May 16, 2023 Driftless Journal

driftless

The Life of a Landfill

A left-behind life in constant motion

READY, SET, GO

By Kate Klimesh

“You put the trash on the curb, and it goes away,” says TJ Schissel, Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill Manager. But there’s a lot more to it than that.

A lot. In fact, even though there is approximately 24 years of life left in the Winneshiek County

Sanitary Landfill currently, the County’s Solid Waste agency just approved the latest landfill closure plan, and holds a grand total of around $7.5 million in excess funds to mitigate the closure when the time comes. And not one penny is tax funded.

The Winneshiek County

Landfill is also one of only 44 in the whole state, and provides service to Winneshiek, Howard, and Clayton counties, as well as the city of Postville.

The Landfill site

The landfill itself is a parcel of ground approximately 200 acres, established in 1974 on the current site by a private company. Winneshiek County Solid Waste Agency purchased

the landfill in 1991, and it’s been run by the county as a separate entity ever since. For the county, it is a business-type operation, which means they operate solely on their earnings from landfill charges and is not budgeted any tax dollars at all.

DID YOU KNOW...

The Winneshiek County Landfill is one of only 44 in the whole state of Iowa. The Winneshiek County Landfill operates solely on earnings, not one penny is tax funded. On average 40 million pounds of trash are deposited each year into the Winneshiek County Landfill.

Currently 36 acres are in use for landfill, with one active cell being actively deposited into, cultivated and built every day, and four other cells which have been closed. The four closed cells were early, clay-lined cells that have been lined in heavy plastic per state specifications, covered in a layer of dirt and planted in native wildflowers and prairie plants

Meet the Spring Grove Syttende Mai royalty candidates

There have been several applicants for the Spring Grove, Minn., 2023 Syttende Mai Royalty. The judges will have a tough decision this year, as they crown the royalty during the coronation ceremony Wednesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. The town’s annual celebration of the Norwegian Constitution begins May 17 with the children’s parade at 1:15 p.m., and runs through the Meatball Dinner Sunday, May 21.

The Syttende Mai Queen candidates include juniors Maria Albrecht, daughter of Larry and

Heidi Albrecht, and Lillian Hundorf, daughter of Curt and Lisa Vickerman. 2022 Queen Kylie Reynolds and 1st Attendant Lydia Solum will help pass the crown to the new queen at the coronation Wednesday.

Little Miss Syttende Mai candidates include Eve Reining, daughter of Dawn Reining and Adam Reining; Kinley Rask, daughter of Chad and Jamie Rask; Mara Dawley, daughter of Michael and Sarah Dawley; Olivia Peterson, daughter of Lance and Jolene Peterson; Clara

to keep the soil in place. (The view from there is simply gorgeous!) There’s two leachate (garbage juice) lagoons to collect excess liquid from the landfill’s cell and encourage decomposition by ensuring some liquid is being recirculated through the cell layers. If there is a foot of leachate collected in the plastic liner, it can create too much weight and pressure. Oversaturation can lead to stress on the liner’s integrity, so it is carefully monitored.

The landfill utilizes mobile cannon sprinklers with 120-foot range in planned locations to circulate and filter the landfill’s leachate over the plastic lined cell 5 to encourage further filtration of the leachate through the top soil, plants and garbage, and to encourage as much further settling and decomposition of buried materials as is possible. These sprinklers are moved around cell 5 of the landfill according to a plan that ensures the most efficient recirculation.

Cell five is a plastic-lined, 36acre cell where the current trash collected from the curb ends up. More on that later, but Schissel noted, “we are building that cell every day as material comes in, so it’s a constantly changing landscape.”

There are also methane vents around the landfill, pulling out the gas from decomposing garbage to avoid potential migration of the gas either into neighboring fields or our buildings.

Landfi

ll

continued on page 9

For

Driftless Bites & Sites Scavenger

Hunt

begins now

Driftless Multimedia has planned another exciting summer contest to help people get out and explore the Driftless Region, the Bites & Sites Scavanger Hunt! With a new twist, this year’s scavenger hunt has a host of desirable destinations to find by following the clues provided. In addition to the clued selfie locations, this year offers more ways to win entries at Featured Destinations, where you earn more points for selfies with your snack, sip or swag.

Knowing the vast offerings right here in the Driftless Region, there is no shortage of places to visit and bites to sample – simply follow your stomach and hit the road for summer fun.

This year’s Destination Driftless Guide, on newsstands now, has a helpful fold-out map to help plan your adventure through the Driftless hitting the featured destinations. Yup, you’ll still have to solve the clues to determine some of the

sites – putting them on a map would be too easy!

Selfie your way to multiple entries in a chance to win great prizes from contest sponsors, including a grand prize of a new bicycle from the Little River General Store in Lanesboro, Minn. Send a snap of your summer Bites and Sites fun to contest@driftlessjournal. com, and ‘pic’ your way to a prize!

Play for fun or play to win Take a selfie visiting locations or completing actions on the Bites and Sites Scavenger Hunt List. Photos are worth 10, 20 or 50 points. Collect 200 points to earn your first entry into the grand prize drawing. Each additional 100 points collected earns players additional grand prize drawing entries. All photos must be emailed to contest@driftlessjournal. com by 9/7/23 at 5 p.m. to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing.

Turn the page for the Bites & Sites Scavenger Hunt list and directions for submitting entries.

2023 Destination Driftless Exploration Guides are on newsstands throughout the tri-state area and beyond. The cover photo by Driftless Multimedia’s Abby Panoch features a sunset sky over Fayette County’s Volga Lake.

The crew of the Winneshiek County Landfill has a big job to do. Pictured front (l-r): Meghan Scheidel and TJ Schissel. Back: Kyle Frank, Landon Ashbacher and Logan Schnuelle. (submitted photo)

Eve Reining

Kinley Rask Olivia Peterson Mara Dawley

Clara Recio

Cecilia Thompson Caysa Stoen

Lillian Hundorf Maria Albrecht

Recio, daughter of Evan and Heather Recio; Caysa Stoen, daughter of Jymae Stoen; and Cecilia Thompson, daughter of Katie and Mark Figueroa. The new little miss will be welcomed

by 2022 Little Miss Syttende Mai Amelia Thorson.

the full schedule of Syttende Mai events in Spring Grove, visit sgsyttendemai. com/.

BITES & SITES SCAVENGER HUNT

HOW TO PLAY:

• Take a selfie visiting locations or completing actions on this Bites and Sites Scavenger Hunt List. Photos are worth 10, 20 or 50 points.

• Collect 200 points to earn your first entry into the grand prize drawing. Each additional 100 points collected earns players additional grand prize drawing entries.

• All photos must be emailed to contest@driftlessjournal.com by 9/7/23 at 5:00 p.m. to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing.

20

NICC celebrates commencement

10 POINT SELFIE SITES

Send us a selfie doing any or all of these activities, earn 10 points each!

Public art or backyard view, simply send us a selfie showing us your most loved Driftless sight. Cast your line and wait for a bite at any Driftless fishing site.

Picture yourself painting, hiding or finding a #DecorahRock.

POINT SELFIE SITES

Solve the clues, visit the sites, send us your selfies.

His angel on the hilltop at the end of the row, Onstine’s town sits below.

Of Decorah’s three, you’ll get points for a selfie at Malanaphy.

About a half-mile HP Trail trek will lead you to this deck. Down the steps you’ll stroll to overlook the hole.

The name of this lookout matches the color of the big muddy river.

Oh what a sight it will deliver!

Take an Oak-ay selfie high above Minnesota’s city of parks, trees and trails.

Our town’s oldest and largest provides breathtaking sights from Trollkor’s heights.

Where Water and River meet, find a sight to fawn over in this county seat.

Visiting this former stagecoach inn, you’ll be taken back some years. It was built in 1857 by some of the first MN pioneers.

Lions, tigers, bears, oh my. Under the big top, acrobats fly! Find a few felines behind rivertown bar(s), they were always the superstars.

Hide away in Allan Magee country and snap a selfie at this cedar adventure land.

All players who earn at least 200 points are entered into the Grand Prize Drawing for a new bicycle from Little River General Store in Lanesboro, MN.

How to win

Receive Prize Drawing Entries as you earn points...

Summer fun brought to you by....

A hop and a skip from the Turkey River, you may feel the roar of the mill dam quiver. Tucked away in the back pocket of this town is a little park, with a peace-on-earth mark.

Long before the distillery and soda pop, another brew was made here, and stored in a place where the temp stays the same year-round.

East and west of where Main St. meets the Mississippi, a selfie from either site with the same name will do.

Ring the bell when you arrive, don’t worry about the neighbors, they aren’t alive. Maybe one of the smallest in the state, grab a seat, there’s room for eight.

Built in 1879 to take on grains such as maize, stands this historic structure at the intersection of two MN highways.

Between the brick city and Iowa’s swiss land, your selfie game will get a boost when you step inside a raptor’s roost.

50 POINT FEATURED DESTINATIONS

Visit these featured destinations and send us a selfie with your snack, sip or swag.

Berlin Troendle and Maycie Curtin from Waukon earned their degrees May 11 from NICC. Both received their Associate of Arts degrees and graduated with honors.

S. Mill Street, Rushford, MN

TWIN SPRINGS SUPPER CLUB 149 Twin Springs Rd., Decorah, IA

VESTERHEIM NORWEGIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM 312 W Water St., Decorah, IA

WINNESHIEK WILDBERRY WINERY 1966 337th St., Decorah, IA

Scan this QR code for prize information and official contest rules

NICC (Northeast Iowa Community College) graduates celebrated their accomplishments and academic success at the annual commencement ceremony Thursday, May 11, at the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther College campus. ABOVE- Administrators and faculty were among those in attendance including, from left: Todd Hills, industrial technology instructor; Medhanie Mekonnen, accounting instructor; NICC President Herbert Riedel; and Tim Folkerts, physics/math instructor. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

The McMichael Grain Elevator of Harmony, Minn., was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

(submitted)

Harmony’s McMichael Grain Elevator listed as historic place

The McMichael Grain Elevator, located in Harmony, Minn., just off Highway 52, was added to the National Register of Historic Places March 24.

Built in 1879 for the A&T McMichael Grain Company, the McMichael Grain Elevator is a well-preserved example of the wooden crib-framed country grain elevator. It is also associated with the broad patterns of agricultural and transportation history, specifically the development of grain farming and railroads in southeastern Minnesota during the late 19th century.

