.

The court denied Yos-Eddy’s request for a new attorney following a July 15 hearing on the matter.

Other case filings referred to a pair of letters which were submitted to the court — both were described as character letters written in support of the teenage defendant. The first letter, which was dated May 26 and was filed with the court more than five weeks later, was written by an individual who claimed to have met Yos-Eddy in April of 2024 while the teen was attending the Woodward Academy — a residential treatment facility in central Iowa which serves youth. Yos-Eddy spent nine months at the academy, according to the letter. It went on to say “Isaiah’s problem solving skills have increased,” adding he had become more honest with his probation officer and had completed a number of job applications.

“Mr. Yos-Eddy has truly learned his lesson,” the letter told the court. “He is extremely remorseful and has absolutely no plans on continuing that behavior.”

A separate undated letter from a self-described friend of the defendant was filed with the court on July 22. It said Yos-Eddy had become involved with a church around March of 2025, hoped to complete his high school degree and was attempting to establish a lawn care business.

“I am not fully sure of everything Isaiah may have done

to get himself in this situation, but I have not witnessed any actions, behaviors or conversations that would make me think ill of him,” the letter said.

Attorneys on both sides of the case agreed that, while the letters could be considered by the court during a sentencing hearing, they cannot be admitted as trial evidence under Iowa law.

“These letters express no knowledge of the facts related to the pending charges,” state prosecutors wrote. “The letters discuss the writers’ observations of the defendant while in the Woodward Academy and after his discharge from that facility.”

The accused teen’s own attorney told the court his client seems to believe testimony of his current conduct will lead a jury to return a verdict of not guilty or will somehow result in probation “despite counsel’s clear advisement that such information is inadmissible at trial.”

“Offering testimony — whether your own or from other witnesses — of a difficult childhood, experienced trauma, remorse (or) change as grounds for acquittal constitutes an improper appeal to jury sympathy,” the defense’s July 27 motion said. “This is essentially an argument for jury nullification, which is not permitted under Iowa law.”

The defense went on to ask that a hearing be scheduled for the court to determine whether Yos-Eddy’s rejection of the state’s previous plea agreement was made knowingly and voluntarily “and not under false misrepresentations supplied by third parties.”

The court agreed to reschedule the teen’s Aug. 6 trial, after prosecutors cited the expected scope of another trial scheduled to take place that day. The request noted Yos-Eddy’s attorney did not object to postponing the trial but said the teen himself “has not responded to defense counsel’s inquiry concerning (the) continuance or otherwise communicated with counsel.” Yos-Eddy filed a motion himself the next day, asking that the court reschedule the trial for October, saying he is hiring a private attorney to represent him in the case.

The trial is now scheduled for Nov. 5.

Decorah Leader

Isaiah Alexander Yos-Eddy

OPINION

‘We are all going to be a senior some day’

This time of year, I find myself singing the lines and tune “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy….” from George Gershwin’s opera, “Porgy and Bess.”

The mood and words seem to describe an attitude evoked from the tall corn and lazy, hazy days; something cool on the deck and no particular project in mind.

My flower beds need desperately to be weeded, but the best I can muster is “mañana”. Yes, the weeds will be there tomorrow, but taller, tougher and more obnoxious. In other words, my inaction is making the problem worse. William Carlos Williams said, “In summer, the song sings itself.” Trust me… the garden does not weed itself.

On July 18, I had the opportunity to tour the new Aase Haugen home being built up on the hill north of downtown Decorah. What a magnificent blessing this will be for many generations yet to come. A place to call home, safe and secure for those of us who are starting to wind down in ambition and physical ability. The focus on service instead of profit, a home instead of an institution, the future instead of just today, is immediately evident in the planning that has gone into this facility. I have a history of working in nursing homes and

assisted living, both as a nurse and as a chaplain. To say I came away impressed and inspired would be a gross understatement.

Unfortunately, the capital campaign with a goal of $3 million has stalled at just over $1 million. They can still pay for the building with their reserves, but it is not how they want to begin the future. Winneshiek County is so blessed by this farsighted plan coming together after years of planning, but they need our help.

It may be the lazy, hazy days of summer, but we have a call to spring into action and do what we can to assist in this capital campaign. I know there are many demands for our money and many calls for contributions even daily in our mailboxes, but this is a place for you to leave a legacy, right here at home. Please prayerfully consider some sort of a pledge to assist in the good work being done with the dignity, safety and security of our seniors in mind. We are all going to be a senior some day.

“There shall be an eternal summer in the grateful heart.”

Pastor Daryl Thompson Serving Calmar Lutheran and Springfield Lutheran Churches Calmar

It’s past time to end the prohibition of cannabis — AKA the war on drugs

Right now, millions of Americans-including veterans, cancer patients, and those with chronic pain or mental health challenges, are being denied access to one of the most effective and natural treatments available: medical cannabis.

That’s because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, preventing health insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid from covering it — even in states where it’s legal.

But imagine this: a national system, modeled after states like Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illionois, Missouri and many other states where it is legal, where medical marijuana is recognized by the government, tracked by doctors and covered through insurance riders. Legalization wouldn’t just make marijuana accessible. It would make it affordable, consistent and safe.

Who would benefit?

1. Veterans - Many veterans suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Medical cannabis has been shown to reduce these symptoms without the harsh side effects of opioids or antidepressants. With legalization, VA doctors could finally recommend and monitor cannabis treatments, and insurance could help cover the cost.

2. Cancer patients - Marijuana is proven to help ease nausea, pain, appetite loss and anxiety from cancer and chemotherapy. But out-of-pocket costs keep many from using it. Legalization would allow can-

Winneshiek County government should be applauded

With the dismissal of the charges against Sheriff Dan Marx, the sheriff, the Winneshiek County supervisors and the county attorney have upheld their oaths of office. The charges against Sheriff Marx by the Attorney General of Iowa and Gov. Reynolds were flat wrong. Sheriff Marx was upholding his oath of office as he was simply wanting to ensure that no citizen of his county had their Fourht Amendment rights of improper search and seizure infringed upon. If the ICE setainers were in order and the detainers validated that the person to be detained had in fact entered the country illegally, then he would fully cooperate with ICE, and he has done that. Sheriff Marx is simply fulling his obligation to the people who elected him — to protect their rights.

That being said, if he had backed down from his statement that he made to the public, via Facebook, he would have failed his oath of office. Sheriff Marx stood up to an overreaching state government and his board of supervisors and county attorney backed him 100 percent. I can envision many county supervisors and county attorneys would have said, ‘We will lose our funding if he doesn’t comply,’ or ‘We can’t spend the taxpayer dollars defending the sheriff.’ I surmise most county supervisors throughout Iowa would have made one or both of those statements. But by the supervisors and county attorney standing with

the sheriff — as did many, many county residents — they were in fact making a statement. And that statement was, ‘If we fail to fight back against charges against a sheriff who was honoring his oath of office, then we have failed the citizens of Winneshiek County and failed our oaths as well.” Why? Because the rights of the citizens have just been infringed on by an overreaching tyrannical state government. If the sheriff had lost his case, then the residents of Winneshiek County, as well as the rest of the citizens of Iowa, would have just lost some of their freedoms. There’s been enough of that already by both the state and federal government in recent years. And it’s time our elected leaders who take their oaths seriously do just what Winneshiek County did. Frankly, I wish the case would have gone to court. I realize there is always risk to going to court, but using the defense that Sheriff Marx was honoring his oath when he made his statement, I find that a jury would be hard pressed to find him guilty. That would have sent a huge message, not only to the citizens of Iowa, but across the nation as well. There’s a lot more to this story than I have been able to relate here, but the long and the short of it is, you have a great and honorable sheriff, a great board of supervisors and a great county attorney! Please thank them.

Gary Shawver Wadena

Reader says Trump protests aren’t going away

Dear Editor I was proud to once again join my fellow local citizens last Saturday and line the Fifth Avenue bridge with a wide collection of signs protesting the Trump Administration and the literal destruction of our democracy. For approximately an hour, the participants enjoyed many honks, thumbs up, and waves of approval from many passing motorists. It’s quite revealing that a majority of citizens approve of us exercising our First Amendment rights.

cer patients nationwide to access high-quality cannabis with insurance support.

3. People with mental health challenges - Anxiety, OCD, ADHD and depression are often treated with synthetic medications that can be addictive or ineffective. Cannabis offers a more natural, gentle approach. Legalization would expand research and safe access, giving people more options — and dignity.

Why Insurance Coverage Matters - In states like Pennsylvania, patients get medical marijuana through a regulated program, but it still isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance. A federal change would allow insurance riders for cannabis-based treatments, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, doctor oversight and dosing consistency, reduced costs for low-income and disabled patients Federal legalization isn’t just about making marijuana legal. It’s about making healthcare better. A system where cannabis is treated like any other medicine — regulated, prescribed, and covered — would bring relief to millions and ease the burden on emergency rooms, rehab centers and mental health clinics.

Let’s stop treating marijuana like a crime. Let’s treat it like the medicine it is and make it fully legal.

Randy Haugen Decorah

Yes, there are the occasional signs of non-approval from passersby, usually in the form of a middle finger. That’s fine. Your opinion, your right. But here are a few suggestions for those who don’t agree with those who are protesting the Trump Administration’s unraveling of our government just for self-enrichment or the benefit of billionaire donors.

Perhaps you might try displaying your MAGA flag in front of the house of that single mom down the street, the one who works two jobs to feed higher-than-ever priced groceries to her three kids, and who depends on Medicare to care for her disabled 8-year-old. She’s only one of an estimated 14 million who will lose it when the cuts kick in.

Perhaps you can find a couple of the estimated 1,000-plus victims of Epstein/Trump’s underage girls business empire and brag about being a fan of a convicted sexual predator and con man.

Or perhaps you can boast about your Trump loyalty to the family of Pascual Leonardo Pedro-Pedro, the innocent

Citizens are free to reject recitation of the pledge

Dear Editor. It has come to my attention again that some in this community have their feathers ruffled about my personal decision to not say the Pledge of Allegiance out loud and or to put my hand over my heart during the pledge. While I am not alone in this decision, I will attempt to educate readers about the many reasons why people choose not to say the pledge.

The decision of whether or not to say the Pledge of Allegiance is a personal one, and the reasons behind it are diverse and deeply held. Understanding the various perspectives on this issue is crucial for fostering respectful dialogue and appreciating the complexities of freedom of expression and belief in a diverse society.

Individuals choose not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance for a variety of reasons, often rooted in personal convictions, including religious beliefs, concerns about free speech and potential indoctrination, and protests against perceived injustices.

1. Religious objections

•A prominent example are the Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose beliefs preclude swearing loyalty to any power lesser than God. They view saluting the flag or reciting the pledge as a form of idolatry, a violation of their interpretation of biblical scripture, citing Exodus 20:4,5. This has led to historical legal battles, including the landmark 1943 Supreme Court case West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, where the court affirmed the right to refuse the pledge on religious grounds.

20-year-old star soccer player from West Liberty, who’s only mistake was being a non-white, who was deported back to Guatamala in July. Who knows? Perhaps he might have become a doctor someday who would get to treat you for your cancer. No biggie.

Or go stand in front of that small hospital in any one of Iowa’s rural communities — you know the one that is getting ready to close due to Medicare cuts thanks to the “Big Beautiful Bill” — and wave your Trump flag proudly. Please wait for the reaction from the staff and patients.

And finally, to the young man who drove by on Saturday in his jacked up Chevy diesel pickup with the monster wheels and tires, who proudly unleashed a big cloud of black exhaust from his big-rig-sounding tail pipe in a truly childish display of protest, I hope you or your future children don’t succumb to a miserable life of asthma or respiratory illness simply because you foolishly chose MAGA/ testosterone pride over science-based health warnings. By the way, that medical science and advice is also going away, thanks to Trump and RFK Jr. What’s not going away?

The Trump protestors. In fact I strongly suspect that as America continues down this path of fascism by a truly sick and demented tiny-hands president, more and more of us will continue to choose to exercise our First Amendment rights. This is what America is about. Still.

Tim Wagner Decorah

‘It would be nice if God gave us another Jesus’

to keep us from tipping over. Hopefully, everyone can come together, this time.

P.S. Starting here would be appreciated.

John Carver Decorah

by the state.

3. Protest and perceived societal injustices

•Disagreement with national ideals: Some individuals refuse the pledge as a form of protest against perceived societal injustices, including racism, sexism or other issues they believe contradict the ideals of “liberty and justice for all” expressed in the pledge.

•Skepticism about the pledge’s purpose: Some also question the effectiveness and sincerity of the pledge, arguing that a routine recitation doesn’t necessarily foster genuine patriotism and can even cheapen its meaning.

The patriotic oath, despite its ubiquity, is not a legal requirement. That is part of a true free county — no indoctrination or forced speech. There is a phrase, ‘forced prayer stinks in God’s nostrils’ by Roger Wiliams, a 17th-century religious and political leader. It expresses his belief that forced religious practices, such as imposed prayer or worship, are offensive to God. This idea was central to his advocacy for religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

I encourage everyone to think deeply about this information and about the country in which we live today — with the current administration’s bigotry, racism, division and injustices.

One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all? Hardly. We’ve got a long way to go.

•Some individuals from various other religious backgrounds may also have reservations about the phrase “under God” in the pledge, which was added in 1954 during the Cold War era. This has prompted concerns about the separation of church and state.

2. Compelled speech and freedom of expression

•First Amendment rights: The U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that requiring public school students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance violates their First Amendment right against compelled speech, meaning the government cannot force individuals to express beliefs they do not hold.

