Thursday, January 16, 2025
Vol. 160, Issue 3 www.decorahleader.com
Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com
One Section phone: 563-382-4221
Agriculture and advocacy
Local farmer to help Palestinian producers in West Bank BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR
Hannah Breckbill stands outside Humble Hands Harvest, a worker-owned cooperative farm she and others operate northeast of Decorah. Breckbill plans to travel to the West Bank later this month and help a Palestinian farm family with their work. Breckbill said the presence of international volunteers such as herself seems to help deter encroachment on the part of neighboring Israeli residents. (Photo by Seth Boyes)
Hannah Breckbill admits she may not know every nuance of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, but she does know farmers in the West Bank are asking for support and the presence of international volunteers — Breckbill feels prepared to offer both. Breckbill, who helps operate Humble Hands Harvest north
Price $1.50
fax: 563-382-5949
mated 1,100 trees were allegedly destroyed by outside parties between 2021 and 2022, while the family attempted to re-register its land with Israeli officials. Breckbill’s upcoming visit will be part of an effort to provide support for Tent of Nations through an international presence, which she said seems to help deter encroachment on the family’s farmland. “To me, it seems really important that communities are able to have sovereignty on land,” Breckbill said. “In the Palestinian situation, what that means to me is that people who have been on land and are growing food on the land should be able to continue to grow food on the land for their communities.”
of Decorah, plans to spend three-and-a-half weeks at a Palestinian operation called Tent of Nations Farm, which grows olives and other produce south of Jerusalem near Bethlehem. Tent of Nations’ website says the farmland was purchased by Bishara Daher Nassar more than 100 years ago, while the country was still under Ottoman rule. The family offered Palestinian Christians Bible study and prayer sessions during the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, according to the farm’s website. Israel occupied both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 1967, according to information from the United Nations. Today, the farm is surrounded by five Israeli settlements, which Tent of Nations says “are growing to become cities.” The farm’s website claims Israeli authorities declared the family’s farm and the surrounding area to be state land in 1991, and an esti-
Ag & Advocacy
continued on page 12
“To me, it seems really important that communities are able to have sovereignty on land. In the Palestinian situation, what that means to me is that people who have been on land and are growing food on the land should be able to continue to grow food on the land for their communities.” -Hannah Breckbill
Hinson tours new WinnMed facilities, aims to support healthcare workers BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R - Marion) said she and other federal lawmakers will be having continued conversations about what can be done to help improve medical care and ease recruiting challenges among Iowa’s health facilities. Hinson made a stop in Decorah Friday to tour WinnMed’s facilities — the hospital recently completed renovations to its obstetrics unit, and additional improvements to the hospital’s surgery and clinic areas are also underway as part of a $50 million project. “We have an aging healthcare infrastructure in this country,” Hinson said, following the tour. “Many of the critical access hospitals do need to do some of these renovations.” Information from the Iowa
Department of Health and Human Services said more than 80 hospitals in the state are considered to be critical access hospitals, which are defined in part as being located in a rural area and more than 35 miles from another hospital — WinnMed is considered a critical access hospital, according to IDHH, as are the Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in Fayette County and Veterans Memorial Hospital in Allamakee County. Hinson said she sees telemedicine as an important part of the equation, and she called partnerships, such as the relationship between WinnMed and Gunderson Decorah Clinic, invaluable in addressing complicated cases, especially those involving newborns. In addition to improved birthing suites, WinnMed’s staff previously noted providers will have
more direct access to the hospital’s operating room from the OB unit once the construction projects are complete, allowing for more efficient care if mothers require surgery while giving birth. “People in Iowa, I think, are
Hinson
continued on page 10 U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (left) toured several areas of WinnMed in Decorah on Friday, Jan. 10. The hospital recently completed renovations to its obstetrics unit, and additional improvements to the hospital’s surgery and clinic areas are also underway. (Photo courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson)
Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com
‘Friends and foreigners’ - Chinese attorney Hao Wang talks about his vacation in Decorah BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER A Decorah resident recently hosted a visitor from China — showing him a side of the United States he hadn’t seen until now. Beijing attorney Hao Wang stayed with retired attorney and rural Decorah resident Melissa O’Rourke and her husband Joe Skoda for six days during Wang’s winter break from the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program at the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C. “It’s very interesting here,” Wang said. “I knew this was an English-speaking country — a lot of Anglo-Saxons — but I never knew about all the immi-
Hao Wang, age 33, of Beijing, China, recently spent six days with rural Decorah resident and retired attorney Melissa O’Rourke. (Photo submitted)
“Great rates got us the car.” “Great service keeps us coming back.”
grants of the Midwest. China is not an immigration country, so we don’t have cultural diversity.” O’Rourke said Wang stayed “very busy” during his stay, touring the lock and dam system near Lansing, the Bily Clock Museum and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Vesterheim Museum, the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center south of Cresco and the Iowa Dairy Center at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar. “Never have I had this experience before,” Wang said. “I’ve seen it on television, but I’ve never watched someone milk a cow. This is very interesting.” Through the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, professionals collaborate to address
local and global challenges and foster change for the common good, according to information on the program’s website. The fellowship is sponsored by the United States State Department, according to the website, and the program uses academic study and professional development with U.S. counterparts as a method for sharing best practices and building expertise in critically-important fields “to advance societal and institutional capacity, promote human rights and freedoms, ensure sustainable environments and develop thriving communities.” The program’s website referred to Wang as “a distinguished attorney and senior partner at a leading Beijing law firm, renowned for his commit-
ment to public interest law, particularly in environmental protection, smoking control, and minority rights advocacy.” During a previous trip to the U.S., Wang participated in a program in Minnesota, during which he stayed and worked with a public defender — O’Rourke’s niece — in Stillwater, Minnesota. O’Rourke and Wang met during that initial visit. Wang returned to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 8 and will be interning with an international non-governmental organization for the second half of the yearlong program. During the first
Hao Wang continued on page 10
(563) 582-1331 | DuTrac.org
PHOTOS
2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221 The cast and crew of “Doctor Dolittle” took time to smile for the camera while on stage during a recent dress rehearsal. (Photos by Roz Weis)
BETTER HEARING for 2025 Begins HE
Let us help you with
RE!
your New YEAR Resolut ion!
COMPLIMENTARY HEARING EXAMS Call (563) 275-7448 or Book Your Appointment Onlin e!
Calvin Trepp
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Over 35 years in the Hearing Industry!
911 S. Mill St., Suite 3 Decorah, IA 52101
www.NorthIowaHe
aring.com
Audibel and Audibel logo are registered tradem arks of Starkey Laboratorie ©2024 Starkey Laboratorie s, Inc. s, Inc. All Rights Reser ved. 12/24 1558093402
Decorah Restaurant Week to be held next week
Miranda McGrath stars in the role of Straight Arrow and Lailyn McGrath stars at Dr. Dolittle in the New Minowa Players musical.
Crew members for “Doctor Dolittle” include (from left to right) Alison Blake, Theo Raabe, Stella Witt and Lula McAbee.
‘Dr. Dolittle’ to open at NMP Theatre this week BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER A classic tale of kindness to animals will take to the stage in Decorah starting this week. The musical “Doctor Dolittle” by Leslie Bricuse will be the New Minowa Players’ January production and open Jan. 16 at the NMP Theatre — 906 South Mill Street in Decorah. Director Sheryl Scheffert said she chose the show because of its positive message and bright, singable songs. Directors said the play tells the enduring tale of a wacky but kind doctor who can talk Happy 70th Birthday Jane Webb on Jan. 23rd!
to animals. The doctor actually prefers animals as patients, showing empathy for them. The animals, in turn, help the doctor understand humans. The show takes the audience on a journey from the small English village of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world. Doctor Dolittle is wrongly accused of murder and, once pronounced innocent, continues with his search for the Great Pink Sea Snail – the oldest and wisest of the creatures on earth. Cast and crew have shown creativity ahead of the production, as costumer Tanya O’Connor has created numerous animal costumes with help from Bobbi Jo Molokken and Victo-
Correction Jan. 9, 2024
3-2-DL-17
Come help Jane celebrate as she sails into her 70's at Your Place in Decorah on January 23rd. 4-6 PM.
An article in the Jan. 9, 2024, edition of the Decorah Leader entitled “Decorah seeks IUC decision ahead of MEU vote” mistakenly referred to Alliant Energy Director of Operational Resources Randy Bauer as Brad Bauer. Staff regrets the error.
Be an
Cast as animals in the musical “Doctor Dolittle” are (from left to right) Olivia Blake as Jip, Clara Garcia-Prats as Dymme-Witt and Aubriana Molokken as Chee-Chee. ria Daun. “Doctor Dolittle” is scheduled for seven performances before the month’s end. Curtains go up at 7 p.m. Jan. 16-18, at 2 p.m. Jan. 19, and at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 as well as at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 25. Tickets are available at the Oneota Co-op in Decorah and online at newminowaplayers.org/tickets. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and are available at newminowaplayers.org/tickets or at the Oneota Food Co-op.
Bobbi Jo Molokken, Tabitha McGrath and Autumn Wagner are dressed for rehearsal for the “Doctor Dolittle” musical.
The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual Decorah Restaurant Week Jan. 20-26. Residents are encouraged to support their favorite local eateries, try new ones and revisit ones they haven’t been to in a while. Visitors are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to schedule a date night in Decorah. A total of 22 Decorah area restaurants are participating in this year’s event, with specials, discounts and exclusive entrees which are only available for a short time. Officials with the chamber said Decorah Restaurant Week was launched specifically to support restaurants during a slow time of year. “Our restaurants are anchor businesses that bolster the community’s tourism experience and add vibrancy to the Decorah Area,” said Decorah Area Chamber Director Jessica Rilling, “Restaurant Week is a chance to tell them thank you for all they do and enjoy a delicious meal. Supporting local doesn’t get easier than that. Let someone else do the dishes and support our small businesses.” For a full list of participating restaurants and to see each restaurant’s special for the week, visit www.decorahareachamber.com. SEE PAGE 9 FOR SPECIAL DETAILS
Lacing up the skates Several hockey players from Decorah took advantage of some good ice on a recent evening at the rink near Carl Selland Wayside Park off of Fifth Avenue on the city’s West Side. (Foreground, left to right) Doug Bentley, Adam Walder (background, left to right) Gunnar Sims and Isaac Bentley swooped across the ice toward the goal. (Photo by Roz Weis)
d e m r iufoVOTER CLEARANCE Vote Yes fall winter FASHIONS on all
Learn more about the March 4 Municipal Electric Utility referendum Visit the City of Decorah’s website
www.decorahia.org/decorah-meu or scan QR code
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025
+
VOTING YES!
on March 4 opens the door to an opportunity for Decorah to keep our energy dollars LOCAL.
LEUTHOLDS Some exclusions apply
MEN’S & WOMEN’S FASHIONS
Come as a customer, leave as a friend
While this vote will not change our utility provider, this vote will give us access to the information we need to determine the best path forward for our community. Paid for by Citizens for Local Power
Scan
for more info or visit
decorahlocalpower.org Decorah Power
NEWS
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
3
MEU main topic of discussion during Neals’ community Q&A session BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Dozens of citizens gathered to sip coffee and chat with Decorah City Councilperson At Large Emily Neal as she hosted a community conversation session Saturday, Jan. 11 at Impact Coffee in Decorah. Every available chair was filled as residents both young and old encircled Neal, asking her about a half dozen questions before discussion turned to the topic of the city’s upcoming municipal electric utility referendum. Voters will decide on March 4 whether the city of Decorah should be authorized to establish its own MEU. A similar question was posed to Decorah residents in 2018, and that referendum failed by three votes. The main question on most people’s lips Saturday was why a vote was being held again and what specifically the public would be voting on. Neal explained the ballot will ask simply whether the city may establish a municipal electric utility, but it wouldn’t require the city to build a utility at that point, later saying the city could hypothetically hold its MEU authorization in reserve for a decade while conducting a feasibility study. “The city would get a piece of paper that says we have a utility,” Neal told Saturday’s
Decorah City Councilperson At Large Emily Neal hosted a community conversation event Saturday at Impact Coffee in Decorah. Topics related to the city’s proposed municipal electric utility became the main topic of discussion. (Photo by Denise Lana) attendees. “The city will have no wires, no customers, no infrastructure, no revenue and no debt in order to have this piece of paper.” She likened the paper to a
passport, allowing the city to attend utility meetings with other utility companies and the Iowa Utility Commission. “Iowa has a regulated monopoly, and utilities are behold-
en to be transparent to their rate payers,” Neal said. “But utilities claim proprietary information, where they only have to discuss their information with the utility board. But if we were at the
table, we would be allowed access to that information.” Neal went on to say, if Alliant Energy — which currently supplies electricity to most of the city — seeks to raise its rates,
the city could potentially have more standing to intervene if a local MEU is established. “This vote isn’t telling us what an MEU can do, it’s giving us the option to look into what we can do — to sit at the table and look at the rates, the values, the information,” Neal said. She referred to a previous rate increase, during which Alliant had originally sought to raise rates by 25 percent, but Decorah formed an intervening group and helped lower the increase to 15 percent. More recently, a larger intervening group again helped lower another Alliant rate increase from by similar proportions. Neal said checks and balances are in place to prevent the city from approving certain additional expenses after the potential approval of an MEU — she noted the issuing of bonds, for example, would require another ballot item to pass with at least 60 percent approval. However, she also noted revenues potentially generated from the proposed MEU could be put toward rate reductions, the burying of transmission lines or an emphasis on renewable power. “As an MEU we would have options,” Neal said. “If we as a
Community Q&A continued on page 6
WinnMed, Mayo reach new professional service agreement BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR The WinnMed Board of Trustees approved a new service agreement with the Mayo Clinic System last week. The hospital had held a professional services agreement as well as a management services agreement with the Mayo system in some form since 2005 — the PSA provided Mayo physicians to the Decorah location, and the MSA provided management and business services to the hospital through the broader Mayo system. WinnMed officials announced in June of 2024 that the hospital would no longer be managed by the Mayo system as of 2025, and new agreements were being pursued. WinnMed officials said at the time that its PSA and MSA were the only remaining agreements of their kind in Mayo’s entire enterprise. WinnMed’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new professional services
WinnMed’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new professional services agreement with Mayo during its Jan. 8 meeting. Hospital officials said the new agreement, which will take effect in July, will allow physicians to continue providing healthcare at WinnMed as they have been. Hospital staff confirmed no employees left their positions at WinnMed due to the transition. (Photo by Seth Boyes) agreement with Mayo during its Jan. 8 meeting. The new agreement will take effect July 1 and is expected to remain in place for three consecutive five-year terms, according to information from the hospital — hospital staff confirmed there are no plans to establish a new MSA or similar agreement with Mayo Clinic after the current MSA expires in July.
“I am thrilled that WinnMed and Mayo Clinic Health System came together to develop an agreement that keeps our local physicians here in the community and supports the continuation of quality healthcare in our region,” said WinnMed’s Chief Administrative Officer Steve Slessor. “The approval of the new professional services agreement, along with the re-
cent approval of the WinnMed Physician Compensation Plan by our board, gives our physicians two strong choices for remaining here to provide care to the thousands of patients who rely on them for healthcare.” Clark Goltz, chair of WinnMed’s Board of Trustees, had noted soon after the June announcement that the change in management would allow the
hospital opportunities to partner with a broader range of healthcare entities, rather than exclusively employing or contracting for services within the Mayo Clinic Health System. “WinnMed is in a strong position to employ the existing leaders and pursue its goals independently,” Mayo’s Regional Vice President Dr. Robert Albright Jr. previously said in a statement dated June 27, 2024. “We appreciate and value the history of this partnership, and we look forward to collaborating to ensure patients in and around Decorah continue to receive high-quality care.” WinnMed officials said the newly approved agreement is expected to create a framework for its physicians to continue providing healthcare at WinnMed as they have been — hospital staff confirmed no employees left their positions at WinnMed due to the transition. The new professional services agreement includes all current Mayo physicians at WinnMed
as well as two physicians who had signed contracts but had yet to begin their work, according to information released following last week’s vote. The hospital’s statement said any new physicians recruited by the hospital will be employed directly through WinnMed or another healthcare entity. Officials also noted WinnMed’s outreach physician services — such as ophthalmology, cardiology and urology — were already negotiated through separate contracts and will be unaffected when the new agreement takes effect this summer. The hospital’s statement said WinnMed will also continue to bill for services and insurance as it has been, and staff does not expect patients will experience any changes to their coverage due to the new agreement. “I appreciate the many people who provided input throughout this process so we can move forward with a strong and solid foundation for the future,” Slessor said following last week’s board vote.
Enrollment ‘blip’ considered as Decorah School Board develops budget BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER The Decorah Community School District Board of Education members will be considering ways to balance its next annual budget, following a report that district enrollment dropped by more than 50 students during the past year. The Decorah School Board on Monday heard from Travis Squires, managing director of Des Moines public finance services with the firm Piper Sandler, regarding budgetary issues. District Superintendent Tim Cronin said the enrollment reduction was in part due to students in northern Winneshiek County opting to attend school in the Mabel-Canton District across the state line in Minnesota. Other students were said to have transitioned to private schools and online educational opportunities. Cronin is hopeful the “blip” in enrollment will be reversed in the years ahead. Squires said the board is positioned to make up for the lost revenue through some project budget considerations. Mon-
day’s discussion indicated the district may need to consider future action, such as decreasing its spending in certain areas or reducing the number of school staff. Squires itemized several budgetary factors, citing not only the past year’s loss in enrollment but also higher costs for special education and other considerations. The budgetary considerations come less than 10 weeks after voters approved a $38 million bond referendum, which will fund the construction of a new elementary building in Decorah. Squires encouraged the school board to remain honest with taxpayers about the differences in this year’s budgetary picture compared to past years. School Board President Cindy Goodner agreed, saying the school district is committed to transparency, open communication with the public and financial responsibility. “We are not trying to keep secrets from the district,” Goodner said. “We want to be really transparent that this year was extremely unique with a much larger than anticipated dip in
The Decorah School Board heard a report Monday night from Travis Squires (foreground) with Piper Sandler on potential school budget ramifications. Pictured are (from left to right) board members Brad Darling, Ron Fadness, Cindy Goodner, Superintendent Tim Cronin, Carole Sand and Aaron Zander. (Photo by Roz Weis) enrollment for a number of factors.” Goodner went on to say the board is committed to building the new elementary and will continue prioritizing the district’s long-term financial stability. The Decorah School Board has embraced a comprehensive financial planning model for budget implementation designed by Piper Sandler. The Piper Sandler model is designed
to help with each phase of the annual budget process. Squires said his firm has worked with 261 of the 271 school districts which that have issued debt over the past 11 years. No formal action was taken on the school budget during Monday’s meeting. A proposed 2025-26 budget will be considered during two public hearings. The first will be held at noon on March 24, and the second will be held at 5:30 p.m.
on April 14, prior to the board’s regular monthly meeting. Principal search update In his report to the board, Cronin said the district received nine applications for the position of elementary school principal. He anticipates interviewing four candidates for the position, currently held by Principal Rick Varney. Cronin said he hopes to have a recommendation for the board at the
group’s February meeting. Incentive endorsed In other business, board members approved an agreement between the district and middle school special education teacher Sarah Elsbernd for specific training, licensure and/or endorsement and a retention incentive/signing bonus for three years, 2025 through 2028. The next board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10
OPINION
4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
Seek out reliable information, because digital lies require no work
BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR
I’m increasingly irked at how quickly misinformation crops up following natural disasters BY SETH in the digital age. BOYES I vividly remember sitting in News Editor my elementary school library when public internet access was new, and our school librarian showed us all how to identi- bank of Macintosh computers fy credible information online — things were different. (and yes, that was in the diWhen hurricane Andrew hit al-up days, so that took a while the southern U.S. in 1992, we for a class of 20-25 students knew how terrible things were to follow along on Netscape there because journalists reportNavigator). Being capable of ed it. And when hurricane Kaidentifying credible sources is a trina hit New Orleans in 2005, skillset I sometimes worry has we knew how terrible it was, been eroded beyond repair. And because journalists reported it, it matters, especially during and we knew how unprepared natural disasters, because there the government relief agencies are professionals on the ground, were at that time because jourliterally saving lives and asking nalists reported that as well — for aid in doing so. Yet today, resulting in some changes to too many of us are drawn to how emergency plans are imso-called social influencers and plemented. keyboard warriors who often And I’m fully aware how trust frame those professionals as li- in news media has declined in ars if not conspirators in some the years since then. From my pseudo-political spitting match point of view, tastes changed to (I say spitting, because I won’t favor new commentary dressed let myself print the word that in the trappings of actual jourcome to mind). nalism, and from there it took But, if I look back to those only a step or two before peoearly internet days — when ple were turning to anonymous an actual card catalog stood a Twitter accounts for what they stone’s throw from the blocky were convinced was reliable in-
formation. So, when Hurricane Helene tore through Florida and battered portions of eastern coastal states last year, folks believed a tech billionaire and others who were claiming emergency aid for residents affected by the storm was being blocked or confiscated, and that federal disaster relief funds had been depleted after supposedly being used to support undocumented immigrants. However, just posting something online doesn’t make it true (at least that’s what my elementary school librarian taught us). Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said at that time his state had received the federal aid it needed, adding further relief efforts should go to those in western North Carolina, where Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper also had something to say. “As we continue our unprecedented response to Hurricane Helene, the nation is beginning to understand that impacted areas have been the target of a relentless vortex of disinformation, dialed up by bad actors and platforms like X,” Cooper said in a post on the very platform he was criticizing. “We need to work together to rebuild and recover from a catastrophic disaster like this one — and spreading false information to
The hypocrisy: a rebuttal to Emily Neal It’s time to acknowledge a hard truth: the city council is not playing by the rules. As I wrote this letter, the council is down one member, and yet, they continue to push forward with a radical agenda that alienates the very community they are supposed to represent. Passing the MEU resolutions without a full council is not only undemocratic—it’s a clear violation of fair governance. The comparison of Alliant to Mid-American Energy is deeply flawed and misleading. These two investor-owned utilities operate under entirely different corporate structures. Mid-American is owned by Warren Buffett, the billionaire, and their primary service territory is Des Moines, Iowa City and Waterloo, with each city growing rapidly. If we’re going to have an honest conversation about energy rates, let’s include a broader comparison of all investor-owned utilities across the country. Or at least look at the reasons MidAm and Alliant’s rates are so different. Moreover, Decorah’s businesses are not economically disadvantaged, despite what some may claim. Over the past six years Alliant Energy has been consistently recognized as a top utility for economic development. During this period, more than $9 billion has been invested in communities across Iowa and Wisconsin, with notable projects in Decorah, Dubuque, Mason City and Nevada. These investments were driven in-part by low energy costs but also by the robust,
sow chaos hurts real people. Politicians, billionaires and grifters who peddle lies during a time of crisis should be held accountable.” Today, there are wildfires roaring across southern California, and officials handling the situation again find themselves having to refute the digital rumor mill. For example, the Oregon State Fire Marshal released a statement on Jan. 12 to counter claims that Oregon fire engines sent to aid California firefighters had been required to pass emissions tests and were either turned away or delayed in their response. Officials wrote was a full page statement, but the big, bold, capital letters toward the top of the page summed things up: “To be clear: this is false,” the fire marshal’s office said. I’ll admit, I’ve never covered a California wildfire, but I’ve been on scene for anything from a cooking fire that made too much smoke to a flaming rail tanker full of ethanol fuel. And in each circumstance, it’s the fire chiefs, police chiefs and the emergency management coordinators I rely on for my reporting. And that’s because, as some of my colleagues in the Iowa newspaper business have said
Decorah Leader
(USPS# 151-000) is published weekly by Enterprise Media Inc., 110 Washington Street, Suite 4, Decorah, IA 52101. Periodicals postage paid at Decorah, IA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Enterprise Media Inc., P.O. Box 350, Decorah, Iowa 52101-0350. Phone: 563-382-4221
News: editor@decorahleader.com Advertising: megan.warner@decorahleader.com Publisher: Christopher Hall Editor: Seth Boyes Subscription Rates ....................... One Year ...................... Six Months 521 zip codes ................................. $57.00 ..............................$35.00 Elsewhere. ...................................... $72.00 ..............................$44.00 Single copies $1.50, mailed $3.50. Official publication for Decorah and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Periodicals postage at Decorah, Iowa. Enterprise Media Inc. DEADLINE POLICY Decorah Leader display advertising: 12 Noon Monday. News, submissions: 12 Noon Tuesday.
Publisher reserves right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time.
bills and water bills, and the council has been completely silent on the natural gas increase. So, I ask, where is the outrage from the council on these rate increases? Lastly, Councilwoman Neal claims that the city can’t possibly know the potential costs of the MEU because Alliant has refused to share detailed information. But they don’t need Alliant to get the answer. Just like they did back in 2018, the city can conduct their own study, and count poles, cable lengths and transformers. There’s nothing stopping the city from conducting a new feasibility study to get a clear picture of the likely costs and revenues. In 2018, that cost was over $40 million, with inflation and continued investment by Alliant, this price has most likely increased since that time. Whatever the final cost, this will need to be paid for by Decorah residents, families and businesses. The truth is clear: Alliant Energy is providing reliable, renewable and dependable service in Decorah. The city council, MEU task force, and the sustainability committee, on the other hand, have repeatedly shown their bias in favor of imposing this MEU on the residents of Decorah. I urge everyone reading this: Is Alliant Energy truly being unfair, or is the city council, along with its two committees, simply trying to push a costly agenda without regard for the financial impact on any of us? Marla Klocke Decorah
on the issues of the day and call it news — no, that sort of thing is opinion work and is squarely contained here on page four. True journalism is the conveyance of what other reliable sources have said for the benefit of the public — it’s an outward focus on the reader’s benefit rather than an inward pursuit of fame — for clicks, for followers. And that difference is pretty striking once you see it clearly. So please look to actual journalists whether there’s a national crisis or a local concern. Pick up a newspaper, whether it’s from a newsstand or on a screen in your palm. Because there will surely be more hurricanes. There will surely be more elections. There will surely be more city council votes. There will surely be more county road projects. And there will surely be more changes to school board policy. And you’ll surely want to have reliable information about all of them. Agree with Seth? Think he’s got it completely backwards or he’s missed the point entirely? Let your voice be heard. Letters to the editor may be emailed to editor@decorahleader.com or dropped off at 110 Washington St. Suite 4 in Decorah.