The grain elevator still has all of its essential historic character defining features (workhouse, headhouse, driveshed, storage bins) preserved intact. Originally covered with wood shiplap siding and wood shingles, the entire structure is presently metal-clad. The foundation walls around the base of the workhouse are made of roughcut fieldstone (probably local hand-dressed dolostone) laid in

irregular courses. Later in its history, the McMichael Elevator was used primarily as a feed mill where animal feed products were processed, stored and sold to farmers.

The mass and proportions of the combined workhouse-headhouse produces the iconic “prairie skyscraper” silhouette. Where exposed, the wood framing appears to be white pine; the wood is soft, fibrous and covered with a distinctive reddish-brown patina. The circular kerf marks and machine-cut iron nails indicate 1879-80 construction, making it the oldest known surviving example of the property type in Fillmore County. According to newspaper reporting, “dump logs” were first installed in 1907 – these were narrow wooden ramps built flush with the driveway floor that allowed the elevator operator to tilt the front of the wagon Historic place continued on page 3

Stan Shevik Family Fishing Clinic June 3

Winneshiek County Conservation will be hosting the annual Stan Shevik Family Fishing Clinic on Saturday, June 3, at Lake Meyer Park and Campground.

The free clinic is open to all ages and is a great opportunity to introduce new anglers to fishing. Sessions will include fish identification with live fish, casting practice and more. All registered youth will be eligible for a door prize.

Sign-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and clinic sessions will run from 9 to 11 a.m. Door prize drawings for youth and lunch for the whole family will follow the clinic. Fishing poles, bait and assistance from Winneshiek County Conservation staff will be available for family fishing from 12 to 1 p.m.

Registration is required by Wednesday, May 31, and is available online at www.winneshiekwild.com. Youth under seven must be accompanied by an adult throughout the clinic. This is a family fishing clinic and adults are encouraged to stay during the event. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be assisting with the clinic.

The clinic is being held in memory and honor of Stan Shevik, formerly of Spillville, and his lifelong passion for fishing and love of Lake Meyer. June 2 to 4 is Iowa Free Fishing Weekend, when no fishing license is required for Iowa residents.

Lake Meyer Park is located off Highway 24 between Calmar and Fort Atkinson. For more information, contact Winneshiek County Conservation at 563-534-7145.

Historic place

continued from page 2 upwards, dumping its load into the receiving pit. Dump scales were added in 1911. The configuration of this part of the elevator probably remained largely unchanged until the 1930s, when improvements were made to accommodate grain trucks.

Rail cars continued to be loaded at the elevator until the 1970s, and the branch line was abandoned by the Milwaukee Railroad in 1976. The railroad tracks were removed in 1978, and the property was donated to the city of Harmony in 2019.

The A&T McMichael Grain Company began with brothers who were grain merchants in 1878, who built a network of line elevators in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota through the 1930s. For more information, visit the website mn.gov, under Recent National Register Listings in Minnesota.

A moment in May for mental health

May is Mental Health Aware-

ness Month, an important time to talk about psychological and emotional wellbeing. The purpose of this specially designated month – recognized in the United States since 1949 – is to increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental health conditions and challenges.

Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness show that:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.

• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.

• 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

• 50 percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people age 10-14.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers several mental health programs and resources to educate and inform Iowans – all available at no cost.

Question. Persuade. Refer. is a suicide prevention and education program that teaches

participants how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help. A list of upcoming program locations is available online at www.extension. iastate.edu/humansciences/ QPR.

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem (such as depression or a substance abuse disorder), has an existing mental health condition that is getting worse, or could be experiencing a mental health crisis. A list of upcoming program locations is available online at www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/MHFA.

Iowa Concern Hotline Call 800-447-1985 for 24/7 access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. Individuals can also visit the Iowa Concern website to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment at www.extension.iastate. edu/iowaconcern/.

Farm Stress and Mental

Health is available for free download from the Extension Store. This fact sheet is designed to help agricultural advocates respond to someone in crisis with support and resources available at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16350.

“Mental Health Matters!” publications from the Extension Store are designed to provide information on youth mental health. They include activities that young people can do to gain skills related to their mental and physical wellbeing found at https://store.extension. iastate.edu/product/16401.

Encouraging a Friend to Seek Professional Help examines how loss, grief or depression can immobilize a person, making it hard for the individual to look realistically at a situation or to act. It’s important for friends or family members not to ignore signs that the person needs help. https:// store.extension.iastate.edu/ product/4551

For more information about mental health, resources and training, visit www.extension. iastate.edu/humansciences/ mental-health-and-wellbeing.

Cops and Rodders returns May 20

Join hundreds of car enthusiasts as they gather to admire classic cars, hot rods and mighty pretty steel of all shapes at the second annual Cops and Rodders Car Show, downtown Decorah.

Registration of show cars and entry fee will be accepted Saturday, May 20, from 8 to 11 a.m., with the first 100 registrations receiving a dash plaque.

Attendees coming to admire the custom, classic or crazy combustion carriages can vote for their favorite entries, with awards presented at 1 p.m. for Cops Choice, Ladies Choice, Kids Choice and the top 25 Judged Best Cars of Show. Cars will line up on Water Street and the event is free to the public for viewing. Cops and Rodders is coor-

Bullet journaling course May 25

As part of its Live & Learn: Enriching lives through monthly learning series, Waukon’s Robey Memorial Library is offering a “Getting Started with Bullet Journaling” class Thursday, May 25, at 5:30 p.m., in the library’s lower level Community Room.

Bullet journaling is an easy-

Academic Achievements

KIERSTYN ROGERS of Waukon was named to the fall semester Dean’s List at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill.

ZACHARY GARWOOD and REBECCA KLOTZBACH of Decorah and HOLLY SCHMITT of Waucoma were among the students ranked among the top 2% of the students in their respective college at Iowa State University in Ames.

Garwood is a senior in the College of Engineering. Klotzbach is a junior in the College of Human Sciences and Schmitt is a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

MICALA FOLKEDAHL of Decorah and HADEN HAMMEL of Waukon were named to the 2022 fall Dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s main campus in Davenport.

CHLOE TIESKOETTER of Ossian, PEYTON BIEBER of Waukon, ELLIE LOESCH of Fort Atkinson, and RAQUEL SCHMITT from Waucoma was named to the fall 2022 Dean’s List at Upper Iowa University in Fayette.

to-use, customizable organization system. Attendees will learn the basic journaling system, supplies needed to get started, view sample pages and try journaling themselves. Registration for this class is recommended. Contact Robey Memorial Library at 563-5684424 or www.waukon.lib.ia.us.

DECORAH SALES

MARKET REPORT

Monday, May 8, 2023

Steers & Heifers 144-150

Select & Choice Holstein Steers & Heifers 135-144 Thinner Shelly Cows 80-95

High Yielding Market Cows 95-120 Market Bulls up to 123

TOP CONSIGNMENTS

BEEF FATS

Ed & George Bieber, Waukon

KYLIE O’HARA on your graduation from Decorah High School! We are so proud of you! Love, your family

Slaughter Sale Every Monday at 9 am along with Regular Sale at Noon Decorah, Iowa (563)382-4203

dinated by the Decorah Police Department. Funds raised this year will go towards support for the Decorah Police K9 Loki. For more information, visit the Decorah Police Department on Facebook.

Celebrate Syttende Mai on May 17! Free admission. Enjoy a Children’s Parade, story time, a craft, Nordic Dancers, free ice cream, and an online concert! Full schedule at vesterheim.org.

Supported by Jeff and Marilyn Roverud. Traditional meals available at The Landing and Sons of Norway!

The Landing Market

211 College Dr., Decorah (563) 277-1893

Open Daily 8 a.m.

West Water St., Decorah (563) 382-5970

Kitchen hours: Sun–Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs–Sat 11 a.m -10 p.m.; Closed Tues. Bar may stay open later if there’s a game or crowd. Daily lunch specials. Large variety of tap and local beers! Great Bloody Marys! Best wings around! Great place to bring the family! Lots of TVs! View menus at www.tbocks.com.

Decorah welcomes new variety store

Echoes of the Past By Roz Weis 1923

ONE HUNDRED YEARS

AGO: The opening sale at the new variety store, Fuson-Traynick, on the corner of West Water and Court Streets, packed the store last weekend. Many lines were completely or nearly sold out, and the proprietors feel much pleased with their entrance into Decorah business. The women in attendance were presented with lovely carnations at the opening event.

…Drilling has resumed by Decorah Pioneer Oil & Gas at the Bakke lease east of town. Everything is going ahead full blast and from rumors about town, the indication for oil soon is even better than the officials of the company initially expected. Many strangers have visited the well since drilling was resumed. An Oklahoma oil expert was here for two days last week, and he told us that oil would be found here within the next 300 feet. The roads have been almost impassable in that area, and that accounts for not many getting out to view the well recently. Three more wells may be expected to start operations at once in Winneshiek County.

…East Water Street Bakery has bread by the loaf - 5 cents each for a full-size loaf.

…Max Waters had a good reason for arriving late to play baseball with the Postville High School against Decorah High School last week. While driving to Decorah from the east, his Ford coupe ran off the grade at a turn east of Freeport. The couple turned completely over and onto its side. The top was smashed, but young Waters was scarcely hurt. He crawled out, tipped his vehicle upright, and drove into town — a bit late.

…Dr. Otto Svebakken from over at Waukon is expected to open a practice in Decorah soon. He will devote most of his time to surgery, and he will be connected with the Decorah Hospital.

…The high school is very glad to acknowledge with gratitude the gift of Mr. Charles Altfillisch of the sum of $100 to be used in equipping the stage of the auditorium at the school.

…The oldest nurse with the longest service in the state resides in nearby Calmar. Mrs. Jennie Harrington began nursing when her mother stepped on a nail at Elkader. She was 14 years old, and her father was in the Union Army at the front. She has been at it for 60 years.

…Fred Carlson, the wellknown local paving contractor, was awarded the paving contracts by the City Council of Decorah last week. In the neighborhood of 15 blocks will be paved. His bid was $2.38 a yard.

