September 5, 2023

Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days begin Thursday

The town of Mabel will be celebrating the 71st Annual Steam Engine Days Thursday-Sunday, Sept 7-10, with

a wide variety of attractions, events and family-friendly activities.

Kicking off the oldest steam engine show in Minnesota, the Parade of Tractors works its way from Hesper to Mabel featuring Allis Chalmers tractors starting Thursday, Sept. 7, at 6 p.m., followed by Lockharts performing at the American Legion Hall dance at 8 p.m.

Bring the kids out for Big Top pony rides beginning Friday, Sept. 8, at 3 p.m. Evening entertainment includes the Buck Hollow Band at the Legion Hall starting at 7 p.m., and Cory Farley at the Lions Beer Garden, open at 6:30 p.m., and music starts at 9 p.m. At 7 p.m., Mabel-Canton High School plays against Houston in a football showdown.

Saturday and Sunday are full days of contests, demonstrations, shows, displays, games and vendors throughout the town, with the parade of steam

engines and tractors down Main Street at noon both days. Following the Parade Saturday is the crowning of the 2023 Little Miss Mabel and Steam Engine Days Queen. Music is a common thread in the afternoons and evenings, with acts like Mollie B and Squeezebox, Flashback, Rhino, The Toe Tappers and Palomino. There will be food, festivities, and much to be found at Mabel Steam Engine Days. For more information, a full schedule of events and a map of the festivities, visit www. steamenginedays.com or find Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days on Facebook.

All. Co. Entrepreneurship Week planned

The third annual Entrepreneurship Week event features a week’s worth of education and inspiration for area businesses, hosted by Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism in conjunction with Lansing Office Works.

“We want to provide up to the minute skills, information and knowledge to help our area entrepreneurs more effectively and efficiently run their businesses,” said event coordinator and Lansing Office Works founder Maryann Baldwin.

The event, slated for Sept. 1822 at Lansing Office Works located at 274 Main Street in Lansing, brings together speakers on topics such as new perspectives on

The third annual Allamakee County Entrepreneurship Week event will bring together speakers, networking opportunities and more. The event, slated for Monday-Friday, Sept. 18-22, will be hosted at Lansing Office Works, pictured here. (submitted)

Spooky stories sought for Halloween writing contest

Driftless Multimedia, LLC, is looking forward to a spooky Halloween and hosting its third annual writing contest, “Spooky Stories to Tell in the Driftless.” Adult (18+) and youth (up to age 17) writers may turn in submissions relaying their best spooky story under the fiction or non-fiction cate-“gory.”

involve any paranormal or supernatural theme. What we’re looking for is creative writing, fresh perspectives and maybe a few surprises. Submissions will be judged on originality, plot structure, quality of writing and the “wow” factor.

Non-Fiction

customer service, being present in communications, leadership, exploring AI tools for efficiency, marketing, personal support and more. There will also be many opportunities for networking with other area businesses during the week-long event, including a small business social Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m., at Shep’s Riverside Bar & Grill in Lansing. Open to all businesses with no cost to attend, the growing number of attendees shows the interest in business support. Those interested in attending can visit www.lansingofficeworks.com/ event and RSVP for sessions of interest, or keep up with the latest news at the Lansing Works Facebook page.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in both cate-“gories”: $100 for first place adult, $50 for second place adult and $25 for third place adult. Youth prizes will be $50, $30 and $15, respectively. The Spooky Stories writing contest is brought to you by Pinters Gardens and Pumpkins, Cresco Theatre and Opera House and Driftless Multimedia.

Stories will be judged by a ‘spooktacular’ panel of judges from the community and entries will be published in the Driftless Journal throughout October. Share your original fictional haunted stories, or simply write down a ghostly experience you may have experienced personally as non-fiction.

Fiction

Fictional ghost stories are terrifying to read; the writer can draft a bizarre tale of events that could not possibly happen. Ghost stories are welcome, of course, but submissions can

Nothing gives readers the chills more than reading about a nonfiction ghostly encounter – events that actually happened. Stories entered in this category should be based on true unexplained events experienced by someone in the Driftless region, whether personally experience or passed down through Driftless lore. Names and dates can be changed for privacy. Submissions will be judged on plot structure, quality of writing, connection to the Driftless and the “wow” factor.

Guidelines

Adult entries must not exceed 800 words. Youth entries must not exceed 500 words. Deadline for submissions is Friday, Sept. 22. Winners in each category will be announced in October. Stories will be published throughout October.

Submissions must include author’s name, hometown, category of entry and contact

‘Fill the Squad’ food drive this Saturday in Decorah

The Decorah Police Department is hosting its first food drive, “Fill the Squad,” at local grocery stores Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to Officer Nick Yaneff, DPD’s point of contact for the drive, there is no donation goal set, but instead, the department hopes to bring to light the food insecurity issues in Winneshiek County.

“You might know your neighbor, and they may live in a nice house and everything seems great, but you never know if they are concerned about where their next meal is coming from,” Yaneff lamented. “We want to focus on that – the lack of consistent food everyone needs for a healthy lifestyle.”

According to Yaneff, a police officer and vehicle accepting donations will be at Oneota Coop from 10 to 11 a.m., at Fareway from 11 a.m. to noon, and at Hy-Vee from noon to 1 p.m. Additionally, there will be a second police vehicle and officer at Walmart from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Along with the in-person donation, there are boxes set up this week at each location listed above, and a box at Decorah City Hall. All donations will be given to the Decorah Community Food Pantry.

Donations of non-perishable food items and non-food supplies are welcome, Yaneff said, and monetary donations can be made directly to the Decorah Food Pantry as well.

The Pantry serves northeast Iowa and has distributed more than 200,000 pounds of food to more than 14,000 family members across the area – 50 percent of whom are Winneshiek residents. Of the more than 46,000 residents in northeast Iowa suffering from food insecurity, nearly one-third of them are children and 10 percent are senior citizens.

“We want to make this a great success,” expressed Yaneff. “We definitely need to raise awareness of food insecurity in our community.”

For more information regarding the event, contact the Decorah Police Department at 563-382-3667 or reach out to the Decorah Community Food Pantry at 563-202-0872.

Driftless Area Art Festival

Check out the parade of steam engines and tractors during Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days Sept. 7-10. Parades will be held at noon Saturday and Sunday. (submitted photo)

Decorah K9 officer Nick Yaneff and Captain Mandy Groth show off the new graphics on a Decorah PD squad car. A police officer and vehicle accepting donations for the Decorah Food Pantry will be at Oneota Coop, Fareway, Hy-Vee and Wal-mart Saturday, Sept. 9. (submitted)

Lansing Custom Homes renewed

Lansing’s modular and manufactured home center, Lansing Custom Homes (LCH), has seen many changes over the past year. The business was originally owned by partners for 23 years, one of whom retired at the turn of the new year. Dean Reiser bought out his partner’s share in the business and promptly began work to establish a new location for the business.

Reiser’s daughter, Jerrica Brink, stepped up to help with sales after six years as a stay-athome mom to her four children ages 4-12 years.

“It’s been exciting and a good transition,” Brinks reported. “I work with my mom, Deneen, in sales now. I’m still homeschooling our kids but working almost full-time; we balance the duties between me and my husband. It’s a lot of change all at once, but it’s been very good.”

Reiser has been working the service and construction side of the business with another staff member while his retired partner manages the office, housed in a model home and small shop building.

And finally, Reiser has concluded the construction of the new LCH location. The site

Jalapeños

features a larger office with a showroom for many of the options and details offered, as well as a larger shop building for the crew as they fashion decks, porches and garages to accent the modular home design selected by clients.

Two model homes flank the office and are always ready for tours to showcase their products. Brinks stated, “Our favorite way to meet prospective clients is when they stop in and tour the model homes. We are booked up for 2023, but still have availability in 2024.”

