August 8, 2023

Chalking leaves grave problems at Decorah’s Phelps Cemetery

By Roz Weis

When working on some historical background for a Public Television program, Stacey Gossling of Decorah recently came across some disturbing findings at Phelps Cemetery in Decorah.

A dozen or more vintage, historical gravestones had been “chalked.” Chalking tomb-

A dozen or more stones were damaged by someone who “chalked” the gravestones while visiting the cemetery in mid-July. Several of the damaged stones are pictured here. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

stones can lead to grave problems, as Gossling said, the chalking process can be abrasive and lead to stone damage and stain.

She said the chalking has become a too-often practice involving rubbing a piece of sidewalk chalk over the engraving of stone to make the lettering stand out better, with sights set on improving photos.

The chemical residue left on the stone can eventually soak in and cause the monument to wear down.

The pressure of rubbing or using this chalk method can also cause the stone to fracture or crumble.

Some think the chalk will wash away, but that is typically not the case.

Tombstone chalking has erroneously been touted as a safe way to keep a visual record of a tombstone. But the truth is, it is harmful to tombstones and is currently being banned and outlawed in many different areas. The chalk can eventually wear

away the carving on stones and loosen bits of the stone, causing flaking and breaking.

Some genealogy “searchers” have been known to visit area cemeteries to learn more about family history and photograph what is written on the headstones. Their methods to enhance the lettering have led to ongoing problems.

Cemetery preservation enthusiasts say with today’s photography advances, there is no reason to do chalking on a tombstone. Photographs can provide a much greater and more artistic visual remembrance of any stone.

Chalking is, sadly, a method that is still being promoted by people in the field as being a safe way to read hard-to-read tombstones. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of knowledge about this subject.

While visiting with Gossling as she painstakingly cleaned the headstones at Phelps Cemetery, she reiterated the fact that the ingredients in the chalk

From Calmar to Cuba: Missionaries share humble happiness with locals

Submitted by Tad Mueller

Twenty-two members of Calmar

Lutheran Church traveled to Cuba

July 21-30 on a mission to support the Cuban people. Travel days were Friday and Saturday, landing in Havana on Saturday afternoon. We spent that afternoon traveling to Santa Marta Matanzas, where we settled into rental homes and enjoyed a traditional Cuban meal of fruit, rice and beans. We spent six days there and our hosts were amazing. Our rooms were clean and well-kept and they prepared meals for us daily. Coffee was a little limited but that is understandable; when we pay $7 to $8 for a bag of

coffee here, they will pay $50.

We were fortunate that the group working with us had a couple of older diesel-powered vans, one without a working air conditioner, to transport our group and our luggage. Much is made of the pristine looking U.S. cars from the 1950s in Cuba. The fact that these cars exist and are maintained is more out of necessity than desire, as the majority of people in Cuba don’t own cars. They rely on electric scooters, bicycles, horse and wagon, buses or walking and hitchhiking.

On Sunday the group traveled to the city of Jovellanos and split into two groups to attend church services there. Services are different from

what we are used to in the U.S. – they are held in a large room of someone’s home or in a small meeting area in the city and are loud and filled with excitement. Religions are not allowed to openly evangelize in Cuba. All religious activities are held inside and out of the public eye. By keeping services exciting, it helps attract people to the churches.

On Monday the group spent the morning working on the church farm as well as cleaning rice. The farm is owned by the church to grow fruits and other foods. Our work on the farm involved cleaning the area up for a youth camp to be held later in the week. The individuals working on

make it very harsh. She has seen instances of chalk actually bruising stones, and the stain is still visible years after the fact.

Additionally, there are false claims that using flour, bleach, vinegar, grass killer or shaving cream are good methods for making stones more readable. Not so, according to Gossling. Experts say these items have dangerous chemicals that can deteriorate the stones, much like acid. Gossling said that power-washing techniques are also discouraged.

Gossling, who is dedicated to cemetery preservation efforts throughout the Driftless area and beyond, said chalking at public cemeteries is a crime.

The Decorah Police were summoned after the Phelps Cemetery incident, and investigation continues.

She discovered that some of the photos of the local head-

WHY SHOULD I SELL NOW?

Chalking

continued on page 4

1.If you have inherited items such as coins, jewelry, diamonds and antiques and you’re not interested in keeping them, our people will give you a FREE verbal appraisal. You decide if you want to sell your merchandise for CASH or keep it.

cleaning the rice were hand removing chaff and rodent droppings so that the rice could be distributed to families. The next day we spent bagging food and interacting with the Cuban people while distributing the food and supplies. This was a very emotional day for everyone in our group

2.Cash is easier to divide and creates fewer problems when it comes to settling estates.

Mission trip

continued on page 10

Members of Calmar Lutheran Church who traveled to Cuba in July are pictured at the base of The Christ of Havana sculpture on a hilltop in Havana, Cuba. (submitted photo)

Reducing toxicity: Houston County’s solid waste process is anything but simple

By Kate Klimesh

The number of available landfills for solid waste in the Driftless area are few and far between, in large part due to the sometimes-unstable Karst geology found throughout the area.

The 1983 closure of the Houston County Landfill, due to groundwater contamination, led folks

to consider other options. Those in Minnesota choose between Rochester Landfill or La Crosse

Solid Waste in Wisconsin – a regional waste facility connected to a facility that turns waste into energy with heightened recycling sorting and screening capacity for a five-county area. Houston County sends their sol-

id waste to La Crosse, which offers a wide range of reclamation of resource points all along the process, making this trash trip anything but tame.

Finding value in waste Houston County Environmental Services Director Martin Herrick has decades of experience in the waste industry as

both an inspector and member of a solid waste team. Herrick reported, “The waste hierarchy we use in Minnesota and in Wisconsin teaches us how to find value in the materials of solid waste.”

The La Crosse County Solid Waste Facility’s main objective is to reduce the toxicity of waste to the environment and minimize the impact of new waste on the 350acre landfill

and surrounding areas, with resource recovery activities conducted at the Xcel Energy waste-to-energy (WTO) facility on French Island. The resource recovery center is publicly owned and privately managed.

“First, there is source reduction and reuse of materials, and that generally is at the discretion of the manufacturers and consumers. Recycling and composting is the second tier; that includes materials being sorted and screened on the tipping floor. With recycling, the chal-

lenge can be finding markets for the materials or getting it clean for reuse.”

“What’s left, we focus on energy recovery from the materials – if it can’t be recycled, it’s possible it could be burned, so appropriate materials for energy creation, called refuse-derived fuels, are chipped and processed for burning. With whatever is left after each of those

Pictured here, the Xcel Energy waste-to-energy (WTO) facility on French Island, is part of the La Crosse County Solid Waste Facility, where waste that can’t be recycled is processed and burned for energy. The plant is carbon negative by 43 percent per ton of garbage when compared to landfilling that same amount of waste traditionally. (submitted photo)

Lansing Fish Days festivities Aug 11-13

Lansing Fish days returns for a weekend of fishing and fun along the river in Lansing. This Lion’s Club event has a wide variety of events, loads of fishing on Saturday, and so much activity for the whole family, they needed three days to get it all done.

Friday starts with a fish fry at the Lansing VFW, and spills out onto the Festival Grounds for family-friendly entertainment from 4 to 8 p.m. Main Street also offers a mural presentation and music starting at 5 p.m. That evening concludes

with a mechanical bull at the Festival Grounds, then moves to the Lansing Fire department at 8 p.m. for the JR Brink Band.

Saturday’s Fishing Tournaments for adults and youth start early, and run through 1 p.m.

For all the attendees not casting a line, there’s a bevy of activities, events, shows and food at the Festival Grounds, Fire Station, VFW building, and more. For those looking to be active, there’s an 8K and 5K walk/run, a co-ed softball tournament, mechanical bull throughout the morning and afternoon. In

between, there’s magic shows, music, balloons, face painting, a children’s carnival, and many educational demonstrations and presentations on the birds and river life found nearby.

Don’t forget the Dunk Tank from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, featuring notable officials from New Albin, Lansing and the school district, raising money for the elementary school. The crowds will determine who gets dunked the most and raises the most money for a great cause. Alumni welcome.

At 5:30 p.m. Saturday will

be the Lansing Fish Days Pageant, more contests and competitions, ending with Hillbilly Rocketship at the fire station and fireworks at the Festival Grounds.

Sunday brings more competitions, food and fun with a soap box derby, food, face painting and the 1 p.m. Fish Days Parade down Main Street. Many family-friendly activities and music Sunday is a great way to wind down this three-day festival in Lansing. For the full schedule of events, visit the LansingFishDays Facebook page.

Fayette TAKO mushroom hunting and bird watching

The Fayette Take A Kid Outdoors (TAKO) chapter is hosting a tour highlighting mushroom hunting and bird watching from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Gilbertson Nature Center, 22580 A Ave., Elgin.

Guest presenter will TAKO Board Member Keller McKeown. The program is free and open to the public and a light noon meal will be provided.

For more information, contact Fayette TAKO President Leif White at 319-939-1567.

Ossian Fest and parade Aug. 12

It may be only one day, but it’s full day of celebration as Ossian says, “Come On Down!” to Ossian Fest Saturday, Aug. 12.

