August 15, 2024

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 33 www.decorahleader.com

City council split on decision to fill vacancy

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER A decision on how to fill an expected vacancy on the Decorah City Council is still pending after a split vote last week.

The council met in special session Thursday, Aug. 8 to discuss options for replacing Councilman At Large Ross Hadley, who previously announced his intent to resign as of Sept. 1. The council previously discussed the matter during its regular Aug. 5 meeting but did not reach a decision at that time.

Special elections can cost around $6,000-$8,000, according to Keri Sand, Decorah’s City Clerk and Financial Officer. Council members hoped to save costs by potentially holding the election for Hadley’s seat in conjunction with the Nov. 5 general election. However, officials learned last week that won’t be an option.

Decorah City Attorney John Anderson previously met with Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines, and both initially felt a special election was an ideal solution to fill Hadley’s seat.

“But when I contacted the Secretary of State’s office, we discovered there is conflicting information — they said, ‘Now hold on, you can’t even hold an election,’” Anderson said.

Decorah City Councilman Randy Schissel felt it was an instance in which common sense did not prevail.

Without the option of running on the Nov. 5 ballot, the city council will need to hold a special election for Hadley’s seat. The first day a special election can be held is Dec. 10, in accordance with guidelines which require a certain period of time between a special and general election. Additionally, the special election process cannot begin until Hadley officially resigns.

If the council decides to appoint a temporary replacement for Hadley’s seat, the council could begin that process immediately.

“Dec. 10 feels like we would have a vacancy too long on the council,” said Councilwoman At Large Emily Neal. “I think we should appoint.”

Mayor Lorraine Borowski felt appointing a new council member was an ideal option, adding the council could potentially have applications ready for review and selection before the Sept. 3 council meeting. Borowski said it was likely the public would ask for a special election if the council made an appointment. Neal noted a new council member could possibly be installed by Sept. 16 if the council chose to appoint its new member.

Councilman Steven Zittergruen said he trusts the public to select someone they believe can do the job well, adding he feels the work of appointing someone to the soon-to-be vacated council seat may not be worthwhile.

Councilman Randy Schissel also felt a special election was the best path.

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

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Former Decorah man charged in 2017 murder

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A former Decorah man is accused of murdering a teenage girl in March of 2017.

James David Bachmurski, of Swainsboro, Georgia, was extradited to Winneshiek County in June, following what authorities called a lengthy cold case investigation which spanned multiple states. The 65-yearold has been charged with second-degree murder — a Class B felony. He is currently being held without bond in the Winneshiek County Jail.

Bachmurski is believed to have killed 15-year-old Jade Marie Colvin in late March of 2017. A criminal complaint filed on Monday said Colvin was reported missing to the Des Moines Police Department on June 10, 2016. The U.S. Marshal Service contacted the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2022 re-

James David Bachmurski garding the case, saying Colvin was believed to have come to Winneshiek County prior to her disappearance.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office then launched an investigation with the aid of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office.

Jade Marie Colvin

(Photo Courtesy Iowa Department of Public Safety)

Teen disappeared after arriving at Bachmurski farmhouse Investigators found Bachmurski “had encouraged and participated in a one-on-one relationship with Jade Colvin via electronic messaging for approximately 30 days prior to her coming to stay at his residence.” A

criminal complaint said Bachmurski told authorities Colvin’s mother was unaware of their communicating, and “he had used some of his own money to facilitate Jade Colvin being brought to his residence in March of 2017.”

Investigators also discovered Colvin had “extensive conversations with friends her age, and that they planned to communicate immediately after her arrival in Iowa in late 2017.” A criminal complaint said Bachmurski told law enforcement the 15-yearold’s cell phone had no service once she arrived at his property in the 2000 block of Skyline View Drive in rural Decorah. Bachmurski told authorities he allowed Colvin to use his phone — which records confirmed, according to the complaint.

“The messages sent by Jade Colvin

Murder

WinnMed expansion making headway after wet summer

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Steel beams are in place, and more concrete floors will soon be poured as part of WinnMed’s Transforming Tomorrow project.

The campaign includes expansion of the local hospital’s clinic spaces as well as its surgical services. The $50 million project includes a two-story addition estimated to add 30,000 square-feet to WinnMed’s facility on Montgomery Street. Plans call for specialty services on its lower level and family practice rooms on the sec-

ond. In addition, operating rooms will be reworked, and an endoscopy room will be added as part of the Transforming Tomorrow project, and the hospital’s labor and delivery suites will be remodeled to allow delivery and postpartum to take place in the same room.

WinnMed continued on page 11 Crews were making preparations on the north side of the WinnMed campus in Decorah.

(Photo by Seth Boyes)

Decorah Schools to make case for new conference affiliation with Iowa Education Director

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

2025-26 school year. This is one of the district’s final steps as laid out in the state procedural handbook designed to ensure conference assignments for extracurricular athletic competition.

DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin informed the school board Monday night that the official mediation between school officials and the Upper Iowa Conference, conducted in Ce-

dar Falls on July 17, ended with a one-sentence denial of Decorah’s plea to join the UIC. The Northeast Iowa Conference, of which Decorah is a member, will dissolve after the 2024-25 school year. The NEIC is the oldest conference in the state, dating back to 1920.

During Monday night’s board meeting, Cronin said no specific rationale was given for the mediation denial, however he

assumed it was related to school sizes for athletic competition.

Decorah’s options for a new conference affiliation are limited, due to the district’s size and location in the northeast corner of the state. 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.

The dissatisfaction over the lengthy mediation process was evident during the meeting, as voiced by Decorah School Board Vice President Ron Fadness, who also serves as a

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

connect with our mission, enjoy great music and contribute to the vital work of protecting our agricultural biodiversity for future generations. Community support and local fundraising are vital to Seed Savers Exchange. We’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support our Benefit Concert receives from the SSE community and beyond.”

Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy founded the True Seed Exchange in 1975 as a network for gardeners and seed stewards to share and save open-pollinated and heirloom garden varieties of seeds. Soon after its founding, SSE was born.

Bollinger, who was named executive director in 2022, said the concert was conceived as a

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City Council

continued on page 3

continued on page 5

Frustration is mounting as Decorah Community Schools administrators seek an answer to the district’s athletic conference woes.

District leaders will soon meet with Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow regarding the school’s conference affiliation for the

‘A beautiful reminder’ Annual Seed Savers benefit concert attracts hundreds

Annie Humphrey of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota shared music from her recent “Eat What You Kill” album during SSE’s annual benefit concert Aug. 10.

(Photo by Zach Jensen)

Seed Savers Exchange held its 24th annual benefit concert Sept. 10, packing about two acres of land with supporters and music lovers during the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Typically, the Iowa countryside echoes the sounds of native wildlife, but, one night every year on a farm near Decorah, the hills and dales sing and dance to the melodies of blues and Americana musicians from throughout the Midwest — attracting hundreds of fans to one acreage for one night of music, friends and fun — and all for a good cause.

“This concert embodies our community spirit,” said SSE Executive Director Mike Bollinger. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for supporters to

Conference affiliation

continued on page 5

Seed Savers continued on page 3

PHOTOS

BEAT THE

Heat & Humidity

2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Community turns out during National Night Out

24th Annual Ossian Fest a success

Photos

by Denise Lana

Weather was picture perfect for the 24th annual Ossian Fest, which took place Saturday, Aug. 10 at the newly-renovated park in Ossian. Kicking off the fest was a car show. Food trucks and a beer tent were also available to the public. There was an assortment of children’s entertainment, ranging from inflatable bounce houses, a touch a truck display and a pedal tractor pull. The end of the fest was celebrated by two live performances by acclaimed country artists. Pictures from topBrantley Kruse, 4-year-old son of Ashley Beach of Ossian, stayed focused as he pedaled away during the Kid’s Tractor Pull. Kendyl and Carter Meyer, 3-year-old twins of Whitney Deering and Jeremy Meyer, served up some soft serve double trouble as they cooled down in the shade with matching ice cream cones and tongues. Ivy Dunt, 4-year-old daughter of Erika and Seth Dunt of Ossian, climbs aboard the tractor for some peddling and pulling. Blake Nydegger, 17 months, was all smiles as he played hide and seek on the inflatable bounce houses. Blake is the son of Tyler and Karissa of Ossian.

Phelps Park in Decorah was teeming with community members Tuesday, Aug. 6 during National Night Out. The annual event is part of a national campaign introduced in 1984 by National Association of Town Watch — the inaugural event was estimated to include 400 communities across 23 states for a total of about 2.5 million participants. National Night Out is aimed at promoting partnerships between local law enforcement and the community as well as fostering a sense of camaraderie among area neighborhoods, according to information from the NATW. Members of the Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol strolled through the park and chatted with attendees at last week’s event. Members of the Decorah Fire Department and representatives of WinnMed were also present, along with several other area organizations which provide various services for families and communities in the region. The evening’s festivities included a free meal and a number of live music performances.

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Attendees of last week’s National Night Out event had the chance to mingle with local law enforcement as well as other emergency personnel and area organizations. Some took the opportunity to get up close and personnel with McCoy — a K9 deputy with the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office — and his handler Lt. Steve Nesvik.

Amelia Pankow twisted balloon animals into shape for young attendees at last week’s National Night Out event in Phelps Park.

(Photos by Seth Boyes)

RIGHT- A number of musicians provided live entertainment during this year’s National Night Out in Phelps Park. Among them were Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Deputy Byron Hook.

“We’ve been doing this for 24 years, and we had an outstanding turnout this year,” said Terry Linderbaum, Ossian Fest committee member. According to Linderbaum, nearly 70 youth signed up for the tractor pull, and 27 trophies were awarded. He added 40 cars entered in the car show, which boasted Seven categories for trophies in addition to Best in Show and People’s Choice Award. “We didn’t have a parade this year like we usually do, but we are going to put our energy and focus into getting ready for next year’s parade, since it will be our 25th anniversary,” Linderbaum said.

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BELOW- Several children visited the Girl Scouts’ booth during last week’s National Night Out event and tried their hand at making giant bubbles.

Landon, A n d r e w, and Tristan Moellers, ages 4, 6 and 8, rang bells and turned cranks on an antique Ossian fire truck as part of the fest’s Touch-a-Truck exhibit. The trio of boys are the sons of Dustin and Katie Moellers of Ossian.

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NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

3

Disaster proclamations issued for Winneshiek and Allamakee counties after severe storms

Following a breakout of severe storms that blew through northeast Iowa Aug. 5, disaster proclamations have been issued for Allamakee and Winneshiek counties.

Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Snyder said a tornado touched down the night of Aug. 5 near Bluffton, and most of the damage reports he’s received have pertained to wind damage.

The disaster proclamations allow state resources to be used in response to and recover from the effects of the severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food and temporary housing expenses.

Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website homelandsecurity.

David Huckfelt of Minneapolis performed his folk songs and desert Native Americana during SSE’s benefit concert. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Seed Savers continued from front

Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Disaster Recovery Specialist Makaria Kirianov presented “Public Assistance 101” to Winneshiek County officials and secondary roads staff on Aug. 6. The seminar, which took place at the county’s Freeport shop, educated county personnel on what types of damage to look for around the county while they’re working, how to document it and how to report the damage to the state. (Photo

by Zach Jensen) iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to apply.

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to cre-

City Council continued from front “A vacancy — we’ve dealt with those before, not having a city manager, a city clerk, a police chief,” he said. “Three months without a city council person, it’s not a make or break for us.”

Neal rebutted Schissel’s comment, saying a continued vacancy on the seven-seat council could potentially delay city matters.

“If we don’t fill that vacancy, we will have a 3-3 vote, and that vote fails,” Neal said. “I can’t imagine having six mem-

bers on the council and having a split vote and having ordinance after ordinance fail — we’d wind up with a pretty stagnant government meeting through the entire fall.”

And it was a split vote the council reached Thursday as it voted on whether to appoint a successor for Hadley — Parker, Neal and Olson voted for an appointment, while Schissel, Miculinich and Zittergruen voted against one. Hadley was absent from the vote.

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Winners announced The Decorah Leader is pleased to announce the winners of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival tickets.

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Bollinger said funds raised through community support and local fundraising are used for purposes such as seed preservation, research and development, educational programs, operational costs, community outreach and seed donation programs, which Bollinger said are “Funding initiatives to provide seeds to schools and community gardens.”

“We’re thankful for the way this concert brings people together,” Bollinger said. “It’s not just a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of our shared mission and values. Seeing supporters gather under the stars at Heritage Farm, surrounded by the very gardens and plants we work to preserve, is truly magical.”

The executive director also said the concert is a “beautiful reminder of the passion and dedication of SSE’s supporters.”

“It reinforces that our work in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable gardening practices resonates with people from all walks of life,” said Bollinger. “For that, we are profoundly grateful.”

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way to combine music, community engagement and fundraising to support SSE’s mission.

“The event leverages the natural beauty of Heritage Farm, SSE’s headquarters in Decorah, to create a unique outdoor concert experience ‘under the stars and among the gardens,’” he said. “This setting allows attendees to connect directly with the organization’s work while enjoying performances by talented musicians.”

All concert proceeds directly fund Seed Savers Exchange’s nonprofit mission - including seed preservation efforts and maintaining heritage farm, Bollinger said.

“Seed Savers Exchange stewards America’s culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations,” he said. “We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.”

This year’s concert included performances by Lissie, William Elliott Whitmore, David Huckfelt, Joe and Vicki Price and Annie Humphrey — all for

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OPINION

4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Of politics and people It would seem local politics is still a hot topic of conversation in our community — assuming that our opinion page is a remotely representative sample. I myself got a bit of feedback for my last opinion piece.

And that’s a good thing.

That’s why this page exists — the goal is to talk about the stuff that affects us.

If we don’t share our views — if we keep them cloistered behind our teeth time after time — I don’t think we have any hope of understanding one another, let alone working together to make any sort of positive change. We need to be able to talk about divisive topics in a meaningful way so we can learn to disagree without losing our respect for one another.

Obviously, that’s not as easy as pointing fingers at one another or making unfounded accusations. I’m sure we’ve all seen it at the state and national levels, but it can happen at the local level too — I doubt that’s a surprise to anyone either.

Now, when I took my first staff writer position nearly a decade ago, one of the first things I was told was that the job would make me a skeptic.

And I can say now with absolute certainty that it in fact did do just that.

But that’s not a bad thing. You see, skepticism can be a good thing. Skepticism can pump the brakes during a tense situation. Skepticism can put a wet blanket on the embers of animosity. Skepticism helps one maintain the benefit of the doubt for a fellow human being who may have been unfairly labeled as being too far to one side of the aisle or the other.

I’ll give you an example which I myself often refer back to — one that came from Decorah’s own Rob Sand.

It was July of 2017. Sand was still in his first year as Iowa’s State Auditor, and he was on a tour of the state.

Plenty was happening in Iowa at that time, and locals were concerned about the legislature’s plans for mental health programs — a major mental health provider in northwest Iowa had recently been shuttered due to funding issues, and folks there were worried about cuts to state services.

Sand stood in a grove of trees and listened as someone said it was clear to them one particular party didn’t really care about the issue of mental health.

But Sand wasn’t willing to go that far

‘A pattern of disrespect’

BY SETH BOYES News Editor — said he wasn’t willing to paint with that broad of a brush.

Instead, he said it was hard to judge people’s motivations, and he said politics is fundamentally the process of deciding how scarce resources should be allocated. He pointed out that time itself is a scarce resource and said, just because a given lawmaker doesn’t spend time on a particular topic, it doesn’t mean they feel the issue isn’t worth addressing.

Those words still come back to me often.

Years later, I found myself explaining the Iowa Caucuses to a campaign staffer touring with a presidential candidate one winter. The staffer asked me — well, it was more a statement than it was a question — but he asked if the caucuses were just a bunch of people.