…Samuel Barth, who sold his Easter Water Street residence a short time ago, has purchased the Ole Juve place on Center Street in West Decorah. Three

A memory from the 1930s

Here is a little piece of history for “Echoes of the Past” readers. Colonel Leland Burbank came to Decorah in charge of the Civilian Conservation Corps, established in 1933, and built the stonework in Phelps Park and started the fish hatchery. He met and married Else Arness, who was a nurse in Fairview. During World War II, Leland went to India and into China along the Burma Road, while Else stayed home. In China, Leland reportedly had a 12-year-old girl doing his laundry for him, and he was impressed. She was half English, and an orphan. He wanted to adopt her, and after the war he contacted a legislator and there was subsequently a law passed that allowed Burbank, and many other soldiers, to do just that. His daughter went through nursing school and became a registered nurse. She then married an Air Force fighter pilot, and he served two terms in the Vietnam War. Today, they live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, and are in their 80s. Pictured are Else Arness and Col. Leland Burbank photographed on their wedding day in the 1930s in Minneapolis. (Submitted by Eugene Soland of Kasson, Minn.)

lots went with the residence, and it sold for $2,000. Mr. Barth is contemplating building a cottage on one of the lots.

…Mrs. Lena Anderson sold her residence near the city park last week to Albert Nordheim of near Sattre. Consideration was $6,500.

…A couple of days ago, George Malli received a telegram from Ontario, Canada, with an offer of $1,500 for his runner (St. Benedict). The horse is among the best runners ever in these parts. Malli got St. Benedict from New Hampshire when he was six months old. He was 5 years old this past March. He is of English stock and comes of the best stock old England affords. His grandsire, Ormund, was brought to this republic from England, and it is said he cost $160,000. St. Benedict has other kin that have galloped to fame. George has a good horse indeed, and a good offer. Which should he take?

…The Boy Scouts here have kindly given the Camp Fire Girls the use of their club room over the City Hall for their weekly meetings. The following girls were elected as new officers: Marion Woldum, Helen Williams, Myrtle Ramsay and Selma Williams.

the heavy snowfall, Thursday provides almost summer temperatures with a bright sun and the remaining snow melted rapidly. Considerable rain also fell. The entire flat north and northeast of Water Street was covered with water. A large, flooded area near the West Decorah bridge also caused the great inconvenience, and when the flood was at its height the fire whistle sounded for a long period of time to make sure no one was in the path of the waters unaware. Fifth Avenue leading west from the bridge was covered for more than a block to a depth that prevented passage of autos. Trucks from the State and County Highway Departments were put into service hauling folks back and forth through the water and transporting some cars by raising their front ends and towing them. Many of the area did not go to bed last Thursday night because of a desire to watch the floodwaters.

…Fifteen applications were received for the office of Decorah City Clerk. Fremont Anderson Jr. won out in the voting.

…A burglar pried open the door over at the Decorah Farmers’ Ice Cave Creamery the other night. The office was visited, and the cash register was removed to a rear room and pried open with a file. About $2 in pennies was taken. More than 20 pennies in the register were missed by the burglar.

NINETY YEARS AGO: The all-time high water mark of the Oneota River in and around Decorah and along most of the entire course of the river was attained last week. After 10 days of seasonable temperatures and gradual disappearance of part of

PIVO Brewery wins gold medal at 2023 World Beer Cup

Four Iowa craft breweries were awarded five category medals at the 2023 World Beer Cup competition, presented by the Brewers Association. The best beers in categories covering 103 different styles were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals at a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, May 10, during the Craft Brewers Conference. Iowa breweries brought home four gold and one silver medal. The 2023 World Beer Cup included 10,213 entries from 2,376 breweries representing 51 countries. The following craft breweries received industry-wide medal recognition during this year’s event: PIVO Brewery of Calmar was awarded a gold medal in the Historical Beer category for

its brew Decorah Nordic Gruit.

Others recognized include Backpocket Brewing of Coralville, Confluence Brewing Company of Des Moines and Lionbridge Brewing of Cedar Rapids.

“The success of these four Iowa breweries on the world stage shows the quality of brewing happening all across the state,” said Iowa Brewers Guild Executive Director Noreen Otto. “Our whole Iowa brewing community is celebrating.”

The Iowa Brewers Guild exists to unify craft brewing professionals, promote Iowa beer, and advocate for the industry’s growth. More than 100 members are located in communities across Iowa. For additional information on the Iowa Brewers Guild, including a members list,

…The “We Want Beer” vote was three-to-one from persons of the state responding to a straw ballot issued by the Des Moines Register. Women were almost as strong in their demand for the return of beer in Iowa as men were.

PIVO Brewery was awarded a gold medal in the Historic Beer category for their Decorah Nordic Gruit. Pictured is the award-winning brew, which was also a gold medal recipient the Great American Beer Festival and the U.S. Open Beer Championship. (submitted)

Students sponsor annual Water to Thrive fundraiser

Seventh graders at Decorah Middle School sponsored their annual Water to Thrive fundraiser to support the building of a well in rural Africa. From May 8-12, all students at DMS brought monetary donations of any amount to school.

Orange donation buckets have been be placed at businesses around town with QR codes explaining the reasons for the fundraiser. People can also donate by directly visiting www. watertothrive.org/campaigns/ one-well-one-drop-5.

In class, DMS students learn how water can impact health, hunger, education, and poverty – creating inequalities. As a way to ‘be the change’ and address those inequalities, the students partner with Water to Thrive through which one well can be built for $5,000. That well can bring clean, safe water to over 500 people. DMS has funded four wells since 2018 and hopes by the end of this fundraiser will be able to fund a fifth well.

In language arts class, students read the book “A Long Walk to Water.” In this book, one of the characters has to walk for water twice a day to provide for her family. Although the

Recipients of a well that was funded by the Decorah Middle School Water to Thrive program celebrate its installation in rural Africa. (submitted photo)

character is fictional, the scenario is real.

On May 17, students will leave from the middle school and walk indirectly to the Upper Iowa River to gather and carry water. Seventh grade Global Studies teacher Carrie Reed remarked, “We do the water walk

to gain a sense of empathy for those who face that reality every day. In the past, the community has offered smiles and words of encouragement as they see us walking through town. We’ve even had people stop us and hand us money to add to our fundraiser total.”

Reed added, “I always tell my students that this is truly the most meaningful teaching and learning that I have ever been a part of. In a world where negative stories are easy to find, it’s good to share the amazing things that our young people are making happen.”

‘Rhythms on the Root’ outdoor concert series announced

Lanesboro Arts has announced the 2023 line-up of the popular outdoor summer music series Rhythms on the Root held at Gateway Park in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

This year, the series offers a range of music including indie rock, dream pop and alternative country from regionally acclaimed bands General B and the Wiz performing June 10, Sleeping Jesus on July 8 and Faith Boblett on Aug. 12.

Concerts will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., on the second Saturday of every month June through August.

Seating will be first come, first served general admission. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or blanket to sit on in the park. Tickets are on-sale now at lanesboroarts.org.

General B and the Wiz, June 10 General B and the Wiz is a blues-influenced indie rock band made up of several jazz-loving people. As collaborative songwriters, General B and the Wiz delivers high-energy music to keep their audience both laughing and dancing. Throughout their performances, audiences learn to expect the unexpected due to the beautiful yet humorous songs.

Sleeping Jesus, July 8

Sleeping Jesus is the dream project started by Nick Elstad in Winona, Minnesota. Today, this band also features Tyler Steinley, Andy Bauer, Seamus St. Clair and Dante DeGrazia. In 2016, “Perennial” was released as their debut, and their

100+ Women Who Care meet June 7

All are invited to attend the upcoming meeting of 100+ Women Who Care – Oneota Valley on Wednesday, June 7, at Convergence CiderWorks in Decorah. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m., and the one-hour meeting will follow at 6 p.m.

100+ Women Who Care is a unique women’s organization with the sole purpose of streamlining fundraising for area non-profits. Since April 2017, the giving circle has donated more than $125,000 to 20 unique local charities in the Oneota Valley in just 20 hours

of volunteer service.

The Schulze Family Foundation has committed to continue to provide matching grants of 50 percent of total dollars raised per meeting (up to a $5,000 match) for Women Who Care Chapters in the U.S. for 2023. This event is open to all local community members who are looking to learn about local charitable causes and make an impact. All donations stay local and are made directly to the non-profit. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ 100womenwhocareOV.

most recent album was “Leave the Party Early.”

Faith Boblett, Aug. 12

Faith Boblett is a singer-songwriter based in Minneapolis who has roots in various

musical genres. In 2018, she was named one of the Best New Bands by First Avenue music venue. Most popularly, two of the songs on her third LP – “Ugly Things” and “Didn’t Want You” –received regular airplay on Minnesota Public Radio’s “The Current.” Drawing inspiration from Tom Petty and Brandi Carlile, her songs feature a variety of pop, Americana, alternative country, rock and more. The Rhythms on the Root series is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant and is also supported by Inspire(d) Magazine and Wisconsin Public Radio.

CARDS OF THANKS

For rent: 2 Bedroom 8-plex $600, 1 bedroom downtown $450. NS/NP 563-380-2194 or 563-382-9354. 19-tf-JP-x-9

A & M

PREFERRED PROPERTIES

563-380-4648 Decorah, IA

Relax

Mowing • Trimming • Edging

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Responsibilities

Inventory Specialist

Responsibilities include processing incoming native seed, daily organization of warehouse, record keeping (frequent use of Microsoft Office & Excel), shipping & order pick-ups, customer service, & preparing seed mixes. Full-time, year-round.

Position includes physical labor & computer work.

AUCTION CALENDAR

6 PM. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-5682464.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13 - Machinery Consignment Auction. Call to cosign. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.

Agronomy in the Field for women offered near Postville

Among this year’s performers is California-based band Sausage Grinder. (submitted photo)

Bluff Country Gathering brings music and dance to Lanesboro

The 23rd Bluff Country Gathering will be held May 18-21 in Lanesboro, Minn. A celebration of American traditional music and dance, the event brings masters of old time music to teach two days of workshops covering such things as fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, ukulele, singing styles, square dance calling, etc. Though the workshops are only open to registered participants, the public is invited for a concert Friday, May 19, and barn dance Saturday, May 20. Both events are held in the Lanesboro Community Center and start at 8 p.m. Performers this year include Sausage Grinder (California), Adam Hurt & Beth Hartness (Virginia), Sheila Kay Adams (North Carolina), Whitt Mead (Ohio), Paul Bradley (Maassachusetts), and Chirps Smith and Dot Kent (Wisconsin). Dot Kent will also be calling the Saturday night dance. Featured music is old time country music, fiddle, banjo and stringband music, unaccompanied ballads, harmony singing, and more. No dance experience

is necessary and dancers need not bring a partner; the caller will teach the moves before each dance.

