March 21, 2023 Driftless Journal

driftless

Winneshiek County Dairy Banquet is April 1

The 60th Annual Winneshiek County Dairy Banquet will be held Saturday, April 1, at the Festina Community Center.

A meal by U2 BBQ will be served from 7 to 8 p.m., including beef brisket, baby reds, honey glazed carrots, strawberry fluff, brownies and ice cream. The awards ceremony begins at 8 p.m., with DHIA awards, several individual awards and scholarships handed out, along with the crowning of this year’s royalty.

Tickets are available at the door the night of the banquet.

Princess candidate

Kendra Elsbernd is the 16-year-old daughter of Peter and Kristi Elsbernd. She has one brother and two sisters, and her family milks 340 cows and sells their milk to Foremost Farms. They also raise 600

Relief, Recover, Rebuild

Local heroes recognized in Spring Grove

acres of corn and alfalfa.

She is a junior at South Winn High School where she participates in swimming, FFA, SODA, cheerleading, band/ marching band and 4-H.

On the farm she likes to help her dad with the cows and work with the calves, whether it be vaccinations or just feeding them. She loves to play with her dog and run around with her. She enjoys seeing her chickens and seeing how many eggs they have. For fun she likes to swim, read, craft and knit. Her sponsor is South Winn Vet Clinic.

Little Miss Squirt candidates

Claire Elsbernd is the nineyear-old daughter of Jay and Leslie Elsbernd. She has two brothers and one sister, and her family milks 150 Holstein and mixed breed cows and sells their milk to Foremost Farms. They farm 600 acres of corn, beans and hay. Claire attends third grade at Notre Dame in Cresco. She takes piano lessons, serves at Mass and is on the summer swim team. She helps on the farm by feeding calves and watching gates. Her hobbies include reading, art/

drawing, riding bike and going to the pool.

Emerson Wemark is the nineyear-old daughter of Eric and Darcy Wemark. She has two brothers and one sister, and her family milks 560 Holstein cows and sells their milk to Foremost Farms. They farm 1500 acres of corn, soybeans and hay. Emerson attends third grade at Carrie Lee in Decorah. She is a member of the Lincoln Leaders 4-H club, Iowa Junior Holstein Association, shows dairy at the fair, dances for Brenda’s School of Dance and participates in basketball, soccer and wrestling. She helps on the farm by feeding and moving calves and can often be found in pens that her “pet” cows are in. Her hobbies include playing with her favorite cow, Sprinkles, playing with her cats, drawing and riding bike.

Waukon businesses Tin, Rust and Harmony and Paws Up Pet Supplies were destroyed in a fire in February 2022. The upper portions of both buildings were knocked down to keep the fire contained. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Jennifer Bissell)

Mindy Jones charged with first-degree arson following Waukon fire

By Kate Klimesh

The fire that consumed the Waukon Tin, Rust and Harmony building, along with its neighbor business Paws Up and residences above the two stores, in February 2022, has been under investigation by the State Fire Marshalls Office’s special agent. A report was recently released by the Waukon Police Department, that due to circumstances surrounding the fire and the investigation, Mindy Jones was arrested on Monday, March 13, and is being charged with Arson-1st Degree, a class B felony. Jones is also charged with animal abuse, and aggravated misdemeanor, for the death of a canine as a result of the fire. The Iowa State Fire Marshalls Office was assisted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa DCI lab, the ATF and the Allamakee County Attorney’s Office.

Hundreds attended Spring Grove’s Relief, Recover, Rebuild Recognition Celebration Feb. 25 sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. The event honored the local heroes who rallied together to contain the devastating December fire on Main Street. Fire Chief Trent Turner thanked his team of local volunteers along with firefighters from six surrounding communities including Brownsville, Caledonia, Decorah, Eitzen, Houston and Mabel who joined forces to fight a fire that lasted nearly 10 hours and nearly drained the city’s two water towers. “I just want to thank everyone for coming and joining us for a night of fun and thankfulness. We live in a great community, and it’s times like this that show just how great it really is,” stated Spring Grove City Administrator Jana Elton. Pictured above are the Spring Grove Firefighters. (submitted photo)

Severe Weather Awareness Week

March 27-13

Severe weather season is right around the corner and the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Agency reminds everyone of the National Severe Weather Awareness Week March 27-31.

Severe weather

continued on page 6

Women’s Weekend Out in Decorah March 31-April 2

Women’s Weekend Out pairs retail shopping, local dining and special events for a whole weekend of Decorah-based fun

Friday-Sunday, March 31-April 2.

With more than 40 participating locations, major events are planned including: a style show at Hotel Winneshiek Saturday morning, Driftless Jazz at

Impact Coffee March 31, Drag

Show April 1, Traveling Tapster and Music at Rendered Unique

March 31 and April 1, Comedy Show at T-Bock’s April 1, Craft and Vendor Show at the fairgrounds April 1 and the Flower Wars Event at Decorah Greenhouse April 1-2.

Also on tap are several events at Convergence Ciderworks:

Spring

March 30 Luna Fest, March 31 Ladies Barn Quilt Night, April 1 Ladies Line Dancing, and April 2 CSA Fair/Local Goods Market.

Pre-registration options include purchasing a swag bag for the weekend. Many shops and stores also have specials and deals specifically for the weekend.

Jones was picked up March 13, at 3:42 p.m., at the Black Hawk County Jail, where she had been serving her 120-day jail sentence with work release in Waterloo from the 2022 guilty plea of felony Theft-By Swindle for the fraudulent raffle she coordinated in Harmony, Minn. She was served the arrest warrant and booked into the Allamakee County Jail at 4:09 p.m. Jones was released on a $25,000 bond secured through Statewide Cash Bonds of Waterloo the same day. Per her bond, she agreed to appear at the Monday, March 27, at 10 a.m., at the Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon for her initial hearing on the charges.

Jones had requested to serve her sentence in Waterloo, due to being an essential employee at Schott’s Trucking in Waterloo.

As of Feb. 9, Schott’s Trucking representatives reported that Mindy Jones no longer worked for the company.

According to the affidavit of the investigation that led to

charges, the investigation of Jones following the fire included interviews with persons of interest and witnesses to the fire, as well as bank and insurance records of Jones. State Farm Insurance Senior Fire Consultant Mark Dooley, along with three dozen other individuals, examined the building following the fire around April 5-7, 2022. The State Fire Marshall special agent was on the scene Feb. 14, 2022. Their reports included facts that Jones was at the building within minutes of the fire being reported, and the fire had two distinct and separate points of origin. The first point of origin identified was on the first floor, behind the sales counter, and the second was identified as below the east wall of the first floor, at the cold air return duct for the basement HVAC unit. The report lists open flame to combustible materials as the ignition sequence for both fires. All other electrical equipment and potential heat sources were eliminated through independent third-party testing.

Both reports concluded the fires were a result of incendiary fires: a fire that is intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances where and when there should not be a fire. The report stated that Jones had a financial motive to destroy the building and business. Arson in the first degree describes an act of arson committed in the presence of which one or more persons could reasonably be anticipated.

Interestingly enough, Jones had filed a civil case in Allamakee County with a demand for jury trial on Feb. 7 against State Farm Insurance for alleged failure to pay the claim filed on the building she purchased in December 2021 for $62,000.

Kendra Elsbernd Claire Elsbernd Emerson Wemark

Join us for an evening of relaxing laughs, food, and fun to celebrate the weekend or beat the winter blues. “Crazytown” production

Comedy Dinner Theatre

Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 6 - 9 p.m.

$46/person Buy tickets online at eventbrite.com or call the winery 563-568-2758

3 course dinner, menu is: House Caesar Salad, Sliced Ham with Cranberry Chutney, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn, Fresh baked Dinner Rolls, Choice of Dessert. Bar is open serving Wine, Sangria, Craft Beer on tap, Can Domestic Beer & Hard Ciders.

Empty Nest Winery

1352 Apple Rd. Waukon • 563-568-2758

Winter Hours: Saturdays 10-5pm and Sundays 1-5pm

Meszler completes 24-hour organ performance

By Roz Weis

Luther Col-

lege Organist

Alexander

Meszler performed a 24hour version of John Cage’s 1987 “Organ2/ASLSP (As Slow as Possible)” earlier this year.

