February 27, 2024

A winter wedding for the Weymillers

By Zach Jensen

Modest and straightforward isn’t how most couples describe themselves or their weddings, but Callie (Bottorff) and Mitch Weymiller of the Lansing/New Albin area might choose those exact words for themselves, their relationship and, looking back on it, their wedding.

The couple was married Jan. 14, 2023.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Mitch of the big day and 13 months after. “It’s hard to believe it’s been a year ago already,” added Callie, “I couldn’t imagine it being any better.”

Mitch, son of Gary and Diane Weymiller of New Albin, and Callie, daughter of Gary and Carol Bottorff of Lansing, met at Shep’s in Lansing on New Year’s Eve 2020.

According to Mitch, Callie caught his eye as soon as she walked into the room. He bought her a drink from across the bar and walked over to introduce himself. But, Callie, being super shy, clammed up and

acted like she wasn’t interested at first. Callie said that “a kind stranger named Joe” helped break that ice between them, and from then on, the two were inseparable.

Mitch and Callie enjoyed their relationship for the following two-and-a-half years until one fateful evening in June 2022, when Mitch popped the question.

“Mitch was hauling bulls out to pasture, and he invited me along,” Callie said. “He made me walk through tall weeds to a lookout point overlooking a valley, and when I turned around, he was on one knee. I said ‘Yes’ without hesitation. We went home, ate a frozen pizza and waited to share the news with friends and family until the next day.”

While planning their big day, Callie said that, because they chose to have a January wedding, keeping everything easily accessible was of utmost importance. This meant that the ceremony and reception were just two blocks from each other,

Callie (Bottorff) and Mitch Weymiller were married in a winter ceremony Jan. 14, 2023.

(Photos by Sarah Griggs Photography)

and, as Callie put it, “Cocktail hour started immediately after the ceremony so guests did not have to find somewhere to go in between.”

“We chose January, because we didn’t want to sweat our butts off in the summer heat or interfere with planting, calving or harvest seasons,” Callie said. “We also planned it all in six months. Booking vendors was super easy, since January is downtime for most of them.”

Mitch and Callie chose the Red Geranium of Lansing as their florist, while Jessa Kelle-

her of Touch of Class in Lansing did Callie’s hair for the ceremony and Hidden Beauty Studio of Waukon did her makeup. Callie’s dress was from The Dress by Morgan Lynn of Decorah, while the groom’s attire was from Teslow’s Formalwear of Waukon. Cindi’s Catering of Clermont provided the food, and the couple gave out can koozies from Riverland Expressions of Lansing as wedding favors. TJ Hunter’s Banquet Hall in Lansing was the venue for the reception.

Will we see March weather in April?

By Capn. Ted Peck

Walleye fishing in Pool 9 is phenomenal right now! Last week the “clicker” used to count fish coming across the gunnel of my board recorded 100 walleyes, sauger and perch—by Wednesday.

About 90 percent of these fish fell to a B-Fish-N

Tackle B-3 Blade Bait, a halfounce piece of metal based on the Heddon sonar which has been catching fish on the Mississippi and elsewhere since 1956.

Approximately 70 percent of these fish were saugers or walleyes just short of the 15-inch minimum keeper size. Four of the 100 were “slot” fish, 2027 inches long, protected from harvest to ensure egg production. Fish in this size range are at least 90 percent female.

Over 30 percent of a walleye’s pre-spawn weight is comprised of eggs. Walleyes typically spawn on Pool 9 from April 15-20. Several years ago, the females dropped their eggs on April 1.

tically just off the bottom while the boat drifts slowly downstream.

Walleyes tend to prefer purple colors in a snap-jigging presentation, sauger like Kelly green fished with a slow lift/drop presentation within 18-inches of the bottom. Old “River Rats” hold this secret close to the vest. Many younger rats have switched to pitching or dragging soft plastic baits like the ringworm, Pulse R and Ribb-Finn. Purple firecracker/chartreuse tail works well in low, clear water. A product called Liquid Willowcat, manufactured in Caledonia, Minn., squirted on the plastic produces amazing results.

Spring + Easter Open House

February 29 & March 1 - 3

These myopic fish typically carry on the family name when water temperatures reach 45-48 degrees, dropping eggs over rocky rubble bottom, within three days of the full moon if possible. With unusually warm temperatures this month, water temperature on the river mainstem rose four degrees to 36 by last weekend—the full moon period. If Spring weather holds, walleyes may spawn before the end of March—unless next month develops “lion” tendencies. If so, we’ll likely see March weather in April.

Thursday 9:30-5

Friday 9:30-5

Saturday 9:30-4

Sunday 11-2

Of all the different aspects of their wedding day, the most sacred to Callie and Mitch were their rings and the location of the ceremony. While their wedding rings were purchased from Elliott Jewelers of Waukon, Callie’s engagement ring was her grandmother’s. Callie was two months old when her Grandma Bottorff passed away. As a child, when nobody was looking, young Callie would sneak peeks of the ring in her mother’s dresser, and although the band was worn through, Callie’s mother had the ring restored at Elliott Jewelers as an extra-special high school graduation gift. Callie said her mother was always nagging her to wear the ring, but Callie was saving it to be her engagement ring.

Regardless, the arrival of meteorological Spring is almost a month away, the river is running low and quite clear and those dual-dorsaled denizens of the low light are really “on the chew”.

Heddon Sonar template baits, like the local popular “Zonar” knockoff were one of my favorite spring walleye lures 60 years ago when I first started chasing these fish below the Bellevue dam on Pool 13. Rods were fiberglass back then. Electronics and electric trolling motors were unheard of. Lure presentation was essentially just vertical jigging. When the minimal sense of lure vibration felt through the fiberglass rod stopped, you set the hook. Today’s electronics reveal intimate depth contours, bottom structure and actually show fish. “Spot lock” feature governed by GPS enables an angler to hold a desired position within five feet once fish are located.

“The ring is Art Deco style with three round-cut diamonds in a gold setting,” Callie said. “It’s nothing fancy, but it’s unique. I’ve never seen another ring like it. We still have the

Weymiller continued on page 6

These fish are beginning to move out of wintering holes, “stair stepping” into ever shallower water as temperatures warm. Walleyes have been in 22-32 feet of water, sauger in 30-50 feet of water and perch relating to wingdam rocks on the main channel 14-18 feet below the surface.

