March 5, 2024

Sale of Harmony business pending

Public hearing March 6 to consider a conditional use permit for a retail variety store on the property

By Charlie Warner

“This has been an incredibly difficult and painful decision. We’ve been so fortunate to have had the support of so many great customers and we look forward to continuing to serve them into this summer.”

That’s the way Andrew Kingsley of Harmony Gardens and Floral replied last week when asked about the possible sale of the sprawling greenhouse located along Highway 52 on the north end of Harmony, Minn. News had spread through this Fillmore County community that the local greenhouse was sold to a business/real estate developer, and that a Dollar General retail store would be located at 625 Main Ave. North.

“Originally, we put the business up for sale a couple of years ago after we switched to homeschooling our children and saw the need to make some lifestyle changes that would restore some sanity to our family life,” Kingsley said. “We listed it on the open market for a full 12 months but received no offers or serious interest. Since then, I’ve always been transparent that we’d be willing to sell.

“When we received an offer from this developer last year, we offered the business to multiple individuals familiar with the business for significantly

less money than we felt our business was worth,” Kingsley said. He went on to say that he and his wife Lisa and their family would have preferred to see the current business continue to operate as a greenhouse/floral and gift shop. But no one was interested.

“This was essentially the last thing we wanted to have happen. But we definitely can’t afford to own it and not operate it,” Kingsley said. “My parents (Kerry and Jane Kingsley) approached us about possibly helping them reduce their workload at their store, as they are getting older.”

Kerry and Jane Kingsley own and operate Kingsley Mercantile, which is one of busiest hardware and appliance stores in the area.

“That’s why when this devel-

oper made us an offer, it felt like maybe God was clearing a path forward for us and them,” Andrew said.

The offer was quite low for the business and property that the Kingsleys had developed over the past eight years, “but was a fair offer for just the real estate,” said Andrew.

“We decided after much deliberation that the choice was clear, all things considered. Mom and Dad have an awesome team at the Mercantile and I’m excited to join them.”

He added that the business transaction hasn’t been finalized yet. But, it does appear to be moving forward. A public hearing has been scheduled to

Harmony business

continued on page 5

Lansing have donated their time and talents to ensure generations to come have access to the river along the Mississippi River Refuge.

This year, local non-profit organization the Friends of Pool 9 –Mississippi River Refuge, will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the nationally-recognized refuge. To kick off its centennial year of existence, the group is holding a special event on Saturday, March 9, at TJ Hunters Banquet Hall in Lansing. The educational program and concert are open to the public at no charge.

Upcoming celebration

To commemorate the 100year celebration, Friends of Pool 9 Founding Board Member Ric Zarwell said the group decided to do something that would celebrate the storied history of the refuge.

The event will kick off at 2 p.m., March 9, at TJ Hunters Banquet Hall, with a performance by Steven Marking. A local performer, Marking will perform as Will Dilg, an iconic individual who helped establish the 261-mile fish and wildlife refuge.

At 7 p.m., local musicians

Jon “Hawk” Stravers and his band Big Blue Sky will take the stage, performing their original folk-rock songs.

Throughout the day, TJ Hunters will offer lunch, dinner and a cash bar.

Background on the refuge

While the Friends of Pool 9 was established in 2003, the actual refuge the group helps preserve was established 100 years ago. Will Dilg, an avid fisherman from Chicago, often traveled

to the Mississippi River area to fish on what is now the refuge. At the time, some wanted to drain a part of the river to establish farmland. Dilg and others

worked together to establish a group to work with the National Fish and Wildlife Service on preserving the river and its resources.

didn’t want to see that happen to the area.

“He thought, well there are several other wildlife refuges around the nation. This part of the Mississippi River should become a national refuge too,” said Zarwell.

Dilg took the idea to the newly-formed Izaak Walton League in Chicago. The group loved the idea. Dilg then went to Washington with the proposal to establish the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

“The first day, the house passed it. The second day, the senate passed it. The third day the president signed it,” said Zarwell.