Brinks noted that they enjoy the design and planning process with clients as their suppliers can build to-order.

LCH then takes all the parts of the home on-site, completes the basement foundations and erects the home on-location for the client. With Reiser on task, he tackles all the finish work inside the home as well, with an eye for detail and quality work.

Brinks added with a knowing laugh, “He’s more detail-oriented than most.”

LCH has recently expanded their options as well, with the

Two model homes now flank the remodeled office of Lansing Custom Homes, pictured left is a Modular home, while the photo below shows a manufactured home with porch. The crew behind Lansing Custom Homes is pictured below, with the Reiser family working together.

Pictured is the Friedlein Round barn in Guttenberg, part of the 2023 Iowa Barn Tour. (submitted photo)

Iowa hosts biggest barn tour in country

Mark Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, on the calendar this year for a great multi-generational fall family adventure.

The Iowa Barn Foundation (IBF) is holding its annual AllState Barn Tour, highlighting several Driftless-area locations amongst the 72 historic barns statewide open for touring inside and out. A special feature this year is a record eight round barns, the most unique and rare type of barn, representing just 0.13 percent of all barns built.

Many owners and family members will be on hand to share the stories behind their barns, which served as the central hub of activity on the farm. The self-guided tour is free and open to the public.

Driftless area barns

addition of Wisconsin-based companies Mid Country Homes as a new builder for personalized drywall and interior options, and Stratford Homes as an option to create completely custom modular home designs for clients. Additionally, a staff person is in the office handling sales of manufactured homes

First Annual Worship in the Valley Sept. 17 with musician Jordan St. Cyr

A musical event benefiting Village Creek Bible Camp will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, featuring award-winning artist Jordan St. Cyr. Worship in the Valley will be held on the camp’s grounds between Lansing and Waterville. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the concert begins at 6 p.m.

This will be the first public event at the camp’s newly built pavilion, and was scheduled earlier for the benefit of families with school the next day.

Coordinated by Tim and Nicki Smedsrud of Waukon, the concert will support the camp and all ticket sales will go directly toward replenishing the camp’s scholarship fund for campers with financial challenges.

“Music is an important part of my walk with Christ, for me and my family. Music speaks to people, and I always had a vision to have a concert and the camp is special to a lot of people, and it all just came together,” said Smedsrud.

Village Creek Bible Camp, a 501(c)3 non-profit, strives to share the experience of the love of Jesus with children from all walks of life, plus share the fun, joy and excitement of a camp retreat. “We believe that no child should be turned away because of their financial situation,” stated Camie Treptau, co-director of VCBC with Tom Treptau. “We serve about 2,500 campers a year each summer from primarily Wis., Ill., Minn. and Iowa, and provide between $30,000 and $40,000 in scholarships each year.”

All tickets are general admission and seating will be first come, first serve. The concert will be held in an open-air outdoor pavilion recently built at the camp. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating outside. This is a family friendly event, with a playground on site for children prior to the start of the concert and food vendors on-site.

Thanks to the efforts of the Smedsruds and great local support, all donations and ticket sales will go toward the camp’s scholarships.

“We trust that this is just beginning, and hope to work to make it an annual event,” noted Tom Treptau. “And hopefully we can keep it growing to become an all day event – festival style,” added Smedsrud.

Performer Jordan St. Cyr is a two-time GMA Dove Awards nominee, recognized for Best New Artist and for Short Form Video Of The Year. He also swept the GMA Canada Covenant Awards with six wins.

For ticket registration or more information, visit www. villagecreek.net.

and Old Hickory sheds and buildings.

Beyond renovation of their site and offerings, LCH has a newly-updated website and is active on Facebook. For more information about the Reiser family business, visit www.lansinghomesiowa.com

26% tax credit* on qualified models & installation

NORTHEAST

Boeding Barn/Milk House, 2173 Madison Road, Decorah. Boeding has restored a stone milk house and barn on both farms on Madison at his own expense. He received the Award of Distinction for one of the stone milk houses. (Award of Distinction).

Borlaug Barn, 20399 Timber Avenue, Cresco. The 1915 barn is located on his grandparent’s farm where Norman Borlaug was born on March 25, 1914. The gable roof-style barn housed their dairy operation and space for their draft horses and young stock. The upper loft area was used for storage of loose hay. Norman spent his first eight years helping with the barn chores at the site. The barn size is 26 feet by 60 feet.

Hinsenbrock Barn, 1477 Norske Road, Decorah. Pegged barn (36x70) was built into a hill in 1878 by Peder Bakke, an original Norwegian settler in the county. Barn retains original wooden hay drop for loose hay and has unusual double support rafters. There are hand-hewn timbers, and pegs are the same condition as when made.

Steve Mikesh Barn, 2714 County Road A14, Decorah. Steve and Jolyn Mikesh bought the farm in 1979. The barn was remodeled with new concrete, gutters, and barn cleaner with 28 dairy cow stanchions and tie stalls. In 1993, a shed was attached to the barn. Dairy operations continued in the barn through Sept. 2004. Toad Hall (new in 2023), 919 E. Main St., Waukon. This gambrel roof bank barn was built in 1912. The owners have worked to preserve the barn with foundation repair in 2014, window/door replacement 2012 and paint in 2020. The barn was originally built for general farming operations with a dirt floor (Award of Distinction). Slifka Barn, 1371 175th St., Postville, west of Frankville in Winneshiek County.

Hardt Pioneer Barn, 26152 Kayak Road, Farmersburg, Clayton County. Friedlein Round Barn, 35273 Hwy 52, Guttenberg, Clayton County. Full tour details can be found online at iowabarnfoundation. org/barn-tour/2023-fall Email iowabarnfoundation@gmail. com with questions.

Jordan St. Cyr

Central Boiler OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE & WOOD PELLET STOVES

DINING GUIDE

Ordinary people who care about children needed

CASA training session begins in October

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) advocates are ordinary people who care about children and volunteer their time and talents to help make sure that children who have experienced abuse or neglect aren’t negatively affected by the state system intended to protect them. And unfortunately, there is always more need than volunteers available.

A training session for new volunteers begins this October. Those interested in being a child advocate should contact CASA Program Coordinator and CAMS Specialist Kerry Brennan at 515-725-5350 or 563-568-1049 by Sept. 14 to sign up for upcoming training.

Iowa CASA is affiliated with the National Court Appoint-

Spooky stories

ed Special Advocate (CASA)/ Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Association for Children, which, together with its state and local members, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child in crisis can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive. CASA trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for a safe and permanent home for children in the court system who have experienced abuse and neglect and works collaboratively to ensure their voice is heard.

For more information, visit the Iowa Child Advocacy Board website at childadvocacy.iowa. gov, nationalcasagal.org or call 866-448-4608.

continued from front information. E-mail submissions to: contest@driftlessjournal.com by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. There is no entry fee to participate.

Please keep in mind that the Driftless Journal is a family-friendly publication.

Disclaimer

Limit of one story per writer.

Individual entries only; group submissions will not be accepted. The story must be your own work – either an original piece, or a retelling (in your own words) of a ghost story/unexplained mystery that you’ve

The Landing Market

211 College Dr., Decorah (563)

T-Bock’s Sports Bar & Grill

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

Kitchen hours: SunMon 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wed-Sat 11 a.m10 p.m.; Closed Tues. Bar may stay open later if there’s a game or crowd. Daily lunch specials. Large variety of tap and local beers! Great Bloody Marys! Best wings around! Great place to bring the family! Lots of TVs! View menus at www.tbocks.com.

heard or experienced. By submitting your story, you give Driftless Multimedia, LLC, and its partners non-exclusive permission to use content of and/ or made by the participant for digital or print publications. You understand that this may include, but is not limited to, social media posts, websites, newsprint, advertisements and audio recordings. You certify that no other person’s permission is needed to authorize the use of said content or images. You agree that Driftless Multimedia, LLC, cannot be held liable for images or content used with your consent.

