September 12, 2023

The reality of being a caregiver

By Kate Klimesh

The hardest part of taking care of someone you love, especially a parent, sibling or spouse, is seeing the change in that person as they go through the natural decline that can come with aging, or suffer through a round of critical, debilitating illness. The biggest part of the sadness that comes from watching this process is two-fold: this is someone you know and love – care for deeply, that has been a part of you, who is now, simply not who they always were. They become frail or forgetful, or suddenly dependent or unsure – simply not the same personality.

One in five Americans are caregivers according to AARP

And this sometimes jarring loss is what caregivers grieve.

Caregivers also grieve because they are powerless to affect any real change against the symptoms and signs that come about as age, illness and infirmity takes hold. Whether over weeks, months or years, they cannot make it better by willing it so, nor by being there extra hours or through countless hours of encouragement and planning.

Behind the pain of grief is the reality of being a caregiver – that one day their loved one’s needs will be beyond what can be given in the current setting. That no matter how hard they work, or how much support they give, their loved one will be in a better place and receive more appropriate care in a more formal setting with medical services and 24-hour care available.

What does this mean? This

Bert

the Mailman hangs up his hat

Decorah’s favorite mail carrier retires after nearly three decades of delivering smiles

By Denise Lana

Locally-known postal worker Bert Lucas has worn a variety of hats throughout his adult life, but none are more recognized than “Bert the Mailman.”

a lot of them I didn’t even know!” Lucas laughed. “Every once in a while, a cop would blow a siren at me!”

Bert’s extended family

means a team will coordinate and work together to provide food, shelter, housing, medical care, daily monitoring, and social, spiritual and emotional support.

These are typically difficult conversations to have with loved ones as it can bring up feelings of guilt and failure.

“They took care of me, but I am unable to meet all their needs.”

According to a 2020 AARP. org study, one in five Americans are caregivers. The average length of time a caregiver spends taking care of a loved one is five years. Many lose their jobs due to caregiving responsibilities and endure financial distress, as well as physical and mental well-being declines.

One in five caregivers suffer their own major health crises, ending their caregiving abilities.

Even those not living with their loved one can feel pulled or distracted by feelings of worry that something will happen – a fall, medication error or scam – or become fatigued by being “on-call” 24 hours a day, or simply from keeping track of and maintaining two separate households.

Caregivers may feel like they’re always watching, observing, checking, double-checking and trying to investigate issues covertly when they can’t recall if medication schedules were kept, or meals were missed, or what the doctor said at the last visit.

It is equally important for any caregiver to remember that their primary goal in providing care is to support the loved one’s independence as much as is possible for them in this new situation.

Caregiving

continued on page 5

Bert Lucas has worn many hats over the years, one of which he’ll retire this week. Bert the Mailman will walk his last route for the USPS Saturday, Sept. 16. TOP- Lucas can be spotted handing out suckers to children on his route. INSET- Lucas had a short stint in the Military. ABOVE- Lucas estimates that he has bought and handed out over 500 gifts, to children on his route in honor of his daughter. (submitted)

The year was 1995. On the back side of his 30s, Lucas, on a whim, applied for a job with the United States Postal Service after seeing an employment ad in the local paper. Lucas was christened a moniker that would stick with him for the next three decades… residents and businesses in Decorah know him simply as “Bert the Mailman.”

Those outside of Decorah might know him under other names and in various capacities, as the mailman held numerous positions before USPS. In his youth, Lucas joined the Army after dropping out of high school and getting his GED, but a medical issue brought his military enlistment to a quick end and he returned to his hometown of Cresco. He managed several convenience stores before purchasing the local redemption center, and 12 years later grew restless and sold the center.

Now, clad in the classic USPS blue postal shorts uniform and carrying an armful of letters and packages, Lucas is the friendly face and tanned lanky frame that can be spotted all over town. With an almost constant barrage of honking horns, waves and greetings shouted from windows and vehicles, Lucas is akin to a friendly celebrity everyone looks forward to seeing each day.

“I’ve had so many people shout at me,

Celebrating Fall Fest at NICC

Over the years, Lucas has seen 109-degree days and -27-degree mornings. According to his calculations, he has walked more than 70,000 miles – 160,312,000 steps – throughout his postal career. True to the unofficial USPS motto, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from swift completion of their appointed rounds,” Lucas has been dependable and steadfast, being sent home from work only one day that he can recall – just short of being sick.

“It was back in 2008 when that terrible flood hit,” he explained. “The water was up to the edge of the dike and the city evacuated everyone north of Water Street, and that included the post office.”

Having traversed the same dedicated mail route in Decorah for 25 years, Lucas shared that he has come to consider many of the familiar townsfolk his extended family.

On two different occasions in 2007, Bert’s close relationships with his residents proved lifesaving. During his route one late summer day, he noticed an older person on his route who waited daily for his arrival, was absent from her post. Noticing she had not picked up the previous day’s delivery, Bert grew concerned, and after contacting her granddaughter, it was discovered that she had fallen, cracking several vertebrae, and was stranded inside her home.

Just three weeks later, Bert’s keen observations paid off when he noticed another resident

Offering a family favorite, cotton candy, as well as a heaping serving of festive bovine-themed spirit are NICC staff (l-r) Kyra Bellrichard, Stephanie Dennler, Kristi Flack and Erin Powers-Dahly. The quartet were tagged and ready to moooo-ve the bags of sweet treats for the Sept. 7 NICC Fall Fest. INSET- Super excited about NICC Fall fest were (l-r) Macie and Chase Meyer, complete with balloon art, and fresh out of one of several bouncy houses available at the event Thursday evening in Calmar. (Driftless Multimedia

photos by Kate Klimesh)

NICC’s Fall Fest in Calmar, held Thursday, Sept. 7, offered fun for every age and background. Pictured right, local law enforcement and first responders collaborated by the display of tractors on campus. (Photo courtesy of Paul Wermers)

LEFT-

year!

ABOVE- Ben Shockey helps Fall Fest attendees into the Gundersen Air medical helicopter, so they can see his ‘office.’ Further down, the WinnMed ambulance was on hand for tours as well.

LEFT- Mariah Fischer takes a brave step at conquering and climbing the rock wall at Fall Fest, with great assistance from members of the National Guard and Army ROTC. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Kate Klimesh)

Camp Ewalu Quilt Auction fundraiser Sept. 16

Camp Ewalu’s 36th Annual Quilt Auction fundraiser will feature a hybrid format, with an online auction Sept. 11-17 and an in-person auction on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the camp’s main site, three miles west of Strawberry Point just off Iowa Highway 3. Proceeds will support the ministries of the Lutheran camp and retreat center.

A full day of activities kick off with a in-person quilt viewing at 9 a.m.; fall plants, fresh produce and baked good sale; devotional service at 11 a.m.; freewill offering noon lunch; and quilt auction with over 200 quilts and handcrafted items at

Camp Ewalu’s 36th Annual Quilt Auction includes over 200 quilts and handcrafted items. (submitted)

1 p.m. There will also be special music, kids’ activities and more. The online auction is open

now until Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. Find the auction link at www.ewalu.org/quilt-auction.

There is no cost to attend the

fundraiser. Attendees should bring a lawn chair.

About Ewalu

Camp Ewalu is a year-round Christian ministry that serves nearly 200 Lutheran congregations in Eastern Iowa with more than 800 youth participating in its summer programs and hundreds more through its Day Camp evangelism programs. The camp also serves 1,500 environmental education students and hundreds more youth and adults who come to renew and grow in their faith throughout the year. Learn more at www.ewalu. org.

Decorah residents Lee and Lynn Figge enjoyed some Moo Mobile shakes. They attend every

Medicare insurance and supplemental insurance

A quick guide to a confusing subject

Medicare insurance and its related products can be quite complicated to navigate and fully understand to make sure the best choices for healthcare coverage are made. There are many different companies offering supplemental insurances to boot, so what’s a newly eligible

person of 65 or older to do?