The traditional way to catch these fish on Pool 9 is a Taylor Tackle hair jig tipped with a three-inch minnow jigged ver-

With this technology and the ideal rod, reel and terminal tackle, putting 100 walleyes in the boat in les than a week is no big deal if you fish essentially every day.

Jason Franzen with a 31”, 12 lb., 12 oz. prespawn egg cannon. (submitted)

Jones in jail after defrauding court with fake medical excuse

By Denise Lana

After appearing at a Fillmore County, Minn., courthouse Feb. 16 to be sentenced regarding her recent conviction of eight counts of felony theft, Mindy Jones is again behind bars. The sentencing hearing was postponed, but Jones was still taken into custody — Not because she was found guilty, but because she was declared a “danger to the community” by Presiding Judge, Jeremy Clinefelter.

Jones was convicted in December 2023 of eight counts of felony theft involving financial transactions at her former Harmony, Minn., consignment store. After the December conviction, Jones was released and returned to her home in Waterloo but was due back in court Feb. 12 for sentencing. With eight counts of felony theft carrying a jail sentence from 21 to 26 months, it was presumed that Jones would go to jail after the Feb. 12 sentencing hearing.

When Feb. 12 arrived and Jones was noticeably absent in the courtroom, Jones’ attorney, Minnesota public defender Milind Shah, presented medical documents and explained that Jones indicated “she had a seizure and fell down the steps.” Shah added that Jones was being discharged from the hospital Monday afternoon. Prosecuting attorney Brett Corson rebuffed, “This has happened in other cases, and I am very concerned.

This appears to be a presumptive recommended sentencing, so the concern is the defendant is trying to avoid court.”

When asked by Clinefelter if there were other cases where Jones had medical issues on days of sentencing in other counties, Corson said that his understanding was she had a medical emergency in Allamakee County, and during a separate court case, Jones had an incident where she ended up in the hospital. Clinefelter declared that he would not play doctor in the decision and deferred to the medical documents that showed Jones was in the emergency room.

“I am not prejudging anything she is going to say but obviously both parties have read the court’s findings in this trial and suffice it to say, the court has a great deal of skepticism when it comes to Ms. Jones and her credibility,” expressed Clinefelter. “However, it is not simply her word, I do have information she is genuinely experiencing some type of medical issue. The court is not going to treat her any differently than any other party who comes to court.”

With that declaration, Clinefelter rescheduled the sentencing hearing for four days later, Feb. 16, at 1:30 p.m.

When Shah asked if the time could be set later in the day on Friday to accommodate Jones’ neurology appointment, Clinefelter stood firm, declaring Jones needs to be in the court.

“Ultimately, if she is not here, I can’t pre-rule,” Clinefelter said, “but obviously, Mr. Shah, you can read the tea leaves and advise her, at some point we are going to go get her and bring her here.”

With that, the hearing concluded, and both parties prepared for the sentencing scheduled for Friday at 1:30 p.m.

When Friday came, Ms. Jones arrived at the Fillmore County Courthouse accompanied by a female friend. She didn’t interact with anyone, and her companion sat in the front row of public benches, back and to the left of Jones.

Shah, who had filed a motion at noon prior to the sentencing, addressed the Court regarding his motion. He cited concern regarding elements of Jones’ non-Minnesota offenses in her criminal history. In Iowa, different levels of felony convictions

are assigned points, much like points accrued on someone’s driver’s license. Shah stressed concerns that several of Jones’ prior convictions in Iowa, specifically one for forgery regarding the attempted use of a credit card, and a second conviction of felony forgery for forging $164,000 in checks, might not equal the same amount of points if those convictions would have transpired in Minnesota. Clinefelter and Shah volleyed the discussion for the majority of the 45-minute hearing, with Clinefelter stating that part of the problem with the motion is the fact that Shah had filed it less than two hours prior to the hearing.

“You’re referencing documents I don’t have in front of me,” proclaimed Clinefelter. “You’re asking me to rule on something I haven’t even seen.”

Ultimately, Clinefelter said that he wanted to avoid any hasty decision going up on appeal and coming back for remand.

“I want to make sure we provide the court thorough and complete information,” Corson said. “This case is important enough that I want to do that.”

He said that he would need some extra time to gather the Iowa documents regarding the convictions in question and have them be translated properly from Iowa law to Minnesota law.

Clinefelter agreed, saying, “I pulled up the Iowa code and browsed through it. Not suprising, it is completely unfamiliar to me since I have never practiced law in the state of Iowa.”

A continuance was then granted and set for March 4 at 2:30 p.m.

The judge’s attention subsequently turned to the subject of bail for Jones, and Corson dropped a bomb on the court, as he rehashed what had transpired the prior evening.

Corson received from Shah a medical document that appeared to be from Unity Point medical clinic in Waterloo, where Jones resides. The document stated that Jones had an appointment Friday, Feb. 16, at 2:15 p.m. in the Waterloo office “to readjust the medication she is prescribed for her epilepsy.”

“It is imperative that Mindy keeps her scheduled appointment at this time due to the recent hospital visit behind her medical condition,” the documented continued. “If we don’t get this addressed immediately it runs the risks of permanent damage to the brain or even death should she have another epileptic episode.”

The note reflected the electronic signature of an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) who works at the clinic.

Corson expressed that his office was concerned about the unusual wording in the document and reached out to Unity Point to confirm its validity. A representative for the ARNP in question responded to Corson, stating the ARNP “did NOT compose this letter, nor does she agree with the statements included in the letter.”

Corson then forwarded the letter to the Fillmore County Court Administration, asking that the Court deny the defendant’s request for a continuance, “since the letter alleged to be from … Unity Point Family Clinic in Waterloo, Iowa, is a false, fictitious, and/or fraudulent document which appears to have been provided to the Court by the defendant for the purpose

of deceiving the Court.”

Corson summed up the situation for the court, expressing a “great concern” about the letter. “It appears to have been fabricated for the purpose of deceiving the court, and we have great concern about the defendant’s appearance in the future.” Corson continued, “I would have the court put into place conditional bail or some other protections to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again.”

Shah replied that he could not address anything that happened with the fabricated letter, because, he explained, “At this point, my interests are not the same as Ms. Jones’.” He then added he was trying to protect his professional reputation.