Kick off the day with breakfast at St. Teresa of Calcutta School from 8-10 a.m.

Ossian Fire will be holding the annual water ball fights at a new location this year – one block west of fire station. Registration for water ball games is one hour prior to the water ball fights that start at noon.

The car show will be held from 12-2 p.m. along the north side of Main Street. Fun for the kiddos starts at 1:30 p.m. with the Kids’ Pedal Pull and many other activities at Carey Park, including an obstacle course and bounce house.

Loads of food vendors will be spread throughout the town.

The food and beer tent opens at 5 p.m. at Carey Park prior to the 7 p.m. Grand Parade along Main Street. The theme for this year’s parade is “TV Game Shows.”

At 8:30 p.m., a dance wraps up the fun in the Pavilion in the Park.

For more information, visit the City of Ossian Facebook page.

T & T BBQ in Oelwein was founded by pitmaster and Netflix’s American Barbecue Showdown winner Thyron Mathews to bring that southern explosive taste to northeast Iowa. (submitted photo)

‘Barbecue Showdown’ winner Thyron Mathews at Iowa State Fair

Iowa State Fair attendees will have a unique opportunity to meet and interact with the Fayette County culinary sensation that took home the BBQ Showdown Champ title as he warmed hearts and represented Iowa against national competitors.

A special meet-and-greet event is planned with Thyron Mathews, winner of season two of the popular streaming TV show “Barbecue Showdown.”

The event will be held Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the

Upper Iowa University booth in the Varied Industries Building during the Iowa State Fair.

Mathews, a talented pitmaster with a remarkable history, continues to gain notoriety in the world of barbecue with T&T BBQ in Oelwein. Attendees can take photos, hear Mathews’ story, learn barbecue tips and how to obtain his much-praised “mop sauce.”

Mathew is a Fayette County detention officer.

BAM begins weekend trek through southeastern Minnesota

Bicycling Around Minnesota (BAM) is an organization that sponsors organized rides and camping stays across the state.

This year, BAM is coming to Bluff Country with a four-day ride, beginning in Lanesboro, Minn., on Wednesday, Aug. 16, with overnight stays in Rushford, La Crescent and Houston, before returning to Lanesboro to end their ride.

The public is invited to attend the BAM 2023 Live Welcome Concert with Dan Chouinard and Lanesboro Friends on Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 7-9 p.m. in Lanesboro’ s Sylvan Park Gazebo. Chouinard, a popular Twin Cities pianist, writer and host of hit shows for radio, concert hall and theatrical stage, is the host for this concert

including performers duo Matt and Brenda Steir; the Rhubarb Sisters: Elizabeth Fuglestad, Peggy Hanson, Beth Hennessy and Julie Kiehne; Tom Schramm, Lanesboro’s Neil Young; Nathan Davidson, jazz sax, and Stela Burdt on vocals; and Maddie Bergey, a talented gem from the Fillmore Central High School class of 2023. This summer concert will also include greetings by BAM’s tour director, Mary Derks.

Schedule Thursday morning, the ride kicks off with a 63-mile trek from Lanesboro to Rushford, heading first to Fountain to see some sinkholes, and then to Preston and Harmony with a stop at an Amish farm along

the way. Then they’ll take some winding roads into Peterson, grab some watermelon at Featherston Farm before heading to Rushford for the evening.

On Friday, the group goes from the Root River to the Mississippi River with a choice between two rides to Minnesota’s Apple Capital, La Crescent. On Saturday, riders will enjoy incredible views of the Mighty Mississippi, traveling along the Great River Road and the Mississippi River Trail before traveling inward to see the barn quilts of Caledonia. The bicyclists will spend the night in Houston and enjoy some fun and interactive owl games hosted by the International Owl Center. Finally, on Sunday they

Lanesboro’s Parkway Place becomes ‘Art Pocket Park’

Lanesboro, Minn., is known for being an arts and outdoor recreation destination, and one community group decided to work on a project to allow for spontaneous art-making downtown.

vacant lots on Parkway Avenue in downtown Lanesboro.

in this downtown “art pocket park.”

head back to Lanesboro via Spring Grove to end their trek through southeastern Minnesota.

Sandwich & Salad Supper

The Lanesboro Businesses Promotion Group, a local group of businesses, non-profits and community organizations that organizes and implements public events in town each year, wanted to add some free, public art-making opportunities at Parkway Place – the two

Landowner Andrew Bunge has allowed the community and city of Lanesboro for the past few years to use these vacant lots for picnic tables, trash collection, a mural and little free art library (owned by Lanesboro Arts), vendor space and more.

The Lanesboro Businesses Promotion Group planned to construct outdoor art easels with art supplies so passersby, locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to create art

Funding was secured through a grant with the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, and the project gathered excellent feedback from local artists to consider the design and functionality of the space. Lanesboro Arts was consulted to create signage for the pocket park, and the Lanesboro Businesses Promotion Group spearheaded the project with fiscal agent help from the city of Lanesboro.

Winneshiek–Howard County Women Land & Legacy Presents: “THE POWER OF THE UNSEEN”

August 9 • 5-7PM

PIVO Brewery, 101 Huber Dr., Calmar

August 10 • 5-7PM

CUSB BANK, 111 N. Elm St., Cresco

In the TEDx talk “Power of the Unseen,” Dr. Jodi Enos-Berlage interweaves the critical functions of unseen soil microbes, their major soil erosiondriven loss and the power of unseen women landowners to save them. This presentation will be an extended, live, local and uncut version with ample opportunity for audience “talk-back” and engagement. Dr. Enos-Berlage will also share new soil health research and community engagement initiatives and invite attendees to share ideas and needs.

FREE EVENT + MEAL

To RSVP, contact sophia.campbell@ia.nacdnet.net or call 563-382-4352 ext. 3

WELCOME Check-in begins at 5PM womenlandandlegacy

Stay connected with us and learn more about what WLL can do for your farm!

ext. 3 or dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunication relay services.

they sent 12,203 tons of ash to the landfill.

continued from front

TWO SESSION OPTIONS SCAN to respond via Facebook steps, with the volume much reduced, it goes to the landfill including ash from the burned materials.”

The shift towards being able to reclaim and reuse products, including padding or stuffing materials called “fluff’ to be used as part of the daily covering for the landfill in addition to soil, grit and sand. “There’s very much a push that’s driven by regulation, as well as markets, to take waste and create a product that is a commodity, like shredded tires for playgrounds. “And the other side of it is you may have a recycled product that’s useful, but the cost to transport it where it can be used is horrendous, so that product may be limited to a two-to-three-hundred-mile useable range. That’s a tough one.”

The more the original material has been processed, the harder to find a recycling market for it.

Carbon negativity

Herrick noted that this reclaim and reuse stage process, while labor intensive, equates to a 5:1 reduction in volume going to the landfill, extending its life drastically. A study performed in 2015 concluded that the French Island plant is carbon negative by 43 percent per ton of garbage when compared to landfilling that same amount of waste traditionally. That volume reduction means they don’t have to site new landfills as fast.

In 2021, the WTO facility processed 79,824 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), and 7,545 tons in June alone that year. With 33 staff members, they processed enough waste to provide almost 70,000 MWh of electricity in 2021, while producing emissions below the limits, meaning no environmental pollutants affecting air quality from the plant. From 107,800 tons of RDF and waste wood,

The WTO reclaimed metals using magnets and non-ferrous separators to recycle more than 2,561 tons of metals in 2021, some from burned materials. Herrick noted that the La Crosse County Landfill methane gas released naturally is captured and scrubbed, then piped over to use at Gundersen Clinic as a new energy product to heat the building. Due to the organic matter being used as RDF, they may not produce as much as other landfills not associated with an energy reclamation facility, but still enough to produce 200 cubic feet of methane fuel per minute.

The transport distances and trucking associated with hauling garbage is a factor but is very manageable for Houston County waste management companies hauling the county’s waste an average of 33 miles, while providing the first level of compaction to the waste.

Herrick added, “Dense waste is safer – fewer fires, less settling – and causes far less problems. Typical landfills try to get the waste compacted to around 1,700 pounds per cubic yard. It’s about being a better steward, as well.” Trash is collected in cities, and at five rural dropoff sites where trucking routes are not available, then trucked to the WTO and/or the landfill, based on the type of trash collected.

The modern landfill systems are fairly complicated: clay liners, geomembranes, geotextiles, gas control, leachate collection lines and more, which lends itself to larger business-

es who can meet regulations for operation, maintenance and planning for closure practices. Few counties could take on the specifications needed to build a new landfill today, as well as create a fund for its future closure.

Currently, Houston County has completed 20 years of yearly payments for upgrades to address emission control to La Crosse County this June. Contributing over $384,000 toward the $10.9 million dollar upgrade, in addition to monthly service fees.

Be knowledgeable

“Keeping hazardous waste out of the landfills is extremely important, as many hazardous waste chemicals are actually worse than the original material as they start to break down. The goal with waste is to get it to the point where it is an inert substance, or close to it.”