Below are some quick, broad strokes to better understand which coverage is best for which situations. Hopefully this can take some of the guesswork out of finding the perfect fit for specific needs. For any questions regarding specific poli-

Call for an appointment at 563.382.2911.

cies, contact the insuring company directly.

• Medicare: Federally-funded insurance to cover medical expenses for persons aged 65 and over, certain persons with disabilities or anyone with endstage kidney failure. Several different sections cover a wide variety of health care related costs. A person must enroll in Medicare for it to begin coverage. Does not cover long-term nursing home care or assisted living costs.

• Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance for major medical expenses. Activates coverage by an eligible major health event or illness. Think joint replacement, serious illness or injury that leads to a decline in daily function, or other major surgery. Covers: in-patient hospital care, skilled nursing facility rehabilitation care, hospice care and home health care. The goal here is mainly to pay for services and treatment to restore function if possible. After day 20, the patient will have a co-payment. Each person has up to 100 Medicare-eligible days of service for one particular illness each year, which can reset due to a different health issue, or new episode of treatment.

• Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance for ongoing health care and support services. Coverage includes services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and other equipment) and many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly “wellness” visits).

• Medicare Part D: A drug plan to cover the cost of prescriptions, vaccines and recommended shots to prevent illness. Most drug plans are run by private companies following Medicare-established rules and guidelines.

• Medicare AdvantagePart C: Generally offered by private insurance companies as

an alternative to original Medicare insurance. These plans are purchased in place of being covered by Medicare.

Pros: These plans may have lower cost out-of-pocket than Medicare, but also may not cover the same things. Some Advantage plans also include Part D – drug coverage, dental and vision insurance as well. Read Medicare Advantage plans very carefully and get answers to questions before selecting a package, as some may offer only HMO services within a selected network.

Cons: Many don’t cover across state lines for health care coverage, or may require pre-approval to cover certain drugs or services. Buyer beware, make sure to know exactly what the Medicare Advantage plan will cover and if local providers used accept the insurance before signing up –one size does not fit all. And do keep an eye on the coverage. Some companies may try to talk individuals into switching a PPO policy to an HMO for even lower monthly fees, without fully explaining the fact that individuals may then need to travel up for 60 miles to see an in-network provider who will accept the insurance – or be stuck with quite a bill to pay.

• Medigap Insurance/Medicare Supplement Insurance: Private companies offer this

insurance to pay expenses orig-

inal Medicare insurance coverage doesn’t cover. For instance, these insurances may cost much less than Medicare coverage, but generally cover things like copayments and coinsurance amounts due and deductibles the patient may be responsible for paying privately.

Medigap policies don’t cover these costs for Medicare Advantage Plans, stand-alone Medicare drug plans, group health coverage through an employer, Medicaid coverage, or TRICARE. Plans are listed A through N, and are standardized across the U.S. per letter. Generally, Medigap policies don’t cover long-term nursing home care, vision or dental services, hearing aids, eyeglasses or privateduty nursing costs.

Minnesota Medigap insurance basic plans cannot offer coverage of personal deductibles or usual or customary fees, but these may be available with extended basic plans.

Keep this guide handy when to make Medicare-related insurance decisions. Find more information at medicare.gov.

Note: Medicare will always notify by mail – they will never call on the phone to discuss any coverage through them, or to offer a new line of coverage. When in doubt, just hang up –any official Medicare notice will come in the mail.

Farm transition and estate planning webinars

The University of Minnesota Extension will present four webinars on introductory farm transition and estate planning. Webinars will be held for two hours on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., starting Oct. 4. There is no cost to attendees. Attend one or attend all four sessions.

Topics for each session are as follows:

• Oct. 4: Developing your farm transition goals and assembling your “team”

• Oct. 11: All things tax: gifting, selling and transferring

• Oct. 25: Wills, trusts, ownership titling—what does it all mean?

• Nov. 8: Putting the basics together: estate, retirement, healthcare and business transfer planning

Participants can register at: https://z.umn.edu/farm-transition-and-estate-planning23. For more information, residents in Fillmore and Houston counties can call 507-765-3896 or 507-725-5807.

Walk To End Alzheimer’s

Sept. 16 in Decorah

Community members are invited to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® Saturday, Sept. 16, at Decorah City Hall. Registration begins at 8 a.m., the opening ceremony at 9 a.m., and the walk at 9:15 a.m. There is no fee to register for walk, however, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and ad-

vance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with Promise Garden flowers which signify our solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers – purple, yellow, blue and orange – represent the different reasons why people walk to end this disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association and its volunteers and

walk participants are fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today, for more time, for treatments.

Alzheimer’s research is closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s, but to get there, the Alzheimer’s Association needs Northern Iowa to join them for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

“We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s,” said Walk Manager Christine Hess.

“We hope that everyone in the community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”

More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States.

Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

In Iowa alone, there are more than 66,000 people living with the disease and 98,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk.

We can help you get back on your feet. Whether you need inpatient or outpatient care, Gundersen Tweeten Care Center’s short-term rehabilitation is for people who need care after an illness, surgery or injury to regain strength, mobility and independence—so they can go home safely. Take advantage of quality care close to home with access to rehab services on-site and Gundersen Spring Grove Clinic attached to our building for follow-up medical appointments.

For more information visit our website at gundersenhealth.org/tweeten or call (507) 498-3211.

Assisting in honoring your lost but not forgotten loved ones at their grave sites. Visit our Facebook page to view Floral Arrangement options @SolacedLovedOnes 563-419-6478 solacedlovedones@gmail.com solaced-loved-ones.square.site

Caregiving

Five stages of caregiving

Caregiving is a complex, emotional experience with inherent rewards, risks and roadblocks. A variety of experts and specialists who understand the intricacies of caregiving conceived and refined these stages.

Expectant Caregiving: In this initial stage of caregiving, potential caregivers come to the realization that an ailing loved one can no longer care for themselves entirely. This realization may come from observed behavior, from a medical professional, or a combination of the two.

In some cases, a diagnosis may be a surprise. With it comes feelings of dread and stress surrounding a number of unknown issues, as well as an upset to routine for both the caregiver and loved one.

When a loved one was suddenly told they could no longer drive, it was expected that the caregivers be available to them for shopping, appointments, banking, etc. When physicians would ask if they needed transportation arranged for appointments, the answer was, “No, my family will take me.” This was a simple, yet stressful expectation as the caregiver tried to balance work, family, mental health and caregiving.

It’s of great importance, then, that caregivers educate themselves as much as possible during this stage. Information needed includes (but is not limited to) the severity and prognosis of the ailment, availability of community and peer resources, traditional and non-traditional treatment options, and details regarding the roles and responsibilities of a caregiver.

This is the most important stage for setting boundaries successfully for all involved. Draw clear and mutually understood distinctions as to what is within the loved one’s abilities to perform independently, and what they truly need assistance with. It is also a perfect opportunity to ask the loved one what aspects of daily life are important to them, to best prioritize the support that can be provided.

It is at this point that Assisted Living options may be appropriate for alternate housing, based on recommendations from a physician and financial means.

Freshman Caregiving: The freshman stage includes the first six months or so of caregiving support. As this stage begins, caregivers have moved out of the initial shock and unsettling nature of the first stage and have figured out how to make at-home caregiving work. Continued emotional connection with a loved one as well as a greater quality of life for them are tremendous benefits of the at-home caregiving experience.

As caregivers acquire more knowledge and experience in the role, routines become easier to manage. Some may secure third-party paid care as this stage begins, realizing that they cannot be or aren’t willing to be a caregiver in the capacity needed. Community resources usually enter the picture at this stage as caregivers look for additional support outside of their home. This is typically where home health care and/or in-home services like housekeeping or shopping services are utilized and appropriate, remaining at home.