Boundaries and ownership of Pool 9 were established for the area, located on 93 square miles starting at Lock and Dam #8 near Genoa, Wis., and extending to Lock and Dam #9 near Harpers Ferry. In total, the refuge spans 261 miles, starting just downstream from Lake Pepin and going nearly to the Quad Cities. It is the longest refuge in the nation.

Creating the Friends group

In 2003, a group of local citizens from the Lansing area

“The head of the whole refuge at the office in Winona came and talked to us in the gym. Because we’re so close to the river and it means so much to have the river, we had lots of people attend,” said Zarwell. “We wanted to have a voice in the decision made for managing the refuge. We established a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and with a strong love of the river and committed local leaders, quickly got to work. This was recognized in just our third year of existence, when the Friends of Pool 9 received the National Friends Group of the Year Award for Enhancing the National Wildlife Refuge System, out of 252 refuge friends groups across the nation at that time.”

With over 800 members in 30 states and three countries, the group maintains one of the most heavily used federal properties in the nation behind Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon.

The Friends of Pool 9 pursues their mission through two primary goals: informing the public about the benefits of Pool 9 of the refuge; and providing opportunities for volunteers to help conserve the natural habitats found within Pool 9, and the wildlife and fish populations that depend on those habitats.

Some of those volunteer service projects include putting fire rings on the beaches, coordinating placement of port-apotties in heavily trafficked areas near boat landings, hosting educational programs like the

The Harmony Garden and Floral gift shop is located on Highway 52 on the north edge of Harmony, Minn. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Charlie Warner)

Genealogist to present at Senior Center

Art and adventure film collection to be shown March 16 in Lanesboro

The Senior Citizens Hospitality Center will feature guest speaker Midge Kjome of the Decorah Genealogy Association as part of the center’s oncea-month special programming.

Those wishing to begin a family tree or family history book should plan to attend Kjome’s presentation Friday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. Kjome will show the attendees how to begin a genealogy project and how to continue one that’s already been started.

termission. Tickets are available now at lanesboroarts.org.

About Frozen River Film Festival

Thank you, Dental Assistants!

The doctors and staff at Dental Associates thank our dental assistants for their care and dedication to our clinic and to our many patients.

Those who’d like further assistance with genealogy projects can find Kjome at the Decorah Genealogy Association, 808 River Street in Decorah. Special programs are held the second Friday of each month at the center, 806 River Street in Decorah. The programs are free and the public is welcome to attend. Presentations are followed by refreshments and fellowship.

Minn., continues its longstanding collaboration with the Winona, Minn.-based Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF), with a special set of short documentary films from this year’s festival. Five short films will be available for viewing Saturday, March 16, at the historic St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro beginning at 7 p.m. The films, “Soundscape”, “Paddle Tribal Waters”, “The Black Mermaid”, “The Orchestra Chuck Built” and “The Exchange Girl”, feature a blind global adventure athlete, a group of indigenous youth learning to whitewater kayak, a dangerous history of women working in silent film post-production, the largest majority Black orchestra in the country,

The film “Paddle Tribal Waters”, showcases a group of indigenous youth learning to whitewater kayak.

and a modern day tale of The Black Mermaid: free-diver Zandile Ndhlovu. The set will run 75 minutes long, including a 10-minute in-

This year’s Frozen River Film Festival took place Feb. 4-11 in Winona, Minn. The annual festival shows documentary films and programming that educates and activates the community to become involved in the world. The programs provide a unique perspective on environmental issues, sustainable communities, adventure travel and sports, and diverse cultures while showcasing the art of documentary film.

Starting in 2012, Lanesboro Arts has partnered with FRFF to screen documentary films at the St. Mane Theatre.

March 3-9, 2024

Dental Associates of Decorah, PC

501

April’s guest speaker will be Northeast RSVP Volunteer Roger Huinker, who will present the “Iowa Fraud Fighters” seminar.