For more information, visit www.boveeheil.com and click on “Bluff Country Gathering” or call 507-498-5452. There are no advance ticket sales for the concert or barn dance, only at the door – but there’s plenty of room!

Agronomy in the Field is a multi-session and hands-on workshop being offered to women landowners, farmers, conservationists, and other women who are interested in learning more about agronomy. This series of workshops will be held during the 2023 growing season. The goals of the Agronomy in the Field series are to strengthen agronomic skills for women that allow for better decision-making, provide a better understanding of inputs for crop production, see and understand different conservation practices, and increase confidence in communication with their spouse, farming partner, ag retailer or tenant.

To provide this opportunity to as many women throughout Northeast Iowa, this workshop will be held near Postville, 1246 107th Ave., Castalia, to adequately serve attendees from Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Winneshiek Counties.

Pre-registration and course fee is required, call the Fayette County Extension and Outreach office at 563-425-3331. Light snacks and refreshments to be served.

Sessions are conducted in the field to see real-time conditions. The five Agronomy in the Field sessions will be offered once a month in May through September. Each held from 5:30-7 p.m.

Topics

May 24: Growing degree days, planting considerations, stand counts, early season corn and soybean growth and development.

June 21: Weed identification, weed control, corn and soybean growth and development, corn and soybean diseases.

July 26: Water quality and conservation management practices that relate to agriculture in northeast Iowa.

Aug. 29: Pasture and forage management with Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach Beef Specialist for Northeast Iowa. This session be held at 13690 130th St., Postville.

Sept. 20: Soil sampling, soil fertility, corn and soybeans reproductive stages, late season scouting and fall harvest considerations.

HOUSING PLANNER

This position will work under the direction of the Housing Department Head to facilitate administration of the housing development and grant administration. This candidate should have housing construction knowledge and good organizational skills. The candidate must have strong attention to detail, ability to organize work, determine priorities and meet deadlines, manage, and work harmoniously with employees and interact with the general public in a tactful and courteous manner, good verbal and written communication skills and maintain a valid driver’s license. Upper Explorerland offers a full benefit package including health insurance, dental, vision, retirement, short term and long-term disability.

of

MABEL-CANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, ISD 238 is seeking a Full-Time

Custodian

Date Closing: May 26th, 2023 or Open Until Filled.

Interested candidates should send a completed district application found at www.mabelcanton.org, mail to: Michelle Weidemann, Principal, 316 W Fillmore Ave., Mabel, MN 55954 or email mweidemann@mabelcanton.org.

ISD

Home Health Aide

Winneshiek Medical center is seeking to hire a Home Health Aide to join our Home Health and Hospice department. The Home Health Aide is responsible for providing a broad range of client related services, including social, environmental and personal care services in the home care setting. This is a 32 hour per week position with a four day work week. The schedule for the position can fluctuate based on patient needs, but will be primarily 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with no weekends or on-call responsibilities. Mileage and travel time are also reimbursed for this role.

Requirements:

•Certification as a Nursing Assistant

•Must have valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and good driving record, and reliable vehicle

•Previous home health aide or C.N.A. experience preferred

20-4-JP-12

The City of Decorah, IA (pop. 7,615) is accepting applications for the part-time (16 hr/week) position of Northeast Iowa Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Volunteer Coordinator

Ideal candidate will be someone with a collaborative mindset who is passionate about community involvement and volunteer service. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working with nonprofit agencies, volunteers, and older adults. Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and data entry skills required. Social media experience and ability to maintain a simple website preferred (no coding necessary).

subject to post-offer physical examination including drug testing, background check and motor vehicle records check. For more information and a complete job description see www.decorahia.org or call 563-382-3717. Send application, resume, cover letter and a minimum of three professional, work-related references to: Kristin Torresdal, Director, Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St., Decorah IA 52101 or ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org. Applications accepted until position has been filled. The first review of applications will be May 22, 2023. $15/hr, no benefits. M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer. 18-4-PJ-12

Registered Nurse

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

Winneshiek Medical Center is seeking to hire a part-time Registered Nurse to join our hospital Med/Surg Team! Med/Surg RNs provide patient care to a variety of hospital patients including infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. RNs coordinate care in collaboration with the patient, family, nurses, peers, physicians, and allied health care providers. 12-hour rotating shifts (7:00a-7:00p/ 7:00p-7:00a), primarily overnights. Every 3rd weekend, and rotating holidays. Part Time available (.75 FTE, 30 hrs/week). Eligible for Full Time benefits

Requirements:

• Current license to practice as an RN in the state of Iowa

• American Heart Association BLS required

• American Heart Association ACLS and PALS required within 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.

18-5-J-12

-CODE-

JOIN US!

First Presbyterian Church and Zion UCC, neighboring congregations and ecumenical partners in Waukon, seek an experienced OFFICE

MANAGER

to provide on-site administrative and clerical support for church leaders at both congregations. This 35-hour-a-week position requires an associate’s degree in a related field and/or relevant experience, top-notch computer skills with high proficiency in Microsoft Office, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a mature, professional, can-do attitude.

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. 20-2-J-12 Applicants must be willing to work on a variety of agriculture equipment. Good customer service skills are necessary. Willing to train or send applicant to training. Applicant must be willing to work extra hours during busy seasons. Benefits: Competitive pay, health insurance, paid time off, work uniforms and retirement package. To apply: Submit resume in person or mail to Baumler Implements, Inc. 1306 Hwy 150 S. West Union, IA, 52175 FULL-TIME AG SERVICE TECHNICIAN 20-4-JP-12 Decorah Schools has the following position available for the 2023-2024 school year: 20-1-J-12 K-12 Instructional Strategist II: ID (Middle School) The district has identified this as a hard-to-fill position and is eligible for additional compensation for the recommended candidate. Job description can be found on Teach Iowa Send letter of application and resume to Supt. Tim Cronin, 510 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA 52101. Job is open until filled. NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS ALL SHIFTS Cooks • Front of House • Dishroom Chefs • Shift Supervisors Apply at us.sodexo.com/careers Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran employer Benefit package available for full-time employees including vacation, sick days, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. 401(k) with Company Contribution for Full-Time & Part-Time employees. PART-TIME & FULL-TIME Openings Available Search Hourly < Search Luther College or call 563-387-1460 to schedule an interview 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa NO WAITING PERIOD FOR BENEFITS TO BEGIN! 20-1-J-12 FULL-TIME BENEFITS FROM DAY ONE Apply at us.sodexo.com/careers Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran employer Search Hourly Jobs < Search Luther College 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa NO WAITING PERIOD FOR BENEFITS TO BEGIN! NO WAITING PERIOD. • Medical • Prescription Drugs • Carrum Health No Cost Surgery • Hinge Health Virtual Physical Therapy • Wellness Programs • Dental • Vision • Accident Insurance • Critical Illness Insurance Hospital Indemnity Insurance • Health Spending Accounts Life Insurance • Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability • Identity Theft Protection 401(k) Savings Plan with Employer Contribution • Paid Sick Leave, Vacation, Holidays Exployee Discounts on Cell Phones, Computers, Flowers, Mortgage Loans, Rental Cars, Tax Prep, Travel, Vision & More. COMPETITIVE BENEFITS Immediate Openings. No Experience Necessary. Paid Training. Uniforms Furnished. Safety Shoes Furnished Once Per Year. Free Meals During Shift. Advancement Opportunities! 20-1-J-12 IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Catering Staff Full-time or part-time No experience needed Paid training Uniform & safety shoes provided 401(k) Benefit package for full-time APPLY AT US.SODEXO.COM/CAREERS Search Hourly < Search Luther College or call 563-387-1460 to schedule an interview 700 COLLEGE DRIVE DECORAH, IA 52101 SODEXO IS AN EEO/AA/MINORITY/FEMALE/DISABLED/VETERAN EMPLOYER 20-1-J-12

The minimum starting wage is $15/hour, and we offer paid time off.

To apply, email your cover letter, resume and professional references to fpcwaukon@gmail.com or zionwaukon@gmail.com

Applications will be received until the position is filled.

19-2-J-12

Inspiring

Requirements:

•BA/BS

& Suitable Driving Record

Coordinator of Music Marketing

The Coordinator of Music Marketing is a member of the music marketing team, whose purpose is to develop and promote a variety of special events and strategies to recruit students and garner visibility for the college and the exceptional Luther College Music Department. The Coordinator’s primary area of responsibility is to manage the general marketing of the Luther College Music Department, including but not limited to social media platforms, website content and images, print and digital advertising, photography needs, music recording and licensing, conference attendance, and more. Additionally, the Coordinator provides planning and operational support as needed for the portfolio of events under the jurisdiction of the music marketing team, which includes music ensemble tours, Dorian Festivals, Christmas at Luther, and alumni ensemble reunions or retreats.

A four-year college degree and experience with Google Workspace, website management, social media platforms, and advertising is necessary. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and digital content creation is preferred. Knowledge of and experience with both choral and instrumental music is very helpful.

Luther College offers an excellent benefit package including competitive health insurance premiums, generous retirement contribution, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and tuition benefits for employee, spouse and dependents. Additionally, Luther College offers an outstanding PTO program. New full-time employees can earn up to 30 days of PTO per year, in addition to time off for holidays which includes a full week of holiday pay between Christmas and New Years’ Day.

18-8-JP-12

for this

the complete job description and apply

BUSINESS MANAGER

18-8-JP-12

We’re looking for a senior manager to oversee operations of the business office. As a LEADER ON OUR TEAM you will work together to formulate financial strategy, develop annual budgets, A/P, A/R, and P/R, and manage business office staff and establish policies to support our mission. We desire a degree and experience in Business Administration/Accounting with outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills. If you are ready to be a successful leader and a CONFIDENT DECISION-MAKER with a desire to help our people develop and be productive, while ensuring Aase Haugen grows & thrives - WE NEED YOU! We are ready for you to join us and our future plans to move to our new $18 million building in 2025! WE OFFER GREAT BENEFITS, including excellent salary, generous PTO, health/ dental/vision insurance, 401K and more! Download our application online at www.aasehaugen.com/careers and send along with your resume and cover letter to: hr@aasehaugen.com or Aase Haugen Senior Services HR, 4 Ohio St., Decorah, IA 52101.

