July 25, 2024 by Decorah Leader

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 30 www.decorahnewspapers.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: news@decorahnewspapers.com

One Section phone: 563-382-4221

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2024 Nordic Fest to be packed with food, fun and traditions to plan the event — this year, the annual festival is embracing the theme “Uff Da!” “Uff Da” is a common American Scandinavian phrase and is uttered frequently by Deocrah locals. The duo-syllabic idiom is similar to the English exclamation “ah” or “oh” and is sometimes translated as “Oh, for gosh sakes.”

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

A blend of Scandinavian foods, dancing, entertainment and fun for all ages is expected to make for a winning combination at the 2024 Nordic Fest opening Thursday, July 25 in Decorah. Each year since 1967, more than 10,000 visitors ﬂock to Decorah during the last full weekend of July to embrace all things Scandinavian during Nordic Fest. The Nordic Fest Board of Directors has geared up for the celebration, meeting regularly throughout the past year

The 2024 Nordic Fest Board is a group of area volunteers whom organizers say love bringing the annual event to community members and the thousands of visitors who join in the local celebration of all things Scandinavian. Pictured, l-r, front- Sam Boeke, Christopher Miculinich, Martha Griesheimer, Brian Solberg. Middle- Linda Wolfs, Ivy Riggs, Marcie Dodd, Ariana Cervantes, Chris Hicks, Andi Hemesath, Dave Anderson. Back- Alyssa Ritter, Chivonne Marlow, Steve Wilke, Sarah Brandt, Nathan Todd and Jessica Rilling. (Photo courtesy Chip Peterson)

Planning and Zoning Commission votes 4-2 against Ridgeway biodigester project Supervisors schedule public hearing for Aug. 5 BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 16 against a rezoning request for a proposed biodigester near Ridgeway. Novilla Renewable Natural Gas submitted the application, and the proposed facility woudl be located on land owned by Craig Bohr and Deb Storlie — speciﬁcally, the area near the intersection of 275th Street and Iowa Highway 9. In the split vote, commission members Mary Hoffman and Donna Rasmussen voted to support the company’s rezoning request to change the land’s use

from A-1 agricultural to M-2 industrial, while Commission Chair Wendy Stevens, John Berlage, Melissa O’Rourke and DJ Friest voted against it. Commissioner Dave Meyer was absent. The matter now moves to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors for further approval — the board of supervisors has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed biodigester for 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 5 in the courthouse annex. The primary complaint of the naysayers was that the planning and zoning commission members weren’t given enough time to research the proposal. The county’s zoning ordinance states “a decision must be made

within 30 days of the application date or be automatically approved,” according to the minutes from the July 16 meeting. The application for rezoning was made on June 19, and a public hearing on the issue was held July 9, during the Planning and Zoning Commission’s next regular meeting. Discussion on the project lasted nearly three hours that night, and the decision was tabled until the special July 16 meeting. The commission “decided it couldn’t wait to take action,” the meeting’s minutes said. The commission was instructed by Planning and Zoning Administrator Tony Phillips to not discuss the project with anyone

between the public hearing and the decision date, saying by law the commission’s decision needed to be based on information presented during the July 9 public hearing and any research the individual commission members may have conducted independently. However, Novilla co-CEO Mark Hill felt some of the reasons commission members gave for voting against the project contradicted information shared during the public hearing, and he felt some concerns seemed be misplaced. “The purpose of rezoning

Biodigester vote continued on page 5

Fest organizers Seasoned fest-goers and first-timers alike will notice scores of events at this year’s Nordic Fest while browsing the official program. Organizers say the various happenings in this year’s lineup showcase Decorah’s dedication to its Scandinavian heritage. Thursday’s opening ceremonies will feature the parade of flags, the singing of the Norwegian National Anthem “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” — or “Yes, we love this country” —

Nordic Fest

continued on page 2

Luther announces staff cuts as part of strategic plan for the future BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Ofﬁcials with Luther College say some staff changes are on the near horizon as part of a multi-year strategic plan aimed at ensuring the Decorah institution is able to meet the needs of the next generation. Luther College President Jenifer Ward said in a July 16 statement that some staff would be added to the college, others would be changed or consolidated and what she called a limited number of others would be eliminated. Luther employs approximately 460 staff members, and last week’s announcement said the college plans to eliminate eight non-instructive positions

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— less than 3 percent of the 271 Luther employees who fall into that category. The college also plans to eliminate 20 positions which are currently unfilled. The changes are part of Luther’s Strategic Framework for 20232025 and will take affect Aug. 1. “The strategic staffing plan will help ensure that Luther College continues to fulfill its mission and strategic objectives, build on recent momentum, better meet the needs of a new generation of students and go forward with a renewed focus on financial sustainability,” Ward said.

Luther cuts continued on page 10

Former Iowa National Guard medical unit trains near Pulpit Rock Decorah BY SETH BOYES Some specifics changed as the weeks and months passed, but NEWS EDITOR woman pleads Decorah was eventually selected as the location for this year’s The distinct profi les of milnot guilty training. He and Hickenbottom itary trucks and the dozens arrived on site the previous day of uniformed National Guard sexually and worked out the final details members milling about near of the training event — Deroy Pulpit Rock were enough to abusing teen draw some concern from passsaid Decorah’s hills and bluffs BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A former Decorah resident pleaded not guilty this week after being accused of sexually abusing a teen earlier this year. Courtney Rae Turner was charged with two counts of third-degree Courtney Rae sexual abuse Turner in mid-January. The 30-year-old is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy — identified

Abuse continued on page 10

ersby Monday morning. But, despite the energetic shouts echoing from the hillsides, the situation was a simulated one. Iowa’s 294th Medical Company Area Support unit from the city of Washington was conducting a training exercise near the local landmark. Staff Sgt. Matthew Hickenbottom said the 294th’s main goal that morning was learning to properly move a patient. He explained the terrain in the Washington area — about 140-miles south of Decorah — is relatively ﬂat, making such training relatively easy. He said ofﬁcials wanted to train the 294th in areas without much even footing — like that found in Decorah. “When you’re on a steep incline or decline that’s unsteady with rocky terrain, and when you can’t have four people on

Members of Iowa’s 294th Medical Company Area Support unit lugged a simulated patient across the grass and toward a hypothetical exit point within Decorah’s Will Baker Park near Pulpit Rock. The National Guard unit made the trip to Decorah to train among the area’s hills and bluffs. (Photo by Seth Boyes) it based on the narrowness of the trail — and now, instead of moving 10 feet, it’s 100 meters — that has a real-world application when things get real and difﬁcult,” Hickenbottom said.

“Our goal is to simulate adverse conditions as much as possible so that, if you’re not in adverse conditions, it’s that much easier — or if you are in adverse conditions, you’re more prepared

for it.” The unit takes part in training events each year, and First Lt. Ethan Deroy said he and others began planning Monday’s exercise approximately a year ago.

were the perfect terrain for the exercise. A total of more than 50 members of the 294th were divided into eight teams, each of them using a litter — a piece of equipment similar to a stretcher — to transport a medical dummy along the winding trails in Will Baker Park near Pulpit Rock. They then transferred the mock patient to a sked — a ﬂexible and durable piece of equipment which can be used to drag a patient along the ground. They were then tasked with sliding the secured mannequin down the steep hillside — one which locals often use for wintertime sledding, and which the 294th dubbed the “skedding hill” — before pulling the combined weight of the sked and the

Guard training

continued on page 5

NORDIC FEST

Jim and Liz Fritz, 311 Riverv

iew Dr.

Nordic Fest yard tours to be held The Decorah Town and Country Garden Club has arranged for the public to tour three yards during Nordic Fest. Tours will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but free-will offerings will be accepted to support garden club projects. A trio of properties will be featured on the tour.

to absorb the panoramic view of the valley against the backdrop of limestone bluffs. Abundant veggies and ﬂowers coexist in raised beds. A young orchard promises future harvests, while a stone octagon bed and terraced walls blend with the natural surroundings. Numerous seating areas provide quiet corners with river valley views. Organizers said the gardens are a testament to the passage of time and the joy of creating a home that embraces the outdoors. The public is invited to join the Fritz family at their country home — from Water Street, cross the bridge on College Drive, turn left on Fifth Avenue, continue for nine blocks and, at the stop sign, turn right onto Riverview Drive.

Jim and Liz Fritz 311 Riverview Dr. Step into an acre of gardens along the Upper Iowa River where, over the past 36 years, the Fritz family has created evolving gardens. The grounds are almost always in bloom. Their home provides a solid backdrop for these spaces. The small barn is a creative space, housing a workshop that brings the family’s outdoor ideas to life. A gazebo near the river’s edge provides the perfect perch

Kevan and Zoe Klosterwill 503 Franklin St. Local landscape designer Kevan Klosterwill and his

family have transformed their in-town lot into an inFranklin St. timate series of garden Klosterwill, 503 e Zo d an n va rooms, including a sunk- Ke en shade garden, natural play area, perennial border garden and permaculture-inspired food forest. Klosterwill is also using this sheltered space to test unique trees and shrubs from the southeast, where Porter House Museum Gro he was born, for their harunds, 401 W. Broadway St. diness in Iowa. From Water Street, go south on Mechanic Street. Turn right on Franklin Street. ed rare rocks from all over the Porter House Museum world. He designed and built Grounds the stones into a wall on three 401 W. Broadway St. sides of the property. The large This Victorian house was the free-form ﬁshpond in the back home of Burt and Grace Por- yard blends with a variety of old ter for 60 years. The yard has fashioned perennials, includtwo distinct features – a mas- ing the pipe vine. From Water sive stone wall and an elabo- Street, go two blocks south on rate ﬁshpond. Burt Porter was Mechanic Street. Turn left on an avid naturalist and collect- Broadway.

Nordic Fest continued from front and performances by the Luren Singers and Nordic Dancers. The Nordic Dancers serve as ambassadors for Decorah. The ensemble includes three groups of students from the Decorah area — the Junior Dancers, the Senior Dancers and the Nordic Dancers Orchestra. Nearly 500 dancers and musicians have proudly entertained and represented Decorah around the world. New members audition for a spot in the coveted group

every ﬁve years and commit to 10 years of festivities. This year marks the ﬁrst year of performances for the new junior group. The fest’s opening ceremonies also include the introduction of the Nordic Fest Board of Directors and 2024 honorees. This year’s Nordic Fest Skal recipient is Jeni Holtan Grouws of Decorah. Organizers said the Skal recipient is an individual or individuals who

Happ

N RDIC fest!

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JULY 25-27, 2024

have demonstrated exceptional and continuing support of the yearly celebration. The 2024 Nordic Fest Grand Marshal is Decorah’s Paul Scott, who will be featured in Saturday’s Grand Parade. Alyssa Ritter, Decorah marketing and community engagement specialist, is among this year’s organizers and highlighted many of the upcoming events — everything from popular athletic events such as the Elveløpet 5K and 15K run, Nordic Rock Throw and Kanoløpet canoe race to the always-entertaining luteﬁsk-eating contest, the Scandinavian Bunad show – luteﬁsk being a Scandinavian dish of cod soaked in lye, and Bunad being clothing based on traditional Norwegian folk dress. Ritter also noted several returning favorites, including the Nordic Fest Antique Show, which is returning for all three days of the 2024 festivities. She said several local volunteers have worked tirelessly to get the antique show back on the Nordic Fest schedule after an absence of several years. And even experienced fest-goers will have some new opportunities. Ritter pointed out several new additions for

The Nordic Dancers serve as ambassadors for Decorah. The ensemble includes three groups of students from the Decorah area — the Junior Dancers (pictured here), the Senior Dancers and the Nordic Dancers Orchestra. Nearly 500 dancers and musicians have proudly entertained and represented Decorah around the world. New members may audition for a spot in the coveted group every five years and commit to 10 years of festivities. This year marks the first year of performances for the new junior group. (Photo by Roz Weis) the 2024 celebration. Among them is the introduction of the Friluftsliv Family Hike, which will begin at 10 a.m., Friday, July 26 at Van Peenen Park. “Along the walk, a naturalist will share the story of the Decorah Crater,” Ritter said. Friday’s schedule is full of fiddlers, bluegrass and Scandinavian music, balloon art, food booths, children’s activities, the Kanoløpet canoe race and evening performances by the Nordic Dancers, Luren Singers and Decorah’s popular Foot-Notes. The Elveløpet run and the

Welcome NORDIC FEST!

fest parade will mark Saturday morning’s offerings. The afternoon will feature crowd-pleasers such as the luteﬁsk-eating contest, the Nordic Rock Throw, the Scandinavian Bunad Show at Hotel Winneshiek and more dancing by the Nordic Dancers at Saturday night’s alumni dance. The fest concludes Saturday night with the traditional ﬁreworks show visible from the downtown area along the bluffs of Decorah. Food booths by the dozens, children’s activities, a Viking

continued on page 3

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Fest Food Ritter said a renewed focus on authentic Scandinavian cuisine is evident this year, with several meal options for fest guests. She said a wealth of new culinary experiences have been promoted on the schedule, with the addition of the Luther Caf Norwegian Meatball Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday and the Nordic Fest Peace Brunch

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NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Hiring of new parks and rec director prompts review of city ordinance BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

The unexpected retirement of former Decorah Parks and Recreation Director Andy Nimrod and the subsequent hiring of Mark Holtey prompted some discussion among city council members regarding potentially outdated hiring practices outlined in city code. Nimrod retired in April of this year after 33 years, and Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken hired Holtey, who began his new role as of July 1. According to current code, the parks and rec director is appointed by the city manager with recommendations by the city council and parks and rec board. “The whole premise behind the city manager being appointed is to remove politics from who gets what job,” Goedken said. “Usually new hires are ap-

pointed by the mayor and ratiﬁed by council — this is the one exception.” Members of the Decorah City Council said Monday the ordinance was vague and outdated. City council members felt the hiring process should include a mix of council and representatives of the parks and rec board in addition to the city manager. Park board vice chair Benji Nichols claimed only one person on his board was aware of speciﬁcs during the interviewing and hiring process after Nimrod’s retirement. Councilwoman At Large Emily Neal said she would have more faith in the hiring process with more individuals involved in the decision. “You’ve got a board that is responsible for park land and resources, so it seems weird to leave them out of the discussion,” Neal said. “I think people who are going to work for

the new hire should have some input.” Neal proposed the council and board nominate a potential hire, and Councilman At Large Ross Hadley felt the council and park board should have equal input in the process, with Goedken giving a set of qualiﬁcations the nominee must meet. Goedken explained, in hiring Holtey, he considered all the city’s current projects — such as the city’s pickleball and tennis courts as well as Carlson Park — and Goedken actively sought someone who could bring those projects to fruition. “My focus when hiring Mark was project management and the ability for someone to come into the role and carry the football all the way to the ﬁnish line,” Goedken said. Councilman Steven Zittergruen proposed the ordinance be rewritten to say the hiring of a parks and rec director can

be done by the city manager and, prior to the applicant being hired, the manager will meet with the city council and parks board to gather requirements and qualifications necessary for the new hire. The group was generally agreeable to Zittergruen’s compromise. City attorney John Anderson clarified the parks and rec board will have input and recommendations on the type of candidate prior to advertising the position for hire, and the park board will then be removed from the hiring process. Goedken added that meetings regarding hiring and other important issues between council and parks and rec should be held as a whole, so all comments may be shared. No official action was taken on updating the ordinance, but the city council will schedule a date to do so at a later meeting.

Parks and rec board members: Elected or appointed?

The Decorah Parks and Rec Board has been an elected panel as long as it has existed. The board members run on a ballot along with other elected ofﬁcials — all other boards in the city are appointed by the mayor with approval from the city council. The city council and the city’s park and rec board discussed the option to have parks and rec board members appointed rather than elected. “It’s not very common in Iowa that park boards are elected,” said city attorney John Anderson. “There are only two cities I know of that do it, and the process to change from elected to appointed would take six to nine months.” Anderson said the ﬁrst step would require a public hearing, and the public hearing would

need to occur 30 days before the ﬁrst reading of the proposed change. Parks board member Brian Fuhrmann said being elected caused him to take his position more seriously. He added that since he isn’t part of the same social and political groups as many city ofﬁcials, he doubts he would have ever accepted such an appointment. Fellow board member Kathy Bakken agreed. “If you’re not serious about getting your name on the ballot and talking to 40 of your constituents for signatures,” she said. “Then how serious are you going to be if you are appointed?” The group’s consensus was for the parks board to remain an elected body, but the council and parks board agreed to meet at least once a year to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Nordic Fest from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Sunday — both events will be held at the Luther College’s Dahl Centennial Union. Those culinary experiences will be complimented by the Fredegstaco taco/taco salad buffet, which will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at St. Benedict’s Church near the courthouse, the Decorah Fire Department Pannekake pancake breakfast Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the local ﬁre station, a VFW breakfast Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the many food booths set up along Water Street for the fest.