It was the longest known single-performer performance of the piece. The marathon took place in the Sundt Organ Studio, Jenson-Noble Hall of Music. Guests were welcome to comeand-go as they pleased.

Meszler achieved his goal and reported, “It went really well. We had more than 1,000 people tuning in-and-out of the livestream and many people came for the live performance in Sundt.”

The organist said he was touched that so many friends and colleagues came out for the conclusion of the 24-hour marathon.

“It meant so much to have so many people there at the end,” he said.

His experience

According to Meszler, “I haven’t really been able to fully digest what happened, but here are the thoughts I can muster at this moment. Time definitely passed in a way that I’ve never experienced. It was a little bit like a meditation (which I know the audience, depending on the moment in the piece, was experiencing), but as a performer it was also something else. There would be entire hours (the first 6 hours for instance) that felt like

no more than 25 to 30 minutes. Then, there would be 10 minutes that felt like an entire hour. While I had prepared for some of the bizarre feelings, I didn’t totally feel prepared for any of those weird feelings I’m having trouble putting into words.

Meszler continued, “As musicians, we talk a lot about hearing phrases, sections and entire pieces over time — their beginnings, their middles, their ends. Sometimes this can be very challenging since music has so many little moments to consider. Sometimes the big picture can get lost. Well, when you slow something down so that it is 24 hours long — four pages over 24 hours! All you can worry about is the big picture. Yes, there are still some beautiful small moments, and I was able to enjoy those, but, for me, it was all about the big picture. What I will remember about doing this is that I heard a single musical moment that took three hours to play. The particular progression that I think of was the last three hours (hours 21 to 24). I had no idea I could hear music in that way. And I’m not sure I could ever do it again without the first 21 hours of playing. What an odd sensation that was. “

Meszler said there was something magical about unplugging for 24 hours.

“Yes, (unplugging) from the wi-fi, technology, etc., but it was even more than that because you can do that when you go camping — which I highly recommend. It was 24 hours of nothing but this one thing. One piece of music. One goal. This was like nothing I have ever done.”

As far as known, this was the longest complete performance of the piece by a single performer. He stopped short of making any official record-setting announcements.

“We’re always a little hesitant to assert anything in the experimental world, because we’re not a bunch known for our good public relations. There was a 24hour performance by a YouTube/ Twitch guy in 2022. He played only the first page for some reason though. Maybe there was some kind of misunderstanding there since the whole piece should be played. It was also a considerably different vibe, one that I’m not sure Cage would have liked (talking and playing other music over the music), but I don’t want to throw such a performance under the bus because I think anything that brings attention to this kind of music is ultimately a good thing. We have a complete recording of the piece, but we’re still working on a way to open the file which is so large that no conventional program has been able to do it. Hopefully we’ll be able to post this somewhere for posterity. Perhaps we’ll contact Guinness, perhaps we won’t. I just don’t know yet.”

Meszler is a Fulbright recipient and started his work at Luther last fall. He has spent time in Europe researching secularism and the organ. He is a current member of the American Guild of Organists’ Committee on New Music. In 2019, he was named one of The Diapason’s “20 under 30” and he co-created “Walls of Sound: The Ecology of the Borderlands” which brought together collaborators from across disciplines of music, science, theater, art and activism.

He has studied at Syracuse University, the University of Kansas and most recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Organ Performance and Music Theory at Arizona State University.

He is helping edit a forthcom-

ing online Encyclopedia of the Organ that will contains 4,000 articles about the organ. Before coming to Luther, where he is college organist and assistant professor of music, he served as an adjunct professor at Syracuse University and Hamilton College.

Luther College announces summer Norse Short Courses

Luther College is offering a series of “Norse Short Courses” this summer. Courses are open to alumni, parents, and friends of the college.

A culinary arts beginner chef class will be offered twice, June 30-July 2 and July 28-30, led by Luther College Executive Chef Ryan Pederson and Catering Chef Justin Scardina. A photography course will be held June 23-25 and repeated July 21-23. Led by the college’s multimedia lead, Jay Raabe, the course explores how to take great pictures using a smartphone.

Five Nordic Studies Institute short courses are scheduled for July 25-27: Rosemaling with Sally Stromseth; Sami Bracelet Making with Norma Refsal; Flat-plane Woodcarving with James Miller; Sustainability and Friluftsliv in Decorah with Jon Jensen; and A Taste of Norway: Making Lefse, Krumkake, and Rosettes with Birgitta Meade. Enrollment is limited. For more information and to register for the beginning chef or photography course, visit luther.edu/alumni-friends/events/ short-courses.

To learn more about the Nordic Studies Institute courses, go to luther.edu/alumni-friends/ events/nordic-studies-institute.

IFB county leaders meet with lawmakers

Twenty-five Iowa Farm Bureau members met with Iowa’s congressional delegation recently in Washington to discuss policy issues important to the sustainability of their family farms. Among them were Scott Rottinghaus of Waterloo, Geordan Hanson of Elgin and Jerome Fulsaas of Decorah.

The group met with Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst along with Reps. Ashley Hinson, Randy Feenstra, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn. They also visited with representatives from the USDA, American Farm Bureau, British Embassy and Senate Agriculture Committee staff.

toppling goliath taproom

With the current farm bill set to expire this September, the farmers stressed the importance of prioritizing risk management tools and funding for crop insurance and commodity programs. They pushed for a unified farm bill to keep farm and nutrition programs together to increase lawmaker support. Nutrition programs like SNAP make up more than 80 percent of farm bill spending.

Iowa farmers also outlined their concerns about the Biden administration’s new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, with many members sharing examples of areas on their farms that are typically dry but can temporarily pool when it rains. They fear these areas would fall under the WOTUS rule interpretation, expanding the reach of regulators on private land.

The group also sought support for year-round E15 legislation as well as new trade agreements to expand markets for their crops and livestock.

Alexander Meszler

Free Clinic to open in new location

The Decorah Community Free Clinic is continuing its mission to provide health care and education to uninsured and under-insured individuals in our extended community.

The “Free Clinic,” as it is commonly known, began as a project of the Decorah Area Faith Coalition in 2002 and has served thousands of patients over the past 21 years. For much of its history, the Free Clinic was housed in offices and educational spaces of First Lutheran Church. The clinic closed temporarily at the onset of the COVID pandemic, but for the last year and a half has operated out of the Carriage House near First Lutheran Church. In the next several months, a new location will be established at the Decorah First United Methodist Church.

The clinic previously operated as a weekly “walk-in” clinic on Thursday evenings. Since reopening in the Carriage House, the clinic has been open two Thursday evenings per month, by appointment only. Patients come from Winneshiek and surrounding counties for treatment of acute illness as well as management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In the past year, 270 people sought and received assistance, with the clinic providing an estimated $46,640 worth of services.

“I find that patients are incredibly grateful for the care they receive,” noted clinic

Medical Director Dr. Lisa Zittergruen. “While I wish there was not a need for a Free Clinic, I enjoy volunteering and I know we are able to prevent numerous ER visits and medical complications.”

The clinic relies on community support to continue this work. Donations from individuals and churches provide the primary financial support, with assistance from charitable organizations and supplemented by the Free Clinics of Iowa, an organizational umbrella of Free Clinics in the state.

Clinic volunteers include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, interpreters, student nurses, transcriptionists, receptionists, social workers, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, dentists, optometrists, physical therapists, dieticians and others. New volunteers are welcomed.

The Free Clinic is actively recruiting for the part-time, paid clinic coordinator position after the retirement of the previous coordinator. Interested individuals can contact Bill Deutsch, chair of the board, at billbdeutsch@gmail.com, or find the job posting on the Decorah Community Free Clinic Facebook page.

To make an appointment at the clinic for medical assistance, send a text message that includes your name, address date of birth and the medical problem to 563-419-0962.

To volunteer at the clinic,

Minnesota author to visit Driftless area schools

The Oneota Valley Literary Foundation brings Minnesota author Erin Soderberg Downing to four local schools to speak to students, including Decorah, South Winneshiek, Postville and Crestwood, on Tuesday, March 28, and Wednesday, March 29.

Soderberg Downing is the author of the “Great Peach Experiment” series of middle grade books. The first book in the series “When Life Gives You Lemons Make Lemonade” is a nominee for the 2023-24 Iowa Children’s Choice Award. The third book in the series, “Frozen Peaches” will be published in April 2023. In addition to providing financial support for the school events, the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation is donating one book per student in attendance at Erin Soderberg Downing’s school visits.