Guardians of Northeast Iowa highlights benefits of services GUEST COMMENTARY GUARDIANS OF NORTHEAST IOWA
business-friendly environment fostered by Alliant. If the city council understood the principles of economic growth, perhaps we’d see greater business investment here in Decorah, rather than the push for a costly, unproven MEU. Why is Councilwoman Neal only focused on Alliant’s rates? If you’ve read the paper recently, you would’ve seen that Black Hills Energy has recently raised rates again. If you’ve looked at your water bill from the city, you would see that over the past 10 years, monthly water bills continue to increase. If you’ve looked at your electric bill, you’d also see a 4 percent addition for a city franchise fee. So, the city is directly increasing Decorah resident’s electric
before, the commodity we journalists deal in isn’t information. You’d think it is, but it’s not — everyone has information of some kind or another. The commodity journalists actually deal in is credible information. Reliable information. True information. It takes work to dig and find trustworthy information. It takes phone calls and interviews. It fills notebooks and tape recorders. It means dirt on your shoes and ink on the heal of your palm. But digital lies require no work at all, especially in the information age when one can simply delete what they’ve said once it’s exposed as blatantly false when met with the sunshine of actual journalism. But see, as irked as this stuff gets me, it also shows exactly what’s so great about newspapers. We transcribe our work to the ledger of history each and every edition by committing ourselves to the permanency of print. That’s not to say we’re infallible but, if we get it wrong, we can’t just take it down after the fact and claim it never happened. Industry standards demand we admit and correct our mistakes. What’s more, we don’t fill our pages with our own assumptions and stances
It is a topic which most people glaze over, but the impact of guardians, conservators and trustees is immeasurable. First, the service provided is legally necessary and ordered by the Iowa court system. Guardianship provides decision-making services for highly vulnerable, protected persons who simply don’t have the capacity to make those life-altering decisions themselves. This can be for young people suffering from a developmental disability or injury, or elders who have simply aged past the point of being able to make those decisions. Decisions like: ‘should I take this new medication my doctor recommended, or approve a specific therapy offered?’ ‘Should the protected person have the elective surgery, and were my rights maintained during this course of care?’ ‘Are the protected persons being evicted based on illegal actions?’ Their Guardians will take up their case, and make sure they are not being abused or exploited, often even when family members are unwilling or unable. Conservatorship manages the protected person’s assets, but does not pay their bills.
This could be an inheritance, a special needs trust or a lifelong funding source to support the protected person long after their loved ones have passed on. This is a way to look after an adult child or loved one with a disability long after their parents may have gone. Both of these have specific annual reporting and accountability through the courts to ensure the protected persons are being served according to their needs in the least restrictive environment possible. Which is why there aren’t many companies out there wanting to take on conservatorships and guardianships. Luckily, there are a few companies that accept new clients for these services, including a non-profit organization operating across the state, Guardians of Northeast Iowa, based out of Decorah. They have guardian case managers located across the state to best serve their more than 220 clients. Being on call 24 hours a day, guardians, conservators and trustees truly serve their clients, through every-day decisions and life-altering major life events. They are accessible any time to provide service to those who cannot serve themselves, while working with their clients to help them enjoy the highest version of independence that is best for them. Some young peo-
ple can graduate out of guardianship as they learn more, recover from traumatic brain injury and improve their abilities over time — with the right supports in place. Being one of two state-approved non-profit service providers for guardianship services has its challenges, but dedication to their clients helps them through it all, including their pro bono work when state funding isn’t available. As a non-profit, they have begun accepting donations on the PayPal Giving website, and fired up a GoFundMe page to support their staff and services for clients in need. These decisions guardians provide allow people to remain in their own homes, find a group home to support their needs or allow a life-long community member the ability to have proper support and care in their sunset years, all while the dread of dementia takes its toll. It is exactly these services that support the most vulnerable of Iowa’s population, and offers dignity and kindness through each step. For more information on what is provided through guardianship, conservatorship and trustees, visit www.Guardiansofneia.org, or call 563-4192443.
Looking forward to hearing from lawmakers The following is my response to the Iowa Legislative Session of 2025 interview published in the Jan. 2, 2025, edition of the Decorah Leader. State legislative sessions sound mysterious and feel beyond any control by this citizen. We put people in power with our votes. It is a leap of faith the senator and the representative will do what is best for our family’s safety and economic security. However, uncertainty can be managed with communication with those who are working for us. Citizens of northeast Iowa, this is a reminder of who represents your county of residence in the legislature in Des Moines. Iowa House District 63 residents are served by State Rep. Michael Bergan. The
counties in District 63 are Howard, Winneshiek and a northern tier of Fayette. There are over 31,000 residents in the district. Iowa Senate District 32 residents are served by State Sen. Mike Klimesh. The counties in District 32 are Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Clayton and a northern tier of Fayette. There are over 63,000 residents in the district. I was disappointed not to see a phrase or sentence in the article about appreciating votes received in the November 2024 election. Also, there was no reference to the idea all will be represented regardless of their vote. This is a good time to call or email Rep. Bergan and Sen. Klimesh to tell them you are eager for each of them to be
successful in their work on your behalf. Their contact information is on each of their websites. Each of these men has personal knowledge of how rules created in legislative sessions in Des Moines affect budgets in counties and city governments. Long time residents of northeast Iowa may remember Mr. Bergan serving on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. The past mayor of Spillville, Mr. Klimesh, knows the difficulty of complying with state laws with a small town budget. We look forward to frequent visits to Senate District 32 and Representative District 63. Thank you for the opportunity to be heard, Elaine St. Clair Decorah
OPINION
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
Reader foresees ‘persistent and irresistible’ electric rates, property taxes under MEU In my ongoing pilgrimage toward MEU enlightenment, as I read and ask questions and occasionally get answers on issues as disparate as revenue bonds versus general obligation bonds, assessed value versus taxable value, gross margin versus net margin, levy caps, assessment limitations and the ever-popular rollback rate, I think I have learned much, yet there is much that escapes me. If, at this moment, I had to choose a single word to describe what I’ve uncovered, that word would be “complexity.” I refer, for instance, to the breathtaking complexity of our property tax system. With apologies to Sir Winston Churchill, the Iowa property tax regime is “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” It is a labyrinth from which there is no escape, impenetrable, inscrutable. I find that reading about things like property taxes and municipalization is not unlike peeling the proverbial onion — remove one layer, resolve one mystery and another will present itself. I’m pretty sure we’re all clear on the difference between property taxes and electric rates. So why talk about property taxes in the midst of an MEU debate? What do city of Decorah property taxes have to do with the municipalization of our electric utility? Plenty. Read on. Like every other property owner in our fair city, I pay property taxes. I pay by check, twice each year, every year. Even those who don’t own their homes pay what could fairly be called indirect property taxes: a portion of the monthly rent received by the owner of the property — the landlord — will be used to satisfy the property tax owed by the property owner. A landlord will always consider certain expenses — notably property taxes, hazard insurance, repairs and maintenance — when setting rental rates. High property taxes increase housing costs for everybody, homeowners and renters alike, and play a significant role in the muchtalked-about affordable housing shortage in Decorah. Property taxes can add hundreds of dollars per month to the cost of keeping a roof over your head. In any case, there’s an orderly process for determining property tax owed; it is indeed complex and involves many moving parts and contributions from many participants. The most important moving part in the machine, it seems to me, is the levy rate. Expressed as dollars-per-thousand of value, or mills, the levy rate is simply a multiplier. In simplest terms, net property tax due equals net taxable value multiplied by the levy rate. Based on property valuations — the Winneshiek County Assessor determines the assessed value of all real property in the county — and based
on certified local budgets, the Winneshiek County Auditor determines levy rates and property taxes for all taxable property. Using valuation data compiled by the Winneshiek County Assessor, and after receiving from various taxing authorities — e.g. Decorah City Council, Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, Decorah School Board — their approved budgets for the fiscal year, the county auditor fixes the levy rates for each taxing authority at levels designed to generate tax revenue sufficient to support the spending commitments included in each budget. Property taxes don’t necessarily rise when property valuations rise. In fact property taxes can increase even when property values fall. The taxable value of my home could drop by 10 percent year-over-year, but my property tax liability could at the same time rise by 10 percent year-over-year. This is due to the effective power of the levy rate. At a time of declining property values — e.g. the Panic of 2008-09 — local taxing authorities have the option of adjusting the levy rate upward to ensure that tax revenue will be sufficient to support their spending plans. The State of Iowa does not set levy rates for local taxing authorities. The state has moved recently to restrict the growth of local property tax levies. Passed by the Iowa Legislature with broad support from Democrats and Republicans, signed into law by Governor Reynolds on May 4, 2023, House File 718 caps property tax levy rates for Iowa cities and counties. House File 718 is relatively new law, and some of its provisions are to be phased in gradually. As for the efficacy of HF 718 in restraining the growth of property taxes, time will tell. In the final analysis, however, levy rates — and property taxes — are and always have been a function of public spending. If the city of Decorah plans to increase spending by 10 percent year-over-year, tax revenue must also increase by 10 percent year-over-year, as it did in Fiscal 2022, when city property taxes spiked by over half-a-million dollars, from $5,024,984 (Fiscal 2021) to $5,539,545 (Fiscal 2022) an increase of 10.24 percent. Likewise, the city of Decorah tax levy jumped 41.94 percent between 2017 and 2024 because city spending went up at a similar rate. So how is any of this relevant to the present MEU discussion? Read on. If, on March 4, voters authorize the city of Decorah “to establish a municipally-owned electric utility,” next steps will not be inexpensive and will include things like commissioning a “feasibility study,” litigation and legal fees. The money spent at this point in the process would be drawn from
the property tax bucket and, I would imagine, from the socalled franchise fee bucket. If the city’s legal fees and other expenditures rise above a certain level, the city may be forced to raise cash by borrowing. Taxpayers would be asked to approve new debt in the form of general obligation bonds, which would need the support of 60 percent of voters. If in the end the Iowa Utility Commission decides that the formation of an MEU, “Decorah Power,” is indeed in the best interest of the public, then the city of Decorah would need to purchase the system, i.e. the city would be given an opportunity to “buy out” Alliant Energy, a deal that would include the purchase of Alliant assets and, in a sense, the service area itself. Such a purchase would require financing, since the sticker price, as determined by the IUC, would likely include eight digits to the left of the decimal. In this case, the city of Decorah would issue debt in the form of revenue bonds, which would not require voter authorization. The debt incurred by the issuance of revenue bonds would be paid entirely from revenue generated by Decorah Power. In fact the revenue generated by Decorah Power will need to be prodigious indeed, sufficient to pay bondholders, principal plus interest, sufficient for the purchase of electricity on the wholesale market, and sufficient to repair and maintain the system, as needed. Unlike general obligation bonds, which are secured by the credit and taxing power of the city of Decorah, revenue bonds would be backed exclusively by the revenue generated by Decorah Power. The repayment of revenue bonds would rely entirely on the financial success of the MEU. Revenue bonds are generally considered riskier than general obligation bonds, and as a result would in most cases carry a relatively higher interest rate. If Decorah Power is to be tasked with the burden of paying principal and interest to service what will surely be millions of dollars in revenue bond debt, plus the cost of purchasing electricity for resale to its customers, plus the cost of operating and maintaining the “system,” the network and grid, without difficulty I can imagine that upward pressure on our electric rates — and, inevitably, city property taxes — will be persistent and irresistible. One final clarification, please: While I am opposed to the formation of a municipal electric utility, I am not opposed, and never have been opposed, to putting the MEU question to a vote. I am an incorrigible, lifelong, small-d democrat, and believe strongly in majority rule. Daniel Baldwin Decorah
‘Holiday Lights’ shines again As the 20th season of Holiday Lights has now concluded, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the event’s sponsors, visitors and volunteers for another incredible season at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah. I have been fortunate to be part of Holiday Lights since 2015, and over the years there has been a consistent theme — when our team at Helping Services needs you, you show up. The event continued to shine bright in 2024
thanks to 300-plus volunteers, 150 sponsors, over 4,000 vehicles that drove through the campground, and close to 3,000 visitors to the opening Walk-Through Night. To say that the community continues to show up – now 20 years into the event – is an understatement! Holiday Lights is a special tradition for many visitors, and our team takes great pride in hosting an event that means so much to so many. Most impor-
tantly, the event continues to provide critical resources for our team at Helping Services to provide programming and services throughout northeast Iowa. Thank you for continuing to help Holiday Lights shine bright to benefit families and individuals living in northeast Iowa. Carson Eggland Executive Director, Helping Services for Youth and Families
5
Echoes of the Past
The stately columns of the old Decorah State Bank building on Water Street are visible in this vintage photograph from another era from the newspaper archives.
Bank ‘run’ causes a stir in town BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER Peace was reigning again in Decorah in early 1925 when bank circles became calm following a “run.” The “run” on the Decorah State Bank caused much excitement. But, it wasn’t a typical “run.” According to the newspapers of January, 1925, a run at the bank was a kind of protest against the reported dismissal of E.R. Haines as the bank cashier. Days later, the run continued with renewed vigor. As depositors continued to withdraw their funds from the bank at alarming rates, it was evident that there was only one answer. A conference of stockholders and directors was held, with R.A. Engbertson, who owned the majority of the bank stock at the time. The meeting lasted from 1:30 in the afternoon until nearly 6 at night. The result – an agreement on the part of Engbertson to sell enough of his stock to reduce his holdings to about 36 percent of the total, and he would retire as president. As soon as that arrangement was solid – it was announced that Mr. Haines would be retained as a cashier, and that C.A. Johnson would be the assistant cashier. That announcement was greeted with much applause, and those residents who had withdrawn their money immediately began depositing it once again - another example of the “power of the people” in another era. Here are some other headlines from a bygone era in Decorah and the surrounding communities:
100
YEARS AGO – 1925: The price of cattle is coming back. Some 50 head of Angus cattle were sold for $25,000 or an average of $480 per head, at a recent sale. …It is reported that during the recent holiday rush, a number of extra airplanes were put into service to carry the mail across Iowa. …The storing of ice for net summer is nearly finished or will be by the end of the week. Ed Dresselhaus has been busy filling the Rock Island and creamery houses from the Bernatz Dam. Mr. A. Ask will have his main house filled by Saturday night. This is at least five or six weeks
earlier than the harvest finished last year. It is reported the ice this year is the best for many years past. …Popcorn is not cultivated much in this area. Last year, there were only 173 acres planted in three townships: Glenwood, Hesper and Highland, with a total yield of only 2.175 pounds. …A smallpox epidemic in nearby Mason City has some locals worried. It was reported a woman violated quarantine laws in that area and boarded a train headed this direction. She was apprehended by quarantine officers shortly after boarding the train. …Three railroad accidents occurred in this area in recent weeks. A car inspector had his head pinched between the curtains of two coaches as they were jammed together by a switch engine. A refrigerator inspector with the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. P aul yards was thrown from the top of a car the other day. He fell on the bumper, head down, and bounced clear of the rails while directing the repair of a heating apparatus in the fruit car. A 14-year-old from Waukon Junction was pinned under a passenger coach for two hours when the car was thrown from the rails at that station. All are recovering. …Winneshiek County paid $110,000 for roads and bridges last year. …J.H. Bakken, who has been the butter maker at the Calmar Creamery for many years, has resigned to take another post at Scarville, Iowa. The vacancy in the area will be filled by H. Fjelstul of Ridgway starting this month. …A kitchen wood and coal range was shot to pieces in an explosion of the stove at a residence on Maple Street the other day. A woman was thrown several feet from the store in the explosion, and a small child sustained a slightly burned forehead. The kitchen ceiling and walls were covered with soot, and burning sticks of wood were reportedly thrown throughout the room. All occupants of the house are recovering. …A total of 130 marriage licenses were issued at the courthouse last year. This is eight less than in 1923. There were 935 dog licenses. Ac-
cording to year-end statistics, a total of $5,070.25 was paid in wild animal bounties the last year. The County Treasurer registered 2,925 autos. …A farm in nearby Fort Atkinson, boasting a total 180 acres, has been sold for $145 an acre. All the buildings on the farm are new, with modern equipment and some electric lights.
90
YEARS AGO – 1935:Work on the foundations for two stone buildings at the State Fish Hatchery at Siewer’s Spring will be started soon. The work will be completed by the C.C. Camp. The two buildings will be a residence for the hatchery’s caretaker, and a service building for storage of trucks, cars and other equipment. …Bids for a new addition at the local high school will be opened later this month. It is hoped work will start soon, so buildings can be completed by next fall. A new gymnasium and auditorium are among the additions. Laborers who hope to obtain work on the new addition to the school must be registered with the National Employment office at the courthouse. …There are 20 new members of the Decorah Elks Lodge, including Clinton Monson, Robert Bernatz, Earl Hines, Roy Carlson and Alan Amundson. …Some “false” alarms have reported in the city this month. Several times the fire whistle has stuck because of snow and ice forming on the apparatus. In an effort to keep it in good working condition, the alarm will be sounded every day this winter at noon, and again at 6 p.m. So don’t be alarmed! …About 20 men have been employed to assist with the ice harvest at the E.C. Dirks Ice Company. The large icehouse should be filled to capacity within a day or two. It is reported the ice is13 inches or more in thickness this winter. …The County Clerk of Court reports 303 marriage licenses were issued in the last year. …Phillip Bernatz and Robert Kessel have earned Boy Scout awards of honor. In order to receive the award of star badge, each scout must win five merit badges.
OBITUARIES/NEWS
6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
Nonprofits ask supervisors for funds to Decorah City Council aims to host meeting continue helping area residents in need with state lawmakers BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER
A pair of northeast Iowa service-oriented nonprofits asked the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors for funding Monday morning during its regular meeting. Lisa Wetzel, director of grants and development for Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, and Deana Hageman, director of Northeast Iowa RSVP, presented their proposals to the supervisors, requesting funding support for their Fiscal Year 2025-26 programs. Both organization rely on each other to a degree. Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging coordinates services for individuals hoping to maintain their independence, Wetzel said during her presentation. The services NEI3A provides include counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, evidence-based health programs, advocacy and recreation and education programs, she said. “We are one of six area agencies on aging in the state of Iowa and one of over 626 across the United States” Wetzel said. “Area agencies on aging use federal, state and local funds under the Older Americans Act to provide services to help aging individuals remain living independent in the community of their choice.” Wetzel said NEI3A is considered a “quasi-governmental agency,” which is largely responsible for ensuring the organization gets enough funding to serve their communities. “Our mission is to help older persons respond to their evolving needs and choices,” Wetzel said. “A lot has changed in the last 30 years in aging. It’s not the same as it was back then, where you got to a point that you maybe wanted to go to a nursing home. Folks now are more active, so they want to remain active, and they want to remain living in their own homes, and we really strive to help folks do that in a dignified way.” A small portion of the funding the organization receives, Wetzel said, is used to pay for services in clients’ homes. “We do that based on a level of need,” she said. “It’s not, unfortunately, the amount of funding where we can hope to fund everyone that comes in, so we do have a prioritization system. But, we will always provide our information and referral services.” Wetzel said NEI3A is charged with reaching out for funding to
Northeast Iowa RSVP Director Deana Hageman asked Winneshiek County for $5,000 more than the organization received last year. She said the increased ask will help cover the cost of a new employee, Michelle McLain-Kruse, who was recently hired as the organization’s volunteer coordinator. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
Decorah Public Library Director Kristin Torresdal presented her budget request to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Monday morning. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
help support the aging in all the communities it serves in Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Grundy, Hardin, Howard, Jackson, Marshall, Poweshiek, Tama and Winneshiek counties. “We are reaching out today on behalf of the 6,135 older persons residing in Winneshiek County,” Wetzel said. NEI3A served 320 people in Winneshiek County in Fiscal Year 2024, Wetzel said — an investment of more than $157,600. To help continue offering services to Winneshiek County residents and fulfill the Older Americans Act requirement of obtaining state and local matching funds, Wetzel said NEI3A is requesting $4,700 from the county for the FY2025-26 year. The request is an investment of approximately 3 percent of the funds NEI3A invested in Winneshiek County in FY24, Wet-
zel said. NEI3A also works closely with Northeast Iowa RSVP, which is part of AmeriCorps. “We really have three clients,” said RSVP Director Deana Hageman. “Our stations, who need volunteers, are clients. Our volunteers, who are looking for things to do, are clients. And, the people that our stations serve are our clients as well.” More than 600 people volunteered for Northeast Iowa RSVP in FY2024-25. The organization serves Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek Counties, according to information Hageman presented. Additionally, an average of more than 1,300 individuals and 3,840 family members were served each month at five food pantries in two of the three counties. The information said RSVP also helped area residents file more than 600 tax returns in the 2024 tax season, which totaled $547,125 in tax dollars returned
to the counties via the program, and more than 150 meals deliveries were arranged each month by one location in each of the three counties. Information from the organization says 383 volunteers serve in 52 other community settings, such as schools, childcare, youth services, museums and historical research, hospitals, nursing homes, emergency management and community events. RSVP partners with more than 80 other organizations, including NEI3A, to provide services in the three counties. Northeast Iowa RSVP received $10,000 in county funding for FY2024-25 and made a request Monday for $15,000 from Winneshiek County for FY2025-26. “We had over 42,000 hours this last year,” Hageman said. “An independent sector values a volunteer hour in Iowa at $28.88, so if you do the math, it’s over $1.2 million that our program has contributed to our area. If you take our budget, to calculate the return on your investment … your return on investment is about 776 percent. So, we run on a really tight budget, and we do the absolute most that we can with it.” Hageman said the additional $5,000 will help cover the cost of hiring a new employee, Michelle McLain-Kruse, who was recently hired as Northeast Iowa RSVP’s volunteer coordinator. McLain-Kruse focuses on volunteers, which enables Hageman to focus on the organization’s stations — where RSVP and its partners are located throughout Howard, Winneshiek and Allamakee counties. In other business: • The supervisors heard funding requests and FY2025-26 budget proposals from six county departments and county-assisted organizations — most of which did not change their budgets or funding requests from FY2024-25. • Library directors from the Calmar, Decorah, Fort Atkinson, Ossian and Spillville public libraries requested an additional $3,000 each during FY2025-26 for books and digital programming. • Supervisor Shirley Vermace dispelled a rumor in the community, saying Winneshiek County is not discontinuing its recycling program. The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 20 at the courthouse annex.
The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a UTV vehicle accident around 7:14 p.m. Dec. 8 near the intersection of 220th Street and 345th Avenue. The driver, Corbin Turner, was found to be injured and was transported by ambulance. Turner was charged with operating while intoxicated after laboratory results were returned, according to information from the sheriff’s office. Nicole Marie Jirak, age 39, of Decorah was charged with two counts of forgery at approximately 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, after the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office received a report of two checks associated with closed accounts being written. A criminal complaint filed against Jirak accused her of forging a relative’s signature and that of the individual holding power of attorney on both checks. The checks were presented as rent payment for the months of October and November, according to the complaint, and Jirak claimed she did not know the accounts were closed. Alex Krambeer, age 48, was
booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:25 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 on the charge of operating while intoxicated — first offense. Adam Strand, age 40, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6 on an arrest/bench warrant. Troy Allan Storla, age 50, of Castalia was charged with reckless use of a firearm at approximately 12:40 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 in the 200 block of East Greene Street in Castalia. A criminal complaint said Storla contacted the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office that day reporting two individuals allegedly attempted to break into his residence. Storla claimed he discharged a shotgun through the glass window of the door at the alleged individual, according to the complaint, resulting in damage to a neighbor’s residence. The criminal complaint said “deputies investigated the scene and were unable to corroborate Troy’s version of events at that time.” Storla was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:45 a.m. the same day. A Decorah man was cited for
following too closely after a collision near Jackson Junction. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 19-year-old Ethan Christian Folkedahl of Decorah was traveling east in a 2006 Honda CRV along Highway 24, behind a 1997 Peterbilt tractor trailer driven by William Boyd Headington of Decorah. The semi slowed to a near stop, the sheriff’s report said, as a vehicle ahead of it prepared to turn, and Folkedahl rear-ended the semi trailer. The teen was believed to have possible minor injuries, and Headington reported possible injuries. Damage to the Honda was estimated at $5,500, and damage to the semi was estimated at $500. A Mason City man was cited for failure to maintain control when the semi he was driving left the road in early January. A report from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 51-year-old Shawn Dean Quinata Manzon was driving a 2020 Freightliner west along Frankville Road around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 and struck a power pole on the north side of the road. The report said Manzon “claimed he has been sick and having cough-
State Rep. Michael Bergan
State Sen. Mike Klimesh
Community Q&A continued from page 3 community decided we wanted 100 percent green power, we could partner with Dairyland Power and get that. We could build our own solar panels. We could double down on renewables.” Attendees of Saturday’s event also voiced concerns regarding taxes, potential electrical rates and other costs under the proposed MEU. Neal assured attendees that, though the city’s budget may be tight, the city will continue paying for public services, such as the police department, fire department and the city parks and recreation department. She said the actual process of setting up a utility and the buying of the service territory would be two main costs associated with an MEU. The Iowa Utilities Board would aid in determining the cost of potentially purchasing infrastructure from Alliant, and Neal explained the city would need to write a business plan. Potential rates would be decided, and a plan would be set in place to handle
reliability, she said, and in the event the utility board grants the city permission to move forward, the city would issue revenue bonds to buy the infrastructure — Iowa law prohibits a city which owns a municipal utility from using tax funds to support the utility. “It’s like when you go to the bank to get a mortgage and your salary pays your mortgage,” said Neal. “The revenue bonds are where you use the revenue – your utility dollars – to pay back the loan. No tax dollars are involved.” Some who attended Saturday’s community conversation asked whether the city’s proposed MEU could offer lower rates than Alliant currently offers. Neal indicated the Iowa Utilities Commission would be tasked with examining rates under both providers, and she said state officials would not approve a change in utility providers which would result in a higher rate for customers.
Obituary Sharifah Hagen
Feb. 11, 1966 - Jan. 5, 2025
Law Enforcement Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office
The Decorah City Council is slated to meet with State Rep. Michael Bergen and State Sen. Mike Klimesh sometime in the near future to maintain an open dialogue between the council and area legislators. “Although this won’t be like a legislative type of town hall, the public is more than welcome to attend,” said Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said. “They can hear the conversations between council members and Bergen and Klimesh.” Iowa’s 91st General Assembly began on Monday, Jan. 13, and Goedken said the city council wants to hear what the two state lawmakers think will be happening this session. “Property taxes are dominating headlines right now,” Goedken said. “If that is the case, what do they foresee as changes?” Although a date has yet to be set, a Saturday morning gathering is anticipated, and organizers expect light refreshments to be provided.
ing fits before the accident” and “claimed he passed out.” No injuries were reported. Damage to the semi tractor was estimated at $20,000 and damage to the power pole was estimated at $10,000. Marissa Kelty, age 33, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 after turning herself in there. She was arrested and booked on two arrest warrants for failure to serve jail time. Kelty was to serve two sentences — one for six consecutive days and the other for seven consecutive days Derek Schultz, age 38, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 to serve nine consecutive days. Michelle Clark, age 36, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 4:40 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 to serve seven consecutive days. All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal process.