The popular food booths feature Scandinavian sweet treats and savory snacks, and the booths are staffed by volunteers from many area non-proﬁt organizations. Many of the booths also offer demonstrations of how the Scandinavian favorites are crafted. Entertainment The music line-up for this year’s fest is hard to beat, according to Ritter. A trio of canopies will be set up along the downtown business district to showcase various artists throughout the three-day festival. Many other

performances are scheduled all three days in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse. Among the canopy performances this year are nighttime headliners Cory Waller and the Wicked Things on Friday, 9-11 p.m., the People Brothers Band from 9 to 11:45 p.m. on Saturday; and the Flashback group from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Vesterheim offerings Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum and Folk Art School is sponsoring a full slate of activities during the fest, including folk art demonstrations, entertainment, the Sk-

continued from page 2

jaldborg Viking Encampment and a hymn sing event. Ritter also highlighted one of the Vesterheim-sponsored presenters, Hege Nilsen, who is a member of the Sami people and hales from Kafjord, a village in Troms og Finnmark County in northern Norway. Nilsen will celebrate her Sami culture by making traditional handcrafts and in her storytelling presentations. She also will carry the Sami ﬂag during Thursday’s opening ceremonies.

dren’s activities, which includes rides on the popular Troll’s Trolley – or Pokey Pete – along Water Street, children’s games, rock painting, balloon art, caricatures, puppet theater, Elsa from “Frozen,” the Jolly Pops children’s show, Gnomes in the Park, the Friluftsliv Family Hike, face painting and more. Folk art demonstrations are sponsored by Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum and Folk Art School. (Decorah Leader ﬁle photo by Denise Lana)

Children’s favorites An entire section of the fest program is dedicated to chil-

pints&papers Uffda!! head over to the tg Taproom for cold beer and great food!

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 29 www.decorahleader.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 der.com

email: editor@decorahlea

Nordic Fest ofﬁcials honor pair for community roles Decorah’s It takes a village to put on year, and annual Nordic Fest each two members of that proverbial at village are being honored all this year’s celebration of things Scandinavian July 25-27.

Holtan Grouws selected as Skal recipient Skål The 2024 Nordic Fest Grouws of Recipient is Jeni Holtan the Fest Skål Decorah. Organizers said demonstrator individuals who have Recipient is an individual support of the yearly celebration. ed exceptional and continuing has contributed to the spirit and Since 2009, Holtan Grouws a Nordic integral roles – serving as sound of Nordic Fest through Nordic Fest board member for a Dancer director for 10 years, different bands musician — with three years. six-plus years, and as a lineup each of the last 14 — in the festival’s entertainment Nordic Fest in 1996, with experienced rst ﬁ Grouws Holtan sure to see from her parents to make enthusiastic encouragement being unique group that was noted for the Nordic Dancers — a and traditions. Impressed offerings festivals’ other compared to saying yes honoree later found herself from the start, this year’s director, following her daughter to becoming a Nordic Dancers the group. Her daughter Lillian join to Ella’s successful audition of the Nordic Dancer orchestra. Holtan also joined as a member been a part of that group,” “I’m very proud to have special, and people are really Dancers Grouws said. “The Nordic

Fest honorees

(free air conditioning)

continued on page 6

Jeni Holtan Grouws

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Youth learn life skills during 2024 county fair

cared for through the barns as they side by side with adults Seth Boyes) Young fair exhibitors walked County Fair. (Photo by animals at the 2024 Winnesheik

their

County 4-H the said Winneshiek program specialist with Ashley HorState Youth Coordinator Winneshiek County Iowa be just helping Out- gen. “That could University Extension and show or even just Winneshiek somebody the reach ofﬁce, said to the fair and experiLooping tire tracks in to a dozen 4-H coming lin- County is home the animals.” grass are one of the few children in kin- encing year’s clubs — serving Horgen said the annual coun12th grade gering evidence of this The dergarten through is an opportunity for the Winneshiek County Fair. several chapters ty fair orga- — as well as students to showcase fair ended Saturday, but Farmers of Amer- young they’ve poured young of the Future local projects which nizers say the lessons ica who participate in the a majority of the for during into work learned fair participants year. likely county fair each the week-long event will “We have some exhibitors look Youth last them a lifetime as they necessarily live on 4-H of their that don’t to extoward the next chapter continued on page 3 a farm, but they still get lives. perience showing livestock,” Kendra Crooks, 4-H youth

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Paul Scott

request hosts public hearing on Winneshiek County P&Z ter near Ridgeway where it would for construction of biodiges Agency – the facilities are also posed digester, and stirred to produce

RNG, LLC, a Michigan-based sometimes called anaerobic be heated of 55 percent comparenewable natural gas or anaerobic biogas consistingpercent carbon ap- digestion systems methane and 45 ny, submitted the rezoning biogas would to construct digesters. Wil- dioxide. That be plication and hopes Novilla co-CEOs Jared owned Rural Ridgeway may soon be transported into the biothe new facility on land Mark Hill said the then plant via a memthe home of a new biodigester by Craig Bohr and Deb Storlie, liams and the compa- gas upgrading of 275th proposed facility, would pro- brane, which separates the gasfacility. held near the intersection ny’s second in Iowa, is then injected 9. A public hearing was million es. Natural gas Street and Iowa Highway duce approximately 1.5 leaving behind during a July 9 Winneshiek A biodigester contains micro- gallons of renewable natural into a pipeline, the industry Zoning break down County Planning and what’s known in listen organisms which year. to per gas meeting enviCommission oxygen-free local Biodigester about manure in an All manure from two renewable to the public’s concerns be transportfor ronment, producing continued on page 7 to the dairy herds would rezoning a piece of property into the proone natural gas, according purpose of constructing Protection ed via pipeline (Sub- the Novilla U.S. Environmental facility in West Branch. biodigesting facility. is a Novilla biodigester BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

Pictured mitted)

om removal rip-rap

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claim online calm mayus SettlementVisit

the Peel began discussions with typically placed to curaround “made it nearly stones board of supervisors her Der Maaten neshiek County regular traffic, tail erosion — as well as othsame time Fitch lodged im- torney Andrew Van for along a portion of the alleging the board acted a settlement impossible Peel asked that vehicles, to er materials late to proceed with seeking complains, and Der Maat- including delivery properly by instructing him vacating a the rural road without he offer in the case. Van private drive and resdo so. the county consider last year to remove materials that the details enter his the proper permits to Street — poright en said Monday prior to the summer to say portion of 360th had placed in the county settlement ar- idence” Peel’s petition went on making a portion of County officials are moving of way along a portion of 360th of the potential he hopes the of 2023. His petition argued property owner tentially settleen’t available, but installation of an adjacent Fitch submitted a 360th Street a private road. forward with a possible within a the unpermitted Street. was named Mary Peel’s petition questioned attor- matter will be resolved ment in a legal case stemming erosion control measures to the county in the The county’s defense complaint weeks. day of installato day matter Peel’s from the unpermitted “necessary for the regarding “the ney denied a number of a resi- summer of 2023 a Unpermitted road work tion of erosion control measures allegations against the board use that is required for alleged obstruction” limited and A rocky road along a rural road. dence.” access to nearon page 6 a filing earlier this year, farmer’s in December his tenant continued in led fi ling fi Peel alleged Peel voted notes Homeowner Jeffrey The landowner’s own the board of supervisors by farmland. The petition the condition of he placed riprap — large a petition against the Winnesh- unanimously last week to au- petition that in northern Win- states iek County Board of Supervi- thorize Winnesheik County At- 360th Street 2023, sors in mid-December of

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

subscription ‘Drive harder’: Decorah’s

Hovden breaks 176 career

So, thought National Championships. his car on a trailer, I of them, their it,’” between the both ‘That kid will never make garage is filled father, two-stall racing said Les Hovden, Dan’s tires and spare Auto Parts not just with trophies and has who owns the NAPA “But, he’s parts but countless checks. Decorah’s Dan Hovden and store in Decorah. over-sized winners’ been racing for 16 years, just on done alright.” “The last few years, I’ve startthe 31-year-old is already The younger Hovden trophies to kids first na2008, been giving my his way to winning his ed racing hobby stock in down in the pit after tional title this year. Hovden and in 2013, he switched to that come “They July the races,” Hovden said. won the B-Mod main event I gave USRA B-Mods. enjoy them a lot more. 9, during the Summit dad used to help out Jackto “My trophy event night’s Halverson in Tuesday Weekly Racing Series in Todd and Scott at the Winneshiek Raceway home, and that son Roney.” just his our garage at While many racers are Decorah. The race marked into it,” he said. three got my brother 175th career win, and my brother did, 176th “And, whatever Hovden days later, he earned his I wanted to do too.” win when he took the checkered continued on page 3 Hovden said his brother eight USRA flag in West Union. load Mitch has won “The first time he went to

wins

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

AnniWicklund, Fair Queen County Fair Princess Addison Dan had earned and Les Hovden after Left to right are 2024 Winneshiek (Submitted) Jade Hovden, Josh Hageman Raceway in Decorah. ka Schmelzer, Dan and night of July 9 at the Winneshiek th his 175 career win the

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OPINION

Here’s to hoping Biden’s withdraw is the end of political posturing I was only one of many bustling reporters holding cameras, recorders and notebooks in the upper level of a northwest Iowa bar to hear former presidential candidate Nikki Haley speak. It was BY SETH December of 2023, and HaBOYES ley called a second TrumpNews Editor Biden face off at the ballot box the rematch that no one wants. And, as of Biden’s surprise old west, ready to draw on each announcement Sunday, we other outside the rundown sawon’t be getting it. loon. So, of course, neither one Biden had said he wasn’t go- dared flinch in like…what’s it ing to drop out of the race, but been?… nine years? And, of he did. Political experts said course, it doesn’t just apply it wouldn’t happen, but it did. to the presidency. Any numHeck, prior to Trump’s pres- ber of partisan races have had idency, the last president to their proverbial hands hovering serve only a single term was above their gun belts ahead of George Bush Sr. back in 1993 election season (and let’s be — and 1993 was a lot longer honest, it feels like it’s always ago than it seems. But now election season anymore). we’ve seen a pair of back-toBut, after watching these back single-term occupants of drawn-out showdowns for so the Oval Office. long, we may have forgotten I’ll take it as a good sign some things. though. Mainly, the trappings of spaI, like many folks assumed ghetti western standoffs bethe candidates this cycle would come petty posturing when put run again, not so much because into real-life practices. And, I they were really convinced prefer candidates who can pick they ought to or perhaps even up a hammer and create somebecause they truly wanted to, thing to those whose main inbut because bowing out of the stinct is to fire shots across the presidential race would seem aisle. But in addition to that, to concede the other side was it’s often easy to be taken in by somehow right about them all the spectacle of this metaphoric along — that Biden was in fact gunfight that we forget the isincapable of meeting the de- sue at hand isn’t the candidates mands of a presidency, or that themselves — it’s us (well, it’s Trump was in fact merely seek- supposed to be anyway). ing the limelight for personal Political leanings have, in the gain. last several years, been reduced Honestly, the two major par- to the same sort of loyalty we ties in this country have been give to sports teams (and I wish locked eye-to-eye for too long. I could be as indifferent and apIt’s like they’re standing in the athetic toward politics as I am middle of a dusty road in the toward professional sports).

We’ve somehow started to believe that our role is to back the politicians rather than that the politicians’ role is to support us — that we should somehow go where they point and do as they direct us, rather than insist they maintain a functioning democracy where lawmakers must carry out the desires of the voter or be voted out. True, we don’t all agree on many topics, leaving lawmakers to do the best they can. And yes, it’s true the stars sometimes align and legislation that benefits the public can also benefit a lawmaker’s image. But I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say those are more the exception these days than the rule. Which brings me back to Biden’s decision to drop off this year’s ballot. Perhaps it’s an indication we’re about done playing this game. Perhaps it’s an indication folks within the parties are actually listening to the people rather than simply agreeing with their reflections. Perhaps it’s an indication the saloon standoff was all just for show. We didn’t want a rematch, and we won’t be getting it. So maybe, just maybe, we’ve hauled ourselves out of the rut we’ve been making year after year, and we can finally arrive at a better result this time around. 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.

Let’s show civility and respect when it comes to yard signs this election season It’s campaign season again, and a new crop of yard signs are beginning to pop up all over northeast Iowa. And, unfortunately some are incorrectly located in right of ways, and some have been stolen. Yard signs can serve as one way to be engaged in the democratic process of free and fair elections and a way to use our voices to help influence our friends, neighbors and passers-by. It’s also free speech protected in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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Here are just a few reminders regarding yard signs: • Do not place yard signs in right of ways - Yard signs cannot be placed in the city’s or the county’s right of ways or boulevards. City, county, and state officials can and may remove any signs or obstructions placed in their right of ways. • If you live where there are sidewalks, then be sure your signs are in your yard. They cannot be in the city’s boulevard.

• If you do not have sidewalks in your city, be sure your signs are not in the right of way used by the city. In some places that is will be 37.5 feet from center of road, and in others it will be 33 feet from center of road. • If you live in the rural areas of the county, your yard signs need to be at least 33 feet back from the center line on most county roads and at least 75 feet from the center line on most state highways. • Do not steal yard signs. This is theft of property and can be prosecuted. • Do not vandalize yard signs. This is vandalism and can also be prosecuted. • Recycle yard signs - Drop off at the Freeport Recycling Center 24-hour drop-off shed. Please remove the metal supports so they can be recycled separately. See www.winneshiekwaste.com for more details. This information includes not only political signs, it also includes special events, non-profit events, retail services for house cleaning, roofing, restaurant

Sights on Spencer Letter to the editor,

Not that long ago, there was midnight terror. It was raining, lots of rain, and it covered a wide area of northwest Iowa. Rising rivers and flooding occurred, causing mountains of misery. A lone relative living in Spencer was in the heart of this midnight blackness. The news

reported all roads closed, electricity and gas gone, as well as defunct water and sewer systems. All of life’s support systems idled. This event had been mean spirited. Sewer enriched basements consumed everything in sight. Basements not only flooded but walls collapsed. Furnaces, air conditioners, soft water systems, washing machines

directional signage, gun shows and many others. There can be no signs placed in any right-ofways unless they are city, county, or state road signs placed for official purposes. IOWA DOT: Location Restrictions - for more detail: Iowa law states that political campaign signs are not allowed on any property: • Owned by the state or the governing body of a county, city or other political subdivision of the state, including all property considered public right-of-way (examples include buildings, bridges, trees or other natural features, fire hydrants, traffic control signs or devices, utility poles, posts, gates, fences and vehicles) • Owned by a prohibited contributor under section 68A.503 of the Code of Iowa, unless the sign advocates the passage or defeat of a ballot issue or is exempted. • Without the permission of the property owner. • On election day, either on

and dryers, electrical boards all gone. There is also the concern of waiting to install a new furnace before cold weather. This list exceeds 400 households. Too late for air conditioning. No cooking, no going to the bathroom, no showers, no phones, no gas stations, no banking, no dry cleaners, no grocery stores, no hospital, no job, no anything. I’m told there

the premises of any polling place or within 300 feet of any outside door of any building affording access to any room where the polls are held, or of any outside door of any building affording access to any hallway, corridor, stairway, or other means of reaching the room where the polls are held. • Within 300 feet of an absentee voting site or satellite absentee voting station, during the hours when absentee ballots are available. Please find more details regarding campaign signs along roadways at https://iowadot.gov/traffic/manuals/pdf/11b-03.pdf. Let’s all agree to stay civil with each other and respect each other’s property this election season. Please leave the yard signs alone. Respectfully submitted together, Candidates for Winneshiek County Supervisor District 3 Shirley Vermace and Dan Hovden Decorah

is not a big hill, but a huge mountain of refuse outside of town. Many families have given up and left town. Spencer was a unique town that encountered a damaging fate from nature. It will be years before it fully recovers. John Carver Decorah