Entrenched Caregiving: The majority of the caregiving journey is spent in the Entrenched stage. In this third stage, caregivers have established a firm routine for taking care of their loved one. Medications are routinely autoshipped; bills may be handled by autopay or a third party, medical professionals have visits scheduled throughout the month and know the patient’s prognosis well; patients have time for socializing and other activities in a monthly schedule.

Entrenched caregiving can encompass mild, medium or

advanced impairment.

Mild impairment needs little assistance with activities of daily living – cooking, cleaning, walking, socializing and attending recreational activities, but caregivers can help set up systems to ensure success in areas of difficulty. Basic monitoring and frequent communication ensures they stay informed. A log book or journal for keeping track of daily must-dos, medication dispensers with alarms, scheduled time to go through the mail, and a series of notes can be just a few systems that may be helpful.

Medium impairment requires more direct supervision and support as mobility and cognitive function dictates. Caregivers must be organized and ensure there is adequate support for the loved one and for the caregiver, as caregivers may find themselves breaking down physically, mentally and emotionally trying to deal with this all-encompassing endeavor.

Advanced impairment means the loved one needs assistance and supervision around the clock in their home. Patients need help waking up, getting dressed, eating, taking medication, moving from one area to another (if possible), taking a bath and more. If care is continued at the home, a second caregiver may be needed to cover the primary caregiver’s off hours.

This stage can utilize more extensive home health services, or skilled nursing facility services based on the advice of the physician.

Transitional Caregiving: Assisting a loved one to move from one level of care with medical professionals, whether in-home health care around the clock, or into a skilled nursing facility. This is the difficult time when a caregiver may feel self-doubt, guilt and regret. It is important to remember that as a caregiver, you have done what you could to the best of your abilities to provide care and support for the loved one. There is absolutely no need for shame or regret simply because your loved one needs more care than you can provide as an individual.

They say it takes a village to

raise a child, and even in elder care facilities there are teams of staff to provide round-theclock care – it is impossible for one person to be able to meet each and every need 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Know you gave all you could, and be grateful for the time you had together. Know that this transition is in the loved one’s best interest for their well-being.

Death, Rest, Renewal (End of Caregiving): The final stage of caregiving begins with the death of the loved one. This is a time for caregivers to reflect, meditate and share on the experience. Revel in the memories made with a loved one, know they are no longer in pain, no longer bound by their physical ailments and limitations. Caregivers can celebrate the lives of their loved ones, while grieving their loss. They may need to take some time for themselves, to reinvent what they want for their own lives beyond caring for their loved one. What now makes life most worth living?

Many caregivers may experience a level of grief leading up to and following this stage. This is normal and working through your grief, either on your own or with the help of your agency, is a healthy part of moving on.

These stages aren’t concrete examples of what every caregiving experience will be like, but rather signposts revealing the different degrees in which a caregiver can be tried and tested. Each stage has its own issues, appropriate actions and possible outcomes.

The Driftless Region has many resources available to caregivers with a wonderful central resource at Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (visit www.nei3a.org or call 1-800-779-8707). In Minnesota, contact the Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging at semaaa.org or call 507288-6944.

had not collected his mail from the day before. His landlord was contacted by Bert, and upon entering his home, the landlord found them incapacitated from an illness. After receiving emergent care, he recovered, and his doctors attributed Bert with saving his life, as it was discovered he was hours from death due to failing kidneys.

When asked what he has loved about his career, his eyes lit up and he answered with an immediate “the kids.”

“I know everyone’s kids like they are my own!” he proudly decreed, his tanned face stretched in a wide smile. “After work, I love taking kids to get ice cream or pizza. There are kids I used to give suckers when I would see them. Now, those kids are parents and I give suckers to their kids!”

He attributed much of his affection for the kids to his daughter Ashley, who was murdered when she was eight years old in 2001. “My worst year for sure was in 2001,” Lucas shared. “I lost my daughter. But after Ashley passed, I made a promise to her that I would always make kids smile.”

Lucas, who never married or had any other children, stayed true to that promise. Each year, he gave scholarships in Ashley’s honor to members of her class, up until the year they graduated high school. He also devoted himself each year to buying Christmas presents for various children along his mail route. His face, almost permanently etched in a smile, glows as he recalls how he picked out gifts he thought each child would like, and how much fun it was wrapping and personalizing each gift before loading up his truck for his Christmas Eve

“The best times I have ever had is when I am handing out those presents!” he gushed as he flips through pictures on his cell phone, an assortment of smiling littles holding festively wrapped presents. Occasionally Lucas, wearing a red and white

Santa hat, can be seen alongside in the pictures, but he insisted he prefers the attention be on the children’s happy faces. To date, he estimated he has handed out more than 500 gifts, all in honor of his daughter, Ashley.

“I’ve done it so long, I have kids now who see me and ask, ‘Are you gonna bring presents this year?’” Lucas chuckled, adding, “I might not do the Christmas presents anymore after I retire, but I’m sure I’ll come up with something else I can do!”

Hanging up the mailbag

The year is now 2023. Bert the Mailman has turned 65, and although he claimed he doesn’t mentally “feel” his age, his body is singing a different tune.

“I’ve been doing this job for 28 and a half years, and even though it doesn’t seem like it has been that long, my knees can vouch for it!” Lucas exclaimed, again with his familiar cheerful chuckle. “Walking 11 miles a day has really taken a toll on me and I just can’t do it anymore.”

Come this Saturday, Lucas will, for his very last time, wake in the darkness of early morning, suit up in his USPS blue and deliver mail. After handing out the last letter and passing out the remainder of packages, when he clocks out at 3 p.m., Bert the Mailman will officially hang up his mail bag and retire as mail carrier.

When asked what is next on his agenda, Lucas smiled and shrugged. “I am gonna rest my body for a bit,” said Lucas, adding that he wants to relax through the winter before looking for a new venture in the spring. A self-declared homebody, he expressed that he will love having more time to spend on his hobbies. “I love jigsaw

puzzles! I have a hundred of them!” giggled Lucas with a childlike joy. “My 89-year-old mom, Rose, and I are bingo buddies! I take her to bingo in New Hampton every Thursday night!”

Although he is looking forward to some well-earned downtime to rest his knees and work on puzzles, Lucas does want to make sure everyone knows he isn’t going to disappear from his extended family in Decorah.

“I’m certainly gonna miss the customers and my co-workers, and especially the kids,” Lucas said, assuredly, “but I promise, I am gonna be over here in town a

Much of Bert Lucas’s generosity is an effort to honor his late daughter Ashley Lucas (top left). Ashley and her mother Angela Hyke were murdered in 2001. Lucas has devoted himself to bring smiles to the faces of children along his route, buying and delivering Christmas gifts for years.

lot, visiting the kids and taking them for ice cream and pizza!”

Celebrate with a slice

And with pizza in mind, Lucas will celebrate his retirement Saturday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m., at Mabe’s Pizza in Decorah.

In true Bert the Mailman fashion, he is working right up to the last minute. “I finish my last shift around 3 p.m. and then I am headed over to Mabe’s for some pizza! Everybody can come! I will buy 25 or 30 pizzas if I have to! But I do have to make sure the kids get slices of pizza, that’s what’s important.”

Interdisciplinary artist invites community to reconnect with water with public art installation

Lake Meyer Trunk or Treat volunteers sought

Volunteers are needed for the annual Trunk or Treat at Lake Meyer Campground on Saturday, Oct. 14. The free family-friendly event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., and includes trick-or-treating around decorated sites throughout the campground.

Second annual Decorah Gear Exchange supports outdoor recreation Sept. 23-24

Are unused kayaks taking up room in the garage? Are tents and backpacks collecting dust?

