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www.driftlessjournal.com | news@driftlessjournal.com | 563-382-4221 | Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | Vol. 6 Issue 23
Twenty-first annual ‘Down on the Farm Iron Pour’ July 2-8
On Target [Field] for SW and Kee
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.
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)
ArtHaus’ Down on the Farm Iron Farmers Market kicks off June 7
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
By Zach Jensen Decorah native Kelly Ludeking has worn many hats. He’s done web design, driven a forklift in a funeral supply warehouse and has even sold used cars. But, what he’ll be most remembered for is his art — specifically, his work with iron and bronze, welding, pouring, casting and sculpting iron and bronze pieces around the globe. From Decorah to Minne-
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
Iron pour
continued on page 9
LEFT: Warrior Nolan Sabelka slides into home plate before the tag by Kee catcher, Cameron Lind.
Lewis Lechtenberg was joined by his family 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 Walz)
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When Abby Flak and her dogs started competing eight years ago, it sparked her desire to share the love of competitions with other animal lovers. Flak started Driftless Dog Sports in 2021, focused on the essential bond formed between humans and their canine companions. Flak set out to be a one-stop shop, ranging from dog training and daycare to dog boarding, personal lessons and competition training. “I’m super excited to share my love of all things dog related!” Abby exclaimed, stressing, “The most important thing in my
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.” 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
UpDog
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