“Isn’t everything just a bunch of people?” I replied, surprised at how fast the words came out of my mouth.

And that’s just it. Sometimes it’s difficult to see through all the red, white and blue bunting of our own arguments.

We get so wrapped up in the process that we forget the purpose — the people. Politics is people, and people are just trying to figure out the best course of action with what scarce resources we have. We won’t always agree — that’s ok. And we’re all pretty much bound to step in it at some point — that’s ok too.

What’s important is what we do after that, and after that, and after that.

Politics isn’t going away any time soon. It’ll last as long as people do.

That’s the nature of it.

So maybe it will behoove us to focus on each other as people, rather than part of a political opposition of our own creation.

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.

Climate change is upon us Dear Editor: Recently, on June 25, a letter to the editor listed the ways in which Spencer, Iowa, residents had their lives upended with the recent extreme rain and subsequent flooding. No city services, businesses closed, no gas or electricity, no air conditioning, basement walls collapsed.

The following week, an article ran quoting Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Snyder saying that the “it will never happen here mentality needs to stop.” Kudos to him and to the newspaper! Freeport residents know this all too well.

Mr. Snyder also pointed out that Iowa ranks fourth in the nation for the most disasters. Iowa was highlighted in the New York Times on May 13 in an article about rising costs for homeowners insurance. These extreme weather events, such as the 4 inches of rain falling in one hour in Lansing last month that caused a propane tank to explode and destroy at least one home, are becoming regular occurrences. Our weather patterns have changed. Climate change is upon us.

There are solutions. Some are unproven and not cost effective. Others are being implemented via the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA. More is needed. You can learn more at the All Electric Everything table at upcoming Saturday farmers markets in Decorah.

This is sponsored by the Winneshiek Energy District and the Northeast Iowa chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

CCL is a non-partisan nonprofit, made up of citizen volunteers who respectfully ask our legislators to implement effective solutions. Iowa boasts over 1,750 supporters. Be one.

Sincerely, Leslie Sand Decorah

A letter to the editor in last week’s Leader noted that, at the Aug. 5 public hearing on a rezoning request, Board of Supervisors Chairman Dan Langreck shouted at some members of the public and discouraged attendees from sharing their views.

While chairing a public meeting sometimes requires a firm hand, the conduct attributed to Langreck involved needless discourtesy and disparagement. This was not a matter of Chairman Langreck having one bad day. It is part of a pattern of disrespect directed toward colleagues and county residents. Here’s another example.

Early last year, after Langreck supported an unlawful effort to abruptly eliminate the county’s Roadside Vegetation Management Program. Many concerned citizens began appearing at supervisor meetings to share their views. Retired Iowa Judge Jim Beeghly had helpful information gained through managing land he owned in the area, and more than once he took the trouble to share his experience in a spirit of cooperation. But at the May 1,

2023, meeting, when Beeghly stood to speak, he was greeted with these words from Chairman Langreck: “I can’t imagine what more you’d have that’s new, but go ahead.”

Mr. Beeghly soldiered on in good spirits and had plenty new to say, but openly acknowledged that, “Mr. Langreck is a little tired of me coming to these meetings.” Langreck’s rude stiff-arming of a respected county resident was totally unacceptable. No member of the public should be made to feel their good faith comments are unwelcome.

One frustrated county resident, drawing a parallel to a child’s report card, commented at an earlier public hearing that it is important for supervisors “to play well with others,” as it might affect their grades. Grades will be handed out this Nov. 5 at the ballot box, and voters should demand courtesy and professionalism from their supervisors.

Steve St. Clair Decorah

The road to better community involvement Dear, Editor.

We are hopeful.

Over two years ago, the Winneshiek supervisor board meetings were attended by very few folks. Today the house was packed to overflow. Not only attendance is huge compared, but online viewers are very numerous.

The majority of three supervisors have three or four times voted against recording the meetings officially as a county and were opposed to enhancement of sound and availability of recordings.

Volunteers have stepped up and done a stellar job of recording and posting the complete meetings on YouTube that can be viewed at will!

There was trouble with the gallery hearing the spoken word around the board table. Three of the supervisors tried to stifle a better audio system in the annex. Luckily, a statute had a directive to make sure even the hard of hearing can clearly hear the board.

Scaled up transparency of the board of supervisors exposes the inner workings and even potential violations of

process from happening. In short, it may increase the voter’s capacity to vote with knowledge of the incumbent good or bad.

The board of supervisors has been held to an elevated standard with many folks being able to view the meetings. One of the supervisors has even accomplished accreditations and enhanced their professionalism to be specific to a county leader/supervisor.

Shirley Vermace is the only Certified County Supervisor in Winneshiek County, a certification awarded by the Iowa State Association of Counties and have two certificates from the National Association of Counties from their Professional Leadership Academy for two 13-week classes completed.

Good local government is transparent. We may be on the road to better community involvement in the decisions made every week in Courthouse Square.

Thanks, Kevin Lee and Carrie Lee Freeport

Echoes of the Past Summer safety tips from another era

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER One hundred years ago in Decorah the perils of swimming on hot summer days were often emphasized. With no public pool or lifeguards, and with gravel pits and farm ponds aplenty, the newspaper was called upon to alert novice swimmers to the dangers in those murky waters. Over-confidence was deemed the cause of many a drowning along those waters and along

the Oneota River (as the Upper Iowa was referred to back then). Some of the headlines published to caution area novices included: Never try to swim as far as you think you can! When swimming out to deep water, turn back when your strength is half gone! And, another sensible suggestion that still holds true today: “Don’t try to get a month’s tan in one day!”

Here are a few more top stories featured in the local newspaper from the past:

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NE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: The farmers of Winneshiek County will put on a big social picnic here next weekend. Among the principal attractions will be Senator Brookhart who declares himself the “farmers’ friend” and had his picture taken recently in overalls and a white collar to prove it! Bring your rations with you, as this picnic is not under any organization’s auspices and there are no funds available with which to purchase any food items. …Three proficient swimmers were able to pass the Red Cross certified life-saving test recently. Vern Cooley, Prof. L. Sandemark and Valdorf Moe have joined Charles Cratzenburg and Will Longstreet by joining the new life-saving crew being established here in town. …The new bathing beach here in town is now open for public use. The place has been fixed up primarily for young men and young women WHO KNOW HOW TO SWIM. Others should avoid the area because it is very deep and dangerous. Money raised to fix it up came from a popular subscription campaign. There will be lifeguards on duty in the evenings and all day on Sundays. Towels can be had by asking the guard in charge. …FRONT PAGE NEWS: The Iowa motor vehicle license plates next year will carry black letters on a grey background. A sample of the new plate is now on display up at the courthouse.

The Iowa Auto Department has indicated about 561,897 vehicle licenses will be issued in the state, and of this total about 532,380 are for “pleasure cars.”

This vintage picture of the Nordness Creamery in rural Decorah is among the pictures exhibited in the commons area at Decorah High School. A total of 13 area regions are featured in the photo collages displayed in the DHS cafeteria and at the entrance to the gymnasium. …The disease affecting area elm trees is taking more victims in this vicinity. The sad part of the condition is that there seems to be no cure. There is no hope for a remedy. …A great shortage of rooms is reported in Decorah this summer. The hotels in town were filled the other night. Some people were found sleeping in their cars on the city streets and others were forced to drive to other towns for lodging. It has been suggested that it would be a good plan for persons planning to arrive in Decorah to let the hotels know in advance.

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INETY YEARS AGO: Threshing is in progress over a large section of the county. …A crowd of 250 people assembled at the J.C. McArthur farm in Canoe Township and enjoyed a big dinner served at the Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church by the members of the Ladies’ Aid. Decorah Mayor B.O. Marsh reports the arrest of six more men the other night – all booked for being drunk and disorderly. Those who were unable to pay their fines were put to work on the Dugway. …Hopes are dwindling for a new police radio station in Decorah. An official has reported our city is just too far north to have such a radio station. …Winneshiek County has learned of a new top rating. The county has been

named one of Iowa’s most scenic counties. The state legislature released the news last week. …Decorah’s state-owned liquor store opened for business here a few weeks ago when the first shipment of liquor arrived in town. The second big truckload of liquor is scheduled to arrive later this month. It appears that a goodly number have paid their $1 permits. …The annual picnic and social events for St. Benedict’s Catholic Church this week features an address

by Congressman Fred Biermann.

The sign-up day for the corn-hog program is under way. The average payment is $352 for those signing up.

There are 2,020 eligible farmers in the county. …Decorah State Bank recently installed a new time-protection safe.

This happened just days after notorious bank bandit John Dillinger was slain in Chicago. …The Green Parrot in Decorah has been redecorated and a new, modernistic fan has been installed at the restaurant. …Shop Baldwin Markets this week: 4 pounds of hamburger for 25 cents; tender beef steak, three pounds for 25 cents. …The local VFW Junior Drum and Bugle Corps has been given the honor as “the best dressed boys corps in the United States”.

OBITUARIES/NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Walter H. Zeck, Jr.

June 24, 1937 - Aug. 9, 2024

Walter H. Zeck, Jr., 87, of Dorchester and formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, Aug. 9 at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

Walter was born on June 24, 1937 in Holland, Ohio, the son Walter Zeck of the late Walter and Ellen (Trumbull) Zeck, Sr. On Sept. 18, 1959, Walter married the love of his life, Sondra “Sandy” McVicker in Toledo, Ohio. He worked as a mechanical/project engineer for several nationally-known corporations for over 40 years including Evergreen, formerly Cherry Burrell in Cedar Rapids.

Walter and Sandy’s service to the Lord was to provide a loving home to those without through foster care. They passed their giving hearts to their children.

Those left to cherish Walter’s memory are his children: Ellen (Michael) Vance of Dorchester, Walter Zeck III of Cedar Rapids, Joan (Michael) Brown of Brandon, Iowa, Robert (Jill) Zeck of Cedar Rapids, James Zeck of Calamus, Iowa and Linda Wheeler, of Las Vegas; 17

grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Kenneth (Pat) Zeck of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Douglas (Janice) Zeck, Mary (Doug) Greb and Judith Stockton of Woodland, California.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, mother and father-in-law, two brothers-inlaw and two sisters-in-laws.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, 4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, with Pastor Don McGarvey officiating. A livestream of the service will be available on the Cedar Memorial website. Inurnment will follow at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery-Garden of Tranquility.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memoriala may be made in Walter’s name to the Fourth & Hope-Walters House, 1901 E. Beamer Street, Woodland, CA or fourthandhope.org.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com.

Mabel A. Hovden

Mabel A. Hovden, 102, of Mabel, Minnesota, and formerly of the Burr Oak area, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel.

Mabel was born Feb. 5, 1922, on the family farm near Cres- Mabel Hovden co to Carl and Mabel (Jewell) Blomgren. She attended school in Cresco. As a young woman she moved to Kansas to help family. She later moved back to help her future mother-in-law, and this is when she met her future husband, Lynnferd Hovden.

During World War II, Mabel worked at Quaker Oats, and since all the men were at war, she was the first woman to do work that had been strictly for men. Mabel and Lynnferd were married in 1946 after he returned from the service.

They moved to Ridgeway and Charles City, then to Burr Oak where they operated the Crystal Inn for a few years.

Mabel later was the head cook at the North Winneshiek School. She also worked at DECO and Aase Haugen Home.

Lynnferd died in 1995. Mabel then moved to Tucson, Arizona, for 14 years before moving to Mabel where she resided since.

Mabel was a member of the Burr Oak Lutheran Church and Ladies Aide, Vesterheim and American Legion Auxiliary.

Mabel’s family meant the world to her. Every new marriage and new birth gave her much joy.

She loved to brag about each one of them. She was very artistic and creative and enjoyed Rogland-style Rosemaling.

Mabel is survived by her children: Jacquelynn (Richard) Miller of Harmony, Minnesota, Lynnette Smith of Marion, Harlynn of Springerville, Ar-

Service Notice BERNARD “BERNIE” LARSON, 95, of Decorah, died Aug. 8, 2024 at Wellington Place in Decorah. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 16 at Helms Funeral Home in Decorah. Burial will follow in Phelps Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

Festina sewer project continues on schedule

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The sewer improvement project in Festina is on schedule, according to Tom Madden of SEH, Inc., the project’s lead engineering company. Madden told the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors during its Monday morning meeting that he feels positive about the progress made.

Madden presented two proposed change orders to the supervisors — the first of which was an equipment change order for the replacement of a pH meter, which Madden said had broken. The cost of the replacement was $395. The second change order was in the amount of $6,832 to address a groundwater issue.

“They ended up putting in approximately 100 feet of drain tile and another 100 feet of extension to get it out of this area,” Madden said. “That includes pea gravel, sock and all

izona, and Timothy Lynn of DeBeque, Colorado; 10 grandchildren: Kim (Dave) Erickson, Butch (Carmen) Thompson, Chris (Heidi) Thompson, Brenda (Ty) Makela, Rich (Pam) Horn, Brittany Smith, Allynn (Sheila) Hovden, Russell Hovden, Faith (Shilo) Holbrook and Keenan Hovden (Amanda); 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lynnferd; son Rick; brother and sisters Ella, Florence, Ruth, Maude, Dorothy, Doris, Cora, Rose, Pearl, Aleida, Opal, Carl, Lyola and Josephine; son-in-law Gene Horn; and daughters-in-law Kathy Weeks and Tamie Hovden.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Burr Oak Lutheran Church in Burr Oak. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.

that stuff around the drain tile, too. It’ll keep the water out of there, and it worked out really well.”

The two change orders were approved 4-0, with Supervisor Shirley Vermace absent.

A public hearing on a $110,000 Community Development Block Grant for the Festina sewer project was scheduled for 10:15 a.m., Aug. 26. The CDB Grant is for the project in general and can’t be used to pay for engineering fees or to buy property.

In other business: • A letter establishing an agreement between Hacker, Nelson & Co., P.C. of Decorah and the county regarding the county’s annual audit was approved on a 4-0 vote.

• A public hearing for the proposed sale of the county’s Smith Building to Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation was scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Aug. 26.

SEH’s Tom Madden shares a Festina sewer replacement project update with the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Monday morning. (Photo by Zach Jensen) • A discussion on the procedures for seeking a replacement recycling supervisor was tabled until the next supervisors meeting. The county’s current recycling supervisor recently announced he will be retiring in January.

• Winneshiek County Engineer Michael Kueny reported that all Frankville Road culverts, except for No. 4, which is the first culvert east of the county’s landfill, have been completed. Reilly Construction Company of Ossian has provided a

crane to aid in the replacement of Culvert No. 4. The county plans to be done with the culvert portion of the Frankville Road project before Labor Day weekend.

• The county is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to remedy a small leak in the diesel fuel pump at the county’s Freeport shop.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, at the courthouse annex.

Decorah School District approves negotiating with Miron Construction

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

Feb. 5, 1922 - Aug. 4, 2024

5

Decorah Community School District will enter into negotiations with Miron Construction Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) for the district’s proposed new elementary school construction project.

The board of education voted unanimously Monday night to begin the process with the company, which has offices in Cedar Rapids as well as Neenah, Wisconsin.

Miron Construction, one of the largest education construction managers in the Midwest, brings a wealth of experience and proven track record, according to DCSD Board Member Brian Petersburg, who served with board member Carole Sand during the selection process.

The search for a construction manager began several months ago, with an invitation issued to interested construction managers to submit statements of qualification last month.

Sand said the committee had met with three qualified compa-

nies prior to selection. Also included in the interview with the prospective management companies was the district’s project architect, Nick Hildebrandt of Emergent Architecture.

“It was a tough decision,” Petersburg said, “We want to make sure we have the best school building we can.”