OBITUARIES/NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

VFW Post 1977 raising funds for flagpoles Rebecca “Becky” McCabe, greatest achievements were supplies and headed stuffing the for northeast Iowa veterans

Rebecca McCabe

July 3, 1946 - July 19, 2024

78, of Cresco, died Friday, July 19, 2024, at Mayo Clinic - St. Mary’s Campus, in Rochester, Minnesota. Rebecca Lynnette Petefish was born on July 3, 1946, to Rebecca George and McCabe Rebecca (Bolton) Petefish in Buda, Illinois. Becky graduated from high school in Buda in 1964. She later continued her education at Bemidji State College, Mankato State, and then University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Home Economics. On Aug. 22, 1970, Becky married Gregory McCabe. To this union, two children were born: Theresa and Jonathan. Becky always said that her

raising two children that have grown into responsible adults who are raising normal children while paying it forward and giving back to their communities. As well as being married for almost 54 years. Becky enjoyed sewing, often making her own clothes as well as anyone else’s who would stand still long enough to be measured. Growing flowers and designing the next flower bed project around the house. She thoroughly enjoyed anything that had to do with her grandkids. In 1997, Becky became a member of NSDAR Hannah Lee Chapter through Patriot John Zink. Becky was Regent from 2005-06, 2010-12, 201416, and then 2016-18. She headed the chapter’s constitution week committee and contacted schools every year. She ordered

bags for each school in northeast Iowa. Past Regent Rebecca McCabe did an outstanding job designing the chapter website and was the 2014-16 Iowa State Chair for the National Committee for American Heritage and served as NE IA District Director from 2015-18. Becky is survived by her husband, Gregory, of Cresco; children, Theresa (John) Woollard of Elgin, Minnesota, Jonathan (Sonia) McCabe, of Cresco; and grandchildren: Aidan Woollard, Althea Woollard, Quinlan McCabe and Briella McCabe. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rebecca Petefish. Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, July 24, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco with Father Knipper officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

Guard training patient some 300 feet to a simulated exit point. Several teams were able to complete the entire exercise in approximately 11 minutes. Hickenbottom said training events like Monday’s session help guardsmen develop the type of communication skills necessary in a crisis as well as the muscle memory to complete their tasks, should they ever be called to act in a real-world

scenario. He indicated the repetition of these skills helps keep adrenaline in check during a crisis. “When stress is high, you fall back on what you do most,” Hickenbottom said. Indeed, the distant barks of “down, down, down” mixed with the encouraging cheers of support that rippled across the park’s grassy field drew the attention of cyclists and runners

continued from front along the nearby trail system that day. Children and adults alike stopped to take in the exercises, and Major Eric Dolash of the 294th said that’s just another benefit to the National Guard’s regular training. “Being the Iowa National Guard, we try to get within the communities of the state and kind of show our story — show what we do,” he said.

Winneshiek County Sheriff Riley Mann, age 22, of West Union, was cited for failure to maintain control following an accident. Investigating officers reported Mann was operating a motorcycle southbound on Highway 52 nearing the intersection with 200th Street when he attempted to pass a vehicle driven by 62-year-old Joseph O’Connell of Marion. Mann reportedly saw an oncoming northbound vehicle and slammed into the rear driver’s side quarter panel of the O’Connell vehicle. Mann was thrown from the motorcycle. The motorcycle slid across the highway, colliding with the front of an oncoming vehicle driven by 42-year-old Karla Lechtenberg of Calmar. Mann sustained serious injuries and was transported to WinnMed by ambulance. Damage to Mann’s motorcycle was estimated at $10,000. The damage to O’Connell’s 2015 Subaru Forester was estimated at $4,000. Damage to Lechtenberg’s 2023 Ford Expedition SUV was estimated at $8,500. Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office investigated an accident at approximately 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 16 on County

Road W42. Brody Tieskoetter, age 18, of Ossian was northbound on W42 when he reportedly fell asleep. His vehicle entered the west shoulder and ditch, striking a small stream embankment in the ditch causing the front air bags to deploy. The driver reportedly suffered minor injuries to his wrists from the impact with the steering wheel but refused medical aid. Damage was estimated at $5,500 to his 2006 Ford Fusion. Cole Peterson, age 19, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 10:40 p.m. Friday, July 19 on charges of operating while intoxicated — first offense — possession of cannabidiol and eluding while exceeding the speed limit. Brent Fullhart, age 39, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 6:05 p.m. Sunday, July 21 on the charge of operating while intoxicated — first offense. Michelle Kay Clark, age 35, of Lime Springs was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 10:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21. A criminal complaint filed against Clark on July 22 accuses her of violating a no contact order at approximately 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 in the 3400 block of US Highway 52 in Decorah. The complaint said Clark was admitted she stopped at the protected party’s home following a funeral, “not knowing the protected party would be there, so she could see her dog.” The complaint went on to say the no contact order had been modified to allow both parties to attend the funeral, but the court’s decision did not allow any contact following the funeral. Alberto Nunez Garcia, age 22, of New Hampton was booked into the Winneshiek Jail at 1:45 p.m. Monday, July 22 on an arrest warrant for failure to serve jail time. Court records show Nunez Garcia was sentenced in October of 2023 to serve seven days in jail after pleading guilty to the charge of operating while intoxicated — first offense. The 22-year-old was to have served his time in mid-December. He was transported to Decorah from the Howard County Jail. Lillyann McIntyre, age 22, of West Union was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 1:40 p.m. Monday, July 22 on an arrest/bench warrant. Court

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1977 in Decorah is collecting money for flagpoles for northeast Iowa veterans through the Veteran Flagpole Initiative. The initiative installs flagpoles for Veterans across Iowa at no cost, in honor of their service to the United States. As previously reported by the Decorah Leader, each 20-foot telescopic flagpole is made of components strictly manufactured in the U.S., and both Iowa and the U.S. flags will be included. Atop each flagpole are small solar panels, which automatically power lights during the evening hours to illuminate the flags. Each flagpole assembly and installation costs a total of $750, and VFW Post 1977 member Doug Smith said that if that money is first dropped off at the local All Vets Club, the new flagpole installation would likely happen much sooner. “People can always go to the VFI website and nominate their veterans, but those names go on a list,” Smith said. “The list is always getting bigger, because their goal is to have flagpoles in all 99 counties in Iowa. But, if someone donates $750 and sponsors a veteran, they go

right to the top of the list.” Smith said VFI will provide VFW Post 1977 with all the materials so they could install the flagpoles themselves. “So, for every $750 we get, that’s a flagpole for a veteran, and we could do it pretty quickly,” Smith said. VFW Post 1977 Commander Ray Koshatka said the arrangement is ideal for families who want to honor a family member’s service. “If family members want one of their family members to get one, and they got together and donated $750 for it, we can get it in for them,” he said. “All these guys that served, I think every one of them should have a flag in front of their homes. It’s important to promote our patriotism and our duty to the country. The whole country has lost a bit of that, and this is one way we can help bring some of that back.” The VFW Post’s Treasurer Mark Stockdale said the flagpoles in veterans’ yards may help civilians remember why military service is important. “People are forgetting why we have armed forces — to protect and defend the Constitution,” Stockdale said. “We wouldn’t have our freedoms and our rights and our privileges without the military.”

Koshatka said the public’s low attendance at VFW events and subsequent lack of support is upsetting to him. “You’d think the support would be much greater for the clubs like the legions and the VFW,” Koshatka said. “You don’t even need to be a veteran. Even if you’re a civilian, and we have a dinner or an event or something going on, you can show your support for veterans just by attending those events.” The local veterans said they would like to see more community support for the post’s eighth-grade breakfasts, which take place throughout each school year. The proceeds from the breakfasts go toward helping local eighth-graders pay for their annual class trip to Washington, D.C. “You’d think there’d be a lot more people coming in for that,” Stockdale said. “A lot of times, we’re only feeding 70 or 80 people, and a third of them are family members.” Smith said anyone who wants to nominate a northeast Iowa veteran for a flagpole should call him at 563-379-5446 or Koshatka at 563-382-4311. For more VFI information, visit https://www.veteranflagpoles. org/.

Biodigester vote

Law Enforcement Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office assists Fayette County with search warrant The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and its canine unit assisted the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office last week. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday, July 19 for a residence located at 115 Rich St. in Maynard. During the execution, methamphetamine, marijuana and multiple firearms were found and seized. Joseph Glenn Kane, age 25, of Maynard was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine — second offense — an aggravated misdemeanor, possession of marijuana — second offense — a serious misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a serious misdemeanor. Kane was taken into custody and transported to Fayette County Jail, where he later posted a $350 bond and was released. This the second narcotics search warrant Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has executed on this residence in six weeks.

Members hope efforts renew patriotism among area residents

continued from front records show she is accused of violating her terms of probation after communicating with a particular individual in late January. Jeremy Snell, age 41, of Decorah was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail from the West Union Residential Facility at 1:45 p.m. Monday, July 22 on an arrest warrant for two counts of first-degree stalking/harassment — fourth or subsequent offense. While patrolling near the Burr Oak Area at approximately 8:47 p.m. Friday, July 19, a Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a motorcycle heading south at a high rate of speed — radar indicated 104 miles per hour. The deputy turned around and activated emergency lights and sirens, and the motorcycle continued without stopping. The deputy discontinued pursuit due to safety concerns. A short time later, the motorcycle had pulled over near Decorah. The driver, Cole Peterson, age 19, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for eluding — a class D felony, operating while under the influence — a serious misdemeanor — and possession of a controlled substance. Deputies received a call July 20 at approximately 11:23 p.m. about a disturbance at Chimney Rock Campground near Decorah. After investigation, deputies responded to the Super 8 hotel in Decorah and located 37-year-old Ezekiel Hunter of Muscatine. Hunter was arrested and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail for serious misdemeanor domestic abuse assault-injury or mental illness — first offense. Deputies responded to a disturbance at approximately 3:47 p.m. Friday, July 19 in a car on Highway 52 near Ossian. After investigation, 21-year-old Hayden Pearce of La Crosse, Wisconsin, was arrested and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail for domestic abuse assault-injury or mental illness — first offense — and obstruction of emergency communications. All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal process.

to M-2 industrial was to allow the processing of digester biogas into pipeline-quality natural gas,” said Novilla co-CEO Mark Hill after the July 16 meeting. “However, the majority of questions asked by the Planning and Zoning Commission were targeting the digester, dairy farms and manure lines that are not covered under the rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission appeared to turn this renewable-energy project into a referendum on family-owned dairies in Winneshiek County rather than a discussion of county zoning and how the gas-upgrading facility fit within the zoning.” Officials see potential positives, but still have concerns The commission discussed several perceived positives of the proposed project during the July 16 meeting. Commission members noted methane gas would typically cause odor and contribute to climate change, but would instead be transformed into a renewable energy source if the project became a reality. The commission also noted the above ground facility would make potential leaks more immediately visible. They also said the fertilizer byproduct created during the biodigester’s processes is more efficient than other fertilizers which contain higher levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, and the commission said there are other facilities in Iowa with the same design as the proposed Novilla facility which they said have proven to work well. However, commission members also felt they had too little time to conduct research and consult with potential experts. They said questions of safety also lingered regarding potential truck traffic for the transporting of manure and other materials. First responders would need specialized training to deal with emergencies at the facility, the commission said, and commission members felt it was unclear how natural disasters like a tornado might affect the proposed facility. Commission Chair Wendy Stevens raised the concern that building the facility might encourage the establishment of more large corporate farm oper-

Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Commissioner Donna Rasmussen expresses her concerns about the proposed biodigesting facility with the rest of the commission during the July 16 special meeting, as Commissioners DJ Friest (left), Wendy Stevens and John Berlage listen. (Photo by Zach Jensen) ations, which she felt could accelerate the loss of small, family-owned farms. Stevens also cited the county comprehensive plan, which calls for Winneshiek County to reduce its reliance on petroleum products, and Stevens said renewable natural gas is a petroleum product. The U.S. Energy Information Association defines petroleum products as “fuels made from crude oil and the hydrocarbons contained in natural gas.” Renewable natural gas does not contain crude oil. Rather, the Environmental Protection agency said “the biogas used to produce RNG comes from a variety of sources, including municipal solid waste landfills, digesters at water resource recovery facilities (wastewater treatment plants), livestock farms, food production facilities and organic waste management operations.” Commission member John Berlage also questioned whether the facility would truly contain no hazardous waste. Representatives of Novilla Renewable Natural Gas had previously told the commission “there is no hazardous waste” onsite, but Berlage said he considers manure to be hazardous waste. “It kind of threw me off, because I’ve been around manure my entire life, and I know what it can do and how quickly it can kill somebody,” he said. “If you look up what a hazardous waste is online, it’s ‘waste that muse be handled properly before damaging human health or the environment.’ That’s the definition of hazardous waste. That bothers me. And, I don’t

think it’s in the best interest of the public to have that.” Berlage also questioned plans for the 3-foot concrete slab on which the digester would be built, saying there are two types of cement — cement that has cracked and cement that’s going to crack. “That’s something we weren’t able to identify — what kind of testing the cement has to go through,” he said. “Is it guaranteed not to crack? That’s the kind of crack that scares me, because that’s the crack you don’t see.” Hill said after the meeting that Novilla takes multiple steps to prevent leaks. “To ensure there are no leaks, we perform a leak test on the digester prior to filling it with manure and do daily checks of the concrete to look for leaks,” the Novilla co-CEO said. “The steel digester ring is embedded in the concrete, so the improbable leak would have to be under the digester ring and follow a crack such that we would see it in the external 3-foot ring of concrete outside the digester walls.” Commission members also questioned whether the Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides adequate protection in such matters. Following last week’s meeting, Hill said he and his colleagues take exception to that sentiment. “The Iowa DNR has been very diligent in regulation of digester projects in Iowa and has created a series of permit conditions a dairy digester operator must meet prior to filling a digester,” he said.