Sharifah K. Hagen, 58, of Waukon, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at her home in Waukon. Sharifah Kay Hagen was born Feb. 11, 1966, in Richmond, California, the daughter of George D. and Joann K. (Kaiser) Ha- Sharifah Hagen gen. She was baptized in Richmond and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Pleasant Hill, California. Sharifah completed special education schooling in Pleasant Hill, California, and Berkely, California. On April 22, 1993, she moved with her parents to Decorah. Sharifah has lived in several towns in northeast Iowa and spent the last 24 years living in Waukon. She was a resident at Mosaic in Waukon. Sharifah did daily activities with Spectrum and TASC. She enjoyed ice skating,
roller skating when she was younger and ballet, especially “The Nutcracker” ballet. Sharifah also enjoyed swimming and horseback riding throughout her life. When she was four years old, she jumped off the diving board in Saudi Arabia. Survivors include her parents, George and Joann Hagen of Decorah; brother Kurtis (Loni) Hagen of Tampa Bay, Florida; nephews, Kai and Erik Hagen; numerous cousins; aunt, Lorraine Wickett; uncle, Karl (Barb) Hagen; and cousins, Eddy and Carol Hagen Atwell. Memorial services will be held in June 2025 at Congregational United Church of Christ in Decorah. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Mable Lutheran Cemetery in Mabel, Minnesota. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals. com.
k You! Thto aallncrews
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
7
helping keep our roads clear
Kuboushek reflects on 20 years of keeping Winneshiek County’s roads safe BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The snowstorm began just before Jeff Kuboushek went to bed, and at midnight, after a couple hours of restlessness, he looked out the window to see how much had accumulated. Three hours later, his workday as the Winneshiek County Road Superintendent began as he and two road department foremen ventured out into a blizzard to assess conditions on more than 1,000 miles of county roads. A total of 29 drivers, supported by three mechanics ready for anything, were plowing the roads by 5 a.m. that day in an attempt to keep the morning commute safe for county residents — depending on the weather, those plow drivers might not clock out until 5 p.m., before heading home exhausted. That’s a typical snow day for Kuboushek, who started as a driver for the county on Feb. 14, 2005. “On some mornings, when you have a lot of snow fall overnight, you get on the road, and all you see is a white blanket,” Kuboushek said. “So, then I’m like ‘Where do I go to keep this truck on the road?’ If we get 6 inches of snow, everything looks the same. After a while, as you get more acclimated, you try to find a fence line, road signs or power lines, and you know the center line should be so many feet from those things. It’s more of an eyeball to get close to center, and that gets pretty hairy.” Kuboushek switched from being a driver to being the county road superintendent on April 1, 2015, and he described his drivers as a great team of people dedicated to their work. “It’s not a lot of fun when you go out there at 5 a.m., and it’s pitch dark with 30 mph winds and the snow is freezing on your windshield, and you turn on your wipers, and they just cause streaks across the window,” said Kuboushek, who lives just outside Ossian. “It’s very stressful, and people drive differently today than they did when I first started.” Years ago, there was a lot less traffic on the roads, he said, because farmers and their wives often stayed home every day. But, today, many residents have jobs and other places to be. “Everybody is in such a hurry these days,” Kuboushek said. “They want to drive at least 55 mph year round, but we need to drive for the conditions. If you know it’s going to snow, you need
Winneshiek County Road Superintendent Jeff Kuboushek in the cab of his county truck. (Photo by Zach Jensen) to leave earlier so you can drive slower. A lot of people just don’t than the alternative — such as the spring of 2019. want to get up any earlier, and they still drive fast, and that’s not “The last year it was as bad as 2019, which I call the Spring good. When you’re in the truck, you’re concentrating on what of Hell — when we had a wet fall, quite a bit of snow, late-seayou’re doing every second of that day and worrying about the son snow, and when spring came around, our gravel(roads) were public, because a lot of times, they’re on their phones and driving horrendous,” he said. “It was bad enough, and as the road superway too fast.” intendent, the phone calls made it even more unpleasant. UnderThe road superintendent said that when driving behind a plow standably, the taxpayers called us, wanting us to do something, but truck, the public should slow down and give the truck plenty of the roads were so soft that driving dump trucks hauling 15 tons of room. rock just made things worse. That’s a spring I’d like to forget. You “I know it’s hard to do, but it needs to happen, and it’s for your never know, coming out of winter, what the roads will be like. Last own good,” he said. “A lot of times, when you’re in a plow, some- winter, they were great, and that makes everything a lot easier.” one will be right on your butt, and all you see is their headlights Kuboushek said taxpayers can be thankful during winters like in your mirrors, and that can be blinding for the plow driver — the one they’ve had so far this year, explaining the county saves especially these new LED headlights. They’re nice at nighttime, money on overtime, salt, sand, fuel and maintenance. But, the pubbut when they’re in your rearview mirror, they’re not nice at all.” lic can also rest assured that when the snow falls, he and his team Kuboushek was raised on a farm in the Conover area east of are ready to get the job done for everyone in the county. Spillville and, before working for the county, he drove trucks and “We have a good team with good people around us who work a Hi-Boy sprayer for the Farmers Union Cooperative in Fort At- well together, and they help each other out, and that teamwork kinson for 10 years. He said switching to driving a dump truck and makes everything easier,” he said. “And, we take pride in our work, plow for the county in 2005 wasn’t too big of a challenge, but he because we’re helping the public, and we feel good about our work was a bit anxious starting out. for that reason. It makes you feel good to know you’re helping “I was very, very nervous,” he said. “I’d get in the truck at five people be safer on the roads.” in the morning, and I wasn’t used to the roads, because I’d never plowed them before. And, there are people on the roads at the same time, so that was a big change.” 321 West Water Street & Come Grow With Us! 1801 Old Stage Road, Iowa typically has 4-8 inches of snow on the ground Decorah • 563-387-0191 www.vikingstatebank.com AUCTION SERVICE in the middle of January, according to the National Waukon, IA Weather Service — making this year, with almost no Phone: 563-568-2464 snowfall, very unusual. But, Kuboushek said it’s better
SWEENEY sweeneyauctionservice.com
Open Daily 6AM-8PM
900 Short St. Decorah, IA
563-277-1555 • WWW.KPEC.US
400 HEIVLY ST., DECORAH
ROCKWEILER APPLIANCE & TV
Home of Quality Service & The Lowest Price Guaranteed
1789 Hwy. 9 E Decorah 382-9000
900 Montgomery St., Decorah 563-382-2933
Decorah
563-382-4302 511 W. Water St., Ste. C
Lansing
563-538-4673 267 Main St.
moellersdentistry.com
Kelly Reagan, D.C. • 563-382-4411 Perry Numedahl, D.C. • 563-382-1085
300 East Water St., Decorah
BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS, INC.
Monona • Cresco • Decorah
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! MIDWEST CONCRETE IA, LLC POURED WALLS • FOUNDATIONS FLATWORK • DRIVEWAYS • STONEWORK SHOP FOUNDATIONS • FLOORS • PARKING LOTS
108 W. Water St., Decorah 563-382-8440 www.hammeljewelers.com
WWW.TGBREWS.COM
LAW OFFICES OF ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago St., Decorah 563-382-2959
GET OUTDOORS AND ENJOY THE SUNSHINE!
TIM DAHLBERG, OWNER • DECORAH, IA 563-380-0708 • 563-735-5460 TREE & STUMP REMOVAL TREE PRUNING FREE ESTIMATES!
101 W. Main St., Ossian, IA 52161
563-532-9120 www.beckerhardwareinc.com
Community Insurance of Iowa, Inc. dba Bushman Insurance “Where Honesty Is Our Business” Ossian • 563-532-9207 www.cioia.com
Citizens Savings Bank
Locally owned since 1908!
Spillville • (563) 562-3674 Ft. Atkinson • (563) 534-7211 Protivin • (563) 569-8779
CONTACT US TODAY
MENGIS
709 Commerce Drive, Decorah 563-382-WIRE • www.decorahelectric.com • info@decorahelectric.com
Tim Mengis, Director 301 N. Maple Street, Mabel 507-493-5129
for your solar consultation!
Funeral Home
2191 US Hwy 52, Decorah | (563) 382-2901
COMMUNITY
8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
Luther College announces presidential transition for beginning of spring semester 2025
State Rep. Michael Bergan (R-Dorchester) took the oath of office Monday, Jan. 13 in the Iowa House Chamber. (Photo submitted)
Bergan sworn in for the 91st General Assembly On Monday, Jan. 13, State Rep. Michael Bergan (R-Dorchester) was sworn into the Iowa House of Representatives on the first day of the 91st General Assembly. The swearing-in ceremony was followed by opening remarks by Speaker of the House Pat Grassley, outlining some of the priorities of the legislature for
the 2025 session. This is Bergan’s fifth term in the Iowa House of Representatives. He serves as the chair of the Administration and Regulation Budget Subcommittee. He also serves on the Health and Human Services, Appropriations, and State Government Committees.
Luther College recently announced Provost Brad Chamberlain will begin his new role as the 12th president of Luther College on Friday, Feb. 7 — two days after classes for the 2025 spring semester are scheduled to begin. Outgoing President Jenifer K. Ward will step into the role of president emerita and senior advisor for strategic projects on the same day, and she is expected continue to support major projects, such as the current renovations to the Gerdin Fieldhouse on Luther’s campus. Physics professor Jeff Wilkerson will begin serving as the interim provost for Luther College as of Feb. 7. Both Ward and Wilkerson are slated to serve in these new roles until June of 2025. “As we mentioned in October, when Brad Chamberlain
was appointed president-elect, his selection provides Luther College with the opportunity to capitalize on the great momentum of recent accomplishments,” Board of Regents Chair Bob Paulson said. “By having him step into the position at the start of the spring semester, we take advantage of the shorter selection process and allow him to begin work on behalf of Luther College.” Ward announced her retirement from the presidency in April of 2024. A formal inauguration of Chamberlain is planned for October of 2025. The Board of Regents honored Ward with a special commission of a musical composition, which premiered at Christmas at Luther in December of 2024. Ward’s presidency is also to be the cover feature of the upcoming winter edition of Luther
Current Luther College Provost Brad Chamberlain will begin serving as Luther’s 12th president as of Feb. 7. (Photo submitted) Magazine. A nationwide search for Luther College’s next provost is now underway. A Provost Selection Committee co-chaired
by Luther Vice President For Advancement Mary Duvall and David Thompson, faculty speaker and professor of Spanish, was recently announced.
COMMUNITY
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
9
Applications open for Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour Applications are now available for the 28th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour. Applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected based on their artistic technique, quality and vision. Studios must be located within 40 miles of Decorah. All work must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant — works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items are not permitted. Works which will be considered for the tour is limited to fine art and fine craft media,
such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, and fiber. Applications must be submitted by March 1. The 2025 Tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 10-12. Applications are available online at www.iowaarttour.com under the events/news tab. Interested parties may also contact Darla Ellickson by emailing darla@earloops.com or calling 563-382-2295. Brochures for the 2025 tour will be available in July.
Artists George Lowe (left) and Jackie Jirak (right). (Photos submitted)
Area preschools to hold open houses Several preschools in the Decorah area will be hosting open house events during late January and early February. These events will allow parents and children to meet staff, tour facilities and learn more about each preschool program. All children who will turn four by Sept. 15, are eligible to receive a minimum of 10 hours per week of free preschool educa-
tion for the upcoming school year. Nisse Preschool, located at 311 College Dr. in Decorah, will host its open house from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. West Side Early Childhood Center — 301 Center St. in Decorah — will hold an open house from 5-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30. Head Start, which is now located in the new Sunflower facility at 902 Com-
Restaurant Week January 20-26
St. Benedict Preschool registration opens soon
merce Drive in Decorah, will hold an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. Kinderhaus, located at 701 Iowa Ave. in Decorah, will host its open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 1, and Northeast Iowa Montessori — 604 South Ave. in Decorah — will hold its open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 8.
Breakfast Hours: 7:30-10:30 W-F 7:30-11 Sat. 7:30-1:30 Sun.
St. Benedict Preschool will open registration for the 202526 school year on Monday, Feb. 3. Registration is open to all families, regardless of religious affiliation. A preschool open house will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 at St. Benedict Preschool 402 Rural Ave. in Decorah. All are welcome to visit the facility
Your “home away from home” since 1996
Uncle Bills Fav (1/2 order) + Rosemary Potatoes for $10 Baked Oatmeal + Bacon & Rosemary Potatoes for $10
Decorah’s Original Café & Coffeehouse
COFFEE + DRINKS BAKED GOODS BREAKFAST & LUNCH TAP BEER, MIMOSAS + BLOODY MARYS
mymagpiecoffee.com
Try our NEW NOTHING FANCY, JUST GOOD FOOD! Res taurant Week Specials! Come Join Us For Our Restaurant Week Special! Jan. 20-26th
HOT HONEY CHICKEN SANDWICH-
Slow-Roasted Brisket Poutine
featuring WW Homestead Dairy’s garlic and dill cheese curds over fries with beef gravy and brisket
$10.49
HAMBURGER TOPPED WITH BBQ PORK, CHEDDAR CHEESE, COLESLAW, RED ONION, CRISPY ONIONS
FLATBREAD PIZZAS:
Our menu is packed with home-style favorites and signature dishes made fresh to order. Ready to explore your next meal?
MARGHERITA, BBQ PORK, CHICKEN BACON RANCH
Remember to save room for a piece of our homemade pie!
206 W. Water St., Decorah 563-382-5970 | www.tbocks.com
817 S. Mechanic St., Decorah, IA | 563-382-2964 Mon-Sat 6AM-8PM | Sun 6AM-2PM
t n a r u a t s e R Week Special!
COWBOY BURGER-
BREADED CHICKEN, HOT HONEY, PEPPER JACK, BACON, CHIPOTLE MAYO, DILL PICKLE, LETTUCE
Kitchen Hours: 11am-9pm Sun-Mon | 11-10pm Wed-Sat Bars stays open later
2021, 2022 2023 & 2024
DECORAH RESTAURANT WEEK JANUARY 20-26
Restaurant Week Special
3-course menu $30
(choose one for each course)
Course 1: Filipino Lumpia, Spinach & Artichoke Dip Crostini, Caesar Salad or Cup of French Onion Soup
2149 Twin Springs Rd., Decorah 563-382-4096
twinspringssupperclub.com
WINTER HOURS
WED 5-8pm • THU 5-8pm FRI 5-9pm • SAT 4-9pm CLOSED SUN, MON & TUE
program may choose between half-day sessions — 8:15-12:15 a.m. — or full-day sessions — 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Questions may be directed to St. Benedict School at 382-4668. Transportation can be arraigned through The Earl Transit Van by calling 563-382-8436.
Try something different at
Restaurant Week Special!
202 W. Water St., Decorah 563-387-0593
and meet the staff. Registration forms will be available for pick up that evening. They can also be found on the school website or in the school office. The preschool will begin accepting registration forms at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3. Preschool is held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and parents interested in the 4/5-year-old
Course 2: Braised Beef Tenderloin Tips in Red Wine Sauce, TSSC Meatloaf, Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken Breast, Grilled Pork Chop Course 3: Individual Bread Pudding or Sorbet *RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
during Decorah Restaurant Week!
SPECIALS AVAILABLE JANUARY 20-26 BREAKFAST 8AM-2PM
Chilaquiles
Fried corn tortilla, salsa verde, queso fresco cheese, onions, choice of eggs & choice of meat
LUNCH STARTING AT 11AM
Bread Soup Bowls
Lentil Bacon or Potato
211 College Dr., Decorah 563-277-1893
Specials not on the regular menu and served only during restaurant week
COMMUNITY
10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
Decorah Public Library announces February book discussions
Hao Wang gives two thumbs up while visiting the Iowa Dairy Center. (Photo submitted)
Hao Wang continued from front half of the program, he studied American criminal law, legal institution and legal writing. Wang will be returning to China in August, but he said he would enjoy living in the United States if the Chinese government allows it. “Living in Minnesota or Iowa would be more suitable,” Wang said with a smile. “There’s more freedom here. More freedom of speech, religion and everything else.” O’Rourke said Americans have vastly more rights than residents of China. For example, she noted Americans have the right to peacefully assemble and protest government policy or a piece of legislation, whereas residents of China have neither of those rights. O’Rourke said Wang might even be questioned by Chinese officials when he returns home in August, because the fellowship is sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Despite the lack of freedom in China, Wang said people there don’t live in fear. “It’s not fear,” he said. “It’s being cautious. You need to be cautious of what you talk about in public. At dinner with your family, it’s okay to talk. But,
During his Iowa visit, Hao Wang was kept busy by his host, rural Decorah resident and retired attorney Melissa O’Rourke, touring the countryside and learning about regional culture. Wang is pictured here with O’Rourke and her husband, Joe Skoda, inside St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. (Photo submitted) if you talk in public, you have to be very cautious about what you say. Talking about politics in public will make trouble for you.” Touring the countryside while staying with O’Rourke has been Wang’s favorite part of his winter break, and the friendship he’s gained as well as the kindness he’s witnessed and ex-
perienced during his trip to the Midwest have left him feeling enthusiastic. “How you treat friends and foreigners is a really important lesson for me to learn,” Wang said. “This has been the perfect experience — meeting new friends and new people — a fantastic experience for me.”
Decorah Public Library staff will be hosting five book discussions in February. The groups are open to the public, and newcomers are encouraged to attend. Interested individuals may call the library at 3823717 to learn more or to reserve a book. Those who wish to be added to any of the groups’ email distribution lists may email ktorresdal@ decorahlibrary.org. Funds for multiple copy sets are provided by Friends of Decorah Public Library. The Happy Hour Book Group will meet at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 to discuss Anna Quindlen’s “After Annie.” When Annie Brown dies suddenly, her husband, her children and her closest friend are left to find a way forward without the woman who has been the lynchpin of all their lives. “After Annie” is about hope the unexpected power of adversity to change people in profound and indelible ways. The History Book Group will meet at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 on the second floor of the library to discuss Robin Waterfield’s “Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths.” Socrates’ trial and death together form an iconic moment in Western civilization. In 399 BCE, the great philosopher stood before an Athenian jury on serious charges — impiety and “subverting the young men of the city.” The picture many have of his death is one of of a noble man putting his lips to a poisonous cup of hemlock, sentenced to death in a fit of folly by an ancient Athenian democracy already fighting for its own life. But an icon, an im-
age, is not reality, according to Waterfield, and time has transmuted many of the facts into historical fable. The Friday Book Group will meet at 2 p.m. Friday Feb. 21 on the second floor of the library to discuss Donna Everhart’s “When the Jessamine Grows.” Talk of impending war is a steady drumbeat throughout North Carolina, though Joetta McBride pays it little heed. She and her husband Ennis have built a modest but happy life for themselves, raising two sons on their small subsistence farm. They do not support the Confederacy’s position on slavery, but Joetta considers her family to be neutral, believing this is simply not their fight. Her opinion is not favored by many in their community, including Joetta’s own father-inlaw, who fills his grandsons’ heads with stories about the glory of battle and the Southern cause until one night the older of the two runs off to join the war. At Joetta’s frantic insistence, Ennis leaves to find their son and bring him home. But soon weeks pass with no word from father or son and Joetta is battered by the strain of running a farm with so little help. As the country becomes further entangled in the ramifications of war, Joetta finds herself increasingly at odds with those around her – until one act of kindness brings
Hinson said. “China is trying to get around the inspection process in a lot of ways. They’ve actually gone so far as to prop up fake facilities for inspectors to come into and look at so they can pass inspection. There’s a lot of shady stuff happening, so I think that’s part of the bigger conversation. As we’re looking at the things that are driving costs, we also have to look at quality and make sure that those two things are
continued from front synced up.” She said changes to tax policies may help in that regard. “We need to try to make sure things are either friend-sured — so they’re coming from a country that is not a potential advisory of ours — or we need to try to find ways to incentivize more domestic manufacturing, which in some places can actually cut down on costs too,” Hinson said.
Hinson ty and saw the renderings of it — it’s going to be beautiful,” Hinson said Friday. “People want to work in nice, beautiful spaces, where not only do their employers appreciate them, but it has modern technology, it has all the bells and whistles and it makes doing their job easier, which can help reduce a lot of the strain people might feel in the workplace.” Federal lawmakers are also discussing how to better align educational training with in-demand healthcare positions, according to Hinson. She said a number of fields offer loan forgiveness programs, but legislators are also considering how the federal government might incentivize what she called builtin training opportunities for employers to scale up their own workforce — an approach she said some employers are already
taking. Hinson expects the topic to be a major one within the U.S. House of Representatives during the next two years. She also expects the House will continue examining factors contributing to the cost of healthcare, such as labor and prescription costs. Hinson said lawmakers will likely e looking at supply chains within the healthcare industry, adding that products manufactured in China may not necessarily be the best option, even if they are less costly. She said members of the House Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Food and Drug Administration — a subcommittee of which Hinson is a member — has been discussing inspection processes with FDA officials. “We want equipment to be reasonably priced, but we also need it to be safe and well-made,”
SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER for more information Call (563)382-2901 or Email Diane Krentz dkrentz@jbhc.biz Apply online at www.jbholland.net
Operations Support Specialist Key responsibilities include preparing customer quotes, assisting with seed tests, allocating orders, and managing product sales through the company website. This position also may include providing general office support and assisting with technology systems. The ideal candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Excel and have strong computer skills. This full-time position offers a mix of in-person and remote work.
Females and minorities are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA
2-4-DL-12
2191 US HWY 52, DECORAH, IA 52101
51-14-DL-12
going to be very grateful to have something like this,” she said of WinnMed’s improvements. “We have proximity to Mayo, and we have proximity to LaCrosse (Wisconsin) and Iowa City, but you can get it in Decorah. So, I think that’s really incredible to be able to have access to that kind of treatment and state of the art facilities right here.” Hinson went on to say sizable investments in facilities like WinnMed can also serve as a recruiting tool as hospitals seek to hire specialists in particular fields. The congresswoman indicated she has requested approximately $1.68 million in federal funding for the expansion of WinnMed’s surgical facilities, and she feels such support will help draw specialists to northeast Iowa. “I just toured the new facili-
her family to the edge of even greater disaster. The Speculative Fiction Book Group will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 26 via Zoom to discuss Hexagon Magazine issue 18, available for free online. Since its creation in 2020, the magazine and stories published inside its pages have been finalists for numerous literary awards. Hexagon takes pride in specializing in the weird, the wondrous and the whimsical. A Zoom link for the discussion is available on the library’s website. The group will then discuss Emily Tesh’s award-winning “Some Desperate Glory” beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. The same Zoom link may be used for both discussions and is available on the library’s website. Since she was born, Kyr has trained for the day she can avenge the murder of planet Earth. Raised in the bowels of Gaea Station, alongside the last scraps of humanity, she readies herself to face the Wisdom, a powerful, reality-shaping weapon that gave the majoda their victory over humanity. When command assigns her brother to certain death and relegates her to nursery to bear sons until she dies trying, Kyr escapes from everything she’s known into a universe far more complicated than she was taught. For more information, call 563-382-3717 and speak to Tricia Crary about the Friday Book Group or Kristin Torresdal abut the Happy Hour, History and Speculative Fiction Book Groups.
Job description & application available at shootingstarnativeseed.com or at Shooting Star Native Seeds 20740 Co. Rd. 33 Spring Grove, Minnesota
LOOKS LIKE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY! OPPORTUNITY !
Choose experience. Choose reliability. Choose lower costs. Choose Alliant Energy.
Part-time Community Assistants FLEXIBLE
SCHEDULING
Vote NO
to municipalize
on March 4
to accommodate all types of work, school & social schedules. Full Circle Services offers sick, vacation and personal time to our part time staff.
8:30-1:30 shifts available weekdays!