As the project continues, Miron is expected to work closely with Emergent Architecture through all stages, starting with pre-bond assistance and design. Miron’s communications team will assist in promoting the bond referendum, supplementing the Donovan Group, the district’s communications partner for the bond issue.

Petersburg said maximizing safety, quality and production is the goal for Miron Construction.

The option of entering a CMaR contract is a relatively new development for Iowa public schools. With this delivery method, a school district hires an architect who completes design work and a contractor after bidding. Contractors use

the documents produced by the design team to assemble and submit bids, with the lowest responsible bidder awarded the project. The CMaR holds contracts with subcontractors. They also set a Guaranteed Maximum Price, putting them financially “at risk.”

Fee schedules were not disclosed at Monday’s meeting, and will be released as negotiations are finalized.

In other business at Monday’s board meeting, the board approved a contract with Five Star Telecom of La Crosse, Wisconsin, for the installation of 174 new security cameras, additional cables and wiring. The cameras, which will be placed at the high school, middle school, John Cline, West Side and Carrie Lee schools, are portable and can be easily transitioned.

Shawn Gordon, the district’s director of technology and information services, said the new security system will be compatible with local law enforcement’s system. Total estimated cost is approximately $328,000; however, after factoring in $250,000 in federal grants, the

Decorah District’s bill is estimated at about $78,000.

Board members reviewed the state’s 2024 legislative platform, ranking their priorities in education for the year ahead, including guaranteeing adequate supplemental state aid and general fund resources; ensuring schools be open and welcoming to all students and fully accountable and transparent to receive taxpayer dollars; improving literacy as the building block for student achievement and student success; and providing high-quality teacher workforce recruitment.

Cronin’s report included a sample bond ballot and tax impact analysis for board review.

The document indicated taxes on a residential property with a $300,000 assessed value would increase approximately $9.62 per month — or $115 over a year — should the November bond referendum be approved.

The board scheduled a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 to formally accept signatures collected for the district’s proposed bond referendum.

Murder from the defendant’s cell phone during the early morning hours of March 30, 2017, were the last messages ever known to be received by any person,” the criminal complaint said.

Later interviews with Bachmurski’s son confirmed Colvin had been at the rural farm property in March of 2017, and her property — such as her luggage — was observed at the farmhouse “a few months after Jade Colvin was gone.”

“The defendant admitted that he lied and told others that Jade Colvin had gone somewhere after her last text, while the investigation showed she was no lon-

ger alive,” the complaint said.

“Additionally, he made false and contradictory statements to others, including investigators and his son.”

Bachmurski skipped 2019 court date Bachmurski himself seemed to disappear in early 2019.

A Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Deputy helped conduct a welfare/probation check in early January of 2018 at Bachmurski’s residence. The deputy observed a Stevens .223 caliber rifle fitted with a scope in Bachmurski’s closet — Bachmurski was not allowed to possess weapons as

a condition of his probation in a previous willful injury case.

He was charged with control of a firearm by a felon, and he later posted bond after pleading not guilty.

Court filings in that case show Bachmurski’s defense attorney had lost contact with his client by February of 2019.

The attorney said Bachmurski had sold his residence and was not responding to phone calls or text messages.

“It is possible that the defendant has moved out of state, and his intentions to return are unknown,” the defense wrote in a motion filed on Valentine’s Day

of 2019.

Bachmurski failed to appear in court the following month, and a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest that same day. The warrant was originally valid for one year, but prosecutors later asked the court to strike the warrant’s expiration date — which a judge granted.

Court records indicate authorities were able to interview Bachmurski at some point in 2023, asking him if he recognized a picture of Colvin.

“I do,” Bachmurski is quoted as saying. “I’m not gonna lie. I do. As a matter of fact, I’ll guarantee you I’m getting myself in

Director Snow to be fully informed.”

She asked Cronin, Fadness and Athletic Director Adam Riley, who represent the board during the discussion and mediation, to continue to stress the need for athletic competition within an acceptable travel distance in the future.

“The financial burden seems monumental with long transportation costs,” she said.

at the high school level or any level is to enhance and support the academic needs of our students,” he said.

According to state regulations, the Department of Education must come up with a conference solution.

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. For the 2024-25 season, the NEIC will continue to include current member schools Decorah, Cresco, Waukon, New Hampton and Charles City.

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the UIC will include

Conference affiliation member of the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union.

“It’s a frustrating process,” he said. “It’s the fault of changing socio-economic demographics.

Years ago, the NEIC schools were of similar size, and that’s not the case today.”

The prospect of being forced to travel long distances for athletic competition weighs heavily on the board, according to School Board President Cindy Goodner, who cited increased transportation costs and stress on students and families among the potential downfalls of joining a conference farther from the district.

“My plea is for the deci-

sion-makers to be informed,” she said. “Personally, I am deeply disappointed that we are where we are, because this decision is going to affect generations ahead — it’s going to affect academics, time on the road, time going to school, time going to bed.”

She went on to note Decorah’s distance from major four-lane highways.

“Miles to and from Decorah are slower miles,” she stressed.

“We are different, and we don’t fit the scenario, and I think that part needs to be part of the metrics, and part of the information that is shared with the people making the decision. I want

Student needs important Riley said putting the needs of the students first is paramount.

“I feel strongly that the purpose of interscholastic activities

continued from front

a lot of trouble. I want to tell the truth.”

Authorities served Bachmurski a warrant on June 20, 2024, for his possession of the Stevens rifle. The 65-year-old was transported from the Emanuel County Jail in Georgia to the Winneshiek County Jail and was served a warrant in the murder case on Monday — more than seven years after Jade Colvin disappeared.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said the murder case remains an open and active investigation with the possibility of additional charges and arrests.

continued from front New Hampton, Waukon, Cresco — all former NEIC schools — along with North Fayette Valley, MFL MarMac, South Winneshiek, Postville, Clayton Ridge, Elkader Central, Turkey Valley, Lansing Kee and West Central.

State mediation was also conducted recently for neighboring schools in Charles City, which ultimately earned a spot in the North Central Conference, and for Waverly Shell-Rock, with no agreement reached.

Riley said he hopes the meeting with State Education Director Snow will be scheduled within the next few weeks.

NEWS

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Spectrum says new bus vital to providing services Treasurer seeks Iowans’ help returning lost Purple Heart

Nonprofit in need of $45K for purchase

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Spectrum Network’s bus is invaluable to its clients. The nonprofit provides services to adults with developmental disabilities and, without a bus, Spectrum Operations Manager Christopher Miculinich said the people Spectrum serves would suffer.

“If we couldn’t buy a replacement ADA-compliant van/bus, it would significantly impact our ability to serve individuals with disabilities,” he said. “Many of our clients rely on this transportation to access essential services and community activities. Without it, they could face isolation, reduced independence and fewer opportunities for personal growth and engagement. This setback would not only limit their participation in our programs but also undermine our mission to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all members of our community.”

Spectrum’s current bus, a 1992 Ford Cutaway Van with 70,688 miles on it, isn’t operational, and the local non-profit hasn’t been able to keep up with

Spectrum Day Habilitation Services Specialist Lindsey Albers helps Lindsey Albers helps Kristine Niweoehner complete a crafts project. (Photo by Zach Jensen) the repairs the vehicle has required.

“Frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues are not only costly but also disrupt our ability to provide consistent transportation for our clients,” Miculinich said. “The van’s age and mileage mean that it no longer meets the safety and accessibility standards required for our day habilitation services.”

Spectrum uses the vehicle for day habilitation services, which are programs that help people with disabilities develop and

VFW Post 1977 helps send students to D.C.

First ‘eighth-grade breakfast’ to be held Sept. 15

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1977 of Decorah has helped local eighth grade students pay for their annual trip to Washington, D.C. for the last 13 years. Through a sort of trade agreement with Decorah eighth-grade American History teacher Wes Knaack, the VFW post gains the help of several eighth grade students for the All Vets Club’s breakfasts on the first and third Sunday of every month during the school year, and in return, the students earn money for their class trip to the nation’s capital while learning valuable skills.

“Bringing in eighth-grade kids to work a breakfast has many benefits — not just for the kids but for us as well,” said VFW Quartermaster Mark Stockdale. “The eighth graders provide us with great support in that they work the breakfasts, and they learn skills they can use throughout their lives.”

Since the program began, the VFW post has raised more than $60,000 for the Decorah eighth grade students who have volunteered to help with the breakfasts. Stockdale said 2023 was the program’s best year yet, adding his post raised $9,284 which was split between 63 eighth grade students who volunteered to work during the breakfasts.

“It doesn’t pay for their trip,

but it’s money the parents don’t need to part with,” he said.

“And, they learn the value of working hard, and I enjoy working with young adults — giving them directions and teaching them what they need to know.”

Dan Kirkeby, one of the post’s cooks, said some of the volunteering students continue volunteering for the VFW’s meals after the breakfasts.

“It teaches them all something,” Kirkeby said. “We role model them, so they can see the benefits of serving. We’ve had some young women become waitresses for us for a while.

Since I’ve been here, every one of them have gone on to be good employees wherever they work.”

During each breakfast, the students learn how to serve food, make toast, pour coffee, buss tables and wash dishes.

In addition to learning various duties associated with the food service industry, Stockdale said the students also receive instruction on how to be polite — like referring to diners as “sir” or “ma’am.”

“It takes about an hour to clean up when they’re all done serving, but we stand there and crack the whip on them,” Stockdale said jokingly.

This year’s first eighth grade breakfast will be held from 8-noon Sunday, Sept. 15. at the All Vets Club, 104 State St., Decorah. For information, call 563-382-5232.

SUMMER GUNS, AMMO & SPORTING

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Catalog online now @ www.KramerSales.com Over 1,800 Lots! Including 600+ guns; tons of ammo; reloading equip; Ravin crossbows; vintage duck decoys; fishing lures; sporting collectibles; military collectibles; bayonets; knives & edged weapons; gun safes; wildlife prints & mounts; indian arrowheads & artifacts; fishing tackles & boating equipment. This is a HUGE auction!

improve their skills, independence and social connections.

Miculinich said the bus also helps Spectrum provide essential transportation for individuals to access community-based activities and social engagement opportunities.

Miculinich said Spectrum has raised $25,000 of the $70,000 it needs to buy a new van or bus, and he said the vehicle is priced high for a good reason.

“While this might seem like a significant amount, it is standard for this type of specialized vehi-

cle,” he said. “The cost reflects the necessary features, such as wheelchair accessibility, safety systems and durability, which are essential for providing reliable transportation to individuals with disabilities. Investing in such a vehicle ensures that our clients have safe, comfortable, and inclusive access to our services. Given the impact it will have on our community, we believe it’s a necessary and worthwhile investment.”

Miculinich also said Spectrum couldn’t provide its essential services to disabled adults without the community’s support.

“We are so thankful for our supporters,” he said. “They make such a huge difference in our clients’ lives. However, we do need continued help to reach our goal of purchasing the new ADA-compliant van or bus. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to ensuring that individuals we serve have the mobility and independence they deserve. Your support is truly life-changing and makes a difference for those we serve.”

For information, call 563382-8401 or email info@thespectrumnetwork.org.

State Treasurer Roby Smith is recognizing National Purple Heart Day by asking for Iowans’ help to reunite a Purple Heart held in Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, the State’s program for returning lost and unclaimed property, with its rightful owner.

“I don’t think I can adequately put into words the magnitude of emotions I felt holding a Purple Heart for the first time,” Smith said. “Those same emotions inspire me to reunite Garold Hayes’ family with the Purple Heart found in his abandoned safe deposit box. I call out to Iowans to help us return this medal to the care of his family.”

National Purple Heart Day is celebrated on Aug. 7 each year to honor recipients of a Purple Heart, one of the oldest military decorations. The men and women who receive these deco-

rations were injured or killed in service to our country.

“It is unclear if Garold was the Purple Heart recipient or was safekeeping it for a loved one, but nonetheless, it deserves to be in the hands of the rightful owner,” Smith said. “If you recognize this name, please tell the family to contact my office.”

Each year, millions of dollars and hundreds of safe deposit boxes are turned over after financial institutions and businesses lose contact with the owner. In addition to tangible items like safe deposit box contents, monetary items like forgotten checking and savings accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies and utility refunds are also turned over to the State as unclaimed.

Anyone can search for their name at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov.

Academic Achievements

Wartburg College awarded diplomas to 211 students during spring commencement, which took place Sunday, May 26. Among them were Brinna Ehler of Ossian, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in social

work, Kristen Reicks of Cresco, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in political science, and Hanna Ward of Ridgeway, who graduated with a bachelor of arts in environmental science and studies.

Law Enforcement Iowa State Patrol Nathan Johnson, age 26, of Dubuque was charged with possession of marijuana — first offense — and speeding at approximately 4:51 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 along Highway 52. A criminal complaint said Johnson was traveling south at approximately 71 mph in a 55 mph zone. The complaint said Johnson claimed to have believed the speed limit was 65 mph, and he was found to be in possession of a THC vape pen. He also provided the state trooper two additional pens, according to the complaint, and admitted to the trooper he had brought them from out of state.

Marlene Kae Lonning, age 49,of Waukon was charged with possession of marijuana — first offense — and possession of drug paraphernalia at approximately 2:18 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 near the intersection of Glenville and Highway 9 East. A state trooper observed Lonning traveling 67 mph in a 55 mph zone and, while talking with Lonning, the trooper smelled the odor of raw marijuana. Lonning was issued a warning for speeding and admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle’s center console — she also admitted to smoking marijuana at approximately 6 a.m. that day. The trooper located the marijuana inside a black plastic box in the center console area, according to the complaint. Lonning was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3 p.m. the same day.

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office Ayden Burrow, age 18, of West Union was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:20 a.m.

Monday, July 29 on the charge of reckless driving. A criminal complaint said Decorah Police responded to a single-vehicle accident at approximately 11:52 p.m.

Sunday, July 28 in the area of Claiborne Drive in Decorah. A pair of juveniles told police Burrow “had been following (the female juvenile) around town and driving on the wrong side of the road to stay parallel with her.” The complaint went on to say the vehicles were driving west along Claiborne when Burrow “accelerated, crossed into the oncoming lane and intentionally left the roadway and struck a light pole on the south side of the road,” near a softball field. Burrow admitted to the crash, according to the complaint, and the officer reported Burrow had made previous threats to harm himself and one of the juveniles by inte Alisha Colsch, age 28, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:03 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 to await transport.

Joseph Durvin Gallagher Jr., age 66, of Decoarh was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:50 a.m. Wednesday, July 31 on the charge of public intoxication — first offense. A criminal complaint said a sheriff’s deputy was wait-

ing with a patient in the WinnMed Emergency Room around that time, and staff asked the deputy to “assist with a male who was laying face down in the parking area outside.”

The deputy found Gallagher in the parking area and said the 66-yearold admitted multiple times that he was intoxicated and had driven his vehicle to the hospital. Gallagher came inside and was evaluated for an injury to his nose. The criminal complaint said Gallagher told the deputy he planned to walk or drive home after he was finished at the hospital, and the deputy advised the 66-year-old “he was too intoxicated to do either, and he needed to stay at the hospital or call for a ride.” The complaint said Gallagher refused to listen and walked outside into the parking area, and consented to a preliminary breath test, which indicated his blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit to operate a vehicle in Iowa. Gallagher was then placed under arrest.