IA 52101 • 563-382-2441

www.dentalassociatesdecorah.com

Trails Unlimited Breakfast Fundraiser to be

held March 24

The Trails Unlimited Snowmobile Club will host its annual Landowners Appreciation & Breakfast Fundraiser on Sunday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Festina Community Center. All are welcome and guests can enjoy pancakes, hand-made sausage patties and scrambled eggs. This year’s event is dine-in or drive-thru.

“Our snowmobiling season

was sadly cut real short this year, but we want to thank all of our amazing landowners who make these trails possible and let us enjoy this sport,” said Chris Holthaus, Trails Unlimited club president. Nearly 200 landowners, who make up more than 140 miles of trails within the Trails Unlimited region throughout northern Fayette and southern Winneshiek

counties, will receive a special invitation for the breakfast event, including complimentary tickets.

“This event is a great way to thank our landowners and also recognize our amazing club members,” Holthaus said. “Although the season was so short, they have pitched in and gotten things done! We can’t wait to keep improving and growing into the future.”

Immediately following breakfast, the final Trails Unlimited club meeting of the season will take place at the Festina Community Center at 12:30 p.m.

Founded in 1985, Trails Unlimited is a non-profit organization. The club maintains over 140 miles of trail in the communities of Castalia, Ossian, Calmar, Fort Atkinson, Festina, Alpha, Hawkeye, Jackson Junction, St. Lucas, Auburn, Waucoma, West Union and Clermont. For more information about Trails Unlimited Snowmobile Club, find them on Facebook or visit www.trailsunlimited.net.

Vietnam Veterans to be recognized at Waukon event

Twenty-five Waukon-area Vietnam Veterans will be honored during a special celebration Saturday, March 30, at 1 p.m., at AJ’s Steakhouse in Waukon. A full menu will be available. For more information, call 563-568-5275.

Seated: Beth Larson, Avery Shelton and Lindsi Holstad. Standing: Brenda Keatley, Shannon Spalla, Julie Brenno, Katie Wiltgen and Cindy Renken.

Jones to be sentenced March 4 for eight counts of felony theft

Pre-trial conference for

33 counts of theft and forgery to be held simultaneously

By Denise Lana

After several postponements

due to illness and information gathering, Mindy Jones was scheduled to appear March 4 in a Fillmore County courtroom in Preston, Minn., to be sentenced for her December conviction of eight counts of felony theft.

Originally scheduled for Feb.

12, Jones’ sentencing hearing was delayed due to Jones’ report of suffering a seizure and being admitted to the emergency room of a Waterloo hospital, according to a doctor’s note submitted to the court.

Jones was present at the rescheduled hearing Friday, Feb. 16, but a continuance for sentencing was made for March 4. Due to Iowa and Minnesota law differences, several of Jones’ past convictions that occurred in Iowa needed further scrutiny to ensure the sentence she received in Minnesota fairly and equally reflects the severity of the Iowa convictions.

The day prior to the Feb. 16 hearing, Jones’ public defender, Milind Shah, received a document from Jones – the note

insisted Jones keep her medical appointment scheduled for the same time as the Friday, Feb. 16, hearing. Ultimately, it was discovered that the medical document provided to Shah and the court was a fake. Learning this, presiding Judge Jeremy Clinefelter ordered Jones be held in jail until the March 4 hearing, citing that he felt she was “a danger to the community” and the court could not trust anything she presented.

The following week, Shah stepped down from representing Jones, and on Feb. 26, Jones requested a hearing, requesting to be released from jail, stating, “I currently have no representation and could be working while waiting for new representation.”

Assistant Public Defender Graham Henry was assigned soon after to represent Jones, and Judge Clinefelter issued his response Feb. 28, denying Jones’ request. She remained in jail.

Running consecutively with the sentencing hearing, a pretrial settlement conference was scheduled regarding a separate

Vote for Iowa’s best burger

The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) announced the commencement of the 15th annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest. This highly-anticipated event has become a hallmark of culinary excellence, showcasing the diverse and delicious burgers crafted by Iowa’s talented chefs and restaurateurs.