Despite that, Shah argued on Jones’ behalf, saying that even though she knew the hearing was a presumptive commitment and she was most certainly going to jail, Jones still showed up. He beseeched the judge to allow her to remain free pending the March 4 hearing, saying that her showing up “counts for a lot.”

Clinefelter rebutted, “That does count, but it doesn’t count enough, in my estimation.” He then addressed Jones. “I am going to hold you pending sentencing. I think the problem is that the court just cannot trust anything you are presenting to it. I do find that you are a danger to the community, based on what I have read and what I have seen. You are an acquisitive crime of dishonesty and false statement waiting to happen, and I am not going to put you out in the community until this is resolved.”

The court was pin-drop silent as the judge continued. “I cannot overlook the conduct … In 20 years of practicing criminal law, for someone to submit to the court through their attorney, a forged record from a doctor, indicating they have a life-threatening situation and need a continuance. I’ve never seen it. It’s beyond the pale.”

Court was adjourned, and as a deputy crossed the room to put Jones’ in handcuffs, Jones turned to a person in the audience and called her an expletive. Almost immediately, Jones’ friend repeated the expletive as she was exiting the seating area and then continued using expletives as she made her way out of the courtroom.

Jones is being held at the Fillmore County Detention Center and will be back in court March 4 at 2:30 p.m. for review of the non-Minnesota offenses and sentencing.

Highlights of this year’s festival include the opening night film “Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary” featuring northeast Iowa, and “Greybeard: The Man, The Myth, The Mississippi”, a film about an 87-year-old man that kayaked the Mississippi River.

Oneota Film Festival this weekend in Decorah

The 14th Annual Oneota Film Festival will be held Feb. 29-March 3 in downtown Decorah.

This year, the OFF board has selected over 45 new independent films including documentaries, dramas, family-friendly animated and short films and student films. Festival attendees and filmmakers will have ample opportunity to make connections as the films will be shown in six locations downtown. Filmmakers will be honored at the Meet the Filmmakers Reception at T-Bocks Upstairs on Saturday, March 2, at 7 p.m. The festival schedule and film descriptions are available at www.oneotafilmfestival.org, and festival guides will be available soon at sponsor locations throughout Decorah.

The Oneota Film Festival events are free and open to the public due to the generosity of business sponsors and individual supporters.

Mindy Jones

Waukon Career Fair March 1

The Decorah IowaWORKS Center and

Vocational Rehabilitation Services will offer job-seekers an opportunity to connect with area employers in Waukon during the Waukon Career Fair Friday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Waukon High School Gymnasium. The event will feature over 30 employers from the surrounding area.

For information, contact kayla.baxter@iowa.gov or 563202-0178.

Houston to host owl event this weekend

Immerse yourself in owls in Houston, Minn., Friday through Sunday, March 1-3, at North America’s original full-weekend, all-owl event.

Roar Solheim, senior curator at Agdar University’s natural history museum in Norway, Martin Šálek, Little Owl researcher with the Czech Academy of Science’s Institute of Vertebrate Biology, and Krishna Mani Baral, conservation reporter from Nepal, will all be presenting. There will also be hundreds of pieces of children’s owl art from all over the world on display, selected from nearly 4,000 entries from 33 countries received this year.

The main attractions on Saturday and Sunday are the Illi-

Cherry Grove Cowboy Church

March 3

Cherry Grove Cowboy Church will be held Sunday, March 3, with musicians beginning at 5:45 p.m., and the service at 6 p.m.

Cowboy Church is nondenominational and another way of spreading God’s message through music. The service includes a mix of country, Christian country, cowboy and southern gospel, and bluegrass music. Musicians are welcome and should contact Cindy Seabright at seabright.cindy@ gmail.com or 507-272-1682 one week prior to the first Sunday-of-the-month service.

The Cherry Grove United Methodist Church is located at 18183 160th Street, in the small community of Cherry Grove, rural Spring Valley, Minn. Cherry Grove Church is handicap accessible. Fellowship will follow the service. All are welcome to attend.

nois Raptor Center’s live owl programs that feature a variety of native owl species, including a live Snowy Owl. The International Owl Center’s own live

owls are on display throughout the weekend.

Other fun experiences during the festival include an owlface pancake breakfast, nest box building, pellet dissection, a hooting masterclass, owl crafts, a story stroll, loads of owl-themed merchandise and face-painting. A few activities require pre-registration, such as the bus trips and Saturday evening World Owl Hall of Fame award presentation reception.

For those who prefer smaller crowds, Sunday is the better day to visit.

For one or the other detailed list of events, times and locations, or to register, visit the festival website at www.festivalofowls.com.

Department of Education announces 2024-25 STEM Scale-Up application

The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education recently announced the opportunity for Iowa educators to apply to expand and launch worldclass STEM Scale-Up programs for the 2024-25 academic year.

STEM Scale-Up empowers educators to provide students with a diverse range of STEM units and activities, serving over 100,000 students each year.

“By empowering teachers across Iowa to provide experiential STEM learning opportunities, STEM Scale-Up deepens student knowledge and engagement, supporting Iowa’s strong talent pipeline for in-demand STEM jobs,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “These programs support mastery of core STEM content through project-based learning, spanning agriculture, architecture, artificial intelligence, engineering and robotics, technology and

more.”

Students who participate in STEM Scale-Up have historically performed better on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) compared to students who do not participate. Last year, students scored three percentage points higher on the ISASP in mathematics compared to all students statewide. Additionally, STEM Scale-Up participants who graduated from high school between 2017 and 2021 were more likely to choose a STEM major in college than students who did not participate in the program.

The application period for the STEM Scale-Up Program closes on Feb. 28, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. Awardees will be announced in April. Visit www.iowastem.org/ scale-up-application to apply and to learn more about each of the 2024-25 STEM Scale-Up Programs.

Boy Scouts pancake supper success

Boy Scout Troop 66 in Decorah held their pancake supper Sunday, Feb. 4, at Sabin Family

Table. Scouts helped cook, serve, clean the tables and wash dishes. The troop served close to 100 people with all proceeds going toward the troop to help pay for monthly campouts, summer camp, activities and membership dues. The troop recognizes WW Homestead

Dairy of Waukon, for donating the milk and the Sabin family for donating food and allowing the scouts to host the event at Sabin Family Table restaurant. INSET- Simon Potvin carries pancakes. (submitted photos)

Iowa reaches settlement with cryptocurrency company

The State of Iowa entered into a settlement with TradeStation Crypto, Inc. (TradeStation) to resolve a multi-state securities investigation into TradeStation’s crypto interest-earning program.