“The Life of a Landfill,” a May 16 article detailing solid waste management in Winneshiek County, is available at driftlessjournal.com

“The closer you are to being able to use it the better – be aware of what can and cannot be reused or recycled. Indirectly there are some things that work better than others – a lot of things found as ‘the new contaminants,’ like PFAS chemicals, come down to consumption of materials in the first place. Nothing’s going to be perfect, but it comes down to better choices at the source of use. Everything is going to cause a problem, it’s just some things cause smaller problems,” he said with a laugh. For more information on the Houston County Solid Waste program, visit www. co.houston.mn.us under Environmental Services tab, or visit www.lacrossecounty.org/solidwaste.

New Minowa Players announce 2023-24 performances

‘Carrie: The Musical’ opens Thursday

New Minowa Players’ season begins in August with the Young People’s Production featuring actors in junior high, high school and college. ‘Carrie: The Musical’ will be performed Aug. 10-13, with 7 p.m. performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. Tickets are available at newminowaplayers.ludus.com and at the Oneota Community Co-op in Decorah.

Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. “Carrie: The Musical” is based on the Stephen King novel. Please be advised that this musical portrays subject matter including bullying, domestic abuse and murder.

The production of “Carrie: The Musical” will be Aug. 10 to 13, with 7 p.m. performances scheduled on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are available in advance at newminowaplayers.ludus.com. The cast of “Carrie: The Musical” includes, front row from left: Rebecca Kane, Indigo Fish, Libby Phillips, Alex Kane, Jenna Hartz, Mikayla Hiner; and back row, from left: Emma Cline, Leslie Campbell, Gabriel Hiner, Elliana Brodbeck and Grace Stockman. Not pictured are cast members Lucas Hanson and Colin Thompson. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Roz Weis)

October brings the children’s show featuring actors in first

through eighth grade. “Two

Stories About the Gold Buckskin Whincher” is a short musical written by Rick and Sheryl Scheffert, based on two Carl Sandburg stories from his collection “The Rutabaga Stories.”

Performances will be Oct. 19-21 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 22 at 2 p.m.

November brings the organization’s 200th performance!

It will be a cabaret celebration.

Stay tuned for details; to be performed the first weekend of November.

Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” will be performed Jan. 18-21 and Jan. 26-27, 2024. The performance is based on the popular Disney Channel original movies and is jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Dis-

ney characters and hit songs from the films. Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now.

The musical “Fun Home” will be performed April 4-7, 2024. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Find more details and tickets at www.newminowaplayers. org.

at Phelps Park in Decorah

Aug. 1. The Decorah

Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and Helping Services for Youth and Families hosted the event with the goal to strengthen the relationship between the community and law enforcement/emergency services.

ABOVE- Jax and Brantley Upton from Fort Atkinson enjoyed supper in the park during the event. INSET- Lily Underbakke and Charlotte Nading smiled for a photo during their tour of the WinnMed ambulance. BELOWBoy Scouts Quade Bruening, Kenyon Bartels and Keegan Joyce helped to serve meals during Decorah’s third year celebrating National Night Out. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Samantha Ludeking) More photo were published in the August 3 Public Opinion newspaper, available online at driftlessmultimedia.com.

Final summer performance at the Ossian Pavilion Aug. 9

The final performance of the 2023 Ossian Summer Performances at the Pavilion will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, featuring a live performance by Beau Timmerman at Carey’s Park.

All are welcome to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the summer night as acoustic musician Timmerman performs country music in a one-man show with his guitar.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUCTION CALENDAR

Help Wanted: Full-Time Mechanic. Stop in to apply. Don’s Sales and Service. 223 College Drive. Decorah, IA 52101.

32-2-J-x-12

Now hiring! Join the Bluffton Bar team! We are seeking talented and passionate individuals to join our team. We are looking for cooks, bartenders and outside help to assist with kayak and canoe rentals. Flexible schedule. Stop in or call for further details! 563-735-5738

32-4-JP-12

We are hiring a temporary dental assistant for our Lansing office for Oct 2023-Jan 2024. This position can transition to a permanent position if the hours and locations work for the candidate. The position from Oct 2023- Jan 2024 is for 2-4 days per week (16-32 hrs) out of the Lansing, IA office. If the candidate is looking for more permanent employment, we can offer 16-24 hours between both our locations (Decorah, IA and Lansing, IA) starting in Feb 2024. Lansing office hours are

Monday and Thursday 8:30-4:30,

Tuesday and Wednesday 8-5. To view more about our office, visit moellersdentistry.com. We do offer competitive pay and, with definitive employment, a competitive benefits package. Resumes/ inquires for more information can be directed at Dr. Heather Moellers (dr.heather@ moellersdentistry.com).

30-6-J-x-12

Garden Club ‘Dessert Among the Flowers’ fundraiser Aug. 17

AUTOMOTIVE

Secretary

DUTIES:

RECREATIONAL

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

VEHICLES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

- Closes at 1 p.m. Online Only Real Estate Auction.

Looking to buy 40 to 100 acres to relocate and operate up to 40 cows and showbarn facility (possibly a remodeled horse arena). Wanting to return to NE IA and eliminate current renting situation for hayground/ pasture. Desiring tillable/pasture mix along paved road or nearby with either well-kept or newer buildings. Preferably finished basement or mother-in-law suite for son to live independently. Willing to work with and sure to delight the seller with improvements for the right location. If you have that place, please call or text James at 507-458-3915.

31-4-PJ-pd-3

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT SERVICES HELP WANTED

PERSONALS

ANNOUNCEMENTS AUTOMOTIVE

FARM MARKET

James “Jim” Byrnes, 303 E Main St., Waukon, IA Sweeney Auction Service. www. sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

Pastured Poultry. Fed organic/ non-GMO only. Moved to fresh grass daily. $4/lb (whole, dressed chicken). Bulk discounts available. Reserve yours now. 563-203-4104.

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CARDS OF THANKS ENTERTAINMENT

FARMS FOR SALE

FARMS FOR RENT

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

WANTED TO BUY

MISCELLANEOUS

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

LOST AND FOUND

PERSONALS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUTOMOTIVE

CARDS OF THANKS

ENTERTAINMENT

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

MISCELLANEOUS

LOST AND FOUND

HIRING NEW POSITION! MARKETING & OFFICE ASSISTANT

- Starts closing at 1 p.m. Bin Augers, Bulk Bins, Dump Pit, Misc. Farm Equip. Online Only Auction. Bob & Ron Hemesath, 1623 220th Ave, Decorah, IA 52101. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-5682464.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

- 1 p.m. Sweeney Machinery Consignment Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center, Waukon. Call to cosign. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-568-2464.

CARDS OF THANKS

Thank you: I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all who made my 100th birthday so special. The well wishes, hugs, love and kindness, the beautiful cards from friends and neighbors and the memories shared of the “good old days” will be remembered for days to come. Special thanks to my family for putting it all together, it was a wonderful time I will treasure. Many thanks, Lillian Bruvold. 32-1-J-pd-15

Thank You

For Sale: Continuous steel fence, new posts 5”, 6”, 8”. Used railroad ties. 563-419-1231. 29-8-JP-pd-1

AKC Purebred English Springer Spaniel pups; up to date on shots. $1,200. 563-532-9821. 30-tf-JP-x-1

The Decorah Town & Country Garden Club is hosting a fundraiser “Dessert Among the Flowers” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Ave., Decorah.

Attendees can view decorated tables – one for each month of the year – and enjoy special desserts along with a presentation by Winneshiek County Naturalist and Natural Resource Manager Larry Reis titled “Ex-

ploring Winneshiek County Parks.” Club members will decorate tables following the theme “Flowers Year Round.”

Doors open to view floral designs at 6:30 p.m. with dessert served at 7 p.m. Door prizes will be given at the conclusion of the event.

Tickets are available in advance only from garden club members, at Oneota Food Coop or by calling 382-3088. No tickets will be sold at the door.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife eyeing closed Luster Heights Camp site for new facility

Public comments will be received until Sept. 3

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is looking to build and operate offices and a visitor’s station on the 26-acre site of the former Luster Heights Prison Camp in Allamakee County. The prison camp was purchased by the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in March 2020.

For Rent: House in country. 2 bed, 1 bath, dbl. garage. Appliances furnished. 563-379-6781 31-2-PJ-pd-9

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - McGregor District (District) is in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin between river miles 583 and 679 in Pools 9, 10 and 11 stretching from Genoa, Wis., to Dubuque. Previous offices were located in McGregor until 2018, when the office site was closed due to health and safety concerns with the office building, and the staff moved to a leased space in Prairie Du Chien, Wis.

The proposed 5,000-6,000 sq. ft. one-story multipurpose building would be within the Luster Heights Prison Camp’s previous footprint, and would widen and pave the existing gravel to accommodate twoway traffic, a parking area and grass overflow area, septic system and connections from the facility to existing trails in the nearby Yellow River State Forest trail system. The site would provide a visitor area, staff office and have a multi-purpose space available for educational activities, meetings, training and volunteer events.

A maintenance facility and storage buildings would also be constructed for necessary equipment. This would include a 6,000 sq. ft. shop and 5,000 sq. ft. cold storage building and associated infrastructure (security fence, above ground fuel tanks, etc.).