This contest is not just a competition; it’s a celebration that showcases the valued partnership between Iowa’s cattlemen and food service providers through memorable and delicious beef experiences. Past winners of the Best Burger contest have seen a significant increase in foot traffic, attracting new patrons eager to savor the award-winning burger.

Highlights from the 2023 contest

Since being named the home of Iowa’s Best Burger for 2023, Flight Bar + Grille in Huxley has been serving a record-setting number of burgers.

“Overall, our restaurant sales have doubled since winning this highly-coveted award,” said Matt Pacha, who owns the restaurant with his wife Marianne. “In May, after the announcement, we sold 5,000 Foundation burgers. Before receiving the honor, the most Foundation burgers we sold in a month was 859.”

In addition to crushing the previous sales records, winning the annual Best Burger contest resulted in across-the-board increases for many food items during May:

• Foundation burgers sold: 5,000 (last year, the average monthly sales were 250)

• Pounds of beef turned into burgers: 4,600 (compared to 1,200 pounds in May 2022)

• Pounds of french fries sold: 4,500

• Pounds of white onions used: 1,300

“Through initiatives like Io-

Academic Achievements

Tami Bouska of Cresco was

criminal case in which Jones is charged with committing 33 counts of theft and forgery in 2021. While Jones was living with a man in Cresco in 2021, she allegedly took checks from his mailbox without his knowledge – more than $37,000 worth of checks – and was reported to have deposited that money into her own business and personal bank accounts.

If a settlement was not reached after press time March

4, a jury trial is slated to begin March 18 at the Fillmore County Courthouse.

Additionally, Jones is scheduled for her review hearing April 1 in Iowa’s Allamakee County Court on charges of First Degree Arson and Animal Abuse, related to her former business in Waukon which was destroyed by a fire in 2022. Charges were filed against Jones following the results of a full investigation by the Iowa Fire Marshall’s Special Investigators and Allamakee County fire department and law officials.

Latecomers

wa’s Best Burger contest, we aim to highlight the quality and flavor of beef while fostering a sense of community and culinary pride,” said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing and Communications for IBIC.

“As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of this contest, we extend an invitation to all Iowa restaurants to participate.”

How to participate and vote

Whether you’re a restaurant owner ready to showcase your best burger or a consumer eager to cast your vote for this year’s Iowa Best Burger winner, we invite you to join in on this milestone celebration.

To qualify for the title of Iowa’s Best Burger, the burger must be a 100 percent real beef patty and served on a bun or bread product. Call IBIC at 515-296-2305 to ensure your restaurant is on our voting list. Visit www.iabeef. org to download contest promotional materials that can be used in restaurants, online and on social media. Consumers are encouraged to share photos of their favorite burger on social media using #IABestBurger and tagging @iowabeefcouncil.

Nominations will be accepted online until 5 p.m. March 12. To vote, visit www.iabeef.org and follow the on-screen directions to submit your nomination. The more nominations a restaurant receives, the better chances are for that burger to make it on the Top Ten list announced Monday, March 18, on WHO Radio’s “The Big Show”. Finalists will receive a certificate and be eligible for the secret taste-test by contest judges. The 2024 Best Burger in Iowa will be announced on May 1 with the kick-off of May Beef Month. More details about the contest, rules, and the voting form are available at www.iabeef. org.

Lansing bridge

‘movement’ prompts up to two-month closure

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) was alerted Feb. 25 to unexpected movement on the existing Mississippi River Bridge connecting Iowa Highway 9 in Lansing to Wisconsin Highway 82 in rural Crawford County, Wisconsin. The bridge was closed as a result of this discovery, an IDOT report said.

“After thoroughly inspecting the bridge, engineers have determined there has been movement in two existing bridge piers near the work zone,” the IDOT report said. “Work is already in progress to stabilize the two impacted piers so we can reopen the bridge as quickly as possible. However, work is expected to take up to two months. The bridge will not be reopened until it is deemed safe.”