Pictured center- Jeremiah Leiran.

Middle- Daniel Bean, Colby Leiran, Christian Volz, Quade Bruening, Jonathan Crose, Keegan Joyce and Simon Potvin. Back- Dak Sabin, Kenyon Bartels, Gabriel Creek, Nathaniel Crose and Noah Potvin.

Nominations sought for 2024 Governor’s Award for Quality Care

seeking nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. The Governor’s Award recognizes Iowa health care

Nominations are open to all

and

facil-

including those facilities specializing in the care of per-

with mental illness or in-

disabilities. (Facilities not eligible for nomination are

living programs, elder group homes, or hospital-based nursing facilities as these facilities are not licensed under the Iowa Code chapter establishing

the award program.) Since the first awards were presented in 2001, a total of 65 awards have been presented to 57 individual facilities.

Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed long-term care facility for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition. To be considered for a 2024 Governor’s Award, nominations must be postmarked by March 22. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the DIAL website or obtained by calling the DIAL Health and Safety Division at 515-242-5022. Nominations will also be accepted via the department’s online nomination form. All nominations must list the reason the facility should be considered, such as any unique services provided by the facility to its residents, and any activities undertaken by the facility

to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for its residents. A facility’s history of compliance and whether it accepts residents for whom costs are paid by the Medicaid program are also factors used in the determination of eligibility for a Governor’s Award. Upon receipt by DIAL, the nominations will be evaluated and a list of finalists prepared. Under Iowa law, no more than two facilities from each congressional district may be selected for a Governor’s Award.

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing is committed to protecting the health and safety of Iowans through regulation and oversight of health care, food, gaming, building and construction, and labor practices; professional licensure; application of administrative law; and investigation of Medicaid and welfare fraud.

Turkey Valley Second Quarter Honor Roll

“Whatever Iowans may be looking to invest in, it’s always important for them to be vigilant and protect their assets,”

Commissioner Doug Ommen said. “Iowans can always double-check before investing to make sure an investment is properly registered with the Iowa Insurance Division by calling 877-955-1212.”

TradeStation, a Florida corporation formed in 2018, pro-

vides crypto-asset-related financial services to retail and institutional customers in the United States, including investing and trading services. From approximately August 2020 until June 2022, TradeStation offered a crypto interest-earning program to Iowa investors. Under this program, investors passively earned interest on crypto assets by loaning them to TradeStation. TradeStation maintained total discretion over the revenue-generating activities utilized to earn returns for investors. The company offered and promoted their crypto interest-earning program in Iowa

3.00 points, B- = 2.67 points, C+ = 2.33 points, C = 2.00 points and C- = 1.67 points. Students receiving a “D” or “F” grade will not qualify for the honor roll. 3.75-4.0: Lauryn Dagit, Alexa Mueterthies, Courtney Ball, Jocelynn DeSloover, Mya Ives, Caleb Kriener, Nicholas Bernhard, Ellaney Bodensteiner, Mitchell Kriener, Ava Kuennen, Jadeyn Mueterthies, Anna Reicks, Karsyn Reicks, Bree Balk, Annika Bodensteiner, Hunter Kruse, Karstyn Lukes, Delaney Busta, Kinsey Reicks,

Bode Balk, Ryann Schmitt, Mariah Throndson and Halle Weber. 3.50-3.74: Kole Adams, Annebelle Scheidel, Honora Chicken, Brynlee Hayek, Jacob Wurzer, Jordan Kriener, Cale Langreck, Hazel Nieman, Tucker Tlusty, Isaiah Wheeler, Addison Steinlage, Jenna Throndson, Maici Weber, Sofia Rivera, Morgan Vsetecka, Alayna Kuennen, Russell Nieman, Oliver Schmitt and Tanner Tlusty. 3.25-3.49: Laila Goodrich, Annika Kuennen, Cole Fencl, Dominick Reicks, Theresa Hanson, Jayden Rausch, Haylee Hanson, Maria Klimesh, John Kruse, Colton Kurtenbach, Ty Moudry, Alexis Elsbernd, Calen Franzen, Ethan Orvis, Jonah Orvis, Kinek Reicks, Luella Reicks, Avery Vsetecka, Megan Blong, Isabella Gruenberg, Cadyn Huber, Caleb Kurtenbach, Mia Langreck and Matthew Smith. 3.00-3.24: Bryn Franzen, Jacob Hanson, Kesley Reicks, Alexis Gruenberg, Elizabeth Hyer, Levi Kruse, Treyton Franzen, Aaron

and the United States at large via its website and various platforms.

The $1.5 million multistate settlement, on behalf of 51 United States jurisdictions, is the result of a North American Securities Administrators Association task force of eight state securities regulators from Alabama, California, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Washington and Wisconsin. The task force determined that during the offering period, TradeStation engaged in the unregistered offer and sale of securities via its crypto interest-earning program.

Malven, Genesis Palacious, Graham Schmitt, Isabella Stika, Tyler Forbes, Keira Myers, Larry Vrba, Morgan Wenthold, Aidan Berst, Autumn Maklenburg, Burke Busta, Tristan Pullman and Adriana Tiedt.

W eddings

Weymiller

original ring box, so we know the ring was purchased at A.R. Zolnosky Jeweler in Webster City.”

“I was very grateful that I didn’t have to pick out a ring myself,” added Mitch. “Callie let me know early on that she wanted to be proposed to with her grandma’s ring. She gave it to her parents shortly after we started dating and told me I had to ask them for the ring and their permission when the time came.”

It was also essential for Callie to be married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing, and Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiated in kind.

“IC Church is my home parish where I was baptized and confirmed,” Callie said. “My parents were also married in the same church, so in a way it’s a family tradition which is important to us. Fr. Joseph moved to the area in July 2022, so we didn’t know him before our

continued from front

marriage prep meetings. He is very kind and was very welcoming to Mitch who is not Catholic.”

As for the décor and style or theme of the wedding, Callie and Mitch decided this was one area they could save some money and be more practical than other more-conventional receptions.