Learn more
AlliantEnergy.com/Decorah Paid for by the Committee for Decorah's Energy Future
2-8-DL-12
Apply at: www.fullcircleneia.applicantpro.com/jobs/ or call Jared Morriss at 563-277-2029, jared.morriss@fullcircleneia.com
PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221
January 13, 2025 WCASWA Rate & Review Committee Meeting Minutes The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. Present: Mark Vick-WCASWA-Chairperson- Winneshiek County Supervisor Daniel Langreck-Vice Chairperson Winneshiek County Supervisor Leon Kipp-Treasurer-City of Fort Atkinson Steve Kelsay-Winneshiek County Supervisor Mark Faldet-Winneshiek County Supervisor Mike Meyer-City of Ossian Keith Frana-City of Calmar Richard Hammel-Winneshiek County Craig Fencl-Howard County Steve Deoppke-Clayton County Jana Olson-Counsel T.J. Schissel-Landfill Manager Meghan Scheidel-Landfill Operator Chris Oelkers-AECOM Engineer Brent Berns-Hacker Nelson Craig Fencl-Howard County Conservation Kelly Ludeking-Neighbor to Landfill Topics Discussed: 1. TJ discussed Landfill Usage and Rates. The board reaffirmed the increase to $78 per ton effective July 1st, 2025. 2. TJ reviewed the Comprehensive Plan. The meeting ended at 5:05 p.m. and transitioned to the regular agency meeting. January 13, 2025 Call to Order & Determination of Quorum: The Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mark Vick at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, Jan 13th, 2025 at the Winneshiek County Annex Building. Voting members present were; Mark Vick, Steve Kelsay, Mike Meyer, Mark Faldet, Keith Frana, Leon Kipp, Richard Hammel, Daniel Langreck, and Dennis Wilkins. A quorum was determined by the chairperson. Also present were; Counsel Jana Evelsizer Olson, Landfill Director T.J Schissel, Landfill Operator Meghan Scheidel, Clayton County representative Steve Doeppke, Howard County representative Craig Fencl, Brent Berns with Hacker & Nelson, and AECOM Engineer Chris Oelkers. Approval of Minutes & Agenda: Moved by Faldet, seconded by Frana, to approve the meeting minutes of 12/09/24. All voting approved. Moved by Faldet, seconded by Frana to approve the 01/13/25 agenda. All voting approved. Introduction of Guests: Kelly Ludeking, neighbor to the Landfill was present. Report from Secretary-Treasurer: 12/31/24 Checking Balance: $327,944.78 12/31/24 Checking Interest: $4.75 12/31/24 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $2,447,334.90 12/31/24 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $7,224,209.97 12/31/24 Total Investments: $9,671,544.87 Public Comment: There was no public comment. Approve Claims Paid: Moved by Langreck, seconded by Hammel to approve the December claims of $373,020.57. All voting approved. Motion carried. Committee Reports: Landfill Director’s Report Contractors started building the new shop. Cat 255 skid loader delivered, Polaris Ranger delivered, a CD was renewed. Engineer’s Report Sampling has been completed. Compaction rates are progressing as expected. Committee Reports: 1. Item 6.1 Election of Officers. Moved by Kelsay. Seconded by Wilkins to retain the following officers for the 2025 calendar year: Mark Vick-Chairperson, Daniel Langreck-Vice-Chairperson, Leon Kipp-Treasurer, Keith Frana-Secretary. All voting approved. Motion carried. 2. Item 6.3 Approve Corporate Authorization Resolution for Agency Signers. Moved by Faldet. Seconded by Kipp to retain signers as follows: Mark Vick, Daniel Langreck, Leon Kipp, Keith Frana, Shirley Vermace, and TJ Schissel. Roll call vote: Kipp-aye, Langreck-aye, Meyer-aye, Frana-aye, Faldet-aye Hammel-aye, Wilkins-aye, Kelsay-aye, Vick-aye. All voting approved. Motion carried. 3. Item 6.4 Resolution for area banks. Moved by Faldet, seconded by Hammel to retain the following banks as authorized depositories for agency funds: BMO, Decorah Bank & Trust, Northeast Security Bank, Viking State Bank, Luana Savings Bank, Cresco Union Savings Bank, Kerndt Brothers Bank, Citizens Savings Bank, and Fidelity Bank. Roll call vote: Kipp-aye, Langreck-aye, Meyer-aye, Frana-aye, Faldet- aye, Hammel-aye, Wilkins-aye, Kelsay-aye, Vick-aye. All voting approved. Motion carried. 4. Item 6.5 Hacker Nelson review 20232024 Audit. Brent Berns with Hacker & Nelson presented the FY 23-24 audit. 5. Item 6.6 Approval of audit. Moved by Frana, seconded by Kipp to approved the FY 23-24 audit. All voting approved. Motion carried. 6. Item 6.9 Discussion of Rate & Review meeting. Reaffirm an increase of the tipping fee to $78.00 per ton effective July 1st, 2025. 7. Item 6.10 Calmar Courier requests designated official newspaper for WCSWA. Motion by Faldet, seconded by Kelsay to deny the request and retain Decorah Leader as official newspaper for the WCSWA. All voting approved. Motion carried. 8. Item 6.11 Approve 2025 Holiday Schedule. Moved by Faldet, seconded by Meyer to adopt the holiday schedule as written and approved by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on January 6th, 2025. All voting approved. Motion carried. 9. Item 6.12 Approval of tractor purchase. Moved by Kipp, seconded by Faldet to purchase the CashIH Farmall 100C tractor from Windridge Implements LLC at $74,975.00.
All voting approved. Motion carried. 10. Item 6.13 Approval of plow truck and pickup truck purchase. Moved by Langreck, seconded by Faldet to purchase a dump truck with plow from Winneshiek County Secondary Roads for $10,000.00 and to purchase a pickup truck not to exceed $23,500.00. All voting approved. Motion carried. Establish Time & Date of Next Meeting: The WCASWA will meet on March 10th, 2025 at 5:00 pm at the Winneshiek County Annex Building. Adjournment: Moved by Faldet, seconded by Meyer to adjourn at 5:55 pm. All voting approved. Leon Kipp, Secretary Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste AgencyGeneral Ledger December 2024 Date, Transaction, Type, Num, Name, Split..............................................Amount 12/02/2024,Check 12187, CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING, Office...............................................-46.56 12/02/2024, Check12188, Winneshiek County,AuditorOffice.........................-38.60 12/02/2024, Check12189, Bruening Rock Products, Road Rock.....................-1,481.19 12/02/2024, Check12191, Midtech Services Laser purchase............................-2,780.00 12/09/2024, Check12192, Fisk Farm and Home, Shop supplies..................-1,227.88 12/09/2024, Check12193, Ziegler Inc. Repairs...............................................-5.41 12/09/2024, Check12194, MASTER BURN, Repairs...........................-2,321.55 12/09/2024, Check12195, Napa Auto Parts Repairs...........................................-387.21 12/09/2024, Check12196, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll Nov....-54,970.78 12/09/2024, Check12197, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass......-35.88 12/09/2024, Check12198, Ossian Lumber Inc, Shop repairs............................-654.45 12/09/2024, Check12199, Hacker,Nelson & Co.P.C., Accounting...................-2,540.00 12/09/2024, Check12200, Becker Hardware, Shop repairs..............-1,237.96 12/09/2024, Check12201, AcenTek, Internet............................................-54.95 12/10/2024, Expense, ACH, Bright Spot Carwash, Maintenance.......................-33.00 12/16/2024, Expense, ACH, Harbor Freight Tools, Shop repairs........................-434.38 12/16/2024, Check12211, MiEnergy Cooperative Electricity..................-679.38 12/16/2024, Check12202, AGVANTAGE FS INC., Fuel.............................-3,340.08 12/16/2024, Check12203, Decorah Tire Service, Maintenance......................-74.04 12/16/2024, Check12204, LetterWerks Sign City LLC, Signs....................-300.00 12/16/2024, Check12205, Drillings All Season Sports, Equipment Purchase...................................-26,053.94 12/16/2024, Check12206, County Line Attachments, Equipment Purchase.....................................-5,210.00 12/16/2024, Check12207, Vestis, Office.............................................-187.26 12/16/2024, Check12208, AECOM, Engineering................................-8,174.34 12/16/2024, Check12209, JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, Shop supplies...........-49.90 12/16/2024, Check12210, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, DNR Tipping fees.....................-12,901.95 12/16/2024, Expense, ACH, TreasurerState of Iowa, Sales Tax................-883.37 12/23/2024, Check12212, Bruening Rock Products, Road Rock.....................-338.13 12/23/2024, Check12213, Decorah Tire Service, Maintenance......................-39.02 12/23/2024, Check12214, Becker Hardware, Shop repairs..............-3,693.79 12/23/2024, Check12215, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass......-36.72 12/23/2024, Check12216, RACOM CORPORATION, Camera repairs............................-2,070.84 12/23/2024, Check12217, Anderson Law Office, Legal fees.......................-1,475.00 12/23/2024, Check12218, Ziegler Inc., Equipment purchase.................-75,650.00 12/23/2024, Check12219, Superior Building Centers, Shop repairs............................-100,000.00 12/30/2024, Check12220, CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING, Office...............................................-46.56 12/30/2024, Check12221, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll Dec.......-39,089.08 12/30/2024, Check12222, Decorah Leader Advertising....................................-218.96 12/30/2024, Check12223, Decorah Tire Service, Tires.................................-810.00 12/30/2024, Check12224, AECOM, Engineering..............................-23,240.93 12/30/2024, Check12225, Decorah Mobile Glass, Repairs..................................-75.00 12/30/2024, Check12226, Dave Hanson Shop supplies...................................-50.00 12/31/2024, Expense, ACH, First Data Merchant Bank, Credit/Debit fees Dec......................-82.48 Beginning Balance...................$561,678.69 Total Deposits...........................$139,281.91 Interest ................................................$4.75 Total Debits.............................-$373,020.57 Ending Balance .......................$327,944.78 Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 16, 2025
Winneshiek County – Payroll Employee Gross Wage Report 01/01/2024 to 12/31/2024 Alice Abbott.........................................765.00 Kari A Albert................................... 58,914.22 James T Alstad.............................. 100,773.85 Jeremy K Andera............................... 6,487.00 Jackie M Anderson............................ 9,935.30 Scott R Anderson............................ 12,457.69 Wendy J Anderson............................ 5,660.20 Julie A Archer.................................. 52,571.37 Landon L Ashbacher....................... 59,540.18 Darin J Barta...................................61,421.29 Denise L Barton Franzen..................3,196.06 Kaden M Barton Franzen..................2,834.75 Carston J Baumler...........................54,517.45 Jeffrey P Berns.............................. 125,282.05 Suzanne E Boeke.................................945.00 Carson A Bohner............................... 1,000.00 Jacob A Bohr..................................... 7,265.63 Adam C Brincks..............................54,337.23 Savanna W Brusse............................6,766.66 Reid T Buchheit..............................26,438.57 Justin E Bullerman..........................48,463.06 Lynne R Bullerman......................... 72,903.47 William J Bullerman.......................56,924.91 Christopher G Burington.................19,288.80 Fallon R Cassidy.............................86,700.14 Michael S Casterton.......................... 2,117.72 Elsa L Christman..................................500.00 Brian A Christopher........................57,148.21 Daniel R Christopher...........................137.75 Robert D Claman............................58,560.98 Anthony G Clarke...........................70,153.73 Thomas W Cook.............................54,332.36 Charles W Crain..............................62,717.72 Kasie L Criswell..............................31,400.17 Charles P Cunningham....................85,937.95 Christian J Cutsforth.........................8,897.80 Roger A Dahlen...............................17,061.32 Stacey L Darling............................. 69,711.54 Ricardo DeLaRosa...............................585.00 Elizabeth A Dietrich........................52,860.45 Alexandra C Dombrowski..............23,766.28 Nova L Dowdell................................5,869.50 Ronald W Emery.............................23,458.47 Valerie E Erickson.............................1,673.88 Jana M Evelsizer Olson.................. 82,015.75 Mark R Faldet................................. 37,245.95 Darlene J Fels..................................58,552.52 John C Fels......................................20,161.35 Lois K Frana................................... 29,011.78 Kyle A Frank................................... 58,217.07 Stephanie M Fromm....................... 74,250.25 Teresa A Gehling............................. 42,011.55 Michelle L Geiselhart......................24,724.58 Reginald R Gibson..........................59,188.02 Christina M Goeden........................61,108.16 Arielle R Gossman...............................722.76 Lisa C Grinna..................................68,064.31 Douglas J Groux.............................70,355.67 Andrew A Hageman........................91,426.60 David A Hageman................................608.64 Dawn L Hageman...........................69,057.62 Kayla M Hageman..........................51,766.16 Marcus A Hageman.........................54,280.86 John D Halverson............................72,340.34 Ronda A Hansen.............................. 88,393.71 Eily A Hegdahl..................................1,000.00 Lori A Hemesath.............................19,827.08 Daniel L Henry................................ 52,536.88 Penny Herold..................................18,751.75 Rachel A Herold..............................26,364.82 Sally A Herold.................................42,939.75 Todd R Hill.....................................57,684.43 Faith M Hlubek...............................60,667.18 Levi D Holstad................................54,838.28 Mitchell J Holthaus.........................55,315.74 Byron K Hook................................. 88,718.42 Logan K Hopp................................. 94,151.58 Katie R Houlihan............................53,157.82 Troy D Hovden...............................66,885.15 Michael J Hudecek..........................51,887.53 Amanda J Humpal........................... 69,711.54 David R Humpal.............................54,900.95 William H Hyman...........................37,155.63 Lenny P Imoehl...............................62,276.92 Tanner J Imoehl...............................28,237.55
Kari L Iverson.................................51,684.77 Fatimetu B Jatri Emhamed.............. 59,590.46 Russell K Jauert..............................42,943.60 Erica J Jensen..................................51,180.72 Tanner J Johnson............................. 54,840.34 Katrina S Jones............................... 56,501.69 Lauri A Kaeser................................71,459.13 Steven A Kelsay..............................37,245.95 Kara L Kleve...................................65,203.56 Elizabeth A Klimesh............................900.00 MariKathryn T Kollasch.................29,062.47 Nancy M Kovarik........................... 32,195.09 John C Kraus................................... 59,938.42 Brenda K Kreitzer...........................82,013.88 Makenz A Kriener...........................91,801.76 Ronald A Krivachek........................54,488.81 Jeffrey W Kuboushek...................... 82,326.23 Michael R Kueny.......................... 112,570.39 Daniel A Langreck.......................... 38,202.62 Shane R Lenehan............................ 54,198.87 Mathew A Linderbaum..................... 2,265.75 Scott E Logsdon.............................. 71,249.60 Sandra E Lorch............................... 63,262.46 Jon H Lubke.................................... 88,994.13 Daniel R Marx............................... 135,614.35 Jamie L McConnell.........................31,694.92 Matthew J Mettille.......................... 73,010.97 Hanna E Meyer............................... 55,658.66 Kyle J Miller................................... 60,037.37 Stacy A Miller................................. 25,051.21 Mary E Moen.................................. 23,055.29 Mark M Monroe.............................. 55,481.52 Robert E Moudry................................. 720.00 Donald R Muchow............................ 5,702.47 Rebecca A Murray........................... 65,751.95 Steven L Nesvik............................ 121,331.97 Evan F Neubauer............................. 56,321.14 Elizabeth A Novotny....................... 51,684.78 Elijah C Nymeyer........................... 34,779.20 Nathan A Onsager........................... 69,711.54 Brian A Peter..........................................76.00 Lance A Peters.................................91,179.91 Anthony L Phillips..........................70,355.68 Isaac C Phillips............................... 65,917.05 Lonnie R Pierce............................... 36,076.25 Austin Pohl..................................... 57,424.82 Brittany N Provost.......................... 11,023.29 Cory H Quandahl............................ 54,781.69 Mary E Raatz.................................... 2,333.78 Taylor M Regan.............................. 20,373.15 Larry A Reis....................................64,547.05 Joseph J Rilling...............................54,506.62 Nickolas A Rissman..........................2,070.00 Jett G Rodenz.................................. 57,199.53 Robert D Root................................. 54,810.81 Nancy J Sacquitne................................ 989.43 Keith M Sanderson.........................35,403.70 Lilyan E Sandhorst............................... 500.00 Jake C Schatz..................................53,124.07 Meghan M Scheidel........................64,212.31 Tory J Schissel................................88,234.40 Patrick J Schmelzer.........................55,227.73 Todd P Schmitt................................93,380.37 Logan R Schnuelle..........................57,673.21 Barbara L Schroeder.......................82,625.68 Jayne B Schultz...............................80,075.83 Marguerite G Schwarz....................12,324.71 Jeanne A Sebastian..........................74,712.81 Darrell W Sersland............................... 836.11 Jeremiah P Shanks.......................... 55,388.59 Chloe L Sheffield................................. 500.00 Michael J Shimak............................ 78,410.86 Julie M Shimek...............................30,429.61 Corey J Shuman..............................55,486.17 Casey C Smith................................88,485.42 Timothy N Smock...........................63,150.63 Gordon F Snitker............................48,485.95 Sean Snyder....................................96,148.68 Benjamin D Steines.........................88,258.98 Kamryn M Steines............................1,759.50 Rebecca J Steines............................ 45,260.62 Emmit R Stemper..............................6,740.63 Brandon J Stille...............................57,351.57 John L Storkamp............................. 11,252.67 Whitney O Troendle........................13,420.12 Cole A Tweten................................. 93,171.80 Fisher J Tweten...............................20,578.38 Andrew F Van Der Maaten............. 96,489.06 Jada A Vanden Brink....................... 46,237.53 Krista Vanden Brink........................82,625.68 Shirley J Vermace........................... 37,245.95 Mark A Vick.................................... 37,245.95 Jamie L Wagner............................... 24,289.44 Sherman S Watts.............................45,002.42 Michael R Weis............................... 78,417.79 Diana L Wilharm............................. 60,312.80 Brock B Willey............................... 57,893.59 Dana R Williams............................. 51,684.77 Casey J Wiltgen...............................57,522.46 Ryan F Wiltgen............................... 59,938.42 Christopher W Wuebker.................. 96,010.77 David L Wuebker............................ 17,339.56 Brett R Yohe.................................... 16,564.33 Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 16, 2025
Board Minutes January 6, 2025 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am January 6, 2025 with Kelsay, Vick, Langreck, Vermace, and Faldet present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order by Benjamin D. Steines, County Auditor. Steines called for nominations for Chair for 2025. Langreck was nominated by Vick. The vote was held and Langreck was unanimously elected Chair. Steines called for nominations for Vice Chair. Vick was nominated by Kelsay, Vermace was nominated by Faldet. The vote was held and Vick was elected Vice Chair with Vick, Kelsay, and Langreck voting for Vick, and Vermace and Faldet voting for Vermace. Langreck assumed the chair. Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to review road projects. Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 25-14, an application and letter of support for the RAISE Grant, pending review by the County Attorney. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 25-15, appointing Tim Smock to the vacancy of the County Treasurer. Motion carried with Vick, Langreck, Vermace, and Faldet voting aye; and Kelsay voting nay. Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to approve the requested re-appointments for Deputy County Treasurer. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 25-16, approving the recertification for the Bird Friendly Iowa Designation. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Ben Steines, County Auditor, reviewed the Valuation report he compiled for the January 1, 2024 valuations used in the preparation of FY26 budgets. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the 2024 Valuation Report including property valuations, utility valuations, Homestead Credits/Exemptions, Military Exemptions, Family Farm Credits, and all other associated valuation and credit information as compiled by Steines. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to name the Decorah Leader and the Calmar Courier the Official County Newspapers for 2025. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to approve the Holiday schedule for 2025 as reviewed by Steines. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to approve the Mileage, Meals, and Medical Examinations reimbursement rates for 2025 with no changes. Motion carried unanimously. Josh Dansdill, NEIA RC&D, met with the Board to review the water testing program for the Upper Iowa Watershed Alliance and request funding for FY26. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to appoint Doug Groux as County Weed Commissioner for 2025. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 25-17, the Construction Evaluation Resolution for 2025. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and to accept and file the quarterly report of the County Auditor and the monthly reports of the County Recorder and VA Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Sam Blatt and Mindy Meyers, Riverview Center, met with the Board to give a program review and request funding for FY26. Coline McCann and Ellie Loesch, Helping Services, met with the Board to review the Mentoring Program and present a proclamation. Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to proclaim January as National Mentoring Month in Winneshiek County. Motion carried unanimously. Carson Eggland, Director of Helping Services, met with the Board to review their programs and request funding for FY26. The Board reviewed several miscellaneous budgets. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, January 13, 2025. Motion carried unanimously. Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 16, 2025
IN THE MATTER OF THE IVERSON REVOCABLE TRUST NOTICE OF TRUST To all persons regarding IVERSON REVOCABLE, deceased, who died on or about December 16, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Decorah Bank & Trust Company is the Trustee of the Iverson Revocable Trust dated June 20, 2014, amended May 12, 2015, and July 30, 2018. Any action to contest the validity of the Trust must be brought in the District Court of Winneshiek County, Decorah, Iowa, within the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor whose identities are reasonably ascertainable. Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred. Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the Trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required, or the claim shall be forever barred, unless paid or otherwise satisfied. Dated this 7th day of January, 2025. Iverson Revocable Trust dated June 20, 2014 Decorah Bank & Trust Company, Trustee 202 E. Water Street Decorah IA 52101 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: Jana M. Evelsizer ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 (563) 382-2959 jana.olson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: January 23, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leacder January 16 & 23, 2025
IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PETER D. BENDICKSON, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016358 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Peter D. Bendickson, Deceased, who died on or about October 25, 2024: You are hereby notified that on January 8, 2025, the undersigned was appointed administrator of the estate. Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of the mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated: January 10, 2025. Sandra Bendickson Administrator of the Estate 1113 N. Oak Street Lake City, MN 55041 Nicholas W. Erickson, ICIS#: AT00l0916 Attorney for the Administrator Erickson Law Office 127 S. Lawler Street P.O. Box 118 Postville, IA 52162 Date of second publication: January 23, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 16 & 23, 2025
IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OTIS J. TOLLEFSON DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016350 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Otis J. Tollefson, Deceased, who died on or about December 25, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 10th day of January, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of Otis J. Tollefson, deceased, bearing date of July 5, 2022, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Steven L. Tollefson was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated this 13th day of January, 2025 Steven L. Tollefson Executor of Estate 108 Highland Drive Unit 3 Decorah, IA 52101 Dustin H. Noble ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dustin.noble@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: January 23, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 16 & 23, 2025 Public Notice Winneshiek County Recycling is requesting proposals for contract hauling for the rural waste routes. There is one route per day, five days a week. The contract is a six month contract with option to renew, at the sole discretion of the County. Winneshiek County will provide the roll-offs. Please submit proposals to the auditor’s office by January 17th. Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 9, 14 & 16, 2025
AUCTION CALENDAR TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 10 a.m. 300 Lot Flash Gun and Sporting Online Auction Kramer Auction Service. Prairie du Chien, WI. 608-326-8108. www.kramersales.com
HELP WANTED Person needed to clean following vacation rentals at cabin located in Highlandville IA. Rentals occur 1 to 2 times weekly. Call Brenda for more information 515-681-2055. 2-4-LD-12
NOW HIRING
RECYCLING SUPERVISOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING
Job descriptions and applications are available in the County Auditor’s Office and online at www.winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov. Send complete application, resume, three professional references, and cover letter to the Auditor’s Office, 201 W Main St, Decorah, IA 52101 or email to auditor@co.winneshiek.ia.us. Deadline-Until position is filled. EOE 3-4-DL-12
Winneshiek County Courthouse, 201 W. Main St., Decorah • 563-382-5085
www.winneshiekcounty.org
Floyd County Secondary Road Department/County Engineer The Floyd County Board of Supervisors is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Floyd County Engineer. Position requires registration as Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa. Salary negotiable based on qualifications/ experience. Application and resume due by January 23, 2025. Submit application and resume to www.floydco.iowa.gov/313/Employment or to the Floyd County Auditor’s Office 101 S Main St, Ste 302, Charles City, IA 50616. The job description is available at www.floydco.iowa.gov/313/Employment. Floyd County is an EOE employer.
3-2-DL-12
NOW HIRING
CITY CLERK
Decorah Community Schools’
NEED: Paraeducator (Decorah Middle School)
Support person to teachers working with children 1:1 or a group setting. Send letter of application and resume to Principal Justin Albers, 405 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA 52101, or email at: justin.albers@ decorah.school by end of the day on January 23, 2025, or open until position is filled.
3-2-LD-12
January 06, 2025 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Lorraine Borowski at 5:45 PM. The meeting was held at the Decorah Council Chambers and electronically. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Randy Schissel, Emily Neal, Kirsten Olson, Christopher Miculinich, Steve Zittergruen, Brent Parker, Mayor Lorraine Borowski, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Absent: None The consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of December 16, 2024, and December 23, 2024, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Appointment of Jeff Clement as Fire Chief, Mike Ashbacher as First Assistant Chief, and Kyle Kohls as Second Assistant Chief, per City Code 2.14.020 d. Approve Decorah Leader as the Official Newspaper for City of Decorah e. Class C Retail Alcohol License Renewal with Outdoor Service and Catering – Hotel Winneshiek f. Special Class C Retail Alcohol License Renewal - Mabe’s Pizza g. Tax Abatement - Remodel at 1309 Massman Drive - Jason and Stephanie Cenek Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Olson made a motion to approve the Sunflower Discovery Center Pledge of $10,000.00 with the recommendation from the Sustainability Commission to approve. Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to approve the Carrico Contract for the Decorah Swimming Pool, Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. John Hjelle discussed with the Council potential concepts for the College Drive and Heivly Street intersection. The plan is to reconstruct Heivly Street in 2025 and there will be changes made to this intersection. The Council gave support for traffic studies by WHKS Engineering for future proposals for this intersection. City Manager, Travis Goedken, led a discussion with the Council regarding inviting state elected officials to Decorah for a discussion soon regarding current government business and issues. Goedken will reach out to the officials and see if he can get something scheduled. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, January 6, 2024 Payroll, For 12/20/24..................198,801.72 Payroll, For 1/3/25......................196,324.82 Delta Dental, January 2025 Dental.1,410.00 Herrmann, Scott, Cedar Rapids Fbi Leadership Training........................932.67 Ia Dept Of Transportation, Pcc Level Ii Recert/Aggregate Tech Recert........ 240.00 Skyline Const, Pay App 2 Final 2024 Street Improvement-Asphalt Resurfacing ............................... 28,133.86 Skyline Const, Dry Run Creek Wqi Wetland Project App 3............... 58,746.93 Smart Lawn Care Solutions, Holiday Lights Across College Drive Bridge.......1,471.25 Ups, Postage........................................12.47 Winn Co. San. Landfill, Deer................6.00 Connell Flying Service December 2024 Services.............3,977.97 Postmaster Decorah Ia Bulk Mailing..................................425.43 Ace Hardware, Supplies......................13.58 Acentek, Fees....................................270.00 Ahlers & Cooney, Iuc/Educational Material/Foia Request/Meu Ballot........................................... 6,928.00 Aia Services, Shirts...........................367.15 Alden Pool & Municipal Supply, Parts................................................195.00 Alliant Energy, Electric Bills........ 22,068.73 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies.......................................2,902.48 Anderson Wilmarth Van Der Maatten, Legal Fees...................................3,040.00 Arrowhead Forensics Evidence Bags................................309.74 Baker & Taylor, Books......................447.62 Bodensteiner Implement, Parts.........125.55 Bruening Rock Products, Sand ...... 3,790.51 Calibre Press, Training...................... 359.00 Capital One, Supplies........................ 519.59 Cardboard Robot, Supplies.................23.80 Caroline Allen, Program......................75.00 Casper Plbg & Htg, Repairs...........2,798.00 Chamber Of Comm And Winn Co Develop. Chamber Hotel Motel................17,869.78 Core & Main, Hydrants................ 11,257.00 Cs Solar, Shop Facility........................ 75.82 Culligan, 5 Gal Bottle Exchange........... 9.00 Dalco, Supplies.................................. 178.10 Dan’S Service, Towing/Butt Connectors Travel Car.................... 285.00 Decorah Electric, Services................ 700.23 Decorah Human Powered Trails, Dhpt November........................... 2,138.57 Decorah Jobs, Hotel Motel........... 21,443.75 Decorah Leader, Minutes And Claims Publication......................................162.29 Decorah Mobile Glass , Windshield.. 275.00 Decorah Tire Service, Tires For Blade ........................... 3,811.26 Dell Marketing , Equipment........... 2,483.22 Don’S Towing Service, Towing.......... 75.00 Erdman Engineering, W Heivly Street Design.............16,070.50 Eurofins Enviro Testing , Testing......181.90 Fareway Stores, Supplies....................38.72 Fire Service Training Bureau, Ff1 For Ashley Baker.......................50.00 Fisk Farm And Home, Supplies.....1,016.89 Fox Strand, Wwtp Upgrade 2024/Water Meter Replacement Project.......12,616.00 Green Shoots, Invasive Knotweed Control ........1,398.49 Hawkins , Hawkins Tank Rental......... 40.00 Hovden Oil, Vehicle Oil....................191.80 Ia Dept Of Inspections, Appeals & Licens, 2024 Boiler Inspection....... 270.00 Iarsvpd, Annual Association Dues................................................250.00 Impact Coffee, Program Expense........ 68.50 Iowa One Call, Services .....................88.40 Kanopy, Film Database.....................156.00 Larson, Erin, Health Insurance Refund............................................382.57 Lynch Dallas, P.C. Attorneys At Law, ProfessionalServices......................... 50.00 Malcom Enterprises, Garbage........... 635.00 Mcclure Engineering, Airport Corporate Hangar And Attached Terminal...1,503.17 Mcdonald Supply/Div Of Hajoca, Wayside Park....................................90.86 Midwest Breathing Air , Parts For Breathing Air Compressor................27.55 Mississippi Welders, Gloves...............47.10
Mower Power, Repairs......................285.47 Napa Auto Parts, Parts ......................444.48 Nimrod, Andy, Disking At Carlson Park.................974.40 Northeast Iowa Task Force, October Jag 2024.........................1,530.03 Olsgard Auto , Alignment On New Unit 9.............................................. 112.75 Peterson Photography, Photo-Copyright Release...........................................450.00 Pheasants Forever Seed At Carlson Park...................4,578.00 Questcdn.Com, Fiber To The Home Project.............................................418.00 Quillin’S Waukon, Supplies.............. 113.81 Randy’S Auto Parts, Parts...................96.95 Ricoh Usa Inc, Copies/Printer Use......75.34 Ridgeway Lumber, Training Center.. 115.20 River City Paving, PainterStreetPatch.......................1,200.00 Skyline Const, Concrete Street Patch – Military Boulevard.........................613.53 Skyline Landscaping, Plow & Sand Tamarack Dr..................................... 40.00 Spahn & Rose Lumber, Supplies/Council Repairs................. 37.84 Stevenson Tree Care, TreeRemoval/Triming.................2,350.00 Storey Kenworthy, Water Bills/Supplies.......................850.77 Thornton’S Feed & Grain, Fairway Mix...................................215.00 Truck Country Of Iowa Inc Street Credit/Jet Truck......................95.93 Tweten, Jason, Nightcrawlers............ 480.00 Usa Blue Book, Supplies ..................550.34 Verizon Wireless Nov 24 - Dec 24 .........................3,872.95 Weis Buick Gmc, Maintenance On R2........................219.02 Windstream, Airport ........................... 38.28 Winn Co. San. Landfill, Building Debris................................ 84.36 Zarnoth Brush Works , Broom Refill...................................492.00 Zelda Productions Steyer Bridge Design/Layout.........170.00 Revenue To Date December 31, 2024 General Fund...........................3,505,678.61 Street Electric Franchise Fee...... 102,006.35 Road Use Fund...........................549,062.07 Employee Benefits......................955,523.99 Hotel/Motel................................ 203,306.40 Emergency Fund........................... 66,637.66 Local Option Sales Tax..............692,805.00 Tiff.............................................. 108,904.20 Ssmid............................................13,109.61 Park Special Gifts......................... 11,807.38 Library Special Gifts.................... 29,924.12 Street Equip Fund...........................6,496.84 Debt Service Fund...................... 733,726.88 Special Projects Water Utility Fund......................631,136.25 Sewer Utility Fund..................... 710,336.79 Enterprise Project Interest.............. 8,984.13 Metronet....................................... 57,928.00 Forest Utility................................92,499.02 Storm Sewer Utility...................... 60,758.00 Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 16, 2025
11
The Decorah Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.