The public can meet the author and hear about her upcoming book ticketed dinner at Kozi Pie Shoppe in Decorah, Tuesday, March 28, at a 6 p.m. Reservations are required. There are a limited number of seats available; reserve a spot by calling Dragonfly Books at 563-382-4275.

About the author

Erin Solderberg Downing has written more than 50 books for kids, tweens and adults. Some of her most popular titles include the middle-grade novel “Controlled Burn” and her two fun chapter-book series “The Great Peach Experiment” and the “Puppy Pirates.”

Solderberg Downing creates

contact Bill Deutsch at the address above, or call and leave message at 563-419-0962.

To donate to the clinic, make checks out to Decorah Community Free Clinic and mail to the clinic’s current mailing address: c/o First Lutheran Church, 604 West Broadway, Decorah. Online donations can be made through the clinic’s Facebook page.

stories that are accessible and help to inspire a lifelong love of reading for fun. Before becoming an author, she was a children’s book editor, a cookie inventor and also worked for Nickelodeon.

To purchase any of Soderberg Downing’s books, call Dragonfly Books and staff will reserve a book and have it autographed for you.

For more information, visit www.dragonflybooks.com, or contact Dragonfly Books at orders@dragonflybooks.com or 563-382-4275.

Island restoration continues near Marquette

Public reminded to steer clear of construction, dredging operations

Island restoration continues on the McGregor Lake Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project located in Pool 10 between Marquette and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Stage two of this project will be completed by Newt Marine Service of Dubuque and is approximately a $12.8 million project located within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, McGregor District. Construction for this stage is schedule to be completed in 2025.

Hydraulic dredging is scheduled to start the week of March 27. Restoration plans for the remainder of the year include the removal of dead trees and placing sand and topsoil on the current island footprints just south of the Highway 82 bridge. One of the islands will be enhanced using a technique known as “thin layer placement.” Using pipelines, hydraulic dredged material is placed around living trees to increase the island elevation without having to cut the trees down.

The islands will be restored using material dredged from the

main channel near river mile 642 and from backwaters north of the Highway 82 bridge parking lot. The islands will help protect and enhance existing aquatic vegetation and dredging the backwaters will create deeper holes for fisheries overwintering habitat. Trees will be planted on the higher portions of islands to improve the floodplain forest.

For safety, river users are urged to stay away from construction activities, equipment and dredging operations. Boaters should be aware of floating pipeline. A section of pipeline will be submerged for a recreational boat crossing. The crossing will be marked with buoys and a sign west of the bridge embankment.

The project is funded through the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program and was planned and designed cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources.

Iowa 9 bridge over Turkey River temporarily closed starting April 3

Beginning on Monday, April 3, weather permitting, and continuing through mid-October, drivers on Iowa 9 will need to be aware of a bridge closure over the North Branch of the Turkey River, 4.3 miles east of U.S. 63 in Howard County.

During this bridge closure, drivers will follow a marked detour route using Howard County roads V-46, A-46 and V-58 to get around the work zone.

Drivers are urged to use caution, obey the posted speed lim-

Unique shopping at Hi-Way 13 Market

The spring Hi-Way 13 Market will be held Friday and Saturday, April 28-29, at the George Maier Rural Heritage Museum, 1000 Mascara Road in Elkader.

The two-day indoor/outdoor market event is an upscale, unique shopping experience with repurposed, re-imagined and upcycled pieces, featuring jewelry, antique and vintage decor, wine, local foods and handcrafted goods.

A night of laughter and chaos

Opera House Players present...

Rumors

it and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones.

As in all work zones, stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seatbelts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the 511 system. Visit 511ia.org, call 511 or 800288-1047. Stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter or download the free app to a mobile device.

Oyster mushroom cultivation workshop March 23

Learn how to grow oyster mushrooms in a hands-on workshop at Decorah Public Library Thursday, March 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Adam Bohach, Decorah High School biology teacher and owner of Tailwind Acres, will teach participants everything they need to know about how to grow their own oyster mushrooms at home in five-gallon buckets.

Bohach, a native of northeast Iowa, has been growing mushrooms on his farm and with his high school biology students for several years. He will guide participants through every step of the mushroom cultivation process, from sterilizing the straw that mushrooms grow on to tips on when to harvest perfectly mature mushrooms. Each participant will bring home a bucket that should produce 2-3

pounds of oyster mushrooms over its lifespan.

Space is limited to 20 people and registration in advance is required. Register by emailing Zach Row-Heyveld zrowheyveld@decorahlibrary.org.

Tuesday, March 28 • 8:30AM

The market offers some great vendors from near and far, all displaying their remarkable treasures. The admission price is nominal and good for both days. Admission includes complete access to the 11,000 sq. ft. facility and all proceeds go to sustain the museum. The event is geared to the entire family, and all ages are encouraged to experience all the museum has to offer. Youth under 12 are free admission. The event is all indoors and handicapped accessible.

The museum

The Rural Heritage Museum collection tells a story of life in rural Iowa from the late 1800s to the late 1900s. Experience many of the items up close and even watch them operate. Some

of the museum collections include early tractors, horsedrawn equipment, general store display, musical instruments and the area’s largest collection of clocks. For car buffs, enjoy the restored 1913 Studebaker along with vintage signs and car accessories. The museum collection also includes soldiers’ stories from Veterans who served our country. New this year are veterinary medicine, woodworking and dairy production exhibits.

The Rural Heritage Museum is housed in a 1919 livestock pavilion, which was built for the Elkader Fair. In 1946, the pavilion became the Elkader Sales Barn with the last livestock auction held in 1998. This opened up an opportunity for the museum to begin in the year of 2000, displaying thousands of items from mostly one man’s collection.

Check out vendor spotlights and more Hi-Way 13 Market information on the Hi-Way 13 Vintage Market Facebook page. While visiting Elkader and the beautiful Turkey River valley, explore historic downtown, eat at one of the fine restaurants and shop at the many unique shops Elkader has to offer!

The stage is set for a night of laughter and chaos as the Opera House Players announced the upcoming production of Neil Simon’s “Rumors.” The play, a comedic farce, promises a hilarious and fast-paced romp through the lives of four couples who attend a dinner party, only to find themselves in the midst of a cover-up.

The directors, Tom Chandler and Kay Moser, have been working tirelessly with the cast to bring the play to life with great energy and enthusiasm.

“We chose this show because it is a classic comedy for theatres,” said Moser, “And we have a talented cast who is easily pulling together the verbal humor and physical comedy that is trademark Neil Simon.”

“In a farce, they go back and forth a lot which creates a lot of the humor,” said actor Jon Banse, who plays one of the dinner guests. “We are enjoying the rehearsal process so much and hope the audience walks away in that catharsis of having an actual good laugh.”

The play is geared towards adult and young adult audiences and is a testament to the wit and comedic genius of Neil Simon, one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 20th century.

“Rumors” is a crowd-pleaser that has been performed in theatres around the world, and the OHP production promises to be no exception.

Keep Iowa Beautiful 13th annual photography contest winners

Keep Iowa Beautiful announced the winners of the 13th Annual Photography Contest highlighting Iowa’s natural and environmental beauty.

“The annual photo contest gives local photographers a chance to help visually tell Iowa’s story,” said Keep Iowa Beautiful Executive Director Andy Frantz. “We were thrilled with the quality and competitiveness of this year’s photos. Not only does this contest showcase Iowa’s beauty, but it also highlights the wealth of local talent we have across the state.”

Brian Gibbs of Elkader earned several honors in this year’s contest. Gibbs earned first place in the Iowa Cities category with his entry “Elkader Iowa at Sunrise From Lovers Leap Park”; second place in Iowa Landscape with “Frosty Farmstead”; third place in Iowans in Action with “Old Glory at Sunrise on Ragbrai.”

The Elkader sunrise photo was also named Robert D. Ray

Best of Show third place winner and chosen as the Social Media Favorite.

Over 600 photos were entered in five categories that encapsulate the beauty and spirit

Tickets for “Rumors” are on sale now and can be purchased at elkaderoperahouse.com. The show will run for two weekends, April 14-16 and April 2123. The Opera House Players are looking forward to this production and the rest of its 2023 season. Following “Rumors” will be a youth theatre camp in June and the classic musical “Peter Pan” in October.