“We decided the easiest and most frugal thing to do was use what we have,” said Callie. “My mom and I have always shared an interest in thrifting and finding unique pieces from decades past. My mom has quite the collection of vintage items. The table centerpieces were old glass luncheon trays with cups that were used at card clubs. These were gifted to us from my uncle, who bought them years ago at an auction. We had vintage suitcases on display, which

Callie’s engagement ring belonged to her Grandma Bottorff and was restored professionally. (Photos by Sarah Griggs Photography)

from Facebook Marketplace. My mom intended to keep the desk after the wedding, so it had a dual purpose. It was such a relief that we didn’t have to rent anything or try to re-sell it after the wedding.”

Mitch and Callie also agreed their photographer was a nice addition to the day.

ABOVECallie (Bottorff) and Mitch Weymiller were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Jan. 14, 2023.

“We loved our photographer and received so many compliments on our pictures,” Callie said. “Sarah Griggs and her husband Aaron (who is her second shooter) were wonderful to work with.”

“They knew how to make us comfortable and laugh when the time was right,” Mitch added. “They were recommended to us by friends who got married before us.”

Mitch and Callie also saved money on their DJ, because the groom’s brother, Morgan Gavle, is a professional DJ, and he provided his services free-ofcharge for the newlyweds.

The couple also chose not to have a wedding cake and opted to have Callie’s mother and aunts bake cookies and bars instead.

“I’ll choose a scotcharoo or a chocolate chip cookie any day over cake,” Callie said. “I’ve never really been a fan of cake.

I have many aunts who offered to bring a couple pans of bars or dozens of cookies. We return the favor at wedding/baby showers, graduation parties and other family events. We plated up the few leftovers the next day and people took them home without argument.”

Above all though, Mitch said he’ll remember the feeling of relief “after the marriage license was signed and sealed”, while Callie said she’ll most-easily recall how much her face hurt from laughing and smiling so much.

LEFT- Vintage items, like these suitcases, from Callie’s mom’s collection were used throughout the wedding design.

As for what they learned from their wedding day, Callie said it’s important to remember that it’s a team effort and to do what you want on your special day.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for advice/help,” she said. “Our families and friends were happy to help anyway they could – from decorating the day before to cleaning up the day after. Also, do what makes you comfortable. If there’s a tradition you don’t like, don’t feel pressured to do it just because everyone else did. Make the day your own.”

“When Mitch and I went to take pictures by the Lansing bridge after the ceremony. It was a nice time to catch our breath,” Callie explains her favorite part of their wedding day, Jan. 14, 2023. (Photos by Sarah Griggs Photography)

Jesse

Virtual fishing tournament encourages Iowa walleye anglers to report catches

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is partnering for a third year with MyCatch by Angler’s Atlas to conduct a statewide walleye fishing challenge from March 30-June 30.

This year’s walleye challenge has been expanded to other states across the Midwest and into Canada as part of a larger fisheries research project funded by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

The Midwest Walleye Challenge uses the MyCatch mobile app to record the length of a fish. Participating anglers take a picture of the fish on a measur-

ing device using the app. Once the fish is reviewed by the catch team and meets the rules, longest fish and most waterbodies fished entries appear on a live leaderboard.

The mobile app maintains anonymous location data, so anglers’ “secret spots” stay secret. Iowa DNR fisheries biologists receive only generalized lake and river catch data entered to assess and manage walleye populations. Specific catch locations from anglers are not listed on public leaderboards.

Iowa anglers compete only against other Iowa anglers for biweekly prizes, while all

catches from across the Midwest qualify for the grand prize drawings at the end of the event. Grand prizes for 2024 include a week-long fishing trip to Lac Seul Evergreen Lodge in Canada, as well as equipment from companies, such as St. Croix rods. Anglers can register for the Midwest Walleye Challenge at www.anglersatlas.com/ event/767. Additionally, a new option this year offers participants the ability to choose the “free entry” option to qualify for non-cash prizes or pay a fee to qualify for all prizes, including cash payouts.

As

Learn: Enriching lives through monthly learning series, the library is hosting a free showing of the documentary “DisneyNature: Bears” on Thursday, Feb. 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the lower level Community Room. The 95-minute film will feature a mother bear as she raises her two cubs in the Alaskan wilderness. Viewers are welcome to bring their own movie snacks. Contact Robey Memorial Library for more information at 563568-4424, robeymemorial@ waukon.lib.ia.us

Youth Mentoring Bowl-A-Thon March 23

Helping Services for Youth & Families announced its annual Youth Mentoring BowlA-Thon to be held from 12-2 p.m., Saturday, March 23, at King Pin Entertainment in Decorah. Bowlers can register at www.helpingservices.org/YMBOWL.

Each bowler will enjoy pizza, soda and loads of laughter while bowling at the event. For information, call 563-380-2838 or visit the link above.

2023 Iowa ethanol production ticked up to another record

In 2023, Iowa ethanol production increased to a record-breaking 4.6 billion gallons, up from the previous record of 4.5 billion gallons in 2022. Solid corn production combined with some of the most efficient plants in the world drove Iowa ethanol production forward.

“Given relatively stable ethanol demand over the last few years, it was a pleasant surprise to crunch the numbers and find Iowa ethanol producers again increased production,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “It is a testament to the innovation and efficiency of both Iowa corn growers and ethanol producers. Looking forward, in order to provide opportunities for further growth in the short term we need to see yearround E15 finalized quickly.

But we also have the opportunity to unlock a new market, sustainable aviation fuel, that can drive massive biofuels growth for the next three decades.”

U.S. ethanol production in 2023 exceeded 15.5 billion gallons, with Iowa producing roughly 30 percent. Annual Iowa ethanol production capacity has increased to approximately 4.7 billion gallons and could grow dramatically if ethanol demand increased.

The IRFA compiled production information from an industry survey, public reports, and other industry sources.

For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA. org.

Echoes of the Past

ONE HUNDRED YEARS

AGO: The officers of the Decorah Civic Club have invited all area women interested in the good of Decorah to meet in the City Rest Room next Tuesday. At the gathering, it will be decided whether the Civic Club should disband or shall move forward as a vital force for good in this community. All women are urged to be present.

…The price of butter here in the area has fluctuated 25 times in the past year. The lowest price was 38 cents a pound; and the highest price per pound was 55 cents.