•Concerns about indoctrination: Some individuals view the practice, especially when mandated or strongly encouraged in schools, as a form of nationalistic indoctrination or a forced religious exercise. They believe true patriotism should be voluntary and organic, not compelled

We the people spend millions staying ready for war. It is a clear testimony to our lack of faith in each other. Humans are considered to be intelligent beings, able to learn from history. History may show that war doesn’t work in the long picture. Wars promise a quick fix for fear but the consequences of war have kicked the can down the road about learning to resolve conflict. The huge military industrial complex sees war as inevitable and as a final solution. The profits of that group go to a few entitled investors in war. War is about intimidation and killing, the consequences of which last for centuries. Many wars are about old vengeances and stoke a new round of revenge. Most religions give us useful and simple ideas for avoiding war/ killing. Our cultures seem to have

My own reason for not saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag out loud or holding my hand over my heart? That is my own personal business. Among the many reasons listed above, I choose not to do so. This choice makes me no less of a patriot. In fact, that I have that choice makes me love my country even more.

Let my life choices for continued volunteerism and service to my community be the measure by which you may judge my patriotism, my steadfast support for the United States Constitution and this free — for now — democracy.

I encourage everyone to educate themselves on the issues, do their research on candidates running for offices at every level, register to vote and then be sure to show up to vote. Voting is still our right and our duty and the only way to combat the dangerous rise of fascism in this country.

Respectfully,

Shirley Vermace Decorah

turned to greed and power as a source of security and faith. War sends children to solve our adult problems. Mothers give up their young ones. Women and men are taught to hate to protect the rich corporations and politicians. We ask our health care people, who are pledged to save lives, to absorb the brutal human suffering, to send them back to kill. We turn our backs on dead children. We have graduated to the atom bomb and drone attacks, which make killing children easier. Some people think respect, compassion and love are a better way to negotiate peace. Is it really better to addict our young to sugar, likes and power games? Why are you afraid? Do something good about it or pass it on.

Donald Fish Decorah Since no one has been able to put their hands on God yet, it would be nice if God gave us another Jesus. A daughter would be nice this time. She would know the need for helping people. It would be a relief to feel the strength and compassion

Laverne Massman

March 14, 1929 - July 22, 2025

Echoes of the Past

Modern technology comes to county hospital in 1985

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

Thanks to generous support from the Decorah community, Winneshiek County acquired a modern piece of medical equipment back in the summer of 1985. Headlines reported the local hospital would soon put into service a modern mammography machine. The hospital foundation sponsored an appeal to raise the $60,000 needed to purchase the unit.

The hospital administrator at the time credited the leadership of Judith Smith, chair of the local foundation’s special project committee, for her efforts in making the screening machine available in the county. Not many people knew much about the technology in that era. The x-ray screening test was praised in those years for its ability to detect early cancer of the breast, potentially saving lives.

Here are other headlines from the past …

80 YEARS AGO: 1945 –

A court date is being considered for a much-publicized assault case involving a local farmer and a pitchfork. Self-defense is the claim of the farmer.

…Rabbit season opened last week.

…Curtis Usgaard of Decorah is serving in the Navy in the Pacific. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Usgaard.

70 YEARS AGO: 1955 –Dennis Ellingson, the 3-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Mervin Ellingson of Decorah, is reportedly in fair condition in Rochester, Minnesota, where he was taken as Winneshiek County’s first polio patient of the year. He first showed signs of polio last week when he complained of a bad headache and upset stomach.

…Pvt. Merlin Faldet, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Faldet, is currently completing his basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas.

…A brand new 1955 Ford will be given away at the Winneshiek County Fair this month.

…A Pleasant Township farmer recently lost his right hand in a combine accident. Area farmers are reminded of safety issues during the upcoming harvest season.

…One of Decorah’s most thriving businesses, “The Barb,” is now for sale.

60

YEARS AGO: 1965

– A product known as “cracker balls” will be prohibited in the city. The Decorah City Council received a recommendation from the Winneshiek County Medical Society to declare the product unsafe for sale. The “cracker balls” are highly explosive as fireworks and they detonate with only slight pressure.

…There has been plenty of new business activity in the region of late. Bucheit Feed Mill at Calmar will hold an open house in early August at their newly constructed mixing and griding mill. Humphry’s Dairy Superette will hold a grand opening in Decorah in August. The new Superette is located at the corner of State Road and Lief Erikson Drive in Decorah. Also opened for business recently was a new mileage and direct service station on Bridge Street.

…A bootleg operation has been broken up here in Decorah. In this case, the “still” was a very large washtub. The sheriff and police discovered some local youths were making some “home brew” during a surprise raid. Officers found

a quart jar of terrible-looking liquid, containing green apples, cut up rhubarb, raisins and other undistinguishable items – all floating together in the jar. The youths have been detained, leaving their mess behind.

…The new telephone dial system for nearby Burr Oak and Mabel, Minnesota, has been started.

…Ron Hovey took first place in the stock car races the other night in Decorah. Em Fretheim was second, and Lee Anderson a close third.

…A Decorah man is currently serving 90 days in jail for failure to provide support to his wife and children.

…Shop Jack & Jill Food Store for these 1965 bargains –frozen French fries, 10 cents per package; cake mixes, 10 cents per box; and ice cream, priced at 39 cents for a half-gallon container.

…Registration at Decorah schools is under way. School opens August 30. Fees are $3 for elementary students and $8 for high school students.

…A new livestock judging team from Winneshiek County will compete at the Iowa State Fair. The team includes Mike Lundby, Norbert Lovstuen and Randy and Larry Snell.

50 YEARS AGO: 1975

– Investigators are at the scene after a fire that was set at First Lutheran Church in Decorah the other afternoon. The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damage, despite heroic efforts from many local fire departments, including Decorah, Ossian, Waukon and Calmar battling the blaze. The firefighters were credited by State Deputy Fire Marshal Carl Svenson with an outstanding job as they had the fire under control in less than an hour and saved the 100-year-old church. The arson investigation could take some time.

…A new law went into effect on August 1 in neighboring Minnesota. Starting that day, smoking will be prohibited in restaurants and other public places in that state, except in designated smoking areas.

…The honorable Iowa Gov. Robert Ray and his wife, the lovely Billie, were the grand marshals at this year’s Nordic Fest Parade. This year’s festival drew an estimated 67,000 people.

…Two-time Grammy award winner David Houstin is the headliner at this year’s Winneshiek County Fair.

…Tom Hovey is representing the Decorah Vikings in the Iowa Shrine Bowl in Des Moines.

…Registration at Decorah schools is under way. Registration fees are $4 for elementary students and $12 for high school students. A 20-punch meal ticket is $9; or 50 cents for a single meal ticket.

40

YEARS AGO: 1985 –The Winneshiek County Fair opens in early August.

…Representing Winneshiek County at this year’s Iowa State Fair Bill Riley Talent Search are Dawn Svenson, daughter of Gary and DiAnn Svenson, in the sprout division; and Beth Ylvisaker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ylvisaker, in the senior division.

…The Turkey Valley Trojans boast their first state crown ever - after winning the state baseball tournament in Marshalltown. Behind the pitching of Dan Hageman and Junior Hackman, the Trojans beat Cedar Rapids Regis, 5-2 and the team was victorious over Johnston, 4-0 to claim the 3A title.

Hospital donation

Back in the 1970s, a brand new hospital opened doors in Decorah. It was in December of that year that local hospital administrator Jerry Scott accepted a $110 donation from the Young Iowa Board Girls from Seifert’s, now J. Tupy in downtown Decorah. Presenting the donation were these young beauties (top row from left) Pat Larson, Julie Bosanko, Mary Hovda, Terry Ronan, Ruth Bruemmer (bottom row, from left) Mary Broghammer, Jackie Scott and Mary Welgos. From the newspaper archives.

30

YEARS AGO: 1995 –Plans for annexation of land that would triple the size of the city limits have temporarily been put on hold. If approved, the city limits would swell from the current 5.9 square miles to about 18 square miles. The land in question extends east of Freeport, south of Siewers Springs, several sections west of Highway 52, and to the north of Silvercrest Country Club. Debate continues.

…Terry Ramlo of Decorah won the 15K at the Nordic Fest Elvelopet Run this year.

…It’s that time of year again – school registration at Decorah schools. A 20-day meal ticket is $20 this academic year. Registration fees range from $17 for K-3rd grade to $32 for 12th grade. Driver education will be offered this year at a cost of $125. Admission prices for athletic events will be $3 for adults and $2 for students.

…Decorah Vikings lost the 3A state baseball tournament to Benton Community by a score of 6-0. The game was played in Carroll. The Vikes were on the hunt for their fourth state championship and their third in the last five years.

…John Hjelle of Decorah tossed a 100-pound rock more than 51 feet to break a four-year Nordic Fest Rock Throw record at this year’s Nordic Fest.

…The 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is being observed at a special remembrance at Phelps Park this Sunday, Aug. 6.

20

YEARS AGO: 2005 – After 10 years as Decorah mayor and 28 years

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office

An Iowa City woman was cited for failure to maintain control after a vehicle left the road late last month. A report from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 30-year-old Gina Marie Payne was driving a 2015 Toyota Rav4 north along Drake Hill Road around 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26. The sheriff’s report said Don’s Towing had been called to assist, and the vehicle was on its side in the east ditch when a deputy arrived. The deputy spoke with Payne later at her home, and Payne said “she was going too fast up the hill and got too close to the shoulder, where she slid into the ditch.” Payne said she was uninjured, according to the report. Damage to the Toyota was estimated at $8,000.

Jamarr Antonio Eddy, age 33, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 7:10 p.m.Tuesday, July 29 on an arrest warrant for failure to appear on a charge of violating the terms of his probation.

Derek Alan Busch, age 19, of Ossian was booked into the Win-

in city government, Vic Fye has announced he will not seek re-election.

…FOR RENT – Two-bedroom apartment in the city. $375 per month. No pets.

…Lauren Wettach of Decorah earned the top spot in the Decorah Newspapers-sponsored Best Baked Bars Contest at the Winneshiek County Fair. Her winning recipe – “Outrageous Carmel-Fudge Brownies”.

10

YEARS AGO: 2015 –Winneshiek County is one of 19 Iowa counties eligible for FEMA disaster aid after the recent severe storms and flooding in June.

…An article on a state tourism website calls the Decorah area “Iowa’s Hilliest Ride.” According to the article, “There is a nagging persistent myth that Iowa is flat – but hop on a bicycle and you’ll quickly learn that Iowa’s landscape is characterized by constant hills (in Decorah).”

…BeBe’s Southern Grill, which will be located on Winnebago Street, will be opening soon.

…FOR RENT – 2-bedroom upstairs apartment with electricity included – no parties. $375 per month.

…The city of Decorah hopes to support a new hotel project here. Members of the City Council’s economic development and community betterment committee have met with representatives from Rebound Hospitality to discuss a proposed plan to redevelop the old Bluffs Inn (a/k/a Cliff House) property along Highway 9 as a 78-room Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites.

neshiek County Jail at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 on an arrest warrant for violation of probation, after he was charged with operating while under the influence — second offense — on July 27 in Fayette County.

Dalton Lee Hagen, age 27, of Cresco was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday, July 30 on a pair of arrest warrants for violation of probation. Court documents accuse Hagen of stealing items from Bruening Rock Products between July 18 and July 25. A criminal complaint said he sold some of the items to Alter Trading in Riceville in neighboring Howard County. The stolen items were valued at approximately $4,500. A search of Hagen’s home recovered other stolen items, and Howard County authorities charged him with second-degree theft.

Tyler James Westcott, age 26, of West Union was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 to serve two consecutive days.

Stacia Kay Coonradt, age 33, of Elmore, Minnesota, was booked into the Winneshiek

On July 22, 2025, heavenly angels came to take Laverne Joseph Massman, 96, of Caledonia, Minnesota, to his eternal home, where he will now be reunited with his wife of 70 years, Julia, and many other family members awaiting his arrival. Laverne passed away peacefully at Claddagh Senior Living surrounded by the love of his children and family and the Claddagh and St. Croix care teams.

Born March 14, 1929, near Ossian, in Military Township (Winneshiek County), Laverne was the firstborn of nine children to Frank and Lucy (Backes) Massman. He attended St. Mary’s parochial school in Festina through grade 8, then Calmar High School where he was a letterman in baseball and football and participated in many school activities including FFA, newspaper and yearbook staffs and senior class play, as well as 4-H. After graduation in 1948, he embarked on his chosen career: a farmer. He met Julia Malanaphy (Decorah) through high school and 4H. They fell in love and married June 20, 1951. They initially set out to farm and begin their family on property near Ridgeway, where nine siblings were born. Then, in 1961, they moved their growing family to Caledonia and eventually settled on Beaver Ridge where they ran a family farm business and raised their 13 children.

As a farmer, some of Laverne’s most proud moments involved his children competing and showing dairy cattle, hogs, and horses, as well as gardening and homemaking items at the Houston County Fair. As their children grew to become significant farm and home helpers, Laverne also worked night shift at Trane Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, then transitioned to a very successful second career in sales, receiving numerous achievement citations and awards including trips with Julia to Hawaii and Europe.