Amber Nicole Baker, age 19, of Calmar was charged with operating while intoxicated — first offense — at approximately 7:46 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 near the intersection of Oak Hill Road and Oil Well Road in Decorah. A criminal complaint said an off duty police officer reported seeing a vehicle traveling east along Highway 9 at about 90 mph. A sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle, which had pulled over on a gravel road. The deputy approached Baker, who told the deputy she “pulled over to do some makeup,” according to the complaint — the deputy reported the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle and what he believed to be vomit “on the ground just outside of her vehicle with fresh footprints around it that appeared to come from the vehicle.” The deputy also noted what seemed to be fresh damage to the vehicle’s front bumper and windshield, which the complaint said was consistent with a report of a vehicle striking a street sign near the intersection of Highways 9 and 52 — that report was made about 10 minutes before the off duty officer reported the speeding vehicle. Baker was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:55 p.m. the same day.

Ephraim Troyer, age 43, of Elma was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 10:15 a.m Sunday, Aug. 4 on an arrest/bench warrant for contempt of court. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said Troyer was arrested in Howard County before being transported to Winneshiek County.

Court records show Troyer had been charged with dark or tinted windows in May. Cleotha Wilder, age 42, of Waterloo was charged with possession of a controlled substance — third or subsequent offense at approximately 4:22 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 in the 2400 block of 171st Avenue in Decorah. A criminal complaint said

Wilder was seen driving a vehicle from Walmart to Casey’s Convenience Store in Decorah at approximately 4:22 p.m. that day, after Walmart loss prevention reported a possible incident. The complaint said deputies saw Wilder “throwing a glass pipe out of the passenger window of the vehicle he was riding in” and added he “also had a rubber tube in his possession that was used for smoking methamphetamine.” Wilder was also cited for driving with a suspended license.

He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 4:45 p.m. the same day.

Ernesto Garcia Vega, age 42, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 4 on the charge of operating while intoxicated — first offense. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle swerving all over the road along Highway 9 and later Montgomery Street in Decorah. A deputy located the vehicle and driver.

Subsequently, Ernesto Garcia Vega was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for operating while under the influence.

Keaton Drew Boydston, age 21, of Decorah was charged with operating while intoxicated — second offense — at approximately 9:48 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 in the 2600 block of Madison Road in Decorah. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to that location after receiving a report of “a male subject who showed up at a residence and (was) believed to be intoxicated, wrecked his vehicle nearby and is not wanting law enforcement contact.” The complaint went on to say Boydston had been dropped off at another residence on Twin Springs Road, where he was located. Deputies reported the 21-year-old showed signs of intoxication and was placed under arrest.

He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:10 p.m. the same day.

Candice Padron, age 37, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was charged with domestic abuse/assault at approximately 2:35 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 in the 200 block of Fifth Street Northwest in Fort Atkinson.

A criminal complaint said an adult victim claimed Padron was intoxicated and grabbed the victim by the arm, leaving a mark before throwing the victim on a bed. Padron was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:50 p.m. the same day.

Decorah Police Department Jackson Wedo, age 19, of Postville was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 on an arrest/bench warrant.

A criminal complaint filed against Wedo on July 30 accused the teen took a phone belonging to a resident of Spring Grove, Minnesota, after “seeing things on (her) phone that he did not agree with or like.”

The complaint said Wedo left the

property and then initially “denied having any knowledge of the location of the phone,” claiming he had returned the phone to its owner. Police found the phone approximately 2.5 miles away on Centennial Road with a broken screen. Wedo was charged with fifth-degree criminal mischief at approximately 2:49 p.m. Saturday, June 22 in the 2300 block of Sweet Parkway Road in Decorah. The criminal complaint specified a warrant was requested because Wedo “failed to uphold an agreement to come to the law enforcement center to sign his summons to appear.”

Donavon Michael Hensley, age 30, of Leesville, Louisiana, was charged with careless driving at approximately 1:27 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2 near the in area of West Main Street, Washington Street and East Main Street in Decorah. A police officer heard a vehicle squealing its tires near the Corner Bar in Decorah multiple times. The officer stopped the vehicle and, while speaking with Hensley, law enforcement received a report from an individual at the Corner Bar who accurately described the vehicle the officer had stopped. A criminal complaint said Hensley showed signs of impairment and “had facial trauma.”

He was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 4:05 a.m. the same day.

David Allen Craig, age 38, of Decorah was charged with obstruction of emergency communication and domestic abuse at approximately 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 in the 2300 block of Sweet Parkway in Decorah. Members of the Decorah Police Department responded to a residence there after a report of a female screaming for help at the Briar Grove Apartments. Officers reported the victim was bleeding from her temple and areas of her face were swollen and red. The victim told officers an argument ensued after the she and Craig had been drinking, and she claimed Craig struck her with his fists. The complaint went on to say “the defendant took the victim’s cell phone, which did not allow her to call for emergency assistance.

This is why the victim was walking the hallway of the apartment, screaming for help.” Officers believed Craig had fled on foot, and the police department said in a statement that “several concerned neighbors came forward and provided valuable information point to the direction that Craig fled.”

The 38-year-old was located in a wooded area by police and K-9 unit Drago, where he was apprehended without incident and the victim’s phone was recovered. Craig was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:35 p.m. the same day.

All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal process.

COMMUNITY

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

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Vesterheim opens Norwegian Czech Days fiddle exhibit with Beth this weekend Hoven Rotto gallery talk Holy Trinity Parish in ProtivVesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, will present its new exhibit, “Hand Me Down the Fiddle: Norwegian Fiddlers, Fiddles and Fiddle Tunes in the Upper Midwest,” this month. A gallery talk by project consultant and guest curator Beth Hoven Rotto is scheduled for 1 p.m., Aug. 17, in the museum building. The exhibit is open from Aug. 15 to May 18, 2025.

The exhibit features Norwegian and Norwegian-American fiddlers, fiddles and fiddle tunes from the upper Midwest. Rotto is a fiddler with the Decorah-area band Foot-Notes as well as a historian who has spent decades researching Scandinavian folk music in America.

In 2018, Rotto was part of a project featuring Norwegian-American fiddler Ole Hendricks, which included a recording and presentations.

In 2019-2020 she was a fellow of the American Scandinavian Foundation, studying Norwegian-born fiddler Johan Arndt Mostad and his tune books. In 2022, she was musician-in-residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern

in hosts the 46th Annual Czech Days celebration August 16-18.

The traditional kolaches, rohliky, chicken noodle soup, creamed chicken dinners and more will be offered in addition to bingo, ball games, beer garden, live music and a Polka Mass.

For more information, call Protivin City Hall, 563-5698401.

Beth Hoven Rotto Cultures and worked extensively with historic recordings in the Mills Music Library, transcribing and sharing her work with an ensemble formed of university and community members.

In addition to this gallery opening, Vesterheim will hold presentations, concerts and classes, including a Foot-Notes Dance at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept.

13 in the new Vesterheim Commons. There will be a presentation at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4 about the legend of the mysterious black fiddle, along with a performance on the black fiddle

by Norwegians Paul Sveinall and Nina Byttingsmyr.

For information visit vesterheim.org or call 563-382-9681.

Community briefs Safe Routes to School event to be held

Upper Exploreland’s Safe Routes to School event will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 22 in Phelps Park — Shelter 4. The afternoon will feature free pizza and ice cream. April Bril, the Safe Routes to School coordinator will also be on site to answer questions regarding the community’s local walking, bike and school bus programs.

Attendees are asked to RSVP by noon on Aug. 22.

LifeServe to host area blood drives

LifeServe Blood Center is seeking both new and regular blood donors to roll up a sleeve this summer. The organization announced it plans to host a blood drive from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 at 1111 Montgomery Street in Decorah. Organizers said the entire whole blood donation process typically lasts one hour or less.

Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800287-4903.

Burr Oak Lutheran Church WELCA to host bazaar and raffle

The Bur Oak Lutheran Church WELCA will host a bazaar and raffle at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the church. More than two dozen raffle items will be available, and tickets can be purchased from church members for $1 each.

New cataract surgeon begins at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Dr. Robert Funk is the new surgeon performing cataract surgeries at Veterans Memorial Hospital. Funk consults with patients at the Gundersen Eye Clinic in Waukon about the cataract procedure being performed at Veterans Memorial Hospital’s surgery department.

“We strive to provide specialty care close to home,” Funk said. “I’m seeing patients once a month at the Gundersen Waukon Eye Clinic.”

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, and patients may go home the same day as their surgery. The surgery itself only takes about 30 minutes, but patients should plan to be at the hospital for about three hours for the entire process.

Coin and Currency Show to be held Aug. 25

The 44th Annual Decorah Area Coin Club Coin and Currency Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, in the Danon Lansing Building at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in Decorah. Door prizes and a food stand will be available. For information, call Dave Sanderson at 563-4192490.

Winneshiek Wildberry Winery among Iowa Wines honored at state fair

Vintners and winemakers from across the state recently put their best bottles to the test in the Iowa Wine Competition, judged prior to the start of the 2024 Iowa State Fair. A total of 171 wines from 23 wineries were entered in the competition, with 116 wines winning state fair awards. Among them was Winneshiek Wildberry Winery of Decorah, which earned Double Gold honors for its Red Raspberry Rhapsody wine. The winery also earned Silver designations for its Cranberry Crush, Sweet Annie, Farmer’s Daughters, Rhubarb Crisp, Blackberry Blossom, Cherry Lane, Blueberry Thrill and Berrypatch Hoedown wines as well as Bronze for Brianna Breeze and Horny Heifer wines.

Pancake fundraiser to support fairground improvements

A pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds on Sunday Sept. 8. After a successful fair in 2024 Pancakes on the Patio, will be held rain or shine form 8 a.m. to noon that day at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Community Building. The meal will consist of pancakes, scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, cheese curds, milk, orange juice and coffee. A freewill offering will be accepted, and carryouts will be available.

All proceeds from the Pancakes on the Patio fundraiser will go towards capital improvements on the fairgrounds, including improvements to youth livestock facilities and grandstand improvements.

Ron and Blanche Jirak of Protivin hold their wedding photo, taken 73 years ago.

(Photo by Samantha Ludeking) From your next-door neighbor to that one down on main street, a face you see around town or a name you hear over and over, these are your Driftless Neighbors.

August book discussion Decorah Public Library staff are hosting one book discussion in August.

The Friday Book Group will meet on the second floor of the library at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23, to discuss Kristin Hannah’s “The Women.” Women can be heroes. When 20-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself.

When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. But war is just the beginning for Frankie. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America that wants to forget Vietnam.

The group is open to the public and newcomers are encouraged to attend. Those interested can call the library to learn more or to reserve a book.

For more information, contact Tricia Crary at 563-3823717.

Meet The Jiraks

BY SAMANTHA LUDEKING

SPECIAL TO THE DECORAH LEADER

“Work hard at everything you do, and it will all come out real good.” Words of wisdom from 93-year-old Blanche (Doubek) Jirak. Ron and Blanche Jirak celebrated 73 years of together earlier this year. The 96 and 93-year-old, respectively, have called Protivin home for 67 years.

“We used to know everybody. We knew their kid’s names. We even knew their dogs.

We don’t know them all anymore, but we used to,” said Ron. What was pasture when they built their home in 1957 became a bustling mill.

They’ve watched their town and neighbors change while raising their three children, Ken, Sherri and Diane, and watching their 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren grow. Ron’s advice for a long, happy marriage and life is to work hard and work together.

“Have a lot of patience,” added Blanche.

Ron spent 49 years managing Frudden Lumber and Blanche worked uptown at Larson’s Tavern. Ron served on the fire department, city council and as city clerk. Both served their town and parish while enjoying fishing, bowling, ball games, horse racing and, in later years, traveling to visit snowbird friends down south.

“Everything there is to do, we’ve done together,” Blanche said with a smile.

While they may not be downtown at this weekend’s Czech Days in Protivin, they’ll enjoy watching the traffic flood into town.

The couple recently reflected on the very first

Czech Days, of which they were part.

“Everyone in town was,” said Ron. The first Czech Days celebration was held in 1978 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Protivin’s Holy Trinity parish. The celebration continues to this day and is held the third full weekend of August. Back in 1978, Ron and Joe Fencil were responsible for buying all the Pivo — the centennial beer — while Blanche sold beer tickets and helped out around the event.

Briefly...

What do you like most about living in the Driftless? Peace and quiet, good neighbors and friendly people.

Favorite Driftless location: Card games at The Mint.

Favorite Movie or TV show: Basketball Favorite scent: Blanche: Fresh air Ron: All good food

Favorite ice cream flavor: Blanche: Vanilla Ron: Cold Favorite human: Blanch: My husband Ron: The wife and family

What do you want to be when you grow up? Ron: Young!

Blanche: Yeah, young! We’d do it all again.

There are so many incredible people in the Driftless! Do you know someone more people should know about? Submit your “Know Your Driftless Neighbor” to: samantha.ludeking@decorahleader.com.

New Minowa WinnMed to hold annual community picnic Players to WinnMed will hold its Grand some new challenges for which ey Pete Rides, live music by Community Picnic from 4:30-7 we are grateful for the efforts of Mike McAbee, the Moo Mobile hold children’s p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 on the our picnic planning committee. and more. campus in Decorah.

For all our attendees, however, Parking will be available, show auditions WinnMed “We are excited to host the these challenges will create a with regular Earl Bus rides

Auditions for the New Minowa Players annual children’s show, “How The Camel Got Its Hump” will be held at 6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 23 at New Minowa Players Theatre — 906 South Mill St. in Decorah. Auditions will last approximately one hour. No actor preparation is necessary, but prospective actors are asked to bring a list of conflicts they may have between the first rehearsal on Aug. 26 through and the final performance on Oct. 27.

Organizers said the children’s show is an opportunity for actors in first through eighth grade to shine. Everyone who auditions will be in the show.

Everyone who wants lines to speak will have them. Everyone who wants to sing a solo will be allowed to do so. Leading roles are given to actors who are willing to have solos.

Rehearsals will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Monday, Aug. 26. The week of performances, rehearsals will run from 5:15-7:30 p.m. and will include a Wednesday rehearsal.

Performance dates are Oct. 2427, with evening performances at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.

community picnic again this year as a thank you to the communities we serve for their support and trust they place in us,” said Steve Slessor, WinnMed chief administrative officer.

“As you may expect, with our Transforming Tomorrow project, planning this event took on

lot of intriguing things to see as the construction on our expansions will be part of the picnic backdrop this year.”

The picnic will feature barbecued pork sandwiches, chips and beverages, as well as games and activities for children, popcorn, face painting, Bingo, Pok-

from WinnMed parking lots to the event site.

For information, call the WinnMed Marketing and Communications Department at 563-382-2911 or email communityrelations@winmedical.org.

Union Sunday School Concert series kicks off Aug. 25 The 1896 Kimball Pipe Organ at the Union Sunday School will again be featured during the 44th annual Union Sunday School Concert Series.

August will kick off the series with a free musical theater performance directed by Janet Schlapkohl at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25.

In commemoration of the Montauk Historic Site’s 150th anniversary, Janet Schlapkohl has put together a musically comedic theatrical performance based on the controversial 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. Local talent from the area will play the parts of Hayes and Tilden, and the audience will have a chance to join in the fun.

Following the concert, the Clermont Historical Society

will provide refreshments at the Clermont Opera House – one block from the Union Sunday School.

The annual Union Sunday School Concert Series features performances by trained musicians on the largest Kimball Pipe Organ in the United States.

Built in 1896, the organ was a gift presented by former Iowa Gov. William Larrabee to his daughter Anna, who was the church’s organist for more than 60 years.

The Union Sunday School is located at 406 Larrabee St., in Clermont.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221

August 5, 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, Brent Parker, Steve Zittergruen (Zoom), Ross Hadley, Mayor Lorraine Borowski and City Clerk Keri Sand Tom Hansen, 3469 Locust Road, Decorah IA spoke during public comment. Hansen spoke regarding vandalism that happened in Decorah last year and how it was managed.