More specifically, the purpose of this proposed action is to create a more efficient, safe, multifunctional work and public meeting space. The proposed action includes construction aimed at fulfilling these needs while reducing long-term costs and safety concerns with minimal disturbance to the environment. The estimated cost of this project is between $10,000,000

and $12,000,000, with funding through the Great American Outdoors Act funds.

New construction (multi-purpose building, shop and associated infrastructure) would occur on 7.8 acres of the previously-disturbed area. Two of the sewage treatment ponds would be graded towards natural grade and restored to oak savanna habitat. One pond (approximately 1.2 acres) would be used for on-site surface water management, according to the assessment.

Once a new co-located facility is completed, the current McGregor maintenance shop and former administrative site, as well as two of the warehouses in Farmersburg and Genoa, will be excessed and/or demolished. The old shop and office building and Farmersburg warehouse would be excessed following proper administrative procedures and the resulting site use would likely not change as the entire area is currently under asphalt and/or buildings. The Farmersburg warehouse footprint would be restored to prairie consistent with previous habitat restorations that have occurred on the site.

The proposed facility’s environmental impact has been assessed and can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/4aztunm8.

Public comments and/or questions should be submitted by Sept. 3, 2023, to: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, McGregor District, Attn: Kendra Pednault, 470 Cliff Haven Rd., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, call 608-3260515 ext. 115, or e-mail Kendra_Pednault@fws.gov.

All public are invited to provide comment on the assessment and plans by Sept. 3, 2023. Send your comments and/ or questions by mail or email to: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, McGregor District, Attn: Kendra Pednault, 470 Cliff Haven Rd., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, or email Kendra_Pednault@fws.gov. For more information call 608-326-0515 x 115 .

Kerndt Brothers acquires wealth management firm

Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank has acquired the Securities America branch office of Rude’s Investment & Insurance Center, which was owned and operated by Decorah native Brandon Rude in Decorah.

Mr. Rude has a customer base encompassing much of the tristate area, providing over 15 years of experience in investment and financial planning services.

This acquisition will provide Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank with additional expansion of their existing investment services, including investment advising and consulting, and retirement programs for individuals, municipalities and businesses.

Rude was quick to point out that nothing will change for his existing customers. He will be serving his current customers from the same location in Decorah, including the same phone number. “I can meet with clients at any Kerndt Brothers

bank location or the existing office on Commerce Drive in Decorah. Working with Kerndt Brothers allows the business to grow while adding a new dimension.”

Brandon commented, “I decided to join KBSB because of the great experience I’ve had to this point. The entire staff creates a great environment to work within. The support structure KBSB provides to me as an advisor and to its clients is exceptional. I look forward to developing new relationships for the bank by providing a level of personal service many customers have not experienced from other banks.”

Rude grew up in Decorah, graduating from Decorah High School. He then went on to Hawkeye Community College where he earned a degree in Police Science. Brandon enjoys working on classic cars, playing guitar in his band, and enjoying family time with his wife, children and granddaughter.

And

they’re off…hundreds participate in Elveløpet

The Nordic Fest Elveløpet was held Saturday, July 29. Results from the 15K run, along with the 5K run/walk are listed here.

15K run results

1. Quinton Orr, Humboldt, 55:11;

2. John Freude, Minneapolis, Minn., 57:41; 3. Matt Rubins, West Des Moines, 58:55; 4. Nils

Johnson, Des Moines, 1:00.04; 5.

Evan Neubauer, Decorah, 1:01:07;

6. Ethan Hougen, Saint Paul, Minn., 1:01:09; 7. Ben Lloyd, Clear Lake, 1:01:32; 8. Isaac

Marquardt, Decorah, 1:02:32; 9.

Trevor Phillips, Bloomington, Ind., 1:03:22; 10. Owen Kautman, Ames, 1:04:06; 11. Henrik

Marquardt, Ames, 1:04:14; 12.

Matthew Benson, Park Rapids, Minn., 1:04.14; 13. Markus Elsbernd, Mason City, 1:05:41; 14.

Jake Wittman, Minneapolis, Minn., 1:05:53; 15. Jodi Smith, Ames,

1:05:55; 16. Katie Nimrod, Cedar Falls, 1:06:30; 17. Darren Adams, Osage, 1:07:04; 18. Dawson

Wenthold, Ossian, 1:08:18; 19. Elizabeth Boyer, Mason City,

1:09:23; 20. Greg Adams, Osage,

1:10:19; 21. Shawn Shroeder, Colorado Springs, Colo., 1:10:22;

22. Antonia Gaetani, Torre Suda, 1:10:22; 23. Trevor Haren, Washington, D.C., 1:10:43; 24.

Lauren Risdal, Ames, 1:10:45;

25. Robert Ingall, Medina, Tenn.,

1:11:06; 26. Derek Sweet, Decorah,

1:11:24; 27. Lars Marquardt, Decorah, 1:12:29; 28. Jim Hagelie, Waukee, 1:12:53; 29. Jon Kullen, Decorah, 1:13:10; 30. Craig

Rabe, Robins, 1:13:14; 31. Alan

Kvindesland, Bergan, 1:13:18;

32. John Brandt, Arvada, Colo.,

1:13:19; 33. Tracy Nuss, West Union, 1:13:26; 34. Kennedy

Folkdahl, Des Moines, 1:13:49;

35. Dave Benson, Park Rapids, Minn., 1:13:50; 36. Donna Carlson, Bettendorf, 1:14:02;

37. Blair Redenius, Charles City, 1:14:56; 38. Lauren Berg, Kenyon, Minn., 1:15:10; 39.

Phillip Schewe, Silver Spring, Md., 1:15:22; 40. Monti Marti, Mount Vernon, 1:15:24; 41. Lisa Zittergruen, Decorah, 1:16:08; 42. Robert Wood, Kansas City, Mo.,

43. Dillon McArdle, La Crosse, Wis., 1:17:26; 44. Chad Lien, Shawnee, Kan., 1:17:30; 45. James Ostlie, Minneapolis, Minn., 1:17:39; 46. Brent Buresh, Decorah, 1:17:47; 47; Alice Runde, Decorah, 1:17:53; 48. Amy Taylor, Fort Atkinson, 1:18:22; 49. Jorja Folkedahl, Decorah, 1:18:29;

50. Ben Weers, Polk City, 1:19:05; 51. Josh Baumler, Hawkeye, 1:19:32; 52. Nick Pearch, Decorah, 1:19:48; 53. Stephen Mally, Coralville, 1:19:54; 54. Charles McCarty, Forest Lake, Minn.,

55. Kyrie Jorgenson, Decorah, 1:20:35; 56. John Alberts, Rochester, Minn., 1:20:36;

Clarence Nimrod, Decorah,

58. Kolly Tilleros, Chattanooga, Tenn., 1:21:57; 59. Hannah Pearch, Decorah,

60. Mack Heuser, St. Charles, Ill., 1:22:42; 61. Marc Folkedahl, Decorah, 1:22:46; 62. Earl Smith, Clear Lake, 1:23:26;

63. Whitney Gessner, Postville,

1:23:37; 64. Ben Krouse-Gagne, Decorah, 1:23:49; 65. Grace Blikre, Decorah, 1:24:02; 66. Nick Lane, Saint Paul, Minn.,

1:24:04; 67. Jenessa Reid, Plover, Wis., 1:24:14; 68. Clare Huisman, Osage, 1:25:22; 69. Helen Johnson, Decorah, 1:25:34; 70. Grant Burke, Decorah, 1:25:37;

71. Scott Turner, Brookfield, Wis., 1:26:04; 72. Mia Kautman, Ames, 1:26:19; 73. Matt Ranzenberger, La Crescent, Minn., 1:26:20; 74. David Orr, Humboldt, 1:26:52; 75. Allison Orr, Humboldt, 1:27:28;

76. Julie Giese, Decorah, 1:27:50; 77. Megan Jelinski, Minneapolis, Minn., 1:28:34;

78. Thomas Kraabel, Decorah, 1:28:44; 79. Laura Williams, West Union, 1:28:45; 80. Megan Walk, Seoul, 1:29:00; 81. Tim Hellyer, Zumbrota, Minn., 1:29:42; 82. Emily Young Johnson, Decorah,

1:30:07; 83. Jordan Klonne, Iowa City, 1:31:33; 84. Calvin Brinda, Decorah, 1:32:31; 85. Nick Lembezeder, Decorah, 1:32:31;

86. Daniel Opdahl, Pueblo, Colo.,

1:32:31; 87. Sharon Gerleman, Cresco, 1:33:09; 88. Trista

Brauer, Decorah, 1:33:10; 89.

Katie Allen, Vinton, 1:33:23; 90.