The City of Spillville is now accepting applications for the City Clerk/Utility Billing position. Candidate must be self-motivated and able to multi-task and work with the public. Duties include accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reports, payroll, council and other meeting minutes, budget preparation, ordinances, resolutions, utility billing and general office management. The position includes working with QuickBooks/ClerkBooks, Word and Excel. Hours are flexible and will vary from 15 to 30 hours per week. Salary includes IPERS and will be based on qualifications and experience. Applications are available at City Hall, the Spillville Public Library and online at Spillville.org. Applications will be accepted until July 1, 2024. Please send application and resume to: City of Spillville, PO Box 276, Spillville IA 52168
3-4-DL-12
IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEAN M. VOBR, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016356 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Jean M. Vobr, Deceased, who died on or about December 1st, 2024: You are hereby notified that on December 31st, 2024 the Last Will and Testament of Jean M. Vobr, deceased, bearing date of February 15th, 1984, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Robert J. Vobr was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated January 3, 2025. Robert J. Vobr, Executor 10699 345th Avenue Cresco, IA 52136 Joseph P. Braun, ICIS#: AT0001120 Attorney for Executor ELWOOD, O’DONOHOE, BRAUN & WHITE, LLP 217 North Elm Street PO Box 377 Cresco, IA 52136 Date of second publication: January 16, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 9 & 16, 2025
The City of Spillville is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS
12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221
Grant funds help improve continued from front accessibility Breckbill intends to arrive an invented people. hostages and killing an estiin the West Bank on Jan. 28 to “There is no legitimacy in de- mated 1,200 people. The attack at local provide farm labor and other- nying human rights to a group resulted in retaliatory violence wise volunteer at Tent of Na- of people because of their ‘in- by Israeli forces — nearly half tions. She said she often sees vented’-ness,” Breckbill wrote of the hostages taken during extension farming as a way for her to live in her letter to the former Dec- the Oct. 7 attack were released out her values and work toward orah Journal. “The Palestinian during a one-week ceasefire in office
Ag & Advocacy
a vision of a better world. “I feel like I got into farming at a time in my life when I was also thinking a lot about how I wanted to be in the world as a person and how I wanted to be able to stand for justice,” she said. “I ended up deciding to become a farmer because of that — because it felt like a good way to act on what I believed in and do something tangible that made the world better. There are a lot of ways to do tangible things that make the world better. It’s just that farming is something that I’m kind of good at and enjoy. “ Breckbill first began a farming internship in Waco, Texas, immediately after graduating college in 2009. She moved to Decorah the next fall and worked for area vegetable producers for a time. In 2013, she started renting land for what became Humble Hands Harvest — a worker-owned cooperative farm she operates northeast of Decorah with fellow ag producer Emily Fagan. Breckbill said, as a producer, she often ponders issues of land use and access— Humble Hands’ website specifically notes the operation sits on ancestral lands of the Sauk, Meskwaki, Lakota and Hochunk people. Since arriving in Decorah, Breckbill has spoken on regenerative agriculture, land justice and co-operative economics as part of a Women Empowered event, hosted an agriculture workshop called “In Her Boots” at Humble Hands Harvest and has travelled to Oaxaca, Mexico, to learn from indigenous farmers under what was then the North American Free Trade Agreement. Breckbill even penned a letter to the editor in December of 2011, pushing back when former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingerich — who was at that time campaigning for the U.S. presidency — referred to Palestinians as
farmers that I have met have had the same land in their families for hundreds of years. In Decorah, we respect families who have cared for their land for generations. We don’t tell them to move elsewhere because a person with a more ‘real’ identity wants to occupy the space.” Breckbill indicated her comments seem to have remained relevant even after more than a decade. She went on to predict that, if an operation like Tent of Nations should lose control of its farmland, the consequences would be significant. She drew parallels to indigenous people’s loss of land during periods of western expansion in the United States, saying groups which lose the ability to produce food for themselves often become reliant on an outside system which she said may not have their best interests mind. “That’s just really devastating economically and also culturally to not be able to be on the land that your people are from,” she said. ‘We refuse to be enemies’ Breckbill previously visited the West Bank in 2008 through an organization called Community Peacemaker Teams. “Even then, Gaza was under siege,” she said. She went on to say she learned much about the situation and circumstances in the region at that time, noting the Palestinian people welcomed those from other countries and were eager for Breckbill and others to understand what was happening in the region. About 15 years later, militant members of the Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack on residents in nearby Israel, according to information from the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence, taking numerous
November of 2023, according to the Associated Press, but no permanent ceasefire has been achieved. News of the violence there sparked a question in Breckbill’s mind, and she wondered how her previous experiences in the West Bank might be of use to the people in that region of the world. As it happened, her own brother had taken a position in France as the director of the Paris Mennonite Center, and he had connected with members of the German Mennonite Peace Committee, who were seeking volunteers willing to travel to Tent of Nations during the winter — the off-season for Breckbill’s operation. It wasn’t long until Breckbill received an invitation to cross the ocean once again to help support the farm. Breckbill said coordinators with the committee have been monitoring the region, and she said most of the incidents being reported at this point are arrests of Palestinians by Israeli authorities rather than outright violent attacks. “Of course, it’s not the safest part of the world, and there might be some stressful times — especially around border crossings and just getting admitted to Israel and the West Bank and that kind of thing — but I don’t think my physical self will be in much more danger than it would be here,” she said. Breckbill sees her upcoming advocacy as a small drop in a massive cultural bucket, and she said it would require a massive shift in political stances — both domestic and international — to bring about lasting change. But she still points to the motto used by Tent of Nations — “We refuse to be enemies.” “I think that is a really powerful cultural orientation, especially in that region, and I’m excited to be part of that,” Breckbill said. “I think orienting that way — refusing to be enemies — is ultimately really important in whatever solution comes about. But I don’t know what that solution will be.”
Winneshiek County Extension and Outreach was recently awarded $2,500 in grant funding by The Depot Outlet to support updates to the extension offices’ parking lot and building, which will make the site more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Officials said the funds have helped to An automatic door opener was added to the rear door of the local ISU Extension Office, and parking lot lines — including an accessible parking space — were painted in the office’s lot thanks to grant funds provided by The Depot Outlet. (Photos submitted) update door handles in the office, paint parking lot lines and install an automatic door opener to ensure the space is accessible to individuals using assistive devices. “Having our building accessible to all people is essential to carrying out our mission to engage all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences,” said Delaney Holthe, office and program assistant for Winneshiek County Extension and Outreach.
ecora
Contact us:
563-382-4221
110 Washington Street, Suite 4, Decorah, IA 52101
Seth Boyes Editor...........................................................................................editor@decorahleader.com Denise Lana Staff Writer ..............................................................denise.lana@decorahleader.com Roz Weis Staff Writer ............................................................................... roz.weis@decorahleader.com Zach Jensen Staff Writer ............................................................... zach.jensen@decorahleader.com Becky Walz Sports Editor ..............................................................becky.walz@decorahleader.com Megan Warner Advertising Representative ............megan.warner@decorahleader.com Lynn Ninos Subscriptions & Classified Advertising..............lynn.ninos@decorahleader.com Olivia Martinez Accounting ...............................................olivia.martinez@decorahleader.com Samantha Ludeking Production Manager .. samantha.ludeking@decorahleader.com Kayla Thompson Production..........................................kayla.thompson@decorahleader.com Crystal Busch Production ............................................................crystal.busch@decorahleader.com
PUBLIC NOTICE Date - 1/07/25 Time - 16:26:00
Winneshiek County - Accounting
01 02 03 04 05 07 09 10 15 18 19 20
General Basic General Supplemental Rural Services Basic Water Testing Grant Fund Secondary Road General Reap Grant Drivers License MH-DD Services Recorders Record Management Fe Property Tax Agency TB/Eradication Fund Township Control
21 22 23 26 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 41 42 51 52 53 60 61 67 68 78 81 83 84 85 92
Corporation Control School District Control Area School Control Recorders E Transaction Co. Ag. Extension Opioid Abatement Fund Co. Assessor Motor Vehicle Trust Use Tax Trust City Special Assessments Tax Redemption Trust Winn Co Health Ins Township and County Special As Over/Short Fund Elderly/Disabled Trust Special Appraiser Trout Run Trail Freeport Trail Recorders Electronic Trust County Hospital Prairie Farmer Trail Anatomical Gift Fund Co Conservation Land Acq. Agency Fund/E911 & Emerg. Mgt. Landfill Fund Sewer Fund Sewer Sinking Funds Sewer Reserve Funds Tax Escrow Fund
94 95 96
Future Tax Collected Credit Card Fees Clerk of Court Debt Fund
Page -
Brenda K Kreitzer, Treasurer-Winneshiek County, Decorah, IA For the period from July - December, Inclusive Statement of Account By Fund
Certification Date 01/13/2025
Fund
Program - TR20501
FOR RENT
Semi-Annual Report
Balance July 5,972,535.30 1,637,338.40 3,859,941.77 172,604.64 1,269,387.87 353,249.37 .00 .00 33,332.99 .00 16.39 4,632.33
Revenues
5,411,385.01 2,858,139.46 2,380,146.20 9,213.48 5,022,790.35 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 1,435.82 316,709.93
Fund Balance December 6,092,056.84 1,396,439.52 3,805,717.73 192,685.16 1,100,008.26 368,254.61 .00 .00 34,971.63 .00 21.48 6,275.62
Auditor's Warrants Outstanding 23,746.07 82,242.17 13,418.93 363.88
4,812,006.81 9,776,202.77 823,255.54 .00 161,619.14 164,025.64 1,097,027.86 4,874,405.66 .00 54,718.64 21,587.50 1,445,025.78 .00 241.14 .00 .00 .00 10,750.00 1,735.00 871,877.24 18,642.30 .00 516,154.28 2,915,404.85 .00 .00 59,867.13 24,729.00 .00 .00 44,094.12 .00 .00
4,777,842.51 9,629,138.76 811,999.31 .00 159,229.48 .00 228,790.60 3,928,578.86 .00 40,939.64 21,587.50 1,052,786.21 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 1,516.00 858,964.04 .00 .00 108,517.41 1,781,325.38 .00 .00 17,406.21 .00 .00 .00 40,641.12 .00 .00
34,164.30 147,064.01 11,256.23 .00 2,389.66 164,025.64 868,237.26 945,826.80 .00 13,779.00 .00 392,239.57 .00 241.14 .00 .00 .00 10,750.00 219.00 12,913.20 18,642.30 .00 407,636.87 1,134,079.47 .00 .00 42,460.92 24,729.00 .00 .00 3,453.00 .00 .00
.00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 4,845.58 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 11,432.56 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
56,689,621.50
39,459,083.28
17,230,538.22
192,748.44
Disbursements
5,530,906.55 2,617,240.58 2,325,922.16 29,294.00 4,853,410.74 15,005.24 .00 .00 1,638.64 .00 1,440.91 318,353.22
Total to be Accounted for 11,503,441.85 4,254,578.98 6,185,863.93 201,898.64 6,122,798.61 368,254.61 .00 .00 34,971.63 .00 1,457.30 322,985.55
35,677.33 112,537.33 8,472.22 .00 1,801.25 129,970.64 729,845.66 576,911.89 .00 2,506.36 .00 457,545.64 .00 251.14 .00 .00 .00 10,750.00 306.00 9,852.65 18,642.30 .00 475,192.39 1,198,575.44 .00 .00 38,449.13 24,379.00 .00 .00 37,660.64 .00 .00
4,776,329.48 9,663,665.44 814,783.32 .00 159,817.89 34,055.00 367,182.20 4,297,493.77 .00 52,212.28 21,587.50 987,480.14 .00 10.00.00 .00 .00 .00 1,429.00 862,024.59 .00 .00 40,961.89 1,716,829.41 .00 .00 21,418.00 350.00 .00 .00 6,433.48 .00 .00
17,172,366.07
39,517,255.43
56,699.25 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00
Decorah, IA 52101 01/13/2025 Balance on Hand $17,230,538.22 I, Brenda K Kreitzer, Treasurer of Winneshiek County, do hereby certify that the report given is a correct summary of the business transacted by me as said during the period therein specified. Decorah (Iowa) Leader January 16, 2025
1
Apartment for rent: nice 2-bedroom, large living area, full kitchen. Close to Winneshiek hospital. Carport and laundry on site. NS/NP. 800-250-2948. 3-6-LD-pd-9
FOR RENT - CALMAR, IA 4-5 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, utilities & garbage paid by renter. Lawn & snow removal included. 1 year lease. Recently remodeled. Great location. No pets. $1200 deposit required. $1200/month.
515-468-7837
3-4-DL-4
REGIONAL ADVERTISING Help Wanted-Government POLICE OFFICER: Indianola Police Department is taking applications for the positions of Police/ Patrol Officer. Obtain applications by visiting https://indianolaiowa. applicantpro.com/jobs , choose Police Officer. Deadline 2/7/2025 EOE Miscellaneous Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Miscellaneous Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-
In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154 Miscellaneous Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866-554-1730
NEWS
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
13
Opioids among us
Decorah School Board hears update on Local professionals team up to treat opioid use disorder artificial intelligence, athletic schedules BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER
Doctors began prescribing mass quantities of opioid pain medications in the early 1990s, and many Iowa counties have begun receiving funds to treat opioid addicts as part of a legal settlement with pharmaceutical companies for more than $50 billion in 2021. “The pharmaceutical companies knew how addictive these drugs were, and they pushed our medical communities into unheard-of prescription amounts to sell more and more and more and more of their product,” said Shirley Vermace, chair of the Winneshiek County Opioid Task Force. “And, they knew exactly what they were doing, and they knew they were creating addicts, which, then, increased their profits. It angered me — what was happening to people — because of greed — money.” But, many opioid addicts — especially in rural Iowa — might not know where to turn for help, which is why UCS Healthcare opened a Medication-Assisted Treatment clinic in Decorah. UCS Healthcare is an Iowa-based non-profit corporation licensed by the state of Iowa to provide medication-assisted treatment through 14 regional Iowa clinics, and local professionals close to the opioid epidemic hope some funding from the multi-billion dollar opioid settlement will be put toward the Decorah MAT clinic, which is located inside Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health. The 2021 settlement agreement required 39 states to be paid varying amounts of money over 15 years. Each Iowa county will receive annual payments, and Winneshiek County’s portion of the funds will eventually total $283,657, Vermace said. Use of those dollars is limited to education about opioids and the prevention or treatment of opioid use disorder. Vermace went on to say, while opioids can often be effective in managing pain soon after some procedures and surgeries, they can become problematic if an individual uses them too often, rather than transitioning to over-the-counter medications. The result, according to Opioid Task Force co-chair Jon Vagts, is a different type of drug addict — one he said doesn’t align with stereotypes. “We don’t hear about the 40-year-old male teacher, who is an addict and still goes to work every day,” Vagts said. “You might not even be able to tell if someone is using opioids.” Vagts works as a prevention coordinator at Helping Services for Youth and Families of Decorah, under a grant from Iowa’s State Opioid Response Project. The project is aimed at addressing the opioid crisis by
Registered Nurse Kristin Nolte serves recovering opioid addicts at UCS Healthcare’s local Medication-Assisted Treatment clinic inside Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health at 905 Montgomery St. in Decorah. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER
increasing access to medHealth in Decorah to ications for MAT clinics, schedule an intake apincreasing treatment oppointment — she extions and reducing deaths plained individuals must related to opioid overbe diagnosed with opioid dose through prevention, use disorder before they treatment and recovery. can be referred to the The majority of opioid local clinic. Nolte said users range from 25 to 45 wait times have dropped years of age, according from close to two weeks to 2023 statistics from several years ago to just Shirley Vermace Jon Vagts the Iowa Health and Hutwo or three days today. man Services, and Vagts “We believe in wholissaid many of them started tic care, so you can’t just To use Decorah’s MAT clinic, taking opioid painkillers come in and get a medcall Northeast Iowa Behavioral exactly as they were preication and be healed Health at 563-382-3649 to scribed by a doctor. from your addiction,” “When somebody deNolte said. “You also schedule an evaluation for velops this addiction, have to address the menopioid use disorder. For changes happen in their tal health side of it. So, additional information on UCS brain, and that substance NEIBH addresses the Healthcare, visit ucsonline.org. becomes the most immental health side, and portant thing to them,” we address the chemical Vagts said, “They need side, and we work toit. They need to find a gether for the good of the way to get. They know the po- cle. Statements like ‘They’re patient.” tential consequences, but the just a bunch of drug addicts. Nolte sees newly-referred substance has become more im- Who cares?’ That is exactly clients as they’re going through portant than the consequences.” why we have this problem — a withdrawal symptoms, like Registered Nurse Kristin lack of education, understand- sweating, fluctuating body Nolte hopes to reduce the num- ing and empathy.” temperatures, nausea, diarrhea, ber of active opioid addicts in Nolte noted the three main vomiting and more — all of northeast Iowa. She serves at medications used to treat opi- which can make quitting opiDecorah’s MAT clinic, which oid use disorder — methadone, oids unappealing. provides several options when suboxone and naltrexone — are “That’s what we try to help it comes to kicking an opioid regulated by the Food and Drug with,” Nolte said. “Someone addiction. can use heroin and receive treatAdministration. Nolte said most people she “Because these are regulat- ment the same day. You don’t sees are addicted to heroin, but ed, we know these medications have to go through a withdrawsome patients were prescribed aren’t laced with fentanyl,” she al period — except with Suboxpain medications, used them said. “And, taking these medi- one, you have to be opiate-free as they were prescribed and cations can reduce those physi- for 48 hours before you start became addicted to them. And cal side effects — so the person taking that medication.” when it comes to treatment, she with substance use disorder can Vagts agreed treatment is alsaid rural Iowans are often less focus on going to their job, par- ways an option for those experiopen about their addiction than ticipating in their family struc- encing opioid addiction, adding addicts in urban areas might be. ture and performing the tasks of that is a major reason he feels it “The problem is here,” Nolte daily living while not having to is important some of the settlesaid. “It’s just that no one reach- worry about the dreadful with- ment funds received by the state es out for help.” drawal symptoms. Taking these go toward the local MAT clinic. Nolte, Vermace and Vagts medications can also help re“Just because somebody has agree the mindset that addicts duce risky behaviors, often as- an addiction or a substance are weak and rural Iowans must sociated with drug seeking and abuse disorder doesn’t mean be strong can sometimes pre- can give the clients the time, they’re done for,” he said. vent addicts from getting the energy and freedom to focus “They can get into recovery, help they need. on their recovery while actively maintain that recovery and be “Statewide and nationwide, participating in their lives.” productive members of society. what’s preventing education Nolte said those seeking People are dying from this, and and rehab and help for opioid to end their addiction to opi- if we can help them get into readdicts is stigma,” Vermace oids should start by contact- covery and stay alive, I think said. “That’s the biggest obsta- ing Northeast Iowa Behavioral that’s worth it.”
Angel Marie De La Garza, age 45, of Decorah was charged with possession of methamphetamine — first offense — and driving while license denied, suspended, cancelled or revoked at approximately 6:37 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 in the 700 block of Maiden Lane in Decorah. Criminal complaints said an officer saw De La Garza driving a vehicle near the intersection of Maiden Lane and Frances Street, and the officer was aware De La Garza did not possess a valid license. A search of the vehicle revealed two zip lock bags containing a substance which field tested positive as methamphetamine, according to the complaints. De La Garza was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 7:05 p.m. the same day. Triton Donald Postle, age 24, of Decorah was charged with possession of marijuana — first of-
fense — possession of drug paraphernalia at approximately 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 after being stopped for a traffic violation near the intersection of Montgomery Street and Main Street in Decorah. An officer discovered more than 30 grams of what was believed to be THC wax, a glass and silicone tube and two containers which held what was described as residue of bud marijuana. Postle was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:30 a.m. the same day, where law enforcement also discovered what a complaint called a “dab rig” which tested positive for THC. Postle was additionally charged with possession of contraband in a correctional facility. Prosecutors have said there wasn’t enough evidence to move forward with a case after a local college student was accused of burglarizing a dormitory room in mid-December of 2024. Isaiah
Corde Singleton, age 18, of Houston, Texas, was charged with second-degree burglary and third-degree theft last month. Criminal complaints in the case accused Singleton and two other individuals of entering a ground-level room in the Brandt dormitory building around 11:25 p.m. Dec. 17, 2024, and stealing a computer. Witnesses later retrieved the computer from Singleton’s room, according to court filings. However, prosecutors filed a motion on Dec. 30, 2024, asking to dismiss the case, saying “there is insufficient evidence available to convict the defendant of the charges.” An order to dismiss the case was filed by the court that same morning, saying Singleton could potentially have the case expunged after 180 days. The Decorah Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision at 5:28 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 at the intersection of Highway 9
Bowler to hold discussion on ‘Making Time’ Decorah author Maria Bowler will give a presentation and Q&A session followed by a book signing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Pulpit Rock Brewery events room at 207 College Dr. in Decorah. The public is invited to this free event, sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, with support from Pulpit Rock Brewing and Dragonfly Books. Organizers said Bowler’s book “Making Time: A New Vision for Crafting a Life Beyond Productivity” is a manifesto for those seeking to move beyond endless to-do lists and rediscover their creative humanity. Bowler explores why the relentless pressure to do more persists, and she offers perspective on how individuals spend their energy.
Bowler, a former magazine editor and university creative writing professor, advocates for the power of imagination, which she sees as both a spiritual and political force. A Canadian now living in Iowa with her American husband and their daughter, Bowler holds advanced degrees from Yale University and the University of Minnesota, and she blends insights from neurobiology, positive psychology, philosophy, craft theory and contemplative practice to help unlock creative potential. This event is part of Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation’s author event series, which brings writers of all genres to northeast Iowa to lead in conversations about literature and writing.
IMPORTANT PRICING UPDATE
Law Enforcement Decorah Police Department
Members of the Decorah School Board agreed artificial intelligence isn’t an issue that’s going away, and the board said the time to address the technological trend is now. School Board President Cindy Goodner said she attended a session on AI at the Iowa Association of School Boards’ annual conference last November. “In this new world we are living in, the pace that technology is developing is staggering,” she said. “Our students need to leave Decorah Schools and enter the world with some knowledge of AI.” The school district approved the second reading of its policy on the use of AI during Monday’s meeting. The policy aims to outline appropriate and ethical uses of artificial intelligence as an educational tool, while also protecting the privacy and safety of both students and school employees. Goodner said the policy was drafted by lawyers with the IASB, and that AI is an evolving, new trend for many public schools. The board noted AI tools can be vulnerable to inaccuracy in some significant ways, but they also admitted AI tools can analyze large amounts of information and detect patterns to help draw conclusions. AI may have the potential to automate organizational classroom tasks and enhance research and professional development for educators, but Decorah High School Principal Brad Hurst reminded the board on Monday that administrators and faculty continue to “encourage authentic, original thought.”