The winding road

…Last Saturday proved a bad day for three Decorah ladies who all fell and incurred painful injuries. Mrs. L.K. Knight fell on the train platform over at Fayette as she was awaiting to return to Decorah after visiting her sister. She broke two bones below the knee. Mr. Knight was gravely concerned and made a taxi trip to Fayette late that night to attend to her. Then, Mrs. Meyrick fell on Water Street and broke her left wrist. The third incident of the day occurred when Mrs. Theresa Assela fell in front of Fred Sell-

POSITIONS WANTED

• Custodial Staff: 30-40 hours/week, all shifts available.

• Book Shop Staff: managing all aspects of course materials, cash register operation, all aspects of customer service

• Assistant Director of CELT: researches, articulates, and disseminates innovative best practices in faculty development, teaching, learning and technology, across instructional modalities

• Instructional Designer: collaborating with faculty and staff to develop, disseminate, implement, and assess effective instructional materials at Luther College

For more information, or to apply, visit www.luther.edu/offices/hr/careers 9-tf-J-12

Roz Weis

The winding road (old Highway 9) between Waukon and Decorah is pictured in this photo, dated circa 1935. This vintage photo is from the Driftless Multimedia archives.

man’s residence on West Water and broke her wrist.

…The Busy Bee Club was entertained last Friday at the home of Miss Mabel Berg of Decorah. Her tables were tastefully decorated with hearts. A delicious Valentine dinner was served by the hostess.

…Rob Schupanitz from over at Festina had some dental work done at Ossian in the fore part of the week.

…Leo Huinker and Miss Mathilda Einck were married at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1924 at 9 o’clock. They were attended by Oscar Huinker and Miss Julia Wenthold.

farm about a half-mile from the Decorah City Limits. Good buildings. $535 cash, payable half in February and the other half in November.

…FRONT PAGE NEWS:

Zephie Koshatka from over at Calmar shares her Angel Food Cake recipe with readers: Put some salt into 11 egg whites. Beat until stiff, but not dry. Add 1 level tsp. of cream of tartar, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour (slowly), ½ tsp. baking powder and some vanilla flavoring. Bake in an ungreased pan for 49 to 60 minutes. Zephie says, “Do as the recipe states, and you will be sure to succeed.”

Civil War Days to the present will be worn and displayed at the reception.

…William Johnson of the A&J Agency attended to matters of business over in Cresco the other day.

…Art Puffer (accordian artist) and his All Americans will put on dance music at Higgins’ Ballroom in Decorah next Thursday night.

Call Steven Tieskoetter; 507-440-7257 9-2-J-pd-13

Decorah

•

Area women invited to City Rest Room 1934

…A surprise party was tendered by Mr. and Mrs. William Hauber from Calmar Township recently. A large crowd attended and the evening was merrily spent at tripping the light fantastic. Thompson’s wild banjo band furnished the music. The ladies brought baskets and a midnight supper was enjoyed by all.

NINETY YEARS AGO: The reign of nicknames has swept through Decorah High School.

…FOR RENT: A 120-acre

Alvin (Pete) Finberg is “Toots” or “Feedbox.” LaVerne Miller is “Potato Patch” or “Sonny Boy”. Arlene Weston is “Rowdy” and Les Forde is “Norske.” – This “breaking news” comes from the Decorah Dynamo column in the newspaper.

…A fine group of young people from Hesper will present a home talent play “All a Mistake” on Feb. 23 and 24 at the Hesper Schoolhouse. Special numbers will be given by Martin Folstad, violinist and Mrs. Bernard Nash. Half of the proceeds of the play will be given to the school.

…More than 1,650 Winneshiek County farmers in 20 townships have already signed contracts with the U.S. government to reduce corn production acreage by 20 percent and hog farrowing by 25 percent. This is the clean-up phase of a new campaign.

…FRONT PAGE NEWS:

John L. Rygg of Winnebago Street had a pleasant birthday surprise the other evening when a telephone message was received from his family in Washington, D.C.

…The rental charge of $2.40 a month for each of the 97 street light posts in Decorah will be eliminated by the Interstate Power Company if the proposed contract for city lighting and power supply for the pumping house is accepted. It is understood that there could be a savings of about $200 a month to the city if a new contract is signed.

College and Career Coach/ Esports Coach

…The Decorah Girl Scouts are hosting a wedding gown pageant next month. At this time, wedding gowns from the

…Our Siewers Springs trout hatchery is among the finest in the state, according to the Iowa Fish and Game Commissioner. There will be an investment by the State of Iowa of between $15,000 and $20,000 for construction of a superintendent’s home, garages for trucks, dam for power, the power plant, fish ponds and rearing ponds. After describing the fine facility, the Commissioner paid highest tribute to the CCC boys here working on the project. The boys are doing all the excavation work by hand.

…The Geo. Bernatz Sons grocery is having a special on imported fish balls – 19 cents per pound; powdered sugar is 19 cents for three pounds; and three cans of Campbell’s soup are 21 cents – total. Stop next week for the deal on corn meal – 5 pounds for 13 cents.

…Ed Youmans, owner of the land on which the Silvercrest Golf Club is now located, hopes to sell the land on which the nine-hole golf course is located to a group of 15 Decorah residents for $100 each. He is anxious to have the name of the grounds changed from Silvercrest to “Whippoorwill”.

…Arnold Hovden, who operates the Kozy Korner Tavern over at Ridgeway, is enlarging the dance floor to accommodate larger crowds. He plans to engage orchestras for regular dancing.

…The annual meeting of the Protivin Creamery was held recently at Zahasky’s Hall. Two new directors, Frank Ira and Frank Koudelka, were elected.

…There will be a mock radio program at the church in Burr Oak next week, sponsored by the Ladies Aid. A good clean program full of good music and lots of pep is promised audiences. Everyone is welcome.

…BIG NEWS! If you plan to lose anything, you had better do it at the Kahler Hotel in Rochester, Minn. A small purse containing $10 and several other items was lost by Dr. Fritchen’s wife about three weeks ago when the Decorah couple were guests at the Kahler. She wrote to the hotel when she discovered she had missplaced her purse. It is now nearly three weeks later, and she has received a package in the mail from the Kahler with the purse, money and other articles enclosed – undisturbed.

