June 4, 2024

Twenty-first annual ‘Down on the Farm Iron Pour’ July 2-8

ArtHaus’ Down on the Farm Iron Farmers Market kicks off June 7

By Zach Jensen

ing, casting and sculpting iron and bronze pieces around the globe. From Decorah to Minne-

apolis, New York City and overseas, Kelly’s art can be found on almost every continent, and every year he passes on his joy of sculpting metal to eager crowds of fans and aspiring creators during his annual Down on the Farm Iron Pour event.

This year’s “Pour” will be held Tuesday-Monday, July 2-8 at his family’s farm at 1421 200th Street outside of Decorah.

“One of the best things I know how to do is to distill down complex ideas into an easy way to learn and understand how to make something — whether that’s welding or casting,”

Kelly said, emphasizing the educational side of the Pour.

“I can teach you how to make something from the ground up, in a short amount of time, and I really enjoy doing that.”

During the week leading up

to the actual Pour, students and aspiring artists learn from Kelly how to make molds. Then, the night of the pour, molten iron, created by melting cast iron radiators and bathtubs at 2,600 degrees, will be poured into the student-made molds to create unique pieces of art the cast makers can then take home with them.

Kelly said that while it’s fun to create art and pour glowing liquid-hot metal at night, his priority in the pour is to pass on his knowledge and teach others how they, too, can make art. To that end, all proceeds from the event goes to pay for materials and for scholarships for students to come to the Pours to

On Target [ Field ] for SW and Kee

Lewis

by

as he was honored to throw out the first pitch Thursday on Target Field for the game between Kee and South Winn. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Becky

By Denise Lana

opinion is the relationship I have with each of my dogs. There’s nothing quite like the bond you form learning and working with your canine companion.”

“I’m super excited to share my love of all things dog related!” Abby exclaimed, stressing, “The most important thing in my

UpDog challenge Flak loves competitions that are inviting to all dog lovers and owners, and she decided to bring the game back to her community. In keeping with her desire to foster an environment of fun and play between humans and dogs, Flak and Driftless Dog Sports are hosting the “Disc-a-Palooza UpDog Challenge,” a disc throwing and catching event that will run all day from 9 a.m.,

Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, at Steam Engine Park in Mabel, Minn. Two-member teams made up of dogs and their humans can compete in various disc-throwing events. There are no breed or size restrictions, but all four-legged entries need to be 6 months or older, and dogs with limitations are more than welcome to join. Participants can sign up at driftlessdogssports.com or at the judges’ tent by 8:45 a.m. Saturday or Sunday. “These events are not just

continued on page 6

Veda, a traditional Border Collie, catches a disc thrown by owner Abby Flak. Flak is also the owner of Driftless Dog Sports, a local business that, in addition to training and boarding, offers fun competition opportunities for dogs and handlers. Driftless Dog Sports is hosting an all-day disc throwing and catching event Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, at Steam Engine Park in Mabel. (submitted)

This photo, from a past Down on the Farm Iron Pour, shows Kelly Ludeking using a custom-built furnace to melt cast iron radiators and bathtubs at 2,600 degrees. (submitted)

ABOVE: South Winn and Kee fans converged on Target Field Thursday for the first all-Iowa high school baseball game. Fans were first treated to a Minnesota Twins win (7-6) over the Kansas City Royals. Then it was time for the Warriors and Hawks on the big stage with South Winn winning 7-2.

LEFT: Warrior Nolan Sabelka slides into home plate before the tag by Kee catcher, Cameron Lind.

Lechtenberg was joined

his family

Walz)

EXPERIENCE THE DRIFTLESS BINGO

• Send in a selfie having your “Driftless Experience” at each establishment on the bingo card. Bonus entries if you show us what you bought there!!

• Earn a BINGO by completing five squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal). Submit your entry by emailing five photos corresponding to the BINGO squares to be entered in the prize drawing from the Driftless Journal and our local partners. Earn a BLACKOUT by completing all 25 squares.

• All photos (five for BINGO, 25 for BLACKOUT) must be emailed to contest@driftlessjournal.com by 9/6/24 at 5:00 p.m. to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing.

* See official rules at: driftlessjournal.com.

It’s a great way to meet people and have fun with your dog in a low

stress environment.” Flak is a certified instructor for various programs with the American Kennel Club, including the FIT DOG program, where Flak can organize and host AKC FIT DOG activities

like obstacle courses, runs and hikes designed to improve dog and handler fitness. She is also AKC instructor-certified with the Canine Good Citizen obedience training program and is an AKC Fetch evaluator who can

officially assess a dog’s ability to fetch a ball. Rounding out her AKC qualifications, Flak is a Farm Dog certifier and is also certified in animal first aid and CPR.

“I believe that fostering an

environment of fun and play not only enhances the bond between humans and dogs but also contributes to a harmonious and fulfilling companionship,” Flak says. “Through laughter, play and mutual enjoyment, we forge connections that go beyond mere companionship, creating a shared space of happiness in the journey of life together.”