We’re looking for someone who fosters TEAMWORK and has a GREAT ATTITUDE to deliver the best resident care for Aase Haugen and LEAD US into a bright future! If you have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and/or are a licensed social worker in the state of Iowa JOIN US to assure we meet and exceed our residents’ emotional, social, and psychological needs. As an active member of our NEW INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM, you will plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the social services programs at Aase Haugen Senior Services. At Aase Haugen, our new leadership team embraces innovative and fresh approaches to provide the BEST HOME FOR OUR RESIDENTS. We are ready for you to join us and our future plans to move to our new $18 million building in 2025!

WE OFFER GREAT BENEFITS, including generous PTO, health, dental and vision insurance, 401K and more! Download our application online at www.aasehaugen.com/careers and send along with your resume and cover letter to: hr@aasehaugen.com or Aase Haugen Senior Services HR, 4 Ohio St., Decorah, IA 52101.

Ohio

Churches

Landfill

continued from front

The landfill site has Trout River running through it, and maintains a 500-foot buffer between it and the active landfill cell.

“But, we don’t want to get any closer than that anyway, as it’s in a flood plain, and we can’t build where it could flood out,” Schissel noted. “Besides, it’s a trout stream. We don’t want to crowd that.”

The landfill also has over 40 monitoring wells that keep daily tabs on both shallow and deep bedrock water quality to ensure there’s no impact to the water table. They also have heat sensing cameras installed to detect any areas that may begin to build up excess heat to prevent potential fires. Landfills cannot burn waste per state and federal regulation – not even by accident.

There’s a small office and a weigh station where trash collection vehicles are weighed and invoiced, currently $72 per ton. This is where folks can drop off larger items and electronics for a fee as well.

The Operation

“First and foremost, we try hard to be good neighbors and make sure we don’t have trash blowing away,” noted Schissel.

To effect this cleanliness, the active cell area being deposited into has blocker and catcher fences 22 feet wide and nine feet tall to keep wind from taking off with papers and help catch the trash. They also build berms around the active collection area to help block the wind.

“Picking up visual trash is a daily job for us out here too. Anything the blockers or catchers miss, we pick up at the end of the day,” Schissel said.

With 40 million pounds of trash deposited each year on average, that’s almost 55 tons of trash coming into the landfill each and every day.

Trash comes in from three counties and Postville, but the planning ahead of time that makes that possible is staggering.

“We think in terms of years here, not days. Everything we do is part of planning for the next year, or in five years. The more efficient we are in building the landfill every day, the more years we can add to its life,” commented Schissel.

The crew plans the locations of the leachate cannon sprinklers for the next year and beyond. The sprinklers are taken out each fall, and installed in the planned location each spring. They have a 120-foot radius, and visually, one can see the settling that occurs around the sprinklers during a season. They are then moved to encourage settling in other areas as well the next year.

The crews are continuously building roads to the current collection area, and planning the progress of the collection area to ensure a road is available, building berms and moving the home-made blocker fence sections to minimize airborne trash.

“Some of the roads we have in place today sit on up to 100 feet of garbage below them, and as we build the landfill out each day, we make sure to stick to the planned areas to maximize efficiency of the space we have. Our compactor we run is a lifesaver. Without that running, we’d only have about 15 years left until we’d be full. It saves that much space,” he noted.

As they build the roads and work the cells with incoming trash, Schissel and his crew are monitoring the ground water, thermal and visual cameras of the grounds, and checking the leachate cannon sprinklers for function. “We run the sprinklers daily during the dry and warm months of the year, and plan the roads between the sprinklers,” Schissel noted.

The crews also plant wildflower seeds, along with clover and rye to keep the erosion to a minimum after they layer black dirt to a compacted area. The organic matter assists the decomposition of other materials.

More regulation means more planning Schissel explained, “I’ve

been working here for 18 years, and I never knew all that it would entail. We are not only regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency, but we have state laws and codes that have changed over the years.”

One of those regulations is planning the closure and ensuring there are adequate funds to seal off any active cells, mitigate any final issues and continue to monitor the site for a minimum of 30 years. That’s why the Solid Waste Agency recently approved the closure plan, and assured the total of $7.5 million in excess funds to perform the closure plan, even though it’s now around 24 years out.

only saves us years of life.”

The county’s solid waste agency actually supports a full-time position to encourage recycling and help educate the public about it. Evan Neubauer is the Waste Reduction and Recycling Educator with Winneshiek County Conservation. Evan spends most of his time speaking with students and the public about the importance of recycling and composting.

Keeping plastics and cardboard out of the landfill adds years to the life of the landfill.

“It’s Iowa Code that you have to know what you’re going to do when you’re done,” Schissel added.

“We try to set aside around $400,000 to 500,000 each year into the closure account, because nothing gets cheaper. We weren’t able to last year, because we put $800,000 into equipment, but barring that, we do.”

This year, they’ll put a layer of black dirt on the cells scheduled for recirculation of the leachate next year, and sow seeds to hold the dirt in place. It encourages settling, which mostly happens in that first year.

History

The biggest legislative change for landfills came in 2008, when Iowa determined that a four-foot thick clay liner wasn’t going to cut it anymore, and they required a plastic liner for landfill cells. “That took out about half the landfills in the state, they just shut.”

Winneshiek County asked for a variance at that point. They were granted to fill the four-foot clay lined cell for four more years, until 2012. They then operated on the plastic lined cell they had built in August 1996 in the meantime, and let the other cell sit idle for a minimum of three years.

“In 2015, we figured we have maybe six years of life left, and there’s a minimum of five years notice we would have had to give, so we scrambled a bit and planned an expansion of a new cell in 2016. We’re still on just 36 acres, so we didn’t change the landfill footprint, but gained years of life. We’re rural, so we had to really keep the landfill here.”

Schissel reported, “We have another 14 feet to go on the one side of cell five, but by the lagoon, we have at least 80 foot of height to go before we reach maximum elevation. We don’t want to go too high up because we’re near the airport. The DNR and FAA worry about attracting birds that close to the airport. Again, we try to be good neighbors.”

Dealing in height, compaction and years is the life of the landfill. With thoughtful planning and detailed consideration, the landfill is expected to last the next 24 years.

How to add years to its life

“Recycling for us is huge,” said Schissel emphatically. “Keeping plastics, cardboard and such out of the landfill, that

The Winneshiek County Recycling website, winneshiekwaste.com, has a full list of recyclable materials accepted at the recycling center.

Neubauer’s tone brightened at the opportunity for composting as a way to extend the landfill’s life, which is not listed on the recycling guide since they don’t accept organic matter at the local center.

“The Iowa DNR published a 2022 IA Statewide Material Characterization Study back in October of 2022 and found that 21.6 percent of the audited waste was made up of organics,” Neubauer noted. “For this reason, composting in our community is essential. Any food waste that reaches the landfill will take a long time to break down and create methane in the process. By composting, more waste can be diverted from the landfill and will turn into a useful soil amendment that can help local gardens and lawns.”

Composting is essential...

Any food waste that reaches the landfill takes a long time to break down and creates methane.

The staff at the Winneshiek County Recycling Center handles approximately 2,500 tons (5,000,000 pounds) of material in the course of a year, sorting plastic and metal three days a week. This represents 12.5 percent of the landfill’s annual deposit, which adds up to saving a year of landfill life every eight years. The recycling center helps the community extend the life of the landfill, and sells the recyclable materials to support its operating costs as much as is possible.

So, how can a Winneshiek County resident help extend the life of the landfill? By utilizing the recycling center to its fullest and ensuring only recyclable materials are put into bins. Take a fresh look at the waste a household can generate, and see where conscious choices can be made to reduce that waste. The process of recycling is a resource in itself, and Neubauer offered several tips to ensure efficiency in reclaiming materials that avoid the landfill. Neubauer stated, “Recycling has its own set of regulations and best practices for safety to work within, so it’s important for the public to be aware that processing garbage at the recycling center is challenging and time consuming. Employees must sort it out from the recyclable materials and place it in a dumpster. Once the trash is collected, it is transported to the landfill, where it should have been sent previously. Ultimately, throwing trash in a recycling bin is just a more expensive way to send it to the landfill, costing extra fuel for transport and more carbon. One example is soft plastic bags, they are not recyclable in Winneshiek County.”

“For safety of the staff, it is also important that people do not bag their recyclable materials before disposing into the recycling bins. Bagged materials are sent to the landfill because the recycling team cannot identify the items, chemicals or sharp objects inside the bag, and treat them as dangerous. Plastic beverage containers that contain liquid are also sent to the landfill, so containers must be empty when they are tossed in a recycling bin. Folks can also remove their bottle caps from plastic bottles when they recycle them to ensure maximum efficiency in compacting the materials for sale,” he added.

Winneshiek County Conservation staff recently collaborated with the City of Decorah and Luther College to distribute over 120 home composters to community residents to divert food waste from the landfill.

“Most people want to do their part and create less trash. WCC is planning to conduct additional compost trainings, so be on the lookout for these opportunities. If you are interested in a compost bin for your home, or are unfamiliar with the process and want to learn more about composting, please visit winneshiekwaste.com/compost.”

The bottom line to add years to the landfill’s life: Reduce waste from your home purchases as much as possible. Buy products with recyclable packaging, or minimal packaging. Purchase fewer disposable products that add up quickly in the course of a week. (Did you know the plastic-coated paper milk/juice cartons are NOT recyclable, but clean, clear plastic jugs marked #1 or #2 are?) Hard plastics labeled with #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, or those that are unmarked, go to the landfill.

Be a thoughtful and thorough recycler. Ensure you are only recycling what can be accepted, in ways that are efficient for the staff. No garbage, glass, nails, no liquids, hazardous materials or bagged materials in recycling bins.

Consider composting food scraps and organic material. Or find a friend or neighbor who may be interested in food scraps for chickens, goats or farm animals. There are great resources for composting right here in the community.

It’s a worthwhile endeavor thinking about ways we all can help extend the life of one of Iowa’s 44 landfills right here in our community. There’s simply so much that happens – and is

impacted - beyond the curb.

Recycling is a big deal...