Athletic schedules In other business Monday night, the board heard a report from administrators regarding scheduling of future athletic events. Decorah Schools will compete as independent, effective at the end of this academic year, after unsuccessfully seeking affiliation with other athletic conferences. This academic year marks the final year of Decorah’s participation in the Upper Iowa Conference — Decorah has been a member of the conference for decades. Last fall, a Iowa Department of Education’s meditation team denied a petition for Decorah to be admitted to the Upper Iowa Conference. The Department of Education’s director also denied a follow-up appeal after an October hearing. Decorah Athletic Director Adam Riley said scheduling athletic events is challenging, but he said he has seen some promising responses as he navigates schedules with schools across the state for the 2025-26 academic calendar. Junior High Activities Director and Assistant Principal Jake Nimrod said he also is seeking competitive matchups with northeast Iowa schools. Competition is sought in all sports, with the exception of football, as those games are played on a district schedule, rather than a conference classification. Riley warned the board the scheduling issue could result in increased expenses for future activities. “Be prepared for some more travel and less home events,” he said.
and Old Stage Road in Decorah. Officers determined a 2017 Volkswagon Tiguan driven by 50-yearold Bethany Ellingson of Waukon had rear ended a 2023 GMC Acadia driven by 14-year-old Brinley Linderbaum of Ossian. Ellingson was cited for failure to stop in an assured clear distance. Linderbaum was accompanied by an adult and two other juveniles — all four occupants of the Acadia self-reported to the emergency room at WinnMed in Decorah to be assessed, according to information from the police department. The Decorah Police Department was assisted on scene by Don’s Towing Service, Hennessy Towing Service and the Decorah Fire Department. All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal process.
As of Monday, January 13, Winneshiek County Recycling’s price list has been updated:
WHITE GOODS
A $20 fee per unit applies for the following items: • Refrigerators/ • Furnaces Freezers • Clothes Washers • Commercial Coolers and Dryers • Air-Conditioner Units • Dishwashers • Dehumidifiers • Microwave Ovens • Gas Water Heaters • Stoves/Ovens
LIGHT BULBS
ELECTRONICS
A 50 cent fee per bulb A $20 fee per unit applies for commercial applies for the fluorescent bulbs. An following items: invoice will be sent out • TV’s for the total amount due. • Computer Monitors
BALLASTS
A $10 fee per ballast applies for PCB containing ballasts.
CASH OR CHECK ONLY
(cash transactions for the exact amount owed)
Questions?
Email: recycling@ co.winneshiek.ia.us or call 563-382-6514 or message Winneshiek County Recycling on Facebook
Thank you,
Winneshiek County Recycling
2510 172nd Ave, Decorah • 563-382-6514
COMMUNITY
14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221
Community briefs
Burning Bright annual benefit concerts provide $5,500 to local organizations A group of 70 community singers and instrumentalists presented the 26th annual Burning Bright Benefit Concerts at First United Methodist Church on Dec. 21, 2024. All proceeds were donated to four local organizations. The Guatemalan Basics program, which received $1,500, is part of Neighbors Helping Neighbors through the United Church of Christ. This program provides food packages to new immigrants in the area. With bulk packages of rice, beans and tortilla mix, a family has enough to get started as they learn to navigate the grocery and food sources available to them. Path to Citizenship, which received $1,500, is a Northeast Iowa organization which provides aid to people who need help navigating the path to legal status. Founded by a coalition of Decorah area faith groups
and working in partnership with Justice for Our Neighbors and Catholic Charities, Path to Citizenship provides free legal advice on the immigration process. The Farmers Land Investment Cooperative, which received $1,500, holds envisions a community which invests in farmland to produce quality food, build ecological diversity and resilience, and welcome new farmers into stable livelihoods. The local food fund at the Decorah Community Food Pantry, which received $1,000, is a faith-based, non-profit charity organization serving thousand of northeast Iowa families experiencing food insecurity. The Local Food Fund buys food directly from local farmers for their clients, also offering coupons which can be used at the local farmer’s market.
Pictured are (left to right) Burning Bright Steering Committee member Sue Otte, Matt Tapscott, representing the Decorah Community Food Pantry, and Burning Bright Director Kathy Reed. (Photo submitted)
Pictured are (left to right) Burning Bright Director Kathy Reed with Margaret Betteridge, representing the Guatemalan Basics Initiative, and Burning Bright Steering Committee member Martha Griesheimer. (Photo submitted)
Pictured are (left to right) Burning Bright Steering Committee member Martha Griesheimer, David Judisch, representing Path to Citizenship, and Burning Bright Director Kathy Reed. (Photo submitted)
Pictured are (left to right) Burning Bright Steering Committee member Sue Otte, Hannah Breckbill, representing the Farmers Land Investment Cooperative, and Burning Bright Director Kathy Reed. (Photo submitted)
Dream Week events to honor King’s legacy Luther College invites community members to attend Dream Week events from Jan. 20-24, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Guest speakers, discussions and community outreach events will honor King’s legacy and examine the issues of racism, bias, inequity and injustice in society. The events are free and open to the public. “King reminds us that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,’” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther. “May we carry the hope that justice is not only a dream, but a collective responsibility. Together, we must honor King’s vision by recommitting ourselves to working collaboratively as a campus community
for a world where equity, dignity and love guide our actions toward lasting change.” In addition to these on-campus events, Luther community members will read books about service, leadership, justice, civility and diversity to elementary students on Thursday, Jan. 23. Monday, Jan. 20 Madiba Dennie, deputy editor and senior contributor at “Balls & Strikes,” will evaluate the current state of multiracial democracy during a presentation entitled “The Continuing Fight for Multiracial Democracy,” at 7 p.m. in the main hall of Luther’s Center for Faith and Life. Dennie’s lecture will also discuss the role of law and legal interpretation in confronting or cementing white supremacy, outline how political move-
Ham & Meatball Dinner I.O.O.F. #58
WINNESHIEK #58
I.O.O.F. #58
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
326 Washington St., Decorah (located across from the Social Security Office)
Sunday, Jan. 19 • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Menu includes: Real Mashed Potatoes
and Gravy, Vegetables, Cole Slaw, Beverage, Bread and Dessert3-2-DL-17
DINE-IN & CARRY-OUTS ARE WELCOME CALL 563-382-4731
• TRIMMING • REMOVAL • STORM DAMAGE DECORAH BASED • UTILITY FULLY INSURED LINES FREE ESTIMATES • CLIMBERS dotzenrodtreeservice@gmail.com AVAILABLE 319-361-6856
ments can impact public understanding of the law and examine how King’s legacy should shape the meaning of laws today. The lecture is supported by the Williams Endowment Fund for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. In Dennie’s previous role as a counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, she provided legal and policy analysis regarding a range of democracy issues including the census, the courts and attempts to disempower communities of color. Dennie has taught at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and New York University School of Law in New York City. She earned her law degree from Columbia Law School and her undergraduate degree from Princeton University.
4 p.m. in the lobby of the college’s Center for Faith and Life. The service is meant to point participants toward God’s liberating love and inspire them to both recognize and work to repair harm caused by racism and intolerance.
Tuesday, Jan. 21 “A Conversation on Racial Healing,” will be held at 4 p.m. in the Mott-Borlaug Room of the college’s Dahl Centennial Union. This event is to be held in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing. Students, faculty, staff and community members will discuss how to create a more just and equitable world.
Friday, Jan. 24 Attendees of the “Brown Bag Discussion: Intersection of Faith and Justice” will gather at noon in the Mott-Borlaug Room of the Dahl Centennial Union to explore the connection between faith and justice. Participants will reflect on how faith traditions inform justice, equity and community engagement commitments. The discussion will highlight how such values are lived out in personal lives, local communities and institutional practices.
Wednesday, Jan. 22 A “Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving,” will be held at
Thursday, Jan. 23 “Selma,” Olin 102, 5 p.m. The historical drama film “Selma” will be shown at 5 p.m. in room 102 of the Olin building on campus. In the film, King, portrayed by actor David Oyelowo, and his followers press forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and their efforts culminate with then President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. “Selma” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
GARAGE DOORS
REPAIRS • SALES INSTALLATION Residential & Commercial
641-330-7629 Charles City, IA
Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund to host free lead certification training The Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund will host a free lead certification training session for all interested contractors. The event, featuring certified trainer Elizabeth Kemp of Dubuque, will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 at the West Union Public Library — 210 North Vine St. in West Union. A free lunch will be provided along with a presentation on a housing-related topic. Registration is required prior to the training, and a pre-session PIN is needed for registration. Interested parties may contact Lori Quam at lquam@uerpc.org or 563-3826171 for the required pre-session PIN. Iowa law requires that all contractors who renovate or remodel homes built before 1978 must be certified as leadsafe renovators. They must also complete an eight-hour lead safety certification course and follow specific lead-safe work practices. Penalties for leadbased paint violations in Iowa can be up to $37,500 per violation, per day. The NEIRHTF program can also assist homeowners with up to $12,500 for home rehabilitation projects, if both the homeowner and the contractor meet certain criteria.
ISU Extension hosting Farm Couple Get-Away
Registration is open for a Farm Couple Get-Away event hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The get-away will take place from 12:30 p.m. Feb. 21 to 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Dubuque. The event is open to the first 10 couples from Iowa who sign up to attend. The get-away designed to help farm couples deal more effecively with stress, learn creative communication skills, become familiar with helpful resources in your community, make basic decisions for their farm operation and their family’s future as well as network with other couples. Preregistration and a $50 refundable deposit is required. Couples may register by calling the Dubuque County Extension Office at 563-583-6496.
First Lutheran Church to screen ‘Common Ground’
The Creation Care Team at First Lutheran Church in Decorah will show the film “Common Ground,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 in the church’s Fireside Room. “Common Ground” is a documentary which explores the connection between farming, public policy and disease. The film profiles a movement of alternative “regenerative” agriculture models which aim to balance the climate, improve health and stabilize America’s economy. Luther College professor emeritus Jim Martin-Schramm will lead a short discussion following the film. This event is free and open to the public. The film is appropriate for children ages 11 and up. First Lutheran Church is located at 604 West Broadway Street in Decorah.
Sons of Norway to hear from Svanoe
The Sons of Norway Valdres Lodge will hear a presentation by Rolf Svanoe at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church — 701 Iowa Ave. in Decorah. The title
of his presentation is “Vesterheim’s First Ever Beer Tour to Norway.” He will speak on how the beer tour came to be and will explain the connection of this tour to Vesterheim and its mission. Svanoe was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He holds degrees from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. In his 36 years of ministry in the ELCA, Svanoe has served five churches in Wisconsin, South Dakota and Minnesota. Svanoe is married to Kimberly and together they have three children. They retired to Decorah in 2020, and he began volunteering at Vesterheim museum. In October of 2022, Svanoe was hired as the part-time Tours to Norway Coordinator for Vesterheim. Before his job at Vesterheim, he led over a dozen tours to Europe, including four to Norway. Svanoe’s presentation will be preceded by a lodge meeting at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. There will be refreshments following this presentation.
Vesterheim to hold Barnetimen Children’s Hour
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, will welcome preschoolers and their caregivers to the museum at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 for Barnetimen Children’s Hour. Participants may meet in the lobby of the Museum Building to explore objects and stories in the collection as well as create art themselves. “This month, we’ll explore feelings by looking at photographs on exhibit and in the museum collection,” Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim youth educator, said. “We’ll ask questions while we look for clues about the way the people in the artworks feel and how we feel viewing them.” The conversation will be followed by an art project and snacks. Barnetimen programs are free and geared toward children ages 3-5, but all ages are welcome. The museum offers new programs from 10-11 a.m. the third Tuesday of the month, September through April. No reservations are needed, but groups of 10 or more are asked to contact the museum the day before the program to help with planning. For more information, contact Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim collection manager, at 563-382-9681 or jkovarik@ vesterheim.org.
WinnMed to offer free ‘Welcome to Medicare’ seminar
WinnMed will host a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. This in-person, twohour seminar, offered by the WinnMed Senior Health Insurance Information Program counselors, will be held in WinnMed’s lower level conference rooms. The free seminar will cover Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the prescription drug benefit — Part D — Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. Participants should park in Lot E and enter through the E-1 door on the WinnMed campus. Registration is required by Monday, Jan. 27. Register by visiting WinnMed.org/events or by calling 563-387-3036. The Senior Health Insurance Information Program is a service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP counselors are trained by the state and do not sell or promote any insurance companies, policies or agents. WinnMed is a local sponsor for SHIIP in Winneshiek County.
SPORTS
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM
15
Small SW girls wrestling squad keeps battling
Warrior Odessa Oyloe (left) engages in a hand battle against Waukon’s Jaelynn Johanningmeier at 125 pounds last week in a dual against the Indians. (Photo courtesy of Tami Brincks) Fighting to get a shot off against West Central’s defense is Emersyn Hoffert last week in the Trojans’ 52-19 victory. (Photo courtesy of Leah Kruse) Photo submitted
Christen competes in Ironman triathlon Winneshiek County native Carson Christen recently competed in the Ironman 70.63 World Championship Triathlon, which was held Dec. 14, 2024, in Taupo, New Zealand. The triathlon consisted of three races, a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile on bicycle and a 13.1 mile run. Christen finished in a time of 4:13:03, according to online results, which placed him 13th out of 387 participants in age 35-39 bracket of the male amateur division. In the same age group, he was the top finisher from the United States and the eighth fastest USA amateur
overall. His time also garnered him 127th place out of 3,083 participants in the amateur division. Christen is the son of Kyle and Laura Christen of Cedar Rapids, and grandson of Elliott and Bev Christen of Decorah. He is a 2010 graduate of Luther College, where he lettered in swimming for four years. Christen is the owner of Torden Multisport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a professional coaching company which trains Olympic, professional and amateur endurance athletes.
Lake Meyer Ice Fishing Derby scheduled for next month The annual Lake Meyer Ice Fishing Derby will be held Sunday, Feb. 2 at Lake Meyer Park. Registration will begin at noon at the Lake Meyer Campground shop and fishing will run from noon to 4 p.m. Registration costs $5 for adults age 16 and older and is free for all children age 15 and under. All ages are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to the first and second-place anglers in several categories. All participants will be eligible for one of many door prizes. Award ceremonies and prize drawings will be held following the close of the fishing derby. Final prize standings will be at the discretion of Winneshiek County Conservation Board staff. Contestants will need to provide their own bucket, auger and fishing equipment. A limited supply of equipment will be
available for use by children. All participants 16 and older must have a valid 2025 Iowa fishing license. No ATVs or cars will be permitted on the ice during the derby. Catch and release of bass and northern pike is encouraged. Bass must be more than 15 inches long to be eligible for prizes. In case of poor ice conditions or inclement weather, tune to 100.5 FM or 104.7 FM or watch the Winneshiek County Conservation Facebook page for cancellation information. Lake Meyer Park is located at 2546 Lake Meyer Rd., just off Highway 24 between Calmar and Fort Atkinson. All proceeds from the derby will go toward lake and park improvements. For more information, call Winneshiek the County Conservation at 563-534-7145.
CONTACT US!
Turkey Valley remains atop UIC standings By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com
The Turkey Valley Trojan girls’ basketball team is in the driver’s seat of the Upper Iowa Conference standings – although they’re sharing the wheel with the Bulldogs of MFL MarMac. The pair of UIC squads share identical league marks, but TV does hold the tiebreaker with a 45-40 win over MFL (8-5, 8-1 UIC) back in the first week of December. The two leaders of the pack in the UIC played on Tuesday in Jackson Junction, a key game that went a long way to determine the league championship. Turkey Valley (8-3, 8-1 UIC) rolled over West Central (52-19) last week Tuesday and Postville (82-22) on Friday. The in-between non-conference game at home versus No. 5 Riceville on Thursday went the way of the Wildcats by a score of 37-25. Riceville (10-1) held TV to a season-low point total of 25 points on 6-46 shooting – just 13 percent from the field. TV netted a season-high point total against Postville (012, 0-9 UIC) and exploded for 30 points in the opening period on the road versus the Pirates. The Trojans shot over 50 percent from the field and had five players in double-figure scoring. Those standout performers
were Ellaney Bodensteiner (career-high 14 points), Addison Steinlage (13), Bella Stika (10), Delaney Busta (10) and Emersyn Hoffert (10). Stika and Busta snared 10 rebounds apiece while Bodensteiner grabbed eight boards versus the Pirates. Steinlage led the charge for the Trojans versus the two-win Blue Devils (2-9, 1-7 UIC) with 13 points. Hoffert was perfect from the field (4-of-4) and tallied eight points. Stika came up with 14 rebounds versus Riceville and 11 versus West Central.
Riceville 9 14 6 8 37 Turkey Valley 9 4 9 3 25 Scoring – Addison Steinlage 9; Bella Stika 5; Ellaney Bodensteiner 5; Emersyn Hoffert 3; Annika Bodensteiner 2; Delaney Busta 1 Rebounds – Stika 14; Busta 6; Layni Schuchhardt 5; E. Bodensteiner 5; Hoffert 2; Steinlage 1; A. Bodensteiner 1; Hazel Nieman 1; Steals – Stika 2; Busta 1; E. Bodensteiner 1; Blocks – Steinlage 1; A. Bodensteiner 1; Stika 1 Turkey Valley 30 21 22 9 82 Postville 7 4 6 5 22 Scoring – E. Bodensteiner 14; Steinlage 13; Stika 10; Busta 10; Hoffert 10; A. Bodensteiner 9; Nieman 6; Brynlee Hayek 4; Ella Ivers 4; Schuchhardt 2 Rebounds – Stika 10; Busta 10; E. Bodensteiner 8; Hayek 5; Hoffert 4; Ives 3; Steinlage 1; A. Bodensteiner 1; Nieman 1; Assists – Steinlage 6; Schuchhardt 3; Kendall Kuennen 3; A. Bodensteiner 2; Stika 1; Busta 1; Nieman 1; Hoffert 1; Hayek 1; Miyah Byrne 1; Steals – Stika 5; Steinlage 2; Nieman 2; Kuennen 2; A. Bodensteiner 1; Busta 1; E. Bodensteiner 1; Hoffert 1; Blocks – E. Bodensteiner 1
PRSRT.STD CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PD CHARLES CITY, IA PERMIT #144 ECRWS POSTAL CUSTOMER
www.driftlessjournal.com | news@driftlessjournal.com | 563-382-4221 | Tuesday, July 9, 2024 | Vol. 1 Issue 1
the
563-382-4221
editor@decorahleader.com 110 Washington Street, Decorah, IA 52101
Trojan sophomores Hazel Nieman (left) and Bella Stika slap a double team on the West Central ball handler last week. (Photo courtesy of Leah Kruse)
Academic Achievements Nielsen named to Central College Dean’s List for Fall 2024
Hannah Nielsen of Postville was recently named to Central College’s Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Nielsen, class of 2028, is among the 411 students named to the college’s fall dean’s list. To qualify, students must earn a 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester.
Area students named to Winona State Dean’s List
Winona State University recently announced its Dean’s List for fall semester 2024. To be named to the Dean’s List, a
student must be an undergraduate enrolled full-time — at least 12 credit hours for a grade — and achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.5. Among the honorees were Ashley Nierling of Decorah, Brock Taylor of Decorah and Josie Tieskoetter of Calmar.
Njus among Christmas at Augustana performers
The Augustana College Department of Music presented Christmas at Augustana on Dec. 7 and 8, 2024. More than 200 student musicians took the stage to share their talents. Michael Njus, a history major from Decorah performed in the choir. Christmas at Augustana was
first held in 2008 and not features the Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Ascension Ringers, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble and Augustana Concert Chorale.
Headington named to Mount Mercy University Fall 2024 Dean’s List
Mount Mercy University recently announced its Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Among the honorees was Annika Headington of Decorah. Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better and who are graded for six or more semester hours are eligible for inclusion on the Dean’s List.
Area students named to Fall Dean’s List at Wartburg
Wartburg College recently recognized 554 students who were named to the 2024 Fall Term Dean’s List. Among them were Koryn Bakken of Decorah, Christopher Bigalk of Cresco, Alyssa Halvorson of Cresco, Kaydn Meyer of Ossian, Riley Meyer of Ossian, Andrew Rhodes of Decorah and Brady Stille of Decorah. The list honors students who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above in at least four course credits during the term. Three of the four course credits must be graded with a traditional letter grade.
Injuries have led to a smaller squad than the South Winn girls’ wrestling team started the season with. That, combined with inexperience on the mat, has left the Warriors struggling late this season with a pair of dual losses at Waukon Thursday and scoring just 12 points at Friday’s Central invite. Two wins The Warriors had just two wins Thursday at Waukon as South Winn took on Charles City and the host Indians, and both came in the dual versus the Comets. Warrior junior Maddy Jansen picked up a pin against Kinley Roths in 1:41 at 135 pounds while Mackenzi Maxwell received a forfeit at 130 pounds. At the end of the dual, South Winn fell to the Comets 54-12. South Winn couldn’t get points on the board against the hosts, falling 78-0. South Winn 12, Charles City 54 100 – SW lost by forfeit; 105 – SW lost by forfeit; 110 – Isabelle Goltz (SW) LBF in 1:51 to Emma Schmitt (CC); 115 – Sophia Dvorak (SW) LBF in 0:28 to Tegan Cavanaugh (CC); 120 – McKenna Stanley (SW) LBF in 0:30 to Lillie Caster (CC); 125 – Odessa Oyloe (SW) LBF in 3:14 to Sophia Stevens (CC); 130 – Mackenzi Maxwell (SW) won by forfeit; 135 – Maddy Jansen (SW) WBF in 1:41 over Kinley Roths (CC); 140 – Double forfeit; 145 – Double forfeit; 155 – SW lost by forfeit; 170 – Double forfeit; 190 – SW lost by forfeit; 235 – SW lost by forfeit South Winn 0, Waukon 78 100 – SW lost by forfeit; 105 – SW lost by forfeit; 110 – Goltz (SW) LBF in 3:17 to Addison Donahue (Wau); 115 – Dvorak (SW) LBF in 1:06 to Makenna Kurth (Wau); 120 – Stanley (SW) LBF in 1:26 to Aysia Dundee (Wau); 125 – Oyloe (SW) LBF in 5:12 to Jaelyn Johanningmeier (Wau); 130 – Maxwell (SW) LBF in 0:40 to Mari Delaney (Wau); 135 – Jansen (SW) lost by injury time to Brynn Weymiller (Wau); 140 – SW lost by forfeit; 145 – Double forfeit; 155 – SW lost by forfeit; 170 – SW lost by forfeit; 190 – SW lost by forfeit; 235 – SW lost by forfeit
Two wins The Warriors took part in the 7th Annual Central girls tournament Friday night, finishing the night with just 12 points in the final team slot of the large field. Two grapplers did reach the podium as Isabelle Goltz took seventh at 110 pounds, picking up the fall in 2:00 over Merissa Rogers of Oelwein for seventh. At 125 pounds, Odessa Oyloe threw her first round opponent, Kylee Babock of Aplington-Parkersburg/Grundy Center in 2:23. Receiving a medical forfeit in round two of the consolation bracket ensured her a medal as she fell in her final two matches to take home eighth. Central tnmt. team scores 1. Southeast Polk 271; 2. Crestwood 143; 3. New Hampton/ Turkey Valley 115.5; 4. AP-GC 109.5; 5. Saint Ansgar 88; 6. Sumner-Fredericksburg 85; 7. Wahlert Catholic 83; 8. MFL MarMac 82; 8. Waukon 82; 10. Mineral Point 66; 11. North Fayette Valley 65; 12. Central Elkader 60.5; 13. Postville 54; 14. Oelwein 52; 15. Bellevue 45; 16. Riceville 32; 17. Fennimore (Wis.) 31; 17. North Crawford/ Seneca (Wis.) 31; 19. Don Bosco 28; 20. Starmont 22; 21. NashuaPlainfield 13; 22. South Winn 12 Individual results 110 – Isabelle Goltz, 7th place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – LBF
in 1:51 to London Vermillion (SEP); Cons. rd. 2 – bye; Cons. rd. 3 – LBF in 0:22 to Maya Bormann (Wahlert); 7th place match – WBF in 2:00 over Merissa Rogers (Oel) 115 – Sophia Dvorak, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 0:51 to Erica Irvine (DB); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; Cons. rd. 2 – LBF I 0:37 to Ryley Hartman (Oel) 120 – McKenna Stanley, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 0:16 to Grace Storjohann (AP-GC); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 0:25 to Alysia Dundee (Wau) 125 – Odessa Oyloe, 8th place Rd. 1 – WBF in 2:23 over Kylee Babcock (AP-GC); Quarterfinal – LBF in 3:03 to Harper Humpal (NH/ TV); Cons. rd. 2 – won by medical forfeit over Lola Hahn (Fenn); Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 1:01 to Alexa Wolthoff (Rice); 7th place match – LBF in 2:40 to Jaelyn Johanningmeier (Wau) 130 – Mackenzi Maxwell, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 0:29 to Isabelle White (Post); Cons. rd. 1 – LBF in 2:00 to Lexi Popham (Star)
At home Monday Hosting a quad Monday, the Warriors came away with a pair of dual wins, defeating Riceville 30-12 and Nashua-Plainfield 42-24 and falling to Postville 42-24. Against Riceville, junior Maddy Jansen was the only South Winn grappler to win on the mat, winning by fall in 20 seconds over Chloe Collier at 140 pounds. Isabelle Goltz (110), Sophia Dvorak (115), Jena Peters (130) and Gracie Walz (135) all received forfeits. Squaring off with the Postville Pirates, Walz threw Rosmery Sis Pable in 1:13 with Jansen following suit at 140 pounds with a pin in 57 seconds over Fernanda Hernandez. Goltz and Dvorak received their second forfeits of the evening. No matches were actually wrestled against Nashua-Plainfield as the eligible weights between the Huskies and Warriors matched up as both squads won by forfeit at respective weight classes. South Winn 30, Riceville 12 100 – Double forfeit; 105 – Double forfeit; 110 – Isabelle Goltz (SW) won by forfeit; 115 – Sophia Dvorak (SW) won by forfeit; 120 – McKenna Stanley (SW) LF in 1:28 to Tori Keonigs (Rice); 125 – Odessa Oyloe (SW) LBF in 3:03 to Mally Linkenmeyer (Rice); 130 – Jena Peters (SW) won by forfeit; 135 – Gracie Walz (SW) won by forfeit; 140 – Maddy Jansen (SW) WBF in 0:20 over Chloe Collier (Rice); 145 – Double forfeit; 155 – Double forfeit; 170 – Double forfeit; 190 – Double forfeit; 235 – Double forfeit South Winn 24, Postville 42 100 – SW lost by forfeit; 105 – SW lost by forfeit; 110 – Goltz (SW) won by forfeit; 115 – Dvorak (SW) won by forfeit; 120 – Stanley (SW) LBF in 1:00 to Bernice Garcia (Post); 125 – Oyloe (SW) LBF in 0:42 to Sophia Lopez Martin (Post); 130 – Mackenzi Maxwell (SW) LBF in 0:58 to Isabelle White (Post); 135 – Walz (SW) WBF in 1:13 over Rosmery Sis Pable (Post); 140 – Jansen (SW) WBF in 0:57 over Fernanda Hernandez (Post); 145 – Double forfeit; 155 – SW lost by forfeit; 170 – SW lost by forfeit; 190 – Double forfeit; 235 – Double forfeit South Winn 42, Nash.-Plain. 24 100 – Double forfeit; 105 – Double forfeit; 110 – Goltz (SW) won by forfeit; 115 – Dvorak (SW) won by forfeit; 120 – Stanley (SW) won by forfeit; 125 – Oyloe (SW) won by forfeit; 130 – Maxwell (SW) won by forfeit; 135 – Walz (SW) won by forfeit; 140 – Jansen (SW) won by forfeit; 145 – SW lost by forfeit; 155 – SW lost by forfeit; 170 – SW lost by forfeit; 190 – SW lost by forfeit; 235 – Double forfeit
Wrestling at 140 pounds, Maddy Jansen (right) was the lone Warrior to get a fall last week in Waukon. (Photo courtesy of Tami Brincks)
SPORTS
16 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM
Title Continued from page 18
JD Kruse (above) puts up a shot for two of his game-high 21 points against West Central last week. Tucker Reicks (left) dives into the lane as he makes his way to the hoop against the Blue Devil defense. (Photos courtesy of Leah Kruse)
Kruse red hot from the field for Trojans’ By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com The Turkey Valley Trojan boys basketball team is going to run a gauntlet to get to the end of January – the heart of the prep basketball season in the state of Iowa. John Izer’s Upper Iowa Conference boys hoops team will play three games in four days for three consecutive weeks. The Trojans (5-6, 3-5 UIC) hung tough through week one of the “meat grinder” and came away with two victories versus West Central (1-11, 0-7 UIC) and Riceville (5-7). The end of the week saw the Trojans travel to Postville Friday and get down by more than 20 points early, only to storm back to cut the contest to a one possession game early in the fourth quarter. But, in the end, a week’s sweep of games would be denied by the Pirates as there was just no gas left in the tank for Izer’s young squad. “Right now we’re just trying to win games and we put it all into the Riceville game and we had heavy legs for Postville,” said Izer. TV was 1-4 at one point during the season but has now won four out of its last six games. TV blitzed West Central in Maynard last week Tuesday by a score of 72-41. Then the Trojans took down Riceville on Thurs-
day, 69-64, before succumbing to Postville an evening later on Friday on the road, 60-52. “We’re so young we had to learn how to win,” said Izer. “Then I believe we have to learn how to win after we win.” The Trojans scored a season-high point total against the winless Blue Devils on their home court. TV junior J.D. Kruse was a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line and led all scorers with 21 points. Logan Busta, another junior forward for Izer, cranked out 17 points. He snared seven rebounds and came up with five assists and five steals. “I told them we were 20 points better than them and if we win this game by 12 we would be disappointed. We went over there and just took care of them,” Izer said of the win the West Central. “It was a great win. We played a good game. We were rolling right there.” Kruse again had an outstanding game versus the Wildcats with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Busta notched 19 points and sophomore forward Jordan, Kriener followed up his 10-point performance versus West Central with 14 points versus Riceville. Kriener hit for 14 points again versus Postville and in the three games last week he was 18-28 from the field – that field goal percentage was a sizzling 64 percent.