In an age where entertainment is readily available at our fingertips, it’s easy to forget the unique experience that live theatre provides. The Elkader Opera House continues to be a hub of artistic expression and cultural enrichment in northeast Iowa, with surprises and delights in store for audiences throughout the season.

of Iowa. Winners of first, second and third places won modest cash prizes in each category.

To see all of the winning photos visit keepiowabeautiful.org/ photography-contest/winners/.

IEDA Board approves assistance for three companies in Iowa

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for three Iowa companies which will assist in the creation and retention of 364 jobs and result in nearly $75.5 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Elkader, Manning and Oskaloosa.

Mobile Track Solutions to upgrade Elkader facility

Mobile Track Solutions, LLC develops and manufactures quality construc-

tion-grade equipment, including tractors, scrapers and towed implements. The company plans to make improvements to their Elkader facility, resulting in the ability to manufacture additional equipment as well as make further investments in research and development.

The project represents a nearly $4 million capital investment and is expected to create 30 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $18.44 per hour. The board awarded tax benefits and a $250,000 forgivable loan through the High Quality Jobs program.

Pictured is “Elkader Iowa at Sunrise From Lovers Leap Park” by Brian Gibbs of Elkader (submitted photo)

Joseph Huber with Slapdash Bluegrass FRIDAY,

Severe weather

continued from front page

Winneshiek County will be participating in the National Weather Service’s Statewide Tornado Drill scheduled for Wednesday March 29, at 10 a.m.

Schedule 10 a.m. Countywide outdoor weather siren test begins 10:05 a.m. End of test

During the test, the Winneshiek County 911 Communications Center will be activating and testing the Outdoor Warning Sirens countywide. All sirens will be sounded for 3-5 minutes to test their functionality. Subsequent shorter tests may occur depending on any maintenance needs identified during the test.

The National Weather Service is encouraging schools, residents and businesses to take part in the

drill by seeking safe and secure shelter, just as if this were a real event. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are one of Iowa’s most known hazards. Do not take this drill for granted.

The Winneshiek County 911 Communications Center reminds residents to refrain from calling 911 to inquire about the sirens. The 911 call lines should only be used during a true emergency. With

UIU professor presents plant survey research

Upper Iowa University (UIU)

Professor of Science and Robert

L. Fox Endowed Chair of Science Scott Figdore will present “A Preliminary Botanical Inventory of Fayette County”

Thursday, March 23, at UIU’s Fayette Campus. The free public program will begin at 1 p.m., in the Baker-Hebron science building auditorium.

preliminary information from our efforts over the past 20 years to create a plant inventory and herbarium collection from some of Fayette County’s beautiful natural areas.”

questions or comments, use the non-emergency lines by calling the Winneshiek County Emergency Management Agency at 563-387-4095, the Decorah Police Department at 563-382-3667 or the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office at 563-382-4268. If there is actual severe weather pending the day of the scheduled test, the test could be postponed until the following day.

As part of the program, Figdore will provide an historic overview of herbarium specimen collection efforts at Upper Iowa over the past 160 years. He also will discuss recent efforts to update and repair the herbarium collections housed in the C.C. Parker Herbarium of UIU for both archival and educational purposes.

“The presentation will focus on the importance of documenting current plant species diversity at the county-level,” Figdore said. “I will also share

The UIU Herbarium was renamed to honor Dr. Charles Coleman (C.C.) Parker, UIU’s first professor of natural sciences and Fayette’s first town doctor, who also served in the 12th Iowa Infantry Regiment (University Recruits) during the Civil War as a regimental surgeon.

Parker collected nearly 500 herbarium specimens in the 1860’s and 1870’s, including several rare specimens no longer typically found in the region.

Thanks to a generous gift from Dr. James D. Parker, the great-grandson of C.C. Parker, Figdore has been working on restoring the historical herbarium collections of C.C. Parker and others, as well as on creating

a more recent herbarium collection, so that the C.C. Parker Herbarium can be recognized and utilized for its archival and historical significance by the scientific community. With over 30 years of service at UIU, Figdore served as the inaugural dean of the School of Science and Mathematics for four years before returning to fulltime faculty duties. The Robert L. Fox Endowed Chair of Science was initiated by a generous gift from members of the Parker, Fox and Goebel families. The first recipient of the Robert L. Fox Endowed Chair was the late Professor Emeritus Lew Churbuck. At the time of his honor, Churbuck was the curator of the Upper Iowa University Herbarium. Figdore assumed the duties of the curator position after professor Churbuck’s retirement in 2007.

Activities to get outdoors in March

By Capn. Ted Peck

Dad always used to say, “There’s a world of difference between the first day of spring and the first spring day.” A couple weeks ago it looked like we would be wearing cutoffs and tee shirts. But lately a snowmobile suit seems like more appropriate outdoor apparel. Ice fishing is essentially done until next December. Sheltered waters may still have some walkable ice, however odds for a bath long before Saturday grow shorter each day.

Stream trout fishing and shed antler hunting are both good options. The DNR doesn’t begin stocking trout until next month, so any fish encountered will be wild and wily. Rain and seasonal moisture that is white in color can roil streams and hide antlers. Oneota lore said we still have three snows coming.

Shooting guns is a great March option. According to CBS news 43.6 percent of Iowa households report having at least one firearm. This is the organization which aired the Second Amendment hit piece “The Guns of October” over 40 years ago, so there is a good chance that 43.6 percent stat could be off by as much as 46.3 percent –give or take about four percent.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is a much more reliable source regarding all things guns and ammo. According to the NSSF, Americans own 393 million guns – probably more guns than we have armed Ukraine and the Taliban combined over the past two years.

NSSF stats indicate a solid 20 million of these guns are “black rifles,” also known as “AR” platforms. All of these black rifles had their genesis in

the 1960s, brainchild of American inventor Eugene Stoner. The military version of this gun, the M-16, was on TV news every night in essentially every American home in the late 60s and early 70s as we fought and bled our way through the Vietnam war.

Stoner came out with a civilian version of the first black rifle, manufactured by Colt firearms and marketed by Armalite Corporation, the AR-15. The “A” in AR-15 stands for “Armalite,” not “assault.”

American shooters in the first decade of production mostly ignored the AR-15. It is not a beautiful rifle. But the functionality, accuracy and simplicity of this firearm have undeniable appeal. NSSF statistics indicate there are over 20 million black rifles in civilian hands, making AR platforms America’s favorite rifle.

This gun is available in many different calibers and readily customizable with accessories like scopes, lights, lasers and suppressors. Some accessories, like the suppressor, require a special permit from the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Other accessories, like vertical hand grips on the front end of the rifle, are illegal in certain configurations of this firearm known as “AR pistols.” All AR platforms available to the public are semi-automatic guns, requiring pulling the trigger each time a bullet is fired. How does a vertical handgrip make an AR pistol lethal to the point where it is banned by the government?

Some calibers of AR platforms are allowed for deer hunting in Iowa. The brass casing which holds the bullet must be “walled” instead of tapered.

I also fail to see the logic in this restriction. The original AR cartridge is .223 (5.56 NATO) caliber. Since it is a “tapered” cartridge and smaller in diameter the .30 caliber, it is not legal for deer hunting – but certainly a lot of fun for hunting coyotes and shooting at targets!

An AR platform chambered in 5.56 is accurate out to a range of about 200 yards. Shooting targets accurately at greater distances generally requires a

cartridge with more impressive

ballistics. Black rifles chambered in 308 Winchester, 300 Blackout and 6.5 Creedmoor have great favor amongst the black rifle fraternity when engaging targets at ranges in excess of 200 yards.

Ballistics is fascinating science. Rifle bullets don’t travel in a straight line. Their trajectory is in an arc. When engaging a target over 500 yards away this arc will take the bullet over 30 feet above a straight line between the gun’s muzzle and the target’s bullseye downrange!

Shooting competitions have been a part of Americana dating back to the first European settlers. “Turkey shoots” were popular in the days of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. They are still popular today.

The overall American attitude regarding firearms has changed significantly over the past 50 years. We no longer need guns to put food on the table. But many gun owners today have a firearm because they believe it may hold the key to survival in this increasingly crazy world.