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: An actual WAVE yeoman second class visited the Winneshiek County Fair last week. She was at the Navy booth talking to a lot of interested girls. Ethel Vessey is training at Smith College in Northampton, Mass.

…The Public Opinion’s Rambling Camera was at the recent Winneshiek County Fair taking a lot of pictures. Among the photos was one of the new officers of the boys’ 4-H clubs of the county, including Vernon Spilde, Kenneth Schneberger, Donald Birdsell and Leo Birdsell. All the boys were sporting their 4-H caps.

…The cigarette tag day sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary was a big success, netting $150. An order for 3,000 packs of cigarettes is now being forwarded to the cigarette company. The smokes will be distributed among the men in the service.

…Following the trail of the stork at the Decorah Hospital: A girl was born Aug. 21 to Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Carolan, Rural Route, Ridgeway; and a boy was born Aug. 25 to Mr. and Mrs. Ole Hendrickson Jr., of Ossian.

It is hoped that several vacancies will soon be filled at the Decorah Schools. The Board reports they are still short two teachers – one for physical education and the other for English. Enrollment is down for the fall, as senior boys are being taken into various branches of the service.

…Big Canoe Lutheran Church observes its 90th anniversary later this month with a special service.

…Some important historical documents have been unearthed in the ruins of the cornerstone of Old Main at Luther College. Workmen were clearing debris from the site and found the papers. Much excitement followed the find, which was made in the early-morning hours.

…New heating stoves will be rationed as of Aug. 28, 1943.

Leo Tekippe’s Coast-to-Coast Store now has a fine one in stock.

…The Winneshiek County Fair will be held at the end of August, and local businesses are encouraged to close early to ensure their employees may attend.

…To further swell the funds for the Decorah American Legion Cigarette Fund, members of the group’s auxiliary are holding a drive. They take great pride in sending off a case of cigarettes a week to boys overseas.

…Three new sisters have been added to the teaching staff at St. Benedict’s Catholic School – Sister Mary Eugene, Sister Mary Roberts and Sister Mary Georgine.

of polio reported in the county –an 18-year-old Calmar boy and a 6-year-old Decorah girl are the most recent victims.

…The film “Francis” about a talking mule is now showing at the Lyric. Coming soon – Bob Hope in “The Lemon Drop Kid” at the Decorah Drive-In Theatre.

…The staff at the Decorah Public School will include 57 teachers, five secretaries, five janitors, three hot-lunch employees and 12 bus drivers.

erly Dohse, Michelle Pool, Lori Mayberry, Keith Cavanaugh, Rosalind Moeller and Katherine Grant.

…This year the Decorah and North Winneshiek High School will cooperate in football.

SIXTY YEARS AGO: Liquor law violations were filed against three individuals here last weekend after a raid on a teenage party at an abandoned building over at Bluffton. There were reportedly up to 40 involved in the incident.

…A new cement runway has been approved for the Decorah Airport. Estimated cost is $81,000.

…Shop Jack & Jill in Decorah for these bargains – ground beef, 19 cents per pound; frozen orange juice, 10 cents per container; frozen French Fries, 10 cents per package.

…Cornerstone of a new retirement center in Decorah will be laid in early September.

…It is estimated that the new Iowa No. 9 bypass around the city could be scheduled as early as 1967.

…A Calmar man killed a rattlesnake with 11 rattles measuring 49 inches in length while fishing near Highlandville.

THIRTY YEARS AGO:

Flooding threatens Winneshiek County residents these days. Recent flooding has damaged six of the county’s 18 parks. Latest rainfall amounts bring the 1993 moisture level to 41.89 inches.

…Stop by the Dairy Queen for blizzards or breezes - $1.19.

…Norma Wangsness of Decorah took first prize during the national rosemaling exhibitions at Vesterheim this summer.

TWENTY YEARS AGO:

Buildings at the corner of East Water and State Streets in Decorah were demolished last week to make room for the new Decorah Bank & Trust building. Completion date is scheduled for spring of 2005.

…Little Anders Wahlberg, the son of Tom and Beth Wahlberg of Decorah, was among the youngsters taking a final trip down the slide at the Decorah swimming pool, as the season will soon come to a close.

…After 33 years, Calmar Postmaster Dennis Ruffridge is retiring.

…Local veterans are seeking support for a new outpatient veterans’ clinic in Decorah.

FIFTY YEARS AGO: Mary Orvella was crowned 1973 Holstein Princess for District 1 by the 1971 Princess, Cheryl Sersland.

…Carleton Baker of Decorah fulfilled an ambition this summer, joining the Karras-Kaul bicycle ride across Iowa. The ride was organized by the Des Moines Register.

…The “biggest” Winneshiek County Fair started here Aug. 8, 1973.

…Registration is in full swing for the fall adult education classes offered in town. Classes include antique appreciation, advanced social dancing, beginning Norwegian cake decorating, conversational Spanish, defensive driving, holiday decorations, income tax record-keeping, juggling, physical fitness for women over 40, pottery, private pilot ground school, scuba diving, small gasoline engine repair, square dancing, swimming and a handyman’s course.

TEN YEARS AGO: Decorah

High School has won the prestigious Class 3-A Challenge Cup, measuring success of students in academics, fine arts and athletics.

…Forbes magazine has selected Decorah as one of the top 15 prettiest towns in the United States.

…New staff members at Decorah schools this fall include Cara Smith, Stacy Miner, Taylor Spilde, Heidi Skildum, Jackie Panos, Tonya Renick, Marcie Dodd, Stacy Williams, Aimee Lamker, Sheila Kruger, Cheryl Huebner and Marcia Thompson.

SEVENTY YEARS AGO:

There have been two new cases

FORTY YEARS AGO: New faculty and staff for the 1983-84 school year at Decorah Schools includes Steven Wiltgen, Daniel Kust, Nicholas Preus, Bev-

PACT Act deadline approaches

Health care enrollment for Veterans deployed to combat zones

New sandbox at the Winn. Co. Fairgrounds

For many years near the center of the fairgrounds right across the Fontanelle shelter was the Bruening Rock Products sandbox. According to Fair Board Members, weather and time were hard on the structure. This past year, Bruening Rock Products/SkyLine Construction and the Bruening families stepped forward and donated a new sandbox to the fairgrounds. Complete with donation of sand and toys this new steel sandbox complete with roof measures 10’x16’ which is twice the size of its predecessor. Situated in the center of activity near the new Community Building it has been enjoyed by young and old alike. According to the Fair Board, “The hundreds of children that enjoyed the sandbox, as well as the Winneshiek County Fair Board, greatly appreciate the generosity of the Bruening families and Bruening Rock Products/Skyline Construction.” Among the youngsters enjoying the covered area at the fairgrounds during the 2023 Fair were Eli Nimrod and his big brother Isaac, who took a break from fair activities to play in the sandbox. They are sons of Gavin and Tori Nimrod. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

OLSD Fall Festival Sept. 10

The Our Lady of Seven Dolors Fall Festival will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Festina.

This community-favorite event will feature Mike Reicks’ famous chicken, pork cutlets, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade dressing, sauerkraut, hand-picked sweet corn, garden fresh relish trays, fresh rolls, pies and other desserts.

New this year is an inflatable obstacle course and a bouncy house for kids. And back by

popular demand is bingo, the cake walk, the fish pond and the country store.

Tickets are available in advance and at the door, and ages five and under are free. Get tickets from any parish member or at supporting businesses including South Winn Insurance, Fidelity Bank & Trust, Drillings All Season Sports (all in Calmar), and The Zipper (Festina). Carry-outs available.