Currently one active cell is being actively deposited into at the Winneshiek County Landfill. The active cell area has blocker and catcher fences 22 feet wide and nine feet tall to keep wind from taking off with papers and help catch the trash. Berms are also built around the active collection area to help block the wind. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Kate Klimesh)

Vikes combine for 23 entries to state

Vikes will be available online at www.driftlessjournal.com.

Qualifying procedure

In Class 3A, the top two place winners in each event at every state qualifying site automatically qualify for state. The next eight best times/distances throughout the state qualify as well, making 24 total entries in each event.

seeded 12th.

The 4x800 relay enters the state meet as the 20th seed after finishing third in 10:11.41 Thursday. Members of the qualifying team are Olson, Sandhorst, Paige Werner and Danielle Losen.

time of 50.88 seconds in the 400-meter dash earned him an at-berth bid to state. He is seeded 10th

ABOVE: Fisher Tweten gets set to release the discus for a throw Thursday. His best throw of 119 feet, 11 inches, earned him 10th.

BELOW: A throw of 108 feet, 8 inches, in the discus earned Sally Laybourn a third place finish Thursday.

(Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

The state track meet is Thursday through Saturday, May 18-20, at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.

13 for the girls

Hayley Stowe will be running in the 100-meter dash for the second year in a row, narrowly taking the crown in 12.59 seconds. She is seeded seventh.

Joining her in the sprint will be senior Brinley Krivachek who finished third in 13.00 and is seeded 18th

In the 200-meter dash, Lani Hubka came home as the runner-up in 25.73 seconds and is seeded fifth.

McKenzie Riley was the 400-meter champion. Her time was 1:00.09. Riley has the ninth-fastest time heading into the state meet.

A time of 16.32 in the 100-meter hurdles earned Sydney Kipp a trip to state. Qualifying on time, the junior enters as the 20th seed.

It was a strong night on the track Thursday for the Decorah girls and boys track teams as they qualified for a combined 23 events to the state meet.

The girls scored 134 points to finish second behind Mt. Vernon who tallied 183 points.

The boys didn’t do too shabby either, finishing third with 102 points. Waverly-Shell Rock won the championship with 149 points, followed by Mt. Vernon with 136.5.

More importantly, the Vikings will yet again be well-represented on the Drake Blue Oval. The girls will be sending 13 events, while the boys have 10 ready to compete at state.

Complete results for the

The shuttle hurdle relay will be at state again this year. Kipp, Renae Wilson, Kelby Kerndt and Leslie Campbell broke the tape in 1:07.98. They are seeded fifth.

The 4x100 relay of Krivachek, Stowe, Kailyn O’Gara and Hubka won the title in 49.16 seconds Thursday. They have the sixth-fastest time.

Krivachek, Stowe, O’Gara and Hubka finished third Thursday and earned a fifth seed with their time of 1:45.77 in the 4x200 relay.

Taking second Thursday was the 4x400. Riley, Lillian Olson, Lily Sandhorst and Mount had a time of 4:09.53. They are

Saturday morning, the Vikings will take the track for the sprint medley relay. Krivachek, O’Gara, Stowe and Hubka won the event Thursday in 1:48.95. They are seeded second.

Decorah will have two entries in the throwing competition. Chloe Reiser was the shot put champion with a best of 42 feet, 9 inches. She is the Class 3A top seed. This will be her third time at state in the event.

Julia Alberts will compete in the discus after finishing second Thursday. The senior had a best throw of 128 feet even and enters the state meet as the sixth seed.

Boys to send 10

The boys will have 10 events take the stage at Drake.

Ben Wymer will take the track for the 100-meter dash. The senior took second Thursday in 11.33 seconds and is seeded 22nd overall.

In the 200-meter dash, Kelley Gates finished second at the state-qualifier in 23.13 seconds and enters the state meet with the 20th fastest time.

Cade Olson’s third-fastest

Taking second in the shuttle hurdle relay in 1:03.56, the quartet of Joshua Adam, Tommy Sexton, Gavin Groux and Dakota Johnson enters the state meet as the 18th seed.

The 4x100 relay has the 16th fastest seed time. Johnson, Kaiden Quandahl, Wymer and Gates won Thursday’s event in 43.86 seconds. That same quartet broke the tape in the 4x200 relay to advance with an 11th seed time of 1:30.74.

In 3:26.54, the 4x400 relay of Groux, Olson, Trevor Kuennen and Brayden Hartl was second and are seeded fifth.

Johnson, Wymer, Gates and Olson combined for a sprint medley time of 1:35.28, finishing second at the qualifier and enters the Blue Oval as the 11th seed.

A jump of 21 feet, 3 inches, by Kaiden Quandahl has the junior seeded 12th in the Class 3A long jump.

Peyton Webb will compete in the high jump at state. Clearing 5 feet, 10 inches, has earned the freshman and 23rd seed.

“We really had our guys step up and compete at a high level at the state qualifier in Independence. Super proud of our efforts!” said boys coach Joel Rollinger.

On the Rice Lake Course in Lake Mills Wednesday, the South Winn boys golf team advance to districts. Members of the third-place team were (l-r) Carson Wenthold, Carson Streeter, Braiden Todd, Jordan Baumler, Jackson Goltz and Caver Wenthold. (Submitted photo)

SW boys onto district action

Taking it one swing at a time, the South Winn boys golf team did enough to move on to the district meet.

The Warriors place third as a team. However, since host Lake Mills finished first, South Winn punched a ticket to districts, which was held Monday, May 15, at Fox Ridge Golf Course in Dike.

The Class 2A state tournament will be held Monday and Tuesday, May 22-23, at Coldwater Links in Ames.

A recap Held at Rice Lake Golf Course in Lake Mills won the meet with a 311. Aplington-Parkersburg came in second with 320 strokes while the Warriors put up 332 strokes.

Medalist of the day was Lake Mills’ Garrett Ham with a 69.

Carson Wenthold shot a career low even par 35 on the front nine two set the tone for a good day, starting with two birdies in the first four holes. The senior finished fifth overall with a 79 (35-44). South Winn got some strong performances from Braiden Todd and Jordan Baumler as well. Todd, a freshman, carded an 81 (41-40) to finish seventh, while Baumler fashioned an 83 (44-39) to end his day in 10th place. Rounding out the Warrior scorecard with an 89 (44-45) was another freshman, Carson Streeter. Coming through with a 97 (48-49) was Carver Wenthold with Jackson Goltz touring the course with a 98 (51-47)

“We played our best golf of the season at exactly the right time. We were in a pretty salty sectional, so we knew that we were going to have to play well to give ourselves a chance, and the boys responded in a big way,” said Coach Mike Wenthold. “I love the way that we’re playing heading into the district meet in Dike.”

Kurtenbach wins sectional, TV advances to districts

Mount make the exchange in the distance medley Thursday. The duo combined with Danielle Losen and Lillian Olson to finish fourth om 4:34.49. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

To the big stage; SW sends 12, Trojan boys 4

It was a strong night on the track Thursday for the South Winn and Turkey Valley girls and boys track teams. The Warriors qualified a combined 12 events, while the Trojan boys will send four to the Blue Oval. Both schools raced at Northwood-Kensett for the chance to compete at state. The South Winn girls team had the best finish in third place with 86 points.

AGWSR was the team champion with 117 points, ahead of St. Ansgar with 94. Turkey Valley tallied 29 to finish 13th

In the boys’ team race, it was Nashua-Plainfield claiming the top spot with 97.5 points. Four

points separated South Winn and Turkey Valley with the Warriors claiming fifth with 60 points, followed by Turkey Valley with 56.

Complete results for the for both schools will be available online at www.driftlessjournal. com.

Qualifying process

In Class 1A, the top performance in each event at all sites throughout the state automatically qualifies for the state meet. The next 12 best times/ distances from across the state also advance to the state meet. In total, there are 24 entries per

event.

The state meet runs Thursday through Saturday, May 1820, at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.

Strong results for SW

There will be 12 events on the track at Drake Stadium this week for the South Winn girls and boys track team. The girls qualified 10, while the boys have two competing.

The Lady Warriors will have seven individuals and three relays at state.

Abby Wagner qualified as an individual in two field events.

The sophomore won the high jump with the bar at 5 feet, 2 inches, and finished third in the long jump with a distance of 15 feet, 10.25 inch, earning an at-large bid. In her second state meet in the high jump, A. Wagner is seeded sixth and is 20th in her first long jump appearance.

Josie Tieskoetter and Maddy Jansen were third and fourth in the 800-meter run Thursday and also qualified on time. Tieskoetter, a junior, is seeded 19th with her time of 2:30.83, while Jansen’s time of 2:31.97, gives her a 23rd seed.

Thursday, B. Wagner, Tieskoetter, M. Hageman and Jansen enter the state meet with the second-best Class 1A time of 10:03.88.

Also qualifying on time was the distance medley relay in 4:29.26. Shimek, Cloey Zweibohmer, Tieskoetter and B. Wagner combined for a time of 4:29.26.

Two events qualified on time for the South Winn boys. Senior Kaden Bullerman was the runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles in 57.63 seconds. He will make his debut at the state meet as the 16th seed.

Bullerman will join with Lukas Weiss, Parker Timp and Keagen Streeter in the shuttle hurdle relay at state. The quartet finished second Thursday in 1:04.39 and has earned a 17th seed on time.

Trojan boys

For the first time in many years, the Turkey Valley girls will not be represented at the state meet despite having several top-three performances. The Trojan boys will represent the school in four events with two individuals stepping on the Blue Oval.

Finishing third at the sectional meet in Gutterberg, the Turkey Valley boys golf team advanced for the first time in five years. Members of the team on the course were (front, l-r) Carson Busta, Oliver Schmitt, Calvin Bodensteiner; (back) coach John Reicks, Garrett Dietzenbach, Caleb Kurtenbach and Braylen Byrne. (Submitted photo)

ABOVE: Turkey Valley’s Olivia Snyder (left) and South Winn’s Allison Hageman round the turn in the 4x200 Thursday. BELOW

LEFT: Kaden Bullerman will compete at state in the 400-meter hurdles and as a member of the Warrior shuttle hurdle relay.

BELOW RIGHT: Logan Busta explodes out of the blocks as the lead runner of the Trojan distance medley relay. (Photos courtesy of Leah Kruse)

The senior duo of Megan Hageman and Billie Wagner will step onto the track for the 1500-meter run. M. Hageman finished third in 5:03.85 and is seeded sixth. B. Wagner is the 14th seed with her time of 5:12.62.