A growing number of Iowans have concealed carry permits too, which allow carrying a handgun in public and into most business establishments. Ironically, “gun free zones” may be the most dangerous places in our society because a few troubled persons with no respect for the sanctity of life see such places as a soft target.

I almost always carry a concealed weapon – even in church. My logic is, “I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy.”

The Second Amendment was put in place by our Founding Fathers to protect our First Amendment: Freedom of Speech. The only entity which can deprive an American of their First Amendment rights is a corrupt government. Could this be the primary reason why black rifles are now America’s favorite gun? You Betcha!

I believe a corrupt government so out of control will pass laws which will make the U.S. Constitution obsolete. When guns are outlawed, consider this old American an outlaw. Come and take them.

The woods of Allamakee County echoed with the sound of freedom last week as a few responsible gun owners exercised their Constitutional Second Amendment rights. (submitted photo)

Jones arrest

Jones’ lawyer in this case, Thomas Verhulst of Waterloo, had filed a request to withdraw as Jones’ attorney in this case on Feb. 7, citing irreconcilable breakdown of the attorney-client relationship.

The same lawyer has requested withdrawal from representing Jones who is also facing 33 felony charges filed in Fillmore County, Minn., on Dec. 5, 2022, for alleged Theft-Take/ Use/Transfer movable property-No Consent, Theft-By Swindle, Receiving Stolen Property, Check Forgery – Make or Alter a Check, Check Forgery

– Falsely Endorse and Check Forgery – Offer/Possess with Intent to Defraud, the pre-trial hearing Jan. 9, saw Jones released on conditions. Her next omnibus hearing regarding these charges will be held Monday, March 27 at 1 p.m., at the Fillmore County Courthouse in Preston, Minn.

According to Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Sergeant Dan Dornik, the 33 felony charges resulted from reports that alleged Jones had ac-

cess to the victim’s paychecks which had been cashed without his consent or knowledge – totaling $37,138.50 – all deposited into bank accounts owned by Jones, whether her business accounts or her personal account at First Southeast Bank in Harmony, Minn., as evidenced by images and deposit information provided from the victim’s employer’s bank. Many checks were reported to have “Tin, Rust and Harmony, For Deposit Only” stamps, and three checks appeared to have a partial signature along with Jones’ and/or stamp.

In addition, Jones is responding to 14 felony charges against Jones filed by Fillmore County June 29, 2022, for TheftBy Check, Theft-By Swindle, Theft-Take/Use/Transfer movable property-No Consent and Issue Dishonored Check, regarding alleged non-payment of debts and bad checks written for products provided. The Settlement Conference is scheduled for Monday, March 27, at 1 p.m., at the Fillmore County Courthouse. The jury trial was

Vesterheim names new board members

Vesterheim announces two new members to its board of trustees – Jansen Dahl and Greg Boman.

Vesterheim has a national board with 24 members from 11 states, including several from the Decorah area.

Jansen Dahl received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1999 and moved back to his home state of Wisconsin to join Pinkerton Services Group in their DOT and non-DOT testing services division in 2001. Since he joined Dahl Automotive in 2005, they have expanded to six dealership locations in two states. He is currently the Vice President of Dahl Automotive Holdings. Jansen and his wife Kim have three children.

Greg Boman attended Waldorf College, graduating from Texas Lutheran and the seminary. He worked alongside his father Gerald Boman at Winnebago Industries in Forest City and was a leader in the company’s marketing strategies. In 1999, he and his wife Becky and their family moved to Castle Rock, Colo. Recognized as the 2016 Small Business Person of the Year in Castle Rock, he

Root River Trail Towns announce event changes

set to begin April 17, but a request for a continuance filed by Fillmore County Attorney Brett Corson was submitted Feb. 1. No record of action has been recorded to date regarding this request.

The same victim from the Fillmore County felony charges has filed and served a civil case against Jones in Chickasaw County in October 2022 for alleged non-payment of monies owed.

While Jones resides in Waterloo, the address listed on the Allamakee arrest and bond filings list her address as Cresco.

Since the posting of the Arson-first degree charges, many comments from locals on social media sites illustrate the community’s response to the charges.

This is not the first time Jones has been involved in an arson case. Jones gave testimony and played a central role in a 2010 arson trial against Mark Yungtum, whom she and her then-fiancé resided with before the

home was set ablaze in 2006. For more detail on this trial, read the Aug. 24, 2010, article from the Oelwein Daily Register.

In another Allamakee County case charging third degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor filed in August 2022 was dismissed Nov. 28, 2022, as the restitution for the $1,142 bad check was made to the victim, a merchant from Cresco. Jones was issued a notice to set up payment options with the Allamakee County Attorney Dec. 29, 2022, for failure to pay associated costs with the dismissed case, totaling $135, once the $5,000 cash bond set for Jones’ release and paid by Teresa Schott of Waterloo on Jones’ behalf, had been released.

A check from Schott’s Trucking was also reported to have been the payment to a plaintiff in a 2022 civil case against Jones in Chickasaw County totaling $6,500. Once the payment was received, the civil case against Jones was dropped.

Organizers of the Root River Trail Towns recently announced dates for the annual 60-Mile Garage Sale have been changed from the usual mid-June dates to Sept. 15-16, 2023. Gail Boyum in Peterson, Minn., and Jen Hengel in Rushford, Minn., are the local contacts for this event. Contact the Lanesboro or Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce for details.

In an additional change to the event schedule, the decision was made after 10 years to discontinue the annual Taste of the Trail events held in various southeast Minnesota locations weekends in September. Instead, Root River Trail Towns will collectively promote fall events happening in the towns on the weekends of Sept. 16 and Sept. 23.

serves on the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Council of Castle Rock, the Hanson Family Foundation in north central Iowa and MBT Bank, with locations in Iowa and Minnesota.

Vesterheim’s website lists the other members of the Board of Trustees as follows: Dan Alsaker, Spokane Valley, Wash.; Carol Birkland, Decorah; Lindsay Erdman, Decorah; Kari Espinosa, Edina, Minn., and Decorah; Daniel Fretheim, Decorah; Louise Hanson, Rochester, Minn.; Maren Johnson, Decorah; Jane Kemp, Decorah; Gayle Kvenvold, Minneapolis, Minn.; Brian Larson, Stillwater, Minn.; Kirk Mies, Lindenhurst, Ill.; Heather Miller, Urbandale; Bradley (BJ) Nichols, Silver Spring, MD; Martha Gesme Nielsen, Cary, Ill.; Kenneth Nordan, Surprise, Ariz.; Elizabeth Platou, Barrington, Ill.; Rachel Reitan, New Orleans, La.; Brian Rude, Coon Valley, Wis.; Walter Rugland, Appleton, Wis.; Ruth Ann Schultz, Loch Lloyd, Mo.; Ruth Sorenson, Washington, D.C.; and Craig Trygstad, Ridgefield, Washington.

For more information connect online at vesterheim.org; or call 563-382-9681.

WE NEED LISTINGS

IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Communications Instructor

We are seeking an energetic and passionate individual who is committed to student success to join our dynamic team as a Communications Instructor to teach face-to-face and online classes on our Calmar campus and surrounding communities. The successful candidate will have a master’s degree in English, Fine Arts, Literature, Communications, or a master’s degree with a combination of these qualifying fields.

Please access https://nicc.peopleadmin.com to complete the application online, For more information visit the NICC website at www.nicc.edu or contact the Human Resources Office, 844-642-2338, ext. 1402 or email simj@nicc.edu. NICC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Human Service Information & Assistance Specialist

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A)

NOW HIRING Internships are Available

at Fredericksburg, Burr Oak & also Spring Grove, MN & Mabel, MN

At Farmers Win Cooperative, Crop Scout Interns are given an opportunity to connect classroom agronomic knowledge to the field first-hand. Throughout the season, you will learn to identify weeds, diseases, and insects affecting crop growth and development. You will gain experience testing soil and plant nutrients and analyze reports used to make crop input recommendations with an experienced Agronomist.

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To be considered for these positions, contact Courtney Hageman, Human Resources: 563-237-5324 chageman@farmerswin.com

drivers WANTed

FT/PT with many route options. Home each night. Need to be dependable. No CDL required. Little to no experience required. Earn up to $19 per hour. New equipment.