Laverne loved to play euchre anytime and has passed his love of the game on to generations! He also enjoyed golf and the

annual family deer hunting season – oh, the stories and the sausage-making! As a devout Catholic, he passed along faith, love and good values. He had a passion for democracy, inspired by his Christian faith, and he regularly participated at local government meetings and elections. He and Julia traveled many miles in support of their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and school activities. Laverne and family always enjoyed looking out over their land and seeing the fruits of their labor just before harvest time. In retirement, Laverne and Julia continued to support the Caledonia Warriors, enjoyed cross-country road trips and daily lunch at local restaurants. Laverne beamed with pride at being a grandpa and great-grandpa!

Laverne is survived by his 13 children: Terry, Gary (Judy), Julie (Kevin) Burnett, Steve, Randy, Diane, Laverne (Lisa), Lori Cain, Janet (Arnold) Mindham, Ron (Cheryl), Matt (Christopher Solheid), Rich (Michelle) and Amy; 28 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; his siblings and their spouses: Francis and JoAnn Massman, Albin Massman, Sr. Marian Massman FSPA and Leo Massman; sisterin-law, Phyllis Massman; brother-in-law, and Lowell Loesch; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Laverne was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia; grandson, Oliver; great-granddaughter, Purity Rose; parents Frank and Lucy Massman; siblings: Don Massman, Cynthia Tillman, Helen Loesch and James Massman; brothers and sisters-in-law: Verna Massman, Robert Tillman and Barb Massman; father and mother-in-law, James and Dorothy Malanaphy; brothers and sisters-in-law: Betty and Glen Martin, Joyce Lynch, John and Jannan Malanaphy, Jim and Jean Malanaphy, Dorothy and Jack Kendall, Mary and Leo Manning; and nine nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, July 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caledonia with Father Greg Leif presiding. Cards and memorials may be sent to his family in care of McCormick Funeral Home, 205 East Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55921.

Service Notice

MARK HACKMAN, 68, of Decorah, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Prairie du Chien due to an apparent heart attack. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug.13 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 W. Main St., Decorah, with Father Donald Hertges presiding. No burial is planned at this time. There will be no visitation prior to the church service. A Celebration of Life will follow the Mass from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.13 at the Winneshiek County Fair Community Building in Decorah. Guests are invited to drive their classic cars to the celebration of life in honor of Mark.

Law Enforcement

County Jail at 2:10 a.m. Thursday, July 31 on the charge of prostitution — selling services.

A criminal complaint said law enforcement obtained statements and messages indicating Coonradt — which court records also listed as Stacia Kruse — offered to perform a sex act with a male for money the evening of July 30 in Fort Atkinson. Timothy James Kruckman, age 52, of Spillville was charged with trespassing and assault causing bodily injury at approximately 9:29 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 in the 100 block of Main Street in Spillville. A criminal complaint said Kruckman was in a verbal altercation with his neighbor, crossed onto the neighbor’s property and “entered his personal space.” Kruckman was told to leave, and the neighbor “pushed him back” before Kruckman allegedly “began to throw punches” and both men fell to the ground during the altercation. The victim was taken to WinnMed by ambulance. Kruckman was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:05 p.m. the same day. Maxwell Koeller, age 22, of

McGregor was transported by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office to the Winneshiek County Jail, where he was arrested and booked at approximately 9:25 p.m. Saturday, July 2 on a warrant for failure to provide fingerprints as ordered.

Decorah Police Department Jordan Troy Sletten, age 21, was charged with driving while license revoked and driving while license suspended at approximately 5:42 p.m. Thursday, July 31 in the area of Division Street in Decorah. Criminal complaints indicated Sletten had not yet received a temporary restricted license he was awaiting, and he told an officer “he needed to get to work and pick up groceries.” Sletten was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 6 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.

Laverne Massman

Decorah sports complex to move forward

Bid awarding delayed in hopes of additional fundraising ahead of final design

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

The Decorah City Council confirmed Monday that a new sports complex is in the city’s future. However, city council voted unanimously to delay awarding the bid for the project in order to give the complex’s fundraising committee more time to raise money, which could cover the cost of additional amenities included in the project’s final design.

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken sought to allay any fears about the future of the sports complex.

“We plan on awarding this project, we just want more time to make it the best it can,” Goedken said.

Currently, the first phase of the sports complex’s design includes a pair of 280-feet ball diamonds and eight pickle ball

courts. If enough money is raised to add other facets, the design could include a third ball field, sod for one field, batting cages, as well as an upgraded surface for the pickleball courts. Three bids for the project were received by the city, and the winning bid of $2,097,727 from Skyline Construction of Decorah was more than 20 percent lower than the engineer’s estimate. The first and only bid received in early June had also been submitted by Skyline Construction, but it was $250,000 over the engineer’s initial $3 million estimate and was rejected. In the weeks following, the Decorah’s Parks and Recreation Board, the city council and the fundraising committee worked with the project’s design firm, ISG, to whittle down items in the project’s design and identify other changes to lower the project’s cost in order for the second

bid letting process to be more successful.

Fundraising efforts, which began in late spring, have raised more than a half-million-dollars to date. During Monday’s city council meeting, fundraising committee member Harlan Satrom said he foresees an increase in donations over the next two weeks, and he asked the city council not to exclude

an option to upgrade the pickleball courts from an asphalt to a concrete surface, saying concrete is a preferred surface but is much more costly than asphalt. Satrom previously told city officials that pickleball is a major boon to the community,

Sports complex continued on page 13

Delagarza pleads not guilty to late May kidnapping

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

A Freeport man has pleaded not guilty to accusations of kidnapping, domestic abuse while displaying a weapon and other charges.

Raymond Delagarza entered the plea through his attorney on July 29. The 41-year-old was arrested in late May after authorities said he forcefully entered a home early on Friday, May 30 in the 500 block of Plum Street in Decorah and abducted a 42-year-old woman whom Delagarza was legally prohibited from contacting — separate court documents noted the two individuals had mutual no contact orders put in place earlier this year, and each party had violated those orders at least five times between March 18 and March 22.

The woman at the Plum Street home reported seeing a truck pull into her yard directly outside her bedroom window the morning of the alleged kidnapping. Law enforcement later reported the front door of the home seemed to have been forcibly breached, and the woman claimed Delagarza had broken a window before entering. An initial criminal complaint said Delagarza allegedly told the woman, “This will be the last time you survive a kidnapping.”

“(She) stated he held a screwdriver to her neck and told her they were going to visit her deceased brother in the cemetery,” court documents said.

Court documents said Delagarza allegedly held the woman by her hair and dragged her to his vehicle — a silver Dodge Ram. The woman told investigators “she managed to escape once but was recaptured and forced back into the vehicle.” Delagarza is believed to have struck a 2003 Pontiac Vibe which was parked in that area as he drove away from the scene — investigators found the front license plate of Delagarza’s truck near the Pontiac while documenting evidence at the

Raymond Delagarza scene.

The woman soon jumped from the moving vehicle near the 700 block of Oak Street — approximately two blocks south of her home and a short distance from the Lutheran Cemetery plots. The woman began knocking on several doors and windows, according to court documents, and she eventually hid under a parked vehicle after she activated a motion light at one of the houses. A homeowner offered the woman refuge inside. Dispatchers received a call at approximately 12:49 a.m. that day, and the homeowner told investigators he had seen a silver pickup flee the area.

Law enforcement soon received a second call to the 400 block of Montgomery Street, which is located on the opposite side of the cemetery from where the woman jumped from the moving pickup. The caller claimed Delagarza had left vehicle tracks as he drove through her yard and had struck a 2002 Jaguar X-Type and another vehicle parked on the property before fleeing in the direction of Freeport. The Montgomery Street residence was home to an individual court documents described as an associate of both Delagarza and the Plum Street resident.

Law enforcement arrived at Delagarza’s trailer home in the 2400 block of Dogwood Road in Freeport around 1:40 a.m. that same day. The 41-year-old did not immediately respond to officers but was determined

to be inside. He was taken into custody after what court documents described as a nearly 1.5 hour long standoff.

Delagarza was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 4:05 a.m. that day on charges of second-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, domestic abuse/assault with a dangerous weapon, violation of a no contact order, reckless driving, fourth-degree criminal mischief, trespassing, two counts of striking an unattended vehicle and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief.

Delagarza penned a letter to the court on July 7, saying the woman he is accused of kidnapping “has a history of providing false statements/accusations in many incidents involving other parties.” He went on to tell the court “I have never had any drug or firearm possession charges in my life. Nor have I ever had any domestic assaults, not even a no contact order ever.” He also claimed “there has not ever been a firearm found nor any large amount of methamphetamine ever” during what he called numerous raids and searches of his home and vehicle.

Prosecutors filed supplemental trial information the following week, showing Delagarza had been convicted of assault in Winneshiek County during February of 2009 and again in Fillmore County, Minnesota, during April of 2011. He was also one of nine suspects — including the alleged kidnapping victim — who were charged in April as part of a local drug investigation. Authorities discovered methamphetamine during a search of Delagarza’s home on April 4 of this year. He has since pleaded not guilty to the subsequent charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Filings in a separate case against Delagarza accused the 41-year-old of assaulting the same Plum Street resident while she was at Delagarza’s home less than a week before the May 30 incident. Law enforce-

ment was called around 1:18 a.m. May 24 to Delagarza’s residence for a report of an altercation. Court filings said the woman’s vehicle was parked in Delagarza’s driveway, and the woman told officers “Delagarza physically dragged her into the residence” and “was trying to kill her.” The complaint noted the woman’s eye was injured and her left ear drum was ruptured. Delagarza “had a scratch across his throat and blood on his shirt,” according to the complaint, and a fingernail belonging to the victim was discovered inside the residence, along with a broken desk and coffee table.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office also previously received reports in mid February of Delagarza allegedly holding the same victim hostage. The victim told law enforcement she was at Delagarza’s residence the evening of Jan. 23, when Delagarza allegedly tried to prevent her from leaving, dragged her by her hair and strangled her. Law enforcement was able to corroborate some of the woman’s account through electronic messages Delagarza had sent her, one of which said things would “not be over until I say, and that will be when I kill (you.)” Investigators searched Delagarza’s residence on Feb. 17 and discovered methamphetamine and a vape cartridge which contained THC. He was charged with two counts of first-degree harassment, two counts of domestic abuse/assault and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Delagarza pleaded not guilty to those charges in late March.

Delagarza was charged with an additional violation of a no contact order while incarcerated for the May 30 offenses. A criminal complaint said jail staff discovered he had contacted the same woman from the county jail. Delagarza has pleaded not guilty to that charge as well.

A trial date of Sept. 24 has been set in the kidnapping case. Delagarza remains in custody at the Winneshiek County Jail.

Kubik pleads guilty to meth charge, violating sex offender registry

Eight other related cases still pending

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

A Postville man has pleaded guilty to Winneshiek County charges which stemmed from a drug investigation earlier this year. Mitchell Joseph Kubik pleaded guilty on July 29 to possession of methamphetamine and multiple violations of sex offender registry requirements.

The court saw fit to suspend potential prison sentences against the 37-year-old, and he has been sentenced to serve several years on probation. Kubik was one of nine individuals charged with drug-related offenses in April, following an investigation into the trafficking of narcotics in Winneshiek County. Court records said investigators 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 conspired with multiple individuals “to deliver more than 5 grams of methamphetamine” between Feb. 4 and Feb. 26.

The complaint also accused Kelty of using her John Street residence as a gathering point for drug-related activity. Later court filings in the case against Kelty indicated the investigation may have been related to a February incident involving a vehicle which attempted to elude law enforcement while driving through the campus of Luther College and which was later found to be carrying methamphetamine — that incident resulted in multiple charges against 41-year-old Cody Richard Reisner of West Union.

The sheriff’s office, with assistance from Decorah Police Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, executed multiple search warrants around 7 a.m. Friday, April 4 at five different area residences — 309 John St., 1015 South Mechanic St., 508 Plum St. and 803 East Pearl St. in Decorah as well as 2480 Dogwood Rd. in the Freeport area. Kelty was charged with conspiring with intent to delivery methamphetamine, gathering where controlled substances are being used and possession of methamphetamine. Court records also show 30-year-old Tara Collette Albertson of Decorah was charged with conspiring to deliver methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance. In addition, 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. Other court records show 41-year-old

Raymond Delagarza, 42-yearold 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, and 37-year-old Mandy Jo Hammond of Eldorado was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was later charged with two counts of possession of contraband in a jail after authorities discovered a coin purse in her cell which contained a small pocket knife as well as three baggies and two containers holding methamphetamine.

Kubik was found to be residing at the Dogwood Road address during the April 4 searches, though his permanent address at the time indicated he was living in Postville. Information from the Iowa Sex Offender Registry shows Kubik was convicted in 2006 of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse against a woman between the ages of 14 and 17 in Johnson County — Kubik was 19 years old at that time, according to the state registry. Kubik admitted to staying at the Dogwood Road address for a number of weeks without reporting his whereabouts to authorities as required. He was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine as well as other drug-related items. He was ultimately charged with three counts of violating requirements of the state’s sex offender registry as well as possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kubik pleaded guilty to two of the three registry violations and the possession charge as part of a July 29 filing. The paraphernalia charge was dismissed at Kubik’s cost. He is to serve two years of probation for one of the registry violations and five years for the other as well as another two years for the methamphetamine charge. The court also ordered him to pay two separate $855 fines, which were both suspended while he complies with the terms of his probation. Court records show seven of the other eight defendants has so far maintained pleas of not guilty — online court filings have yet to show a plea entered in the case against Kelty. Currently, trials for the remaining eight individuals are scheduled for various dates between Sept. 17 and Nov. 5. Albertson and Reisner remain in custody at the Winneshiek County Jail. Delagarza is also being held at the jail on separate charges stemming from an alleged kidnapping incident in late May.