Are you storing bikes that are no longer sized correctly for your family? Organizers of the Second Annual Decorah Gear Exchange said now is the time to prepare gently-used outdoor recreation items for the event.

towards the sustainability of the event. Sellers may also donate full proceeds to Decorah Park and Recreation. Unsold items must be picked up on Sunday after the event from 2 to 3 p.m., or they will be donated.

About

Gear Exchange

The community is invited to remember and reconnect with the ancestor water as Lanesboro Arts in Lanesboro, Minn., hosts filmmaker and interdisciplinary performance artist Sequoia Hauck as Artist in Residence Sept. 17-30.

a teacher, water is a guide and water is life.

Residency events

• Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6-7 p.m.

Welcome Potluck for Sequoia Hauck at St. Mane Theatre

• Sunday, Sept. 24, 1-4 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 26: 4-7 p.m.

Community River Installation at Gateway Park

• Friday, Sept. 29, 6-7:30

Sequoia Hauck

During residency, Hauck plans to instate a cloth river installation that will invite the community to remember and reconnect with the ancestor water, offering opportunities to contemplate and explore the personal and collective meanings of water through both conversation and artistic elaboration on the installation.

The notion that water is integral to life is prevalent in almost every indigenous culture and community. Dakhóta peoples have a saying: “Mni Wiconi “(water is life) and Anishinaabe peoples have the same phrase in their language: “Bimaadiziwin Nibi.” For Indigenous peoples water is an ancestor, water is

p.m. Capstone/Work-in-Progress at Gateway Park

About the artist

Sequoia Hauck (they/them) is a Anishinaabe and Hupa filmmaker and interdisciplinary performance artist and director who creates work that explores ways to indigenized the process of art-making. Their work weaves Indigenous epistemologies, queer identity and the exploration/possibilities of Indigenous futurism. They make art surrounding the narratives of continuation and resiliency among their communities. They are a graduate from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a B.A. in American Indian Studies. Hauck has worked on and offstage with organizations such as Aniccha Arts, Art

Shanty Projects, Exposed Brick Theatre, The Jungle Theater, Māoriland Film Festival, An Opera Theatre (AOT), Pangea World Theater, Patrick’s Cabaret, Poetry and Pie, Rosy Simas Danse, The Southern Theater, Taja Will Ensemble and Turtle Theater Collective. Hauck is a 2023 Jerome Hill Artist Fellow and First Peoples Fund Cultural Capital Fellow as well as an Aniccha Arts Artistic Associate. www.sequoiahauck.com

For more information, visit lanesboroarts.org or call 507467-2446.

Volunteers can help out as a campsite host by decorating a site and distributing candy to trick-or-treaters. Those decorating campsites and distributing candy will receive one free night of camping the evening of Oct. 14, though camping is not required to decorate a site. Reservations for campsite hosts must be made in advance.

Additionally, volunteers are needed to help set up displays, assist with traffic control, and welcome guests at the campground shelter. Those interested should email event coordinator Hanna Schmitt at education@winneshiekwild.com or call 563-534-7145.

The gear exchange will be held at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., 207 College Drive in Decorah, Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 24, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Free, volunteer-guided trail activities will also be offered throughout the weekend. Find more information about selling, buying and exploring at visitdecorah.com/decorahgearexchange.

Those looking to sell unneeded outdoor gear can drop off items at Pulpit Rock front event room on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., or Friday, Sept. 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. All items must be brought to one of the gear drop-off times.

The seller will set the price or can take the advice of coordinators. If an item sells, the seller will receive 60 percent of the sale price, 20 percent will benefit Decorah Parks and Recreation and 20 percent will go

The Decorah Gear Exchange aims to help individuals sell and buy gently used outdoor recreation items, explore outdoor recreation opportunities in the Decorah area as well as support Decorah Park and Recreation projects. This event will allow individuals to sell and/or buy new or gently-used outdoor gear such as kayaks, canoes, tents, backpacks, fishing gear, bicycles, skis, lifejackets, car racks, camp stoves and more. No firearms or weapons will be accepted.

Proceeds will benefit Decorah Parks and Recreation, further expanding recreational opportunities and resources in the Decorah area.

The Decorah Gear Exchange is the product of a collaboration between The Getup, Decorah Hatchery, Decorah Parks and Recreation, Driftless Outdoors, Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities and Visit Decorah.

Photo of cloth river at Northern Spark Festival. (photo courtesy Giselle Calderón)

‘Be The Match’ sampling offered

This summer, Veterans Memorial Hospital offered “Be the Match” stem cell sampling at all area special events. Now the hospital laboratory will offer that same service every day, Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., for those ages 1840 who wish to participate and possibly save a life.

Author talk at Effigy Mounds

“Be the Match” connects patients with life-threatening blood cancers and diseases like sickle cell with a matching donor for blood stem cell transplants. Patients and their families are provided with oneon-one support, education and guidance through the transplant process, improving patient outcomes. Many patients and their families count on drives like this to find their match.

“Be the Match” stem cell sampling is quick, easy and painless using a cheek swab for sampling. For more information, call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Laboratory at 563568-3411.

Jams

Dillon Harris Music

Thursday, Sept.14, 4-7pm

Postville Farmer’s Market

Palamino Band and Sister Luv

Steven Schroeder

Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.

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

PIVO Brewery, Calmar

Toppling Goliath, Decorah

HARVEST

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

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.

Toppling Goliath, Decorah

Jake Manders

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

Toppling Goliath, Decorah

IN BOLD.

Sept. 16

Author Lori Erickson will give a presentation Saturday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m., at Effigy Mounds highlighting her new book which features the Effigy Mounds National Monument.

Jams

Erickson is one of America’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys. Her newest book, “Every Step is Home: A Spiritual Geography From Appalachia to Alaska,” features spiritual sites and experiences in the United States – from the California redwoods and New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon to Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. Each chapter is a reflection on a different element or theme,

including sacred water, sacred air, sacred caves and sacred fire. She will talk about what she discovered in her travels to remarkable American wonders, including Effigy Mounds.

Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, including some in the shape of animals. The monument is located three miles north of Marquette and 22 miles south of Waukon on Highway 76. For more information, call 563-873-3491 ext. 123, visit www.nps.gov/effigymounds or www.facebook.com/ EffigyMounds.

JOANNE HALVERSON, 80, of Decorah and formerly of Mabel, Minn., died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at WinnMed in Decorah. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m., at the St. Olaf Catholic Church in Mabel. Burial will be in the Scheie North Cemetery in rural Mabel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

ROBERT KLIMESH, 89, of Fort Atkinson, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 11:30 a.m., at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Rev. Daniel Knipper presiding. There will be full military rites following the service. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:15 a.m., at the Helms Funeral Home Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson prior to the service Tuesday.

Fall is here, and at harvest time, quality counts, from the crops themselves to the equipment you’re using to bring them in. Fendt® Vario® high-horsepower tractors are the bold choice, from their brilliant engineering to their unbeatable performance. Expertly designed with serious farmers like you in mind, the Vario lineup marries incredible power with superior fuel economy and cutting-edge technology. The result? A lineup of tractors that just get the job done better, faster and easier. Come see for yourself when you stop in to Ziegler Ag Equipment to learn more about the Fendt Vario tractor and see the full Fendt lineup.

Experience the Fendt difference today at your nearest Ziegler Ag location.

Pancakes on the Patio fairgrounds fundraiser Sept. 17

A pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds on Sunday, Sept. 17.

“Pancakes on the Patio” will be held rain or shine at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Community Building from 8 a.m. to noon.

The meal will consist of pancakes, scrambled eggs, break-

Iowa Hunters Education Field Day and youth pheasant hunt

fast sausage, cheese curds, milk, orange juice and coffee. Free will donations will be accepted and carry-outs will be available.

All proceeds from the breakfast will go toward fairgrounds capital improvements, including improvements to the grandstand/grandstand roof and youth livestock facilities.

The Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Mississippi Valley Sportsman Club are hosting Hunters Education Field Day Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Mississippi Valley Sportsman Club from 8:30 to 11.30 a.m. The Mississippi Valley Sportsman’s Club is located at 1797 Columbus Road in Lansing.

Field day

The field day course will complete the Online Hunter’s Education requirements for those ages 17 and younger. Attendees must bring a certificate of completion of the online Iowa Hunters Education Course to participate in the field day. Dress accordingly as many events are outside.

To register for field day, visit https://tinyurl.com/4jw5v2ny.

The event is limited to 20 students. For more information on Hunters Education Field Day, contact the Allamakee County Conservation Board at 563538-0402.

Pheasant hunt

Allamakee County Pheasants

Forever and the Mississippi Valley Sportsman Club are hosting a free youth pheasant hunt after Hunters Education Field Day is

finished. A separate registration is required to attend. Participants in the youth pheasant hunt may bring their own firearm, or one can be provided to them. Lunch and ammunition will be provided to all participants in the youth pheasant hunt.

For more information or to register for the youth pheasant hunt, contact Dan Halverson at 563-419-5472.

1. Simply write in the team you think will win in each of the 14 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 4:30 p.m. Friday or submitted online by 2 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

Decorah.

Decorah tops Cadets 34-6

“It was a very physical game and in rivalry games like this, you cannot overlook anybody and our team did not do that.

We are happy to get the win. They made many great plays and we were able to make a few more,” said Viking head football coach Pat Trewin following Decorah’s win 34-6 over Crestwood Friday night.

How it went

The Vikings put together a solid game with four rushing touchdowns and an interception return.

Decorah struck for three scores in the first quarter with Tommy Sexton capping off the opening possession with a six yards out to finish the 10-play 67-yard drive. After kicking off to the Cadets, Gavin Groux grabbed an 18-yard pick-six to put Decorah on top 14-0. Dakota Johnson also scored in the opening quarter on a three-yard scamper and a 20-0 Viking lead.

Jeron Feuerhelm added to the Viking advantage with a twoyard dive over the goal line in the second for a 27-0 halftime lead.

A scoreless third quarter followed the break. Johnson broke away from the line and was off to the house for a 76-yard touchdown run to conclude the Vikings scoring in fourth period. It was late in the final quarter before the Cadets put their lone points on the board.

A numbers game

Offensive yards were nearly even for the two NEIC squads with Decorah piling up 295 to Crestwood’s 284.

“Our line play improved, especially along the defensive front. Also, with their blitzing, they were able to blow up a few plays, but we picked things up better than the previous two weeks,” said Coach Trewin.

Johnson led the team in rushing with 146 yards on 16 carries. Sexton was 8-for-14 for 69 yards passing and had another 41 yards rushing on 14 carries.

On defense, Gatlin Dahlberg led the way with four solo tackles and three assists, along with one sack and one interception.

William Hahn had five solo

stops and two assists while Trevor Kuennen tallied four solo tackles and two assists.

On the road Friday

This week Decorah plays a talented Independence team on the road Friday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m.

“They have video game-like numbers. They had a tough game against Waukon and will be hungry to get on the winning track at home. Independence is an exciting place to play with music, smoke and that horse running across the field. We will need to be steady,” noted Coach Trewin.

Scoring sequence

1st Quarter

Decorah – Tommy Sexton 6-yd. run (Brayden Wemark PAT)

Decorah – Gavin Groux 18-yd.

interception (Wemark PAT)

Decorah – Dakota Johnson 3-yd run (PAT failed)

2nd Quarter

Decorah – Jeron Feuerhelm 2-yd. run (Wemark PAT)

3rd Quarter None

4th Quarter

Decorah – Johnson 76-yd. run (Wemark PAT)

Crestwood – Dylan Shelton 5-yd. run (2-pt. pass failed)

Game stats

Total yards: Decorah 295; Crestwood 284

Passing (comp/att/yds): Tommy

Sexton (8-14, 69 yds., 2 INT)

Rushing (att/yds): Gavin Groux

(2-9); Jeron Feuerhelm (4-33, 1 TD); Dakota Johnson (16-146, 2 TD); Sexton (14-41, 1 TD); Louis

Bucksa (1-(-2)

Receiving (att/yds/TD): Brady

Benzing (4-39); Noah Milburn (2-

12); Jackson Pipho (3-10); Creed

Monroe (1-0)

Tackles (solo/assist): Benzing

(4-1); Groux (1-0); Feuerhelm (3-

3); Johnson (0-1); Monroe (2-1); Gatlin Dahlberg (4-3); Carter Dlhy (3-1); Cade Averhoff (2-0); Trevor

Kuennen (4-2); Andrew Rhodes (2-0); Bradan Darling (0-2); Brody Hanson (1-1); Kadin Remick (2-1); Brady Bohner (0-2); Keaton Orris (3-1); William Hahn (5-2); Pipho (2-

1); Caleb Krieg (2-1); Kelley Gates (3-1); Milburn (3-0)

Interceptions (no/return yds):

Groux (1-18, 1 TD); Dahlberg (1-14)

Punts (att/yds): Milburn (2-72)

Punt returns (att/yds): Groux (127); Quandahl (1-21)

Kick-offs (att/yds): Brayden

Wemark (6-312)

Kick-off returns (att/yds):

Groux (2-30)

TV offense nearly doubles WC

The Turkey Valley football team (2-1, 1-0) showed some offensive prowess Friday night, nearly shutting out West Central (1-2, 1-1) on the road, 50-7.

It was less than three minutes into the contest when Trojan quarterback Logan Busta hit fellow sophomore JD Kruse in stride for a 23-yard touchdown pass. Oliver Schmitt did his thing just over four minutes later, rushing four eight yards into the end zone to give the Red and White a 14-0 lead with 5:33 to play in the opening period.

Turkey Valley was back in the end zone at the 9:12 mark in the second quarter when Schmitt found a smidge of daylight to pound the pigskin in from the 1-yard line. After keeping the Blue Devils on their own side of the field for much of the first half, the Trojan offense wasn’t letting up either. L. Busta connected for a second time with JD Kruse, with 6:33 to play before the half. This time it was a 37-yard touchdown strike. On its next possession, West Central began to put a drive together until a ball carrier coughed up the ball at the WC 39-yard line with Russell Nieman securing the fumble recovery. With 24 ticks on the clock, the Trojans didn’t have much time, but they also didn’t need it as Schmitt took a snap and sent the pigskin sailing to JD Kruse for a 39-yard gain. This time it was Burke Busta hauling in a touchdown pass with six seconds remaining to give TV a 36-0 halftime lead.

With continuous clock running in the second half, neither team could make the final move over the goal line in the third; however, TV added two more scores in the fourth. Once on a 20-yard run by B. Busta and a 38-yard carry by freshman Kaden Schmidt.

In total, the Trojans rushed for 276 yards. They added 130 yards through the air.

“We played better defensively than the previous week and we continue to improve and get more versatile on offense,” said Coach Mark Scott.

Individuals

Schmitt did the bulk of the damage on the ground, carrying the ball 20 times for 120 yards.

B. Busta had 11 carries for 92 yards. L. Busta completed 4-of-

Too big to stop; Warriors’ plans foiled by Wapsie Valley

For the third straight season, the South Winn football team (0-3, 0-3) wasn’t able to match Wapsie Valley (2-1, 1-0) in size and speed, dropping Friday’s contest, 27-0, on the road.

ceivers twice for 17 yards. Carson Streeter hauled in two of those passes for 21 yards, with Brody Tieskoetter and Ohrt each having one reception.

5 passes for 91 yards.

On defense, B. Busta had 10 solo stops with Hunter Kruse coming up with seven solo tackles. Caleb Kurtenbach added another six solo takedowns with L. Busta and JD Kruse each finishing with five solo tackles.