Science fair

Thirty Ossian eighth-grade science students vied Friday, Feb. 23, for their chance to show their science fair projects at the regional science fair, which is to be held March 4 at the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Calmar campus. Of the 30 Ossian science fair projects, only 10 will be chosen to be shown at NICC. All students are taught by Ossian Middle School science teacher Ana Olson-Johnson. ABOVEJudges substitute teacher Marissa Nordschow (far right) and retired science teacher Jim Langhus talk with Mackenzi Maxwell about her science fair project, which was about measuring the presence of bacteria on school surfaces. Her research found that while most classroom surfaces were relatively clear of bacteria before school, by the end of the day, more bacteria had accumulated.

Wisconsin Singers visit

Decorah for 56th season tour in March

Wisconsin Singers, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s premier Broadway-caliber touring production, is taking the stage at 2 p.m., March 3, at Decorah High School for its 56th season show, “When Opposites Attract”.

The new original 90-minute show, performed by unpaid fulltime UW students collectively studying more than 24 majors, features captivating vocals, stunning choreography and the electrifying 10-piece Wisconsin Singers student band.

Audiences will hear over 40 songs in this fast-paced show, including top hits from artists like Tina Turner, Queen, Dolly Parton, Michael Bublé and more.

“I look forward to performing for my friends and family one last time with the Wisconsin Singers,” said Joseph Courtney, Wisconsin Singer performer and Decorah native. “Each year has been better than the last, and this year is no exception.”

For information, visit WisconsinSingers.com/see-us/decorah or call 608-886-6801.

Gemini employee Ben Woita (far right) and Luther student Quinn Lohse (middle), both science fair judges, take turns sipping Gatorade and talking with Ossian eighth grader Caden Tieskotter, whose project was about whether or not people could tell the difference between original Gatorade and Gatorade Zero. Woita and Lohse agreed traditional Gatorade seemed a little sweeter, while Gatorade Zero seemed more watery.

Judges Jason Martin-Hiner, Keystone Area Education Agency science consultant, and NICC math instructor Michelle Davis, center, speak with Iliana Thomas-Uribe about her science fair project, which included her testing to see how well white paint covers dark paint. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Zach Jensen)

Decorah's Joseph Courtney is pictured in the center in this photo with other members of the Wisconsin Singers. The ensemble performs in Decorah March 3. (submitted)

On the lanes in the Vikes’ Class 2A team state bowling tournament that finished third were (front, l-r) alternates Bryce Elsbernd and Chase Vick; (back) Coach Michael Bruening, Jace Buddenberg, Jordan Sims, Brock Christensen, Cade Averhoff, TJ Round, Tyler Novak and Coach Keith Bruening. (Photos courtesy of Amy Averhoff)

Girls competing for the Viking bowling team which finished fifth in Class 2A Wednesday at the state tournament were (front, l-r) alternate Kennedy Riehle, Karlie Einck, Anika Grinna, Rylee Averhoff, alternate Asmere Jensen; (back) Marri Feuerhelm, Jasera Tweten and Addison Wicklund.

Bowling teams among top in state

The Decorah girls’ and boys’ bowling teams proved to fans at the state bowling tournament why they deserved to be competing in Class 2A Wednesday afternoon. The Viking boys finished third overall, while the girls came away with a fifthplace finish.

Decorah boys

The boys started the tournament at Cadillac XBC in Waterloo on fire with a 1,083 in the first set of five games with baker scores of 192, 210, 255, 217 and 209. The hot streak continued into the second with a solid score of 1,050 (baker scores 228, 253, 212, 183, 174). In the third and final set, the Decorah boys had difficulty adjusting to the new lanes and finished with a 903 (baker scores 199, 117, 222, 170, 195) to qualify third for bracket play.

In the semifinals, the Vikes dropped a close match to Le-

mars which came down to a single spare. That loss sent Decorah into the third-place match versus Dowling Catholic who the Vikes beat handily to claim bronze.

“Senior TJ Round was the MVP of the day striking 21-of30 times in the qualifying round, while Cade Averhoff was 28for-30 and 29-for-30 on fills,” noted Coach Keith Bruening.

Viking girls

The Decorah girls started seventh in the 15-round qualifier with just over 30 pins separating the Vikings from the round of four. Baker scores in set one were 150, 189, 168, 181 and 140, while set two were 184, 150, 193, 166 and 133.

Rounding out set three were baker scores of 180, 163, 178, 192 and 176.

In the consolation bracket, the Vikes took out Independence in three games and defeated Fort

Dodge 3-1.

“Two or three more spares or two strikes would have made a difference in getting into the top four, but the girls bowled as well as they could for close to six hours,” said Coach K. Bruening. “We bring seven kids back next year from this team. We lose Anika Grinna and will miss her tremendously as she was a great player for DHS.”

Leaving after graduation

After seeing much success the past two seasons with the boys’ and girls’ teams competing and medaling at state, a host of seniors will be gone after graduation.

Those graduating from the girls’ team include Anika Grinna, Kathleen Delphey and Anopa Mtisi, while the boys will lose Cade Averhoff, Brock Christensen, Jeron Feuerhelm, Luke Jensen, Kadin Remick and TJ Round.

One game stands between Vikes and state

A state bid will come down to a game between NEIC rivals, Decorah and Charles City, after the Viking boys defeated Wahlert Catholic 69-56 Thursday night at home in the substate final.

The Class 3A Substate 3 final took place Monday, Feb.

3A

26, at Crestwood as the Vikings looked to defeat the Comets for the third time this season. Earlier this season Decorah defeated Charles City 64-50 and 88-57. The outcome and review of the game will be posted online Tuesday, Feb. 27, and in the Thursday, Feb. 29, Decorah Public Opinion. Opening the game, Decorah claimed a 12-3 lead with 3:39 left to play in the first quarter before the Viking offense fell silent and Wahlert rattled off nine unanswered points for a 12-12 tie. Wahlert took its only lead with the first basket of the second quarter before the Decorah defense shut the Golden Eagles down for nearly three minutes, going ahead 20-14 with 4:59 left in the half and extending its lead to 32-23 at the break.

Matthew Bockman lit up the nets with back-to-back threes to open the third quarter as both teams had players sitting with four fouls. Ben Bockman sank

the final basket of the period at the 1:35 mark as Wahlert finished the period on a 6-0 run, trailing 43-36. In the final eight minutes, the Golden Eagle defense caused Decorah numerous turnovers but wasn’t able to put a dent in the Viking lead that grew to as many as 14 midway through the period.