He feels that the Council went silent when it was discovered that this was done by minorities from liberal families. Hansen then spoke regarding the court case that was brought against him regarding the flag policy and how the Council tried taking his freedom of speech away. Then when he came into City Hall to pick up a special event form, he discovered that you are no longer able to request flags on the special event form. Hansen then spoke of an incident at Chattahoochie Park on June 6th and the Council being silent on the matter. Hansen stated he is tired of a twotiered justice system depending on someone’s political affiliation. Hansen then called for Councilman Steve Zittergruen to resign from office for his involvement in the incident at Chattahoocie Park.

Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of the July 15, 2024, Council Meeting and July 22, 2024, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Renewal of Special Class C Retail Alcohol License-Pizza Hut d. Renewal of Special Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-Luther College Center for Faith and Life e. Renewal of Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-Impact Coffee f. Renewal of Class E Retail Alcohol License-Kwik Trip 306 College Drive g. Renewal of Class E Retail Alcohol License-Wal-Mart h. Renewal of Class B Retail Alcohol License-Oneota Community Cooperative i. Tax Abatement-556 Massman Drive, Aaron Dahlen-New Construction Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing on the plans, specifications, estimate of cost, and form of contract for the Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project at 5:52 PM. No public comment. The public hearing was closed at 5:54 PM. Hadley made a motion to approve Resolution 3478 approving the plans, specifications, estimate of cost and form of contract for the Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project. Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing on the plans, specifications, estimate of cost, and form of contract for the Decorah 2024 Quarry Street Improvement Project at 5:55 PM. No public comment. Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 5:56 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3479 approving the plans, specifications, estimate of cost, and form of contract for the Decorah 2024 Quarry Street Improvement Project. Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Hadley made a motion to approve Resolution 3480 accepting the recommended ranking of responses to the Dahlen Property Development Request for qualifications and directing the City Manager to negotiate a scope of services agreement with ISG. Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve a resolution providing notice of intent to fill a council vacancy by appointment. Neal then withdrew the motion. Neal then made a motion to table the resolution providing notice of intent to fill a council vacancy by appointment and to address the resolution with a special meeting by the end of the week. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Olson, Schissel, Miculinich, Parker, Zittergruen.

Nays: None. Hadley abstained from voting.

Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve a resolution ordering a special election to fill a council vacancy on November 5, 2024.

Motion dies due to no second motion. Neal made a motion to table the resolution to order a special election to fill a council vacancy and to address the resolution with a special meeting by the end of the week. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Olson, Zittergruen, Parker, Miculinich. Nays: Schissel. Hadley abstained from voting. Motion carried.

Hadley made a motion to approve Resolution 3481 establishing Complete Street Principles, Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3482 approving the transfer of funds to Iowa Governmental Health Care Plan (IGHCP) for the partial self-funding portion of the employees’ health insurance.

Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the contract approving services between Upper Exploreland Regional Planning Commission for the Low-Income Energy Savings Initiative Project EECBG. Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Olson, Zittergruen, Schissel, Miculinich, Parker. Nays: Hadley.

Motion carried. Hadley stated that he is not happy with Upper Exploreland and the way that projects are being managed.

Hadley made a motion to waive the review of Cedar Heights Subdivision-3 rd Addition, Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the final plat of Briar Grove Subdivision, Parker seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the C-3 Design Application for 111 Winnebago, owned by David Lester and Amalia Vagts.

Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1333 amending Title 6-Animals of the Decorah Municipal Code, Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Olson, Zittergruen, Miculinich, Hadley. Nays: Schissel and Parker.

Motion carried.

Council came to the consensus to wait until the City Manager has returned before having the noise ordinance discussion.

Brent Parker discussed the topic of permitted parking for residents that live downtown and do not have designated parking. The Council directed staff to come back to Council with a proposal for permitted parking for downtown residents. They would also like a snow removal plan as part of this proposal.

Special Meeting to address the upcoming council vacancy will be Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 5:45 PM at the Council Chambers.

Meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, August 5, 2024 Payroll, For 7/19/24......................230,679.90 Payroll, For 8/2/24........................232,755.77 Ebs - City Share, Health Insurance – July 2024......................................90,590.66 Authnet, Credit Card Fees......................42.30 Bank Card, Credit Card Fees...............741.53 Merchant Bank, Credit Card Fees.....2,548.16 Clover, Credit Card Fees........................52.95 Ia Dept Of Revenue, Rec Tax..............157.88 Ia Dept Of Revenue, Pool Tax..........2,380.26 Ia Dept Of Revenue, Sewer Tax........2,809.51 Ia Dept Of Revenue, Water Tax........4,444.39 Quarry Street, Row Purchase ...........7,755.00 Hogenson, Sam, Nordic Fest Parade Entry Reimbursement.........................25.00 Pitney Bowes Bank Inc Purchase Power, Postage..............................................201.00 Skyline Const, Pay App 1 Stormwater Improvement Project....................20,603.74 Skyline Const, App 2 Final Bioretention Cell Project.....................................1,365.72 Skyline Const, Pay App 3 Final 2023 Miller Park Trail...........................10,105.55 Alliant Energy, Electric Bills..........10,809.41 Black Hills Energy, Black Hills-Gas Bills.....................2,497.27 Delta Dental, August 2024 Dental....1,535.90 Hjelle, John, Reimbursement Blinds For Office....141.70 Petty Cash, Postage................................61.45 Skyline Const, Retainage For Miller Park Project....................................5,158.98 Ups, Postage...........................................12.47 Winn Co. San. Landfill, Late Fee.............5.00 Chamber Of Comm And Winn Co Develop, July 2024 Hotel/Motel.................27,539.40 Connell Flying Service, Reimbursement/ July 2024 Services.........................4,343.98 Decorah Jobs, For July 2024...........33,047.27

Usps, Bulk Mailing..............................341.91 Petty Cash, Returned Checks.................30.00 Acco, Chemicals...............................2,094.50 Agvantage Fs, Lp Gas..........................457.91 Aia Services, Services.......................2,220.81 Al’S Counrty Meat Locker, Resale Products.................................167.50 Amazon, Supplies.............................3,209.36 Anderson Wilmarth Van Der Maatten, Legal Fees......................................2,715.20 Baker & Taylor, Books........................871.50 Bodensteiner Implement, Parts............182.00 Bruening Rock, Road Rock, Sand, Rip Rap, Chips...............................1,091.30 Camacho’S Concrete, Curb & Gutter Repair, Storm Intake Repair.......................4,995.39 Capital One, Services........................1,215.78 Caroline Allen, Program........................75.00 Casper Plbg & Htg , Hvac....................209.80 Cdw Government, Equipment.............687.34 Croell, Curb, Sidewalk.........................589.50 Dalco, Supplies.................................1,107.66 Decorah Comm School District, Icn Internet........................................140.77 Decorah Leader, Storm Water Grant Publication........................................736.73 Decorah Parks & Recreation, Srp Pool Party...................................150.00 Decorah Tire, Tire Repair......................90.50 Dog Waste Depot, Dog Waste Bags.....519.96 Erdman Engineering Inc, Quarry St/Heivly St......................10,714.75 Eurofins Enviro Testing, Services........214.00 Farmers Union, Lp Gas........................278.00 Fastenal Company, Cement Blade.......324.25 Fisk Farm And Home, Supplies........2,315.09 Fox Strand, Wwtp Upgrade 2024...25,377.50 Garrett Alan Willie, Dhpt- Trail Work...............................376.25 Green Repair, Oil/Filters Mower...........32.00 Hawkins, Chlorine Cylinder/Tank Rental................................................567.50 Holly Moore, Program.........................100.00 Hovey Repair, Parts...............................42.00 Ia Dept Of Inspections, Appeals & Licens, 2024 Boiler Inspection........................40.00 Ia Dept Of Transportation, Asphalt Emulsion..............................906.00 Ice House Ice , Ice.............................1,745.00 Impact Coffee, Program Expense..........62.50 Industrial Pump Repair Canada, Ods Pump Part.................................................4,327.00 Invengo American, Rfid Tag Project............................11,682.00 Iowa One Call, Email...........................403.20 Iowa Parks And Recreation Assoc, Ipra Membership............................1,200.00 Isu Extension & Outreach, G2G At The Fair 2024......................110.00 John Deere Financial, Norbys................42.97 Jonathan R. May, Program...................350.00 Kay Park Recreation, Trash Lid/Memorial Table.............1,018.10 Ken’S Window Service, Window Clean...................................225.00 L2 Brands, Campground Hats..............430.97 Leon’S Auto, Parks Truck....................405.25 Letterwerks -Sign City, Tree ...............297.00 Lulu & Bb’S, Dog Food........................44.00 Lydon Electric Motors, Labor/Repair Motor................................................547.65 Mabes Pizza, Pizza-Conessions/Swim Meet..................................................756.00 Malcom, Garbage...................................71.50 Mcdonald Supply, Pool Supplies.........137.07 Midland Scientific, Supplies................490.19 Midwest Patch/Hi-Viz Safety, Signs, Cones, Clothing.............................2,198.50 Mississippi Welders, Operating Supplies...............................................16.75 Moen, Blake, Reimbursement..............570.75 Moss Roofing, Repair Seam In Roof Above Council Chamber...................625.00 Mower Power, Parts/Supplies................41.50 Nagle Signs, Dhpt Signage/Logo.........450.00 Nancy Barry, Program.........................100.00 Ness Pumping, Septic Pumping...........975.00 Northeast Iowa Rc & D, SignageDunning And Ice Cave...................3,730.89 Overdrive, Books Audio...................2,120.88 Perry Novak Electric Inc, Locates, Fema Generator- Library.............50,284.95 Peters Construction, Space Audit Ctrct Work......................................7,153.87 Pinter’S Gardens & Pumpkins, Boulevard Tree Voucher .....................60.00 Plunkett’S, Pest Control July 2024-June 2025.........................806.89 Premiere Kubota Of Waukon, Afm 16Ft Mower Blade Kit..............613.59 Quality Striping, Painted Lines.......24,848.00 Ramstad Constuction, Foundation Rock From Luther...................................2,500.00 River City Paving, Hot Mix, Hma....6,396.24 Schubbe Consulting, Carlson Park Trail Design..................................12,833.75 Schwan’S Home Service, Resale Products.................................188.38 Skyline Const, Commerce Drive Sewer Repair................................14,248.54 Smi Co., Ground Bark.........................150.00 Stevenson Tree Care, Tree Removal/Airspade Rental .....1,450.00 Storey Kenworthy , Supplies............1,295.97 Truck Country Of Iowa Inc, Maintenance Engine 1/Battery............................1,072.76 University Of Northern Iowa, Roadside Program...............................95.00 Upper Explorerland Rpc, Fye 25 Clerks Meetings..................................25.00 Ups, Postage...........................................13.29 Usa Blue Book, Water Testing Supplies.............................................579.67 Uscc Services, Hotspots.......................211.94 Vick’S Htg And Plbg, Sewer Back .....620.50 Voltmer , Traffic Signal Repair.........1,100.00 Wallace Holland Kast, “2024 Bridge Inspections”........................1,382.49 Windridge Implements, .................2017 Case Ih Clutch Broken Cable ................2,000.46 Windstream, Airport ..............................38.12 Winn Co Emergency Management, Emergency Management Dispatch, 24/25............................................118,680.0 Revenue To Date July 31, 2024 General Fund...................................................

Local Option Sales Tax...................................

Street Electric Franchise Fee........463,117.65 Road Use Fund................................57,018.98 Employee Benefits........................121,980.09 Hotel/Motel.....................................60,586.67 Local Option Sales Tax.....................7,547.49 Ssmid..............................................................

Park Special Gifts................................385.00 Library Special Gifts.......................25,431.41 Street Equip Fund...........................................

Debt Service Fund...........................................

Special Projects...............................................

Water Utility Fund..........................71,006.98 Sewer Utility Fund..........................99,828.45 Enterprise Project Interest...............................

Metronet.................................................45.00 Forest Utility...................................12,487.04 Storm Sewer Utility........................26,952.71 Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LYLA M STEELE DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016311 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Lyla M Steele, Deceased, who died on or about June 24, 2024: You are hereby notified that on August 5, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Lyla M Steele, deceased, bearing date of January 24, 2024, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Arden Gjere was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the 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 August 6, 2024.

Arden Gjere, Executor of Estate 2510 Townline Road Decorah, IA 52101 Sandra Benzschawel, ICIS#:AT0013038 Attorney for Executor Meyer, Lorentzen & Nelson 101 ½ E. Water Street P.O. Box 126 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: August 15, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader August 8 & 15, 2024

Public Notice Decorah Community School District Abuse of Student by School Employee: It is the policy of the Decorah Community School District that school employees not commit acts of physical or sexual abuse, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior, toward students. Any school employee who commits such acts is subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including discharge.

It is the policy of the Decorah Community School District to respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school employees by investigating or arranging for full investigation of any allegation, and to do so in a reasonably prudent manner. The processing of a complaint or allegation will be handled confidentially to the maximum extent possible. All employees are required to assist in the investigation when requested to provide information, and to maintain the confidentiality of the reporting and investigation process.

The Decorah Community School District has appointed level-one investigators and alternates, and has arranged for or contracted with a trained, experienced professional to served as the level-two investigator. The level-one investigators and alternates will be provided training in the conducting of an investigation at the expense of the Decorah Community School District.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Affirmative Action Compliance Program: The Decorah Community School District has an established policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. The District has an established policy of taking affirmative action in recruitment, appointment, assignment, and advancement of women, minorities, and disabled. We expect the Administration to know of and fully accept the equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policies and to make certain that no employee or applicant for employment shall suffer any form of discrimination because of race, religion, color, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, disability. In order to effectively communicate and interpret the District’s policies to all levels of the administration and to all other employees, community and educational agencies, and the public in general, the following will be undertaken: A. Dissemination of Policy 1.

Employees will be reminded annually of the District’s written statement of policy by: a.

Description of policy by publication or reference in all issues or reissues of personnel handbooks. b.

When appropriate, publicize the EEO policy and such activities through news stories or other articles in District publications. c.

Detailed discussions at administrative conferences and staff meetings.

2.

Employment advertisements will contain assurance of equal employment opportunity.

3.

All employment and recruiting sources where jobs are listed by the District will be reminded of our policy both verbally and in writing.

4.

The District’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy shall be part of the Application Form forwarded to all applicants. This policy will inform applicants of their rights under federal and state civil rights laws.

B. Responsibility for Implementing the Affirmative Action Program 1.

Responsibility is assigned to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, who will render full assistance and support for those seeking help and assistance in taking affirmative action.

C. Recruiting 1.

Additional emphasis will be given to seeking and encouraging applicants from minority groups, women’s groups, and the disabled where such applicants with the necessary qualifications or potentials are available.

D. Training 1.

All training and in-service programs supported or sponsored by the District will continue to be equally open to minority, female, and disabled employees on the basis of qualification.

E. Hiring, Placement, Transfer, Lay-Off, and Recall 1.

The District recognizes that to accomplish the long-range objectives of its Equal Employment Opportunity policy, continues affirmative action must be taken to ensure that job opportunities of all kinds are called to the specific attention of members of minority groups, women, and the disabled and that qualified members of such groups should be offered positions on the same basis as all other applicants or employees. To assure achievement of the objectives, the District will periodically review its practices in hiring job applicants.

F. Compensation 1.

All employees, including women, minority groups, and disabled employees, will receive compensation in accordance with the same standards. Opportunities for performing overtime work or otherwise earning increased compensation will be afforded to all qualified employees without discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

This Affirmative Action Program will be reviewed and updated bi-annually.

Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action shall be directed to the Office of the Superintendent, 1732 Old Stage Road, Decorah, Iowa 52101. Inquiries may also be directed, in writing, to the Iowa Civil Rights Department or to the Director of Region VII Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Kansas City, Missouri. Such inquiry or complaint to the state or federal office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the District’s Central Administrative Office and the administrative office in each District attendance center.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Annual Notification of Non-Discrimination The Decorah Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following service areas: • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources • Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management • Human Services • Applied Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing It is the policy of the Decorah Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator, Justin Albers, Decorah Middle School Principal, 405 Winnebago St, 563-382-8427, justin.albers@decorah.school Continual Notification of Non-Discrimination It is the policy of the Decorah Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator, Justin Albers, Decorah Middle School Principal, 405 Winnebago St, 563-382-8427, justin.albers@decorah.school w w w. e d u c a t e i o w a . g o v / a d u l t - c a reer-and-community-college/career-and-technical-education/cte-redesign/ division-ii-cte Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act: The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986, referred to as AHERA, was enacted by Congress to determine the

extent of and develop solutions for any problems schools may have with asbestos. Asbestos has been used as a building material for many years. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined primarily in Canada, South Africa, and the U.S.S.R. Asbestos has properties which make it an ideal building material for insulating, sound absorption, decorative plaster, fireproofing, and other uses. Most use of asbestos products for building material has been banned since 1978. The Decorah Community School District has developed a comprehensive asbestos management plan for our facilities. The Decorah Schools are in compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations with regard to asbestos. We have done whatever has been necessary to ensure our children and our employees have a healthy, safe environment in which to learn and work.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Complaint Procedures: Purpose. The Board recognizes that situations may arise in the operation of the District which are of concern to parents or to the public. The Board strongly believes that all concerns should be resolved at the lowest possible level of decision-making by the individuals involved. Concerns are best dealt with in open communication by the individuals involved. Therefore, the purpose of these complaint procedures is to resolve at the lowest possible level and as expeditiously as possible, complaints of any person regarding any District matter.

Exclusion. If there is another, more specific complaint procedure relating to a matter, the complaint shall be brought under such procedure rather than pursuant to this Policy.

(For example, see Employee Complaint procedures, Student Records Appeal procedures, and Instructional Materials Reconsideration procedures.)

Procedures.

1.

Any person with a complaint or concern regarding a District matter is encouraged to first talk with the school official or employee involved as soon as possible.

However, if the matter involves a classified employee (such as a teacher associate, secretary, food service or custodial employee), the person should start the process with the classified employee’s immediate supervisor.

2.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the complainant shall file a written complaint with the school official or employee involved. The school official or employee shall indicate the disposition of the complaint in writing. However, if the matter involves a classified employee, the written complaint should be filed with the employee’s immediate supervisor.

3.

If the complainant feels that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the complainant shall file the complaint and the prior written disposition with the employee’s immediate supervisor. If the matter involves a claim of discrimination or harassment, the complaint may be filed at this level or may be filed with the District’s Compliance Officer. The supervisor or his/her designee (or the Compliance Officer) shall meet with the complainant and shall indicate the disposition in writing.

4.

If the complainant feels that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the complainant shall file the complaint and any prior dispositions with the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall meet with the complainant and shall indicate the disposition in writing.

5.

If the complainant still feels that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the complainant may file the written complaint and any written dispositions with the Board Secretary. The Superintendent shall place the item on the Board’s agenda. The complainant may appear at the Board meeting and discuss the matter with the Board. The administrative staff may also discuss the matter with the Board. The Board may refuse in its sole discretion to take action on the complaint, or the Board shall decide the matter as soon as practicable, and the Board Secretary shall communicate the Board’s decision to the complainant. If the Board declines to decide the matter, the disposition of the Superintendent or his/her designee shall be final.

Complaints Regarding Employees. Complaints arising regarding the performance or behavior of an employee shall be referred to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The Board shall not actively investigate such complaints regarding employees. Such complaints shall be handled as confidentially as reasonably practical. The immediate supervisor may require that the complaint be in writing. Appeals shall be taken to the Superintendent or his/her designee as set forth above.

If the matter is not resolved, the complainant may appeal to the Board setting forth in writing the specifics of the complaint.

However, in appeals to the Board regarding complaints about employees, the Board shall review only the actions of the Superintendent or his/her designee to assure that the Superintendent provided a fair procedure for the resolution of the complaint. In addition, prior to the meeting at which a complaint is heard about any employee, the Board Secretary or Superintendent shall ascertain where the matter may be legally discussed in closed session and shall ascertain from the employee whether the employee wishes to have the matter discussed by the Board in closed session. The employee may respond to the complaint at the meeting at which the complaint is heard by the Board, or if the employee needs additional time to adequately respond, the Board may schedule a second meeting for the employee to respond.

Interference. Investigations and processing of complaints shall be conducted so as to result in no interference with or interruption of school activities.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Equal Employment Opportunity The Decorah Community School District will select for employment-qualified applicants for each position without regard to the race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or age of the applicant. The District will select qualified applicants with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The District shall take affirmative action, consistent with its adopted affirmative action plan, in the recruitment, appointment, assignment and advancement of personnel to accomplish the goals of equal employment opportunity.

In keeping with the law, the District shall consider the veteran status of applicants.

The Decorah Community School District will not discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of such individual’s race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or age.

Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action shall be directed to the Office of the Superintendent, 1732 Old Stage Road, Decorah, Iowa 52101. Inquiries may also be directed, in writing, to the Iowa Civil Rights Department or to the Director of Region VIII Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Kansas City, Missouri. Such an inquiry or complaint to the state or federal office may be done instead, or in addition to an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Homeless Children and Youth The District shall make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the District, encourage their enrollment, and eliminate existing barriers which my exist in District policies or practices to their receiving education.

A homeless child is defined as a child or youth between the ages of 5 and 21 who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes a child or youth who is living on the street, in a car, tent, or abandoned building or some other form of shelter not designated as a permanent home; who is living in a community shelter facility; or who is living with non-nuclear family members or with friends, who may or may not have legal guardianship over the child or youth of school age.

So that enrollment of homeless children and youth of school age may be facilitated, the following policy areas shall be modified as necessary: school records, immunization requirements, waiver of fees and charges, enrollment requirements/placement, residency,

and transportation. All services, which are available to resident students, shall be made available to homeless children or youths enrolled in the District. Services include special education, talented and gifted programs, vocational education, English as second language programs, health services, and food and nutrition programs.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Harassment of Students Harassment Prohibited. The District is committed to promoting understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity of our society. The District shall educate students about our cultural diversity and shall promote tolerance of individual differences.

The District prohibits acts of intolerance or harassment toward others, including because of the individual’s race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, parental status, ethnic background, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.

Acts of intolerance and harassment may be treated as grounds for discipline. Discipline may include expulsion of a student or termination of a staff member’s contract Sexual Harassment.

General. It is the policy of the Decorah Community School District to maintain a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment. All employees, visitors and students must avoid any action or conduct which could be perceived as sexual harassment.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any person to harass a student through conduct or communications of a sexual nature.

Definition. Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual acts or favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: 1.

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the student’s educational opportunities or benefits; or 2.

Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for educational decisions affecting that student; or 3.

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to the following: verbal harassment or abuse; requests or pressure for sexual activity; unwelcome touching; other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, such as inappropriate jokes, signs and posters of a sexual nature; repeated remarks to or about a person with sexual or demeaning implications.

(Note: any sexual overtures made by a staff member to a student, whether welcomed or unwelcomed, shall be grounds for discipline, including discharge of the staff member.)

Complaint Procedures. Any student (or the student’s parents or guardians) alleging a violation of this policy may file a complaint using the Student Complaint Procedures (Code No. 500.3). The complainant may bypass any step of the complaint procedure where the person to whom the complaint is to be lodged is alleged perpetrator. The complainant may file the initial complaint with the compliance officer. Policy 507.10 shall govern the investigation of alleged cases of physical or sexual abuse, including sexual harassment, of students by staff members.

The Complainant may be required to complete a written complaint form (See Code No. 500.1R1-Exhibit A) and to turn over copies of evidence of discrimination or harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, and pictures. The investigator shall promptly commence an investigation and proceed to completion. Both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator will be given an opportunity to give a statement. A written investigative report shall be completed, and a summary of the report, including a finding that the complaint was founded, unfounded, or inconclusive will be forwarded to the complainant and to the alleged perpetrator.

Compliance Officer. The Carrie Lee School Assistant Principal, Dana Bockman, (563-382-3771) or the High School Assistant Principal, Adam Riley, (563-382-3643) are designated as the District’s compliance officers to insure that students are treated in accordance with this policy.

Confidentiality. The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected consistent with the District’s legal obligations, and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.

No Retaliation. No person shall retaliate against a student because the student has filed a harassment complaint, assisted or participated in an investigation, or has opposed language or conduct that violates this policy, as long as the participation or action was done in good faith.

Corrective Actions. The District will take action to halt any improper harassment and will take other appropriate corrective actions, including disciplinary measures which may include discharge, suspension or expulsion of a perpetrator, to remedy all violation of this policy.

Notification. Notice of this policy shall be communicated to staff, students, and parents of the District. It shall be included in handbooks and shall be published in such other manner, as the compliance officer shall determine.

Other Agencies. Students and their parents may also contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the Office of Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education for assistance.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Student Records: The Decorah Community School District maintains records on each student in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the student. The records of each student are located in the school building where the student attends. The following persons, agencies, and organizations may have restricted access to student records without prior written consent of the parent or student over the age of eighteen years; any other access to student records shall be only upon written consent or upon court order or legally-issued subpoena: school officials and teachers; officials of other schools in which the student proposes to enroll; representatives of State and local government when auditing and evaluating federal educational programs in connection with a student’s educational financial aid application; governmental officials to which information is to be reported under State law adopted prior to November 19, 1974; organizations which process and evaluate standardized tests; accrediting organizations for accrediting purposes; parents of dependent children regardless of child’s age and in connection with an emergency.

Student records are reviewed and material is removed periodically; at a minimum when a student moves from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school and when a student transfers out of the district. Those records, which are not of permanent importance, are destroyed within three years of graduation or discontinued attendance.

The principal or person in charge of each attendance center may release the following types of information to the public as per school district policies and regulations, keeping in mind the privacy of the student and the student’s family and the totality of the surrounding circumstances: name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially-recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous school or institution attended by the student and other similar information.

Any parent objecting to the public release of such information must file a written objection with the aforementioned person responsible for maintaining student records in each building, and that information objected to shall not be publicly released.

The use of electronic IEP forms is in compliance with federal and state guidelines. The IEP’s for the Decorah Community School District are now stored electronically. In addition, a printed copy is included in all students cumulative folders.

Students and parents may file with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare complaints concerning alleged failures of the

school district to comply with Federal Legislation dealing with student records. Correspondence shall be addressed to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 300 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20201.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Student Records: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are: 1.

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 calendar days of the day the District receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy rights.

Parents or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employees, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4.

The right to inform the District that the parent does not want directory information, as defined below, to be released. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make objection in writing by the start of each school year (or within ten days of reenrolling in the District if a student enters after the start of the school year) to the principal. The objection needs to be renewed annually.

NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER; NAMES, ADDRESSES, EMAIL ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS; DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH; ENROLLMENT STATUS, GRADE LEVEL AND MAJOR FIELDS OF STUDY’ PARTICIPATION IN OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS; WEIGHT AND HEIGHT OF MEMBERS OF ATHLETIC TEAMS; DATES OF ATTENDANCE AND THE BUILDING MOST RECENT PREVIOUS SCHOOL OR INSTITUTIO ATTENDED BY THE STUDENT; PHOTOGRAPHS AND LIKENESSES; AND OTHER SIMILAR INFORMATION. 5.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue Washington, D.C. 20202-4605 The District may, prior to adjudication, without parental consent or court order, share any information with juvenile justice agencies contained in a student’s cumulative record which is directly related to the juvenile justice system’s ability to effectively serve the student. Information contained in a student’s cumulative record may be disclosed by the District to juvenile justice agencies after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order. Information shared shall be used solely for determining the programs and services appropriate to the needs of the student or student’s family or coordinating the delivery of programs and services to the student or student’s family. Information shared is not admissible in any court proceedings which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student’s parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian. The agreement with the juvenile justice agency only governs the District’s ability to share information and the purposes for which that information can be used.

Confidential information shared between the agency and the District shall remain confidential and shall not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 Public Notice Decorah Community School District Title 1 “Parents Right-to-Know” Notifications Parent Notification: (Applies to the entire district that uses Title 1 funds) a.

LEAs must notify parents of availability of information on professional qualifications of their child’s teachers. b. LEAs must provide a statement of assurance to parents that notification will occur should their child be taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified. c.

LEAs must provide timely notice of four (4) or more weeks of teaching by a teacher that is not fully qualified.

Sample of Notification Parents / Guardians in the Decorah Community School District have the right to learn about the following qualifications of their child’s teacher: • State licensure requirements for the grade level and content areas taught; • The current licensing status of your child’s teacher; and • Baccalaureate / graduate certification / degree.

Parents / Guardians in the Decorah Community School District may also request the qualifications of an instructional paraprofessional who works with your child.

Parents / Guardians in the Decorah Community School District will receive notification when a substitute teacher is in their child’s classroom for four (4) or more consecutive weeks and does not meet the highly qualified teacher definition.

Parents / Guardians may request this information from the Office of the Superintendent by calling 563-382-4208 or sending a letter of request to the Superintendent’s Office at 1732 Old Stage Road, Decorah, IA 52101.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Spillville, Iowa, held the regular meeting on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Spillville City Hall. Mayor Wermers called the meeting to order with the following councilmen present: Backes, Kelsay, Schmitt, and Straube. Absent was Taylor.

Consent Agenda: Motion by Backes, seconded by Schmitt, to approve the consent agenda items. Upon discussion by Straube, the consent agenda items could not be approved due to being incomplete; motion by Backes was withdrawn.

Motion by Kelsay to approve only the last meeting minutes and current meeting agenda, seconded by Schmitt. No discussion. Voice vote: ayes unanimous, nays none, motion carried.

Permit Applications: Steve Kelsay submitted a building permit. Motioned by Straube, seconded by Backes. Discussion: detailed update from Kelsay on all activities and structures planned to be completed. Voice vote: ayes unanimous, nays none, abstained Kelsay. Motion carried.

City Clerk: Plan put in place to reach out to surrounding cities for assistance, and also reach out to the Iowa League of Cities to explore other options. Joane will help with some basics. Ads for the city clerk position have been run in Decorah and Calmar newspapers. Possible interviews on the 2nd or 3rd of July.

The acting city clerk will be Mayor Paul Wermers until an offer can be made for the position.

Bily Clocks Report: Given by Susanna Craft.

Storm Damage and Emergency Response: Special thanks to those who showed up at the city shop after a storm to help out; your efforts are appreciated. Winneshiek Emergency Management has been using a text message group with key individuals to communicate predicted situations and request assistance if needed.

Public Hearing: “Public hearing and additional action on the Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement. Resolution taking additional action on the proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement” was opened. Discussion: “The City Council met on the 17th, discussed the potential loan agreement, but then tabled further discussion until the July 8th meeting.”

It was moved by council member Kelsay and seconded by council member Straube to close the public hearing and that further consideration of the Water Revenue loan and Disbursement Agreement be adjourned to July 8th, 2024 at 6 pm at the city hall, Spillville, Iowa, at which time and place the City Council will meet to further consider such Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement.

Public Hearing was closed.

Spillville Fireworks Update: The city is donating funds. There was also discussion about events in the park, access to the park during events, and the return to taxpayers for funded events in the current situations of budget limits.

Library Basement Storage: Items that could be reused by South Winn. Parks and Rec. Darrel Schmitt will move forward to see if any items can be donated.

Street and Water: Request to be sent to Marc Ruden for a street project update.

Next City Council Meeting: Will be July 8th at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Motioned by Kelsay, seconded by Backes. No discussion.