For more event details, visit facebook.com/festinachurch.

Welcome Friends & Neighbors Community Picnic Sept. 10

All are invited to the annual Welcome Friends & Neighbors Community Picnic at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Sunday, Sept. 10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This free family-friendly picnic is an opportunity for the congregation to thank and celebrate its friends, neighbors and community.

The picnic will feature a potluck provided by members of the congregation as well as sloppy joes, hot dogs and gluten free options. Beverages, cutlery and paper products provided. Live music will be

Monday, August 28, 2023

Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care until the deadline of 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2023. This special enrollment period gives Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

VA encourages all of these Veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and sign up for VA health care before the deadline.

This special enrollment period is part of the PACT Act, the largest expansion of VA health care and benefits in generations.

Since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law on Aug. 10, 2022, more than 344,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care and more than 4.2 million enrolled Veterans have been screened for toxic exposures. VA Secretary Denis McDonough stated, “Even if you don’t need this care now, you may need it in the future – and once you’re in, you have access for life.”

NICC Pres. to speak of his father’s WWII German Army experience

Dr. Herbert H. J. Riedel, President of Northeast Iowa Community College, will present on his father’s personal experiences as a draftee in the German Army in World War II on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the German American Museum and Library in St. Lucas.

The presentation will feature unpublished photos from Heinz Riedel’s travels, personal encounters and impressions in Germany, Poland, Russia, Belgium, France, Italy and Libya.

“Reviewing these personal materials in no way condones the behavior of the German Army during those wartime years,” stated Dr. Riedel.

Heinz was born in Berlin in October 1920, drafted into the German Army at age 19 and served as a mechanic. He married after the war and emigrated to Canada in 1956 where his two sons were born and later moved to the United States.

Heinz became a U.S. citizen later in his life and was very proud of his American citizenship.

Informal discussion, refreshments and cookies will follow the presentation.

Although this deadline is written into law for this specific group of Veterans, many other groups of Veterans are able to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits – including many Vietnam Veterans, Gulf War Veterans, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone and transitioned out of the service less than 10 years ago and more. Veterans who do not meet any of the above criteria can often still access VA health care by filing for VA benefits or based on income. If a Veteran is granted service connection for any health condition, they become eligible for VA care.

The PACT Act also expanded VA benefits for millions of Veterans, making more than 300 health conditions “presumptive” for service connection. VA is currently in a full-court press to ensure that as many Veterans as possible enroll before Sept. 30.

More information on eligibility for the special enrollment period can be found at VA.gov/ PACT. To apply for care or benefits today, visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411. Driftless Region Veterans who believe they meet criteria should

Federal Disaster Declaration approved for 7 Iowa counties

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that President Biden granted her request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for seven counties that were severely impacted by spring flooding. Counties included in the declaration are Allamakee, Clayton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee and Scott.

Under the declaration, FEMA Public Assistance Program funding is available to eligible public entities and nonprofit organizations in the designated counties that were impacted by the April 24 thru May 13, 2023, Mississippi River flooding. Public Assistance funding may be used for emergency work, such as debris removal and emergency protective measures, or for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

The governor also received notification that the Presidential Disaster Declaration includes funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state. With this funding, Iowa will be able to minimize the impact of future disasters by taking steps to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards.

TOP CONSIGNMENTS

The Jerry Bouska Farm located at 1689 335th Ave, Fort Atkinson, Iowa 52144, consisting of approximately 320 acres, more or less, subject to road right-of-way, is for sale, and is legally described as follows:

The Northeast Quarter and the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, all in Section 31, in Township 97 North, Range 10 West of the 5th P.M. in Winneshiek County, Iowa; AND the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest, the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, and the West Half of the East Half of the Northwest Quarter, all in Section 32, all in Township 97 North, Range 10 West of the 5th P.M. in Winneshiek County, Iowa.

The current farm lease has been timely terminated.

The farm building site consists of a 2 story residence, a detached garage, a 90’ x 40’ machine shed, a 30’ x 48’ machine shed, 25’ x 36’ machine shed, 20’ x 36’ machine shed, 24’ x 40’ machine shed, a 70’ x 90’ pole barn, as well as additional steel grain storage bins, cribs, and additional buildings. Sale of the building site is conditioned on buyer accepting responsibility to replace septic or demolish the house served by septic, without occupying the house within 180 days of possession, and to execute a binding acknowledgement with the County regarding the same.

The real estate will be offered in 3 parcels. Parcel 1 consists of approximately 182 acres (including road right-of-way) of tillable farm land west of 335th Ave.

Parcel 2 consists of the land east of 335th Ave. Parcel 3 consists of the building site and adjacent wood and tillable land, totaling approximately 17.40 taxable acres. Parcel 3 is subject to an ingress-egress easement for the benefit of Parcel 1.Seller will also consider offers for any combination of the parcels, to include all parcels as a combined unit.

The property shall be shown by appointment only by contacting Jerry Bouska, telephone number (563)422-1447. For informational packets and any questions you may have, please contact Attorney John S. Anderson at (563) 3822959.

Written bids shall be submitted to: Anderson, Wilmarth, Van Der Maaten, Fretheim, Evelsizer Olson, Noble, Lynch & Zahasky Law Office

ATTN: John S. Anderson 212 Winnebago Street

P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 on or before September 22, 2023, at

(563) 382-8406

AUCTION CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 9 - 9:30 a.m. Real Estate, Cars, Collectibles, Tractors & Misc. Wallace & LaFonda McIntyre Estate. 202 East Wilbur St. Hawkeye, Iowa. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563568-2464.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER

23 - 9 a.m. 194 acres of land, machinery and household. James P (Jim) McCormick Estate. Waukon, IA. Monroe Auction Service, 563-864-7346. www.smedrealty.com/monroe-auctions. Like us on Facebook.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 - 9 a.m. Farm machinery and household. Gary & Diana Gunderson. Postville, IA. Monroe Auction Service, 563-864-

7346. www.smedrealty.com/ monroe-auctions. Like us on Facebook.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 - 8:30 a.m. Machinery Consignment. Sale Held At Sweeney Auction Center, Waukon, IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon. 563-568-2464.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - Guns & Sporting Goods. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-568-2464.

For Sale two older 170-bushel gravity boxes on 8-ton wagons. Call 363-492-3808. 35-2-J-pd-1

13 Red Standard Golden Doodle pups, 3-months-old. 1- 9-month-old mini Bernedoodle, male. 3 ½ month old mini–Golden Doodle cross. Wormed, shots up to date. Will accept most any reasonable offer. Registered purebred mini Australian Shepherd puppies. Up to date on shots. $500 each. 563-535-9455. 36-4-JP-pd-1.

Decorah Pride Festival Sept. 14-16

Decorah Pride Festival 2023

will kick off with events in Decorah Thursday, Sept. 14, through Saturday, Sept. 16.

Featured events include the pride parade, trivia, drag show, the Rainbow Run 5K Color Run, yoga, party in the park, the pride dance party and more.

Pride is a celebration of people of diverse sexual and gender identities and expressions. Decorah Pride is open to all in the greater Driftless area who are part of, or supporters of, the LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer-identifying, intersex, asexual and two-spirit) community.

For more information and to register for the Pride Parade and events, visit www.decorahpride.org.

Event schedule

Trivia at Impact Coffee: Thursday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Bring a lawn chair and begin

Decorah Pride weekend with

C&C Lawn Chair Trivia outside at Impact Coffee.

ArtHaus Drag Show at T-Bocks Upstairs: Friday, Sept.

15, 7-10 p.m. Fabulous drag performers take the stage at T-Bocks Upstairs. Tickets are available in advance online.

Rainbow Run: Saturday, Sept 16, 8 a.m., Starts at Heivly St. Ball Diamond. Get doused with color during this 5K Color Fun Run sponsored by ArtHaus. Participants’ t-shirt design gets revealed with each color splash. Advanced registration online is preferred.