NEWS

To protect and serve: Guardians of Northeast Iowa moves to Decorah

Jacobsen resigns from WinnMed Board of Trustees

Organization helps those who may otherwise be helpless

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Nearly 23,000 disabled or otherwise impaired adults are under guardianship and conservatorship in Iowa, but only five organizations are available to help them. Guardians of Northeast Iowa is one of those agencies, and last week, the 501c3 nonprofit moved from Calmar to Suite 5 at 110 Washington St., Decorah, so it can better accomplish its mission of protecting and serving the state’s most vulnerable residents. “It irritates me to see how unwilling we can be to help people in need.” said GNEIA co-founder, Director, and Nationally-Certified Guardian Anna Stamat. “We can spend billions of dollars on war, but we can’t help our most vulnerable citizens. What about helping our own people? Vulnerable people need our help. We get referrals for people we can’t help, because there’s no funding. It just breaks my heart. As a per-

son of faith, I have been raised to assist others, and I firmly believe that we all need to do so.” Stamat said she co-founded GNEIA in 2016 in response to the state’s lack of services for people like one of her family members. “I have a family member who has a disability, and he needed support from a guardian to make sure he was making good, healthy decisions for himself and good financial choices,” she said. “He needed a conservator and a representative payee because he receives Social Security benefits to make sure he buys groceries, pays for rent, etc., instead of other things he doesn’t need.” GNEIA Accounting Manager Sherri Carolan of Decorah said she does the books not only for the company but also, primarily, for its clientele through payee and conservator services. She said payee services are provided to adults who receive Social Security but aren’t able to pay their own bills due to

thank you!

to everyone who came out to the support the Hungry Hungry Heroes Pancake Breakfast and Hometown Hero’s Hike in raising funds for local emergency services. Decorah Rocks would especially like to thank the following businesses and individuals who contributed to the events: Justin’s at The Landing Market Lynch Family Companies Culver’s of Decorah (Lisa Roberson) U2 BBQ and Catering The Whippy Dip (Rosie Carolan) King Pin Entertainment Center Chris and Chelsey Hovden Angie Drew Kim and Cheuang Kavan Maureen Michel Cindy Finch Samantha Ludeking KQ98 Cares Fisk’s Farm and Home Decorah WinnMed

THE

Hearthside Fireplaces and More CentralSquare Technologies Driftless Multimedia/ Graphics, Inc. Chimney Rock Campground Bluffside Gardens StoryPeople LA Communications Steve’s Car Care Ace Kitchen Place Paula Tekippe Fireman’s Inn Ridgeway Dan and Mary Ann Thurmer Perry and Wendy Novak Letterwerks Kari and Greg Rude

Left to right are Guardians of Northeast Iowa accounting manager Sherri Carolan, accounting assistant Shelley Ostern and founder and Director Anna Stamat. (Photo by Zach Jensen) intellectual, emotional or other impairments. Carolan said that for such clients, Social Security appoints “guardians” to handle their money for them. As payees, GNEIA also manages its clients’ food services like SNAP, and they even complete and return the clients’ Medicare and Medicaid reviews, she said. In a conservatorship, Carolan said GNEIA not only manages a client’s Social Security income but also handles their assets beyond Social Security. For example, Carolan said, if a client on Social Security Disability Insurance is entering a longterm care facility, and they own a house, if needed, GNEIA will handle selling the home to pay for the client’s stay in the longterm facility.” “Many people receiving Social Security for age or disabilities aren’t able to manage their money, so they really need someone to help them with that,” Carolan said. “They really aren’t able to live independently without help with that ﬁnancial component. That’s our goal: Helping these people living their best lives out in the community. We’re ﬁlling a need in the community, and the folks that we’re helping are so grateful, and that’s very rewarding.” Accounting Assistant Shelley Ostern of Mabel assists Carolan with her work, and she said that before she began working for GNEIA, she was “completely naive” to the need for services provided by her new employer. “The things that come up on a daily basis are still shocking,” said Ostern who began working for GNEIA in May. “I knew about guardianship, but I had

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no idea what it entails by any means. I’m grateful for what I have, because I don’t have the struggles the average client has, and it’s great to be able to help them. We really do a lot for these folks.” Stamat, who has a master’s degree in human services, said she acquired her passion for helping others by helping that family member all her life. “I have always believed that people with disabilities, like him, are treated as second- or even third-class citizens, and I don’t accept that,” she said. “Everyone is equal, and we need to treat everybody the same and give them the same opportunities. Can I protect him from everything? No, but I can make sure that he’s healthy and not homeless. Services like ours are common in larger cities, but we’re one of maybe five guardianship organizations in the entire state of Iowa.” Since she co-founded GNEIA, Stamat said the organization has quickly and extensively grown. She said GNEIA started with two or three clients and now serves more than 200 in regions surrounding Cedar Rapids, Mason City, Sioux City, Waterloo, Sumner and Decorah; with one case manager in each region — each using their vehicles and homes as their offices. “I don’t like seeing people who are in need of help but aren’t receiving it,” said Stamat, who worked as the Administrator for the Office of Disability Services at Northeast Iowa Community College’s Calmar campus for 12 years before retiring in 2021. “For example, I serve a couple folks with intellectual disabilities who are living with a family member who is emotionally, psychologically and possibly even physically abusing both of them. As a guardian, it’s my mission to help those people get out of that living situation and into a safe and healthy home environment.” Stamat said that if an individual is determined by a physician or psychiatrist to somebody who cannot make their own decisions or cannot take care of themselves, they are appointed a guardian through the court system, and such individuals are “very-well assessed” before determining that need. Many of GNEIA’s clients have intellectual or mental health disabilities and conditions that accompany those diagnoses. The organization also serves clients who are physically ill, the elderly and foster kids who are aging out of the system but still need extra help. “I love making a difference in other peoples’ lives,” Stamat said. “That’s my cup of tea. Like police officers, we ‘Protect and Serve,’ and that’s why we’re called ‘guardians.’ That’s exactly what we’re doing: Protecting and serving our people, and that’s what I live for.” For information, visit https:// guardiansofneia.org/ or call 563-419-2443.

Karl Jacobsen, longtime member of the WinnMed Board of Trustees, resigned his position earlier this month following a change in by-laws, requiring trustees to attend Karl 50 percent Jacobsen of meetings, including once in person each year. His term ends in 2026. “In retirement, my wife and I enjoy traveling, and with the recent change in board bylaws, our plans were not compatible with my continued service in this role,” Jacobsen said. Jacobsen began serving the board of trustees in January of 2013. During his tenure, Jacobsen was involved in multiple projects and initiatives, including the transition of WinnMed’s electronic medical records to Epic in 2017, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand change to WinnMed in 2023 and the start of the Transforming Tomorrow expansion project in 2024. Jacobsen began his healthcare career in the early 1970s as one of the ﬁrst emergency medical technicians at what was then Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital. He earned his nursing degree through Northeast Iowa Community College and subsequently provided nursing care in various capacities across the Midwest. He continued his education and earned his nursing home administrator license, which opened opportunities for him to lead care facilities in Wisconsin, Indiana and Dec-

orah’s Barthell Eastern Star Home later in his career. Concurrently, and as a second arm of his professional life, Jacobsen provided financial advise and investment services to clients across the United States. “My experiences in health care, first as an EMT, then as a nurse and still later, in an administrative role, helped me throughout my tenure on the board of trustees,” he said. “I appreciated and understood the challenges of a changing industry from both a professional and a patient perspective and brought that insight to the board as we faced significant decisions over the past 10 years.” Jacobsen frequently presented the board with education on current topics, trends and changes in the health care industry. “I want to thank Karl for his years of service on the board of trustees,” said Steve Slessor, chief administrative officer for WinnMed. “Karl has well-rounded experience allowing him to add perspective both as a clinician and a business leader. Karl was incredibly supportive of the many changes and advancements we have made at WinnMed, and the passion he has for the care we provide and what we mean to our communities we serve was evident throughout his time as a trustee.” Per the WinnMed Board of Trustees bylaws, candidates for Jacobsen’s open seat will be reviewed by a board governance committee, and it will be filled by appointment for the remainder of his term.

Decorah resident Lisa Beiwel takes aim at a target in the Fort Atkinson Community Center during an archery class hosted by Winneshiek County Conservation. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Winneshiek County Conservation helps public enjoy the outdoors

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Archers hit their marks the night of July 17, as Winneshiek County Conservation hosted an introduction to archery class at the Fort Atkinson Community Center. Hanna Meyer, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Winneshiek County Conservation, said she enjoys teaching the archery class, because the sport rewards everyone who tries it. “When I was in school, in P.E., I really liked it, because everyone can get good at it regardless of their athleticism or their speed — because it’s all about their technique, focus and consistency,” Meyer said. “It rewards you if you practice, and I like that.” Decorah resident Lisa Beiwel attended the archery class, which was her ﬁrst

time handling a bow. Within 30 minutes, she went from missing the target to hitting the bullseye. “This has been a positive experience,” she said. “It was simple, and it wasn’t stressful. It’s a lot easier to shoot an arrow than I thought, and this instructor is really super.” Just 24 hours earlier, on July 16, Meyer taught a kayaking class at Lake Meyer — it was there that Beiwel learned of the upcoming archery class. “The whole point is to help people enjoy these outdoor recreation activities,” Meyer said. “So, anytime I can offer these classes free to the public, I do that.” For information on future classes, visit the Winneshiek County Conservation Board’s website at www.winneshiekwild.com.

Auction Calendar TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 - 199 Acres M/L Chickasaw County Real Estate Auction. Sostak Farms LLC, Fredericksburg, IA Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563568-2464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 - Machinery Consignment Auction, Call now to consign 563-568-2464. Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563-568-2464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 - Farm Retirement Auction, Neverest Farms, Gerald & Christine Moellers, 2701 310th Ave., Ridgeway, IA. Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563-568-2464, www. sweeneyauctionservice.com

COMMUNITY

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

25 veterans to receive Quilts of Valor during Nordic Fest Two Quilt of Valor presentations will be held during Nordic Fest. Decorah Quilts of Valor No. 541 announced it is presenting 25 quilts of valor to military veterans over the course of the two presentations, which will

be held at 2 p.m., July 26 and 27 in the Carrie Lee Elementary School auditorium. Family and friends of the recipients and the general public are invited to attend.

Local law enforcement participates in Cookies with Cops

Children and youth were invited to July 15 Kids Lunch Club in Decorah for “Cookies with Cops.” Local law enforcement turned out to distribute treats at the Freeport Park and John Cline Kids Lunch Club sites. Decorah Police Chief Tricia Thein, investigator David Burrett and ofﬁcer Trevor Thomas were among the area heroes invited for the event. Organizers said it was a time for kids to enjoy a meal, make new friends and learn more about those keeping the community safe. (Photo by Roz Weis)

Nathan Tricky Allen to bring magic, comedy to Castalia Tractor Day Aug. 31 BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The people of Castalia had a city celebration last year, for the first time since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dubbed the “Castalia Revival,” the event featured live music, a car and tractor show, a UTV parade and more. This year’s celebration, which will be held Aug. 31, will also feature the magic and adult comedy of Nathan Tricky Allen, who once lived in Frankville. “I briefly lived in Frankville when I was a kiddo, where my grandpa Roman Hageman was chief of their volunteer fire department for decades,” Allen said. “It must be a genetic thing, because I too like to play with fire.” Allen, a 2002 Postville High School graduate, attended college for a short time after high school before working as a fulltime performer. “I first saw a magician at a school assembly, when I was 5-years-old and became hooked,” he said. “When I could read, I devoured every book on magic and magicians that I could get my hands on and, over the years, it became a full-blown unhealthy obsession.” Allen began working as a professional magician for parties and town festivals around northeast Iowa when he was just 12-years-old, and he said that thankfully, his show has

Community briefs WinnMed Card Marathon registration due Aug. 5

Registration for the WinnMed card marathon is due on Aug. 5. People are invited to join, and both bridge and 500 will again be offered this year. Play will begin in September and end in May. The cost is $10 per person or $20 per couple; couples are asked to register as such. Participants will play with a different couple each month and are welcome to sign up with more than one partner. Chairs Gerry Sorenson and Jeanne Lechtenberg will get the schedules mailed out in late August, and play will begin in September. Please send your registrations to Gerry Sorenson at 502 Sunrise Blvd., Decorah, Iowa 52101. Those with questions may call 563-382-2669 for more information.

Depot Outlet to hold Teacher Appreciation Day

The Depot Outlet is preparing for the back to school season with its third annual Teacher Appreciation Day. The local thrift store is seeking donations of new and gently used supplies for both students and teachers. Teacher Appreciation Day will be held at the Depot Outlet — 510 Montgomery St. in Decorah — from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2. Staff will stock classroom and teaching supplies at greatly discounted prices throughout the day. In appreciation of Winneshiek County educators teaching kindergarten through 12th grade, all those who present school ID from any Winneshiek County school system (public, private or special education) will receive a $5 voucher toward the

purchase of supplies for their classroom.

WinnMed offers free ‘Welcome to Medicare’ seminar

WinnMed will host a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6 in WinnMed’s lower level conference rooms at 901 Montgomery St., Decorah. The free, two-hour in-person 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. Registration is required by Monday, July 29. To register, visit WinnMed.org/events or call 563-387-3036.

Gornichec to hold author Q&A, book signing July 26

Oneota Valley Literary Foundation is excited to welcome back Genevieve Gornichec, author of “The Weaver and The Witch Queen,” for an author Q&A and book signing at 1 p.m., Friday, July 26, in the Viking State Bank community room. Book sales are supported by Dragonﬂy Books. Genevieve Gornichec earned her degree in history from the Ohio State University, but she got as close to majoring in Vikings as she possibly could, and her study of Norse myths and Icelandic sagas became her writing inspiration. Her debut novel, “The Witch’s Heart,” was released in 2021 and has been translated into more than a dozen languages. Her sophomore novel, “The Weaver and the Witch Queen,” was released in 2023. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. This event is part of Oneota Valley Lit-

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erary Foundation’s robust author event series, which aims to bring top-notch writers of all genres to northeast Iowa to lead in conversations about literature and writing. To learn more about this event and other events with Dragonﬂy Books, visit www.dragonﬂybooks. com.

Winneshiek Conservation to host open park days at Walden Pond

Winneshiek County Conservation will host family-friendly activities for all ages from 1-4 p.m., July 29 and from 9 a.m. to noon, Aug. 3, at Walden Pond, 1432 130th Ave. in Castalia. Due to repair work, ﬁshing is not recommended at Walden Pond this summer. Instead, each open park day will feature free family-friendly activities for all park-goers. The activity for July 28 is “Prairie Pollinators” and Aug. 3 is “Outdoor Wellness.” Park visitors are asked to keep their pets on leashes and to clean up after them. Walden Pond is a reservation-only park, speciﬁcally designated for educational programs and not always open to the public. However, Winneshiek County Conservation hosts several open park days throughout the summer for visitors to explore the park. For information, visit https://www.winneshiekwild.com or call Winneshiek County Conservation at 563-534-7145.

health

Nathan Tricky Allen is looking forward to performing on a ﬂatbed trailer under a tent at Castalia Tractor Day next month. (Submitted) drastically changed since then. “Now, it’s a comedy-magic show for adult crowds,” he said. “Back then, I was doing shows for kids’ birthdays, churches and schools. Now, I perform exclusively for adults at comedy clubs, blue-collar company parties and even biker bars. It’s a lot more fun now, but those early family-friendly shows were a great training ground, because

I learned how to entertain a wide range of demographics — from preschoolers to retirement homes and from all walks of life. I think it taught me versatility as a performer, because now I can do a show for corporate CEO’s one night and a party for a motorcycle club the next and feel equally comfortable at each gig.” Reading his name for the ﬁrst

time, potential fans might think “Tricky” is Allen’s stage-name or nickname, but to Allen, it became a lot more than that. “My given name was Nathan Allen Suckow, but outside of Postville, Suckow would get mispronounced all the time, so I began performing as ‘Nathan Allen’ instead of ‘Nathan Suckow,’” he said. “The problem is, for a lot of engagements, hotel rooms are booked for entertainers by the corporate sponsor or nightclub, and they would often book it under my stage-name instead of my legal name, which meant my ID didn’t match the reservation, and I would have problems getting checked in at like midnight, in a strange town. So, I legally changed my name. And I always thought those cheesy ‘danger is my middle name’ lines in movies were funny, so I leaned into that. ‘Tricky’ is my middle name. Legally.” Allen said his shows combine adult comedy with slightof-hand magic, dangerous tricks, stunts, pranks as well as hilarious — and sometimes unpredictable — audience interaction, making each Nathan Tricky Allen show “one of the very few magic shows in all of America that is both geared for adults and funny.” Allen will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 31, during Castalia Tractor Day, on a ﬂatbed trailer, under a tent, and he guaranteed it will be fun for all who attend.

Porter House Museum to host book walk The Porter House Museum is preparing for next month’s book walk, featuring “The Story of the Butterﬂy Children,” by Sibylle von Olfers. The book walk will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 at the museum — 401 West Broadway Street in Decorah. Visitors may read the story, stroll the gardens, enjoy treats served on the front porch and register for prizes. A drawing for prizes will conclude the opening event at 5:15 p.m. that day. The book, originally published in 1915, will remain on display through Sunday, Aug. 11 for children, families and others to enjoy during daylight hours. This classic children’s story is illustrated in the art nouveau style and hearkens back to the

era when Adelbert (Bert) and Grace (Young) Porter tended the gardens of their stately Victorian home. The Porters traveled the world and amassed a collection of butterﬂies and other natural curiosities, many of which are on display inside the local museum. “The Story of the Butter-

fly Children” depicts peacock, swallowtail, red admiral and other butterflies, newly hatched from cocoons, getting their wings and enjoying the bright flowers around their kingdom. The book walk is sponsored by Decorah Parks and Recreation, the Porter House Museum and an anonymous member/donor.

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Congratulations to Rilling Family Chiropractic on the opening of their new clinic! Pictured is Dr. Rilling and family with Chamber Ambassadors Ray Rinkol, Dallas Steffen, Tade Kerndt, Holly Allen, Amanda McIntosh, Tara McConnell, Joanie Rollins and Joe Hammel.

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Call 563-382-4221 to include your services here.