Contact Joan for more info at 563-547-2162

NOW HIRING

Farmers Win Coop is currently seeking applicants for this position:

TRAVELING BOOKKEEPER

Candidates will travel as needed to locations to assist with Bookkeeper duties. The Bookkeeper’s responsibilities involve recordkeeping, communications, clerical tasks, and operating the grain scale and ticketing system.

Benefits include: Health Insurance, Matching 401K, Retirement Plan, Vacation & Profit Sharing.

To be considered for these positions, contact Courtney Hageman, Human Resources: 563-237-5324 chageman@farmerswin.com

Are you an LPN or EMT looking for a new and exciting opportunity?

Are you an LPN or EMT looking for a new and exciting opportunity?

Consider joining Winneshiek Medical Center in our Wound Care Center as a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Technician. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment where air pressure is increased 2 to 3 times higher than normal. Under these conditions, your lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. Conditions treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy include serious infections or wounds that may not heal because of diabetes or radiation therapy.

Consider joining Winneshiek Medical Center in our Wound Care Center as a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Technician. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment where air pressure is increased 2 to 3 times higher than normal. Under these conditions, your lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. Conditions treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy include serious infections or wounds that may not heal because of diabetes or radiation therapy.

The Hyperbaric Technician will administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients under the supervision of the Hyperbaric Providers and Wound Center nurses. The technician is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems, as well as for the safe delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the patient.

The Hyperbaric Technician will administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients under the supervision of the Hyperbaric Providers and Wound Center nurses. The technician is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems, as well as for the safe delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the patient.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

•Current healthcare professional that is actively certified or licensed in the one of the following vocations: LPN, EMT, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist, or RN. •BLS certification required.

•Current healthcare professional that is actively certified or licensed in the one of the following vocations: LPN, EMT, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist, or RN.

•BLS certification required.

•Two years’ experience in a provider practice or clinic setting with prior experience in wound or critical care preferred

•Two years’ experience in a provider practice or clinic setting with prior experience in wound or critical care preferred

•Ability to take part in training, education, and testing to become a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) within six (6) months of hire.

•Ability to take part in training, education, and testing to become a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) within six (6) months of hire.

Winneshiek Medical Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, IPERS Pension, and Generous PTO accrual. Please visit https://www.winmedical.org/careers/ for additional information, and to apply. Pre-employment drug screen and background screen required. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine required upon hire. 11-2-J-12

Winneshiek Medical Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, IPERS Pension, and Generous PTO accrual. Please visit https://www.winmedical.org/careers/ for additional information, and to apply.

Pre-employment drug screen and background screen required. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine required upon hire. -code-

NOW HIRING

Farmers Win Coop is currently seeking applicants for these positions:

Custom Applicator

Burr Oak location

This position will operate a commercial sprayer or floater to apply chemicals and fertilizer to producers’ fields. Agronomy operations, equipment maintenance, outstanding customer service and being a team player are also required. Class A CDL required.

Warehouse Delivery Driver/ Tender Truck Driver

Burr Oak location

The Warehouse Delivery Driver position will be responsible for loading shipments from location to customer. Class A CDL required.

Feed Mill Attendant

Cresco West location

The feed mill attendant’s objective is to manufacture, inspect, sell, and deliver feed and related products in a manner that will optimize the cooperative’s market share and savings, improve the cooperative’s efficiency, help achieve the cooperative’s mission and goals, and result in outstanding customer service. Responsibilities involve operations, deliveries and pick-ups, sales and service, safety and maintenance, and other duties as assigned by management. The feed mill attendant will maintain a positive attitude that promotes team work within the cooperative and a favorable image of the cooperative.

Benefits include health insurance, matching 401k, retirement plan, vacation and profit sharing!

To be considered for these positions, contact Courtney Hageman, Human Resources: 563-237-5324 chageman@farmerswin.com

Hyperbaric Technician

Hyperbaric Technician

Winneshiek Medical Center is seeking to hire a Hyperbaric Technician. The Hyperbaric Technician will administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients under the supervision of the Hyperbaric Providers and Wound Center nurses. This technician is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems, as well as for the safe delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the patient.

Winneshiek Medical Center is seeking to hire a Hyperbaric Technician. The Hyperbaric Technician will administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients under the supervision of the Hyperbaric Providers and Wound Center nurses. This technician is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems, as well as for the safe delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the patient.

The Hyperbaric Technician prepares, educates and orients patients about the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This includes lifting or transferring patients, getting them ready for treatment administration and answering their questions. The technician administers the hyperbaric oxygen therapy as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider to the patient. This includes monitoring and controlling the performance of the hyperbaric chamber equipment, as well as monitoring the patient responses during the session and making proper adjustments to ensure the patient’s safety and the safe and effective use of the equipment.

The Hyperbaric Technician prepares, educates and orients patients about the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This includes lifting or transferring patients, getting them ready for treatment administration and answering their questions. The technician administers the hyperbaric oxygen therapy as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider to the patient. This includes monitoring and controlling the performance of the hyperbaric chamber equipment, as well as monitoring the patient responses during the session and making proper adjustments to ensure the patient’s safety and the safe and effective use of the equipment.

Requirements:

Requirements:

Current healthcare professional who is actively certified or licensed in the one of the following vocations: LPN, EMT, Paramedic, or RN BLS cer tification required.

Current healthcare professional who is actively certified or licensed in the one of the following vocations: LPN, EMT, Paramedic, or RN BLS cer tification required.

Two years’ experience in a provider practice or clinic setting with prior experience in wound or critical care preferred.

Two years’ experience in a provider practice or clinic setting with prior experience in wound or critical care preferred.

Current Cer tified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) or Certified Hyperbaric Specialist required, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. OR Abilit y to take part in training, education, and testing to become a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) within six (6) months of hire.

Current Cer tified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) or Certified Hyperbaric Specialist required, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. OR Abilit y to take part in training, education, and testing to become a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) within six (6) months of hire.

Winneshiek Medical Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, IPERS Pension, and Generous PTO accrual. Please visit https://www.winmedical.org/careers/ for additional information, and to apply. Pre-employment drug screen and background screen required. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine required upon hire.

Winneshiek Medical Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, IPERS Pension, and Generous PTO accrual. Please visit https://www.winmedical.org/careers/ for additional information, and to apply. Pre-employment drug screen and background screen required. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine required upon hire.

11-2-J-12

NORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Institutional Research Coordinator

Coordinate the research, assessment, project, and data management activities of the College by working cooperatively with faculty and staff across the College. Three or more years of experience in institutional research or equivalent experience required. Formal training in data science or related field preferred.

Director of Athletics

Plan, organize, coordinate, and manage all aspects of the College’s intercollegiate athletic program in compliance with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC). This position will be responsible for the implementation of an official intercollegiate athletic program in addition to the established NICC athletic programs of Sport Shooting and Esports. This position is open to candidates with experience and interest in starting and coaching a new athletic team at NICC to assist in growing the athletic program.

Executive Assistant to the President and Board Secretary

The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing skilled assistance to the President and Board of Trustees and to perform legal duties of board secretary as required by Code of Iowa. Executive secretarial work experience required. Post-secondary education is necessary. Community college experience preferred. Ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner.

Great benefits from vacation and illness leave, to medical and dental insurance, as well as retirement investment 14 paid holidays and employee wellness programs are included with these full time positions!

Student Services Assistant

Provide administrative and organizational support in the areas of recruitment, enrollment, financial aid, retention, completion and placement within an integrated enrollment model. Serve as front-line customer service for the public and students.

Benefits include: vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, retirement and tuition exempt NICC classes.

Please access https://nicc.peopleadmin.com to complete the application online. For more information about NICC and this and other position openings visit the NICC website at www. nicc.edu or Human Resources Office, 844-642-2338, ext. 1402 or email simj@nicc.edu.

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Clinic Assistant

RECEIVE A $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS when you join Winneshiek Medical Center as a Clinic Assistant.

The clinic assistant is responsible for providing direct assistance to healthcare providers within the scope of their license. This position will be mainly responsible to support a family medicine practice. This includes but is not limited to patient assessments, patient education, assisting with exams and procedures in the clinic setting.