In the 3000-meter run, Anna Dietzenbach will make her inaugural trip to state after finishing third at the state-qualifier in 12:09.09. The senior is seeded 22nd overall.

The 4x400 relay of Jansen, Tieskoetter, Katie Shimek and Karissa Wenthold is seeded 20th with a time of 4:22.10 Thursday at the qualifying meet.

After winning the 4x800

Breaking the tape in the 100-meter dash in 11.66 seconds Thursday, Noah Hanson is seeded 23rd

Ryan Franzen was crowned the 400-meter dash champion. The senior’s time of 51.54 seconds has him seeded 11th

Producing a time of 3:32.49, Hanson, Chase Hayek, Burke Busta and Franzen won the 4x400 relay. They enter as the 14th seed.

The sprint medley relay will also be on the track. Troy Schmitt, Hayek, Hanson and Franzen put up a time of 1:36.86 Thursday and are seeded 10th for Saturday morning’s race.

It’s been five years since the Turkey Valley boys golf team has advanced to district competition, but the Trojans punched their ticket with a third-place finish Wednesday at the Guttenberg Golf and Country Club.

Since Clayton Ridge was the host team and won the sectional, the first three teams were eligible to advance to the next round. The Eagles carded a 349 followed by Starmont who tallied 357 strokes with the Trojans fashioning a 365 stroke total.

The Class 1A district meet was held Monday, May 15, at the Highland Park Golf Course near Mason City.

The Class 1A state meet will be held Monday and Tuesday, May 22-23, at the Ames Golf and Country Club in Ames.

One-hole playoff

Caleb Kurtenbach played his best golf of the season so far as he shot an 86 (45-41) to win the overall medalist honors to spark the Trojans to their first team district berth since 2018. The junior won a thrilling onehole playoff over Brett Murray of Clayton Ridge to claim his

gold medal. Kurtenbach duplicated the honors Cale Reicks won (the last Trojan to do so) as a Class 1A sectional golf champion and it included a sizzling 41 over the back nine, the low nine-hole round of the tournament.

“Caleb has played some pretty good golf over the last few weeks and picked a great time to showcase his skills over a pretty tricky course,” stated Turkey Valley coach John Reicks. “It was fun to watch!” Of course, Kurtenbach could not have done it all by himself, as Oliver Schmitt (4546=91), Calvin Bodensteiner (47-45=92) and Carson Busta (51-45=96) all shot well to help the Trojans stave off Ed-Co and claim the coveted district team berth.

“We had good balance from our No. 2, 3 and 4 golfers. Carson Busta gave us a big lift as he shaved six strokes off his front nine total, and our all-UIC golfers Oliver Schmitt and Calvin Bodensteiner gave us a chance. It was a little nerve-wracking watching the scores trickle in, but we were fortunate to hold on to third place,” added Coach Reicks.

Garrett Dietzenbach (5450=104) had a strong back nine and Braylen Byrne (54-61=115) won his foursome to round out the scorecard.

Class 2A Sectional

1. Lake Mills 311; 2. AplingtonParkersburg 320; 3. South Winn 332; 4. Roland-Story 347; 5. DikeNew Hartford 348; 6. ClarionGoldfield-Dows 352; 7. Central Springs 369; 8. South Hardin 396

Class 1A Sectional

1. Clayton Ridge 349; 2. Starmont 357; 3. Turkey Valley 365; 4. Ed-Co 373; 5. Central Elkader 376; 6. West Central 392; 7. Maquoketa Valley 415

Dahlyn Headington (left) and Sami

Warriors come up just short

Class 2A regional team scores

1. Nashua-Plainfield 402; 2. North Butler 429; 3. Saint Ansgar 463; 4. South Winn 464; 5. West Fork 468; 6. Rockford 510; 7. Riceville 521; 9. Clarksville no team score

Although they would have liked to continue, the South Winn girls golf team had a satisfying conclusion to the 2023 campaign.

The Warriors competed in the Class 2A first regional Friday at the Nashua Town & Country Club in Nashua. The top-two teams and top-five individuals advanced to the second regional.

Winning the regional was the host team, Nashua-Plainfield with 402 strokes. North Butler (429) and Saint Ansgar (463) advanced since the home team

qualified. South Winn was onestroke shy of moving on with 464, in fourth.

Reagen Mulder of North Butler was the medalist, firing an 85. The runner-up was Paige Franzen of Nashua-Plainfield with a 91.

South Winn was led by junior Paige Jaster with a 108. Brooke Steffans came through with a 113. Julia Carnesa provided a 120 with Annie Ondrashek concluding the Warrior scorecard with a 123. Avery Luzum came through with a 136, while Katrina Hageman fashioned a 137.

The Warriors will be strong again next season with no one graduating from the third-place conference team which concluded 2023 with a 15-9 dual record.

Coming up in varsity sports

May 17 – Dec g golf at regional (Manchester), 10 a.m.; SW/TV g golf at regional (Colesburg), 10 a.m.; Dec b ten at team substate (Luther College), 10 a.m.; Dec g soc at regional (Hudson), 5:30 p.m.

May 18-20 – Dec/SW/TV g/b tr at state (Des Moines), TBA

May 19 – Dec g soc at regional (Hudson), 5 p.m.

May 20 – Dec g ten at team state (Waukee), 9 a.m.

Trojan linksters end season

Class 1A regional team scores

1. Don Bosco 413; 2. Wapsie Valley 475; 3. West Central 489; 4. Postville 493; 5. Turkey Valley 500; 6. Dunkerton 519; 7. Starmont 528; 8. Tripoli no score

The learning season came to an end for the Turkey Valley girls golf team Friday as the Trojans competed at Maple Hills Golf Club and hosted by Tripoli in the first regional meet.

The persistent rain showers that fell over the morning hours finally gave way to some dry skies shortly after the noon hour. The Trojans fired a 500 to earn fifth. Don Bosco ran away with the team title with 413 strokes and Wapsie Valley placed second with 475. Both teams advance to the next round of regional play.

Taking the medal was Wapsie Valley’s Anna Curley, who carved out a 91.

“Realistically I was hoping for a third place team finish and the TV girls came very close to accomplishing our goal,” said

Coach John Reicks.

Halle Weber (62-60=122) led the Trojan girls in scoring with her season-low score of the year. Sophomore Sofia Rivera (63-62) and junior Mariah Throndson (65-60) both carded 125s, and Morgan Vsetecka also counted as she came in with a 128 (66-62). Freshman Annika Bodensteiner (60-70=130) and senior Abby Schmitt (7177=148) rounded out the TV scorecard.

“I was pleased with how our girls played. They battled the elements and I think they learned a lot about themselves and how to handle a little adversity. We lowered our composite team score season average by almost 20 strokes from the 2022 campaign,” said Coach Reicks. “While we are going to miss the leadership of our lone senior Abby Schmitt, I believe we have the returning nucleus in place to really improve and lower our scores even more next season.”

Rained out activities

The recent deluge of rain in northeast Iowa put a damper on activities late last week.

Friday’s boys team substate tennis competition was postponed until Monday and will be reported on in the Thursday, May 18, Public Opinion.

The Decorah girls golf team traveled to Caledonia Friday and completed three holes at Ma Cal Grove Country Club, before the rain interrupted play. The meet was called off and will not be rescheduled.

Decorah boys end season

Class 3A Sectional

1. Waverly-Shell Rock 313; 2. Center Point-Urbana 323; 3. Marion; 4. Clear Lake 325; 5. Decorah 334; 6. Charles City 354; 7. Crestwood 358; 8. Waukon 358

The season came to an end Wednesday for the Decorah boys golf team.

The Vikes placed fifth at the Class 3A sectional hosted by Decorah at Oneota Golf and Country Club, with 334 strokes. Waverly-Shell Rock won the meet with 313 strokes followed by Center Point-Urbana, with both teams advancing to district play which was played Monday (May 15) in Waverly.

Eli Anderson of Clear Lake was the individual champion with 75 strokes.

Decorah had six linksters on the course. They were led by Lane Rolfs and Jackson Pipho who tied for ninth with 80s. Also competing were Ben Bockman (86), Jackson Knoke (88), Jon Egan (94) and Andrew Rhodes (96).

ABOVE LEFT: Evon Leitz was the singles runner-up at the Class 1A singles and doubles regional held at Luther College Wednesday. ABOVE RIGHT: Haley Gossman (front) is ready for the return as her doubles partner Annalise Skrade serves. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Becky Walz)

Three advance to state; team regional Tuesday

It was a big two days of play on the courts for the Decorah girls tennis team. Wednesday, the Vikes had three qualify for the state. Seniors Annalise Skrade and Haley Gossman were the champions of the No. 1 doubles flight, while Evon Leitz took second in the singles competition.

The state singles and doubles tournament for Class 1A is Friday and Saturday, May 26-27, at Byrnes Park Tennis Center in Waterloo.

Team play

It’s been two years since the Vikes have been in the elite eight, but that’s where they are headed after defeating Hampton-Dumont-CAL and Charles City in the team regional Saturday at Luther College.

The morning began with Decorah cruising to a victory over Hampton-Dumont-CAL, 5-0. In state play, matches end as soon as a team reaches five points.

In match one, No. 3 Haley Gossman, No. 4 Olivia Huinker, No. 5 Camryn Holland and No. 6 Klaara Short earned double-bagel wins, with No. 2 Evon Leitz winning 6-0 and 6-1. Decorah’s No. 1 player Annalise Skrade was on the brink of finishing her match with a 6-1 and 6-0 victory when the match was called.

Charles City and Osage then squared off with the Comets coming away with the win. Round two was a tougher match for the Vikes, but Decorah still secured the 5-0 victory. Earning

points for Decorah were Skrade, Leitz, Gossman, Huinker and Holland.

Team state qualifying play will continue Tuesday, May 16, on the Luther College courts at 1 p.m. Decorah’s round three opponent is yet to be determined as the winner is part of a region which was rained out Saturday. Teams from the Clear Lake region played Monday.