Handling kicking duties for the Trojans, Schmitt had six kick-offs for 225 yards including one touchback, while Jordan Kriener had a pair of kickoffs for 81 yards.

Homecoming Friday

The Trojans will square off with Central Elkader Friday as Turkey Valley celebrates homecoming. Kick-off is set for 7

Scoring sequence

1st Quarter

TV – Logan Busta 23-yd. pass to JD Kruse (L. Busta 2-pt. pass to Oliver Schmitt)

TV – Schmitt 8-yd. pass (2-pt. pass failed)

2nd Quarter

TV – Schmitt 1-yd. pass (Burke Busta 2-pt. run)

TV – L. Busta 37-yd. pass to JD

Kruse (Schmitt 2-pt. run)

TV – L. Busta 20-yd. pass to B. Busta (2-pt. pass failed)

3rd Quarter

None

4th Quarter

TV – B. Busta 20-yd. run (L. Busta 2-pt. pass to B. Busta)

WC – 3-yd. run (PAT)

TV – Kaden Schmidt 38-yd. run (2-pt. run failed)

Game stats

Total yards: Turkey Valley 406; West Central 207

Passing (comp/att/yds): Logan

Busta (4-5, 91 yds., 3 TD); Oliver Schmitt (1-1, 39 yds.)

Rushing (att/yds): Schmitt (20120, 2 TD); Burke Busta (11-92, 1 TD); Kaden Schmidt (2-39, 1 TD); L. Busta (2-16); Treyton Franzen (2-6); Cale Langreck (1-3)

Receiving (att/yds/TD): JD

Kruse (3-99, 2 TD); B. Busta (2-31, 1 TD)

Tackles (total): B. Busta (14.5); Caleb Kurtenbach (7.5); Hunter Kruse (7.5); L. Busta (6.5); JD Kruse (6.0); Schmitt (5.5); Russell Nieman (5.0); Braylen Byrne (4.0); Jordan Kriener (3.5); Franzen (1.0); Tucker Reicks (1.0); Mitchell Kriener (1.0); Schmidt (1.0)

Interceptions (no/return yds): JD Kruse (1-0)

Fumble recoveries: Nieman 1

Punts returns (att/yds): Schmitt (1-8)

Kick-offs (att/yds): Schmitt (6225, 1 TB); J. Kriener (2-81)

Kick-off returns (att/yds): Schmitt (1-28); Kurtenbach (1-13)

Area high school and colllege football standings

“Our kids performed with a solid effort. We had a hard time managing Wapsie Valley’s team speed, especially in the second half,” said Coach Jason Ohrt. “We had our chances to put us in a good position offensively in the first half but couldn’t convert. I couldn’t be happier with how our special teams units played. Coach Izer did a great job of putting in a punt block scheme this week and Aiden Feickert executed his assignment well, blocking two punts.”

Tale of the game

Wapsie Valley nearly controlled the tempo of Friday’s contest from start to finish. South Winn was able to hold the home team in the first quarter before Wapsie Valley put on the jets, rushing for 17-yard and 30-yard touchdowns.

The Black and Gold Warriors went back to the ground game in the third, putting up another two rushing touchdowns, one for 60 yards and one for 13 yards.

A numbers game

Wapsie Valley picked up 286 yards rushing and 91 yards through the air.

South Winn had 214 yards on the ground and 41 passing.

Leading the rushing attack was Kyle Kuboushek with 126 yards on 23 carries. Nolan Sabelka had 64 yards on seven carries with Brady Ohrt rounding out the rushing attack with 12 carries for 33 yards.

Ohrt had 24 yards passing on two completed passes. Braiden Todd also connected with re-

The defense was led by Streeter. He had five solo stops and one assist. Todd was there for three solo tackles, while Kuboushek had three solo stops.

Up next

night, Sept. 15, the Warriors will be on the road again at Newman Catholic at 7 p.m.

Todd (2-7, 17 yds.); Brady Ohrt (2-8, 24 yds., 2 INT) Rushing (att/yds): Kyle Kuboushek (23-126); Nolan Sabelka (7-64); Ohrt (12-33)

Receiving (att/yds/TD): Carson

Streeter (2-21); Brody Tieskoetter (1-14); Ohrt (1-6)

Tackles (total): Streeter (5.5); Todd (5.0); Kuboushek (4.5); Cody Meyer (4.0); Ohrt (3.5); Sabelka (3.0); Eric Kriener (3.0);

B. Tieskoetter (2.0); Tristen

Bodensteiner (1.5); Logan

Tieskoetter (1.0); Aiden Feickert (1.0); Evan Monroe (1.0); Shayde

Wermers (1.0)

Fumble recoveries: Todd 1

Punts (att/yds): Streeter (3-129)

Punt returns (att/yds): Streeter (1-2)

Kick-offs (att/yds): Streeter (160, 1 TB)

Kick-off returns (att/yds):

Streeter (3-49); Sabelka (1-8)

Warriors third on Jesup courts

Following a week hiatus from competition, the South Winn volleyball team (5-7) returned to action on Saturday at the Jesup Tournament. The Warriors finished third in the six-team round robin tournament going 3-2 on the day.

In the first match of the day, the Warriors had a 15-11 lead over North Linn in the first set, but couldn’t maintain their lead, eventually falling 21-18 and then suffered a second loss, 218.

South Winn rebounded with three straight wins, two over conference opponents, to put themselves in a position to tie for a tournament championship.

The Warriors defeated Alburnett (0-8) by a pair of 21-16 sets, West Central (0-5) in two sets of 21-12 and won over Central Elkader (1-12) 21-9 and 21-11. Jesup (4-8) spoiled the title bid as the host, just edging the Warriors in set one and going on for the match win in two sets, 22-20 and 21-10.

“This is a great tournament

for us for several reasons. Playing five matches allows us to look at some different personnel and settle on some lineups going into conference play. We were also able to preview a couple conference opponents that we will see in the coming weeks. Our girls had many bright spots on the day and worked through some things on the floor that we could see we needed to address,” said Coach Alex Smith.

For the day, the Warriors had 55 kills, 47 assists, 18 total blocks (4 solo, 14 assist), 98 digs, 33 aces and served 152for-173. Individual stats from each match are available to view at www.driftlessjournal.com.

South Winn opens its UIC season at Turkey Valley Tuesday, Sept. 12, in a battle of the southern Winneshiek County teams. Thursday, Sept. 14, the Warriors host MFL MarMac in another UIC matchup and finish the week at the Nashua-Plainfield tournament Saturday, Sept. 16.

Coming up in varsity sports

Bosco,

Eric Kriener (5), Kyle Kuboushek (8) and Evan Monroe (66) converge on a Wapsie Valley rusher for a takedown Friday. (Photo courtesy of Cathy Sabelka)

Trojan senior Burke Busta (right) carries the pigskin as the Turkey Valley offense looks to make critical blocks on West Central Thursday. Pictured with B. Busta is Oliver Schmitt (22), Caleb Kurtenbach (5), Hunter Kruse (51) and Logan Busta (1). (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

Decorah’s Creed Monroe (14) waits for the ball to come as a Cadet defender looks to break up a pass. (Photo courtesy of Nate Troy/Cresco Times Plain Dealer)

Vikings stopped by Mustangs

Finishing up the week on the road Thursday, the Decorah volleyball team (6-4, 1-0 NEIC) stumbled at Independence (66), with a 3-1 loss. Set scores were 11-25, 25-22, 12-25 and 10-25.

“Independence is the best team we have played to this date. Unfortunately, our inexperience showed,” said Coach Gina Holthaus. “The girls were disappointed about their play as they know they are capable of more. We will get back at it in order to get ready for Waverly on Tuesday. We knew we were going to have these breakdowns early, as long as we continue to learn from them we will be better in the end.”