•Graduate of an approved school of practical nursing, currently licensed to practice in Iowa, OR

•Completion of an accredited Certified Medical Assistant program with current certification in the state of Iowa

•BLS certification by the American Heart Association

•Previous clinic experience preferred

• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, family and staff

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, IPERS Pension, Generous PTO accrual. Apply online at www.winmedical.org/careers Pre-employment drug screen and background screen required. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine required upon hire. 12-2-J-12

OPENING

Farmers Win Coop is currently seeking applicants for this position:

Grant allows Josey Jewell to give back to Decorah Schools

Decorah High School and Middle School have received $5000 of football equipment courtesy of the National Football League, the NFL Players Association and USA Football. The equipment comes from Decorah High School alumnus and current Denver Bronco linebacker Josey Jewell earning the NFL Way to Play Award as result of goal line tackle by Jewell in the Bronco’s week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The NFL Way to Play initiative seeks to recognize the excellence demonstrated by NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays. Jewell’s tackle of Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler was chosen as an outstanding play demonstrating proper technique. A panel of former NFL

Hall of Fame players, including Merril Hoge, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Orlando Pace, Michael Robinson and Bobby Taylor made the selection.

With the grant, Decorah Schools received new shoulder pads for the middle school program, helmets for the high school program and Tacklebar safety harnesses for grades 7-12. The purchases will help improve safety for all athletes involved in the football program.

Jewell made a visit to a recent morning weight room session to visit with some of the student-athletes who will use the equipment in the coming year. He commented, “I am honored to have been able to make a tackle that allows me to give back not only to the Decorah Football program, but also of-

fers some financial support for all of the programs the students of Decorah Schools participate in. The foundation of being fundamentally sound in all of my activities was developed during my time in middle school and high school at Decorah. Those lessons have contributed greatly to the success I have been fortunate enough to have collegiately and professionally.”

Footage of the award winning tackle can be found at https://www.nfl.com/videos/ nfl-way-to-play-recipient-forweek-18-lb-josey-jewell-s-tackle-on-rb-austin-ekel. More information about the Way to Play Initiative can be found at https:// playfootball.nfl.com/discover/ news-and-features/nfl-expandsway-to-play-initiative-fueledby-gatorade/.

SW competes in weightlifting competition

Seven South Winn athletes recently traveled to Guttenberg to compete in a weightlifting competition hosted by Clayton Ridge school. At the end of the day, the Warriors had three first-place finishers with all seven placing in the top three of at least one event.

“Weightlifting, specifically powerlifting, is a growing sport. I’ve watched these boys firsthand in my Muscle and Fitness class and in extracurricular settings put a lot of time into their development. It was quite a spectacle witnessing their enthusiasm and effort in the competition. I want to thank everyone involved at Clayton Ridge for putting on such a well-organized event. Our guys had a blast and are excited to come back,” said Coach Jason Ohrt.

Champions by weight class and event included Aiden Feickert at 124 pounds, Cody Meyer at 148 pounds and Brady Ohrt at 165 pounds. Feickert was the champion of all three of his

Competing at the weightlifting competition at Clayton Ridge Saturday, March 11, for South Winn were (front, l-r) Braiden Todd, Tristen Bodensteiner; (back) Cody Meyer, Parker Timp, Aiden Feickert, Brady Ohrt, Coach Jason Ohrt and Evan Monroe. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bodensteiner) events — bench with 160 pounds lifted, squat with 230 pounds and deadlift at 275 pounds. Meyer also took the top place in three events, bench with 170 pounds, squat with 270 pounds and deadlift with 325 pounds, while Ohrt lifted 375 pounds in

deadlift for the top spot. At 198 pounds, Parker Timp was second in both the squat and deadlift, with weights of 325 pounds in the squat and 375 pounds in deadlift. Evan Monroe (198) was second in the bench competition with 240 pounds. Finishing third with a deadlift of 335 pounds was Braiden Todd (198), while Tristen Bodensteiner (198) lifted 275 pounds in the squat for third place.

The South Winn and Turkey Valley boys and girls track teams took to the oval Friday night at Luther College for the Upper Iowa Conference indoor meet.

No team scores were kept.

Highlights for the boys

South Winn’s Kaden Barton-Franzen and Kaden Bullerman went 1-2 in the high jump with Barton-Franzen tying for first after clearing a height of 5 feet, 2 inches. The Warriors also went 1-2 in the long jump. Lukas Weiss was the champion with a best leap of 18 feet, 10.25 inches. Teammate Kaden Bullerman went 18 feet, 3.5 inches. Rounding out the field events, Parker Timp was the runner-up in the shot put, heaving the weight 42 feet, 1.5 inches.

“The guys demonstrated competitiveness and a willingness to dig deep. A number of the team either competed for the first time or competed in events they hadn’t done before. Instead of being intimidated, they embraced the challenge and pushed themselves through discomfort.

Many of our returners put in the hard work and commitment to improving over the past year or two by competing in other sports as well as putting in the time in the off season. As a result, almost all of the returners performed at or better than their lifetimes bests,” said SW boys’ coach Scott Conway. “When you have a team full of individuals willingly take risks and get out of their comfort zone, you are going to have a successful season regardless of wins, losses or championships. Talent and skill can only take an athlete or a team so far. If you don’t learn how to be uncomfortable, embrace adversity, overcome your fears and put the needs of the team above your own, you won’t continue to grow and develop. From what I’ve seen so far, this is a group of individuals who are willing and not afraid to take on these challenges. Teams like this are fun to coach and be around. Those traits carry over into their other sports and in oth-

er aspects of their lives.”

Turkey Valley’s 4x400 relay was first to cross the finish line in 3:51.00, while the 4x200 relay won silver for the Trojans in 1:40.86 as did the sprint medley relay in 4:08.31. Individually Noah Hanson was the runner-up in the 200-meter dash in 23.87 seconds.

In the girls’ races

Several events finished high for the Warrior and Trojan girls Friday.

South Winn’s Abby Wagner took the high jump title, clearing 5 feet even. The sophomore was also the runner-up in the long jump with a leap of 14 feet, 4 inches.

Warrior seniors Billie Wagner, Megan Hageman and Anna Dietzenbach swept the top three spots in the 3000-meter run.

B. Wagner led the contingent to the line in 11:24.9, with M. Hageman stopping the clock at 11:46.3 and Dietzenbach at the 12:59.2 mark.

Going 1-2 in the 1500-meter run were South Winn’s Karissa Wenthold and Tessa Phillips in 6:11.30 and 6:27.80, respectively.

Two relays won gold including the 4x200 quartet of Morgan Kriener, Josie Tollefsrud, Alyssa Holthaus and Allison Hageman. They combined for a time of 2:02.97. Kriener, Tollefsrud, A. Hageman and Ella Willey joined forces in the sprint medley for a winning time of 5:11.8.

Three other relays placed second including the shuttle hurdle relay of Josie Hageman, Gabby Becker, Izzy Kuboushek and Cloey Zweibohmer. In addition, Katie Shimek, Maddy Jansen, Josie Tieskoetter and Kuboushek stopped the clock at 4:33.57 in the 4x400 in second. Shimek, Jansen, Wenthold and Tieskoetter was second in the 4x800 with a time of 11:17.4.

For the Trojans, the top finisher was Jacqlyn Schmitt in the shot put with a throw of 31 feet, 3.5 inches for silver. Four events earned bronze. Olivia Snyder posted a time of 8.02 seconds in the 55-meter dash, while Jenna Throndson circled the track

Vikes take 14 golds in opening meet

Decorah track starts took to the oval at Luther College Saturday to open the season with the Luther/Decorah invite. No team scores were kept.

Top girls results

Nine Decorah girls events took the top spot at the meet.

Picking up an individual gold in the long jump was Hayley Stowe with a leap of 16 feet, 1 inch. Chloe Reiser reigned over the shot put field with a throw of 39 feet, 8 inches.

Lani Hubka was a two-time individual gold medalist as the winner of both the 55-meter dash and 200-meter dash. The senior sprinted down the track in the shorter race in 7.51 seconds and later snagged the longer sprint in 27.06 seconds. In 2:55.13 it was Lauren Holthaus breaking the tape in the 800-meter run, edging teammate Kamryn Steines who was second in 2:55.49.