Pride Yoga: Saturday, Sept 16, 10 a.m., Driftless Yoga Studio (3rd floor of Impact). LGBTQIA2S+ folks and allies are invited to join in a movement practice together that will leave all feeling seen, heard, and renewed.

Decorah Pride Parade: Saturday, Sept. 16, 3 p.m., on Water Street. Join the parade or cheer from the sidewalks to celebrate diversity, march for equality, and work in solidarity with LGBTQIA2S+ people. Advanced registration for floats and groups is required online.

Services

Health Services

Party in the Park: Saturday, Sept. 16, 3:30 p.m., Heivly St. green space, next to the softball diamond. This community event engages and connects folks of all ages. Visit with community partners, enjoy music, and grab some food with one of our local vendors. There will also be bouncy houses, balloon animal making, face painting, along with other lawn games.

Pride Dance Party - Saturday, Sept. 16, 8 p.m., Pulpit Rock Brewing. Dance party-goers must be 18+ years old.

Mental health support groups available in northeast Iowa

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is offering support groups for those living with a mental health condition and those supporting someone with a mental health condition.

The “Connection Recovery” support group for adults living with a mental health condition meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Spectrum Network’s “The Kitchen,” located at 200 Railroad Street in Decorah. Facilitators are Anna Linnell, Farah Fritz and Pam Moss.

The Family Support Group for adults with loved ones living with a mental health condition meets monthly on the fourth Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.,

at North Fayette Valley Community Coalition Youth Center located at 23689 Canoe Road in Elgin. Facilitators are Shannon Brown and Susan Friedrich. NAMI support groups follow a structured model, ensuring all have an opportunity to be heard. Groups are guided by trained leaders with mental health experience. Specific medical therapy or treatment is not endorsed. Participants agree to confidentiality.

For more information on the Connection Recovery group, contact 563-422-8852. For more information on the Family Support Group, contact Brown at 319-505-7802 or Friedrich at 563-422-7882

NAMI serves Howard, Winneshiek, Clayton, Allamakee and Fayette counties, but programs are open to all participants regardless of where they reside. More information can be found at namineiowa.org.

Driftless

Livemusic &more

Jams

Steven Schroeder

Friday, July 30, 6-9 p.m.

Farmer’s Market Palamino Band and Sister Luv Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

Toppling Goliath, Decorah

Low Rats, Black Widows & Light 45

Friday, July 30, 6 p.m.

Fins & Films, Spring Valley, MN

Avey Grouws Band

Friday, Aug. 6, 6-9 p.m.

Brewery, Calmar To get your jam on the list call 563-382-4221 or email megan.warner@ driftlessjournal.com

Toppling Goliath, Decorah

Jake Manders

Friday, Aug. 13, 6-9 p.m.

Jams

Driftless Livemusic &more

A rainbow balloon arch led the 2022 Pride Parade in this Driftless Multimedia file photo by Roz Weis. The 2023 parade will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.

Vikings ready to represent tradition of Decorah XC

There will be an exciting group of athletes to watch who represent the strong tradition of Decorah boys’ cross country in 2023.

Brad Johansen is in his eighth year as the head coach, with assistant coach Tim Hayes.

Getting to state

With nine returning letter winners and three athletes who ran in Fort Dodge the year before, Decorah looked poised for a strong season in 2022.

During the regular season, the Vikings had several underclassmen come on strong and fight for a spot on varsity.

Under windy conditions in Fredericksburg, the Decorah

boys posted a solid effort finishing second with 55 behind Waukon who tallied 32. The Vikes had four harriers earn All-NEIC by finishing in the top 15, including Cade Olson who was fifth, Davis Coppola in eighth, Henry Weis in 12th and Grant Zilka in 14th

Posting 126 points, Decorah saw their season end at the state-qualifying meet in Manchester, as the Vikes finished fifth overall. Solon ran away with the title with 40 points. Olson led Decorah to the finish line in 24th place in 17:27.72 with the next five members finishing 28th through 32nd. Weis toured the course in 17:30.97 (28th) just ahead of teammate

Jake Magner, who crossed the finish line in 17:35.01. Landyn Hook had a time of 17:36.59 in 30th place, followed by Coppola in 31st with a time of 17:40.99. Also on the course were Zilka (32nd, 17:41.76) and Garrett See (35th, 17:50.40).

The Vikes lost some key ingredients to their squad to graduation, including Jake Magner, Cade Olson, Benson Newhouse, Raven Battle, Lange Betts, Carter Kowitz, Nathaniel Meyers, Brock Taylor and Max Wilson.

Big numbers

Coach Johansen believes the large turnout in the number of athletes set to compete, along with the quality, is one of the

Vikes’ biggest strengths.

“The seniors will need to prove to everyone they are ready to lead and are willing to put the effort forward to produce a successful team,” added the Viking coach.

Returning with a letter to help lead the way are seniors Henry Weis, Peter Essa and Aidan Nalean-Carlson, along with juniors Davis Coppola, Thomas Hammel, Landyn Hook, D’Mitry Lesser and Grant Zilka.

Strong NEIC

“On paper we should be able to put up a competitive challenge by the end of the season. It will be fun to have great competition so close to home,” said Coach Johansen. “Times have changed and athletes who only run during the season are left in the dust of competitors from other schools who train yearround. We are lucky to have a positive running culture in Decorah and our athletes will make great efforts to improve during the season. Barring any unforeseen circumstances we will have a strong team by the end of the season.”

Returning to the Decorah boys cross country team for 2023 with a letter are (front, l-r) Riley Berns, Garrett See, Oliver Bollinger, Grant Zilka, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Mitchell Stemper; (back) Peter Essa, Tommy Hammel, Henry Weis, Davis Coppola, Landyn Hook and Reid Berns. (Photos courtesy of Tami Bohr)

Decorah girls and boys cross country schedule

Sept. 9 at All-American Race (Luther), 9 a.m.

Sept. 14 at Cedar Falls, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Waukon, 4:30 p.m.

laces for the 2023 season for the Decorah boys cross country team are (front row,

Stemper, Oliver Bollinger, Davis Coppola, Max Grimstad, Will Robinson, Riley

Zilka;

Coach Tim Hayes,

Success potential high for TV

The cross country squads are small for the Turkey Valley cross country teams with a total of seven reporting for preseason practice, but the quality of competitors look strong for Coach Sarah Bakula who enters her seventh season at the helm.

2022 revisited

The Trojans had a small team a year ago as well, with two boys and two girls competing.

In his first season on the courses, Russell Nieman made some noise, finishing in or near the lead pack in nearly every race. At the Upper Iowa Conference meet, Nieman cross the finish line sixth in 18:04.8 to earn All-Conference honors. At the state-qualifying meet, the junior narrowly missed a state bid with an 11th place finish in 18:10.78.

Bode Balk continued to make strides in his long-course races as well, finishing the UIC season 35th in 21:30.1.

For the girls, it was Haylee Hanson and Morgan Wenthold racing throughout the season,

TV cross country schedule

Sept. 9 at All-American Race (Luther), 9 a.m.

Sept. 12 at Starmont, 4 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Waukon, 4 p.m.

Oct. 3 at South Winn, 5 p.m.

Oct. 12 at UIC (Ossian), 4 p.m.

capped off by Wenthold, just missing All-UIC honors in 17th place in 23:13.1. At the state-qualifier, Wenthold finished 25th in 24:20.36, while Hanson crossed the finish line 50th in 28:09.14.

Ready to run

“Unity, determination and support for each other are just some of the strengths I see in both squads,” noted Coach Bakula. “We are a small squad, so everyone will have a role to play in success of the team. Keeping the fun alive will help everyone enjoy the season in its entirety.”