Jonathon Koch, Decorah, 1:33:27;

91. Michael LaBelle, Decorah, 1:35:07; 92. Kaelen Dunn, Minneapolis, Minn., 1:35:31; 93.

Kayla Garvin, Ankey, 1:36:44; 94. Paul Strand, Des Moines, 1:37:23;

95. Spencer Weis, Decorah,

1:37:23; 96. Michael Wilkder, Decorah, 1:38:36; 97. Justin Reid, Plover, Wis., 1:41:08; 98. Dianna Huisman, Omaha, Neb., 1:41:56;

99. Hannah Alberts, Portland, Ore.,

1:42:15; 100. Hannah Nelson, Minneapolis, Minn., 1:42:15;

101. Monty Beal, West Liberty,

1:43:12; 102. Seth Gilbert, Eden Prairie, Minn., 1:44:27; 103. Avery Dugger, Decorah, 1:46:24

5K results

1. Ike Taylor, Decorah, 16:54;

2. Soren Sackreiter, Saint Paul, Minn., 17:00; 3. Grant Zilka, Decorah, 17:07; 4. Lars Elsbernd, Des Moines, 17:15; 5. Isaac

Reisinger, Waterville, 17:19; 6. Eli Page, Vinton, 17:21; 7. Adam Watkins, Oregon, Wis., 17:23; 8. Thomas Hammel, Decorah, 17:28;

9. Will Janzen, Minneapolis, Minn., 17:48; 10. Garrett See, Decorah, 17:54; 11. Jonah Johnson, Stillwater, Minn., 18:17; 12. Hogan Smith, Decorah, 18:40; 13.

Henry Weis, Decorah, 18:51;

14. Oak Pasche, Decorah, 19:17; 15.

Oliver Bollinger, Decorah, 19:19;

16. Derek Hrdlicka, Decorah,

19:19; 17. Spencer Christensen, Lime Springs, 19:24; 18. Logan

Nalean-Carlson, Decorah, 19:33;

19. Makaylin Viet, Columbia, Mo., 19:46; 20. Landyn Hook, Decorah,

19:48; 21. Brian Thill, Charleston, SC, 19:49; 22. Hunter Dolphin, Gales Ferry, Conn., 19:54; 23.

August Cowie, Polk City, 20:02;

24. Korey Bachelder, Phoenix, Ariz., 20:08; 25. John Fitzgerald, Decorah, 20:17; 26. Carson Bohner, Decorah, 20:19; 27. Benny Volkmann, Guttenberg, 20:46; 28. Davin Trytten, Urbandale, 20:48; 29. Leonard Nimrod, Decorah, 20:50; 30. Lily Sandhorst, Minneapolis, Minn., 21:05; 31. Erik Hjelle, Decorah, 21:12; 32. Phuong Doan, Decorah, 21:13; 33. Gregg Kollasch, Decorah, 21:18; 34. Josie Tieskoetter, Pella, 21:19; 35. Michael Leise, Rochester, Minn., 21:22; 36. Davis Walter, Decorah, 21:24; 37. Aaron Busch, Chanhassen, Minn., 31:26; 38. Sarah Mikkelson, Dorchester, 21:28; 39. Jayven Neubauer, Decorah, 21:31; 40. Bennett Coppola, Decorah, 21:33; 41. Steven Zittergruen, Decorah, 21:43; 42. Jameson LaBelle, Decorah, 21:43; 43. Ethan Webinger, La Crescent, Minn., 21:45; 44. Max Hoden, Dubuque, 21:48; 45. Garth Carlson, Bettendorf, 21:56; 46. Kaleb Adams, Lime Springs, 22:00; 47. Lizzie Burras, Decorah, 22:02; 48. John Vogel, Decorah, 22:14; 49. Melissa Vega, Postville, 22:21; 50. Courtney Miller, Owasso, Okla., 22:25; 51. Jeffrey Ernst Wallace, Cresco, 22:32; 52. Jake Fitzgerald, Nashville, Tenn., 22:33; 53. Jason Cenek, Decorah, 22:40; 54. Sophie Thill, Summerville, S.C., 22:43; 55. Amelia Wadsworth, Decorah, 22:46; 56. Kyan Oftedahl, Decorah, 22:50; 57. Gavin Wicks, Decorah, 22:51; 58. Miriam Downing, Waukon, 22:51; 59. Lillyan Kiehne, Harmony,

ABOVE: Hundreds of runners and walkers took off under the American Flag for the Elveløpet 5K and 15K Saturday morning, July 29.

RIGHT: Jane Bigler of Flagstaff, Ariz., shows some excitement during the 5K Elveløpet race. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Denise Lana)

Minn., 22:53; 60. David Knock, Cedar Falls, 22:54; 61. Evan Madsen, Decorah, 22:55; 62. Owen Webinger, La Crescent, Minn., 22:55; 63. Scott Harvey, Decorah, 23:00; 64. London Miller, Tripoli, 23:00; 65. Brinlee Courtney, Ridgeway, 23:02; 66. Kade Coenen, Decorah, 23:03; 67. Natalie Stevens, Decorah 23:03;

68. Tyler Mikesh, Decorah, 23:06;

69. Jimmy Fuhrman, Milwaukee, Wis, 23:10; 70. Isabel Iverson, Ames, 23:15; 71. Rowan Darling, Montevideo, Minn., 23:22; 72. Joel Clark, Huntsville, Ala., 23:22;

73. Michelle Dynes, DPO, 23:29;

74. Olivia Volkmann, Guttenberg, 23:35; 75. Sydney Cottrell, Portland, Ore., 23:36;

76. Marea Ostlie, Minneapolis, Minn., 23:43; 77. Sarah Halvorson, Onalaska, Wis., 23:43;

78. Nate Sturtz, Indianola, 23:46;

79. Jarrad Walter, Decorah, 23:47;

80. Zachary Vig, Mount Vernon, 23:51; 81. Steven Borman, West Des Moines, 23:53; 82. Lucas Webinger, Lost Nation, 23:53; 83. Ava Franzen, Ossian, 23:59; 84. Alayna Cole, 24:01; 85. Connor Adams, Osage, 24:04; 86. Pat Reisinger, Waterville, 24:07; 87. Zachariah Goodson, Virginia Beach, Va., 24:09; 88. Drew Goodson, Virginia Beach, Va., 24:13; 89. Taylor Rasmussen, Overland Park, Kan., 24:20; 90. Dani Losen, Decorah, 24:24; 91. Grace Brynsaas, Decorah, 24:28;

92. Kamryn Steines, Decorah, 24:29; Bradyn Hook, Decorah 24:32; 94. Bennett McConnell, Rochester, Minn., 2441; 95. Olav Sunde, Leikanger, 24:41; 96. Loran Storts, Decorah, 24:42; 97. Aire Mounthachak, Rockford, Minn., 24:45; 98. Carson Page, Vinton, 24:50; 99. Dominic Landas, Decorah, 24:54; 100. Brian Jones, Decorah, 24:57;

101. Elise Rasmussen, Jackson, Minn., 24:58; 102. Trisha Wilkins, Waukon, 25:04; 103. Kaela Bachelder, Phoenix, Ariz., 25:11;

104. Jodi Webb, Decorah, 25:12;

105. James Downing, Waukon, 25:17; 106. Heaton Kerndt, Decorah, 25:22; 107. Thomas Foster, Decorah, 25:23; 108. Joe Mitchell, Des Moines, 25:26; 109. Steve Davis, Decorah, 25:33; 110. Elayna Hook, Decorah, 25:47;

111. Elsa Johnson, Decorah, 25:47; 112. Andrew Johnson, Decorah, 25:53; 113. Leila Johnson, Decorah, 25:53; 114. Matt Homstad, Decorah, 25:57;

115. Liem Donahue, Roseville, Calif., 26:01; 116. Carl Bigler, Flagstaff, Ariz., 26:09; 117. Brooke Courtney, Ridgeway,

26:10; 118. Thulani Kachingwe, La Crescenta, Calif., 26:12; 119. Donal Craine, Waconia, Minn., 26:15; 120. Jen White, Urbandale, 26:16; 121. Karla Knutson,

26:16; 122. Michael Sturtz, Indianola, 26:17; 123. Hailey Abbey, Decorah, 26:19; 124.