Voice vote: ayes unanimous, nays none, motion carried.

No other reports or updates.

Fund, Income, Distribution General, $4910.96, $7466.98 Debt Service, $185.16, $0 Clocks, $0.00, $19424.11 Capitol, $0, $0 Library Trust , $306.03, $2417.95 Water, $32825.14, $29330.08 Campground, $53.10, $2128.04 Water Deposit, $0, $0 Road Use, $19522.87, $6304.42 Sewer, $5250.44, $4038.23 LOST, $1247.33, $0 Adjournment: Motioned by Backes, seconded by Schmitt. Voice vote: ayes unanimous, nays none. City Council meeting was closed at 6:55 p.m.

May 2024 Claims Type, Date, Num, Name, Memo, Amount Check, 05/01/2024, ACH, INTUIT, Intuit Payroll Services.............................. -850.00 Check, 05/01/2024, ACH, CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK, Returned Payment............................. -64.65 Check, 05/03/2024, ACH, DRIFTLESS SECURITY, Library Alarm.............. -70.00 Check, 05/09/2024, ACH, GIGFIRE, Internet Service............... -70.00 Check, 05/09/2024, ACH, US CELLULAR, Alarm Autodialer/ Cell Phones..................................... -200.00 Check, 05/10/2024, ACH, CENTURYLINK, City Telephones.................................. -119.12 Check, 05/11/2024, ACH, IPERS, IPERS April 2024........................ -1,684.72 Check, 05/11/2024, eFile, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax........... -27.77 Check, 05/11/2024, eFile, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax........... -22.00 Check, 05/11/2024, eFile, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax........... -62.77 Check, 05/11/2024, eFile, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax......... -380.10 Check, 05/13/2024, ACH, US CELLULAR, Alarm Autodialer/ Cell Phone......................................... -21.26 Check, 05/13/2024, ACH, FENCL OIL & LP CO., City LP and Fuel........... -691.07 Check, 05/17/2024, ACH, CENTURYLINK, City Telephones.. -141.61 Check, 05/17/2024, ACH, MEDIACOM, Clocks Internet Access...................... -99.97 Check, 05/20/2024, 22295, WINNESHIEK COENGINEERS OFFICE, Snow Removal Supplies........................................... -595.70 Check, 05/20/2024, 22296, ALL FLAGS, LLC, Flags...................................... -142.64 Check, 05/20/2024, 22297, IA DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION, Road Signs... -30.00 Check, 05/20/2024, 22298, DRIFTLESS MULTIMEDIA, Publications......... -124.60 Check, 05/20/2024, ACH, ALLIANT, Electricity..................................... -2,136.54 Check, 05/20/2024, 22299, HUBER’S STORE, Supplies.............................. -15.55 Check, 05/20/2024, 22300, DRIFTLESS MULTIMEDIA, Publications......... -108.40 Check, 05/20/2024, 22301, STRAUBE, THOMAS, Weed Control............. -3,025.00 Check, 05/20/2024, 22302, Origin Design, Water Engineering........................ -2,394.00 Check, 05/20/2024, 22303, CLET KOSHATKA FARM EQUIPMENT, Equipment Maintenance................. -699.54 Check, 05/20/2024, 22304, BADGER METER, Water Maintenance............ -60.00 Check, 05/20/2024, ACH, JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, Park, clocks, shop supplies................................... -102.72 Check, 05/20/2024, 22305, DRIFTLESS MULTIMEDIA, Publications........... -49.22 Check, 05/20/2024, ACH, VISA, City CC/Maintenance &Supplies......... -1,748.65 Check, 05/20/2024, 22306, LOCKWOOD, DAVID, Reimbursement: Library Front Landscaping.................................... -336.91 Check, 05/20/2024, 22307, Auburn Public Library, Library Books........................ -7.79 Check, 05/20/2024, 22308, Maxwell Public Library, Library Books...................... -15.00 Check, 05/20/2024, 22309, MICROMARKETING, Library Books................................................ -31.55 Check, 05/20/2024, 22310, THE GAZETTE, Library Serial.............. -374.40 Check, 05/20/2024, 22311, Seamless Gutter Co., Library Maintenance.................. -575.00 Check, 05/20/2024, ACH, CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK, Bank ACH Fees............ -18.80 Check, 05/24/2024, ach, JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, Park, clocks, shop supplies........................................... -134.67 Check, 05/31/2024, 22312, Craft, SusannaVirginia, May 2024 Payroll.......... -1,871.51 Check, 05/31/2024, 22313, Elsbernd, Sandra A, May 2024 Payroll........... -416.32 Check, 05/31/2024, 22314, GESING, KATHY, May 2024 Payroll............. -738.38 Check, 05/31/2024, 22315, KUHN, RUTH, May 2024 Payroll............................ -824.72 Check, 05/31/2024, 22316, LUTGEN, ADDISON, May 2024 Payroll.......... -50.79 Check, 05/31/2024, 22317, LUTGEN, MAKINLEY, May 2024 Payroll....... -50.79 Check, 05/31/2024, 22318, PHILLIPS, LARRY J, May 2024 Payroll....... -5,296.34 Check, 05/31/2024, 22319, Shatek, Lori, May 2024 Payroll............................ -230.87 Check, 05/31/2024, 22320, Thompson, Linda M., May 2024 Payroll........... -512.44 Check, 05/31/2024, 22321, WAGNER, NIKKI J, May 2024 Payroll......... -1,385.00 Decorah (Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024

The Spillville City Council held the regular meeting at the Spillville City Hall at 6:00 PM. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 Mayor Wermers called the meeting to order with the following councilmen present Kelsay, Taylor, Straube and Schmitt. Absent, Backes.

Motion by Taylor, second by Schmitt to approve the minutes of the July 8th and July 15th meetings. Voice vote, Ayes, Kelsay, Taylor and Schmitt. Nays, Straube. Motion Carried.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Schmitt to approve the claims. Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Straube, second by Taylor to approve the finance reports. Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

The water project will tentatively begin August 12, 2024 on Main Street.

Motion by Schmitt, second by Kelsay to adopt Resolution authorizing and approving a Loan and Disbursement Agreement and providing for the issuance and securing the payment of water Revenue Bonds, Series 2024.

Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none.

Motion Carried.

Annexation – tabled.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Taylor to adopt Resolution 24-8-1 setting the FY25 salaries for city employees as follows; Larry Phillips - $28.71 Susanna Craft - $16.85 All others 5%.

Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none.

Motion Carried.

Motion by Schmitt second by Straube to adopt Resolution 24-8-2 naming bank depositories. Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Taylor to approve the first reading of Ordinance amendment 6-5-10 setting water rates. Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Schmitt, second by Kelsay to waive the 2nd and 3rd readings of ordinance amendment 6-5-10 setting water rates. Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Taylor, second by Schmitt to adopt Ordinance Amendment 6-5-10 setting water rates. Voice vote: Ayes, unanimous.

Nays, none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Taylor to adjourn. Roll call vote: unanimous. Motion Carried.

Meeting adjourned 8:15.

Attest: Julie Shimek, City Clerk Fund, Income.............................. Distribution General, $9406.80..........................$19508.54 Debt Service, $52.90...................................$0 Clocks, $6689.50...........................$21331.89 Capitol, $0...................................................$0 Library Trust, $47.14.......................$4057.26 Water, $15187.87...........................$15462.16 Campground, $1949.01......................$351.38 Water Deposit, $180....................................$0 Road Use, 13684.01.........................$3861.82 Sewer, $8383.27...............................$3845.36 LOST, 6168.24............................................$0 July 2024 Claims Type, Date, Num, Name, Memo....... Amount Check, 07/02/2024, ACH, CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK, ACH Fees..................... -18.70 Check, 07/02/2024, eFile, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax............ -752.18 Check, 07/03/2024, EFT, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, State withholding Taxes..

-864.73 Check, 07/03/2024, EFT, United States Treasury, April Federal Taxes................ -2,131.08 Check, 07/03/2024, EFT, United States Treasury, June Federal Taxes................. -2,115.86 Check, 07/04/2024, EFT, DRIFTLESS SECURITY, Library Alarm...................... -70.00 Check, 07/06/2024, 22341, Kyle Sorenson, 4th of July.......................................... -600.00 Check, 07/06/2024, 22342, Avey Grouws Band, 4th of July............................. -2,500.00 Check, 07/09/2024, 22345, IZER, JUSTIN & ASHLEY, Utility Deposit Refund........ -22.17 Check, 07/09/2024, 22344, KUHN, RUTH, Payroll................................................ -695.96 Check, 07/09/2024, ACH, US CELLULAR, Alarm Autodialer/Cell Phone............. -178.60 Check, 07/09/2024, ACH, VISA, Library, Books, Supplies................................. -393.74 Check, 07/09/2024, 500042, VISA, Library, Books, Supplies................................... -66.91 Check, 07/09/2024, ach, VISA, City Supplies................................................. -1,119.74 Check, 07/15/2024, EFT, MEDIACOM, Clocks Internet Access....................... -104.97 Check, 07/15/2024, 22346, Simmering-Cory, Water Grant Writing........................ -2,000.00 Check, 07/15/2024, EFT, AMAZON MARKETPLACE, Clocks Supplies........... -389.06 Check, 07/15/2024, 22347, MPLC, Video MPLC License................................... -168.60 Check, 07/15/2024, 22348, HUBER’S STORE, Park Supplies......................... -14.95 Check, 07/15/2024, 22349, WINNESHIEK COUNTY SHERIFF, Law Enforcement................................... -1.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22351, LA COMMUNICATIONS, INC, Event Advertising... -377.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22352, RIDGEWAY LUMBER, Maintenance.................... -587.20 Check, 07/15/2024, 22353, IDNR, Annual Public Water Supply Fee...................... -42.24 Check, 07/15/2024, 22354, D & K PRODUCTS, Flowers.................................. -212.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22355, THE SATURDAY EVENING POST, Library Serials.........

-28.00 Check, 07/15/2024, EFT, JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, Park, clocks, shop supplies, pump.................................................. -479.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22356, MISSISSIPPI WELDERS SUPPLY CO., Fire Inspection..................................... -76.60 Check, 07/15/2024, 22357, FARMERS UNION COOPERATIVE, Fuel Tank Lease...

-1,505.96 Check, 07/15/2024, 22358, FENCL OIL & LP CO., City LP................................. -873.57 Check, 07/15/2024, 22359, Origin Design, Water Engineering.......................... -2,793.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22360, Marv Smith Electric, Plbg & Htg, Bily Clocks................................... -14,824.76 Check, 07/15/2024, 22361, Marv Smith Electric, Plbg & Htg, Bridge Lighting.................................. -626.68 Check, 07/15/2024, 22362, USA BLUEBOOK, Water Supplies...................... -532.72 Check, 07/15/2024, 22363, STRAUBE, THOMAS, Weed Control.................. -100.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22364, HAWKINS, INC, Water-Supplies................................... -324.83 Check, 07/15/2024, EFT, CENTURYLINK, City Telephones.................................. -334.83 Check, 07/15/2024, 22365, CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK, Lock Box...................... -17.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22366, NMN, Museum Souvenirs........................................... -212.00 Check, 07/15/2024, 22367, Microbac Laboratories, Inc, Water & Sewer Testing................................................ -289.00 Check, 07/15/2024, EFT, ALLIANT, Electricity............................................... -2,198.46 Check, 07/16/2024, 22384, STRAUBE, THOMAS, Weed Control.................. -250.00 Check, 07/16/2024, 22385, RAPIDS REPRODUCTIONS, Water Project................................... -1,323.31 Check, 07/16/2024, 22386, M I C R O M A R K E T I N G , Library Books...................................... -60.43 Check, 07/16/2024, 22387, UPPER IOWA INSURANCE SERVICES CORP., City Insurance............................................... -339.00 Check, 07/16/2024, 22388, LOCKWOOD, DAVID, Reimbursement: Library Front Landscaping....................................... -147.59 Check, 07/16/2024, 22389, PENFIELD BOOKS, Clocks Souvenirs................ -308.34 Check, 07/16/2024, 22350, DRIFTLESS MULTIMEDIA, Publications............ -524.27 Check, 07/16/2024, 22390, DRIFTLESS MULTIMEDIA, Clocks Promotion... -200.00 Check, 07/16/2024, 22391, GRAPHICS, INC., Clocks Brochures..................... -250.00 Check, 07/16/2024, 22392, Origin Design, Water Engineering.......................... -5,999.50 Check, 07/16/2024, 22393, JERALD ANDERA, Flowers.................................... -2,889.65 Check, 07/16/2024., 22394, HAWKINS, INC, Water-Supplies..................................... -71.20 Check, 07/16/2024, EFT, GIGFIRE, Internet Service.................................................. -70.00 Check, 07/16/2024, 22395, SHIMEK SANITATION, Sanitation Contract.......................... -3,138.20 Check, 07/16/2024, 22396, CRESCO SHOPPER, Museum/ Campground/ Music/ Promotion..................................................... -255.00 Check, 07/16/2024, 22397, MID-AMERICA PUBLISHING CORP., Publications.... -91.20 Check, 07/16/2024, 22398, Microbac Laboratories, Inc, Water & Sewer Testing................................................ -632.75 Check, 07/16/2024, 22399, CASEY KLEIN, Summer Concert Series...................... -480.00 Check, 07/18/2024, ACH, IPERS, IPERS.............................................. -1,446.74 Check, 07/24/2024, ACH, CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK, ACH Fees..................... -18.80 Check, 07/31/2024, 22400, Craft, Susanna-Virginia, Payroll......................... -1,691.32 Check, 07/31/2024, 22401, Elsbernd, Sandra A, Payroll........................................... -718.87

Check, 07/31/2024, 22402, KUHN, RUTH, Payroll................................................ -383.23 Check, 07/31/2024, 22403, KULISH, JOANE, Payroll.............................. -1,732.76 Check, 07/31/2024, 22404, LUTGEN, ADDISON, Payroll.................................. -295.52 Check, 07/31/2024, 22405, LUTGEN, MAKINLEY, Payroll......................... -378.64 Check, 07/31/2024, 22406, PHILLIPS, LARRY J, Payroll................................... -3,922.47 Check, 07/31/2024, 22407, Shatek, Lori, Payroll...................................................... -106.20 Check, 07/31/2024, 22408, Thompson, Linda M., Payroll......................................... -300.13 Check, 07/31/2024, 22409, GESING, KATHY, Payroll................................. -978.50 Check, 07/31/2024, 22410, Shimek, Julie M, Payroll................................................ -394.05 Check, 07/31/2024, 22411, Wagner, Abigail A, Payroll........................................... -144.07 Check, 07/31/2024, 22412, WAGNER, NIKKI J, Payroll....................................... -308.86 Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024

ORDINANCE NO. 1333 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 6 OF THE DECORAH MUNICIPAL CODE -ANIMALS WHEREAS, the City of Decorah, Iowa, is committed to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of its residents and animals; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is necessary and appropriate to update and amend the regulations pertaining to animals to reflect current best practices, address community concerns, and promote responsible pet ownership; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to Title 6 of the Decorah Municipal Code have been reviewed and recommended by the appropriate city departments and legal counsel; and WHEREAS, the City Council has provided opportunities for public input and has duly considered all comments and suggestions from residents and stakeholders; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED

BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That Decorah City Code Chapter 6.04 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Chapter 6.04 -ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE 6.04.005 Definitions As used in this chapter: “Animal” means any animal, reptile or fowl, to include, but not limited to, cattle, horses, swine, sheep, dogs, cats, or other similar or domestic animals or domestic fowl, owned, kept, sheltered, or otherwise under the control or responsibility of a person or persons, firm, association, corporation or any type of for-profit or nonprofit entity.