CLASSIFIEDS & PUBLIC NOTICES

Real Estate

Help Wanted PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE

WINNESHIEK COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS

Administrative Assistant

until 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2024. This is a Full-time position located at the Courthouse. Associate degree or equivalent office experience. The successful candidate must be detail oriented, have excellent computer skills, prior office experience, and have the ability to work with the public. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Starting salary at $42,047 and benefits include health insurance, IPERS, sick, holiday and vacation pay.

Temporary Assistant Swim Coach Send letter of application and resume to Athletic Director Adam Riley, 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, by end of the day on July 29, 2024, or open until position is filled. The Decorah Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

respite workers and community trainers.

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Completed application with cover letter and resume can be mailed, dropped off or emailed to fhlubek@co.winneshiek.ia.us to: Winneshiek County Veterans Affairs Office, Attn: Faith Hlubek, 201 West Main St., Decorah, Iowa 52101 by 4:00 p.m. August 2, 2024 or until position is filled. EOE.

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Join our Team!

Duties include working with individuals who have disabilities, by helping them to become comfortable and integrated into the community and giving caregivers a break. Hours are very flexible and can be worked around class schedules, other jobs and activities. Please call Quality Choices @ 319-283-1474 or email Qci283@trxinc.com for more information.

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Application and job description qualifications are available at the Winneshiek County Veterans Affairs Office and at www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs.html.

Join the team at Heritage Farm!

NEEDS:

Looking for caring individuals who want to be a positive influence in the lives of others. Positions available in the Decorah, Cresco and surrounding area for

is accepting applications for the position of

FARM ASSISTANT

SEASONAL Grade ncipal FIELD CREW Now through October, full-time, $16/hr Support with field preparation, seed production, field maintenance, and seed harvesting and processing.

VISIT SEEDSAVERS.ORG/JOBS FOR MORE DETAILS AND OPEN POSITIONS! To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé, and the contact information for three references to jobs@seedsavers.org. Please include the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

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Science Teacher

SHIPPING ROOM COORDINATOR Full-time, $18/hour

and-codeaccurate coordination of all incoming and outgoing shipments. The ideal candidate should be a detail-oriented individual with proficiency in shipping and business software.

VISIT SEEDSAVERS.ORG/JOBS FOR MORE DETAILS AND OPEN POSITIONS!

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To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé, and the contact information for three references to jobs@seedsavers.org. Please include the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

4th Grade Teacher

St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA is seeking a .8 time 6-8 grade science teacher for the 24-25 school year. Reading/Language A State of Iowa teaching Artscertiﬁ Teacher cate is required. St. BenedictIfCatholic School interested please in Decorah, IA is seeking contact Steve Haluska at a shaluska@st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us .8 time 6-8 grade reading/language arts or contact the school at teacher for563-382-4668. the 24-25 school year. 29-4-JP-12 A State of Iowa teaching certiﬁcate is required.

in Decorah, IA is seeking a full time Kindergarten teacher for the 24-25 school year. A State of Iowa teaching certiﬁcate is required. If interested please contact Steve Haluska at shaluska@st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us or contact the school at This position is responsible for the efficient, timely, 563-382-4668.

If interested please contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us or contact the school at 563-382-4668.

NOW HIRING: FLOOR EXPERT

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You may also contact Peggy Miller at 563.387.5653.

Seed Savers Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA is seeking a full time 4th Grade Teacher for the 24-25 school year. A State of Iowa teaching certiﬁcate is required. If interested please contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us or contact the school at 563-382-4668. 30-2-JP-12

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Decorah Community Schools for the 2024-2025 School Year:

Vocal Music Collaborative Pianist Decorah High School

Hours: Part-Time, 6.5 hours per week on average Compensation: $30/hour

JOB OVERVIEW

Decorah High School seeks a part-time Vocal Music Collaborative Pianist to support our thriving music program. The successful candidate will be crucial in our Concert Choir and Viking Chorus classes and during various rehearsals, concerts, and other music-related events. The pianist will work closely with the Vocal Music Teacher and students, providing essential support in enhancing the students’ musical skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES • Accompany the Concert Choir ( 4th period), which includes 85-minute sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, a 40-minute session on Wednesdays, and 30 minutes of preparation time. This totals approximately 4 hours per week. • Accompany the Viking Chorus (1st period), which includes 40-minute sessions on Mondays and Thursdays, a 40-minute session every other week on Wednesdays, and 30 minutes of preparation time. This totals approximately 2 - 2.5 hours per week. • Accompany the Ninth Grade Choir (2nd period) in performances and the final three classes/rehearsals before a concert.

• Collaborate with the Vocal Music Teacher to enhance the learning experience for students and ensure successful performances. • Adapt to various musical styles and prepare open scores and piano accompaniments. • Attend and perform in all scheduled concerts and performances. • Additional playing opportunities with the fall musical and spring solo and small ensemble clinic and state festival.

REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience as a collaborative pianist, preferably within a school or choral setting. • Knowledge of a wide range of musical styles and genres. • Excellent sight-reading skills. • Ability to quickly learn and perform new pieces of music. • Strong communication and teamwork skills. • A high degree of reliability and professionalism. • Flexibility to accommodate the varying schedule of rehearsals and performances. • A bachelor’s degree in music or a related field is preferred. Decorah High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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Letter of interest must be submitted to Principal Brad Hurst, 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, by July 25, 2024, or until the position is filled as provided for in the Agreement between the Decorah Community School District and the Decorah Education Association 2024-2025. The Decorah Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

Public Notices

contact Steve Haluska at shaluska@st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT or contactFOR the WINNESHIEK school at COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF 563-382-4668. VERONICA M. EGLI,

For questions call 563.387.5653. Seed Savers Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Kindergarten Join the team at Teacher Heritage Farm! St. Benedict Catholic School

For Sale: 2008 Mazda CX7 4WD with 128,000 miles. Excellent shape, Priced to sell. $7,000. 563-497-3624. 30-4-DL-pd-4

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St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA is seeking a part-time .2 - .5 time guidance counselor for the 24-25 school year. Appropriate State of Iowa licensing is required. If interested please contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us or contact the school at 563-382-4668.

For Sale: 2004 Chevy K1500 Suburban 155,071 miles $6,000 OBO, 2016 Ford Transit T-250 150,000 miles $23,000 OBO, 2016 Chevy Express G4500 delivery truck $32,000 OBO, Electric forklift 4th valve 3-wheel 4,000# $13,000 OBO. Call 563-380-4224. 29-4-LD-pd-4

Science Teacher

Guidance Counselor

Assisting with field preparations, transplanting, field maintenance, seed harvesting, and seed processing.

Automotive

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS An appeal has been filed with the Board of Supervisors for a change of zoning district for the property described as: A triangular Northeast portion of Lot 1 in the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, of Section 4, of Township 98 North, Range 10 West of the 5th P.M. Winneshiek Shooting Star Native Seeds County, Iowa. is seeking a The Parcel is located on the South side of 275th St. Approximately 1500 feet East of the Seed Plant & intersection of State Hwy 9 and 275th St, and 400 feet West of 3194 275th St, Ridgeway. Production Specialist Parcel will encompass approx 4.94 acres Responsibilities include The application is made by: Craig Bohr, Deb Storlie, & Novilla RNG, LLC operating equipment to The following change in the zoning ordiprocess native seed, as well nance is to permit the construction and operaas field maintenance and tion of a Digester Biogas processing Renewable Natural Gas Facility. harvesting. Full-time, yearFrom the present zoning classification of: round. Position includes A-1 Agricultural District. physical labor & outdoor work. To the proposed zoning classification of: M-2 General Industrial District. Open until filled. A public hearing will be held by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors at 10:30 am on Monday, Aug 5th, 2024 in the Job description & Board of Supervisors Office, Courthouse Anapplication available at St. Benedict Catholic nex Building, 201 West Main St. Decorah, shootingstarnativeseed.comSchool in Decorah, Iowa, at which timeIA youismay appear, if you so desire, either in person or by agent or attorney seeking a .8 time 6-8 grade or at in opposition to or support of the proposed teacher for the Shooting Star Native Seeds science request. If you would prefer not to attend in 24-25 school person pleaseyear. contact the Auditor’s office at 20740 Co. Rd. 33 563-382-5085 for remote log in information of Iowa teaching Spring Grove, Minnesota A Stateand link. certiﬁcate is required. Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024 If interested please

Year-round, full-time, $17/hr + full benefits

For Rent: 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom houses. Washer/dryer, stove/refrigerator, NS/NP. Call 563-419-5262. 29-4-LD-x-9

Decorah Community Schools 2024-2025

DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR 016307 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Veronica M. Egli, Deceased, who died on or about July 8, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 18th day of July, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Veronica M. Egli, deceased, bearing date of September 2, 2009, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Denise L. Duffy 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

IN THE MATTER OF THE VERONICA M. EGLI FAMILY TRUST NOTICE OF TRUST To all persons regarding Veronica M. Egli, deceased, who died on or about July 8, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Denise L. Duffy is the Trustee of the Veronica M. Egli Family Trust dated January 20, 2000. 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 of four (4) months from the second publication of this notice or 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 23rd day of July, 2024. VERONICA M. EGLI FAMILY TRUST dated 1/20/2000 Denise L. Duffy, Trustee 610 Iowa Avenue Decorah, IA 52101 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: Jana Evelsizer Olson 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: August 1, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25 & August 1, 2024

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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 23rd day of July, 2024. Denise L. Duffy Executor of Estate 610 Iowa Ave Decorah, IA 52101 Jana Evelsizer Olson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: jana.olson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: August 1, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25 & August 1, 2024

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Board Minutes July 15, 2024 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am July 15, 2024 with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order. Karen Schluter met with the Board to discuss the condition and long term plans for Middle Calmar Road. Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to give updates on road projects. Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to approve the letter of support for the Conservation Board’s grant application for the Dry Run Trail project. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Vermace to adopt a resolution establishing the County Compensation Board. Motion failed for lack of a second. The Board will collect additional information and revisit this topic at a future meeting. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and to accept and file the quarterly report of the County Sheriff. Motion carried unanimously. Andy Van Der Maaten, County Attorney, met with the Board to discuss issues. Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, July 22, 2024. Motion carried unanimously. ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024 RIDGEWAY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES July 17, 2024 The Ridgeway City Council met in special session July 17, 2024, at the Ridgeway Community Center, at 5:45 p.m. with Mayor Schnur calling the meeting to order. Council persons present were: Linderbaum, Hauber, Engelhardt, Schnur and Novotny. Absent: None. Linderbaum made a Motion to approve the consent agenda, minutes, and claims, seconded by Engelhardt. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. A discussion was held. Chip Schultz, from Northland Public Finance was present, he explained and answered questions regarding the terms and the payment structure of the $410,000.00 twelve year general obligation loan for the water tower improvements and new alarm system and the refinancing of the street improvement 2019 loan through CUSB Bank. Resolution No. 07-17-2024-1, a Resolution Authorizing and Approving a Loan Agreement, Providing for the Placement and Issuance of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2024A and Providing for the Levy of Taxes to Pay the Same, was read aloud by Mayor Schnur. A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Schnur to approve and adopt Resolution No. 07-172024-1, a Resolution Authorizing and Approving a Loan Agreement, Providing for the Placement and Issuance of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2024A and Providing for the Levy of Taxes to Pay the Same. A Roll Call Vote was taken: Linderbaum-yes, Hauber-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Schnur-yes and Novotny-yes. Motion carried. The next City meeting will be August 13, 2024, at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center. Engelhardt made a Motion to adjourn, seconded by Hauber. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Sharla Berns City Clerk Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024 July 15, 2024 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, and Steve Zittergruen, Ross Hadley (Zoom), Mayor Lorraine Borowski, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Superintendent Tim Cronin and President of the Decorah School Board, Cindy Goodner, gave an update on the Decorah Elementary Facility Project. Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of the July 1, 2024 b. Claims c. Tax Abatement for 106 Highland #4, Holly and Arnold Larson-New Construction d. Tax Abatement for 1008 Shagbark Court Lane, Maureen Stockman-New Construction e. Tax Abatement for 106 Highland #3, Jeffrey and Donita Joens-New Construction f. Appointment of Erick Kephart to the Library Board g. Appointment of Caleb Ulring to SSMID with Resignation of Julie Spilde h. Pay Application #1 for Decorah 2024 Stormwater Improvement Project i. Change Order #1 for Decorah 2024 Bioretention Cell Project j. Final Pay Application for Decorah 2024 Bioretention Cell Project k. Resolution 3474 to Accept the Decorah 2024 Bioretention Cell Project as Complete l. Change Order #1 for Decorah 2023 Miller Park Recreational Trail Improvements Project m. Final Pay Application for the Decorah 2023 Miller Park Recreational Trail Improvements Project n. Resolution 3475 to Accept the Decorah 2023 Miller Park Recreational Trail Improvements Project as Complete Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Hadley made a motion to approve Resolution 3476 supporting the letter to the IEDA on the site plan changes on behalf of Briar Grove. Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Andy Anderson was present representing the Briar Grove Project; he answered Council questions. Neal made a motion to approve the setting of a public hearing for August 5, 2024, for the approval of plans, specifications, estimate of cost, and awarding the bid for the Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Olson made a motion to table the resolution for the approval of plans, specifications, estimate of cost, and awarding the bid for the Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project. Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Hadley made a motion to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending Title 6-Animals of the Decorah Municipal Code; Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Hadley, Olson, Zittergruen, Neal, Miculinich. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried. The Council discussed noise pollution within Decorah. The general consensus was to have the City Manager, Travis Goedken, investigate other city’s noise pollution ordinances and bring back examples to review. Ross Hadley announced that he would be resigning from Decorah City Council as of September 1, 2024. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, July 15, 2024 Payroll, For 7/5/2024 ................... 226,233.92 Acco, Chemicals .............................. 2,338.20 Ace Hardware, Supplies...................... 212.56 Acentek, Fees ...................................... 270.00 Agvantage Fs, Lp Gas ......................... 494.02 Aia Services, Supplies ..................... 1,239.52 Airespring, Services ............................ 276.83 Alliant Energy, Electric Bills ......... 25,796.24 Al’s Counrty Meat Locker, Resale Products .................................124.66 Amazon, Services ............................ 2,293.22 Anderson Wilmarth Van Der Maatten, Legal Services ................................ 4,560.00 Ashbacher, Mike, Winch For New Unit 9 ...................... 567.09 At&T Mobility, Fd Cell Phone ...........259.80 Baker & Taylor, Books..................... 1,309.74 Bca Training And Auditing, Change Mgmt....................................250.00 Black Hills Energy, Pool Gas........... 1,619.96 Blackhawk Automatic Sprinklers, Spinkler Inspection ........................... 715.00 Bodensteiner Implement, Lawn Mower .................................... 769.42 Bohr, Rick, Spinners ...........................100.00 Bremer, Louann, Janitorial............... 1,000.00 Brittany Theismann, Reimbursement . 151.94 Bruening Rock Products, Services...... 442.85 Bsn Sports, Supplies ........................... 124.98 Campground Commander, Usage Fee .......................................1,161.64