Mitchell Joseph Kubik

Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski holds up a pledge form during the city council meeting Monday, encouraging those in attendance to donate and support the future Decorah sports complex. (Photo by Denise Lana)

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Like many Midwest communities, the city of Ossian owes at least some of its longevity to the expansion of railway lines during the mid 1800s. It has been 175 years since Ossian was first established, and residents plan to celebrate the milestone this weekend.

The settlement which would become Ossian was founded by a Pennsylvania man named John Ossian Porter, according to information from the city. A proclamation signed on Jan. 6, 2025, by Ossian’s current Mayor Bryan Beckman said Porter named the city after his youngest son. W.E. Alexander’s 1882 book “The History of Winneshiek and Allamakee Counties” contained excerpts from the former Ossian Herald, saying Porter settled a site about 12 miles south of Decorah in 1850 — the next settlers in that area didn’t arrive for another 18 months.

A growing community

Charles H. Sparks wrote in his 1877 work “The History of Winneshiek County with Biographical Sketches of its Eminent Men,” that Winneshiek County “was deluged with a healthy immigration” between 1851 and 1853. By 1882, the population of Military Township in southeastern Winneshiek County numbered about 1,500 — and nearly a third of that number resided in Ossian.

The city’s population steadily increased from 1880 into the 1920s before dipping to about 740 residents around 1930, according to information from the city’s website. Ossian’s population had bounded back to 806 by 1940 and, as of the 2020 decennial U.S. Census, the total number of residents there has remained above the 800 mark each subsequent decade.

Historians described Ossian as “the second village in Winneshiek County,” and Porter is credited with building the community’s first house — a log cabin almost 20-feet square — which the Herald said served as a hotel and stage station

for a number of years. A brick house was built six years before Ossian was incorporated, and the building served as an early school for a time.

The city was incorporated in March of 1876. George McWilliams served as the city’s first mayor, and by the time Alexander wrote his history of the community, Ossian had become home to multiple newspapers, a bank, an attorney’s office, two elevators, a general store and at least two churches.

The archives cited by Alexander said Porter’s original town site for Ossian was recorded in April of 1855 and consisted of 14 lots forming a total of three blocks. Porter himself became the city’s first postmaster and later served as a county sheriff, according to Alexander’s history. A Capt. C.E. Brooks recorded the city’s first addition two years after Porter’s original site was platted, expanding the city by six blocks and adding 63 lots.

Less than a decade later, the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railways were built past what the Herald called Ossian’s door in 1865, cutting through the northeast portion of the township on a route toward Ridgeway — Alexander said Ossian became one of the railroad’s seven main stops in Winneshiek County. Brooks had platted a second addition to the city the year prior, totaling about 30 blocks. The Herald called Brooks’ decision “farsighted, for the town lots were in demand immediately.”

“The following year, the construction of numerous dwellings was commenced, and business interests of various kinds multiplied,” the newspaper said.

But the archives also called the path of the expanding railroad “the death blow” for the community of Frankville, less than 10 miles to the northeast. Sparks’ history said Frankville was founded by Frank Teabout around 1851. He wrote the settlement “was little more than a trading point, at which lived the only inhabitant and proprietor” until state officials sought to construct a “road for the benefit of immigrants seeking homes in northeastern Iowa and southern

Railway helped bolster Ossian during its early days

Minnesota.” Officials decided to construct the road from the area near Teabout’s property to Decorah.

“Immediately on the location of the road, as if by magic, a town grew up about the nucleus that had previously been built, and was given the name of Frankville,” Spark wrote.

Spark said the town continued to prosper until the railway was built to the southwest and cut off the aspiring settlement.

“Then came its decline,” he wrote.

Subsequent celebrations

The city of Ossian drew 15,000 attendees to its threeday centennial celebration in 1950, according to archives of the Decorah Journal. The event featured parades and coincided with a visit from the Million Dollar Jay Gould Circus, which had been performing in Freeport, Illinois, and was on its way to Rochester, Minnesota. Ossian’s centennial committee had chosen to drum up publicity for the centennial by requiring men within a 5-mile radius of the city to “show their manliness by growing a mustache, sideburns or a full beard” in preparation for a contest. Those unable to grow out their whiskers were to pay the committee a fine of 10-cents per day — the good-natured mandate took effect April 1, and the centennial celebration took place June 17.

The front page of the June 1, 1950, Decorah Journal informed readers Lester Hexom had been acquitted of “violating the laws of the Ossian Centennial Whisker Club at a kangaroo court” which had been set up the evening of May 27 that year near the Figge garage in Ossian.

Several witnesses were called to testify regarding Hexom’s lack of facial hair, and “the prosecution asked for the use of a lie detector, which gave audible evidence of truth and fiction.”

“The judge also allowed the application of a well-known 90-proof truth serum, which produced quick but hasty results,” the Journal’s tongue-incheek reporting said.

RIGHT- A number of churches were constructed in Ossian during the late 1800s, several within two or three decades of the city’s incorporation. This photo from 1912 shows the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Ossian. (Photo courtesy of Terry Linderbaum)

Winners of the beard contest were selected from several categories and age brackets — David Brom and Vernon Bohr were awarded the top two slots in the under 20 division of the thinnest beard category. Ossian celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2000 and revived the beard judging contest — organizers that year added categories such as “More hair on face than head,” “No-chew stained” and “Most likely to succeed.”

The city’s 2025 celebration will again feature a beard contest. This year’s tried-and-true tradition will take place Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Carey’s Park Pavillion.

Ossian’s weekend festivities are slated to begin Friday, with historical displays, a community block party, children’s activities and live entertain-

ment as well as the proclaiming of the 2025 celebration’s emcees, royalty and grand marshals. Organizers will also open a time capsule in Carey’s Park that day before placing another the next day. The celebration will continue rolling Saturday morning with a 5K run/ walk and numerous other

time. (Photo courtesy of Terry Linderbaum)

activities as well as various food options, competitions, an afternoon parade and an evening fireworks display. Sunday will conclude the celebration with an

church service.

A clock near the intersection of Lydia Street and Main Street in Ossian bears words noting the city was established 175 years ago in 1850. (Photo

Historians said western expansion of the nation’s railways reached Ossian in 1865 — about a decade before the city was incorporated — and contributed to a local housing boom. The steeple of St. Francis de Sales can be seen in the background of this photo as a train pulls into Ossian. (Photo courtesy of Terry Linderbaum)

LEFT- Historian Charles H. Sparks wrote in his 1877 review

ecumenical

by Zach Jensen)

Ossian’s Becker Hardware spans five generations

A couple of German immigrants couldn’t have known the business they founded generations ago in Ossian would become one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the state of Iowa.

The story of Becker Hardware began when Joseph Becker, who emigrated from Eppe, Germany, in 1868, settled with his family in Ossian. A few years after his arrival, he went into the hardware business, in which he was successfully engaged for many years. In 1890, he purchased a lot on the southwest corner of Main and Lydia Streets and built a three-story building for his hardware, plumbing and heating business. The building also contained an apartment for his family, and the remainder of the second floor was used for a public hall. Becker Hardware continues to operate out of the same building 135 years later.

In earlier years, Becker Hardware sold round oak stoves and serviced televisions and household appliances. The family adjusted the store’s offerings to meet the demands of the area’s livestock industry, and they continued to expand its services as needed. Today the business employs a fleet of seven licensed installation and service technicians to offer full service for plumbing, heating and electrical as well as wells and pumps.

Ossian Commercial Club and officials said he was considered a progressive merchant, favoring projects for the betterment of Ossian.

Joseph Becker and his family welcomed son Charles Becker in 1881, who became associated with his father in the hardware business at an early age. Charles was honored in 1948 by the Iowa Hardware Association on his 50th anniversary as a member of the association. He was also a member of the

Charles’ son Richard was the third generation to carry on the family business. He worked alongside his father after serving his country during World War II. Following his father’s sudden death from a heart attack in 1948, Richard took on the ownership of Becker Hardware. He held that role until his retirement in 1985 — which also happened to be the business’ 100-year anniversary — and his son Ron took over the store. Ron had worked with his father full time following high school graduation, and he continued to expand the business in many areas after taking the reins as owner. Ron’s sons Ryan and Regan are now the fifth generation to own and operate Becker Hardware. They too worked at the store during high school. They each graduated from community college, and continued to help the business expand. The sons purchased the store from their father in 2013. The family is poised to potentially pass the keys to the store on to yet another generation — Ryan and his wife Kathy have four children, and Regan and his wife Jackie have three children.

Beckers named grand marshals for Ossian 175th

organizations in the community and continue to dedicate much of their time to ensuring the city of Ossian thrives.

Ron and Mae Becker of Ossian have been selected as grand marshals for Saturday’s parade in Ossian. The couple rode through Decorah during the July 26 Nordic Fest parade, and they will wave to crowds once again during Ossian’s 175th celebration this weekend. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Ron owned Becker Hardware after working at the family business for many years. He has since passed the torch to his sons — the fifth generation to operate what is now one of the county’s oldest family-owned businesses. Mae was a teacher and principal at De Sales School — now St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Schools — for many years, and officials said she was instrumental in developing the Ossian Daycare Center.

The Beckers have been long-time members of St. Francis de Sales Church and have given to the congregation in many ways.

A photo of Main Street in Ossian from 1912 seems to show the intersection which Becker Hardware has occupied for five generations. The store is located on a corner

the

storefront from the right

and

doors down from the offices of the former Ossian Bee (Photo submitted)

A vintage photo of the city’s Main Street shows patrons going about their business in downtown Ossian. (Photo courtesy of Terry Linderbaum)

The Catholic church was the first to be built in Ossian, ac- cording to historians. This photo shows Ossian’s St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, its parsonage and the parochial school. (Photo courtesy of Terry Linderbaum)

Historian W.E. Alexander cited archives of the former Ossian Herald in saying a man named John Case was the community’s first school teacher, and he instructed students in a select school housed over the store of Erick Anderson, who was described as the city’s first merchant. Alexander said “a commodious brick schoolhouse” was built in Ossian in 1870. (Photo courtesy of Terry Linderbaum)

Edited from information provided by the Ossian Crown Club

Ossian 175th Anniversary

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The city of Ossian will be celebrating the 175th anniversary of its founding this weekend. Numerous displays, competitions and other events are scheduled to take place in honor of the milestone. Organizers with the Ossian Crown Club posted a schedule of events ahead of the celebration.

FRIDAY, AUG. 8

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Historic store backgrounds, displays and signage along Main Street

1-5 p.m. — State of Iowa Historical Mobile Lab at Ossian City Library

5 p.m. — Historical slide show at the Carey’s Park pavilion

5-10 p.m. — Inflatables in Carey’s Park

5 p.m. to midnight — Beer tent in Carey’s Park

6:15 p.m. — Kids’ parade - near West Brooks Street and Bravo Drive (line up begins at 6 p.m.)

7 p.m. — Proclamation and introduction of master and mistress of ceremonies, queen, Little Miss, Little Mr. Ossian, grand marshals, logo awards and the opening of a time capsule at the Carey’s Park pavilion

8 p.m. to midnight — Live entertainment with Bad Dog 20/20 at the Carey’s Park pavilion

SATURDAY, AUG. 9

8-10 a.m. — Pancake breakfast at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School gymnasium - 414 E. Main St.

8 a.m. — 5K run/walk beginning at St. Teresa School (registration from 7-7:50 a.m. with awards ceremony at 9 a.m.)

9:15 a.m. (following the 5K) — 175-foot Tot Trot for ages 5 and under at St. Teresa

9:30 a.m. (following the 5K) — Kids’ 175-yard dash for ages 6-12 at St. Teresa

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Historical store backgrounds, display and signage along Main Street

9-11 a.m. — Old fashioned pictures with Sara Hageman at the Old City Hall jail

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Vendor fair along Main Street and Breitsprecher’s lot

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — State of Iowa Historical Mobile Lab at Ossian City Library

9 a.m .to 4 p.m. — Chalk the Walk at Luana Savings Bank parking lot

9-10 a.m. — Inflatables in Carey’s Park

11 a.m. — Food trucks and service organization food booths in Carey’s Park

11 a.m. — Beer tent in Carey’s Park

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Car and tractor show along Main Street and Lydia Street (prizes awarded at 3:30 west of Carey’s Park)

11:30 a.m. — Magician Eric Michaels at the Carey’s Park pavilion

Noon — Mullet contest at the Carey’s Park pavilion (registration from 10:45-11:30 a.m.)

1 p.m. — Kids’ tractor pull in Carey’s Park (registration opens at 12:30 p.m.)

1 p.m. — Look Alike Contest in Carey’s Park (registration from noon to 12:45 p.m.)

1-3 p.m. — Face painting in Carey’s Park

1-3 p.m. — Balloon art in Carey’s Park

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Historical slide show at the 1898 fire station

2 p.m. — McGregor Fun Bags tournament in Carey’s Park (registration opens at 1:30 p.m.)

2-4 p.m. — Emplify Health’s GundersenAIR helicopter visit south of Carey’s Park off West Brooks Street

2-4 p.m. — Live entertainment with David Woods in Carey’s Park pavilion

4-6 p.m. — Live entertainment with Steve Schroeder in Carey’s Park pavilion

7 p.m. — Grand parade along Main Street

8 p.m. — Beard contest at the Carey’s Park pavilion (registration from 5:15-6 p.m.)