The Vikes tallied 19 kills on 118 attack attempts, 17 assists, 56 digs, seven total blocks and served 51-for-57.

McKinley Massman provided five kills, five digs and served 10-for-12, while Leah Holland provided another five kills, seven digs and was 6-for-6 from the service line. Maddy Fromm dished out 10 assists to go with

eight digs, three kills and an 8-for-9 serving performance.

Defensively it was Ellie Rolfs and Sara Johanningmeier leading the way in the back row with 12 and 10 digs, respectively. Brooklyn Fromm was a force at the net with four solo blocks.

The Vikings return to NEIC action Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7:15 p.m., as they host WaverlyShell Rock in their lone match of the week.

Stats vs. Independence

Kills – McKinley Massman 5; Leah Holland 5; Maddy Fromm 3; Kelby Kerndt 2; Brooklyn Fromm 2; Olivia Christopher 1; Dylin Thompson 1 Assists – M. Fromm 10; Thompson 7 Blocks (assist-solo) – B. Fromm (0-4); Holland (1-1); Massman (1-0)

Digs – Ellie Rolfs 12; Sara

Johanningmeier 10; M. Fromm 8; Holland 7; Thompson 7; Massman 5; Kerndt 4; Ava Holthaus 2; Christopher 1 Serving (success/attempts)

Rolfs (8-8); Massman (10-12); Holland (6-6); Lydia Frank (2-2); Thompson (7-9); Holthaus (1-1); Johanningmeier (9-10); M. Fromm (8-9) Aces – Rolfs 1

Week 3 cross country rankings

Boys’ team rankings

Class 4A – 1. Cedar Falls; 2. Johnston; 3. Dowling Catholic; 4. Norwalk; 5. West Des Moines Valley; 6. Urbandale; 7. Waukee Northwest; 8. Ankeny; 9. Dubuque Hempstead; 10. Cedar Rapids Kennedy; 11. Pleasant Valley; 12. Dallas Center-Grimes; 13. Iowa City Liberty; 14. Dubuque Senior; 15. Ankeny Centennial; 16. Cedar Rapids Prairie; 17. Indianola; 18. Bettendorf; 19. Linn-Mar; 20. Waukee

Class 3A – 1. Pella; 2. Gilbert; 3. Lewis Central; 4. Mount Vernon-Lisbon; 5. Carlisle; 6. Winterset; 7. Washington; 8. Glenwood; 9. Solon; 10. Clear Creek-Amana; 11. Central DeWitt; 12. ADM; 13. Sioux Center; 14. MOCFloyd Valley; 15. Center Point-Urbana; 16. South Tama; 17. Marion; 18. North Polk; 19. Fort Madison; 20. Nevada

Class 2A – 1. Des Moines Christian; 2. Mediapolis; 3. Okoboji; 4. MidPrairie; 5. Waukon; 6. Chariton; 7. Denver; 8. Oelwein; 9. Clarinda; 10. Williamsburg; 11. Tipton; 12. Spirit Lake; 13. Pella Christian; 14. Forest City; 15. Garner-Hayfield-Ventura; 16. Jesup; 17. Sioux Central; 18. Monticello; 19. East Marshall; 20. Albia

Class 1A – 1. ACGC; 2. Woodbine; 3. Ogden; 4. Lake Mills; 5. Bellevue; 6. Madrid; 7. Council Bluffs St. Albert’s; 8. Pekin; 9. Earlham; 10. Grundy Center; 11. IKM-Manning; 12. Martensdale-St. Mary’s; 13. Danville; 14. Iowa City Regina; 15. Fort Dodge St. Edmond; 16. Sibley-Ocheyedan; 17. Beckman Catholic; 18. Tri-Center Neola; 19. Missouri Valley; 20. Van Buren County

Girls’ team rankings

Class 4A – 1. Johnston; 2. Dubuque Hempstead; 3. Pleasant Valley; 4. Dubuque Senior; 5. Ankeny; 6. Ankeny Centennial; 7. West Des Moines Valley; 8. Waukee; 9. Ames; 10. Iowa City City High; 11. Dallas CenterGrimes; 12. Waukee Northwest; 13. Indianola; 14. Dowling Catholic; 15. Cedar Falls; 16. Southeast Polk; 17. Linn-Mar; 18. Cedar Rapids Prairie; 19. Iowa City Liberty; 20. Iowa City West

Class 3A – 1. Pella; 2. Gilbert; 3. Ballard; 4. ADM; 5. Clear Creek-Amana; 6. Mount Vernon-Lisbon; 7. Solon; 8. Glenwood; 9. Harlan; 10. Bishop Heelan; 11. Center Point-Urbana; 12. Clear Lake; 13. Washington; 14. Marion; 15. MOC-Floyd Valley; 16. Waverly-Shell Rock; 17. Sioux Center; 18. Atlantic; 19. Lewis Central; 20. Davenport Assumption

Class 2A – 1. Mid-Prairie; 2. Albia; 3. Monticello; 4. Denver; 5. Tipton; 6. Unity Christian; 7. Sumner-Fredericksburg; 8. Des Moines Christian; 9. Van Meter; 10. Hudson; 11. Sioux Central; 12. Clarinda; 13. Jesup; 14. Union (LaPorte City); 15. Okoboji; 16. Cherokee; 17. Williamsburg; 18. George Little Rock-Central Lyon; 19. Forest City; 20. Pella Christian

Class 1A – 1. Earlham; 2. Madrid; 3. Beckman Catholic; 4. North Linn;

5. Alta-Aurelia; 6. St. Edmond; 7. South Winn; 8. Iowa City Regina; 9. Pekin; 10. Martensdale-St. Mary’s; 11. Woodbine; 12. Central Decatur; 13. AHSTW; 14. Collins Maxwell; 15. Grandview Christian; 16. Logan-Magnolia; 17. ACGC; 18. Boyer Valley; 19. Grundy Center; 20. Central Springs

Bucksa wins gold, silver and bronze at Wahawk invite

Wahawk Invite team scores

1. Waterloo West 341; 2. Grinnell 256; 3. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 237; 4. Decorah 169; 5. Williamsburg 153; 6. Ottumwa 143; 7. VintonShellsburg 61; 8. Keokuk 14

The Decorah girls swim and dive team weren’t deterred by the level of competition at the Wahawk Invite hosted by Waterloo West Saturday, including Liz Bucksa. The freshman came home with individual gold and silver, along with a bronze in a relay.

“Overall, the swimmers performed well and the girls had several personal best times after a hard week of swimming yard volume,” said Coach Loran Storts.

After the results of the 12heat 50-yard freestyle were sorted, it was Bucksa with the top time of 26.54 seconds. In the 100-yard breaststroke, the freshman was a close second

in 1:14.99. She also anchored the 200-yard medley relay to bronze. Sydney Thompson, Brenna Parker and Isabella Sailor joined forces with Bucksa for a time of 2:04.54.

Sailor and Joey Vobr also had a stellar individual performances with a fourth-place finishes.

In 1:09.78, Sailor finished the 100-yard butterfly, while Vobr endured the longest race — the 500-yard freestyle — to a time of 6:26.39.

Tuesday, Sept. 12, the Vikes will be in action at Cedar Rapids Kennedy beginning at 6 p.m. Varsity

RIGHT: Brenna Parker glides through the water with ease as a member of Decorah’s 200-medley relay at the Wahawk Invite Saturday. Combining talents were Parker with Sydney Thompson, Isabella Sailor and Liz Bucksa to finish third. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

Stiff competition at Luther’s All-American Race

Girls’ varsity team results (Top 15)

1. Dubuque Senior 79; 2. Prior Lake 92; 3. Iowa City City High 102; 4. Dubuque Hempstead 137;

5. Blake School 212; 6. Rochester Century 246; 7. Linn-Mar 255;

8. Bloomington Jefferson 289; 9. Mason City 296; 10. West Salem 340; 11. Decorah 376; 12. Iowa City Regina 386; 13. Champlin Park 423; 14. Pine Island 441; 15. South Winn 466 Boys’

field a team score with just four runners competing. In JV action, Decorah took eighth in the girls’ race with 204 points, while the boys’ finished third with 108 points. Full JV results will be posted online at www.driftlessjournal.com.