Capital One, Supplies.......................... 969.43 Card Service Center, Grainger .........4,166.99 Cargill, Concessions............................ 533.40 Carrico Aquatic Resources, Flow Sensors ..................................... 680.69 Casper Plbg & Htg, Services .........22,426.42 Center Point Large Print, Books ...........99.00 Civic Systems, Software/Support Fees ................. 32,003.00 County Wide Plbg., Parts/Labor ......... 137.19 Cs Solar, Solar..................................3,253.29 Custom Alarm, Ah Panel Battery .......... 69.40 Custom Jet Outboards, Repair Parts For Boat ..................... 1,185.91 D.A. Davidson, Services ..................1,000.00 Dalco, Supplies ...............................2,062.98 Dan’s Service, Oil Filter, Washer ..........43.00 Dc Moen Const, Sidewalk Reimbursement ............. 1,675.00 Decorah Electric, Services .................. 596.43 Decorah Kawasaki, Dec Kawaskai-Parts/Labor ..................17.06 Demco, Supplies .................................141.33 Driftless Multimedia, Ordinances, Minutes, Claims, Advertising........................... 791.34 Driftless Yoga Center/Reefuel, Programming.....................................250.00 Era, Supplies .......................................455.28 Eurofins Enviro Testing North Central, Services ............................................. 310.30 Falck Concrete Construction, Sidewalk-Broadway & Lloyd ........ 4,009.00 Fareway Stores Inc, Program Supplies ........................... 5,999.54 Fastenal Company, Repair/Maintenance .......................... 388.84 First Supply, Well #6 Repairs.............. 501.82 Fisk Farm And Home, Supplies ....... 1,533.11 Fox Strand, Wwtp Upgrade 2024 ..20,604.50 Freeport Water Dist, Freeport Water Bill.........................1,664.27 Galls, Uniform .................................... 261.94 Garrett Alan Willie, Dhpt- Trail Work ............................... 385.00 Gillette Pepsi Decorah, Concessions....................................2,057.10 Green Repair, Mower ............................ 48.51 Hawkins, Tank Rental ...........................30.00 Headington Repair, Aluminum ........... 304.42 Heartland Floor Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning ..................................95.23 Hexom Gardens, Landscaping ............225.00 Ice House Ice, Ice ............................. 1,939.50 Impact Coffee, Program Expense ....... 122.50 Imwca, 24-25 Work Comp 1St Installment ............................... 7,586.00 Insight Public Sector, Office 365 .......... 607.9 Iowa Dept Of Natural Resources, Annual Water Use Fee.......................835.49 Iowa League Of Cities ..........07/24 To 06/25, Membership Dues ........................3,991.00 Iowa One Call, Locating Services ........45.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies ........ 1,390.34 Just Toops, Jt Fire Starters ..................210.00 Kanopy, Film Database ....................... 156.00 Keystone Laboratories, Analysis ........247.25 Kwik Trip, Fuel ................................6,352.63 L2 Brands, Campground Hats..........1,194.02 Laura Gillespie, Cleaning Services .. 3,864.00 Leon’s Auto & Truck Repair, Service Ford F150 ................................ 77.25 Letterwerks -Sign City, DecalsCampground...................................... 113.00 Lulu & Bb’s, Dog Food - Tax Exempt .. 44.00 Macqueen Equipment, F500 Foam/Name Plate..................1,562.00 Malcom Enterprises, Garbage ............. 870.00 Mi Energy Cooperative, Electric Bills...................................2,618.54 Midland Scientific, Supplies ............5,063.79 Mikayla Oz, Programming..................400.00 Mississippi Welders, Services ...............72.43 Mower Power, Parts/Supplies ...............71.92 Mracek Plbg, Parts/Labor ................... 119.90 Ness Pumping, Campground Pumping ......................325.00 Nina Smock, Program .........................100.00 Olson Explosives, Fuel ....................1,814.92 Orange Boy, Annual Savannah Sub .3,000.00 Original Watermen , Lifeguard Suits .... 60.95 Outdoor Creations Landscape & Garde, Green Plant .........................................70.00 Overdrive, Ebooks & Audiobooks ...... 183.86 Pankow, Jon, Donuts For Outreach Program ............ 37.50 Perry Novak Electric, Locate ........... 1,479.75 Peters Construction, Annual Inspection And Maint ........3,751.32 Postville Herald, Subscription ..............51.00 Questcdn, 2024 Street Improvement – Asphalt Resurfacing .........................176.00 Randy’s Auto Parts, Parts.................... 224.95 Ricoh, Copier ................................... 4,443.22 River City Paving, Hot Mix ............. 1,403.31 Ross Chemical Systems, Laundry Soap .................................... 133.60 Samuelson, Riley, Graphic Design .....660.00 Schwan’s Home Service, Supplies......370.44 Simon Cropp, Srp Kickoff Program ...600.00 Smi Co., Ground Chips .........................75.00 Sophia Nall, Reimbursement ................67.80 Spahn & Rose Lumber, Miller Park/Gravel Bed .....................629.60 Steve’s Car Care, Car Washes ...............68.63 Stivers Ford Lincoln, New Vehicle 46,873.00 Storey Kenworthy, Supplies................ 251.79 Ted Wilson Masonry, Twin Springs Bench Repair ................32.50 Tollefson, Jim, Janitorial Exterior ....... 160.00 Truck Equipment, Street Sweeper .. 2,730.56 Tyler Technologies, Incode Annual Fees ...........................912.98 Ups, Postage..........................................68.03 Usa Blue Book, Supplies ....................912.52 Uscc Services, Hotspots ........................58.98 Van Meter & Associates, Van Meter Training ...........................165.00 Verizon Wireless, May 24-Jun 24 ....1,538.64 Windridge Implements, Shop Supplies ...0.72 Windstream, Airport .............................37.94 Winn Co Recorder, Recording Fees......29.00 Winn Co. San. Landfill, Deer ................25.50 Winneshiek Medical Center, Pre Placement Exam ......................... 163.00 Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY GERALD A. BAKER and MARYANN BAKER, Plaintiffs, vs. DEAN M. HOVDEN and RHONDA HOVDEN, and their unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, successors in interest and their unknown spouses and all unknown Claimants and all persons unknown claiming any right, title or interest In the following described real estate, to wit: Lot 2 of Lot 2 of Lot 2 in the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 3, Township 99 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P .M., in Winneshiek County, Iowa. And all the heirs, spouses, assigns, grantees, legatees, devisees and beneficiaries of said unknown claimants. Defendants. Case No. EQCV027049 ORIGINAL NOTICE TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of the clerk of this court naming you as the defendants in this action. A copy of the petition (and any documents filed with it) is attached to this notice. The name and address of the attorney for Plaintiffs is Charles W. Crain, of the law offices of Anderson, Wilmarth, Van Der Maaten, Fretheim, Evelsizer Olson, Noble, Lynch & Zahasky, 212 Winnebago Street, PO Box 450, Decorah, IA 52101; telephone (563)382-2959; fax (563)382-3773. You are further notified that the above case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. Unless, within 20 days after service of this original notice upon you, you serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file a motion or answer, in the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, at the courthouse in Decorah, Iowa, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Please see Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 for information on electronic filing and Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, division VI regarding the protection of personal information in court filings. If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or seivices to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call your district ADA coordinator at (319)833-3332. (If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942) IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS Iowa Judicial Branch Case No. EQCV027049 County Winneshiek Case Title GERALD BAKER ER AL VS DEAN HOVDEN ET AL You must file your Appearance and Answer on the Iowa Judicial Branch eFile System, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless the court has excused you from filing electronically (see Iowa Court Rule 16.302). Register for the eFile System at ww.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile to file and view documents in your case and to receive notices from the court.

Decorah, IA 52101 07/22/2024 Balance on Hand $17,172,366.07 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 • July 25, 2024 For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure in chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules at www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ ACO/CourtRulesChapter/16.pdf. Court filings are public documents and may contain personal information that should always be kept confidential. For the rules on protecting personal information, refer to Division VI of chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules and to the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ represcnting-yourself./protect-personal-in formation/. If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability access coordinator at (319) 833-3332 Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942). For more information, see www.iowacourts.gov/ for-the-public/ada/. Disability access coordinators cannot provide legal advice. Date Issued 07/19/2024 10:39:09 AM District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk’s Designee of Winneshiek County /s/ Denise Barton-Franzen Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25 & August 1, 2024 Decorah Community School Board Special School Board Meeting Minutes Central Administration Office Monday, July 15, 2024 6:30 p.m. Present: President Cindy Goodner, Directors: Ron Fadness, Brian Petersburg, Carole Sand, and Aaron Zander. Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin, Director of Business Services Cathy Dietzenbach, Board Secretary Darlene Woodhouse, and news media. President Goodner called to order the special school board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Director Zander read the mission statement. Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded by Director Sand to approve the agenda. Motion carried by all voting aye. New Business: At the July 8, 2024, regular school board meeting, the Elementary Facility Committee recommended to the board to proceed with a new elementary facility at an approximate cost of $38 million. The district’s current General Obligation bonds will be paid off May 2025. The petition calling for a special election to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Bonds will need signatures of twenty-five percent of the votes cast at the last election; at least 673 signatures. Motion: Director Zander moved, seconded by Director Fadness to approve a petition for the November election on a General Obligation Bond Project not to exceed $38 million to fund the construction of a new elementary facility. Motion carried by all voting aye. With the recommendation from the Elementary Facility Committee, the district will call for a special election on the question of approving a debt service levy for the payment of General Obligation Bonds. The board is completely transparent in asking for an increase in the tax levy to provide the best education for the youngest students in the district. The Resolution and Public Measure will authorize an annual tax levy exceeding $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed value but not exceeding $4.05. The district will tax up to $3.64 per $1,000 of assessed value for the elementary project. For a house that has a assessed value of $250,000 after the rollback, the $.94 tax increase will cost the homeowner an additional $104.00 per year. A home with an assessed value of $150,000 will cost an additional $61.00 per year. The time is now to move forward with the elementary project. The risk of not passing the public measures now is greater than the risk financially in the future. All of district facilities have been updated and it is time to update the elementary facility for a better quality of education and safety. Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded by Director Zander to approve the Resolution ordering a special election on the question of approving a debt service levy for the payment of general obligation bonds. Roll call: Director Petersburg, aye; Director Zander, aye; Director Sand, aye; President Goodner, aye; Director Fadness, aye. Motion carried by all voting aye and the Resolution was adopted. Motion: Director Sand moved, seconded by Director Petersburg to approve EMC insurance coverage of $568,174.13 for 20242025 through A&J Petersburg Agency. Motion carried by all voting aye. The district increased its general liability coverage. The worker’s compensation insurance cost decreased due to the district’s worker’s compensation mod rating being lower than average. District employees need to be credited for the decrease. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m. Cindy Goodner, Board President Darlene Woodhouse, Board Secretary Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARVIN K. HOVDEN DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR 016306 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Marvin K. Hovden, Deceased, who died on or about June 8, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 3rd day of July, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Marvin K. Hovden, deceased, bearing date of June 3, 2021, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Daryl Hovden, Dale Hovden, David Hovden and Denise Hovden-Baumler were appointed co-executors 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 9th day of July, 2024. Dale Hovden 1880 Meadowlark Road Decorah, IA 52101 Co-executor of estate David Hovden 2845 Middle Hesper Road Decorah, IA 52101 Co-executor of estate Denise Hovden-Baumler 1812 284th Street Decorah, IA 52101 Co-executor of estate Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 dan.fretheim@ andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: July 25, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 18 & 25, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DARREL HAGER, DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR 016041 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Darrel Hager, Deceased, who died on or about June 7, 2024: You are hereby notified that on July 1, 2024, the undersigned was appointed administrator of the estate. 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 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 on June 27, 2024. Stacey Irwin, Administrator of the Estate 2328 Oak Hill Road Decorah, IA 52101 Jeremy L. Thompson, ICIS#: AT0009569 Attorney for the Administrator Putnam, Thompson & Casper, P.L.L.C. 801 Commerce Drive, Suite 1 P.O. Box 70 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: July 25, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 18 & 25, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JURISDICTION OF CITY OF DECORAH Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project Public Hearing on Proposed Contract Documents and Estimated Costs for Improvement. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: You are hereby given notice that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Decorah on the proposed contract documents and proposed improvements for the Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project at its meeting at 5:45 P.M. on August 5, 2024, at City Hall in Decorah, Iowa. The public hearing may be attended virtually using the meeting information provided in this notice and as posted in the City of Decorah City Council agenda. The meeting can be joined virtually by computer or smartphone at: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/88119259807?pwd=Uc0wwAcHIc3EPykYgKGHjF3sHfaL9n.1 Meeting ID: 881 1925 9807 Passcode: 152984 The scope of the project includes site preparation and clearing, excavation and grading, storm sewer piping and structures, revetment, and erosion controls. The project location(s) is as follows: West 1.5 miles along IA Hwy 9 from the intersection of IA Hwy 9 and US Hwy 52 then south 0.25 miles to project site located in the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter in Section 30, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., all in Winneshiek County, Iowa. At the meeting the City Council will consider the plans, specifications, cost estimate, and contract proposals. The City Council will also act upon the contract proposals and decide whether to enter into a contract for the project improvements. Any person(s) interested may attend the meeting for the purpose of expressing their opinion regarding the plans, specifications, cost estimate, or the contract proposals. This Notice is given by authority of the City of Decorah. /s/ Keri Sand Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JURISDICTION OF CITY OF DECORAH Decorah 2024 Quarry Street Improvements Public Hearing on Proposed Contract Documents and Estimated Costs for Improvement. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: You are hereby given notice that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Decorah on the proposed contract documents and proposed improvements for the Decorah 2024 Quarry Street Improvements at its meeting at 5:45 P.M. on August 5, 2024, at City Hall in Decorah, Iowa. The public hearing may be attended virtually using the meeting information provided in this notice and as posted in the City of Decorah City Council agenda. The meeting can be joined virtually by computer or smartphone at: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/88119259807?pwd=Uc0wwAcHIc3EPykYgKGHjF3sHfaL9n.1 Meeting ID: 881 1925 9807 Passcode: 152984 The scope of the project includes pavement removals, hot mix asphalt paving, P.C. concrete paving, curb and gutter paving, and sidewalk paving.

The project location(s) is as follows: Quarry Street from the intersection of College Drive northeast 715’ along Quarry Street to end of project; all in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa. At the meeting the City Council will consider the plans, specifications, cost estimate, and contract proposals. The City Council will also act upon the contract proposals and decide whether to enter into a contract for the project improvements. Any person(s) interested may attend the meeting for the purpose of expressing their opinion regarding the plans, specifications, cost estimate, or the contract proposals. This Notice is given by authority of the City of Decorah. /s/ Keri Sand Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF DECORAH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the City of Decorah, Iowa, has set 5:15 PM, Wednesday, August 7, 2024, for a regular meeting to be held at the Council Chambers of City Hall, in Decorah, Iowa, 52101, as the time and place for consideration of requested variances from the Ordinance requirements to-wit: Adam and Staci Snitker for 206 Day Street, legally described as N 1/2 L 9 & 10 EXC E 22 1/2’ OF N 1/2 L 9 BLK 37 ORIG DECORAH in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa requesting permission to construct a covered front porch with a 3’ setback contrary to City Code Section 17.76.040 – Bulk Regulations. Jake and Catherine Dyer for 714 Pine Street, legally described as LOT 8 BLK 1 S DEC SUB-DIV OF L 1-16 LOWE’S SUDDIV OF SOUTH DECORAH in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa requesting permission to construct a 6’ fence contrary to City Code Section 17.16.135 – Fences. Jason and Dana Bockman for 501 Highland Drive, legally described as UNIT 1 LOT 5 BLK 3 MASSMAN ADDN PHASE 3 CITY OF DECORAH in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa requesting permission to construct off street parking with a 10’ front setback contrary to City Code Section 17.52.020 – Loading and Parking Space Requirements. All interested persons may appear at said time and place to be heard for or against the granting of variances from the Ordinance requirements. /s/ Sue Sander Sue Sander, Chair Decorah (Iowa) Leader July 25, 2024

Legal publications must be received by Monday at 4:00 p.m. to be published in that week’s newspaper.