8 p.m. — Live entertainment with Cory Farley in Carey’s Park

10 p.m. — Fireworks

SUNDAY, AUG. 10

10 a.m. — Ecumenical service with presentation of flags, readings, music, communion and placing of a time capsule at the Carey’s Park pavilion

10 a.m. to noon — Historical store backgrounds, displays and signage along Main Street

Community converting Ossian’s former city hall into local museum

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

Earlier this year, Ossian business owner, city council member and long-time resident Sue Lienau set her sights on revamping the former Ossian City Hall building. She and others aim to transform it into a museum filled with treasures from the community’s history.

“My goal was the veterans memorial and the old Ossian City Hall shop,” Lienau said. “Before I leave this earth, I wanted to do those two things.”

RIGHT- The city of Ossian has contributed tens of thousands of dollars aid in making repairs to the former city hall building. (Photos by Denise Lana)

BELOW- Among the items in the former city hall building is this cash register once used inside Brockman’s Grocery.

Lienau, along with fellow residents Leanne Imoehl, Joyce Halborson and their spouses, have been diligently collecting and creating displays for hundreds of pieces of Ossian memorabilia. They plan to open the museum to visitors as Ossian celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding this weekend.

“These girls and their husbands have put a lot of work into this, and we are asking for free will donations so we can continue working upstairs,” Lienau said. “This building has good bones, and we want to make something great out of it.”

The old city hall building, located on Lydia Street adjacent to Lienau’s restaurant, Bambino’s, once housed not only Ossian’s city office, but also a fire department, a library, American Legion Headquarters and the town’s jail. The local VFW post even had a bar located on the building’s second floor at one point.

Lienau and others campaigned to save the building several years ago, and the city spent $65,000 repairing portions of the building’s brick exterior as well as replacing some of its deteriorating mortar. The city has contributed $30,000 during the past several months for improvements and renovations on the museum site.

Ossian city maintenance employees Chad Bohr and Kyle Tieskoetter cleared out the building and cleaned up the area for Lienau and her team to being work.

“Our boys Kyle and Chad have worked their tails off with this project,” Lienau said. “You couldn’t even walk in the building before. There was just a path. Their work was huge.”

The building’s main floor is now decorated with vintage appliances, uniforms, sundries and equipment from Ossian businesses and organizations, many of which no longer exist. An old horse-drawn fire

cart which Lienau said once carried hoses and was used by past generations of Ossian firefighters now sits in the middle of the room.

“We have quite a tribute to our veterans too,” Lienau said, pointing to an old pair of leather paratrooper jump boots the budding museum recently received. “Mel Bohr is in his 80s, and he gave us his duffle bag. These boots were still in the bag.”

Military cots, flags, uniforms and medals are displayed in a large area at the back of the room, and there are several shelves filled with items which belonged to local veterans.

“There’s some really cool stuff here —we have an old military flag, old foot powder, a soap box from a military kit,” Lienau said. “There is William Dvorak’s actual paper where he got called to go to war, and a case of ribbons and awards from Donnie Schrader, who was combat-wounded. We also have a second case that belonged to George Wander.”

Lienau also highlighted an elaborate cash register, which was once used inside Brockman’s Grocery. Nearby shelves are filled with vintage items from Reilly Construction, Schroeder Clothing and Furnishings and Becker Hardware. The collection even features a pair of hand-carved wooden shoes worn by resident Ida Lansing’s grandmother.

Elsewhere inside the former city hall building, a table displays items representatives of Dr. Ignatius Greene’s profession — glass bottles, graduated cylinders, medical tape and cans of waterproof plaster.

“Dr. Green was the town’s doctor for 46 years,” Lienau said. “We’ve also got items in here from the local boy scout troop, individual businesses, the railroad and there’s a corner dedicated to our farmers.”

The building’s jail cells have become part of the historic display as well, complete with cots, wool blankets, prayer

booklets and rosaries, as they were in days past. There’s even a picture of Otis, the iconic character from the “Andy Griffith Show,” who often spent his time sobering up in the fictional Mayberry jail.

A rack of uniforms and costumes are currently hanging near the rear of the jail area in preparation for the city’s festivities this weekend.

“We are going to be taking old timey jail pictures for two hours, and you can bring your kids,” Lienau said.

Plenty of work remains to be done on Ossian’s former city hall building, according to Lienau. Organizers hope to install glass display cases to protect the museum’s collection.

The building also needs a new restroom and updated windows upstairs. Lienau said organizers hope to install a stairlift to allow greater access to the upper level for elderly individuals and those with mobility issues.

The Ossian City Hall Museum will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, as part of the city’s 175th celebration, as well as from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Lienau and her team are still looking for photos, memorabilia and any other items related to Ossian’s history. Those who would like to donate or lend items to the museum may contact Lienau at 563379-7739, any member of the Ossian Crown Club or staff at Ossian City Hall.

Among the items in the museum’s collection is a pair of wooden shoes worn by resident Ida Lansing’s grandmother.

2023 upgrades to Ossian veterans memorial remain a boon to the city

Improvements to the veterans memorial in Ossian, such as the addition of several statues, were unveiled during a rededication ceremony in November of 2023. Organizers said the memorial continues to draw visitors to the city of less than 1,000 people. (Photo by Denise Lana)

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

Nearly 160,000 military veterans reside in Iowa, according to recent statistics, and there are hundreds of veterans memorials across the state honoring those individuals and their service to the country. Ossian, which boasts a population less than 1,000, is no exception.

Two of Ossian’s native sons, Army Air Corps First Lt. Rodney Nicholson Jr. and Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Bohr, both perished during military combat and are honored through a memorial erected in the town’s Cary Park. But a few years ago, local business owner, city council member and long-time Ossian resident

Sue Lienau decided veterans and the town deserved a more prominent monument — and Lienau put her position and popularity to work.

“Our memorial had three

flags and a small backdrop, and I would see all these towns putting up all these beautiful memorials, and I wanted our town to do that,” Lienau said.

“Being on Ossian’s City Council, I felt I could get the city to help kick in on the project.”

She joined forces with military veteran Alvin Hageman. Together, they created a design and a plan for funding the veterans memorial project, which would improve upon the current monument.

Lienau and Hageman drew inspiration from the nearly full-sized painted statues at a veterans memorial in the city of Lawler. They approached a company in Minnesota to manufacture similar statues for Ossian’s improved tribute to its veterans. The Lawler memorial’s statues were painted with various hues to appear lifelike, but Lienau and Hageman decided on single-colored statues for the Ossian memorial’s up-

grade.

“We wanted them to be all bronze — just one color — so it wouldn’t be too hard to touch them up,” Lienau said.

The duo rallied residents of the small town to financially support the project, which had a price tag of around $20,000. They ended up collecting approximately $42,000 and put all the funds toward memorial upgrades.

The final design, complete with statues representing each branch of the military, women in uniform and fallen soldiers, was unveiled in November of 2023, during a rededication ceremony.

Since then, Lienau says the memorial has brought more visitors to Ossian.

“A lot of people have stopped at the park to see it,” she said. “It boosts our community and makes our park complete. I don’t think we had visitors like that before.”

Carey’s Park, Pape Cabin continue to be a prominent facets of Ossian

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

Carey’s Park in Ossian was originally opened in 1951 by the James Carey family, according to information from the city. The property, which includes a small historical log cabin, is now owned and maintained by the city.

Carey’s Park is named in honor of James Carey — nicknamed Bob during his

service in the 8th Air Force’s 466th Bombardment Group during WWII — who owned a service station across the street from the park. A Casey’s General Store now stands in that location. The military veteran began working to clean up the property in 1951 in an effort to reduce the number of car accidents in the area, according to his son Keith Carey. A postcard from the park bore the slogan “A place to rest may save a death.”

“My dad built that park,” the younger Carey said. “Before that, it was nothing but weeds, and the bottom of it was a dump station. He went in there with his 1928 Model A and a homemade trailer made from a pickup box, and he made it into a park, because it just looked so bad.”

The property measured about a third of an acre, and Carey’s father cleared the property of weeds and brush using only a handheld scythe, his son said. Once the brush was cleared, he also planted flowers and trees in the park and built a park shelter.

“The reason why this park was started was for you tired travelers,” the postcard reads. “We believe that, in giving you a place to rest, we are contributing to safety on our highways.”

The Iowa Highway Commission designated the property as a park in 1956 and, in 1968, Carey’s father bought a service station from Superior 400 and turned it into Carey’s Gulf service station.

“He just loved that place,” Carey said, noting it seemed like his father worked almost 24 hours every day and every day of the week. “He sold bread, ice cream, candy bars, meat, milk and we had every brand of cigarette there was. It was quite a place.”

The younger Carey, a former Fayette County Sheriff’s deputy and West Union police officer, recalled accompanying his father as the service station responded to vehicle accidents, saying they often used heavy pry bars to extricate victims from

their vehicles.

“When I was 13 years old, I’d go with him on wrecker calls and help get people out of their crashed cars,” Keith said.

“I think that kind made a path for me.” He recalled one such service call — in which a vehicle had felled a city light pole — inspired his father to add a prominent feature to the park.

“We went over to tow the car and dad said, ‘We can use that light pole,’” Carey said. “So, he cut the cement off it and brought it back to the station.”

He said his father quickly fashioned the park’s first flagpole out of the downed light pole, which waved the American flag for about 30 years after it was first erected.

Carey’s Park is also home to the Pape Cabin, which Herman Pape officially donated to the city of Ossian in 1976 — the same year the Iowa Department of Transportation sold the park to the city of Ossian to resolve a zoning issue, according to a Des Moines Register report from that year. Bob Carey visited the sight of the Herman Page farm in February of that year as part of a group of Ossian Crown Club members who hoped to see the cabin’s original location.

The cabin was built by immigrants Lars Olsen Sigedal and his wife Thorbjar Thoresdatter Ingwalson, who emigrated from Norway via sailboat, according to information from local historian Irmgard Hein Ellingson. Local news archives say the cabin is believed to have been built south of Ossian during the late 1860s.

After the Pape family donated the cabin to the city of Ossian, Bob Reilly, founder of Reilly Construction in Ossian, donated the use of his semi to

haul the cabin several miles north to its current resting place in Carey’s Park, Ellingson said. Ellingson said Bob Carey was involved in the project, as were Rich Becker, Pam Breitsprecher, Bill Dessel, Bob Reilly, John Schmitt, Georganne Schweinefus, Bob Vagts and the Valland brothers.

According to notes Carey kept during the project, he crafted a desk for inside the cabin on Aug. 24, 1976, after moving the structure to its final stead. He also made a donation box from recycled engine parts and “old used iron.” He said the first donation the cabin received was 23 cents.

Bob Carey died of a stroke in 1977, and the convenience store closed in 1979.

“When he passed away, it took a long time to get over it,” Keith said. “I loved him so much, and I was really proud of him.”

The cabin fell into a state of disrepair and was vandalized over the years which followed. The Ossian City Council considered removing the cabin from the park in 2019, but the Carey family organized a successful fundraising campaign to save the cabin. Mike Meyer of Ossian and Kevin Lee of Freeport made repairs to the structure and added a new roof later that year.

Today, 74 years after Bob Carey’s scythe trimmed its first weed from the property, Carey’s Park consists of the cabin, two open shelters, picnic tables, a park bench, play equipment and a pavilion. A number of events scheduled for the city’s upcoming 175th celebration will take place in the park and its pavilion.

The Pape Cabin in Ossian was built by immigrants Lars Olsen Sigedal and his wife Thorbjar Thoresdatter Ingwalson in the 1860s. Today, the cabin sits in Carey’s Park. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Bob Reilly, founder of Reilly Construction in Ossian, donated the use of his semi to haul the cabin several miles north to its current resting place in Carey’s Park. (Photo submitted)

One of the original postcards for Carey’s Park depicts Bob Carey’s portrait and his slo- gan “A place to rest may save a death.” (Photo sub- mitted)

Munson brings blues to Decorah

Mike Munson was the featured musician on July 31 during Decorah’s Lawn Chair Night on Washington Street. Relying on blues musical inspirations, which date back more than 100 years, Munson has traveled the country playing on stages of all sizes and has been featured in magazines such as “Smithsonian” and “Guitar Player.”

The downtown streets heat up with musical performances every Thursday night from June through August. The series is made possible by Down-

town Decorah Betterment, Visit Decorah and Impact Coffee, with contributions from many area sponsors, and Lawn Chair Night offers music lovers of all ages an opportunity to enjoy bluegrass, jazz and folk music each week during the summer in downtown Decorah. Those attending the Thursday night concerts are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or blanket, pick up some food from nearby eateries and enjoy the weekly entertainment options. The Lawn Chair concert series will continue at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 7 with a performance by Blake Shaw on Washington Street.

Remaining performances:

Aug. 13: Special performance by Driftless Wind Ensemble at 7 p.m. on the Vesterheim Museum patio

Aug. 14: The Bird Hunters at 6 p.m. on Washington Street

Aug. 21: Jason Walsmith at 6 p.m. on Washington Street

Aug. 28: A welcome back to Luther College concert featuring Driftless Jazz at 6 p.m. on Washington Street

Calmar Lutheran Church members serve on mission trip to Kenosha

A group of 11 members from Calmar Lutheran Church recently traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to take part in a weeklong mission trip organized by Group Missions. Members who participated in the mission trip were Bridget Adam, Chance Adam, Caylie Adam, Chase Adam, Jenna Dahl, Brad Dahl, Jill Dahl, Heath Hosheit, Rachel Meyer, Sheila Halweg and Bo Wangsness. The group joined volunteers from eight different churches across the United States and worked together to serve the community there.