With low numbers, Nieman will lead the Trojan boys as he looks to improve on his inaugural season a year ago. Balk, a fellow senior, also returns. Rounding out the small squad are senior Luke Langreck and freshman Nicholas Bernharnd. There will be a trio of freshmen girls racing — Avery Franzen, Hazel Nieman and Bella Stika, with Hanson back as well.

“Our goal is to have some all-conference finishers on both the boys and girls side,” said Coach Bakula. “We have some huge potential with the newcomers, so I am excited to watch their improvement unfold as the season progresses. The end result of the season is to accomplish our individual goals set and do the best we can.”

Decorah will have its hands full when it comes to winning its sixth straight Northeast Iowa Conference title, as defending champion Waukon returns with many of its squad from last season.

Sept. 28 at Western Dubuque Epworth, 4:45 p.m.

Oct. 3 at South Winn, 4:45 p.m.

Oct. 10 at NEIC meet (Waukon), 4:30 p.m.

Decorah girls cross country team on a mission

Members of the 2023 edition of the Decorah girls cross country team are (front, l-r) Kealy Hines, Maria Riveros, Emily Myers, Abbie Valkosky, Dani Losen, Kathryn Kelly, Grace Brynsaas, Elayna Hook, Brynn Storhoff, Vivian Searcy, Ari Albert; (second row) Kylie Lemke, Nora Lesmeister, Ellie Adams, Ella Carlson, Olivia Volkman, Olivia Huinker, Grace Blikre, Ava Hanson, Jillian Volz, Lily Sandhorst, Stella Pole, Nina Sessions, Teagan Menke; (third row) Morgan Miculinich, McKenzie Riley, Elsa Johnson, Natalie Goodner, Marley Harmening, Lillian Dahlen, Willow Blair, Brinlee Courtney, Lillian Olson, Natalie Stevens, Ana Simon, Olivia Paulsen, Lauren Severtson; (back row) Coach Molly Holkesvik, Coach Cristy Nimrod, Kamryn Steines, Olivia Rissman, Amelia Wadsworth, Addy Lukes-Smith, Claire Storhoff, Lulu Bellrichard, Abby Larson, Drew Zwart, Kyra O’Hara, Amelia Roe, Coach Jeff Wettach, Coach Sarah Nowack. Not pictured are Elsa Christman, Deborah Hougen, Regine Hougen and Myla Leitz. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr)

There is a full roster, for the Decorah girls’ cross country team to pull from during the 2023 season with a mix of veterans and young athletes hungry to get back to the state meet.

After missing out on a trip to state again last season, the Vikes look to head coach Cristy Nimrod for guidance in her 22nd season, along with assistant coaches Jeff Wettach and Sarah Nowack.

A look at 2022 Decorah had some experience back on the courses for the 2022 season, including threetime state individual qualifier Rebecca Anderson, along with veteran runners Danielle Losen, Annalise Skrade, Brynn Storhoff, Kathryn Kelley and McKenzie Riley.

At the Northeast Iowa Conference meet in Fredericksburg, the Vikes raced hard with one goal in mind — getting back on top of the podium. When the points were tallied, Decorah fell one point shy behind New Hampton and two above third place Waverly-Shell Rock. Freshman Ana Simon was the first Viking to cross the finish line in seventh place, claiming an all-conference nod in 21:00.88. Finishing back-toback, Skrade and Losen also were all-NEIC runners in 13th and 14th places, respectively. Skrade stopped the clock at 21:17.85, while Losen had a

time of 21:29.07.

A week later, the Vikings’ season came to a close, as the squad finished fifth at the state-qualifying meet with 126 points. Simon and Losen just missed qualifying as individuals for the state meet, crossing the finish line in 17th and 18th positions. Simon posted a time of 20:33.37, while Losen completed the 5K in 20:33.57. Storhoff wrapped up the season in 27th place in 21:04.73, followed by Lily Sandhorst in 33rd in 21:22.78. Completing the scorecard for Decorah in 36th place was Skrade in 21:27.33. Also on the course were Anderson (42nd, 21:37.05) and Natalie Stevens (43rd, 21:38.98).

There was a big class of seniors in 2022 who has since graduated, including Rebecca Anderson, Madison Tollefson, Mairi Sessions, Annalise Skrade, Ramsey Zilka, Hailey Bower, Hannahn Schnitzler, Sylvia Sandhorst, Ellen Rooney, Sophia Christman, Madison Heim, Ellen Grouws, Alexandra Kane, Kortni O’Connell, Hailey Bohr, Chloe Chyle, Diep Doan, Amy Jensen and Grace Neal.

The outlook

With 14 returning letter winners, Decorah will have the athletes to rely on to make a run at the NEIC title and potentially a state bid. Leading the way will be Losen, Storhoff, Kelly,

Grace Brynsaas, Claire Schutte, Riley, Elsa Johnson, Kamryn Steines, Lily Sandhorst, Amelia Wadsworth, Grace Blikre, Natalie Goodner, McKenzie Tollefson and Ana Simon.

“I believe it will be a battle for the conference title and we have a good chance, while New

Hampton and Crestwood will remain strong,” noted Coach Nimrod. “We have a good core of athletes who have trained well in the off season, and if we stay healthy, we should be competitive.”

Girls back with a letter for the Viking cross country team are (front, l-r) Dani Losen, Nora Lesmeister, Grace Blikre, Kathryn Kelly, Grace Brynsaas, Natalie Goodner, Natalie Stevens; (back) Elsa Johnson, Ana Simon, Kamryn Steines, McKenzie Riley, Amelia Wadsworth, Brynn Storhoff and Lily Sandhorst. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr)

Coming up in varsity sports

Tying up the

l-r) Noah Vilardo, Keagan Steines, Jack DeLaRosa, Esteban Fernandez, Liam Huang, Owen Rix, Evan Madsen, Noah Potvin, Kyan Oftedahl, Spencer Christensen, Kelton Casterton, Kyle Pattison; (middle row) Jack Sovern, Phuong Doan, Garrett See, Carson Bohner, Mitchell

Berns, Reid Berns, Beau Newhouse, Grant

(back)

Peter Essa, Henry Weis, Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Lucas Arendt, Nathan Swarbrick, Lucas Hanson, Adam Walter, Doug Bentley, Landyn Hook, Tommy Hammel, Ezra Vorvick, Alex McGohan, Travis Nordheim, Andrew Olson, Montana Jump-Gerleman and Coach Brad Johansen. Not pictured is Keaton Nalean-Carlson.

Members of the Turkey Valley cross country squads for the 2023 season are (front, l-r) Bella Sticka, Nicholas Bernard, Hazel Nieman; (back) Russell Nieman and Bode Balk. Not pictured are Haylee Hanson, Avery Franzen and Luke Langreck. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Vrzak)

Dr e

ENTER ONLINE AT DRIFTLESSJOURNAL.COM

1. Simply write in the team you think will win in each of the 15 games, listed in the ads on this page, next to the corresponding advertiser’s name on the entry form or online at www.driftlessjournal.com.

2. Every game must be marked or your ballot will be disqualified.

3. In order to eliminate ties in the contest, all entries must include answers to the two tiebreakers.

4. In the event of a three-way tie for first place, first and second prize money will be divided equally between each of the tying contestants.

5. When there is a tie for second place in the contest, second place money and third place money will be divided equally among the persons tying for second place.

6. The contest is open to everyone living in the Driftless Area, except employees of the Driftless Multimedia and their families.

7. Each person is allowed only one ballot.

8. Winner will be announced in a news story after the preceding weekly contest.

9. Each entry page must be in the Driftless Multimedia Office by 5 p.m. Friday or submitted online by 5 p.m. Friday.

10. Children age 12 and under not eligible.

11. Winners must claim prize money within 30 days at the Driftless Multimedia Office at 110 Washington St., Suite 4, Decorah.