Ella Kittelson, Orchard, 26:20;

125. Becky Borgman, West Des Moines, 26:28;

126. Nick Bockman, Decorah,

26:29; 127. Pat Bockman, Decorah, 26:29; 128. Jaxon Doering, Decorah, 26:30; 129. Ellie Luzum, Decorah, 26:30;

130. Ed Kaschins, Decorah, 26:33;

131. Rachel Sandhorst, Decorah, 26:33;

132. Heidi Gonzalez,

A contestant sends the weight flying in the Rock Throw, one of many sporting events at Decorah’s Nordic Fest and one of the three events making up the Ultimate Norseman Competition Saturday, July 29. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Denise Lana)

Roseville, Calif., 26:39; 133. Lillian Dahlen, Decorah, 26:42;

134. Grady Huinker, Decorah, 26:50; 135. Laci Swatek, Oelwein, 26:52;

136. Lauren Adams, Osage, 26:55; 137. Ivy Hoden, Dubuque, 26:56; 138. Kenny Koster, Centralia, Mo., 26:57;

139. Naomi Simon, Decorah, 26:57;

140. Brynn Kuennen, Pella, 26:58;

141. Nick Kuennen, Pella, 27:02; 142. Moriah Downing, Waukon, 27:03; 143. Yngve Sunde, Leikanger, 27:12; 144. Kellan McGee, Cresco, 27:14;

145. Kris McGee, Cresco, 27:14;

146. Lane Rahlf, Decorah, 27:25;

147. Stephanie Cenek, Decorah 27:25; 148. Robert Dolezal, San Clemente, Calif., 27:27; 149. Marc Wahab, New York, N.Y., 27:37;

150. Haitham Wahab, New York, N.Y., 27:37;

151. Andrea Haugo, Viroqua, Wis., 27:41; 152. Kisa Shapira, Decorah, 27:45; 153. Simon Mumford, Decorah 28:00; 154. Kari Vaugn, Brooklyn, N.Y., 28:12; 155. Rachel Hudson, Bondurant, 28:14; 156. Kaylie Bruess, Calmar, 28:18; 157. Jason Wittmer, Clive, 28:39; 158. Katie Wittmer, Clive, 28:39; 159. Scott Bolson, Decorah, 28:39; 160. Kelby Kerndt, Decorah, 28:41; 161. Elsa Cottrell, Portland, Ore., 28:42; 162. Weston Cote, Decorah, 28:43; 163. Zach McLellan, West Union, 28:50; 164. Jenna Cline, Story City, 28:52; 165. Abby Bolson, Decorah, 29:00; 166. Ramsey Zilka, Decorah, 29:01; 167. Bobby Oberg, Fresno, Calif., 29:09; 168. Patrick Cottrell, Portland, Ore., 29:13; 169. Alan Frey, Spring, Tex., 29:15; 170. Audrey Thill, Summerville, S.C., 29:21; 171. Michele Thill, Goose Creek, S.C., 29:23; 172. Hill Basler, 29:24; 173. Kiana Folkedahl, Decorah, 29:32; 174. Amelia Folkedahl, Decorah, 29:32; 175. Peter Jensen, Burnsville, Minn., 29:33; 176. Travis Stillson, Midvale, Utah, 29:36; 177. Torstein H°nsi, Vik I Sogn, 29:37; 178. Anders H°nsi, Vik I Sogn, 29:38; 179. Hailey Bower, Decorah, 29:40; 180. Aubrey Miller, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, 29:41; 181. Dana Roske, West Des Moines, 29:41; 182. Justin Boolootian, Westlake Village, Calif., 29:42; 183. Jordan Detloff, Tea, S.D., 29:43; 184. Kirstie Bower, Decorah, 29:48; 185. Jane Bigler, Flagstaff, Ariz., 29:52; 186. Cindy Elsbernd, Des Moines, 29:54; 187. Lyle Klotzbach, Tea, S.D., 29:54; 188. Keegan Joyce, Decorah, 29:55; 189. Emily Hook, Decorah, 30:00; 190. Charles Johnson, Eau Claire, Wis., 30:04; 191. Devon Bourget, Eau Claire, Wis., 30:04; 192. David Hart, Osseo, Minn., 30:08; 193. Bryan Schachtele, Minneapolis, Minn., 30:08; 194. Amanda Francisco, Westlake Village, Calif., 30:17; 195. Erin Nuese, Gilman, 30:30; 196. Abigail Schossow, Bremerton, Wash., 30:30; 197. Amanda Vanden Wynboom, Huxley, 30:30; 198. Tanner Tjossem, Decorah, 30:33; 199. Padrin Grimstad, Decorah, 30:46; 200. Drew Zwart, Decorah,

The top three in the women’s division of the Rock Throw included (l-r) Megan Portsmouth (29 ft., 1 in.) Esther Johnson (29 ft., 1.5 in.) and Macie Rouse (23 ft., 10 in.). Results from the various men’s divisions were unavailable at press time. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Denise Lana)

Winneshiek County Conservation will host a kayak program at Lake Meyer on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m.

The program will cover basic kayaking safety and techniques before free time to paddle around the lake. Vessels, paddles, and life jackets will be provided for registered participants. Feel free to bring your own kayak or canoe if you have one. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled.

This event is open to all ages 10 and up. No experience is required. All kayaks are singles.

The program is free but space is limited and registration is required. Reservations cannot be guaranteed until confirmed with us. Please call (563) 534-7145 to reserve a spot.

Lake Meyer Park is located at 2546 Lake Meyer Road, off Highway 24 between Calmar and Fort Atkinson. Participants should meet at the boat ramp on the east side of the lake. For more information, call Winneshiek County Conservation at (563) 534-7145 or visit www.winneshiekwild.com

Decorah’s Kalea Oftedahl (wearing bib 6229) and Jenny White (middle) were some of the many participants pushing youngsters during the Elveløpet race during Nordic Fest. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Denise Lana)

Mission trip

as the Cuban people welcomed us into their homes. One home that particularly struck us was no more than an open garage with a fence around it. The occupant’s bed was an old plastic lawn lounger.

One thing that impressed us was how happy and eager the Cuban people were to welcome us into their homes. Sure, we were bringing them some food and supplies, but they seemed less concerned about the supplies than just the fact that we came to visit and interact with them. Another impression that our group was left with is that even though they seem to have nothing, compared to us they are a happy people, happier than the people of the United States are with their lives.

Wednesday, we visited an old church location in Santa Marta. After the revolution in the 1950s, most churches in Cuba were shut down because the church leaders had sided with the corrupt government that had been overthrown. Even though religion is still discouraged, it has been relaxing the

restrictions. In the case of this church, it had been turned into a city dump. Several years ago, the dump was removed, and banana trees were planted. Now the plans are to move the banana trees to an area farm and convert the church and grounds to a youth camp. Our group spent the morning cleaning up brush and rocks as well as the remnants of the dump.

That afternoon we visited what would be considered an adult day care. In Cuba they do not have, or cannot afford, fulltime assisted living or nursing homes. Families take care of the elderly in their own homes. During the day, the elderly cannot take care of themselves, so they come to this facility while their families are at work.

Thursday we returned to the Jovellanos church, where each week the church provides an opportunity for families to bring their handicapped children there and have volunteers work with the children to give the families a break. Similar to the elderly, families take care of handicapped members of their families at home.

Our group was given the opportunity to work with the children and visit with the families and the church sponsored a chil-

continued from front

dren’s activity day. Our group had prepared several crafts and recreation activities. We were expecting about 30 children, however, 90 showed up. Needless to say our plans changed and rather than have organized groups on rotation, the children were allowed to participate wherever they wanted.

One person from our group spent 20 minutes throwing a beach ball back and forth with a little girl who never stopped smiling. She was happy just throwing a beach ball. Another group member was making a pencil pouch out of duct tape and got tape stuck all over her hands. They and the boy just broke out laughing. This all happened despite speaking two different languages. At the end of the day, we gave out children’s books and some of the kids immediately sat down to read, not willing to wait to get home before they read the book. The excitement and happiness that we experienced that day was amazing.

A couple of people who are in the health field visited with a doctor on Thursday. Even though healthcare there is free, they have no equipment and supplies. The stethoscope the doctor had was over 30 years

Memorial archery shoot Aug. 12 in Lanesboro

The 2023 Hunter Bergo Heart of Gold Memorial 3D Archery Shoot will be held Saturday, Aug. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minn.

A silent auction starts online Friday, Aug. 11, and ends at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Anyone can join the silent auction via the Facebook event. Event door prizes include a brand new setup Youth Hoyt Bow; winner announced at 4:15 p.m. and must be present to win. Lunch is included with admission.

Honor Hunter Bergo’s memory by enjoying the beauty of nature, shooting bow, spending quality time together and spreading kindness. While Bergo’s family and friends were blessed enough to have him for

10 years, three months and 26 days, Bergo showed them what truly matters in this life. “We are here to connect and be there for one another, especially in times of need. Our event is one small way we can all live by the example of our sweet boy. Please come join us for a beautiful and healing day,” organizers said.

All proceeds from the day will be donated to Emily Charlebois and Sam Keasling and their families, as well as to the Hunter Bergo Heart of Gold Foundation Humble and Kind Lanesboro Senior Scholarship.

For more information, find “2023 Hunter Bergo Heart of Gold Memorial 3D Archery Shoot” on Facebook.

Eagle Bluff is located at 28097 Goodview Dr., Lanesboro.

old and when she was given a new stethoscope from one of our members, she broke out crying with happiness. We were told that before a person can have surgery, that person has to go out and find the supplies to have the surgery, as doctors don’t have them to perform surgery. On Friday we said goodbye to our hosts and traveled to Havana where we stayed in rental rooms and spent the day touring Old Havana and interacting with the people there. The next day we departed from Havana and many of us in our group experienced the most stressful part of our trip: going through customs in the U.S.

Why Cuba?