While in Kenosha, the Calmar team was divided into small-

er work crews and partnered with other volunteers. The crews served at three main locations — Home Inspired, a memory care facility; Beacon Place, a summer school program; and Affirm, an all-girls Christian school. Throughout the week, volunteers engaged in a variety of projects including painting, maintenance work, gardening, organizing activities for children, leading programs for adults and visiting with residents.

Devotions took place in both large and small group settings each morning, noon and evening. Participants also encour-

aged one another through “care cards” written during the week, and they learned coping strategies for life’s challenges using the acronym EQUIP — evaluate, question, understand, improve and proclaim. In addition to their service, the Calmar group enjoyed fellowship together, such as the sharing of a steak dinner before heading to America’s Action Territory for miniature golf, gokarts and laser tag. On Friday, after leaving the mission facility, the group capped off the week with a charter fishing trip on Lake Michigan, where they caught several fish.

Veterans given Quilts of Valor over Nordic Fest

submitted)

Young earns Melvin Jones Fellowship Award

Lions Club

Young received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award during the July 22 meeting of the Decorah Lions Club. Lions Club Secretary Brad Schwartz presented the award to Young.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is the highest recognition offered by Lions Clubs International. It is named after Melvin Jones, the founder of the organization, and is given to individuals who demonstrate oustanding humanitarian service and commitment to the ideals of Lionism.

Young is a long-time member of the Lions Club and has chaired the club’s Pancake Grill and Suppers Committee for

many years. Pancake suppers are one of the main fundraisers for the Decorah Lions Club.

Moneys raised by the club provides scholarships for graduating seniors, as well as so called camperships for young people attending special needs camps and funds to train leader dogs for the visually impaired.

Lions Club International is a service organization dedicated to serving the needs of individuals, the community, the state, the country and the world. Programs include sight conservation, hearing, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations and environmental issues.

Public invited to meet new Edward Jones advisor

Edward Jones Financial Advisors Nathan Paulsen and Zachary Shearer recently announced financial advisor Justin Gullekson has joined their office in Decorah. Gullekson plans to host a public meet and greet event starting at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the local branch office — 201 W. Water St. in Decorah.

“I’m looking forward to working with Nate and Zach and meeting investors in this area,” Gullekson said. “I admire their commitment to doing what’s right for clients, and I believe working with them will make me a better financial advisor.”

Gullekson has years of experience in the financial services industry and is a certified financial planner professional.

“Justin will help provide the high level of service investors in Decorah have come to expect from us as we work to make a meaningful difference for our clients and our community,” Shearer said.

The local branch office is located at 201 W. Water St. in Decorah and can be reached by calling 563-382-9689.

at 563-4191711.

6-year-old Piper Fromm kicked up her heals and showed off her dance moves during Mike Munson’s July 31 performance during Lawn Chair Night on Washington Street in Decorah.

Mike Munson, of Winona, Minnesota, performed some foot-tapping blues Thursday during Lawn Chair Night in downtown Decorah. (Photos by Zach Jensen)

A group of 13 area veterans were presented Quilts of Valor inside the Carrie Lee Elementary Auditorium during this year’s Nordic Fest in Decorah. Pictured are (front row) Leo Macal, Justin Johnson, Roger Hammel, Richard Hammel, John Gipp, Kyle Fischer, Jay Courtney, (back row) Hans Bakken, Tim Moon, Todd Moon, Suzanne Boeke, Tyler Buck and Joe Bushman. The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of covering service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. To nominate a veteran, contact Mary Eagan

(Photo submitted)

The Calmar Lutheran mission team consisted of (front row) Jill Dahl, Sheila Halweg, Rachel Meyer, Jenna Dahl, Caylie Adam (back row) Heath Hosheit, Bridget Adam, Bo Wangsness, Chance Adam and Brad Dahl. Not pictured is team member Chase Adam. (Photo submitted)

Decorah

member Dennis

Decorah Lions Club member Dennis Young (left) recently received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from Lion’s Club Secretary Brad Schwartz. (Photo

Justin Gullekson

Area students receive 4-H scholarships

The Iowa 4-H Foundation recently announced several area students were awarded scholarships during a ceremony Sunday, June 29 in Ames. A total of 115 Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at more than $121,850 were awarded as a part of the foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony. Over 450 applications were submitted, and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 58 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

“Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarships acknowledge the hard work and dedication of young people who have used their 4-H skills and experiences to ‘make the best better’ for others,” said Emily Saveraid, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “We also are thankful for the many scholarship donors who fund these important opportunities for Iowa 4-Hers.”

Marion

Jerome 4-H Scholarship

Kendric Langreck and Samantha Williams, both of Winneshiek County, were awarded the Marion Jerome 4-H Scholarship. This annual scholarship was established by Candace and David Arp for one male and one female 4-H alum to attend any two or four year college. Preference is given to 4-H participants showing financial need from Winneshiek, Howard and Allamakee counties. Those from Chickasaw, Fayette and Clayton counties are also eligible.

After completing his freshman year as an engineering student at Iowa State University, Langreck has remained a dedicated 4-H alum, according to organizers. Langreck explored many hands-on-focused projects throughout his nine years as a 4-H member. From restoring a garden tractor and completing the “Bucket of Junk” contest to leading poultry showmanship workshops, he explored his interests through 4-H. Langreck volunteered as part of an annual Christmas family adoption program and orchestrated a club wreath fundraiser even after aging out of 4-H.

Williams has served three years as her club president, exhibited projects at many levels, participated in the National 4-H Agri-Science Summit and established a farm-to-fork education project in her community. Organizers said she is committed to giving back to the livestock industry and 4-H network which supported her through her youth. Williams credits 4-H for teaching her confidence, goal setting and the power of community. She is an incoming student at Iowa State University and intends to study animal science with the goal of becoming an embryologist.

Kris Fish Kuhlman Legacy 4-H Scholarship

Caylie Adam of Winneshiek County was awarded the Kris Fish Kuhlman Legacy 4-H Scholarship. This annual scholarship is for an applicant whose life and career direction

Community briefs

Decorah blood drive to be held next month

LifeServe Blood Center will host a Decorah Community Blood Drive from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at 1111 Montgomery St. To schedule a blood donation appointment, visit lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800-287-4903.

have been significantly impacted by 4-H. Applicants should be completing their ninth year in 4-H, in any county in Iowa, be a graduating high school senior with plans to attend any college or university and pursue any major in the state of Iowa. Financial need is a strong consideration.

Adam will begin studying education at Waldorf University this fall. She has experience in a variety of project areas such as communication, citizenship, animal and veterinary science, child development and rabbits. Organizers said her passion for the rabbit project area led her to form rabbit exhibition workshops which are to be given at the county, state and national levels. She hopes to continue helping others and explore the passions 4-H has exposed her to throughout the future.

Oster Journalism

Endowed 4-H Scholarship

Katrina Hageman of Winneshiek County was awarded the Oster Journalism Endowed 4-H Scholarship. Provided through the endowment created by Merrill J. Oster, this scholarship is given to an applicant who will be a college sophomore, junior or senior at Iowa State University during the next academic year. The recipient must major in journalism or communication studies and provide documentation of journalism activity and skills in their application.

Hageman is studying agricultural communications with a minor in agronomy at Iowa State University. A lifelong 4-H member, she has exhibited dairy and swine, served as an officer in her club and as part of the county council, and she has used her digital media talents to support organizations throughout her community. She has designed graphics and developed websites for various 4-H programs, sparking her interest in agricultural journalism. She

credits 4-H with strengthening her leadership, public speaking and time management skills. She now uses these abilities to support her career goals within agricultural communications.

C.J. Gauger Endowed 4-H Scholarship

Holly Schmitt of Winneshiek County was awarded the C.J. Gauger Endowed 4-H Scholarship. Provided by an endowment funded through contributions in honor and memory of C. J. Gauger, former state 4-H program leader, this scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated participation in 4-H leadership programs and activities and will be pursuing a degree at Iowa State University during the next academic year. Schmitt is an Iowa State student double majoring in agricultural and life sciences education as well as event management.

Organizer said Schmitt, a 12year member of the Winneshiek County 4-H program, realized first-hand how 4-H is an organization built by youth and for youth. She learned to focus on continually improving herself from day to day instead of improving herself from someone else’s point of view.

PIC North American Swine II 4-H Scholarship

Morgan Moen of Winneshiek County was awarded the PIC North American Swine II 4-H Scholarship. This annual scholarship is for any Iowa 4-H member who was active in the swine project area and/or inter-

est in the swine industry. Applicants should be a collegiate sophomore, junior or senior with a GPA of 3.0 or above, attending any two or four-year accredited school. Applicants must be pursuing an education preparing for a career in the swine industry.

Moen is studying agricultural studies at Iowa State University with minors in agronomy and animal science. She served in multiple club roles and was an Iowa 4-H healthy living ambassador. Her favorite experiences include showing livestock, welding in the bucket of junk contest, and leading a countywide food insecurity workshop. Moen hopes to return to her family’s farm and work to support conservation practices.

Mueller to discuss book during Senior Center visit

Bill Mueller of DeWitt will speak during the monthly Senior Center Program at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at 806 River St. in Decorah. Mueller grew up as one of 11 children on a small farm in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He taught eigth grade government and history for 34 years — 31 of them at Maquoketa. He also coached wrestling for many years. Now semi-retired he is in his 18th year of teaching drivers’ education for the Mississippi Bend AEA. Mueller is the author of two books. His first was titled “Come Drive With Me,” and contained entertaining stories about driving as well as tips to improve one’s driving. The Aug. 8 program will include a few stories from his second book, “Time to Ship Another Steer,” which was originally written for his grandchildren and focuses on life growing up on the farm in a large family. The public is welcome to attend the Senior Center’s programs. Each is to be followed by refreshments and fellowship.

Decorah quilters to hold final meeting of 2025

The Decorah Area Quilters will hold their 12th and final meeting of the year at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 at ArtHaus in Decorah. After a welcome and introductions, members are encouraged to share show-and-tell projects. The program for the evening will include discussing the previous year, planning programs for the group’s third year and a slide show from the 2025 “Airing Out the Quilts” which took place last month in Decorah. For more information, contact Mike Ellingsen at 507602-0322 or Jarret Johnson at 563-419-6952.

German American Museum to welcome amateur geologists

Rockhounds and artifact collectors will be gathering at the German American Museum in St. Lucas to share their experiences by displaying and expounding on their best examples of rocks and artifacts found in this area of Iowa. The event will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. Presenters will include Mark Langreck of Waucoma, Jacob Bruess of Protivin, Leon Herald of Sumner and Bruce Fink of West Union. After the presentations, audience members are invited to share their rockhounding and artifact collecting stories. Participants are invited to bring rocks, fossils or other artifacts and share their stories. Following the presentations, attendees may enjoy refreshments, cookies and summer melon.

Diabetes support group meeting at VMH

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. The meeting will be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital. This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes. For more information, call Angie Mettille, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator with Veterans Memorial Hospital, at 568-3411.

Stringwood Chamber

Music Festival coming to St. Wenseslaus

Students from the Stringwood Chamber Music Festival — a summer program based in Minnesota — will be performing a free concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at St. Wenceslaus Church — 207 Church St. in Spillville. The young musicians’ repertoire includes the music of Antonín Dvořák, who spent the summer of 1893 in Spillville. The performance is free and open to the public.

Luther College Woman’s Club makes plans for upcoming year

Luther College Woman’s Club members (left to right) Lindy Borske-Hubbard, Sue Johnson, Sharon Rossman, Melinda Hanson, Muriel Lensch, Joann Voltmer, Julia Wharton, Joy Bahnemann and Deborah Bishop recently met at the Landing Market to plan the club’s meetings and events for the 2025-26 academic year. The LCWC’s first meeting for the upcoming academic year will be held Sept. 16 in Peace Dining Room at Luther College. Additional information on upcoming program presenters and topics as well as the annual field trip destination will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit luther.edu/alumni-friends/engage/stay-connected/ womans-club. (Photo submitted)

Morgan Moen Samantha Williams

Pictured are (left to right) Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa 4-H director and state program leader, scholarship recipient Kendric Langreck and Emily Saveraid, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. (Photo submitted)

Pictured are (left to right) Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa 4-H director and state program leader, scholarship recipient Katrina Hageman and Emily Saveraid, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. (Photo submitted)

Pictured are (left to right) Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa 4-H director and state program leader, scholarship recipient Holly Schmitt and Emily Saveraid, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. (Photo submitted)

Pictured are (left to right) Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa 4-H director and state program leader, donor Dianne Fish, scholarship recipient Caylie Adam and Emily Saveraid, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. (Photo submitted)

Group to discuss romance, fantasy writing

Decorah author Caitlyn Battelle and Luther College grad Stephanie Olson will hold a conversation with Elise Skellenger, who helps coordinate the annual Oneota Film Festival.

The group will meet at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at T-Bock’s Upstairs — 206 W. Water St. in Decorah — to discuss literary works of romance, fantasy and romantasy in celebration of Bookstore Romance Day. The talk will also be followed by a book signing. The free event is

sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, with support from T-Bock’s and Dragonfly Books. When love tangles with destiny—whether hiding forbidden magic in a deadly court or facing an old enemy for the sake of a long-lost flame—some bonds refuse to break, no matter the cost.