Join our team...

LEAD CONTENT COORDINATOR/WRITER

Applicants must be able to quickly edit submitted content per policy, write articles, features, cover local government per assignment, take photos as needed.

Collaborate, plan and implement content on special issues as well as weekly news for Winneshiek County and the greater Driftless Region in our two publications.

Must be a people person and a team player with excellent communication skills.

Pay commensurate with experience.

Join the Driftless Multimedia team and help us publish tomorrow’s history today!

Applicants should send resume to: Driftless Multimedia, Attn: Kate Klimesh, P.O. Box 350, Decorah, IA 52101. Or e-mail: kate.klimesh@driftlessjournal.com

NOW HIRING LIBRARY AIDE

Decorah Public Library is accepting applications for part-time

Library Aide

Candidates must be at least 14 years old and available to work select weekday mornings

8-10:30am, 1-2 weekday evenings 5-7 p.m., and 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. 10-19 hours/week available at $10.50/hr, no benefits.

Job description and application available at www.decorahia. org or call 563-382-3717. Send completed application to: Decorah Public Library, Attn: Tricia Crary, 202 Winnebago St., Decorah IA 52101 or tcrary@decorahlibrary.org. Applications accepted until position is filled. First review of applications will be on Friday Sept. 8. M/F disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer 202 Winnebago St., Decorah, IA www.decorahlibrary.org 563-382-3717 36-2-JP-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.

34-4-PJ-x-12

HOMEMAKER POSITION

Winneshiek County Public Health has a part-time Homemaker position opening. Qualified candidates are responsible for providing excellent homemaking services to people in their homes. Previous experience preferred.

CPR certified preferred but, willing to train. Successful applicants must be dependable, punctual, flexible, energetic, compassionate and have excellent interpersonal skills. No weekends, evenings or holidays. Competitive wages. Benefits include mileage, pro-rated sick, vacation and holiday pay.

Applications can be picked up at the Public Health office or from our website: www.winneshiekhealth.org

Completed applications and a list of references will be accepted until 4pm September 11, 2023, at the agency office.

305 Montgomery St., Ste #3, Decorah, IA 52101 (top floor of the Smith Building)

and after a 2 period will convert to a career position with advanced benefits

Rural Carrier Associates RCAs case, deliver and collect mail/packages along an assigned rural route using a vehicle and providing customers on the route with a variety of services. $19.94/hr.

Assistant Rural Carrier ARCs deliver packages in sequential order on Sundays, holidays, and can case and deliver mail and packages on Saturday. $19.94/hr.

QUALIFICATIONS

In all positions, applicants must successfully pass the postal exam and have a valid state driver’s license, a safe driving record and at least 2 years of documented driving experience.

Search “Decorah”

Postal positions also available in Calmar, Cresco, Monona, Postville and West Union. 36-1-J-12

HELP WANTED Street Operator

The City of Decorah is currently accepting applications for the position of Street Operator for the Decorah Street Department.

DETAILS

Minimum qualifications include high school diploma or equivalent and valid driver’s license with CDL and airbrake endorsement (may obtain within one month of hire). The starting wage range is $23.77$27.66/hr. Position is subject to background check and MVR check.

TO APPLY Application and job description are available at www.decorahia.org or by calling 563-382-2157. Completed applications can be submitted to City Hall (400 Claiborne Drive) during business hours or emailed to City Engineer Jeremy Bril, cityengineer@decorah.iowa gov.

Applications accepted until September 15, 2023.

HELP WANTED

Northeast Iowa Area Service Manager

GJL Farms is seeking to fill the Northeast Iowa Area Service Manager Position covering Cresco, New Hampton and West Union area.

POSITION SUMMARY

To manage and direct the overall operation of multiple grow finish sites. This job requires the ability to handle the work environment and the physical workload that is essential to be effective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•Must be reliable and responsible to show up and be on time

Communication skills between growers and other company employees

• Mark loads of hogs to manage market weights in accordance to the company weight guidelines

•Must be able to hold self and others accountable

•Follow all company bio-security guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS

•Knowledge of hog market conditions and economics

• Must have organization, problem solving, communication, and leadership skills

•Must be dedicated. goal oriented, and capable of working independently

•Ability to use Excel spreadsheets

•Maintain certification and follow all PQA/TQA guidelines

TO APPLY Email heather.dieschbourg@lynchlivestock.com or call Heather at 563-776-3051

EEO

• PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST AND POST-OFFER PHYSICAL REQUIRED

Director of TRIO Achievement Program

The Director of TRIO Achievement Program is responsible for the administration and implementation of the grant program to ensure federal objectives and program goals are attained as defined by the U.S. Department of Education and the approved grant. The director will develop strategies to effectively manage programs that support recruitment retention, graduation, and engagement for low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities

A Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, student personnel, social work, psychology, or related field is required. Also required is at least five years’ experience with TRIO programs or similar projects supporting the success of targeted populations and a proven track record of successful project management and grant management experience. Successful candidate will have demonstrated competency in budget planning and a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. Grant writing experience is preferred along with personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those of students serviced by TRIO.

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

Luther College seeks to build a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Luther College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. We value the input of multiple viewpoints and perspectives to create an academic community rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. Candidates are encouraged to identify their strengths or experiences that will contribute to this goal. To view the complete job description and apply for this position and all

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Be aware of ‘smishing’ attacks and scams

Scams are becoming more prevalent, now with both online scams and text message “smishing” attempts aimed at stealing personal and financial information. Scams through Facebook Marketplace have been increasingly prevalent.

PERSONALS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Facebook to your phone. Often in these instances, the other party will ask for your phone number and say that they want to text you a code to “prove you are real.”

Smishing is where text messages appear to be from a consumer’s financial institution and try to trick them into revealing their account number or other personally-identifiable information.

AUTOMOTIVE CARDS OF THANKS

According to recent reports from the IRS, thousands of fraudulent domains tied to multiple MMS/SMS/text scams have been reported in 2022. In recent months, smishing attempts have increased exponentially.

ENTERTAINMENT

• The Zelle “Business Account” scam. If you are asked to upgrade your Zelle account or another digital wallet app to accept money from a buyer, it’s likely a scam.

• Shipping mishaps. Always track the item to ensure it arrives at its destination. Some buyers will demand refunds claiming they never received their item. Keep the proof that your package arrived at its destination.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Additionally, there have been recent reports of scams within Facebook Marketplace. While it is a common place to buy and sell goods, people should be cautious when exchanging items with strangers online. Knowing certain red flags can help consumers avoid these scams in the future.

Some of these Facebook Marketplace red flags include:

• An overpayment. If you receive an overpayment, decline the charge or check and ask the buyer to send you the correct amount.

MISCELLANEOUS LOST AND FOUND FOR SALE

• Moving the dialogue off

GARAGE SALES

Garage sale Ossian, Iowa, 304 BROOKS Street, Thursday, September 7, 12-7, Friday, Sept 8, 8-6, September 8, Saturday 9, 8 to 11, massive tool sale, JD riding mower, men’s women’s clothing, PLANTS, golf clubs, much more.

36-1-J-pd-2

Decorah Citywide Garage Sale

Saturday, Sept. 16. Listings and map will be in the Sept. 14 Public Opinion Newspaper.

Legal Secretary

Decorah

• Fake vacation home or apartment listings. Google the address to make sure the location exists and if it looks representative to what is being shown online. Verify the validity of the rental by contacting the property listing manager directly.

Financial institutions will never ask for personal information, including social security numbers and full account numbers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a helpful guide on how to spot text message scams at consumer. ftc.gov/articles/how-recognizeand-report-spam-text-messages. Report any Facebook scams through the Marketplace reporting portal.

From the Iowa State Fair...