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NEWS

No solution from conference mediation FEMA relief funding still available BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER The ball is still in the air as Decorah Community Schools continues to seek a change in its athletic conference affiliation. School officials learned last week that no resolution was reached following a July 17 meditation hearing in Cedar Falls with the Iowa Department of Education regarding the local school’s affiliation for the 2025-26 school year. In addition to local school officials, representatives of the Department of Education and the Upper Iowa Conference, members of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association were part of last week’s mediation. In recent months, the Northeast Iowa Conference, of which Decorah is a member, has moved closer to collapse with a long line of member schools departing. The NEIC dates back to 1920 – making it the oldest conference in the Iowa. Decorah Schools had previously applied to join the growing

Upper Iowa Conference, but was denied in April. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the UIC will include former NEIC schools, such as New Hampton, Waukon and Cresco, as well as other districts, including North Fayette Valley, MFL MarMac, South Winneshiek, Postville, Clayton Ridge, Elkader Central, Turkey Valley, Lansing Kee and West Central. As it stands, the NEIC will continue to include ﬁve current member schools – Decorah, Cresco, Waukon, New Hampton and Charles City – for the 2024-25 school year. Waverly Shell-Rock is leaving the conference after this current year and will be independent during the 2024-25 school year. Decorah Community School District Superintendent Tim Cronin said the Department of Education now has 60 days to develop a solution for the athletic conference. Cronin represented Decorah Schools at last week’s mediation, and he was accompanied by Decorah High School Athletic Director Adam Riley and DCSD Board member Ron Fadness, who also serves on the

Iowa High School Girls Athletic Association Board of Directors. During the meditation, Decorah Schools stressed concerns about the district’s limited options for joining a conference, and highlighted the district’s geographic location, the size of the school, competitive balance with in the conference and travel distance during events. Decorah students and parents travel an estimated average of 40 miles to games within the UIC. When looking at a possible membership with another conference, such as the WaMaC, travel distance for games would be an average of 112 miles one-way. The closest WaMaC school from Decorah is 68 miles away in Independence – the farthest is Grinnell, which is 145 miles away. Separate mediations were also recently conducted for neighboring schools like Charles City, which is petitioning to join the North Central Conference, and for Waverly Shell-Rock, which is petitioning to join the WaMaC. An agreement has reportedly been made in the meditation between Charles City and the North Central Conference, but no agreement has yet been reached in the Waverly-Shell Rock meditation.

to Winneshiek County residents BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Federal ﬂood relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is still available to residents of Winneshiek County. Winneshiek County Engineer Michael Kueny made the announcement during Monday’s board of supervisors meeting. Kueny had previously announced the so-called FEMA “event” had ended, but it had not, and Kueny said he spoke with Winneshiek County Emergency Management Director Sean Snyder to clear up the confusion. “He called in on Thursday and asked if this event was actually over, and they said, ‘No, it is not,’” Kueny told the supervisors. “I’m not sure exactly why that information came to me that way, but he’s working with FEMA the best we can on all that.” Other business • The supervisors unanimously voted to accept the county treasurer’s semi-annual report. Supervisor Shirley Vermace said the public can request a copy of the report from the auditor’s ofﬁce. • An agreement with the

Winneshiek County Engineer Michael Kueny talks with the board of supervisors Monday morning. (Photo by Zach Jensen) Northeast Iowa Response Group, which consists of ﬁrst responders from 11 northeast Iowa counties, was unanimously approved. • The supervisors tabled a discussion on possible formation of a new compensation board until Supervisor Chair Dan Langreck, who was absent from this meeting, returns. Engineer’s report • On the Frankville Road project, culverts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are complete, and culvert 7 was expected to be complete by July 23. Kueny said a crane will need to be procured by the county to complete culvert 4.

Kueny said six more culverts need to be replaced. • Data collection for the Middle Hesper Road speed study will be completed this week. The speed study was requested after several residents on the road expressed concerns that the speed limit was set too low. The speed limit was reduced several years ago to limit dust. • The expected start date for the Canoe Ridge Otta Seal project is Aug. 12. The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, July 29, in the courthouse annex.

Luther cuts Bill Smith, Luther’s vice president of communication, said all eight of the affected employees were offered severance packages, providing them an extra month of health coverage benefits. The cuts weren’t from any particular department, according to Smith. “Between the eight and the 20 unfilled positions, it was across the enterprise,” he said. “It’s not really congregated in any one area, and that speaks to the scope of the review that was done.” Both he and Ward described the recent announcement as a somber decision, and both emphasized the college’s aim is fiscal responsibility and longterm sustainability. “We are happy about these exciting changes and sober

about the need to make some difﬁcult choices that will be felt widely in our community,” Ward said. “First and foremost, though, our collective, shared obligation is to position Luther for future vitality.” Smith estimated the college began developing its strategic framework around 2022 — the plan became active July 16, 2024, according to Ward’s statement. Both Smith and Ward noted many institutes of higher education — like many industries — are adjusting to rising costs and other societal factors which have led to fewer individuals seeking a college degree. However, Ward noted the number of new students expected for Luther’s upcoming fall semester is on track to surpass last year’s ﬁgures – Smith

Luther College recently announced the elimination of eight non-teaching staff members — less than 3 percent of the 271 employees who fall into that category — as well as 20 currently unﬁlled positions. The change is part of a multi-year strategic plan. Ofﬁcials with Luther said the choice was a sober but necessary one in order to sustainably position the college for generations to come. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

explained those estimates are based off deposits which have been received from incoming students. Ward also said the college recently completed what she called its most successful fundraising year in Luther’s 163-year history. The college expects to receive a total of approximately $34 million following a number of recent pledge from donors, Smith said. “Many colleges like us do not have the endowment, liquidity and assets that allow us to make reasoned decisions while still safeguarding the experience of our current students,” Ward said. The college’s president also highlighted renovations planned for campus facilities like Luther’s Gerdin Fieldhouse — work there is expected to begin next month — as well as the

continued from front Preus Library. “The strategic staffing plan will help ensure that the good work of individuals and programs is strongly aligned with Luther’s overall institutional strategy and its priorities, guided by our core values of excellence, sustainability, inclusivity, curiosity and community,” Ward said. Smith went on say the college must remain flexible in order to meet student needs, which he noted may differ from the days when some of the college’s programs were first established. “It’s best to address future needs from this position than not,” he said. “We’ve got momentum, and we wouldn’t be good stewards of that momentum if we didn’t make these difficult decisions that need to be made.”

Abuse continued from front only by his initials in court documents — while residing at an apartment in Decorah. Court filings indicate Turner currently resides in Harmony, Minnesota. Court records said the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services was first informed of the alleged abuse by one of the teen’s relatives. The family member reported seeing messages the teen and Turner had exchanged via the mobile app Snapchat, including explicit images and a message in which Turner allegedly claimed “(the teen) was hers and she didn’t care what people thought of their relationship.” Criminal complaints filed

against Turner said DHS informed local law enforcement of the allegations in January. Authorities, along with a representative of DHS, visited Turner’s apartment in the 700 block of Ridgewood Drive in Decorah as part of the investigation. Residents of the apartment building indicated they too believed Turner to be in a sexual relationship with the teenage boy, according to court documents. At least one resident claimed to have walked into a room while Turner and the teen were naked in the same bed. The resident said he had raised concerns about their behavior and told investigators he believed the

two “were trying to get pregnant.” Another resident told investigators Turner and the teen were less than secretive about their alleged relationship, and the witness suspected the two were also using drugs together. The witness told investigators Turner and the boy usually conducted their encounters in one of two apartment units — the witness told investigators “she didn’t agree with what was happening but did not know how to stop it.” Court documents show investigators executed search warrants for the two apartment units in question Jan. 17 and seized several items — multiple

pieces of bedding and cellular phones — in addition to taking genetic samples from Turner and the teen. Criminal complaints were filed against Turner the following month. A police officer’s written narrative in the complaint indicated both Turner and the teenager were interviewed the same day the search warrants had been executed. Turner denied the accusations of sexual abuse, according to the complaint. “(The teen) initially denied a sexual relationship with the defendant but changed his story after realizing the seriousness of the situation,” the officer

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wrote. “(He) had feelings for the defendant and didn’t want her to get in trouble.” The complaint went on to say the teenager provided police with more specifics regarding his activities with Turner, and a search of both their Snapchat accounts revealed images of the teen and Turner “kissing, laying in bed together and messages suggesting they were in a relationship.” A warrant for Turner’s arrest was issued March 4. Filings in an unrelated case said a Decorah Police officer recognized Turner June 23, while she was inside a local convenience store along Montgomery Street in Decorah. The officer recalled a warrant being issued for Turner, and criminal complaints in that case said the 30-year-old denied being Courtney Turner when the officer confronted her. Turner attempted to flea on foot after saying “she was in a hurry and needed to leave,” according to

the complaint. The officer was able to stop her and placed her in handcuffs. The complaints went on to say marijuana buds, THC cartridges and a glass pipe were discovered in Turner’s purse — the 30-year-old was charged with interference with official acts, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Turner was served with the arrest warrant in the abuse case the same day. She was later released under the condition she appear for all necessary court proceedings related to the abuse trial – failure to do so may result in her being required to pay a $10,000 bond, and she would potentially be required to serve up to five years in prison or pay a fine of up to $5,000, according to court documents. Trial information in the abuse case was officially filed by state prosecutors on July 11, but a specific trial date has yet to be scheduled.

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COMMUNITY

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Meet Siri Steven BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

Adrianne, Dominic and Jax Becker show off their favorite ﬁnds. The Becker family traveled from La Crosse, Wisconsin, to attend the activities planned by Decorah Rocks. (Photos by Samantha Ludeking)

Decorah Rocks hosts successful Hungry Hungry Heroes fundraiser

The Hungry Hungry Heroes Pancake Breakfast and Hometown Heroes Hike were hosted last month by Decorah Rocks. The events raised nearly $5,000 for Emergency Responder Services in Winneshiek County. Representatives from emergency response services, including Decorah’s Police Chief Trish Thein and Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan

Marx, helped to serve up breakfast to more than 200 guests. The Decorah Rocks group painted more than 1,000 rocks, which were left among the tables at the breakfast and hidden on local trails for hikers to ﬁnd. “We are very proud of our community and

appreciate all the donations to help support our cause,” said organizer Katy Buck. “Our meal was 100 percent donated as were all our rafﬂe items, and we would like to thank everyone who was involved w i t h that.”

Hunty Webster of Ossian holds up on the special prize rocks he found during the Hometown Heroes Hike in Decorah June 15. Decorah Rocks members Kim and Cheuang Kavan helped serve during the Hungry Hungry Heroes Pancake Breakfast at the Decorah Fire Station on June 15.

National Night Out Aug. 6 The Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce and Helping Services for Youth & Families are hosting National Night Out from 5-7 p.m., Aug. 6, at Phelps Park in Decorah. National Night Out is a family-friendly, community-building event that promotes positive relationships within the community. The event will include music, food and games.

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Mystery Dinner Theater

My Fair

Siri Steven’s presence is unmistakable around Decorah. She’s often clad in kaleidoscopic, groovy dresses and funky, chunky sandals, with long brown ringlets framing her befreckled ever-smiling visage. Siri is passionate about being sustainable and ﬁnding new purpose in used items. She has a talent for sewing and dreams of upcycling fabric into unique and vibrant dresses. “I have always had an interest in secondhand fashion, and a few years ago, I reached out to Lisa Lantz, who owns The Getup in Decorah, about working there, and the rest is history,” she said. Siri was hired at the sustainable clothing consignment boutique four years ago. Since then, she has become the store’s manager and handles The Getup’s social media accounts, which often feature attention grabbing videos and other content. But her passions go beyond the walls of local retail. Siri is a giving human who believes in lifting up others and helping wherever it is needed. Recently she started crocheting and had an epiphany after crocheting scrunchies for her daughter and friends at their dance class. The clothing store manager realized she could crochet scrunchies to sell and raise money to help the Palestinians in Gaza – that region has recently seen escalated violence be-

Meet Siri Steven – a woman striving to “Get Up” and make a change in her community. (Submitted) tween Israel and Palestine – and she looked to a culinary concept for her crafty creations. She began making watermelon scrunchies – the fruit is something of a staple in southern Gaza as well as among a number of Arab tribes, she said, and more recently young tech-savvy advocates have begun to use watermelon emojis as they call for a cease-ﬁre in Gaza. “I also learned how to make watermelon earrings, and so far, I have raised $100 thanks to the support of the community purchasing my scrunchies and earrings,” Siri said. “I am hoping to continue to raise money to send to different organizations every month.” When not at work or making scrunchies for fundraisers, Siri spends her free time hiking, biking, canoeing and taking photos around Yellow River with her two favorite human beings – her daughter and her husband. “My daughter makes me so proud, and I love watching her grow, learn and evolve. She makes me want to be a better person,” Siri said. “I also love and admire my husband, Matthew. He is a social worker and does really important and incredible work with kids in

the Driftless — he is the most selﬂess, caring, compassionate person I have ever met.” In addition to her sewing and crocheting talents, Siri loves making music as well as writing songs – she can play the piano, guitar and viola. “I can usually ﬁgure out how to play a song if I give myself a day to try and sound it out,” she said. Overall, Siri says she is proud of being known for trying to be a kind human being, and she is grateful to work for a small business that values a circular economy, sustainability and community. “If we all chose something we are passionate about that brings us meaning and makes a positive impact on people and the earth, imagine how beautiful our existence could be!” Siri said. “I really believe, now more than ever, we need kindness. We need empathy. We need inclusivity and love for one another. Love and caring for each other is the only thing that is going to save us and the planet – and we need it now more than ever.” There are so many incredible people in our region! Do you know someone more people should know about? Submit your “Know Your Driftless Neighbor” to: samantha. ludeking@decorahleader.com.

DECORAH’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE EDITION COMING SOON!

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MILESTONES OR NEWS BRIEFS

to publish on a time capsule page in the upcoming keepsake edition

Examples: Sunﬂower Childcare Center opened the doors to their new facility on Commerce Drive Monday, June 10, 2024. Zackariah and Krysta Murray welcomed their ﬁrst daughter Sadie Rose May 14, 2024. Kelsey Timp was crowned 2024 Winneshiek County Dairy Princess.

Email submissions to: lifestyles@decorahnewspapers.com or call 563-382-4221

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WINNESHIEK COUNTY FAIR

Lansings named to 2024 Winneshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame Kevin and Judy Lansing were recently selected to become members of the 2024 Winneshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame. Both are lifetime supporters of the 4-H program. Growing up, Judy was a member of the Madison Mary Makers 4-H Club and exhibited beef, sewing and cooking exhibits. Kevin was a member of the Co-Champions 4-H Club and exhibited sheep. When Kevin was 10-yearsold, he purchased his ﬁrst lamb from his neighbor and began showing sheep, leading to a lifelong connection to the sheep

industry. Kevin has judged local county fairs as well as the All-Iowa Fair, helping to educate and share his passion for the sheep industry with youth. Kevin and Judy’s children were all active 4-H members, and fair ofﬁcials said the Lansings have instilled the value of 4-H in their children as well as many others throughout their years in the 4-H program. Kevin previously also served as a member of the Winneshiek County Extension Council, where he worked to build part-

Kevin and Judy Lansing are pictured with their family and Winneshiek County Fair representatives. The Lansings were selected to become members of the 2024 Winneshiek County 4-H Hall of Fame. (submitted photo) nerships and provide learning opportunities throughout Winneshiek County. The Lansing Family led an initiative to raise funds for the

construction of the Danan Lansing Building at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in memory of their son, who was a passionate sheep exhibitor. The

building was built in 2008 and holds many community events throughout the year in addition to housing the sheep and goats during the annual Winneshiek

County Fair. Kevin and Judy will be inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

The annual county fair is an opportunity for youth to showcase the hard work they’ve been doing for the majority of the year leading up to the fair. Kashton Headington is surrounded by his family and breeder of his Supreme Champion Market Animal following the beef show at the Winneshiek County Fair Friday, July 12.

Exhibiting the Overall Supreme Dairy Champion at the 2024 Winneshiek County Fair was Brody Courtney. (Photo by Becky Walz)

SAVE THE DATE

Champions

The Grand Champion Market Pig was shown by Keatyn Krauskopf at the Winneshiek County Fair. (Photos by Becky Walz)

Winneshiek County Public Health

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DECORAH LEADER

THANK YOU to the following for supporting the 2024 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction!

Aaron & Melissa Lovstuen Anderson Law Office Arlin Franzen - Champion Seed Arnold Kriener - Farm Bureau Back Country Fire Wood Barney’s Bar & Grill Becker Hardware Blake Courtney Bodensteiner Implement Brynsaas Sales and Service Bushman Organic Farms Bushman Organic Feed & Grain Callie’s Corner Conner & Elizabeth Hemesath CUSB Bank Dave Werges Decorah Bank & Trust Decorah Electric Decorah Sales Commission DuTrac Credit Union Duane & Shirley Bushman Fareway Decorah Farmers Win Coop. -Fredricksburg Freedom Bank Gordon & Renate Hunter Group of 4-H Fans Greg & Sara Schmitt

Hacker Nelson Heavy Ag Service-Dylan Hammel Hy-Vee- Decorah JD Farms Jesse & Val Massman Jet’s Meat Processing John & Pam Anderson Judy Schnitzler Kenneth Shatek Koenig Seed N Treat, LLC LA Communications Lanesboro Sales Commission Larry & Diane Headington LBJ Transport LeRoy McClintock Little Church Seed, Dan Dietzenbach

Lloyd Bjergum Luana Savings Bank Mark & Diane Schmitt Mark Imoehl Mark Steffens Marty Samuelson Marv Smith Electric Matt Nelson- Iowa Corn Mihm Trucking NFO- Gary & Rhonda Bakken

Norwegian Mutual Pat & Louis Cortney Perry Novak Electric Pioneer Seed- Adam Tollefsrud Pioneer Seed - Mitch Hemesath Ramstad Construction Randy & Renee McIntosh Red-Roxy Quilt Co. Reilly Construction Roger & Patricia Bullerman Roger & Lori Shatek Ron & Bob Hemesath Ryan Hageman -NEIA Pumping S & C Organic Scott & Amy Courtney South Winn Vet Steve & Donella Darrington Steve & Patty Elsbernd Steve Holthaus-Precision Planting Travis & Tonya Holthaus Tyler Bullerman Viking State Bank Wayne Mlady Wiltgen & Paramount Financial

Your continued support of Winneshiek County 4-H and FFA members is an important part of successful youth programs! 4-H and FFA members, thank you for financially supporting their livestock projects at the fair this year!