Battelle’s work “Undead Gods” is inspired by the legend of Persephone’s journey to Hades. Reader follow Elysia Park-

er into the soot-drenched world of Kava as she navigates secrets, betrayal, and ultimately, finding herself amidst a world of lies. In Olson’s book “Still Chosen,” Phoebe thought she’d fulfilled her destiny by saving the world at age 16. But when the evil from her youth resurfaces 20 years later, she must remember how to use magic, reconnect with her old friends and, most dreaded of all, make a few new ones.

Academic Achievements

Area students graduate from Luther College

Luther College recently released the names of students who graduated on May 25. The college highlighted several area graduates, including Jessica Campos Arzate who graduated with a degree in communication studies, Alfred Adade Cobbinah who graduated cum laude with a degree in neuroscience, Jay Fjelstul who graduated with degrees in management and nordic studies, Keely Shea Hermanson who graduated cum laude with degrees in psychology and social work, Emmaleigh Ohrt who graduated cum laude with a degree in music, Isaac Roberts who graduated with a degree in nordic studies, Matthew Gunner Smith who graduated with degrees in history and political science, and Emma Walker who graduated cum laude with a degree in English.

Of the spring 2025 graduating class, 124 students received Latin honors across a variety of majors and 18 percdent were first-generation college students. Approximately 4 percent of the graduates were transfer students, 14 percent were international students and nearly 20 percent of the students were double majors.

Sports complex

and he hopes residents who play pickleball will be prone to donate more knowing there is the potential for their funds to be used for an upgraded surface on the pickleball courts.

City council members also heard recommendations from the city’s parks and recreation board to make sod for a ball field a priority, followed by the addition of a third ball field, with batting cages being a third priority.

Decorah City Council member Steven Zittergruen expressed his thanks to the com-

Bachmurski

Exploited Children related to a possible sighting of Colvin during August of 2021 in Harvey, Illinois — about 240 miles from Decorah — and a separate subpoena was requested in January, seeking what the defense called “the alleged victim’s prior history of runaway behavior” and “specific tangible items of evidence regarding her methods and plans,” which Bachmurski’s attorneys believed were in the possession of the Ames Police Department. Bachmurski’s attorneys also argue testimony given by an Iowa Department of Health and Human Services employee during a previous deposition is at odds with other information in the case file, adding “the department worker for Jade Colvin contacted law enforcement and reported that Jade’s mother knew where Jade was at a year or more after Jade’s alleged disappearance.” Bachmurski’s attorneys submitted a request in May, asking Iowa DHHS to provide what the defense called a complete file on Colvin — including any documents, correspondence and notes. The department initially resisted, arguing such documents were considered confidential under Iowa law, but the court ruled later that month the file should be turned over for a judge would review confidentially before potentially allowing attorneys to access only information the court deemed relevant to the pending murder case.

The court has since filed a July 24 order, saying the review was complete and instructing court officials to increase the security level necessary to access those portions of the court file.

Local students graduate from Winona State

Winona State University recently released its list of graduates for the spring 2025 semester. Among them were Annika Lensch of Decorah, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s of science degree in medical laboratory science, and Ashley Nierling of Decorah, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work.

South Dakota State announces spring 2025 graduation list

South Dakota State University recently announced Emma Rose Schultz of Decorah has graduated, following the spring 2025 semester. Schultz graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Nearly 1,500 students completed all requirements for a degree and/or certificate program. Overall, students from 34 states and 28 nations graduated following the spring 2025 semester. Nearly 70 students received two or more degrees or certificates from a college.

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Rausch honored with Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award

Decorah High School vocal music educator Jason Rausch was recently named the 2025 recipient of the Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Iowa Choral Directors Association. The award was presented at the ICDA Summer Symposium in July and recognizes extraordinary service and lasting contributions to choral music in Iowa.

“I was honored to receive the Robert M. McCowen Memorial Award from the Iowa Choral Directors Association at our Summer Symposium,” Rausch said. “The McCowen Award is the highest award given by the ICDA and recognizes service and dedication to choral music in Iowa. Over the years I have been so lucky to work with amazing students, singers and music educators, while having the wonderful support of family and friends. I am filled with gratitude.”

Rausch has served as the vocal music director at Decorah High School since 2007, where he has led a thriving choral program with excellence and innovation. In addition, for the last 11 years, he has been the director of the Decorah Chorale, an adult community choir. He holds degrees from Waldorf College and Luther College, as well as a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Iowa.

Rausch is a past-president of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and the founder and chair of the Iowa Choral Showcase. His work has included conducting the 2005 seventh and eighth grade Boys Iowa Opus Honor Choir and representing Iowa in 2012 as a clinician for the collegiate repertoire choir at the American Choral Directors Association North Central Regional Conference.

Under his direction, the Decorah High School concert choir has earned regional and state accolades, including selection to perform at the ACDA North Central Regional Conference in 2014. The choir has also been featured as the guest choir at

AUCTION CALENDAR

Photo submitted the 2016 Luther College Dorian Vocal Festival and the 2024 Wartburg College Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival.

“Jason Rausch’s contributions to the Decorah Community School District and to the greater Iowa choral community have been remarkable,” said Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin shared. “His passion, leadership and excellence in music education continue to inspire both students and colleagues. We are thrilled to see his dedication honored in this meaningful way.”

Stauch

munity for their support of the project so far.

“I am grateful for the community and the people who have opened their wallets and their hearts,” Zittergruen said. “We should spend the next couple of weeks looking at other alternates as well — this is an opportunity not only for our community to raise money, but to also learn about those alternates.”

Fellow city council member Emily Neal echoed Zittergruen’s thanks, stating her gratitude to members of the city staff,

New trial date granted as state attempts additional data recovery

Investigators claim Colvin had planned to contact friends after arriving in Iowa, according to court documents, and Bachmurski allegedly told investigators he allowed Colvin to use his phone when hers had issues with signal reception.

“The messages sent by Jade Colvin from the defendant’s cell phone during the early morning hours of March 30, 2017 were the last messages ever known to be received by any person,” a criminal complaint said.

State prosecutors said in a June 14 motion that a new method for recovering data from electronic devices may provide additional information related to the case. The method — called a thermal chip-off technique — involves the use of heat to remove a specific memory chip from a device’s circuit board. Information on the chip is then read using an adapter or other device, according to a study published in 2018 by the Journal of Digital Forensics. The study went on to say the applied heat can cause errors in the data and “may prevent a successful read,” but state prosecutors hope the technique will provide “a more thorough examination of the subject phone,” in the case against Bachmurski. They added the 66-year-old’s defense team might also benefit from the additional information.

Prosecutors asked the court to reschedule Bachmurski’s trial as part of that same motion in order to allow time to complete the data recovery process and examine the potential results. Defense attorneys responded on

the fundraising groups and the community. She also noted the community efforts extended to residents of the unincorporated Freeport area when designing the project, and Neal said she looks forward to a continued partnership with residents there. The city council voted unanimously to table the awarding of the bid and design finalization until its Aug. 18 council meeting. Neal and other council members encouraged the public to email them with thoughts about the pending project.

June 18, saying their client did not wish to postpone his trial date, adding the man is legally entitled to a trial no later than Aug. 29. Bachmurski had been scheduled to appear for trial on Aug. 4, but a judge agreed the state’s request was merited and issued a July 3 order pushing the trial back to Aug. 25.

Past court records allege previous violent threats

Court documents said Bachmurski’s son allegedly observed Colvin’s suitcase and other property at his family’s farmhouse months after Colvin was last seen, and a criminal complaint claimed Bachmurski himself “lied and told others that Jade Colvin had gone somewhere after her last text, while the investigation showed she was no longer alive.” Bachmurski had considered contacting law enforcement while Colvin was at his home, according to a criminal complaint, but he felt “if he had alerted law enforcement that he had a runaway girl at his house, it would not have turned out good for him.” Court documents filed in early 2012 show the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office had previously investigated claims the then 54-year-old Bachmurski had used ratchet straps to tie his son to a metal folding chair “and shocked him multiple times on the arm with an electric fence charger.” Filings in that case went on to say Bachmurski also “repeatedly threatened to shoot his sons,” saying they were “not worth the price of the bullet it would take to kill them,” and that “he could shoot them and bury them in the backyard and no one would know.”

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A deferred judgement was entered in that case. Bachmurski was placed on probation and was prohibited from possessing firearms. However, a sheriff’s deputy discovered a loaded .223 caliber Stevens rifle in Bachmurski’s home during a welfare check in January of 2018 — less than a year after investigators say Colvin used Bachmurski’s phone to send her last known messages. Bachmurski was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon three days after the welfare check, and Bachmurski sold his home that November before the attorney representing him in that case lost contact with his client in early 2019. Bachmurski was accused of sexual battery and aggravated assault in March of 2021 while residing in Swainsboro, Georgia. He allegedly forced himself on a woman there, cut her clothing off with a box cutter and physically assaulted her, but that case was dismissed by a district attorney in September of 2023 after the victim failed to appear for a grand jury. Authorities investigating Colvin’s disappearance were able to interview Bachmurski at some point that same year, according to court documents, and he was served a warrant on June 20, 2024, for his possession of the Stevens rifle. The 66-yearold was transported from the Emanuel County Jail in Georgia to the Winneshiek County Jail, where he was served a warrant in the local murder case on Aug. 12, 2024 — more than seven years after Jade Colvin disappeared.

Bachmurski remains in custody at the Winneshiek County Jail on a $1 million bond.

of organizations,” adding she is an “expert at thematic analysis research, strategic planning, management, communications and leadership in campaigns, for-profit and nonprofit organizations.” Stauch claims to have worked on a total of 24 political campaigns during her career.

On Friday, Stauch specifically cited her work on retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Mike Franken’s 2022 candidacy against Iowa’s U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley. Franken lost to Grassley by more than 148,000 votes during that year’s general election, and Stauch noted only about 158,000 Democrats voted in the primary election that cycle.

“At that time, there were slightly more than half-a-million registered Democrats that did not participate, and they didn’t participate, … because we weren’t connecting with them,” she said. “So, I’m taking this approach as a way to start building the connections that we need to have in order to move forward successfully for all Democrats.”

Stauch said Friday’s visit to Decorah was part of her first round of visits to community college districts in Iowa, during which she hopes to learn about the concerns Iowans have. She plans to begin revisiting those same districts in September to discuss possible solutions.

“As somebody who has worked to solve problems, I don’t go in and tell my people what they need to solve,” she said. “They tell me what they want solved, and then I go to work on it. So, if all of you were to tell me others that aren’t on this list, I would be working on those things as governor. My goal is to be a problem solver for Iowans, because … we can do much better than we have been doing overall.”

The candidate acknowledged Friday’s campaign stop took place in the home town of Auditor Sand — one of her expected opponents in the Democratic Primary election come June of 2026. Stauch declined to state which of her traits might make her a more ideal candidate than Sand. Rather she said she is different than the state auditor.

“I’m different in that I am taking a completely different approach to how we run campaigns,” she said. “I believe we haven’t been listening to the people of this state enough to understand what the problems are that you need solved, and the reason we’re seeing lower turnout in the Democratic party is because we haven’t been having

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these kinds of conversations.”

Stauch said her campaign priorities include clean water, access to health care, ending abuse of Iowa’s eminent domain laws and defending public schools.

“We’re dealing with a travesty with these vouchers,” she said, referring to Iowa’s Students First Act, which began in the fall of 2023 and provides state funding for private school enrollment. “They are designed to destroy public education by defunding it. (With former Iowa Gov. Terry) Branstad and Reynolds, their goal was to deregulate everything in Iowa — everything. That includes even things like our schools, so they aren’t viable anymore. They don’t want it to work, and I think Kim Reynolds has really doubled down on it even worse than Branstad had. Our public education is a top issue for me, personally.”

The candidate said the current governor’s position on education is not only an indication of the state legislature’s stance on schools but also on the future of politics in the United States.

“Somebody said they’re trying to take us back 100 years,” she said. “Oh no, they’re trying to take us back to feudalism. They want all of us to be serfs and poor and have to bow to all the billionaires and carry their water just to get a few dimes to try to go feed a family. It’s that bad, and that’s their goal. To me, the number-one thing to do is to end the vouchers ASAP. We’ve got to stop that. We’re hemorrhaging the cash for the state, and it’s just stupid. There’s no other way to describe that decision.”

Turning toward environmental concerns, Stauch stressed the importance of access to clean water and other necessities.

“These are things that every aspect of our state needs,” she said. “It’s not just the people. It’s the animals and even the annoying creatures like bats and snakes. Everybody needs it.”

The candidate was also asked about her plans to address mental health in Iowa, whether she would support lowering the minimum age for state legislators from 18 to 16 and whether she would oppose “cloud seeding” — information from the U.S. Government Accountability Office described cloud seeing as an 80-year-old technology in which small particles, typically silver iodide crystals, are added to clouds to trigger rain or snowfall. Stauch did not take a specific stance on those issues.

Immigration ordinance

ordinance would also require any communication with ICE to be made public and transparent.

Local resident Joshua Ratel-Khan requested discussion of the issue be placed on a future city council agenda, and he told city officials the ordinance would be a symbolic way for Decorah to set itself apart from a world in which he said immigration enforcement is increasingly aggressive and political.

“It says our city will not be a tool of federal repression,” Ratel-Khan said. “The civil rights movement taught us that neutrality in the face of justice is not neutrality at all — it’s complicity. We are in a similar movement now, and we get to decide who we are.”

Jean Daywitt, a paraeducator at Decorah’s John Cline Elementary, told the council some of her 5-year-old immigrant students are often fearful of how potential immigration enforcement actions might affect their families.

“They don’t speak English, and they are scared their moms aren’t going to show up to pick them up,” said Daywitt. “Let’s see what we can do to make them feel a little bit safer.”