The nearest bridges for vehicle traffic to cross the Mississippi River are at La Crescent, Minnesota/Lacrosse, Wisconsin, or Marquette, Iowa/Prairie

Luren Singers perform March 10 in Winona

kolache sale March 10

The Latecomers Relay for Life (RFL) team of Waucoma will be selling kolaches at the ninth annual Waucoma Spring Vendor and Craft Show March 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waucoma Event Center.

The Waucoma-based RFL team raises money for the American Cancer Society primarily by selling kolaches. To date, the team has sold just over 50,000 kolaches, and all funds received have gone to the American Cancer Society.

Babysitting seminar

March 29

A babysitting seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, March 29, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Large Conference Room on the lower level of the hospital in Waukon.

Intended participants are individuals 10 years of age and older who are responsible for their own care after school until their parents come home from work, and individuals who care for other children in or outside of their own home. Girls and boys are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Topics to be covered include fire and personal safety, accident prevention and emergency actions, nutritious snacks and basic care of children.

Pre-registration is required by March 27. For information or to register, call Corinne Cook at 563-568-3411.

du Chien, Wisconsin.

“We are currently working on alternative transportation options for those who rely on the bridge,” the IDOT report concluded.

For updates on the bridge construction and optional transportation services, visit iowadot.gov/lansingbridge. Updates will be posted online, and visitors can sign up to receive more detailed updates. Find more information on the Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing Facebook page at www.facebook. com/LansingBridge.

The Luren Singers of Northeast Iowa and Southeastern Minnesota will perform at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 10, at Central Lutheran Church, 259 West Wabasha Street, in Winona, Minn. They are singing a Beatles tune, folk music, a spattering of sacred selections with a bit of Norwegian sprinkled in. There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted.

The Luren Singers male chorus began in 1868 with four singers. Now in 2024 there are 70 of them who love to go to rehearsals weekly under the able direction of Dr. David Judisch, professor emeritus of Vocal Music performance of Luther College, and Doug Poppen, retired high school vocal music teacher from West Union.

Congratulations to Kyleigh and Hunter McGee of Decorah on the birth of their daughter, Evelynn Mae Evelynn was born Feb. 23, 2024, at 1:39 p.m., weighing 8 lbs, 5 oz and was 21 inches long. She was delivered by Certified Nurse Midwife Stephanie Riley and nurses Kelly, Haley G., Steph and Juliet. Evelynn joins siblings Liam (6) and Remington (3).

235 8th Ave W, Cresco | rhshc.com | 563-547-2101

tenThing Brass ensemble is an all-women band that will perform at Luther College March 7.

(submitted photo)

Norway’s tenThing Brass Ensemble to perform March 7 for Luther’s Center Stage Series

The all-women tenThing Brass Ensemble will perform for Luther’s Center Stage Series at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. The award-winning Norwegian ensemble will stop at Luther as part of their tour across the East Coast and Midwest. The event is co-sponsored by Luther’s Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies.

Led by renowned trumpet player Tine Thing Helseth, the ensemble will premiere a new piece by American composer Jennifer Higdon titled “Ten of Hearts,” written for tenThing and co-commissioned by Luther College.

The performance coincides with Luther’s celebration of Women’s History Month throughout March and will highlight the work of many

women composers, including Agathe Backer, Lili Boulanger, Ruth Crawford Seeger and Grażyna Bacewicz.

In addition, the performance will include a diverse repertoire by composers including Bernstein, Bartok and Grieg.

Founded in 2007, tenThing has risen to international acclaim since its formation.

Center Stage Dinner Series

A separate ticket for the multicourse dinner is required; the menu for March 7 can be viewed at tickets.luther.edu. Dinner seating begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union. Both dinner and show tickets are on sale through Luther’s Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life, online or by calling 563-387-1357.

Safe cars save lives

Drivers reminded to check their vehicle during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week March 4-10 on any unrepaired recall for a vehicle during the past 15 calendar years. It will also provide details on unrepaired safety recalls from major automakers, motorcycle manufacturers, and some medium/heavy truck manufacturers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) mission is simple: Keep people safe on America’s roadways. One way to be assured that vehicles are as safe as possible is by raising awareness of Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, March 4-10, 2024.