Kruse tallied 15 points against Postville and ripped down 13 rebounds. The Trojans trailed Postville, (4-8, 3-5 UIC) by 22 points in the first half, but closed to just three points early in the final period and had the ball. TV could not convert on that possession and Riceville would go on to score on the ensuing possession to widen its lead. Turkey Valley 24 18 13 17 32 West Central 7 16 4 14 41 Scoring – JD Kruse 21; Logan Busta 17; Cale Langreck 11; Jordan Kriener 10; Jayden Rausch 7; Treyton Franzen 4; Tucker Reicks 2 Rebounds – Kruse 8; Busta 7; Franzen 6; Langreck 4; Kriener 4; Reicks 4; Miguel Diaz 2; Alex Hanson 1; Kaden Schmidt 1; Assists – Busta 5; Langreck 2; Franzen 1; Rausch 1; Jonah Orvis 1; Reicks 1; Steals – Busta 5; Kruse 4; Kriener 2; Franzen 1; Schmidt 1; Blocks – Langreck 1 Riceville 20 15 13 16 64 Turkey Valley 12 23 19 15 69 Scoring – Kruse 20; Busta 19; Kriener 14; Franzen 6; Rausch 5; Langreck 4; Reicks 1 Rebounds – Kruse 10; Kriener 7; Busta 6; Franzen 4; Langreck 2; Rausch 2; Reicks 1; Assists – Busta 3; Kruse 3; Langreck 2; Kriener 2; Steals – Busta 3; Kruse 3; Kriener 2; Franzen 1; Rausch 1 Turkey Valley 9 14 17 12 52 Postville 18 23 5 14 60 Scoring – Kruse 15; Kriener 14; Langreck 9; Busta 8; Franzen 3; Rausch 3 Rebounds – Kruse 13; Kriener 9; Busta 7; Franzen 4; Langreck 2; Rausch 2; Hanson 1; Reicks 1; Assists – Langreck 3; Busta 2; Kriener 2; Kruse 1; Franzen 1; Rausch 1; Steals – Busta 2; Kriener 2; Kruse 1; Rausch 1
Vikings claiming the team title 1A No. 2 Luzum entrance to the rie Burns (CRP); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; semifinal – LBF in 0:43 to Eva at Anamosa Saturday. final against Marlee Peyton of Cons. Kriegel (IV); 5th place match – WBF It was a 220.5-point day for Cedar Rapids Prairie. The Vi- in 1:38 over Cassie Wilkins (Dec) the Vikings who topped the king threw her opponent in just 110 – Cassie Wilkins, 6th place 14-team field. Cedar Rapids 31 seconds for the title. Quarterfinal – LBF in 1:49 to Kate Prairie was second with 193 At 235 pounds, Madysen Martin (MV); Cons. semifinal – WBF 2:22 over Presley Menke (PV); points with Class 1A No. 3 East Lippe also climbed to the top of in Cons. semifinal – LBF in 1:24 to Buchanan rounding out the top the podium, using a trio of falls Marie Burns (CRP); 5th place match three with 174. on her way. In the quarterfinal, – LBF in 1:38 to Audrey Feuerhelm (Dec) “The whole team did a won- Decorah’s Class 1A No. 9 wresderful job with a number of tler pinned Lillian Nicolai of 115 – Izabella Kos, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 5:34 to Kennedy the younger girls excelling in Pleasant Valley in 1:32. Moving Theissen (IV); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; their weight class. Notably, on the semifinal against Reese Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 3:38 to BrookSimone Downing (125) and Winslow, also of Pleasant Val- lyn Murray (Ind) Bristol Parker (130), wrestled ley, Lippe got the fall in 2:25. It 120 – Ellie Adams, 3rd place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – WBF well above their bracket seed took 1:59 for Lippe to earn her and both placed third. The two title by fall over Kalie Davis of in 1:26 over Madison Arnold (Ind); Semifinal – LBF in 2:32 to Ally Jefreshmen really stayed disci- Belmont/Platteville(Wiscon- linek (L-M); Cons. rd. 3 – WBF in 2:47 over Lindsi Olson (CRJ); 3rd pline in their positioning and sin). place match – WBF in 3:12 over technique all day,” said coach Class 1A No. 12 Kamryn Charrli Isham (EB) Adams. Steines also reached the finals rd Setting the tone first with at 190 pounds, coming up short 125 – Simone Downing, 3 place Rd. 1 – WBF in 1:50 over Brookthe 100 pound title was Class of the title. She pinned Dottie lyn Keltner (Ana); Quarterfinal – LBF 1A No. 1 Chloe Sheffield who Korte of Mt. Vernon in 1:37 and in 1:45 to Skyler Hoyt (IV); Cons. rd. by medical forfeit over Jorpinned her way to the top of the Jenna Small of Center Point-Ur- 2din– won Derr (Ind); Cons. rd. 3 – WBF podium. in 5:46 over Katelyn Mercil (CRJ); 3rd place The sematch – won 3-0 dec. nior first over Chloe Adamson (L-M) pinned Kaylin 130 – Bristol Parker, Good3rd place Rd. 1- WBF in 5:03 win of over Lily Carlson Linn-Mar (L-M); Quarterfinal – LBF in 1:19 to Brielle in 1:22 Parke (L-M); Cons. rd. in the 2 – WBF in 0:50 over quarterfiClaire Carey (Ind); Cons. rd. 3 – won 6-1 nal, then dec. over Izzy Szabo t h r e w (CRJ); 3rd place match Good– won 9-0 maj. dec. over Haylee Sherman w i n ’ s (Saydel0 t e a m 135 – Amelia Wadm a t e , sworth, 5th place Class 2A Rd. 1 – bye; QuarNo. 12 terfinal – LBF in 3:20 to Tara Crowley (CPU); Brooke Cons. rd. 2 – won 9-0 Wa l r a t h maj. dec. over Kennedi Bevans (Ind); Cons. in 1:20 rd. 3 – lost 3-2 dec. to to adClaire Hynek (CRP); vance to 5th place match – WBF in 0:26 over Bree Brothe finals. phy (Ana) There it Amelia Wadsworth gets ready for a one-legged takedown at took the home last week against Holmen’s Ruby Gustafson. The Viking 140 – McKenzie 3rd place V i k i n g went on to get the pin in 1:15. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Stello) Tollefson, Rd. 1 – WBF in 1:17 to 1:14 over Jule Gaetke (CPU); Quarterfiput the nal – WBF in 1:46 over Maci Bruce shoulders of Elizabeth Burns bana in 1:10 before falling to (CRP); Semifinal – LBF in 1:28 to of Cedar Rapids Prairie, who Mt. Vernon’s top-ranked Libby Addison Appelhans (Ana); Cons. rd. 3 – WBF in 1:42 over Kodie Holis ranked eighth in Class 2A, to Dix in 1:50. comb (IV); 3rd place match – won the mat. “These five upper classmen 10-4 dec. over Tyra Schwering Improving her season record (Sheffield, Simon, Luzum, (Saydel) to 32-2, Ana Simon clinched Steines and Lippe) continue to 145 – Ana Simon, 1st place the title at 145 pounds. Follow- compete well every week. They Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – WBF ing a first-round bye, the Class all have a special grit when it in 1:18 over Bailey Hakert (CPU); Semifinal – WBF in1:46 over Luisa 1A top-ranked wrestler at 145 comes to competing and it is ex- Meade (CRP); Final – won 6-0 dec. pounds threw Bailey Hakert of citing to be around,” concluded over Tayla Stiefel (EB) Center Point-Urbana in 1:18 coach Adams. 155 – Lauren Luzum, 1st place in the quarterfinal. Then it was Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – WBF Anamosa tnmt. team scores in 1:18 over Katelyn Billings (L-M); time to turn Class 2A No. 8 1. Decorah 220.5; 2. Cedar RapSemifinal – won 18-1 tech fall over Luisa Meade of Cedar Rapids ids Prairie 193; 3. East Buchanan Kaylee Kintzel (MV); Final – WBF in Prairie in the semifinal. Again it 174; 4. Mt. Vernon 146; 5. Linn-Mar 0:31 over Marlee Peyton (CRP) 135.5; 6. Independence 123; 7. was a first-period pin as Simon Anamosa 101; 8. Cedar Rapids Jef- 170 – Isabelle Alley, DNP took the fall in 1:46. In the final, ferson 93.5; 9. Iowa Valley 82; 10. Rd. 1 – LBF in 1:06 to Jordy70.5; 11. Center Point-Urbann Fink (CPU); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; the title was secured by a 6-0 Saydel na 68; 12. Pleasant Valley 64; 13. Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 2:26 to Lauren decision over East Buchanan’s Midland 60.5; 14. Belmont/Platte- Schultz (CRJ) Tayla Stiefel, who is currently ville (Wis.) 38 190 – Kamryn Steines, 2nd place ranked second in Class 1A. Quarterfinal – WBF in 1:37 over Individual results Following suit with a first- 100 – Chloe Sheffield, 1st place Dottie Korte (MV); Semifinal – WBF in 1:10 over Jenna Small (CPU); FiQuarterfinal – WBF in 1:22 over round bye at 155 pounds, Launal – LBF in 1:50 to Libby Dix (MV) Kaylin Goodwin (L-M); Semifinal – ren Luzum pinned her way past WBF in 1:20 over Brooke Walrath Katelyn Billings of Linn-Mar (L-M); Final – WBF in 1:17 over 235 – Madysen Lippe, 1st place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – WBF in 1:18. An 18-1 tech fall in the Elizabeth Burns (CRP) in 1:32 over Lilliano Nicolai (PV); semifinal against Mt. Vernon’s 110 – Audrey Feuerhelm, 5th place Semifinal – WBF in 2:25 over Reese Winslow (PV); Final – WBF in 1:59 Kaylee Kintzel gained Class Quarterfinal – LBF in 1:05 to Maover Kalie Davis (B/P)
Vikes drop NEIC dual to Crestwood on tie breaker
It was another busy week for the Class 2A No. 23 Decorah boys wrestling team who took on Crestwood in a tight dual at home Thursday and a dual tournament hosted by Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Saturday.
A close one Thursday’s home match versus Crestwood came down to the tie breaker of most pins. The Vikes and Cadets each picked up 39 points in the dual; however, the one-point tie breaker went to Crestwood who had six pins in contrast to the Vikes’ four. Kelton Casterton (113) Michael Clement (132), Will Larson (138) and Tommy Sexton (190) all threw their Cadet opponents while Gavin Carolan (144), Kasen Tyler (150) and Bill Fullhart (165) won by tech fall. Decorah 39, Crestwood 40 106 – Meison Tollefson (Dec) LBF in 1:36 to Mithell Williams (Crest); 113 – Kelton Casterton (Dec) WBF in 5:29 over Noah Bergan (Crest); 120 – Andrew Bjork (Dec) LBF in 0:29 to Mitchell Schmauss (Crest); 126 – Gavin Knutson (Dec) lost 8-3 dec. to Carter Schmauss (Crest); 132 – Michael Clement (Dec) WBF
in 1:58 over Owen Korsmo (Crest); 138 – Will Larson (Dec) WBF in 1:19 over Ethan Bergan (Crest); 144 – Gavin Carolan (Dec) won 19-4 tech fall over Lux Smith (Crest); 150 – Kasen Tyler (Dec) won 17-1 tech fall over Jose Lievano (Crest); 157 – Steven Munoz (Dec) LBF in 0:32 to Logan McCabe (Crest); 165 – Bill Fullhart (Dec) won 17-1 tech fall over Jace Pedretti (Crest); 175 – Bradan Darling (Dec) LBF in 4:54 to Brock Voyna (Crest); 190 – Tommy Sexton (Dec) WBF in 1:42 over Sam Duryee (Crest); 215 – Adrian Smith (Dec) LBF in 1:39 to Awnan Skoda (Crest); 285 – Ethan Kuennen (Dec) LBF in 3:34 to Preston McCabe (Crest)
New tourney Competing in the Glen Brand Dual tournament hosted by Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Saturday, the Vikes went 2-3 on the day with wins over Aplington-Parkersburg/Grundy Center 65-12 and besting Class 1A No. 19 Earlham 59-22. Decorah fell in three other dual matches, including to the host team 49-29, who is ranked No. 4 in Class 2A, Class 2A No. 18 Hampton-Dumont-CAL 55-21 and were edged 40-38 by Class 2A No. 20 West Marshall. Kasen Tyler and Tommy Sexton were the lone Vikings to go undefeated once again. Tyler (144/150) picked up two falls,
a pair of tech falls and a decision, while wrestling at 190 and 215 pounds. Sexton won by a decision, had three falls and received one forfeit. The trio of Will Larson (138/144), Bill Fullhart (165) and Ethan Kuennen (215/285) went 4-1. Larson took his four matches by fall with his lone loss in overtime. Fullhart marked his day with three pins and a tech fall, while Kuennen, a freshman, pinned three and received one forfeit. Decorah 65, AP-GC 12 106 – Lucas Wymer (Dec) won by forfeit; 113 – Kelton Casterton (Dec) WBF in 1:32 over Brayden Jara (APGC); 120 – Dec lost by forfeit; 126 – Michael Clement (Dec) won 17-1 tech fall over Carter Liston (AP-GC); 132 – Gavin Knutson (Dec) WBF in 0:23 over Josh Elsberry (AP-GC); 138 – Will Larson (Dec) WBF in 0:55 over Mathew Luiken (AP-GC); 144 – Justin Fortman (Dec) WBF in 3:16 over Devan Aberhart (AP-GC); 150 – Kasen Tyler (Dec) WBF in 0:40 over Elias Cakerice (AP-GC); 157 – Steven Munoz (Dec) won 11-9 dec. over Parker Mulder (APGC); 165 – Bill Fullhart (Dec) WBF in 0:56 over Creyton Eberhart (APGC); 175 – Adrian Smith (Dec) WBF in 1:55 over Cooper Keller (AP-GC); 190 – Bradan Darling (Dec) LBF in 2:19 to Maison Copp (AP-GC); 215 – Tommy Sexton (Dec) won 9-3 dec. over Jesse Brouwer (AP-GC); 285 – Ethan Kuennen (Dec) won by forfeit
Decorah 29, C-G-D 49 106 – Kellen O’Gara (Dec) lost 6-3 dec. to Cole Wibholm (C-G-D); 113 – Casterton (Dec) LBF in 3:36 to Paxton Redenius (C-G-D); 120 – Dec lost by forfeit; 126 – Knutson (Dec) lost 16-0 tech fall to Linden Phetxoumphone (C-G-D); 132 – Clement (Dec) LBF in 1:04 to Adrian Phetxoumphone (C-G-D); 138 – Larson (Dec) WBF in 1:31 over Jaime Steffenson (C-G-D); 144 – Fortman (Dec) lost 17-0 tech fall to Colin Sesker (C-G-D); 150 – Tyler (Dec) WBF in 0:57 over Jaxen Engstrom (C-G-D); 157 – Munoz (Dec) LBF in 1:14 to Caleb Seaba (C-G-D); 165 – Fullhart (Dec) won 22-6 tech fall over Ryland Morgan (C-G-D); 175 – Smith (Dec) LBF in 1:28 to Charlie Campbell (C-G-D); 190 – Sexton (Dec) WBF in 0:15 over Santiago Deleon (C-G-D); 215 – Kuennen (Dec) WBF in 2:19 over Traesyn Cope (C-G-D); 285 – Dec lost by forfeit Decorah 59, Earlham 22 106 – Isaac Quandahl (Dec) won by forfeit; 113 – Wymer (Dec) lost 10-2 maj. dec. to Konner Keller (Earl); 120 – Casterton (Dec) LBF in 3:09 to Max Millage (Earl); 126 – Clement (Dec) WBF in 1:36 over Blaine Vanderheiden (Earl); 132 – Knutson (Dec) WBF in 0:36 over Bishop Hammen (Earl); 138 – Larson (Dec) WBF in 1:49 over Jack McClure (Earl); 144 – Tyler (Dec) won 15-0 tech fall over Carson Winey (Earl); 150 – Fortman (Dec) WBF in 1:26 over Jackson Berkley (Earl); 157 – Munoz (Dec) LBF in 3:52 to Dylan Frazier (Earl); 165 – Fullhart (Dec) WBF in 1:30 over Konnar Stiles (Earl); 175 – Darling (Dec) WBF in 0:45 over Colton Nixt (Earl); 190 – Sexton (Dec) won by forfeit; 215 – Kuennen (Dec) WBF in 2:26 over
Decorah’s Will Larson rolls Crestwood’s Ethan Bergan on his way to a pin Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Stello) Aidan Oscarson (Earl); 285 – Dec lost by forfeit Decorah 21, Hampton-Dumont-CAL 55 106 – Wymer (Dec) LBF in 4:51 to Madox Strother (H-D-C); 113 – Casterton (Dec) WBF in 2:35 over Carter Janssen (H-D-C); 120 – Dec lost by forfeit; 126 – Knutson (Dec) WBF in 0:36 over Jesus Flores (H-D-C); 132 – Clement (Dec) LBF in 3:28 to Jacob Mahler (H-D-C); 138 – Larson (Dec) lost by sudden victory to Charlie Showalter (H-D-C); 144 – Fortman (Dec) lost 20-10 maj. dec. to Brody Strother (H-D-C); 150 – Tyler (Dec) won 6-5 dec. over Jaymes Stevens (H-D-C); 157 – Munoz (Dec) LBF in 2:32 to Ryder Strother (H-D-C); 165 – Fullhart (Dec) LBF in 3:03 to Tayler Mahler (H-D-C); 175 – Darling (Dec) LBF in 3:30 to Colin Bird (H-D-C); 190 – Sexton (Dec) WBF in 1:13 over Brody Robertson (H-D-C); 215 – Kuennen (Dec) LBF in 1:48 to Maddon Evans (H-D-C);
285 – Dec lost by forfeit Decorah 38, West Marshall 40 106 – Wymer (Dec) LBF in 2:47 to Urijah Courter (WM); 113 – Casterton (Dec) won 17-10 dec. over James Decker (WM); 120 – Dec lost by forfeit; 126 – Knutson (Dec) LBF in 2:23 to Jack Decker (WM); 132 – Clement (Dec) WBF in 1:17 over Ben Buck (WM0; 138 – Larson (Dec) WBF in 2:22 over Dutch Hillers (WM); 144 – Tyler (Dec) won 18-3 tech fall over Kinnick Geers (WM); 150 – Fortman (Dec) LBF in 1:53 to Shane Hanford (WM); 157 – Munoz (Dec) LBF in 1:23 to Wade Weuve (WM); 165 – Fullhart (Dec) WBF in 5:37 over Ben Gonzalez (WM); 175 – Darling (Dec) lost 15-5 maj. dec. to Dawson Goodman (WM); 190 – Sexton (Dec) WBF in 0:37 over Bryce Crawford (WM); 215 – Kuennen (Dec) WBF in 1:59 over Jacob Dare (WM); 285 – Dec lost by forfeit
SPORTS
DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM
Viking girls see highs and lows
17
The Decorah girls’ basketball team (7-3, 3-0 NEIC) is continuing to grow together, finishing last week with a non-conference win and a loss.
South Winn’s Paxten Brincks (left) and Ray Lienau (right) were among the six Warriors on the podium at Tripoli Saturday. Brincks took fifth at 132 pounds, while Lienau finished sixth at 215 pounds. (Photos by Becky Walz)
SW grapplers go 3-1 at UIC duals
The holiday break in the rearview mirror, wrestling teams throughout Iowa are hitting the meat of the season, and the South Winn boys’ squad is no different. Thursday, the Warriors traveled to Elkader to participate in the Upper Iowa Conference team dual tournament and finished the week at the 58th Annual Tripoli Invite Saturday. UIC duals South Winn had a sound night on the mats at Elkader for the UIC dual tournament, going 3-1. The Warriors defeated Riceville 42-33 before besting the host, Central, 42-31 and Clayton Ridge 48-36. The tournament ended with a 46-20 loss to Postville. Two Warriors went 4-0 with Class 1A No. 5 Kyle Kuboushek picking up three falls and a forfeit at 165 pounds to reach his 100th career win. At 175 pounds, Landen Schnuelle threw a pair of opponents, earned a tech fall and received a bye for his quartet of victories for South Winn. South Winn 42, Riceville 33 106 – Double forfeit; 113 – Gavin Thuente (SW) won by forfeit; 120 – Clayton Kuboushek (SW) lost 10-9 dec. to Parker Evans (Rice); 126 – Matthew Donovan (SW) won by forfeit; 132 – Paxton Brincks (SW) won by forfeit; 138 – Steven Andera (SW) won by forfeit; 144 – Cooper Huinker (SW) LBF in 0:38 to Riley O’Donnell (Rice); 150 – SW lost by forfeit; 157 – SW lost by forfeit; 165 – Kyle Kuboushek (SW) WBF in 1:37 over Matthew Pridgen (Rice); 175 – Landen Schnuelle (SW) WBF in 3:49 over Reagan Richardson (Rice); 190 – Gavin Feickert (SW) LBF in 1:33 to Marco Avila (Rice); 215 – Ray Lienau (SW) WBF in 3:20 over Caleb Marr (Rice); 285 – Kolton Brummond (SW) LBF in 2:51 to Matthew Praska (Rice) South Winn 42, Central 31 106 – Double forfeit; 113 – Thuente (SW) lost sudden victory 6-3 to Adam Kloser (Central); 120
– Kuboushek (SW) won by forfeit; 126 – Donovan (SW) WBF in 3:50 over Zane Embretson (Central); 132 – Brincks (SW) WBF in 3:00 over Collin Jaster (Central); 138 – Andera (SW) lost 15-3 maj. dec. to Nolan Gaul (Central); 144 – SW lost by forfeit; 150 – Huinker (SW) LBF in 1:23 to Mack Merrinjaquet (Central); 157 – SW lost by forfeit; 165 – Kuboushek (SW) WBF in 1:22 over Colton Hoisington (Central); 175 – Schnuelle (SW) won by forfeit; 190 – Feickert (SW) won by forfeit; 215 – Lienau (SW) won by forfeit; 285 – Brummond (SW) LBF in 3:39 to Connor Davis (Central)
South Winn 48, Clayton Ridge 36 106 – SW lost by forfeit; 113 – Thuente (SW) WBF in 1:28 over Aidan Finch (CR); 120 – Kuboushek (SW) won by forfeit; 126 – Donovan (SW) WBF in 1:31 over Aidan Claycamp (CR); 132 – Brincks (SW) won by forfeit; 138 – Andera (SW) LBF in 4:21 to Kenny Colsch (CR); 144 – Huinker (SW) LBF in 0:47 to Colson Friederick (CR); 150 – SW lost by forfeit; 157 – SW lost by forfeit; 165 – Kuboushek (SW) WBF in 1:56 over Lane Rork (CR); 175 – Schnuelle (SW) WBF in 0:58 over Nolan Kolker (CR); 190 – Feickert (SW) WBF in 2:29 over Caleb Lawrence (CR); 215 – Lienau (SW) WBF in 4:27 over Nicholas Cox (CR); 285 – Brummond (SW) LBF in 0:53 to Gannon Jaster (CR) South Winn 20, Postville 46 106 – SW lost by forfeit; 113 – Thuente (SW) won 6-0 dec. over Michael Hill (Post); 120 – Clayton Kuboushek (SW) lost 6-1 dec. to Darinel Ramirez (Post); 126 – Matthew Donovan (SW) lost 10-2 maj. dec. to Gael Torres (Post); 132 – Paxton Brincks (SW) WBF in 2:45 over Yordi Perez (Post); 138 – Steven Andera (SW) lost 9-4 dec. to Derick Reyna (Post); 144 – Cooper Huinker (SW) LBF in 1:47 to Karl Peters (Post); 150 – SW lost by forfeit; 157 – SW lost by forfeit; 165 – Kuboushek (SW) won by forfeit; 175 – Schnuelle (SW) won 19-3 tech fall over Isaac Hernandez (Post); 190 – Feickert (SW) lost 12-5 dec. to Landon Guese (Post); 215 – Lienau (SW) lost 8-4 dec. to Sam Acevedo (Post); 285 – Brummond (SW) LBF in 3:08 to Antoni Solovi (Post)
Kuboushek champion Tough competition entered the Tripoli gyms Saturday with four Class 1A top 15 teams hitting the mats with the Warriors. No. 12 Lisbon came out on top of the team standings with 235.5 points, followed by sixthranked Denver the runner-up with 213.5 points. South Winn
wrapped up the day with 70 points, good for eighth place. Kuboushek battled his way through the 165-pound bracket to win the title, throwing Elijah Cerwinske of Nashua-Plainfield in 1:06 to advance to the semifinal. It took the Warrior junior 2:24 to turn Emmetsburg’s Brayden Yates and claim a spot in the final with Gage Holub of Lisbon. Kuboushek had no trouble against Holub, winning by a 15-1 major decision. Five other Warriors climbed the podium as Gavin Feickert (190) and Kolton Brummond (285) took fourth, Landen Schnuelle (175) took fifth and Paxton Brincks (132) and Ray Lienau (215) earned sixth.