Driftless Dog Sports hosts a variety of dog sporting events

Gracie, a black Labrador Retriever, displays her disc catching talents. (submitted photos)

For

Academic Achievements

ALLANDA KRIENER of Ossian recently earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering with highest honors from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

BREANNA GRETEMAN of Cresco was one of more than 80 University of Iowa undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars celebrated in annual University of Iowa “Dare to Discover” campaign. As part of the campaign, Greteman’s research in the academic emphasis of epidemiology was celebrated in Iowa City this spring.

Area orthopedic surgeon announces retirement

MercyOne’s Dr. Val Lyons, who

For

SHOP FOREMAN

ADRIANA TIEDT, a graduate from Turkey Valley Community Schools, has received a $1,000 scholarship from Champion Seed to support her college education. Iowa-based Champion Seed selected Tiedt because of her impressive academic achievements and her plan to continue working in agriculture. Champion was also influenced by her application essay about how to address the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds.

Join our facilities team and help maintain Seed Savers Exchange’s facilities, grounds, and equipment. In the winter months, this position helps in our Seed House with order fulfillment duties.

To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé, and the contact information for three references to jobs@seedsavers.org

Please include the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

You may also contact Peggy Miller at 563.387.5653. Seed Savers Exchange is an Equal

Full-time, $18/hour

This position is responsible for the efficient, timely, and accurate coordination of all incoming and outgoing shipments. The ideal candidate should be a detail-oriented individual with proficiency in shipping and business software. VISIT SEEDSAVERS.ORG/JOBS FOR MORE DETAILS AND OPEN POSITIONS!

To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé, and the contact information for three references to jobs@seedsavers.org

Please include the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

You may also contact Peggy Miller at 563.387.5653. Seed Savers Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Decorah High School seeks a part-time Vocal Music Collaborative Pianist to support our thriving music program. The successful candidate will be crucial in our Concert Choir and Viking Chorus classes and during various rehearsals, concerts, and other music-related events. The

Hours are part time averaging 6.5 hours per week at $30/hour.

Decorah Community Schools for the 2024-2025 School Year: Decorah High School Vocal Music Collaborative Pianist RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accompany the Concert Choir ( 4th period), which includes 85-minute sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, a 40-minute session on Wednesdays, and 30 minutes of preparation time. This totals approximately 4 hours per week.

• Accompany the Viking Chorus (1st period), which includes 40-minute sessions on Mondays and Thursdays, a 40-minute session every other week on Wednesdays, and 30 minutes of preparation time. This totals approximately 2 - 2.5 hours per week.

• Accompany the Ninth Grade Choir (2nd period) in performances and the final three classes/rehearsals before a concert.

• Collaborate with the Vocal Music Teacher to enhance the learning experience for students and ensure successful performances.

• Adapt to various musical styles and prepare open scores and piano accompaniments.

• Attend and perform in all scheduled concerts and performances.

• Additional playing opportunities with the fall musical and spring solo and small ensemble clinic and state festival.

• Proven experience as a collaborative pianist, preferably

medical facilities in Waukon, Charles City and New Hampton, recently announced his retirement, effective May 31. He had been practicing in Veterans Memorial Hospital since 1992. “I am honored to have served the Waukon and surrounding community for over 32 years and will certainly miss my interactions with my patients over the years. I have enjoyed working with the staff and in particular the specialty clinic and operating room staff,” said Lyons. “I am truly thankful to Veterans Memorial Hospital for accommodating and facilitating my practice over the years.” Lyons was known for flying into the Waukon airport when an emergency orthopedic surgery was needed. He worked very closely with the surgery staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

“I want to thank Dr. Lyons for his many years of dedicated orthopedic services to our community,” said Jessica Jones, Surgery Supervisor. “He will be greatly missed by all of our surgery staff and patients. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

“Dr. Lyons was an important part of our medical staff, treating a wide variety of orthopedic injuries,” added Michael Coyle, CEO of Veterans Memorial Hospital. “He built relationships with many patients and providers and his great personality will be missed around our facility.”

2-bedroom

For Rent: 3-bedroom house in Calmar. Appliances furnished. NP/ NS. $700/month. 563-419-4131. 23-tf-J-x-9

ABOVE- Kelly Ludeking pours liquid iron into a mold during a previous Down on the Farm Iron Pour. (submitted)

RIGHT- Ludeking with a bronze memorial decoration he created using a 3D-printed mold instead of a traditional carved mold. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Zach Jensen)

learn from Kelly. The event is free to attend and watch, but there is a cost if an attendee wants to create something.

“Last year, we gave out about $10,000 in scholarships to kids coming to the Pour,” he said.

“We hate turning people away and saying, ‘You can’t be a part of this because of money’, so helping to make this experience possible for everyone is very important to me.”

Dedicated to his father, Ron, who recently passed, this year’s Pour week includes the following schedule:

• Tuesday, July 2: 6-8 p.m.