Trey McCain was calm under pressure in the closing minutes putting up a three and connecting on 5-of-6 free throws as the Vikings came out the victors.

Among the five Vikes in double figures, M. Bockman led the way with 16 points, followed by McCain with 14. B. Bockman provided 12 while Cael LaFrentz put up 11. Zach Driscoll came off the bench to add 10. On the board with four points was Kaiden Quandahl with Noah Milburn providing the final two.

Wahlert 12 11 13 20 56

Decorah 12 20 11 26 69

Five locals named to girls’ All-UIC list

UIC honors four Warriors, three Trojans

South Winn had four boys’ basketball players honored on the Upper Iowa Conference list, while Turkey Valley had three on the recently released list.

Lone first-team selection

Warrior sophomore Matson Winings was named to the first team, averaging 7.7 rebounds a game, pulling down a team-high 170 boards. His 118 defensive rebounds were fifth-best in the league to go with 52 offensive rebounds. Winings was fourth in the UIC in blocks with 33 as he lead South Winn in that category as well. Offensively, Winings produced 312 points, the best for the Warriors, averaging 14.2 a game, to go 42 steals and 36 assists.

Second team

An honorable mention selection as a junior a year ago, Kole Hageman earns a second team nod this year with a 58.8 effective field goal percentage which was third-best in the UIC. Scoring 302 total points this season, the senior was second-best for the Warriors, averaging 13.7 points a night. Off the rim, Hageman averaged 5.4 rebounds a night, hauling in a total of 119 boards (73 defensive, 46 offensive). He also handed out 64 assists and came away with a team-high 58 steals.

Turkey Valley’s Oliver Schmitt moves up from his honorable mention nod last season to second team as the Trojans’ top point producer with 268, averaging 12.2 a game. He finished his senior campaign with the third-most 68 steals in the UIC and a team-high. Under the basket, Schmitt pulled down 80 defensive and 26 offensive rebounds in addition to dishing out 72 assists and blocking nine shots.

Honorable mention nods

South Winn’s Braiden Todd and Nolan Sabelka, along with Trojans Logan Busta and Caleb Kurtenbach received honorable mention in the Upper Iowa Conference.

During his sophomore campaign, Todd finished with 287 points, averaging 12.5 a game.

He led the squad in assists with 92 and was second in steals with 49, while collecting 81 total rebounds which included 61 defensive boards and 20 offensive rebounds.

Sabelka produced 84 points for the Warriors during his junior season to go with 50 assists, 45 total rebounds and 45 steals.

Logan Busta So., TV Hon. Mention

Busta, a sophomore starter for the Trojans, provided an offensive spark with 216 total points this season, an average of 9.4 a game. He finished fifth in the UIC in assists with 96 in addition to lead TV in rebounds with 121 (98 defensive, 23 offensive). He also produced 43 steals and 14 blocks.

All-UIC Teams

*Denotes unanimous selection

First team – *Jordan Cota, Jr., Kee; *Dalton Mudderman, Jr., Kee; *Cael Reichter, Jr., North Fayette Valley; *Koby Bohr, Sr., Postville;

Caleb Kurtenbach Sr., TV Hon. Mention

Carver Bleitz-Bentien, Sr., MFL MarMac; Parker Kuehl, Jr., MFL MarMac; Matson Winings, So., South Winn Second team – Andres Fuentes, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Josiah Minikwu, Jr., Postville; Oliver Schmitt, Sr., Turkey Valley; Kole Hageman, Sr., South Winn; Wyatt Powell, Sr., MFL MarMac; Kaleb Drape, Sr., Kee; Decklyn Heins, Jr., North Fayette Valley Honorable mention – Issac Loan, So., Central; Jake Hertrampf, So., Central; Seth Kregel, So., Clayton Ridge, Colton Hoeger, So., Clayton Ridge; Karsen Strong, Jr., Kee; Andrew Kolsrud, Sr., Kee; Carter Lightfoot, So., MFL MarMac; Bryce Diehl, Sr., MFL MarMac; Peyton Loftsgard, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Kyler White, Jr., North Fayette Valley; Yovani Loera, Jr., Postville; Xander Martinez, So., Postville; Braiden Todd, So., South Winn; Nolan Sabelka, Jr., South Winn; Logan Busta, So., Turkey Valley; Caleb Kurtenbach, Sr., Turkey Valley; Daryon Allwood, Sr., West Central; Nolan Cushion, Sr., West Central

in a season.

Wenthold averaged 11.0 points per game, leading the Warriors with 253 points for the season as well. She was second on the squad with 49 steals and

assists with 34 to go with 47 total rebounds.

Honorable mention

Two athletes from each UIC squad were named to the honorable mention list. Representing South Winn were senior Aubrey Willey and sophomore Alyssa Holthaus. Willey led the Warriors with 42 assists and was third on the team in steals with 45 as she averaged 4.2 points and 2.0 rebounds an outing. Through the 23 games played, the senior led South Winn in rebounds with a total of 109 (82 defensive, 27 offensive).

Averaging 6.4 points a night, Holthaus was second in scoring for the Warriors with a total of 147 points and had a team-high eight blocks and steals with

52. In addition, the sophomore was second in rebounds pulling down 55 defensive and 49 offensive boards to go with 25 assists.

For the Trojans it was senior Mariah Throndson and sophomore Annika Bodensteiner receiving honorable mention.

Throndson averaged 7.4 points to lead the team with 163 total points to go with 3.0 rebounds an outing for a total of 67 (39 offensive, 28 defensive). She concluded her career with 51 steals, the second-best on the Trojan squad and 40 assists.

With 155 total points for the 2023-24 season, Bodensteiner was second in scoring for the Trojans while leading the team in rebounds with 115, averaging 5.2 a night. The sophomore had 12 blocks to top that column for Turkey Valley to go with 28 assists and 21 steals.

Matson Winings So., SW First Team

Kole Hageman Sr., SW Second Team

Oliver Schmitt Sr., TV Second Team

Braiden

Karissa Wenthold Jr., SW Second Team

Alyssa Holthaus So., SW Hon. Mention

Aubrey Willey Sr., SW Hon. Mention

Mariah Throndson Sr., TV Hon. Mention

Annika Bodensteiner So., TV Hon. Mention

Kaiden Quandahl gets an offensive rebound and puts the ball in the hoop Thursday in the Vikes’ Class

substate game. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)