Cuban families receive a government ration of food once a month that provides enough

food for their families to last three to four days. The rest of their expenses (food, rent, utilities, etc.) must be covered by their income. The average salary for those who work in this area is $150 to $200 per month, retired people on government pensions get $6 per month. Unemployment is very high. They have very few resources for export and cannot manufacture or export anything to the United States. This results in no income being brought into the country. Since Cuba is known to have some of the best beaches in the world they have been working on promoting tourism, opened for tourism after 2015 U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba officially resumed. Many Cubans were allowed to set up their own little shops and rental rooms for tourists. In June 2017, these policies were re-

versed and many could not pay off the investment they made in remodeling their homes. Now only people outside the U.S. visit Cuba as tourists. U.S. citizens can visit Cuba under one of 11 designated reasons, including “to support the Cuban people.” Americans can’t use U.S. credit cards because U.S. banking is banned by our government in Cuba and can only stay in rental homes as the U.S. government bans us from staying in hotels owned by the Cuban government. Having the opportunity to travel to Cuba and support the Cuban people was an amazing experience for all of us. We would like to thank everyone who supported our group and made it possible to participate in this life-changing experience.

DEALER

Timed Online-Only Auction

TUESDAY, AUG. 15, 2023

Bidding opens Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 10:00 AM

Bidding starts closing Tuesday, Aug. 15 10:00 AM

All equipment will be at Gehling Auction Co. – 27741 State Hwy 16 Preston, Minnesota – for inspection

For a complete listing and online bidding, go to gehlingauction.com

For more information call Gehling Auction Company 1-800-770-0347

Preston, MN 800-770-0347 www.gehlingauction.com matt@gehlingauction.com

202. Sam Elsbernd, Chicago, Ill., 31:04; 203. Kevin Christensen, Springfield, Ill., 31:12; 204. Michael Fitzgerald, Decorah, 31:13; 205. Darin Peterson, Decorah, 31:15; 206. Susanna Cole, Fresco, Calif., 31:16; 207. Cora Syverson, Decorah, 31:20; 208. Ashlyn Lensing, Decorah, 31:21; 209. Ross Gentry, Decorah, 31:22; 210. Liam Dahlen, Decorah, 31:23; 211. Hannah Hunter, Belleville, Ill., 31:24; 212. Chris Hunter, Belleville, Ill., 31:24; 213. Joslyn Orr, Humboldt, 31:28; 214. Samantha Weers, Polk City, 31:29; 215. Nicholas Wahab, New York, N.Y., 31:30; 216. Jenna Rodriguez, Decorah, 31:35; 217. Jennifer Mikkelson, Dorchester, 31:37; 218. Jana Dahlen, Decorah, 31:38; 219. Kimm Karr, Antioch, Calif., 31:51; 220. Liz Waters, Gardner, Kans., 31:52; 221. Sydney Waters, Gardner, Kans., 31:52; 222. Kalea Oftedahl, Decorah, 31:54; 223. Gunnar Rollins, Decorah, 31:56; 224. Grace Syverson, Decorah, 31:59; 225. Kurt Schewe, Decorah, 32:06; 226. Diana Hammel, Stewartville, Minn., 32:20; 227. Wyatt Birdsell, Decorah, 32:20; 228. Jeremy Stenseth, Calmar, 32:21; 229. Sarah Moellers, Decorah, 32:22; 230. Paige Wrightsman, Decorah, 32:23; 231. Cara Felderman, Rochester, Minn., 32:26; 232. Emily Wrightsman, Decorah, 32:43; 233. Zach Schlake, Canton, Minn., 33:03; 234. Jax Falck, Decorah, 33:09; 235. Dan Volz, Decorah, 33:10; 236. Megan Hanson, Dubuque, 33:14; 237. Morgan Rilling, Decorah, 33:14; 238. Kudzai Kachingwe, La Crescenta, Calif., 33:15; 239. Jarred Falck, Decorah, 33:23; 240. Rygar Carvajal, Decorah, 33:25; 241. Jonah Lindquist, Bradley, Ill., 33:32; 242. Jeremiah Zhungu, Decorah, 33:34; 243. Megan Grimm, Hopkins, Minn., 33:38; 244. Lisa McLellan, West Union, 33:43; 245. Emma Lichte, 33:46; 247. Christian Johnson, Decorah, 33:46; 248. Robert McCabe, South Saint Paul, Minn., 33:47; 249. Alan Schmitt, Fort Atkinson, 33:47; 250. Karin Schmitt, Birmingham, 34:12; 251. Patti Christensen, Springfield, Ill., 34:28; 252. Xavier Landas, Decorah, 34:30; 253. Carl Bjornstal, River Falls, Wis., 34:37; 254. Ben Stenseth, Calmar, 34:37; 255. Elisabeth Maurus, Decorah, 34:41; 256. Joshua Twedt, Stoughton, Wis., 34:42; 257. Birdie Kroshus, Minneapolis, Minn., 35:07; 258. Christine Bjornstal, River Falls, Wis., 35:15; 259. Lyda Schrandt, Medina, Tenn., 35:21; 260. Aydian Hankins, Oelwein, 35:28; 261. Isabella Francisco, Westlake Village, Calif., 35:36; 262. Michelle Blake, Webster City, 35:50; 263. Shawn Blake, Decorah, 35:51; 264. Ashley Davis, Decorah, 35:59; 265. Genevieve Gornichec, Willoughby, Ohio, 36:07; 266. Madison McCabe, Brookings, S.D., 36:25; 267. Anna Spencer, Hopkins, Minn., 36:25; 268. Emily Wood, Des Moines, 36:29; 269. Leif Wathne, Ames, 36:33; 270. Kylie Lemke, Decorah, 36:35; 271. Jenny White, Decorah, 37:07; 272. Abbie Valkosky, Decorah, 37:13; 273. Ava Bateman, Waterloo, 37:13; 274. Sara Vaughn, Summerfield, N.C., 37:17; 275. Katie Prochaska, Decorah, 37:18;

276. Frode Tilden, Fargo, N.D., 37:18; 277. Megan Evjen, Fargo, N.D., 37:19; 278. Nichole Lindquist, Bradley, Ill., 37:47;

279. Emma Cole, Colorado Springs, Colo., 37:56; 280. Carrie

Kauffman, 37:58; 281. Dennis

Basler, 38:07; 282. Christina

Bruess, Calmar, 38:16; 283. Jacquelyn Ruen, Minneapolis, Minn., 38:25; 284. Nicole Bateman, Waterloo, 38:44; 285. Katherine

Haugen, Kansas City, Mo., 39:32;

286. Izzy Toledo Hart, Osseo, Minn., 39:47; 287. Eric Forsberg, Minneapolis, Minn., 40:21; 288.

Justin Gullekson, Decorah, 40:59;

289. Jack Gullekson, Decorah, 41:00; 290. Olivia Christensen, Lime Springs, 41:14; 291. Diane Krentz, Decorah, 41:15; 292. Sara Blake, Decorah, 41:21; 293. JM

Tiernan, Burnsville, Minn., 41:25;

294. Keagen Steines, Decorah, 41:31; 295. Amy Eastling, Saint Paul, Minn., 41:36; 296. Penny Eastling, Saint Paul, Minn., 41:37;

297. Beverly Borgstrom, White Lake, Mich., 41:40; 298. Derrick Ostlie, Shoreview, Minn., 41:49;

299. Ruth Caldwell, Decorah, 42:01; 300. Melissa Bills, Decorah, 42:12;

301. Jessica Jensen, Burnsville, Minn., 42:15; 302. Emily Falck, Decorah, 42:21; 303. Erin Hart, Osseo, Minn., 42:23; 304. Caitlyn

Birmingham, Chicago, Ill., 42:59;

305. Carol Kelly, Decorah, 43:05;

306. Samuel Bills, Decorah, 43:26;

307. Mariah Smith, Decorah,

43:47; 308. Jeremy Rasmussen, Overland Park, Kans., 44:01; 309. Norah Rasmussen, Overland Park, Kans., 44:01; 310. Peter Ivan, Minneapolis, Minn., 44:25; 311. Lillian Robinson, Decorah, 44:26;

312. Maren Ivan, Minneapolis, Minn., 44:26;

313. Jill Ivan, Minneapolis, Minn., 44:26;

314. Amy Schlachtenhaufen, Decorah, 44:26; 315. Linda

Kirkeberg, Decorah, 44:27; 316. Amy Teslow, Decorah, 44:33;

317. Larry Grimstad, Decorah, 44:52; 318. Kiersten Bateman, Waterloo, 45:00; 319. Zenith Donahue, Roseville, Calif., 45:55;

320. Robert Donahue, Roseville, Calif., 45:55;

321. Anne Francisco, Westlake Village, Calif., 46:25;

322. Tess Pierce, Oshawa, 46:25;

323. Brecken Truckenmiller, Sioux Falls, S.D., 46:57; 324. Lee Rollins, Golden Valley, Minn., 46:58; 325. Bergen Engelman, Decorah, 47:10;

326. Ryan Engelman, Decorah, 47:10; 327. Tony Chomicz, Chicago, Ill., 47:20; 328. Susan Bowman, Alexandria, Va.,47:21;

329. Tinashe Kachingwe, La Crescenta, Calif., 47:47; 330.

Roman Falck, Decorah, 47:47; 331. Abby Larson, Decorah, 48:02; 332.

Heather Cote, Decorah, 48:05; 333.