NHTSA Region 7 – which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska –reminds drivers to check their vehicles for open safety recalls.

In 2022 alone, there were 1,050 safety recalls affecting more than 31 million vehicles and other automotive equipment in the U.S.

“Checking for recalls is quick, easy and best of all, free,” said NHTSA Region 7 Administrator Susan DeCourcy.

“During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, we are urging everyone to take a few minutes to check for any open safety recall on vehicles, tires, car seats, and other vehicle-related equipment. Remember that every vehicle recall is important and should be repaired immediately.”

Stay current with recalls

Checking for recalls is free and easy. All vehicle owners need is their VIN, located on the lower portion of the windshield on the driver’s side. The VIN is also located on registration cards and possibly auto insurance cards.

• Drivers can use the free, user-friendly Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Look-Up Tool, located at NHTSA.gov/ recalls. This web tool allows vehicle owners to check for open safety recalls on their vehicles or automotive equipment.

• Drivers can sign up for Recall Alerts. If their vehicle is included in a future recall, they’ll receive an email letting them know. NHTSA’s free web recalls tool will provide details

Service Notice

RICK NESVIK, 65, of Ossian, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at

Systems

La Crosse,

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 6, at Ossian Lutheran Church, 305 Jessie Street, Ossian, with Rev. Daryl Schultz presiding. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, at Ossian Lutheran Church, and after 10 a.m., Wednesday morning at the church.

Small farm and beginning farmer webinars offer guidance to entrepreneurs

Cultivate your dreams and turn that small plot of land into a thriving and sustainable farm. Join Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for the Small Farm and Beginning Farmer series, designed exclusively for beginning farmers and small acreage owners.

Hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach, this series is a combination of informative webinars and hands-on, in-person events. It is tailored to provide essential insight and practical advice for those venturing into farming or seeking to enhance their smallscale operations. Each session, led by industry experts and seasoned professionals, covers critical topics relevant to the challenges and opportunities of small-scale farming.

All webinars start at 6 p.m. and are offered through Zoom. The series continues through December.

DECORAH SALES COMMISSION

Dates and topics

• March 7: Small-Scale Poul-

try Management

• April 11: Manure Management for Small Farms

• May 9: Sheep and Goat Management: Starting Your Flock

• June 13: Maximizing Pasture Potential: Multispecies Grazing Strategies

• Aug. 29: Sheep and Goat Breeding Management: Maximizing Your Flock’s Potential

• Sept. 12: Working with an Ag Lender

• Oct. 10: Private Well Stewardship for Well Owners

• Nov. 14: Small Orchard Management

• Dec. 12: Getting Started in Commercial Vegetable Production Registration is open to all and is free. Participants can register for each session at https:// go.iastate.edu/FH5MHR. Miss a session? Email Nerad at lnerad@iastate.edu for the link to the recording.

Past session recordings include “Ag Tax Exemptions and Considerations when Filing Taxes;” and “Market Ready: Preparing to Sell at Farmers Markets.”

In-person opportunities and additional webinars will be an-

• Drivers can check for open safety recalls by downloading NHTSA’s free SaferCar app. Once in the app, drivers can enter their vehicle’s VIN and NHTSA will send an alert if a safety recall is issued on their vehicle.

If a driver believes their vehicle may have a safety-related defect that isn’t part of a current recall, contact NHTSA online at NHTSA.gov or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Sometimes just one complaint is enough to trigger a safety recall.

For more information on NHTSA’s Vehicle Recalls, visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls.

Harmony business

continued from front

be held on March 6 at 7 p.m. at the Harmony Community Center where the Harmony Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a retail variety store to be located on the Harmony Gardens and Floral property. Even if everything falls into place, Andrew said the local business will continue to operate at least through the summer months and possibly into the fall.

nounced at a later date and will be available at the same link above. For more information, contact Lauren Nerad at 563263-5701 or lnerad@iastate. edu.