SPORTS

Six Vikings named to All-NEIC list Six members of the Decorah baseball team were named all-Northeast Iowa Conference baseball selections. First team honorees include Brayden Hartl, Mason Avila and Kaden Alstad, while Brady Bohner, Trevor Kuennen and Cash Riehle received second team nods.

Brayden Hartl Infield, Senior First Team All-NEIC

Brady Bohner Infield, Senior Second Team All-NEIC

Mason Avila Outfield, Sophomore First Team All-NEIC

Trevor Kuennen Utility, Sophomore Second Team All-NEIC

Kaden Alstad Utility, Junior First Team All-NEIC

Cash Riehle Utility, Junior Second Team All-NEIC

First team accolades Alstad receives his second all-league nod after being named to the second team last season. This year, the junior was a utility player for the Vikes, playing various roles on the field. At the plate, he had the second-best hitting average at .390 NEIC hitting average as he racked up a team-high 23 hits including five doubles and two home runs while driving in 20, third best in the NEIC. He made eight appearances on the mound and finished with a 1-1 NEIC record, a 2.50 conference earned run average (ERA) with 26 Ks in league action. Stealing 24 bases in league action, Hartl was tied for the most with Waverly-Shell Rock’s Ayden Hoffert. Leading off the Viking line-up he provided 25 hits in NEIC contests and drove in 17 runs with a .368

average and .476 on-base percentage. Earning his first conference honor, Avila was a mainstay in centerfield for Decorah and second to step into the batter’s box each game. In his 59 conference at-bats, the sophomore knocked out 23 hits including four doubles and a triple. Avila hit .390 and had a .532 on-base percentage as he drove in 13 runs.

on the hill in his 25-1/3 innings of work. Striking out 14, the junior had a 1.11 ERA. NEIC all-conference First team – Kael Meyers, Sr., P, New Hampton; Jack Wedemeier, So., P, Waverly-Shell Rock; Aidan Skoda, Jr., C, Crestwood; Jack O’Neill, Sr., IF, Waukon; Brayden Hartl, Sr., IF, Decorah; Jaxon Eckley, Jr., IF, New Hampton; Ben Gilbert, Sr., IF, New Hampton; Colton O’Neill, So., OF, Waukon; Mason Avila, So., OF, Decorah; Braden McShane, Sr., OF, New Hampton; Ayden Hoffert, Sr., OF, Waverly-Shell Rock; Kaden Alstad, Jr., UT, Decorah Second team – Gabriel Weighner, Sr., P, Waukon; Grant Parker, Sr., P, Waverly-Shell Rock; Jack Elsamiller, So., C, WaverlyShell Rock; Carter Caithami, Fr., IF, Charles City; Brady Bohner, Sr., IF, Decorah; Gehrig Tibbits, So., IF, Waverly-Shell Rock; Mason Wasson, Sr., IF, Waukon; Nolan Foster, Jr., OF, Waverly-Shell Rock; Gage Moser, Jr., OF, Crestwood; Trevor Kuennen, So., UT, Decorah; Talyn Bohaty, Sr., UT, New Hampton; Cash Riehle, Jr., UT, Decorah

Second team honorees One of the Vikes’ main pitchers, Bohner threw 32-1/3 innings finishing his senior campaign with a 3-2 record (4-3 overall), 1.73 ERA and 28 strikeouts in conference action, ringing up 45 total opposing batters. Active in the offense as well, the senior provided 21 hits, including four doubles and 17 RBI as he hit .318 in the Northeast Iowa Conference. Kuennen earns his first conference nod as a utility player who could primarily be found behind the plate. Offensively the sophomore had 46 NEIC at-bats and tagged 15 balls for hits including six doubles with a .326 average and .456 on-base percentage. He also had 15 RBI. In the Northeast Iowa conference, Riehle earned a 6-0 record

NEIC baseball final standings New Hampton Waverly-SR Decorah Waukon Crestwood Charles City

NEIC Overall 17-3 26-6 15-5 23-12 14-6 20-15 7-13 12-18 4-16 4-23 3-17 3-24

All-UIC baseball names 11 locals to lists

Braiden Todd South Winn, Soph. First Team All-UIC

Carson Streeter South Winn, Soph. First Team All-UIC

Kole Hageman South Winn, Senior First Team All-UIC

Oliver Schmitt Turkey Valley, Senior First Team All-UIC

Parker Timp South Winn, Senior Second Team All-UIC

Brody Tieskoetter South Winn, Senior Second Team All-UIC

Logan Busta Turkey Valley, Soph. Second Team All-UIC

Cody Meyer South Winn, Senior Honorable Mention All-UIC

Jordan Baumler South Winn, Senior Honorable Mention All-UIC

Caleb Kurtenbach Turkey Valley, Senior Honorable Mention All-UIC

Russell Nieman Turkey Valley, Senior Honorable Mention All-UIC

slugging mark. He provided 26 over the course of the 2024 season including a triple and two doubles with 15 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Making nine appearances on the hill, Schmitt finished 3-2 overall with a 2.05 ERA and 23 Ks.

and one home run as he drove in 19 runs and stole 12 bases. After an honorable mention last year Busta moves up to second team for his second All-UIC honor. As pitcher, the sophomore went 4-4 in 50-2/3 innings of work and recorded 64 strikeouts with a 4.14 ERA. In the batter’s box, Busta provided 21 hits including six doubles and 12 RBI.

11 stolen bases. Playing a variety of positions in the infield, Nieman earns his first nod as he completed his senior campaign with a .308 average with a .388 on-base percentage and .330 slugging mark. He rapped out 26 hits with a pair of doubles and seven RBI. Climbing the hill 13 times, Nieman went 3-5 with a 2.62 ERA and 26 Ks.

Honorable mention Named honorable mention from South Winn were Cody Meyer and Jordan Baumler with Caleb Kurtenbach and Russell Nieman representing Turkey Valley. A first time honoree, Meyer was anchored in left field for the Warriors and finished his senior campaign with a .250 batting average with 21 hits including a pair of doubles and six RBI to go with seven stolen bases. Baumler also earned his first nod as South Winn’s designated hitter, compiling a .243 average with 17 hits including three doubles and drove in eight. For the second year in a row Kurtenbach was named honorable mention for the Trojans. The senior compiled 23 hits with a pair of doubles and drove in 13 with his .299 average with

All-UIC baseball *denotes unanimous selection First team – *Braiden Todd, So., South Winn; *Carson Streeter, So., South Winn; *Oliver Schmitt, Sr., Turkey Valley; *Cameron Lind, Sr., Kee; Kole Hageman, Sr., South Winn; Kahne Bolsinger, Jr., Clayton RidgeCentral; Koby Bohr, Sr., Postville; Parker Kuehl, Jr., MFL MarMac; Ben Krambeer, Jr., MFL MarMac Second team – Parker Timp, Sr., South Winn; Brody Tieskoetter, Sr., South Winn; Bryce Radloff, Sr., MFL MarMac; Carver Blietz-Bentien, Sr., MFL MarMac; Elias Hatt, Sr., MFL MarMac; Trey Cota, Fr., Kee; Kaleb Drape, Sr., Kee; Andrew Kolsrud, Sr., Kee; Max Neurhing, Sr., Clayton Ridge-Central; Logan Busta, So. Turkey Valley Honorable mention – Cody Meyer, Sr., South Winn; Jordan Baumler, Sr., South Winn; Jaxon Millage, Jr., MFL MarMac; Nick Krambeer, Sr., MFL MarMac; Brayden Darling, Jr., Kee; Carter Seitz, Jr., Kee; Mason Loan, 8th, Clayton Ridge-Central; Braxton Bormann, So., Clayton Ridge-Central; Russell Nieman, Sr., Turkey Valley; Caleb Kurtenbach, Sr., Turkey Valley; Cole Fauser, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Peyton Loftsgard, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Xander Martinez, So., Postville; Cedric Navarro, Fr., Postville

A total of 11 local baseball players were named to the Upper Iowa Conference all-league team. Seven Warriors and four Trojans were among the honorees. First team South Winn’s Braiden Todd and Carson Streeter were among the unanimous first team honorees, along with Turkey Valley’s Oliver Schmitt. Also earning a first team nod was Warrior senior Kole Hageman. Todd was named to the second team as a freshman and bumps up to first as the league’s leading hitter with a .569 average and scored a conference high 26 runs on 29 hits. Overall, the sophomore led the Warriors with 46 hits in his 93 at-bats, driving in 21 runs. Todd made 16 appearances on the mound earning a 3-2 record with a pair of saves and a 3.80 earned run average (ERA) with 53 Ks. An honorable mention a year ago, Streeter jumps to the top with a 7-3 pitching record that saw the sophomore strike out 87 batters throughout the season with a 0.90 ERA. He was second only to Todd in the UIC with a .446 league batting average with eight doubles and 33 RBI to go with 12 stolen bases for the season. A mainstay behind the plate or on the hill, Hageman earns his inaugural first team nod. The senior was a second team honoree last season. This year in conference action, he went 5-0 on the mound with a 0.95 ERA and was fifth in UIC strikeouts with 33. He also got the job done at the plate with 14 hits including three doubles and five RBI to earn a .275 average, .383 on-base percentage and .333 slugging mark. Schmitt finishes his high school career at Turkey Valley with a unanimous first team honor as the Trojan’s leading hitter with a .321 average, .434 on-base percentage and .370

Second team Named second team UIC were South Winn’s Parker Timp and Brody Tieskoetter, while Logan Busta of Turkey Valley earned recognition as well. Earning his first conference nod, Timp split time between first base and pitching and was integral in the Warrior hitting lineup with a .364 overall batting average, .473 on-base percentage and .533 slugging mark. The senior was second in hits for South Winn with 39 with 12 doubles and two home runs and drove in a team-high 33 runs. A threat on the base paths, Timp was 16-for-17 in steal attempts. On the hill, he finished with a 3-3 record, 28 strikeouts and a 3.35 ERA. Tieskoetter also earns his first All-UIC honor as the Warriors’ centerfielder who put up a .327 average, .395 on-base percentage and .402 slugging mark in his 107 at-bats. He had 29 hits for the season with five doubles

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SPORTS

Quarterfinal curse continues for South Winn Warriors Seven tries. Same result. The South Winn baseball team cannot break the state quarterfinal curse that haunts the team season after season. Facing a familiar opponent, the Warriors’ season came to an end in the Class 1A state quarterfinals as Mason City’s Newman Catholic defeated South Winn 3-1 in Carroll Monday. “Coming down we just wanted to put ourselves in a position to be competitive in the game and get a win. I think we certainly did that. If you flip the script on a few different at-bats or defensive plays, we come out on the winning side of the 3-1 game. I’m proud of the guys. They played outstanding, competing and did not give up the big inning. The guys have come a long ways from playing at Target Field to winning the conference title to making it back to state. There are certainly a lot of teams in the state that would sign up for that. I know it’s tough and hard to see the season come to an end. I look forward to hopefully doing it again next year,” said. Coach Alex Smith.

Once again the South Winn baseball team finished the season in the state quarterfinals. Members of the 2024 squad hold the state participant trophy along with the sign which hung on the scoreboard. On the roster this season were (front, l-r) Carver Wenthold, Jamison Zweibahmer, Gavin Thuente, Cameron Einck, Trevor Sbiral, Jordan Einck; (middle) Head Coach Alex Smith, Brendon Riehle, Nolan Sabelka, Carson Streeter, Kole Hageman, Braiden Todd, Cody Meyer, Parker Timp, Jordan Baumler, Assistant Coach Nathan Moonen; (back) Assistant Coach Seth Greve, Assistant coach Tyus Adkins, Brody Tieskoetter, Mason Zweibahmer, William Timp, Brandon Kriener, Ray Lienau, Eric Greve and Assistant Coach Justin Izer. (All photos by Becky Walz)

Carson Streeter threw all six innings for the Warriors, ringing up five Newman Knights in the batter’s box.

Winding up for a hit is South Winn senior Brody Tieskoetter who accounted for one of the Warriors’ five hits Monday.

Game play Loading the bases in the top of the first that began with a Braiden Todd single to third failed to yield a score as Todd was left on base along with Carson Streeter and Kole Hageman who had walked. Newman started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning on a Warrior error, but the big inning was prevented with just the single run scoring. Newman would tack on another run in the third inning, and the Warriors responded with their lone run of the game in the top of the fourth with Brody Tieskoetter scoring on a double steal with two outs. Newman added their third and final run of the game in the bottom of the fifth to secure the 3-1 victory. “Unfortunately we weren’t able to put a few things together on the offensive side to plate a few more runs and a couple of miscues were costly on the defensive side. We talked all week about putting ourselves in a position to be a close game late to give ourselves a chance at a win, and our guys certainly did that. Carson was great on the mound and we made the routine play consistently to keep the Newman offense in check,” said Coach Alex Smith. “Thanks to our five seniors for their dedication to the program over the past five years. It was quite a run they have been part of and we appreciate all of the support from our community for another great season of Warrior baseball.” Final thoughts “Newman is an aggressive hitting team and they are going to jump on a pitch they like. Carson managed to change up the speed and catch them offguard. We got some pop ups, ground balls and strikeouts when we needed to. If your around the dish and command

success you’re going to have some success. He put himself in a great position as pitcher and gave the team a chance to win that game in the end,” added Coach Smith. Streeter, who had pitched against Newman earlier this season knew what to expect as well. “In that game I got down in the count and they punished me for it,” he said. “So I knew I had to pitch a little bit better than the first time and I feel I did that. There were some nerves at the beginning but after the first inning they all settled down. We got a little run support but not enough. Hopefully that will come after years of being down here.” “It is just awesome to have extended our season, especially with these guys. My ultimate goal was to win state. Winning state would be awesome,” said Warrior senior Brody Tieskoetter. “This year felt different and this was the year I felt we had a chance to make a run at state in a while. I feel like we get disrespected every year with a seven or eight seed, but if we want to win it all we have to be able to beat the best teams.” While the 2024 season may be over, the dream of winning is still strong. Todd mentioned the regular season schedule put together by Coach Smith helps the Warriors in the postseason each year because they are able to see those pitches and see the speed. Five seniors will leave the Warrior squad having made a difference in various ways including Jordan Baumler, Kole Hageman, Cody Meyer, Brody Tieskoetter and Parker Timp. R H E SW 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 6 3 New 1 0 1 0 1 0 x 3 3 0 Carson Streeter (LP) – 6IP, 3H, 3R, 1BB, 5K 1B – Braiden Todd 2; Streeter 1; Brody Tieskoetter 1; Mason Zweibahmer 1; Jordan Baumler 1; SB – Carver Wenthold 1

Nolan Sabelka sends the ball to Carson Streeter who races to cover first base after Parker Timp was pulled off the bag trying to get the grounder Monday.

The ball is on target to Parker Timp in an attempt to catch the baserunner off first for an out.

Braiden Todd dives back to first before the ball in the first inning of the Class 1A state quarterfinal versus Newman.

BELOW: Head Coach Alex Smith addresses the South Winn baseball team following their seventh state appearance Monday in Carroll as family and friends gather to comfort the team following their 3-1 loss to Newman Catholic. The tears were flowing for the Warriors as Kole Hageman and Cody Meyer exchange a hug following Monday’s loss.

Cody Meyer ducks under a high pitch in his turn at bat in Carroll Monday.