Tripoli Invite team scores 1. Lisbon 235.5; 2. Denver 213.5; 3. Nashua-Plainfield 174; 4. WoodburyCentral 154; 5. Emmetsburg 97; 6. Wapsie Valley 89; 7. Belle Plaine 79; 8. South Winn 70; 9. SumnerFredericksburg 69.5; 10. Columbus Catholic 23; 11. Tripoli 6 Individual results 120 – Gavin Thuente, DNP Rd. 1 – lost 5-0 dec. to Jagger White (N-P); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 2:01 to CJ Rodriguez (Emm)
Pulling ahead The Vikes made it three wins in a row Thursday as Decorah defeated Kee 59-37 in Lansing. Decorah got off to a good start, leading 16-15 after the first frame and opened the game up in the second quarter to lead 26-20 at halftime. By the end of the third buzzer, the Vikings had the game under wraps with a 43-22 advantage. “This was an excellent win by our girls. Knowing that Kee is a quality team, we had to play an entire four quarters to get the win. The best part about this win is we continued to play better from quarter to quarter,” said coach Blake Moen. “Also having eight girls in the scoring column is huge and shows the spread against a good team. I’m proud of our girls and excited to get back in the gym to keep getting better.” Three Vikes hit double figures with Sydney Thompson pouring in 19 points. Claire Storhoff added 11 points, eight steals and five assists. Liz Bucksa contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Coming off the bench, Renae Wilson grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds, while Gracie Tangen pulled down six. Decorah 16 10 17 16 59 Kee 15 5 2 15 37 Scoring – Sydney Thompson 19; Claire Storhoff 11; Liz Bucksa 10; Grace Tangen 6; Brooklyn Fromm 5; Clara Hjelle 4; Renae Wilson 2; Kelby Kerndt 2 Rebounds – Wilson 10; Bucksa
Following a steal, Viking junior Renae Wilson is fouled on a layup. (Photos by Becky Walz) 7; Tangen 6; Hjelle 5; Storhoff 4; Thompson 3; Fromm 1; Natalie Stevens 1; Kerndt 1; Assists – Hjelle 5; Storhoff 5; Fromm 3; Thompson 2; Tangen 2; Stevens 1; Wilson 1; Steals – Storhoff 8; Fromm 6; Bucksa 3; Hjelle 1; Wilson 1; Blocks – Thompson 1; Hjelle 1
Saturday’s Struggles During some out-of-conference action Saturday, the Viking girls fell to Class 2A No. 14 Cascade (8-3) at home 5339. Decorah took a slim lead midway through the first quarter 8-6, but then the offense fell silent as the Cougars rattled of
126 – Matthew Donovan, DNP Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – LBF in 0:25 to Sam Egan (S-F); Cons. rd. 2 – bye; Cons. rd. 3 – LBF in 0:39 to Jackson Weeda (BP) 132 – Paxton Brincks, 6th place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – bye; Semifinal – LBF in 1:14 to Jayden Rinken (N-P); Cons. semifinal – lost by injury time to Cannen Beaumont (Den); 5th place – lost by medical forfeit 165 – Kyle Kuboushek, 1st place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – WBF in 1:06 over Eijah Cerwinske (N-P); Semifinal – WBF in 2:24 over Brayden Yates (Emm); Final – won 15-1 maj. dec. over Gage Holub (Lis) 175 – Landen Schnuelle, 5th place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – lost 10-1 maj. dec. to Zach Butler (WC); Cons. rd. 2 – bye; Cons. rd. 3 – bye; Cons. semifinal – lost 6-1 dec. to Noah Henderson (S-F); 5th place match – won medical forfeit over Butler (WC) 190 – Gavin Feickert, 4th place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – LBF in 0:29 to Corbin Hill (Den); Cons. rd. 2 – bye; Cons. rd. 3 – bye; Cons. semifinal – won by medical forfeit over Eli Kalainoff (N-P); 3rd place match lost by 21-6 tech fall to Hill (Den) 215 – Ray Lienau, 6th place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – won 4-3 dec. over Colton Warren (WC); Semifinal – lost 7-0 dec. to Donavon Farrell (Den); Cons. semifinal – lost 3-2 tie breaker to Greysen Miller (WV); 5th place match – LBF in 3:03 to Nick Saxton (Emm)
It took South Winn’s Kyle Kuboushek 1:06 to pin Elijah Cerwinske of Nashua-Plainfield in Saturdays quarterfinal at Tripoli. (Photo by Becky Walz)
285 – Kolton Brummond, 4th place Rd. 1 – bye; Quarterfinal – LBF in 1:49 to Preston Zellmer (WC); Cons. rd. 2 – bye; Cons. rd. 3 – WBF in 2:30 over Aiden Winders (Lis); Cons. semifinal – WBF in 1:14 over Jack Huberty (Emm); 3rd place match – LBF in 0:38 to Isaac Jones (N-P)
Clara Hjelle dribbles around a Cougar defender along the baseline on her way to the hoop Saturday afternoon. (Photos by Becky Walz)
Mike Gehling. “Our girls are doing a lot of good things; it just hasn’t always shown in the score but I have been proud of their improvement this year. We are going to keep working hard and I’m hoping the results will show in the next games.” Vanessa Bullerman scored nine points to lead the way for the Warriors, while Charlotte Moonen put up six. Ella Theis added four with Karissa Wenthold, Allison Hageman and Chloe Wiltgen all contributing three. Wiltgen led the defense with four steals to go with her points and three rebounds as well.
South Winn 7 2 17 6 32 Kee 14 10 15 10 49 Scoring – Vanessa Bullerman 9; Charlotte Moonen 6; Ella Theis 4; Karissa Wenthold 3; Allison Hageman 3; Chloe Wiltgen 3; Adele Conway 2; Alexis Johanningmeier 2 Rebounds – Wenthold 3; Wiltgen 3; Johanningmeier 3; Theis 2; Moonen 2; Conway 2; Bullerman 2; Hageman 1; Assists – Wiltgen 3; Wenthold 2; Hageman 2; Theis 1; Emmy Gehling 1; Steals – Wiltgen 4; Wenthold 2; Theis 2; Bullerman 1; Blocks – Gehling 1
Cascade 12 15 15 11 53 Decorah 8 16 9 6 39 Scoring – Storhoff 13; Bucksa 12; Fromm 7; Thompson 3; Wilson 2; Tangen 2 Rebounds – Bucksa 7; Hjelle 5; Tangen 4; Thompson 3; Fromm 3; Storhoff 2; Wilson 2; Assists – Fromm 3; Thompson 2; Hjelle 2; Wilson 2 Storhoff 1; Steals – Wilson 2; Thompson 1; Hjelle 1; Bucksa 1; Blocks – Fromm 1; Tangen 1
SW scores four wins in a row
Warrior girls stumble at Kee
Friday was a huge test for the South Winn girls’ basketball team (4-7, 3-6 UIC) who traveled to Lansing for a big Upper Iowa Conference matchup against Kee (8-4, 7-2 UIC). Despite a solid showing, the Hawks took care of South Winn 49-32. South Winn fell behind early, allowing the Hawks to double them up 14-7 in the first period. Kee’s defense gave up just two points to the Warriors in the second quarter to carry a 24-9 lead into the break. Both offenses were firing on all cylinders in the third with a combined 32 points being scored. Starting the fourth with a score of 3925 in favor of the Hawks was as close as the game would get before Kee pulled away. “We played a very good Kee High team that is one of the best teams in the conference. I thought our girls competed the whole game. We did a great job of team rebounding and we also did a good job limiting our turnovers,” said coach
six unanswered points to finish the quarter with a 12-8 advantage. A pair of treys by Claire Storhoff and Sydney Thompson early in the second period put the Vikings within two, 16-14. The Viking defense kept Cascade off the board for nearly two minutes while closing the gap on a pair of Storhoff and Renae Wilson charity tosses. A long ball behind the arc by Brooklyn Fromm gave Decorah a 24-23 lead with 54 ticks on the clock before the break. However, Cascade battled back with a pair of free throws and a last second shot to carry a 27-24 lead into the locker room. In the third, the Cougar defense limited the offensive opportunities for Decorah, pushing out to a 42-33 lead with eight minutes remaining. “We knew going in we woud have to play a very consistent game to beat a team like Cascade. I thought the girls showed great effort. We just struggled enough to get a bucket on offense and defensively we gave up a few too many easy looks. All things we can improve upon for our next slate of games,” said coach Moen. Storhoff set the pace with 13 points, with Bucksa adding 12 points and seven rebounds. Fromm put up seven points to go with three assists and two boards. Hjelle was there for five rebounds as Tangen came off the bench to finish with four caroms.
Warriors Nolan Sabelka (2) and Braiden Todd (1) gang up on a Kee ball handler during Friday’s 51-40 UIC win for SW. (Photo courtesy of Cathy Sabelka)
The South Winn boys’ basketball team (8-2, 5-2 UIC) had a slow start to Friday’s game at Kee (6-5, 5-3 UIC) but came out in the second half to seal the win 51-40. It was an evenly-matched first quarter for South Winn and the Hawks as both UIC teams knocked down 14 points. The Warriors pulled ahead 23-18 at halftime. The third period was the start to nailing the win as the Warriors padded their lead to 35-27 with eight minutes to play and just kept going. Matson Winings posted 17 points to lead the way. He also had eight rebounds. Carson
Big wins for Viking bowlers over Oelwein
Friday night was another good one for the Decorah girls’ and boys’ bowling teams who steamrolled their way by Oelwein at the Kingpin Entertainment Center in Decorah. Moving to 6-0, the girls’ squad defeated the Huskies 2,622 to 1,590. Baker game scores were 148, 177, 158, 160 and 239. The Vikes’ compelling performance was led by Karlie Einck’s 376 (191, 185), along with a 356 (191, 165) by Marri Feuerhelm and Jasera Tweten’s 349 (180, 169). Others on the lanes in varsity action were Asmere Jensen (182, 156), Rylee Averhoff (172, 149) and Kennady Riehle (138, 165). “We lost our energy for a little bit but came back in the last bak-
Streeter was in double figures with 11 points to go with eight boards. Braiden Todd added 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals to the stat book. Putting up eight points was Kaden Barton-Franzen who also snared six caroms.
South Winn 14 9 12 16 51 Kee 14 4 9 13 40 Scoring – Matson Winings 17; Carson Streeter 11; Braiden Todd 10; Kaden Barton-Franzen 8; Cameron Einck 3; Nolan Sabelka 2 Rebounds – Winings 8; Streeter 8; Todd 6; Barton-Franzen 6; Sabelka 4; Carver Wenthold 1; Assists – Todd 4; Winings 4; Streeter 4; Sabelka 3; Wenthold 1; Steals – Todd 2; Winings 2; Sabelka 1; Streeter 1
er. We are still missing some easy spares but will get right back to work,” said coach Keith Bruening. In the boys’ action, Decorah fired off a 2,136 in the individual round and went on to defeat Oelwein 3,119 to 2,478 after the baker games of 177, 235, 201, 180 and 190. Junior Jace Buddenberg led the team individually with a 448 (216, 232) and was 9-for-10 on fills with seven strikes in the baker games for the Vikes. In his varsity debut Gavin Luzum shot a 435 (223, 212) with Cain Monreal-Rice hitting a 428 (213, 215) and going 7-for-8 in the bakers. Also competing in the varsity action were Alex Maki (224, 190), Jordan Sims (228, 183) and Bryce Elsbernd (161, 162).
SPORTS
18 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM
Swimmers take WaHawk title WaHawk Invite team scores 1. Decorah 332; 2. Newton 324; 3. Waterloo 261; 4. Spencer 245; 5. Vinton 35
There wasn’t much slowing the Decorah boys’ swim team down Saturday as the Vikes claimed the WaHawk Invite title. Decorah garnered 332 points, edging Newton by eight points for the crown. Reid Kuehner was one of the top point getters for the Vikings, finishing second in the 200 individual medley in 2:06.53 and fifth in the 100 breaststroke. He also was part of two relays that finished second and third. The 400 free relay team touched the wall second. Landon Humpal, Max Grimstad, Dane Burns and Kuehner finished in 3:37.30. The other two relays earned bronze. In the 200 medley relay it was Grimstad, Humpal, Weston Cote and Ian Giddings posting a time of
1:47.53. Kuehner, Burns, Cote and Giddings teamed up in the 200 free relay for a time of 1:35.81. Burns earned an individual silver medal as well in the 50 freestyle in 24.02 seconds, while Cote was runner-up in the 100 butterfly in 59.16 seconds. Bringing home individual bronze were Humpal in the 200 freestyle in 2:05.98; Grimstad in the 100 freestyle in 53.97 seconds; and Jordan Snitker in the 500 freestyle in 5:54.68. Varsity race results 200 medley relay – 3. Max Grimstad, Landon Humpal, Weston Cote, Ian Giddings, 1:47.53; 5. Keaton Vobr, Will Robinson, Kyle Pattison, Davis Coppola, 1:57.57; 8. Ethan Casper, Andrew Olson, Eli Sassaman, Oak Pasche, 2:04.06 200 free – 3. Humpal 2:05.98; 5. Tommy Hammel 2:13.51; 12. Esteban Fernandez 2:30.70; 16. Oliver Brummel 2:37.25 200 IM – 2. Reid Kuehner
2:06.53; 6. Ethan Swizdor 2:29.49; 7. Robinson 2:34.11; 11. Sassaman 2:47.26 50 free – 2. Dane Burns 24.02; 4. Giddings 24.23; 7. Pattison 25.86; 8. Landyn Hook 26.26; 9. Ashton Saltou 26.86; 10. Olson 27.16; 11. Kyan Oftedahl 27.34; 13. Dalton Ellickson 27.40; 14. Jack Sovern 27.46; 15. Bollinger 28.03; 18. Pasche 29.10; 20. Garrett See 29.54; 25. Spencer Christensen 31.26; 27. Gavin Wilkins 33.24; 28. Mitchell Stemper 34.33; 32. Garrett Willie 36.25 100 fly – 2. Cote 59.16; 4. Burns 1:01.31; 6. Pattison 1:04.83; 7. Jordan Snitker 1:05.67 100 free – 3. Grimstad 53.97; 6. Giddings 56.58; 10. Robinson 57.28; 11. Oftedahl 1:00.24; 12. Vobr 1:00.34; 14. Coppola 1:01.28; 15. Ellickson 1:02.63; 16. Saltou 1:04.34; 18. Bollinger 1:04.82; 20. Brummel 1:06.07; 21. Sassaman 1:06.49; 22. Pasche 1:08.14; 23. Phuong Doan 1:08.81; 26. Christensen 1:10.34; 29. Wilkins 1:14.93; 32. Willie 1:25.26; 34. Stemper 1:26.88 500 free – 3. Snitker 5:54.68; 4. Hammel 6:22.00; 11. Fernandez
Decorah’s Max Grimstad sets his pace during a freestyle race earlier this season. Saturday, the Viking was a member of the second place 400-free relay team and finished third in the individual 100 freestyle. (Photo by Becky Walz)
7:07.71; 12. See 7:14.11 200 free relay – 3. Kuehner, Burns, Cote, Giddings, 1:35.81; 6. Coppola, Robinson, Swizdor, Vobr, 1:45.68 100 back – 5. Grimstad 1:04.40;
6. Vobr 1:10.11; 7. Hook 1:11.30; 8. Casper 1:12.16; 9. Sovern 1:16.44 100 breast – 4. Humpal 1:07.54; 5. Kuehner 1:10.23; 8. Olson 1:14.95; 9. Swizdor 1:18.40; 15. Doan 1:25.55
400 free relay – 2. Humpal, Grimstad, Burns, Kuehner, 3:37.30; 4. Swizdor, Coppola, Snitker, Pattison, 3:57.15; 6. Hook, Hammel, Brummel, Casper, 4:16.29
Quartet earns 100th win together; Viking girls claim Anamosa title Following weeks of road duals and tournaments, with the holiday break thrown in, the Class 1A No. 1 Decorah girls’ wrestling team put on a show, winning a pair of duals at home Thursday and winning the title at the Anamosa tournament Saturday. Home double dual Thursday’s double dual not was only celebration of two Viking wins over Crestwood and No. 4 Holmen (Wisconsin), but a quartet of athletes who picked up their 100th wins. McKenzie Tollefson earned her 100th career win at 140 pounds, followed by Ana Simon at 145 pounds. The trifecta was complete when Lauren Luzum earned her 100th career victory at 155 pound. Kamryn Steines later earned her 100th career win at 190 pounds. “The 100 Win Club is an admirable achievement for any wrestler. It’s a testament to years of hard work and preparation. It’s rare to have four wrestlers all reach this milestone all on the same night! I’m so proud of each one and the value they bring to our team. They are mentors and role models of dedication and sacrifice
ABOVE: Four Vikings earned their 100th career wins Thursday against Crestwood including (l-r) McKenzie Tollefson, Ana Simon, Kamryn Steines and Lauren Luzum. RIGHT: Steines works to roll Holmen’s Avalee Euler to her back for the fall in 1:10 during Thursday’s triangular meet in Decorah. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Stello)
to this sport,” said coach Gene Adams. “When the girls took on No. 4 Holmen, the team looked confident and ready to take on a worthy Wisconsin team. The fans and home field advantage paid off as the Vikings as they rallied behind one another to earn a convincing win over Holmen.” Decorah defeated Crestwood 70-12 with 10 of its 12 coming with pins, one other was a decision and one a forfeit. The Vikes bested Holmen 54-25, winning six matches by fall and two others by decision with two grapplers receiving forfeits.
Decorah 70, Crestwood 12 100 – Chloe Sheffield (Dec) WBF in 2:38 over Kara Kennedy (Crest); 105 – Liv Anderson (Dec) LBF in 3:06 to Kelsey Adams (Crest); 110 – Audrey Feuerhelm (Dec) WBF in 1:23 over Lydia Bollman (Crest); 115 – Izabella Kos (Dec) WBF in 1:01 over Reagan Drees (Crest); 120 – Dec lost by forfeit; 125 – Simone Downing (Dec) won 10-0 maj. dec. over Karlee Henry (Crest); 130 – Bristol Parker (Dec) WBF in 2:51 over Alanna Schatz (Crest); 135 – Amelia Wadsworth (Dec) WBF in 1:07 over Amber Harmening (Crest); 140 – McKenzie Tollefson (Dec) WBF in 1:45 over Madi Fritcher-Larson (Crest); 145 – Ana Simon (Dec) WBF in 0:32 over Cameron Thiele (Crest); 155 – Lauren Luzum (Dec) WBF in
0:14 over Clara Keller (Crest); 170 – Isabelle Alley (Dec) WBF in 1:52 over Laurin Moen (Crest); 190 – Kamryn Steines (Dec) WBF in 1:15 over Briana Burke (Crest); 235 – Madysen Lippe (Dec) won by forfeit Decorah 54, Holmen 24 100 – Sheffield (Dec) won 8-4 dec. over Aini Anderson (Hol); 105 – Anderson (Dec) won by forfeit; 110 – Feuerhelm (Dec) LBF in 2:50 to Kaytlynn Lambries (Hol); 115 – Cassie Wilkins (Dec) LBF in 0:07 to Haley Dezelske (Hol); 120 – Kos (Dec) LBF in 1:15 to Allison Weiss (Hol); 125 – Downing (Dec) won 3-1 dec. over Jozie Collins (Hol); 130 – Parker (Dec) WBF in 5:31 over Peyton Kratochvill (Hol); 135 – Wadsworth (Dec) WBF in 1:15 over Ruby Gustafson (Hol); 140 – Tollefson (Dec) WBF in 1:05 over Alexa Szak (Hol); 145 – Simon (Dec) WBF in 0:35 over Natalie Markos (Hol); 155 – Luzum (Dec) WBF in 0:35 over Celia Drogseth (Hol); 170 – Alley (Dec) LBF in 1:10 to Avalee Euler (Hol); 190 – Steines (Dec) WBF in 0:51 over Sophia Walter (Hol); 235 – Lippe (Dec) won by forfeit
Champions With perhaps the most complete line-up this season 11 of Decorah’s 13 wrestlers placed in the top five on their respective brackets which led to the
Title Continued on page 16
No. 3 Vikes stay perfect at 9-0 The Class 3A No. 3 Decorah boys’ basketball team (9-0, 4-0 NEIC) picked up two wins in under 24 hours Friday and Saturday, tacking on another Monday night. Fourth quarter Playing stellar second and third periods Friday, the fourth quarter put the game away against Charles City (4-5, 3-1 NEIC) as the Vikes won 73-44 on the road. After the first eight minutes, Decorah found itself trailing 12-11. Then the Vikings came
alive to outscore the Comets 17-10 in the second to lead 2822 at the half. A balanced attack on both NEIC squads in the third kept Charles City within striking distance before the Vikes pulled away in the final period with 26 points while limiting the Comets to just six. It was a triple-double night for junior Cael LaFrentz who notched a game-high 31 points, 20 rebounds and 11 blocks. Zachary Driscoll also had an outstanding night with 17 points, nine boards and seven
Decorah 11 17 19 26 73 Charles City 12 10 16 6 44 Scoring – Cael LaFrentz 31; Zachary Driscoll 17; Noah Milburn 16; Gavin Groux 3; Carter Dlhy 2; Peyton Webb 2; Keaton NaleanCarlson 2 Rebounds – LaFrentz 20; Driscoll 9; Dlhy 7; Groux 4; Louie Bucksa 2; Trevor Kuennen 2; Milburn 1; Webb 1; Assists – Driscoll 7; Groux 2; Kuennen 1; Milburn 1; Dlhy 1; Steals – Driscoll 3; Kuennen 1; Milburn 1; Groux 1; Dlhy 1; Blocks – LaFrentz 11
Weekend game Saturday afternoon the Vikings hosted Class 2A No. 9 Cascade (8-2), defeating the Cougars 63-51. It was a close game throughout with Cascade taking a 1413 lead after the first quarter. Decorah stormed out with the first seven points of the second period to lead 22-14 with 5:57 remaining and maintained the lead at halftime 35-25. A Trevor Kuennen basket, combined with a pair of Driscoll free throws gave the Vikes’ the largest lead of the game to start the third before Cascade fired back. The Cougars held Decorah to just six more points in the period to pull within three, 45-42, with eight minutes remaining. Undaunted, the Red and Blue went back at it in the final quarter, doubling the visitors’ offensive output, 18-9, to secure the win. LaFrentz led the Vikes’ offense with 24 points to go with
seven rebounds; however, it was Driscoll coming up with the double-double with 20 points and 10 boards to go with eight assists. Carter Dlhy added eight points, six rebounds and three assists. Cascade 14 11 17 9 51 Decorah 13 22 10 18 63 Scoring – LaFrentz 24; Driscoll 20; Dlhy 8; Groux 5; Jackson Pipho 2; Kuennen 2; Milburn 2 Rebounds – Driscoll 10; Milburn 8; LaFrentz 7; Dlhy 6; Kuennen 5; Pipho 2; Groux 2; Bucksa 2; Webb 2; Assists – Driscoll 8; Milburn 4; Dlhy 3; Groux 2; Pipho 1; Blocks – Milburn 3; LaFrentz 2
At NIACC Monday The win streak extended to nine games for the Vikes Monday as Decorah took on Spencer (6-4) in Mason City at the North Iowa Area Community College campus for the 61-56 victory. Decorah had an 18-10 lead after the first eight minutes but saw much of that advantage evaporate in the second as Spencer bounced back to within three at the break, 29-26. The Vikes pushed their lead back to eight in the third, outscoring the Tigers 17-12 to go on top 46-38. Spencer managed to dig into the difference in the final period; however, Decorah had enough fuel left in the tank to claim the win. Individual stats were unavailable at press time. Spencer Decorah
10 16 12 18 56 18 11 17 15 61
Many more photos from the Decorah boys and girls’ games versus Cascade can be seen online with the stories.
Carter Clhy puts up a contested shot for the Vikings during Saturday’s home tussle with Cascade. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Pre-Owned
Getting one of his three blocks against Cascade is Decorah Noah Milburn. The junior also provided eight rebounds, four assists and two points. (Photo by Becky Walz)
assists. Joining the pair in double figures was Noah Milburn with 16 points.
2018 GMC SIERRA 1500
SALE PRICE
$34,000
Crew Cab Short Box 4-Wheel Drive SLT Automatic 4WD
One-Owner. Silver Ice Metallic. Jet Black Perforated Leather Appointed Front Seat Trim. 47,603 MILES Alloy Wheels Remote Start ■ Back-Up Camera ■
■
■
■
Heated Seats/Wheel Lane Departure Warning
■ ■
Cooled Seats Tow Hitch
View inventory at www.weisgmc.com
Driven by trust.
Your local automotive dealer for four generations 131 College Drive, Decorah, IA ■ 563-382-8474
NEW & USED SALES