Moving on

Two Viking doubles teams and two singles players were represented in the regional individual state qualifier Wednesday. With a record of 8-3 for the season and 7-0 in the conference, Annalise Skrade and Haley Gossman were the No. 1 seed in the doubles bracket and proved they deserved that ranking as they finished as the regional champions. Skrade will be playing at state for the third time in her career, after winning the doubles title with Haley Gossman who will make her inaugural appearance. The last two years, Skrade teamed with Mara Holland to go to state. The dynamic duo took down Waverly-Shell Rock’s Maggie Hart and Gemma Beam in round one, 6-0 and 6-1. Then it was Shelby Rowe and Jade Johnson of Hampton-Dumont-CAL falling to Skrade/Gossman 6-2 and 6-1. In the semifinals, the Viking doubles team defeated Osage twins Kaitlyn and Kendall Olson 6-2 and 6-1. As a whole, Skrade/ Gossman only gave up nine of the 48 games played at the re-

Vikes take care of business with WD

On Senior Recognition Night, Decorah (5-8) faced a one-win West Delaware squad (1-13) that didn’t present much of an obstacle, allowing the Vikes a 10-0 victory that was shortened by the mercy rule.

Decorah was able to play all of its senior players, even those that came from the junior varsity squad. In fact, the second goal of the game was scored by Sylvia Sandhorst, typically a JV player. At halftime the score was 5-0 in favor of the Vikes, and it took only twenty minutes of the second half for the game to end via the mercy rule, 10-0.

gional.

Varsity newcomers Jaidyn Duval and Kaitlyn Bjork lost a tough first-round match to Misty Harreld and Allie Severe of Dike-New Hartford, 1-6 and 3-6.

Playing singles Evon Leitz also advanced to state by taking second. With an overall record of 7-4-1, Leitz was seeded second. She battled a won a tough two-set battle 7-5 and 6-1 over Alexis Gielau of Waverly-Shell Rock in round one. Next up was Brooklyn Broek of Osage who the Viking defeated 6-0 and 6-2. It was an intense three-set match for Leitz against Dike-New Hartford’s Anna Frahm, with the Decorah netter winning 6-3, 2-6 and 6-2. In the final, Leitz dropped her first match to Adria Neymeyer of Aplington-Parkersburg, 3-6 and 1-6.

Freshman Olivia Huinker also competed in the individual competition, winning 6-4 and 6-3 over Katie Pritchard of

Charles City in the first round. Huinker ultimately fell in round two to the overall top seed Neymeyer.

Team regional results vs. H-D-C No. 1 Annalise Skrade (Decorah) defeated Aspen Harlan (H-D-C) 6-0, 6-0; No. 2 Evon Leitz (Decorah) defeated Heather Howery (H-D-C) 6-0, 6-1; No. 3 Haley Gossman (Decorah) defeated Jade Johnson (H-D-C) 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 Olivia Huinker (Decorah) defeated Chloe Craighton (H-D-C) 6-0, 6-0; No. 5 Camryn Holland (Decorah) defeated Olivia Hamm (H-D-C) 6-0, 6-0; No. 6 Klaara Short (Decorah) defeated Lauren Hill (H-D-C) 6-0, 6-0 Team regional results vs. CC No. 1 Annalise Skrade (Decorah) defeated Katie Prtichard (CC) 6-1, 6-0; No. 2 Evon Leitz (Decorah) defeated Sophia Jenen (CC) default; No. 3 Haley Gossman (Decorah) defeated Liz Olson (CC) 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 Olivia Huinker (Decorah) defeated Hannah Hoffman (CC) 6-2, 6-4; No. 5 Camryn Holland (Decorah) defeated Maggie Boss (CC) 6-0, 6-2; No. 6 Klaara Short (Decorah) defeated Lauren Hill (CC) 6-4, 4-0

Decorah picks up two victories in two days

ABOVE: Vinny Ortiz (14) leads the offense down the field with Peter Essa (21), Creed Monroe (19) and Nathaniel Myers in tow.

LEFT: Ethan Stavers has an open field. (Photos courtesy of Heather Benzing)

Fans who braved the wind and rain Friday and Saturday were treated to wins by the Class 2A No. 9 Decorah boys soccer team (12-2).

Early end

It was an easy victory for the Vikes Friday who shut down the West Delaware (0-13-1) offense early to defeat the visiting Hawks, 10-0, on senior night. Decorah put up four goals in the first half and added six more to end the game by the mercy

rule with nearly 18 minutes remaining. The first five goals were scored by senior Vinny Ortiz. Finishing it out for the win with two goals each were Jake Magner and Jimmy Valdez and one by Jeramiah Rediske.

Another W

Earning All-NEIC earlier last week for the Vikes were (lr) Lane Rolfs, Jackson Pipho, Ben Bockman and Jackson Knoke. (Submitted photo)

The first goal of the game was a beauty, with Amelia Dugger scoring a clean header from a corner kick by Ella Grouws. Not long after came the goal from Sandhorst. In all, seven Decorah players scored goals, eight assisted and two unassisted. Leading with three goals was Grace Neal, followed by Isabella Bishop with two. Scoring one goal each were Ella Grouws, Kylie O’Hara, Sandhorst, Dugger and Gabrielle Dixon. With two assists each were Grouws, Thea Schissel, and Sara Johanningmeier,

while Ellen Rooney and Isabella Bishop contributed one assist apiece.

“I hope this good play carries through when we face the same team this coming Monday to start the state playoffs,” said Coach Loren Hendrickson.

It was another match versus West Delaware Monday as Decorah hosted the Hawks in the first round of Class 1A Region action. With a win, the Vikes would square off with Hudson Wednesday, May 17, in Hudson at 5:30 p.m.

Set to send the ball sailing is Decorah’s Easton Luzum during Friday’s 10-0 win over West Delaware. (Photo courtesy of Heather Benzing)

Back on the pitch a little over 12 hours later, the Vikes took on Dubuque Hempstead (7-9) Saturday morning, picking up another victory, 2-1, to close out the regular season. Decorah scored in each half, giving up one goal in the second half to the Mustangs. Putting the ball in the back of the net for the Vikes were Ian Giddings and Jake Magner.

Postseason next week

Decorah has a first-round bye in Class 2A substate 3 action and will play the winner of Dubuque Wahlert (3-14) and Maquoketa (1-12) Monday, May 22, at home at 7 p.m. Other teams in the bracket include Center Point-Urbana (10-3), Independence (6-10) and West Delaware (0-13-1).

Senior Isabella Bishop sends the ball to toward midfield Friday. (Photo courtesy of Heather Benzing)

Sweet Season Farm Salad Wrap

-Burrito-sized flour tortillas or some other type of soft

-Salad greens (lettuce, spicy mix, arugula, spinach — the more diverse and flavorful the better)

-Radishes, sliced

-Goat cheese or other soft cheese

-Salad dressing of choice

-Optional: Hummus

Spread goat cheese and/or hummus on wrap of choice and toss greens with sliced radishes and dressing. Fill wrap of choice with the salad mixture and enjoy! We find that this simple format for enjoying our vegetables keeps us eating well through all the seasons. In the fall and winter we make a heartier version with cooked grains, braised kale and squash or potatoes, substituting as needed with whatever seasonal vegetables we have on hand.

Sweet Season Farm Co-Owner Ethan Zierke poses with a head of romaine lettuce destined for the Decorah Farmer’s Market.

For the freshest Field to Fork moment, skip the fork

By Sweet Season Farm

Co-Owner Ethan Zierke

Last year, my wife Carly and I launched our vegetable farm as part of a beginning farmer land access opportunity just outside of Decorah at Canoe Creek Produce, owned by Barb Kraus. Spring is an exciting (and somewhat chaotic) time on the farm. Trays of plants eagerly awaiting transplant, fields must be prepared, irrigation needs to be installed, all as weeds seem to show up overnight… the daily to-do list grows longer as the days grow warmer.

As we keep the farm humming, I try to take some time each day to appreciate the magic of spring during this incredible time of year.

One of the ways that I do this is by eating as much of our produce as I can, fresh from the field. It’s important to do this not only to get an idea of the quality and flavors so that I can relay that to customers at the

local Farmer’s Market but also to take a moment to appreciate what it is I spend my days doing.

I love spring vegetables because they require little to no kitchen prep (just wash and go!) and are often best appreciated when used as part of simple meals like salads and sandwiches. One morning, during a particularly busy week last season,

Carly and I didn’t have time to pack a lunch but we managed to grab a package of tortillas and a jar of homemade salad dressing on our way out the door. When lunch time rolled around, we collected some greens we had harvested earlier that morning and a couple handfuls of shiny red radishes and our go-to salad wrap was born!

Carrot-top Green Nirvana Dressing

Handful of fresh carrot-tops (up to 1 c.) stems removed

3 cloves garlic

1/3 C. Olive Oil

1/3 C. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Honey to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

Place all in a blender or food processor. Add water to preferred consistency. Optional add-ins: walnuts, pine nuts, mint, dollop of plain yogurt, shallots or spring onions.

Love,Zuma

Winneshiek Medical Center

Auxiliary plant sale May 17

The Winneshiek Medical Center Auxiliary is holding a perennial plant and flower sale just in time to refresh your flower beds. The plant sale will take place outside the Winneshiek Medical Center main entrance on Wednesday, May 17, from 9 a.m., until sold out.

Free will donations are accepted at the sale. Proceeds from all auxiliary fundraisers, including profits from the WMC Gift Shop, benefit Winneshiek Medical Center by supporting program and equipment needs, as well as the Auxiliary Health Care Career Scholarship.

To learn more about auxiliary events, contact the Winneshiek Medical Center Volunteer Services Department at 563-387-3036.

Driftless students recognized for academic excellence

Several Driftless Region students were recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg for outstanding academic achievement at the 21st Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 30 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The statewide program honored 422 high school seniors from across Iowa. Each high school was invit-

ed to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking, based on grade point average for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher, and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Gov. Reynolds and Lt. Governor Gregg.

Among those recognized were: Decorah School, Mairi Sessions of Decorah; South Winneshiek, Dawson Wenthold of Ossian; Turkey Valley, Jacqlyn Schmitt of Fort Atkinson; Postville School, Emily Frey of Postville; Waukon School, Emma Palmer of Waukon; North Fayette Valley, Claire Britt of West Union; Sumner-Fred-

ericksburg, Kellian Dillon of Sumner; and MFL MarMac, Hailee Corlett of Monona.

Ninety-nine percent of those recognized also participate in extra-curricular school activities, with more than 80 percent participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 65 percent of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.