Holstein Show

Top dairies competed for honors in the Holstein Dairy Cattle show judged Aug. 10 at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Driftless Region placements are as follows:

Spring Heifer Calf: 2) Fossum Farms, Waterville; 3) Fossum Farms, Waterville; 4) and

8) E & M Farms/LJH Cattle, West Union; 11) Nors Holsteins/ Melaar Ayrshires, Decorah;

14) Mueterthies Dairy, Lawler. Winter Heifer Calf: 3) E & M Farms/LJH Cattle, West Union;

4) Fossum Farms, Waterville; 6)

Z-Breeze Holsteins, Postville; 7) Courtlane Holsteins, Ridgeway;

8) 9) Mitchell Vagts, Calmar; 10)

Z-Breeze, Clermont; 11) Bozland Dairy, Waukon; 12) Mueterthies Dairy, Lawler. Fall Heifer Calf:

2) Fossum Farms, Waterville; 3)

7) Schatz Dairy Farms, Cresco;

preferred.

To apply, send resume to

Box 126 Decorah, Iowa 52101

9) Lyonsview Dairy Farm, West Union; 12) Z-Breeze Holsteins, Postville. Summer Yearling Heifer: 1) Courtlane Holsteins, Ridgeway; 10) Granite Road Dairy, West Union; 12) Wedo-Ehr Cattle, Monona. Spring Yearling Heifer: 2) Nors Holsteins/Melaar Ayrshires, Decorah; 3) Courtlane Holsteins, Ridgeway; 6) Granite Road Dairy, West Union; 7) E & M Farms/LJH Cattle, West Union; 9) Lyonsview Dairy Farm, West Union. Winter Yearling Heifer: 2) Z-Breeze, Clermont. Fall Yrlg. Heifer: 4) 5) Nors Holsteins/ Melaar Ayrshires, Decorah. Junior Best Three Females: 1) Fossum Farms, Waterville; 2) Courtlane Holsteins, Ridgeway.

Summer Junior Two Year Old Cow: 2) Lyonsview Dairy Farm, West Union. Junior Two Year Old Cow: 5) Z-Breeze Holsteins, Postville. Senior Two Year Old Cow: 3) Mueterthies Dairy, Lawler. Senior Three Year Old Cow: 4) SteinRidgeJerseys, Lawler; 6) Nors Holsteins/Melaar Ayrshires, Decorah. Cow Four Years Old: 1) Courtlane Holsteins, Ridgeway. Aged Cow: 2) Mitchell Vagts, Calmar. Best Three and Four Head: 2) Courtlane Holsteins, Ridgeway.

For a complete list of results, visit www.iowastatefair.org

Kids pull big weight at State Fair Young fairgoers pedaled their way to success in the 2023 Hawkeye Pedal Pull held Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Locally, Andrea Schmitt of Fort Atkinson earned second place in the six-year-old girls’ division. For a complete list of results, visit https://tinyurl.com/4tm6wdb3.

Distinctive Eagle Scout project ensures proper U.S. flag disposal

By Kate Klimesh

Boy Scout Owen

Tuveson of Houston, Minn., established a U.S. Flag repository in Houston to ensure proper flag disposal for his Eagle Scout project recently. The repository is located by the Houston branch of the Rushford State Bank and has already seen some steady activity. Tuveson is a senior at Houston High School and spent considerable time this summer on the project – when he wasn’t working at the local grocery store.

Tuveson joined Boy Scouts as soon as he was able in fourth grade, and joining with several of his friends made it even better.

“I was really interested in Boy Scouts due to all the trips and camps they had, and joining Troop 53 in Houston with all my friends, we just had so many adventures together, it’s been great. Now, there’s many of us trying to achieve our Eagle Scout status, since I was going to try also, I needed to figure out what I wanted to do for my project,” said Tuveson.

Tuveson noted he had seen the large number of retired flags coming in for the flag burning ceremony on Flag

Boy Scout Owen Tuveson of Houston, Minn., stands proudly by his Eagle Scout Project: a repository for retired U.S. Flags. With the support of his parents, Chris and Becky, and sister Hannah, in addition to the assistance received by the community for funding and guidance, Tuveson proudly completed the repository for retired flags which sits near Houston’s branch of the Rushford State Bank. (Driftless Multime-

Day, and knew he wanted to somehow alleviate the overwhelming number of flags coming in such a short time.

“The mailbox-style flag repository was meant to be a relief to our Scout Master, who had all these flags dropped off at his house each year. He’s getting older, and this way, he’s not trying to move so many flags all at once. And this way, if you didn’t know any boy scouts to drop the flags off to, you can still dispose of them properly,” Tuveson explained. The project needed an approved location, a repository, a slab foundation and custom signage. When the originally-planned mailbox was too damaged to use, Tuveson ordered a new mailbox and went to businesses, friends and community members to raise the funds needed to purchase it.

“We had two anonymous community donors who really helped push the donations to the goal, and when I discussed the project with the Rushford State Bank manager for placement – well, he has three Eagle Scouts in his family, so he was happy to help,” Tuveson added. He did receive some assistance with the project from his fellow scouts with the foundation and installation, and project advice from his father, Chris Tuveson, and his grand-

Rotary Trail Tours well attended

The Decorah Rotary Club hosted its Trout Run Trail Tour Day on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

This is an annual event gives an opportunity for folks of all ages and abilities to access the trail and to experience the beauty of the entire trail.

Nearly 126 guests came out and filled the available seats for each scheduled trail loop. The weather was glorious, making for comfortable touring and

great scenery for the participants. All enjoyed the tasty barbecue luncheon hosted at the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery pavilion.

Individuals who donated the use of their off-road vehicles and the time to drive included:

Tom Kuennen, John Kerndt, Paul Nichols, Tade Kerndt, Greg Rude, Randy Imoehl, Les Askelson, Dave Meyer and Chris Redenius. Free-will do-

nations received supported the event’s costs for meals, rentals and gas.

Rotary members provided an array of dedicated volunteers for the event, including meal coordination from Dacia Monson, reservation/appointment coordination from Bill Courtney, trail vehicle/driver and 28-E coordination from Mike Huinker and volunteer coordination from Shannon Duncan.

“We also want to recognize the local landowners and trail developers who helped make the trail such a special addition to Decorah and our community,” noted Mike Huinker.

father, Paul Wiste. Chris added, “I didn’t do scouts when I was his age, so I try to volunteer to help the troop as much as I can.”

Owen’s hope is that this can spark other scouts to replicate the project in their own communities.

Owen is now waiting for his Eagle Scout application to be scheduled with the Board of Review, where they will discuss the project, his volunteer hours and several letters of recommendation to determine if he’s met the requirements

for the rank of Eagle Scout. As his senior year starts, he will be staying busy with football, IATA assistance and trap shooting in the spring.

“I’m basically involved in everything I can,” Owen stated. But he will be very ready for his review once it’s scheduled. And, the residents of Houston and the surrounding community will have an always-atthe-ready site for retired flag disposal in their community, thanks to him.

dia photo by Kate Klimesh)

NICC annual Fall Fest Sept. 7

Community members of all ages are invited to the annual Northeast Iowa Community College Fall Fest event Thursday, Sept. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., on NICC Calmar campus.

Fest-goers can enjoy food, music, inflatables, rides and carnival games for kids of all ages. Highlights include the U.S. National Guard rock climbing wall, cotton candy, and the Moo Mobile; the GundersenAir helicopter will also be on-site. Local musician Beau Timmerman will perform at 5:30 p.m.

Dinner includes pulled pork sandwiches and all beef hot dogs, chips, cookies, root beer and water. Free-will donations will be accepted. Tickets for rides and games will be available for purchase The event will held in the center of campus with parking available nearby.

The NICC Calmar campus is located at 1625 Hwy

in Calmar.