Turkey Valley’s Kinsey Reicks makes contact for a attack attempt at the Crestwood tournament Saturday. The Trojans went 1-2 for the day falling to Lisbon 11-21 and 17-21, defeating North Fayette Valley 21-11, 15-21 and 15-13 and finished against Waukon, losing 13-21 and 19-21. (Photo courtesy of Nate Troy/Cresco Times Plain Dealer)

Teams from throughout the Midwest met on the Luther College campus Saturday competing in the area’s largest cross country meet of the season. With 376 points, the Viking girls finished 11th in the team standings, posted a 3:00 spread and average time of 21:47. It was a spread of 52 seconds with an average time of 18:05 for the Decorah boys in their 15th place finish in the field of 32 teams.

The South Winn girls put up a valiant effort in the varsity race with an average time of 22:27 and spread of 1:12 to earn 15th place with 466 points.

Turkey Valley did not have enough harriers in any race to

Leading Decorah Decorah sophomore Amelia Roe was among the leaders throughout Saturday’s varsity girls’ race, finishing ninth overall in 19:27.90. Olivia Volkmann was the second Viking girl to cross the finish line. The freshman earned 88th place in 22:09.60. Touring the 5K course in 22:24.90 was Lily Sandhorst in 99th place with Ana Simon not too far back in 101st place with a time of 22:25.20. Rounding out the team score for Decorah in 105th with a time of 22:28.80 was senior Brynn Storhoff. Other girls running the varsity 5K were Deborah Hougen (125th, 22:49.20), Danielle Losen (130th, 23:09.00); Amelia Wadsworth (134th, 23:11.70), Brinlee Courtney (158th, 23:54.90) and Kamryn Steines (174th, 24:15.10).

For the boys it was Garrett See leading the Vikes to the finish line in 17:39.50, to claim 59th place. Grant Zilka stopped the clock at 18:00.20, to earn the 80th spot. Senior Henry Weis picked up 83rd place with a time of 18:03.70,

followed by Thomas Hammel in 91st. Hammel posted a time of 18:11.90. Finishing up the Viking scorecard in 110th place was Oliver Bollinger with a time of 18:32.10. Landyn Hook (136th, 19:00.10) and Keaton Nalean-Carlson (148th, 19:10.70) also competed in the varsity race for Decorah.

South Winn trailblazers

Posting a time of 21:57.70, freshman Annie Hageman was the first South Winn harrier to stop the clock and claimed 77th place. Josie Tieskoetter, a senior, was on her heels and finished in 21:59.70, good for 79th place. Rounding out the top trio for the Warriors was another freshman, Ava Franzen, who finished her 5K run in 22:06.00 to earn 84th place. Touring the course in 23:03.40, Karissa Wenthold grabbed 128th place with Maddy Jansen rounding out the scorecard in 131st place in 23:10.40. Izzy Kuboushek also ran in the varsity race and finished in 24:11.80, good for 171st place.

The Warrior boys did not fill a varsity squad, but instead ran their normal runners in the junior varsity race. Setting the pace for South Winn was Abe Conway. The senior stopped the clock at 18:47.50, good for 25th place. Brad Dahl’s time of 19:15.50, earned the sophomore 43rd place with Bo Wangs-

ness crossing the finish line in 20:39.10 to take 94th place. Brennan Franzen finished the course in 227th place in 23:08.80 with Diego Flores concluding the team score in 234th place with a time of 23:26.70. Others competing for South Winn were Eli Higgins (244th, 23:43.50), Max Moonen (268th, 24:22.40) and Brady Lensing (289th 26:15.30).

Trojan harriers

Russell Nieman competed in the boys’ varsity and stopped the clock at 19:19.20 to take 155th place, while Bode Balk posted a time of 21:20.80 in the junior varsity boys race, bringing home 144th place overall. Avery Franzen also competed in the JV boys’ race, finishing in 24:28.50 and finished 270th Freshman Hazel Nieman represented the Trojan girls’ team for the day, competing in the junior varsity race. She galloped around the course to a time of 24:22.30, good for 72nd place.

Coming up Turkey Valley will be back in action at Starmont Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m. Both Decorah and South Winn will compete in different locations Thursday, Sept. 14. The Vikes will be at Cedar Falls at 4:30 p.m., while the Warriors will travel to Central Elkader for a 4:30 p.m. start.

ABOVE LEFT: Freshman Liz Bucksa was a force in the water Saturday, finishing with gold in the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke and was part of the bronze winning 200-medley relay. ABOVE RIGHT: Isabella Sailor powers through the water in the butterfly leg of Decorah’s third-place 200-medley relay in Waterloo Saturday. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Becky Walz)

Among those racing at the All-American Race Saturday were (l-r) Decorah’s Amelia Roe, Brynn Storhoff, Garrett See, Henry Weis, along with South Winn’s Maddy Jansen and Izzy Kuboushek. (Photos courtesy of William Connor and Tami Brincks)

AUCTION CALENDAR

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. 563-5682464.

NOW HIRING

Assistant Director (Part Time)

The Decorah Food Pantry is seeking a part-time Assistant Director. The Assistant works closely with the Director and the volunteers who keep the pantry running.

REQUIREMENTS: This leadership position requires compassion, organization, creative thinking, some computer skills, and effective time-management. The position averages 20 hours per week and includes regular physical activity.

BENEFITS: We offer a competitive salary, a flexible schedule, paid time off, and rewarding work with a great team of coworkers and volunteers.

TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to jobs@decorahpantry.org by 5 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2023.

Equal-Opportunity Employer

work with us

FRESH ASST. MANAGER

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CENTER STORE STOCKER 2

Part time - $12.00/hr Full time - $14.25/hr

DELI PRODUCTION

relax after a day in the timber. Additionally, the loft has electricity in place and a compost toilet and camper shower. With a shared well available, this buildable lot offers the potential to create a stunning retreat or permanent residence in an idyllic location. Along with being close to the Mississippi, it is conveniently located close to State ground offering prime hunting. Call today to claim this property & spend the remainder of the summer enjoying the river valley!

claim Dacia Monson 563.379.0640

605 Day Street, Decorah, IA

Looking for that hard to find ranch home within walking distance of downtown and all the schools? Look no further than 605 Day Street! This home has been lovingly cared for and boasts beautiful new Walnut living/dining room combination and Hickory in floor bedrooms! The large kitchen has expansive windows over the workspace which let in natural light. Many cupboards make food storage handy. Two ample bedrooms and a full bath complete the main floor. Downstairs there is a third bedroom, family room, workshop room and laundry in the mechanical room. Walk out to your patio area or large back yard! A new cement driveway was recently finished.

PIVO Brewery/Blepta Studios named ‘Small Business of the Week’

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, announced her Small Business of the Week: PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios of Winneshiek County. Throughout this Congress, Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“From Craig’s time serving our country in the Air Force to his partnership

with his wife Sara to create a one-ofa-kind small business in Calmar, the Neuzils have gone above and beyond to give back to their community,” said Ernst. With hard work, creativity and innovation, husband and wife team Craig and Sara Neuzil turned their hobbies into a unique small business in Calmar. PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios is an equal-parts beer brewery, art studio and

Spillville Summer Concert Series continues Sept. 23

event center that prides itself on providing high-quality beers, ciders, food and art to the Winneshiek County community.

The Neuzils founded their business in 2017 when they returned to Iowa following Craig’s 21 years of service in the Air Force. They are actively-involved in the Calmar community and have been recognized for their contributions to the craft beer industry.

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