March 16. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon. 563-568-2464, www. sweeneyauctionservice.com.

Alzheimer’s Awareness scholarship contest

LARGE COIN AUCTION - Sunday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. Held at the Community Center in Protivin, IA Shindelar Auction Service, LLC. Protivin, Ia 563-569-8235. www.auctionsgo.com

High school seniors impacted by Alzheimer’s disease can earn up to $5,000 for college through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship Contest. Students can enter the contest by visiting www.alzfdn. org/scholarship.

The deadline for submissions is April 1, at 5 p.m. ET. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate. The first-place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship. Additional prizes awarded for runners up and honorable mentions.

LARGE TOY, COLLECTIBLE, HOUSEHOLD, TOOLS & MISC LIVE AUCTION - Saturday, March 9, 8:30 a.m. Sale Held at Sweeney Auction Center, Waukon IA. Donald Steffans Estate Decorah IA & Caryn Weymiller Estate Waukon IA Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563-5682464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com

OVER 400 LOTS ONLINE ONLY COLLECTIBLES, HOUSEHOLD, TOOLS & MISC AUCTION - Monday, March 11, 4:30 p.m. Michael Wicklund Trust, 2765 Blackhawk Rd New Albin, IA, Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563568-2464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com

College-bound high school seniors are invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting an essay (1,500 words maximum) or submitting a video (four minutes in length or less), describing how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimer’s. Entries can be submitted by visiting www.alzfdn.org/ scholarship.

More than $428,000 in college scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception.

38.48 ACRES WINNESHIEK COUNTY REAL ESTATE AUCTION - Friday, March 29, 10:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.alzfdn.org/donate or call AFA at 866-232-8484.

Otters Family, 115th St., Fort Atkinson, IA. Sale held at Fort Atkinson Community Center. Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563-568-2464, www.sweeneyauctionservice. com

David Ryan Construction

The

Readers will see no changes in the Public Opinion Newspaper, as it will continue to provide full coverage on all activities as it has in the past. With the addition of the Weekend Wrap-up E-edition, coverage of weekend games for Decorah, South Winn and Turkey Valley is still available.

Spring Grove

The Spring Grove girls’ basketball team fell short of the championship game after advancing to the Class A Section 1A semifinals. The Lions’ quest for the title began with a 67-40 win over Southland Feb. 22. Spring Grove and Fillmore Central squared off in the quarterfinals, with the Lions edging Fillmore Central 48-44 Monday, Feb. 26, led by Siri Konkel’s 11 points. Facing Goodhue in the semifinals, the Lions couldn’t swing the momentum in their favor, ending the season with a 73-49 loss. The Lions wrapped up the season with a 23-6 overall record and claimed the SEC East Division title.

The Lions’ boys opened their postseason with a 48-37 win over Lanesboro Thursday, Feb. 29, at home to advance to the Class A Section 1 quarterfinals versus Fillmore Central which will be held at the Mayo Civic Auditorium Wednesday, March 6, at 6 p.m.

Mabel-Canton

In the Class A Section 1 boys’ basketball tournament, Mabel-Canton dropped its first game to Kenyon-Wanamingo, 83-59, Thursday, Feb. 29. The Cougars wrap up the season 14-14 overall and 4-4 in the SEC East Division in third place.

South Winn

Last week, South Winn senior Brady Ohrt signed his letter of intent to play football at Waldorf University.

“The recruiting process was a very exciting deal for Brady. There were a handful of schools that he visited and were very welcoming. Waldorf came on very strong in the end and after his official visit, Brady left knowing that was where he wanted to go. Brady is a high-character student athlete. The skills that he has developed in his time at South Winn will go a long way toward being successful at the next level,” said Coach and father Jason Ohrt. “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of Brady’s teachers, coaches and teammates over the years for their role in helping make this moment possible.”

South Winn senior Brady Ohrt (center) is joined by his parents, Jason and Debbie Ohrt at his signing to play football at Waldorf last week. (submitted photo)