Workshop for pattern making, scratch tiling direction or multipart mold-making assistance

• Wednesday, July 3: 6-8 p.m.

Sand studio opens, workshop for pattern making, scratch tiling direction or multi-part mold-making assistance

• Thursday, July 4: 1-3 p.m.

Workshop for pattern making, scratch tiling direction or multipart mold-making assistance;

Iron Farmers Market art show closing reception at 7 p.m. at ArtHaus in Decorah

• Friday, July 5: Sand Studio closes at 11:59 p.m.

• Saturday, July 6: Pour day, including multi-part molds banded and ready for the pour

floor queue by 10 a.m., scratch tiles completed by 3 p.m., molten metal begins around 6 p.m. and ends around 10 p.m.

“If you look at ‘iron’, ‘ron’ is in Iron, and that’s my dad’s name,” said Kelly. “So, we’re actually calling this Pour the ‘I-Ron Legacy’, because this is his farm, this is his place, and without him, I wouldn’t be here.”

Prior to the Pour, beginning on June 7, ArtHaus is hosting its annual Down on the Farm Iron Farmers Market, which is an art show that has been created and curated by Kelly and his wife, Diane.

“It’s artwork that’s been made here during the Pours over the last 20 years,” Kelly said.

Waukon’s June Main Street Story Walk

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon and The Oneota Valley Literary Foundation (OLVS) have partnered to host Main Street Story Walk in Waukon featuring the children’s story “I Don’t Want to be a Frog,” by Dev Petty.

During the month of June, families are invited to read this story in the windows of various business storefronts as they stroll the downtown Waukon area. For this and upcoming Story Walks in Waukon, the OVLS will provide a free copy of the featured book to every family that stops by Robey Memorial Library with a photo of them completing the Story Walk. Five selected businesses have a portion of the story posted in the front window of their establishment for viewing from the sidewalk. Each stop along the Story Walk will direct readers to the next location. Selected businesses for the month of June are located on Allamakee Street, East Main Street and 1st Street SE in downtown Waukon at the following locations: 1. Upper Iowa Insurance Center, 2. Steel Cow, 3. Mosaic, 4. Midwest Dental, 5. Good Samaritan Center.

The last day of the Art Haus Down on the Farm Iron Farmers Market is July 4 – just in time for the Pour on July 6. Kelly said 150-200 people from all over the United States and abroad are coming to this year’s Pour, including artists and fans from Hawaii, Florida, New York, the Netherlands and possibly Ireland. Camping and RV sites, running water and outhouses will be available for use by those in attendance. New offerings, including a possible ice cream social Friday night, are added frequently, so Kelly suggests that those interested visit their website regularly. He also said, “This is a farm”, so people should plan accordingly and bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and bug repellent. For more information, visit downonthefarmironpour.com or follow “Down on the Farm Iron Pour” on Facebook or on Instagram @dotf.ironpour.

Woodworking exhibit showcases Midwest artists

Lanesboro Arts will present

“Art of the Grain: An Exploration of Working in Wood,” a group exhibition celebrating the wide spectrum of creativity among regional wood artisans. This exhibition will be on view from June 8-Aug. 11, at the Lanesboro Arts Gallery in Lanesboro, Minn. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m., on June 8 with light refreshments, live music from Nathan Davidson, and a first look at this dynamic exhibition. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear from the artists whose craftsmanship is on display.

abstract sculpture, the show is a celebration of the expansive creativity of wood workers.

“This exhibition provides the opportunity to showcase how one consistent medium can have such immense variety” says Lanesboro Arts Program Coordinator, Leah Steding, “The artists selected demonstrate superior skills; we hope their work encourages folks to approach woodworking with limitless possibilities”. This show was curated with the guidance of local wood artisan, TiAnna DeGarmo of DeGarmo Designs LLC.

“Art of the Grain” showcases a range of woodwork, demonstrating wood’s malleability as a medium — from fluid to durable forms, from functional to purely aesthetic pieces. Artists from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin were chosen from Sotto Voce by Douglas Nimmo (submitted photo)

an open call application process due to their ability to push the envelope and demonstrate their uniquely refined craftsmanship in functional and aesthetic pieces that celebrate working in wood. From musical instruments to furniture pieces to

Handicap accessible and free to the public, the Lanesboro Arts Gallery is located at 103 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.lanesboroarts.org.

Friends of Yellow River announce June events

be held at campsite 72 in the Little Paint Campground, 794 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry. From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be breakfast, lunch and early supper.

The demonstrations throughout the day will include cooking in cast iron pans, Dutch ovens and reflector ovens. This is a free event, but donations are accepted. On Saturday, June 15, at 6 p.m., a free concert will be held in the forest with local musicians Big Blue Sky, which will perform outdoors at the park technician’s office at 737 State Forest Rd. Big Blue Sky is an eco/folk/bluesy band from the

Driftless Region with a lot of original music. The event is family-friendly, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. All are welcome to attend. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to an indoor location in Harpers Ferry. An announcement will be made on the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Facebook page.