Soren Engelman, Decorah, 48:17;

334. Sophia Engelman, Decorah, 48:18; 335. Renee Rabe, Robins, 49:00; 336. Lara Dolphin, Gales Ferry, Conn., 49:00; 337. Jane

Hover, Decorah, 49:00; 338. Felly

Phommalinh, Decorah, 49:13;

339. Rachel Partello, Spirit Lake, 50:13; 340. Philip Partello, Spirit Lake, 50:14; 341. Megan Sandison, Spirit Lake, 50:15; 342. Maggie Herath, La Crosse, Wis., 50:15; 343. Sarah Herath, La Crosse, Wis., 50:15; 344. Kendra Eichstandt, Rockford, Minn., 50:35; 345. Brian Eichstand, Rockford, Minn., 50:35; 346. Michelle Volkmann,

continued from page 9

Guttenberg, 50:36; 347. Sebastian Landas, Decorah, 50:38; 348. Davin Trytten, Urbandale, 50:39;

349. Erica Landas, Decorah, 50:45;

350. Michael Kachingwe, La Crescenta, Calif., 50:59;

351. Bill Noel, Pagosa Springs, Colo., 51:11; 352. Patrick Grayhack, Decorah, 51:31; 353. Christine Flaskerud, Decorah, 51:32; 354. Chuck Liesch, Grantsburg, Wis., 51:35; 355. Cheryl Liesch, Grantsburg, Wis., 51:36; 356. Carson Bateman, Ames, 51:46; 357. Michael Cole, Colorado Springs, Colo., 51:53; 358. Samantha Spilde, Decorah, 51:53; 359. Pat Fitzgerald, Decorah, 52:06; 360. Aimie Kachingwe, La Crescenta, Calif., 52:06; 361. Ellen Fitzgerald, Decorah, 52:11; 362. Kathy Fitzgerald, Decorah, 52:12;

363. Doris Pfister, Decorah, 52:42;

364. Brent Albertson, Decorah, 52:57; 365. Katie Rasmussen, Overland Park, Kans., 53:11;

366. Jason Prall, Ankeny, 53:23; 367. Hilary Prall, Ankeny, 53:23;

368. Adalyn Bateman, Waterloo, 53:28; 369. Edyn Bateman, Ames, 53:28; 370. Mary Albertson, Decorah, 53:34; 371. Tom Wahlberg, Decorah, 53:35; 372. Judy Kittleson, Decorah, 53:35;

373. Beth Wahlberg, Decorah, 53:35; 374. Karl Kittleson Wilker, Decorah, 53:36; 375. Brynne Naughton, Decorah, 54:45; 376. Cade Naughton, Decorah, 54:45; 377. Cassandra Vig, Mount Vernon, 54:45; 378. Rylee Truckenmiller, Sioux Falls, S.D., 55:21; 379. Laura McGee, Cresco, 55:21; 380. Bryer Truckenmiller, Sioux Falls, S.D., 55:24; 381. Justin Truckenmiller, Sioux Falls, S.D., 55:25; 382. Nick Davis, Decorah, 55:26; 383. Patti Davis, Decorah, 55:27; 384. Marissa Davis, Decorah, 55:28; 385. Beth McCabe, Saint Paul, Minn., 55:29; 386. Jennifer McCabe, South Saint Paul, Minn., 55:30; 387. Angelica Anderson, Saint Paul, Minn., 55:30; 388. Erika Cottrell, Portland, Ore., 55:31; 389. Lydia Gilbert, Eden Prairie, Minn., 55:33; 390. Gina Gilbert, Eden Prairie, Minn., 55:33; 391. Bryndis Brown, Oklahoma City, Okla., 55:34; 392. Connie Noel, Pagosa Springs, Colo., 56:53; 393. Mollie Marken, Decorah, 58:28; 394. Hannah Meyer, Decorah, 58:40; 395. Evelyn Landas, Decorah, 58:48; 396. Brandon Landas, Decorah, 58:48; 398. Heidi Vsetecka, Cherokee, 58:49; 399. Hanna Kriener, Fort Atkinson, 58:51; 400. Galen Wahlmeier, Bellevue, Wash., 58:53; 401. Aleesa Baakko, Decorah, 58:53; 402. Jon Berg, Decorah, 58:57; 403. Stephanie Marsau, Ames, 1:00:07; 404. Paula Berg Owen, San Antonia, Tex., 1:01:20; 405. Kristin Gilbert, Boulder, Colo., 1:01:22; 406. Janice Siefken, Decorah, 1:02:34; 407. Jill Bolson, Decorah, 1:03:02; 408. Vicki Losen, Decorah 1:03:03; 409. Benjamin Wilbur, Rochester, Minn., 1:03:04; 410. Sara Graves, Rochester, Minn., 1:03:04; 411. Amy Schlake, Canton, Minn., 1:03:54; 412. David Siefken, Decorah, 1:03:55; 413. Timothy Larson, Dexter, Mich., 1:04:21; 414. Kirk Larsen, Decorah, 1:04:21; 415. Erik Larsen, Chelsea, Mich., 1:04:22; 416. Andrea Schewe, Silver Spring, Md., 1:04:43

Elveløpet

The Calmar Lutheran Mission Trip group in Havana, front (l-r): Julie Anderson, Mica Thompson, Jackie Anderson, Presleigh Eich, Jill Dahl, Kristy Meyer, Rachel Meyer, Billie Wagner, Chance Adam, Bridget Adam, Chase Adam, Augustina (staff). Back: Pastor Daryl Thompson, Addie Anderson, Lisa Mueller, Tad Mueller, Savannah Solheim, Paul Eich, Tiffany Wagner, Brad Dahl, Jayden Clinton, Caylie Adam, Bo Wangsness and Ash and Julieta (staff). (submitted photo)

Fundraiser established for former Decorah woman

GoFundMe supports ‘one last vacation’ am currently dealing with an infection that involves an abscess and a bone infection. Unfortunately, the bone infection cannot be cured with antibiotics alone and I’m not a candidate for surgery. With that being said, I will be going home with palliative care and hospice. The doctors are unable to give me a timeline on how long I have left. It could be a few weeks or a year. I’m devastated, heartbroken and scared. Despite these emotions, I’m determined to spend what time I have left doing the things I enjoy with the people I love.”

Abby Theisen, originally of Decorah, now living in Rockland, Wis., was severely injured in a car accident on May 8, 2010. She was a vibrant 16-year-old hanging out with her friends. In the blink of an eye, the car went out of control. Theisen suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the shoulders down. She became an artist in the last few years, painting with adaptive brushes and brightening the world with her pieces.

Suffering years of medical issues, Theisen is now on hospice care. Her aunt, Annette Boelk of Farley, started a GoFundMe page to raise money to get Theisen one last vacation. Boelk stated, “I would very much like to put that beautiful smile on her face if only for a short time. Abby and her family are not able to put funds together to have a vacation. I would love to be able to send her to Florida to see the beach, and maybe a day or two to see Mickey Mouse. Please consider helping Abby take a family vacation that she has never been able to take.”

Theisen herself stated, “This is by far the hardest post I’ve ever had to make. I have been open about my journey with pneumonia, respiratory failure, being ventilated, being trached and getting liberated from the ventilator. For the past several years I have been dealing with wounds and pressure sores. I

Iowa State Fair deals and discounts

Advance admission tickets, value packs and more

Nothing compares to affordable family fun at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 10-20. Plan ahead and save on discounted admission, events, value packs, rides and food.

Save online at www.iowastatefair.org, or in-person at the Iowa State Fair Ticket

Office located in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds or at Gate 15. The office is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 7-8 and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 9 for walk-up orders.

Children ages 5 and under are admitted free every day. Cash and credit or debit cards are accepted. For more information visit www.iowastatefair.org.

Advance AdmissionSave $5!

The advance admission offer is the lowest admission price available and must be purchased before Aug. 10.

• Adult (ages 12 and over) advance admission tickets: $11 ($16 at the gate)

• Children’s ages 6 – 11) advance admission tickets: $7 ($10 at the gate)

Tickets may also be purchased at participating Iowa Hy-Vee, Fareway and participating central Iowa Price Chopper stores while supplies last. Tickets are good any one fair day.

Thrill Park SavingsUnlimited Rides!

Save money on Thrill Ville and Thrill Town rides at the Fair by purchasing your unlimited ($40) or advance ($30) ride passes at a discount. Passes can be purchased at the Iowa State Fair Ticket Office through Aug. 9 or online at www.iowastatefair.org.

Other advance purchase savings

Skip the lines and get Ye Old Mill, Giant Slide and Cookies coupons ahead of time. Iowa State Fair Short Course UTV & ATV Cup - Save $5, Saturday, Aug. 12, at Elwell Family Park.

Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull - Save $5, Tuesday, Aug. 15, and Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Elwell Family Park. ATV Big Air Tour - Save $5, Friday, Aug. 18, at Elwell Family Park. Domination Motorsports Demolition Derby - Save $5, Sunday, Aug. 20, at Elwell Family Park.

Currently the page has raised $9,010 of $10,000 goal, which will be used to fulfill Theisen’s bucket list as is possible. For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-abby-take-aonce-in-a-lifetime-vacation.

Abby Theisen, formerly of Decorah, suffered a spinal cord injury in a 2010 car accident when she was just 16 years old. Though ridden with medical issues and other challenges, Theisen became an artist and brightens the world with her work.

(submitted photo)

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