Decorah swept the top three spots in the 55-meter hurdles with Kipp winning the title in 9.69 seconds. Renae Wilson crossed the line in 9.77 seconds for second with Kelby Kerndt picking up third in 9.86 seconds.

Three relays also won gold. The 4x800 quartet of Paige Werner, Lillian Olson, Natalie Stevens and Brynn Storhoff won in 10:59.00. In the 4x200 relay it was Brinley Krivachek, Stowe, Kailyn O’Gara and McKenzie Riley combining for the winning time of 1:51.78. Rounding out the top finishes was the sprint medley in 4:30.20. Members of the gold-winning relay were Krivachek, O’Gara, Hubka and Lily Sandhorst.

Gold for boys

The Viking boys had five events claim first place.

Three individuals won gold including high jumper Kaiden Quandahl who cleared the bar at 6 feet even. Thomas Hammel broke the tape in the 1600-meter run in 5:08.94, while Dakota Johnson posted a time of 8.42 seconds in the 55-meter hurdles for gold.

Two relays topped their respective fields — the 4x200 and sprint medley relays.

In the 4x200 relay it was Gavin Groux, Brayden Hartl, Quandahl and Ashton Saltou combining their efforts to post a time of 1:39.21 Landon Quanda-

once in the 200-meter dash in 30.44 seconds. Laynie Schuchhardt had a time of 2:54.3 in the 800-meter run for her third place, along with the 4x800 relay.

Coming up

Both the Warriors and Trojan teams are at Sumner-Fredericksburg for their first outdoor meet of the season Tuesday, March 28, at 4:30 p.m.

hl, Peyton Webb, Kyle Pattison and Davis Coppola had the winning sprint medley relay time of 4:10.85.

Upcoming

The Decorah boys and girls at the NEIC indoor meet today, Tuesday, March 21, at Luther College at 4:30 p.m.

Girls’

Denver Bronco linebacker and DHS alum Josey Jewell (center) with some recipients of new equipment made possible by the NFL’s Way to Play Award Initiative. (submitted photo)

South Winn’s Lukas Weiss goes airborne in the long jump which he ultimately won Friday with a distance of 18 feet 10.25 inches. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

Warrior Karissa Wenthold (left) and Trojan Karstlyn Lukes keep pace in the early going of the 4x800 at Luther Friday. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

Willie set to lead Decorah Mountain Bike League

By Jenn Bissell

Decorah sophomore Garrett Willie is ready to ride this spring.

Last year, Willie rode as an individual in several mountain bike races in the state.

Now, he’s starting the Decorah Area Mountain Bike Team, known as DIRT. Sponsored through the Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike League, DIRT is open to anyone in Decorah and the surrounding communities who is interested in learning more about mountain bike racing.

Finding his passion Willie, the son of Brett and Peggy Willie, found mountain biking during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he first got on the bike years earlier.

Garrett said he took up bik-

ride his bike all over the trails and made friends of all ages. Those friends showed him techniques to make him a better and safer rider. Peggy said Garrett often rode every day.

Last summer, Peggy took Garrett to Cedar Rapids to compete at Mt. Trashmore.

“He went in and he did really

“I just want other perience it like we did,” said gy. “He made so

About the team DIRT is open to anyone in the grades 6-12 in the Decorah area, even if they don’t go to Decorah High School. It’s open to any gendered student.

The team also is still in need of volunteer coaches. Garrett plans to help coach as well as compete this season.

Peggy said being a part of the team is more than just where you finish during the race. It’s about the people you meet on the path. That point was driven home last summer when Peggy saw Garrett making friends while he was riding.

Coming up in varsity sports

March 17 – SW/TV g/b tr at UIC indoor (Luther)

it’s similar to a cross country meet, with different divisions and competitors going for an individual score. There are also some races where a team score counts.

This year, the season is in June and July. Some years, there are also races in May. The year kicks off on June 3 at Mt. Trashmore in Cedar Rapids. Other races are in Solon, Mason City, Dubuque and Davenport. The state championship is in Des Moines in July.

Decorah will host a race on Saturday, June 10.

Races for the varsity are about 15 miles, taking riders roughly 45 minutes to complete. JV races are 8-10 miles and middle school races are 4-8 miles.

Participants can compete in any or all of the races. Garrett said they can also just come for the practices.

According to the Scholastic Mountain Bike League, the goals of the group are “to fill a niche for students whose needs may not be met by traditional interscholastic sports. We provide an opportunity for young people to participate in mountain biking and experience the benefits of being part of a team.”

“A lot of people didn’t realize this was a sport,” said Garrett.

March 18 – Dec g/b tr at Luther Invite, 11 a.m.

March 21 – Dec g/b tr at NEIC indoor, 4:30 p.m.

March 27 – Dec b soc at Waterloo Jamboree, 7 p.m.

March 28 – SW/TV g/b tr at Sumner-Fredericksburg, 4:30 p.m.; Dec g soc at Waterloo Jamboree, 5 p.m.

Decorah’s Garrett Willie found mountain biking during the pandemic and is now forming the Decorah Area Mountain Bike Team for area youth in grades 6-12. (Submitted photos)

ing late in sixth grade when a group of friends got together after school and tried riding.

He said after that initial ride, he was highly motivated to get back out there. Soon, it became a consistent part of his day.

During the 2020 COVID pandemic, Garrett said his passion for riding was revitalized and he started riding daily. He used his brother’s bike at first, before buying his own last year.

Peggy said Garrett would

good. The next thing I knew, he won,” said Peggy.

Garrett competed in a few more races after that, advancing into the varsity division. From there, Peggy said a representative from the Mason City team mentioned the Willies should

“He and another guy were side by side and I saw that they were talking during the race. They became friends. It was just so cool because this is a sport where they can do this for a lifetime. It’s fun, clean riding and they make friends,” said Peggy. “Mountain biking is a different kind of sport. Each kid has a spot to find their niche.”

As a competitor, participants learn basic bike maintenance, like how to change flat tires. There also are plans to teach each participant and coach basic first aid.

Peggy said Decorah provides a unique place for competitors because of the terrain. With the bluffs and trail system, it is the perfect place to practice and learn skills needed to compete.

“The trail system here is phenomenal. We have so many hills and valleys. It’s a biker’s paradise,” she said.

About the races

In the Scholastic series, there are several categories for each race. Garrett explained

Decorah bowlers receive postseason honors

“It’s really neat to have this connection for kids of all ages. It has it’s own community,” said Peggy.

Time to join

Details are still in the works for DIRT. As of right now, practices will be on Sunday afternoons. During practices, participants will learn about bike safety and maintenance, rather than riding. Anyone can join, even if they have no interest in actually competing.

They’ll also discuss trail etiquette and help maintain the trails in the city.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Peggy. “This team is a camaraderie thing where we support one another. You develop friendships. These are friendships that can last a lifetime.

The kickoff meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, at the Decorah Public Library public meeting room at 9 a.m. For more information and to see the 2023 schedule, visit the team’s Facebook page or email Peggy at decorahmountainbiketeam@ gmail.com

A host of honors were handed out recently to the Decorah bowling teams. Among them were All-Conference, All-District and Academic All-State nods.

Nine Vikes received All-Conference honors. In the boys’ division, Grady Brauer, Will Marx and Easton Luzum were first team selections while Cade Averhoff and Daniel Skrade were second team selections.

Brauer was a state-qualifier for Decorah who finished the 202223 season with a 201.28 game average, along with a 402.56 series average. Marx was second in game averages with 199.06 and posted a series average of 398.11 during his senior campaign. With 192.44 game and 384.89 series averages was Luzum, another senior with a stellar season. Averhoff was the Vikings’ second individual state qualifier and the junior finished the season with a game average of 186.25 with a series aver-

age of 372.50. Skrade, a senior member of the state runner-up Viking squad as well posted a game average of 176.06 and a series average of 352.13.

Four girls received first team nods including Rebecca Bruening, Karlie Einck, Lily Iverson and Hannah Schnitzler. Bruening capped off her career at state and led the Vikings with a 175.45 game average to go with a series high average of 350.90. Einck, a freshman, was a close

second to Bruening with 175.28 game and 305.56 series averages. Iverson provided a game average of 158.28 and series average of 316.56, while Schnitzler had averages of 156.94 and 313.88.

Three of those also earned

Second Team nods

was