Born and raised in Decorah, Sarah Brandt stressed her fear of immigration rhetoric in both the state and country to the council.

“I am concerned about how policies might take root here unless we are able to have these important community conversations and turn them into tangible action,” Brandt said. “It’s the chance for Decorah to take a stand. It’s not radical. It’s taking an actionable step towards progress at a time when so many are asking, what now? And if not now, when? I don’t want to wait until it is too late to begin having these conversations.”

Brandt went on to say she feels people in Decorah care for one another and treat each other with dignity and respect.

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“We don’t let fear drive policy. We protect each other,” Brandt said to the council. “I am asking you to reflect that spirit and hear what our community is calling for — to help build a future where everyone, regardless of where they come from, is safe and welcomed here.”

Resident Gabriel Eide encouraged the council to publicly oppose injustice and to collaborate with the community, the city attorney and law enforcement in order to protect the well-being of Decorah’s immigrant community. Eide said Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights recognizes its proposed ordinance is a working document and would go through changes if it progresses through legal channels, but he went on to say the current draft was based on a framework which he claimed has passed scrutiny in other communities.

“We understand it needs to conform to local, state and federal laws while also representing the values of Decorah,” Eide said. “Be resourceful, determined, motivated by your community calling for action, and believe you have the power to create positive change.”

But not all in attendance were fully supportive of the proposal.

Local resident Lyle Otte, who has lived in Decorah for more than 40 years, expressed concern over the drafted ordinance. He shared his feelings of support for immigrants, detailing how his church has taken part in immigrant resettlement efforts for years. Otte, a member of the Immigration Working Group at the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center, said he was present during the 2008

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immigration raids in Postville — about 20 miles southeast of Decorah — and he helped individuals there with employment matters and temporary settlement. While he praised Decorah’s strong working relationship with local law enforcement, he questioned the viability of the proposed ordinance. “I wonder if some of the proposals are even legal for the government to enact,” Otte said. “No matter how distasteful federal and state laws are, no matter how much we disapprove of the tactics of agencies like ICE, local government cannot overrule what they have enacted.”

The city council did not take any action regarding on the group’s request and, without the matter on that night’s agenda, council members did not discuss the topic. Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said, in order for the proposed ordinance to be added to a future city council agenda, he must receive a formal request from either the mayor or two council members.

Mayor, trio of city council seats to be open during next election

Four of Decorah’s elected city positions will be on the ballot later this year. The mayor’s seat as well as three city council positions — Ward 3, Ward 5 and an at-large seat — are up for reelection.

Candidate nomination papers may be obtained from Decorah City Clerk Keri Sand at the Municipal Building or from the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office in the county courthouse. Candidacy papers must be filed between Aug. 25 and Sept. 18. City elections will take place in Iowa on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said he welcomes anyone interested in filling a role within the city’s municipal government to contact him and schedule a meeting to discuss the duties associated with each elected position. For more information, visit the decorahia.org, or call 563-382-3651.

One last look at Nordic Fest 2025

been added to the editor’s calendar as a reminder to plan for two photo pages for the 2026 Nordic Fest.

Members of Decorah’s Rainbow Trout Marching Club swirled their colorful capes through the air alongside large scale figures from The Puppet Project during Saturday’s Nordic Fest parade along Water Street (Photo by Seth Boyes) INSET- Representatives of Aase Haugen Senior Services donned some vintage styles before greeting the public during this year’s Nordic Fest celebration. (Photo by Denise Lana)

ABOVE- Laura Ernst laughed as she delivered a punchline while juggling flaming torches during her stunt show

er

what

The Hardanger Bunad (left), a style of Bunad donned by women in the district of Hardanger, Norway, served as inspiration for the handcrafted Hardanger fiddle played at the Bunad Show. (Photo by Denise Lana)

on Winnebago Street Friday, July 25. Ernst also performed tricks with hula hoops in addition to oth-

antics inside

she called her human-sized hamster ball. (Photo by Seth Boyes) INSET ABOVEDecorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski smiles with Vesterheim member and rosemaling artist Sally Stromseth. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Nancy Odalen carefully added strokes of color to a wooden panel Friday as she demonstrated a Norwegian technique called rosemaling inside the Vesterheim Commons. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

INSET RIGHT- Fireworks lit up the sky Saturday night near Decorah High School to mark the closing of this year’s Nordic Fest. Aerial pyrotechnics dazzled onlookers that evening, as colorful sparks exploded overhead. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Iowa’s State Auditor Rob Sand settled back into his seat after snagging some lefse while riding in this year's Nordic Fest parade. The Decorah native is currently campaigning for governor of Iowa and wore a Decorah High School baseball cap during his local appearance. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Decorah resident Midge Kjome spoke into the microphone as participants hit their marks during the July 26 Nordic Fest Bunad show. (Photo by Denise Lana)

Drum majors kept Decorah High School’s marching band in time as they made their way along the Nordic Fest parade route. (Photo by Denise Lana)

RIGHT - Tom Latané held a heated piece of metal steady against an anvil as he began to hammer his work into shape. Latané demonstrated several aspects of blacksmithing in Vesterhiem’s Heritage Park during Nordic Fest. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Members of the Rochester Flute Ensemble gathered inside Bethania Lutheran Church — just west of Vesterhiem’s Heritage Park — for a Scandinavian instrument presentation and concert. The church itself was built in 1901 to serve Norwegian-American farmers in rural Northwood, North Dakota, before being moved to Vesterhiem’s campus in 1992. (Photo by Denise Lana)

‘These are the most challenging eight seconds I have ever faced’ Averhoff reflects on his first year of bull riding

BY BECKY WALZ SPORTS EDITOR

The August air in Preston, Minnesota, hung thick with the scent of dust, sweat and nervous anticipation. For Cade Averhoff, who had graduated with Decorah High School’s class of 2024 just months earlier, this wasn’t just another smalltown rodeo. It was a moment he would remember forever – his first bull ride.

He stood by the chutes, the roar of the crowd a low thrum against his chest, watching the massive bull, Buttered Sausage, snort.

Averhoff had been drawn to bull riding for many years, and he was about to become a rider himself.

“As a kid, I thought they were the coolest people ever,” Averhoff said.

He’d spent countless hours watching professional bull riding on television and got his first taste while helping with chute work during the Howard County Fair. But he knew nothing could truly prepare him for how it would feel to have 2,000 pounds of muscle and rage kicking beneath him.

Decorah

He swung himself onto the bull’s broad back, the rough rope in his hand. The bull shifted, a low rumble vibrating through Averhoff’s boots and up his spine. The debut rider took a deep, shaky breath and nodded to the chute boss.

The gate clanged open.

As the bull exploded from the chute, Averhoff gritted his teeth, his body reacting to every twist, at times thrashing like a ragdoll, yet his grip held firm.

Time stretched and compressed. He could hear the crowd and thought to himself ‘just hold on.’

After three or four seconds, the bull twisted and turned sending Cade landing hard, rolling in the dirt, the adrenaline making his limbs feel both heavy and weightless. He pushed himself up, spitting out dust. A triumphant, breathless laugh escaping his lips. He said it was the most exciting thing he had ever done.

Though he didn’t last eight seconds and didn’t win — he’d done it.

He’d ridden his first bull. Every ride is a lesson

His ride that sweltering day in Preston was just the beginning.

Averhoff has since climbed onto the backs of 32 bulls, competing in Decorah, Waukon and Osage as well as Caledonia, Minnesota, and Gays Mills, Wisconsin. He said each ride has been a lesson — a test of grit, balance and sheer will.

“You just have to ‘cowboy up.’ You have to get on whatever bull you draw thinking you will ride him for eight seconds,” he said. “All rides are challenging. These 2,000-plus pound athletes mean business.”

And that business can be dangerous. Averhoff said com-

petitors often wear helmets and always wear protective vests while riding. He said bull fighters also play a key role in the sport as they stand ready to draw a bull’s attention away from riders who have fallen off into the dirt.

Averhoff admitted there is always a possibility of being injured during each eight-second ride, but he said anyone who enters the ring on a bull with that mindset will never make it far in the sport.

He himself once fell off a bull during a competition in Waukon, coming down on his side before the massive animal’s hoof landed on Averhoff’s ankle.

The soreness lasted for some time, and Averhoff still hasn’t fully regained feeling in that foot. Yet his injury hasn’t deterred the local rider from getting back on a bull.

“Getting stepped on has to be the most dangerous part of a ride, but those bulls are just out there doing their job, and accidents do happen,” Averhoff said. “You can’t judge a bull by looks.”

He added that bulls usually seem calm before the chute gate opens, and he said every animal is different.

“I will ride any bull — big, small, big horns, no horns. You name it. I will ride it,” Averhoff said with pride. “No matter how the bull looks or acts, it is important to ride them all the same way. Put your chest up, get up on the bull rope, turn the feet turned out, squeeze and hang on.”

Averhoff, who is now enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, said his time in the ring stands apart from any other sport he’s tried.

“The challenge is like no oth-

er,” said the young man who is still on the hunt for his first buckle. “I have played a lot of sports in my life and done many challenging workouts, but these are the most challenging eight seconds I have ever faced. I relish the atmosphere and challenge along with having met some great people who, while we are competing against each other, can still cheer each other on from the chutes. Bull riding has taught me I can do anything I put my mind to.”

XC launches second Sneaker Drive fundraiser

The Decorah High School Cross Country Teams are holding an athletic shoe drive as a fundraiser. The cross-country team will earn funds based on the total quantity of gently worn, used and new sneakers collected. GotSneakers, a social enterprise, will issue funds in compensation for the collected sneakers. Anyone can help by simply donating gently worn, used and new sneakers.

GotSneakers has developed a fundraising program which asks communities to reach into their closets, not their pockets. The sneaker recycling program helps keep sneakers out of landfills and avoid harm-

ful effects on the environment while helping organizations like the Decorah cross country teams raise funds. Learn more about GotSneakers by visiting their website at www.gotsneakers.com.

“Last year’s sneaker fundraiser was very popular, and we are excited about our second sneaker drive this year,” said girls’ assistant coach Sarah Nowack. “We know that most people have extra sneakers in their closets they would like to donate rather than throw away. By doing so, we raise money for Decorah High School Cross Country and help the environment. It’s a win – win for everyone!”

Sneakers/athletic shoes of all sizes and in all conditions are accepted, though funds will only be paid for the shoes that are in fair to excellent condition. Non-athletic footwear of any kind such as dress shoes, heels, sandals, wedges, water socks, rain boots, crocs and other non-athletic styles are not accepted.

Shoes may be given directly to any DHS cross country runner or coach. They can also be dropped off at Hibbett Sports in Decorah. Contact Sarah Nowack at sarah. nowack@decorah.school for more information.

Troutman to take NICC XC coaching position

Former Wartburg College track and field athlete Ty Troutman has accepted the Head Cross Country Coach position at Northeast Iowa Community College. He’ll lead the Cougars and start coaching the men’s and women’s teams Aug. 9.

“Ty was an accomplished athlete during his high school and college competing days, and has a passion for coaching that I think all of the cross country student-athletes will prosper from.” Athletic Director Nick Weimeister said, “I’m excited to see the great strides that our men’s and women’s cross country programs will take under Ty’s direction.”

The Dyersville native attended Beckman Catholic High School until 2012. From there, he attended Iowa Western Community College before landing at Wartburg. Troutman has a degree in business administration with a concentration in sport management. He completed his education completing a Master of Arts in sports administration in 2019.

A passion for athletics has led him to a few coaching jobs, but his first experience was leading a cross country team.

“There was never much hesitation for me when it came to getting into coaching,” Troutman said. “I was able to take

the necessary classes while I was at Wartburg and got certified right after graduation in May 2016. By the fall of 2017, I was coaching cross country at Jesup High School.” Leading teams and being involved in the athletics world goes back a generation in Troutman’s family. His father, Todd Troutman, has been the head track and volleyball coach at Beckman Catholic for years. Running was always part of the family’s bloodline.

“I’ve been competing since I was a kid in the Iowa Games,” Troutman said. “Back to youth track meets at the local high schools, high school at Beckman, to college at Wartburg and beyond in my own personal life. It’s given me a lot of great things.”

Troutman thinks he brings a few different skills to NICC Athletics, including building connections with student-athletes and understanding the discipline it takes to be a competitive, dedicated team member.

“With my background as a collegiate athlete and years of coaching experience,” he said, “I understand how to develop athletes both physically and mentally. NICC Cross Country is also a blank slate, and the ability to lay the foundation for future years to come is something I’m excited about.”

Decorah girls tennis schedule

Ty Troutman

Molly Holkesvik hoists her prize — a Grizzly cooler — after ranking first in the women’s division of the Ultimate Nordic Triathlon on Saturday, July 26. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Zach Zielinski held the Grizzly cooler he was awarded Saturday, July 26 as the top finisher in the mens’ division of the Ultimate Nordic Triathlon. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

with

Braaten of Carlton, Minnesota, ranked third. Zach Zielinski of Somerville, New Jersey, topped the podium in the men’s division, while Aiden Cunningham of Iowa City earned second place and Frode Tilden, a native of Valdres, Norway, who now lives in Fargo, North Dakota, came in third place.

Cade Averhoff

ABOVE: Cade Averhoff hangs on during one of his 32 bull riding attempts during the last year.

RIGHT: Averhoff, a 2024 graduate of Decorah High School, is introduced at a recent rodeo competition before the bull riding event. (Photos courtesy of Amy Averhoff)