“At large” means any cattle, horses, swine, sheep, dogs, cats, mules, goats, or other similar domestic animals or domestic fowl, off the premises of its owner, to include on the premises of someone who is not the owner, upon the public streets, alleys, public grounds, school grounds or parks within the city.

“Owner” means any person or persons, firm, association, corporation or any type of forprofit or nonprofit entity owning, keeping, sheltering or harboring a “Premises” means real property that is a tract of land, condominium unit or a rental unit, and any structures and grounds that belong to it, such as house, building, or yard, and includes commercial and non-commercial real estate.

6.04.010 - Running at large.

It is a misdemeanor to allow any animal to run at large within the city.

6.04.020- lmpoundment of animals running at large.

Any animal found to be at-large within the city shall be impounded and restrained.

The owner, if known, shall be promptly notified of the status of the animal. The owner is responsible for any and all fees incurred in the capture, impoundment or restraint of said animals. The city shall give written notification by certified mail or personal service to the owner, if known, of any impounded animal to the last known address of the owner.

If the owner is unknown or has an unknown address, the city may provide notice to the owner by publication in the newspaper.

The owner shall have five days after notice, whether by certified mail or five days after publication, to claim the animal, subject to paying all costs associated with impounding the animal. Such animals, upon notification to the owner, that go unclaimed, or the owner fails to pay impoundment costs, shall become the property of the city The city shall attempt to find a new owner for the animal. If the city fails to find a new owner after reasonable attempts, the city, in its sole discretion, may have the animal humanely euthanized.

6.04.024 - lmpoundment fees The city council of the city of Decorah shall periodically establish impoundment fees by appropriate resolution upon the recommendation of the chief of police.

6.04.025- Care of Animals It shall be the duty of the chief of police to obtain the necessary assistance to properly feed and care for all animals distrained or impounded by the police department.

6.04.030 Keeping of livestock A The keeping, stabling, or housing or pasturing of sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, swine, or similar animals is prohibited, except that such animals are allowed if on a parcel of land over two acres in size and located no closer than 200 feet from a residential property (not including a residence on the same lot owned by the same land owner).

B. Animals within the city limits, which would otherwise be prohibited by this section, before publication of this ordinance, are grandfathered; However, the property owner has the burden of proof of continuous land occupation of the animals from prior to publication of this ordinance.

SECTION 2. That Decorah City Code Chapter 6.08 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Chapter 6.08 ANIMAL FIGHTING Section 6.08.010 Animal Fighting It is a misdemeanor to keep or use or in any way be involved with through management of, brokering of, collecting or paying money for, maintaining property for, hold animals for the purpose of fighting or baiting other animals. This section pertains to all animals including but not limited to bulls, dogs, and roosters. Any participating person in such activities that indicate aiding and abetting and/or encouraging and assisting in animal fighting may be charged under this ordinance.

SECTION 3. That Decorah City Code Chapter 6.12 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Chapter 6.12 BOTHERSOME , VICIOUS, DANGEROUS ANIMALS 6.12.005 -Definitions As used in this chapter: “Dangerous animal” means: (1) Any animal which is not naturally tame or gentle, and which is of a wild nature or disposition, and which is capable of killing, inflicting serious injury upon or causing disease among human beings or domestic animals and having known tendencies as a species to do so; and (2) Any animal declared to be dangerous by the county board of health or city council or its designee; and the following animals, which are deemed to be dangerous animals per se: (a) Lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, lynx and bobcats; (b) Wolves, coyotes and foxes; (c) Badgers, wolverines, weasels, skunks, minks and groundhogs; (d) Raccoons, deer and snapping turtles; (e) Bears; (f) Monkeys and chimpanzees; (g) Alligators and crocodiles; (h) Snakes that are venomous or constrictors; (i) and Gila monsters.

“Domestic animal” means any animal commonly kept as a pet in family households in the United States, including but not limited to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters.

“Owner” means any firm, corporation, organization, department, or person 18 years of age or older that possesses, harbors, keeps, has an interest in, or has control or custody of an animal.

“Proper enclosure” of vicious animals requires that, except when properly restrained, animals are securely confined within an occupied house or residence or in an escapeproof kennel or other appropriate structure with all of the following requirements: (1) Such kennel or structure shall allow the animal to stand normally and without restriction, and shall be at least two and one half times the length of the dog, and shall protect the animal from the elements.

(2) For dogs, fencing material shall not have openings with a diameter of more than

two (2) inches, and in the case of wooden fences, the gaps shall not be more than two (2) inches. For all other animals, the structure shall be sufficient to keep the animal securely within the enclosure. Any gates within such kennel or structure shall be lockable and of such design as to prevent the entry of children or the escape of the animal, and when the dog is confined to such kennel and unattended such locks shall be kept locked.

(3) The kennel or structure may be required to have double exterior walls to prevent the insertion of fingers, hands, or other objects.

(4) The kennel or structure must have a secure bottom, floor or foundation attached to the sides of the pen, or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet so as to prevent digging under the walls.

(5) The kennel or structure must comply with all zoning and building regulations in the jurisdictions.

(6) The kennel or structure must be adequately lighted and ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

(7) No vicious animal may be kept on a porch, patio or in any part of a house or residence that would allow the vicious dog to exit such building on its own volition. No vicious dog may be tethered to inanimate objects such as trees, post, buildings, or any other object or structure with a chain, rope, or other type of leash.

“Proper restraint” means an animal is under the control of an owner, muzzled, and restrained by a substantial lead not exceeding six feet in length when not confined in a proper enclosure. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will prevent the animal from biting a human or animal; but will not cause injury to the animal, obscure its vision, or interfere with its respiration.

“Vicious animal” means: (1) Any animal, including a dog, with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, as evidenced by its habitual or repeated chasing, snapping or biting at human beings or domestic animals so as to potentially cause injury or otherwise endanger their safety. Provided, however, that no dog may be declared ‘vicious’: (1) If the dog was protecting or defending a person within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an attack or assault; (2) If at the time the person was committing a crime or offense upon the property of the owner, or custodian, of the dog; (3) If the person was teasing, tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog, or in the past had teased, tormented, abused or assaulted the dog; (4) If the dog was attacked or menaced by the domestic animal, or the domestic animal was on the property of the owner, or custodian of the dog; (5) If the dog was responding to pain or injury or protecting itself, its kennels, or its offspring; (6) If the person or domestic animal was disturbing the dog’s natural functions such as sleeping or eating.

(7) Neither growling nor barking, nor both, shall alone constitute grounds upon which to find a dog to be “vicious.”

6.12.010 - Bothersome animals.

It is a misdemeanor: A. to keep within the city a bothersome animal, such as, but not limited to, barking dogs, cattle, horses, swine, or sheep, that cause serious or habitual disturbance or annoyance to any person, such as by, but not limited to, frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, or any other conduct, causing disruption to the public peace; or by running after or chasing person, bicycles, automobile, or other vehicles.

B. for any owner or person in control of any animal, to include a dog, to allow or permit such animal to pass upon the premises of another thereby causing damage to, or interference with the premises.

6.12.020- Dangerous animals.

A. No person shall keep, shelter or harbor any dangerous animal as a pet or act as temporary custodian for such animal, or keep, shelter or harbor such animal for any other purpose or in any capacity within the city, except in the following circumstances: (1) The keeping of dangerous animals for exhibition to the public by a bona fide traveling circus, carnival, exhibit or show; (2) The keeping of dangerous animals in a bona fide, licensed veterinary hospital for treatment; (3) Any dangerous animals under the jurisdiction of and in the possession of the state’s Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to I.C.A. Ch. 481A and 481 B; (4) The keeping of illegal animals in a regionally accredited educational or medical institution, an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship licensed animal shelter or pound, or a museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, where they are kept as live specimens for the purpose of instruction, research or study; or (5) The conveyance of animals through the city in compliance with all state and federal laws governing the possession and sale of such animal, provided that such animal does not remain within the city longer than necessary for its safe conveyance through the city, and such animal is not removed from the vehicle except as necessary for immediate transfer to another vehicle.

B. A police officer will respond to complaints of dangerous animals and remove them or report them to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. In the event imminent danger exists, the police shall be authorized to destroy the dangerous animal. Imminent danger includes, but is not limited to a dangerous animal aggressively chasing, maiming or attacking any domestic animal or fowl, or when such animal is aggressively chasing, maiming or attacking a person. Any impounded dangerous animals may be turned over to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

6.12.030 Vicious Animals A. It is unlawful to keep or harbor any vicious animal of any kind within the city.

B. If an animal is in the act of aggressively chasing, maiming or attacking any domestic animal or fowl, or when such animal is aggressively chasing, maiming or attacking a person, it shall be lawful for the police department to kill such animal, if in the determination of the police officer on the scene the animal cannot be safely capture or confined.

The city shall be under no duty to attempt the confinement or capture of a vicious animal found at large, nor shall it have a duty to notify the owner of such animal prior to its destruction.

C. If a police officer observes, or receives a report of, an animal aggressively chasing, maiming or attacking a human or domestic animal or fowl, the police department shall conduct an investigation to determine whether or not the animal is a vicious animal according to the city code.

D. Investigation Requirements 1. The chief of police, or the chief of police’s designee, shall appoint an investigating officer who will review all relevant reports and evidence of whether the animal meets the definition of a vicious animal according to the city code. The investigating officer shall prepare a written investigation findings, to include a determination of whether or not the animal is deemed vicious.

2. The police department shall notify the owner of the investigation findings within 3 business days of the completion of the investigation. The investigation findings will be provided in writing to the owner of the animal and delivered by certified mail or personal service.

3. The owner may appeal the investigation findings to the city manager. The owner must provide a written notice of appeal to the police department within 7 calendar day of either the mailing of the report of the investigation findings by certified mail or within 3 business days if the owner receives the report of investigation findings by personal service. The notice of appeal shall state the grounds for such appeal and shall be delivered personally or by certified mail to the police department.

The appeal hearing will be scheduled within 20 calendar days of the receipt of the notice of appeal, if an appeal is timely filed, but the hearing may be continued for good cause.

The appeal shall be heard and decided by the city manager, or the city manager’s designee.

The appeal hearing shall be confined to the record made, the arguments of the parties or their representatives, any additional evidence which was not available at the time of the investigation, and any other information the city manager, or the city manager’s designee, deems necessary. After the hearing, the city manager or the city manager’s designee will affirm or reverse the investigation findings of the police department, and such findings shall

be deemed final. The city manager’s determination will be filed with the police department within 3 days of the hearing.

E. Vicious animal certificate of registration requirements 1. Following an investigation that determines an animal is vicious, and exhaustion of any appeal rights, the police department shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner if the owner demonstrates to the satisfaction of the police department the following criteria have been met within 30 days of notification of investigation findings: i. The owner of the vicious animal shall present a certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in this state, providing personal liability insurance coverage as in a homeowner’s policy, with a minimum liability amount of $100,000.00 for the injury or death of any person, for damage to property of others and for acts of negligence by the owner or his or her agents, in the keeping or owning of such vicious animal. The certificate of registration requires the owner to notify the police department within one business day, if the insurance policy is cancelled for any reason.

The cancellation or other termination of any insurance policy, issued in compliance with this section, shall automatically revoke and terminate certificate of registration under this section, unless another policy, complying with this section, shall be provided and in effect at the time of such cancellation or termination. The city clerk or the clerk’s designee shall immediately issue written notification of the revocation of such certificate issued under this section; and ii. If the vicious animal is a dog, the dog has a current rabies vaccination at the owner’s expense and complies with Iowa Code Chapter 351; and iii. The vicious animal is required to be properly restrained at all times when not being confined in a proper enclosure; and iv. If the vicious animal is a dog, the dog has been implanted with a microchip containing owner identification information at the owner’s expense. The microchip information must be registered with the police department; and v. The vicious animal has been photographed for identification purposes and the photo is kept with the police department; and vi. The owner of the vicious animal has written permission of the property owner or homeowner’s association where the vicious dog will be kept if applicable; and vii. The owner of the vicious animal has posted on the premises a clearly visible written warning sign that there is a vicious animal on the property with a conspicuous warning symbol that informs children of the presence of a vicious animal. The sign shall be legible from the public roadway or 50 feet, whichever is less.

2. The certificate of registration provided for in this section shall be valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

3. The fee for the issuance of an initial certificate of registration and the renewal fee shall be as set by resolution of the city council.

F. Vicious animal owner requirements of notification to police department. The owner of a vicious animal shall: 1. Notify the police department immediately in person or by telephone upon escape if a vicious animal is on the loose, is unconfined, has attacked another domestic animal, or has attacked a human being.

2. Notify police department within 3 calendar days with the complete name, address, and telephone number of the new owner of the vicious animal if the animal has been sold, given away, or ownership has been transferred to an owner inside or outside the jurisdiction.

3. Notify police department within 3 calendar days of a change of address or telephone number by the owner of the vicious animal.

4. Notify police department within 3 calendar days if the vicious animal has died and the circumstances of the animal’s death.

G. Consequences of failure to comply with ordinance.

1. If the police department determines that an animal is vicious, after notice and exhaustion of appeal rights, the police department has the discretion to impound the animal, at cost to the owner, until the owner meets the requirements outlined in this chapter.

2. If, after thirty (30) days from the date of final determination of vicious animal status, the owner has not satisfied all the requirements, the animal may be humanely euthanized or otherwise humanely rehomed on the thirty-first day. The owner shall be liable to the city for the costs of impounding and any euthanizing of a vicious animal, whether or not the owner reclaims the animal. “Rehome or Rehomed” for purposes of this Title may include finding a new owner or home for an animal and the city relinquishing any ownership of said animal.

3. An owner who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

4. An owner who is found guilty of a second offense under this chapter, involving the same animal, shall be ordered to surrender the animal involved to the city, and the animal may be humanely euthanized or otherwise humanely rehomed, in the discretion of the city. The owner shall be liable to this jurisdiction for the costs of impounding and any euthanizing of a vicious animal, whether or not the owner reclaims the animal.

SECTION 4. That Decorah City Code Chapter 6.16 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: CHAPTER 6.16 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS Section 6.16.010 Cruelty to Animals Prohibited It is a misdemeanor to be cruel to any animal by depriving it of necessary sustenance or protection, or by abandoning, beating, killing, tormenting, maiming, disfiguring, overworking it, or by committing any other act or omission by which unjustifiable pain, distress, suffering or death is caused or knowingly permitted to any animal or animals, or by procurement of any of the above acts or omissions, whether the acts or omissions are committed maliciously, willfully, or negligently. When a police officer receives a complaint of cruelty to animal, the police officer will initiate an investigation. A certified veterinarian will make a determination of the condition of an animal to aid in the investigation to determine if charges are warranted in such cases. In extreme circumstances and under direction of a certified veterinarian, officers may seize domesticated animals to procure care as prescribed by the veterinarian at the animal owner’s expense.

SECTION 5. That Decorah City Code Chapter 6.20 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: Chapter 6.20 DOGS- Control 6.20.010 Definitions.

As used in this chapter: “At large” means any dog found off the premises of its owner, to include on the premises of someone who is not the owner, upon the public streets, alleys, public grounds, school grounds or parks within the city. A dog shall not be deemed at large under any of the following circumstances: (1) If attached to a leash or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog and not more than six feet in length when the leash or chain is held by a person competent to restrain and control the dog off the owner’s premises; a retractable leash with more than six feet of length is also acceptable, so long as the leash may be reduced to six feet or less, and so long as it is of sufficient strength to restrain the dog and is held by a person competent to restrain and control the dog; (2) If properly restrained within a motor vehicle or housed in a veterinary hospital or kennel; (3) If on an operable electronic restraint and within range of the electronic restraint device; (4) If left unattended on the owner’s premises, the dog is so confined, tied or restrained as to be unable to range beyond the owner’s premises; (5) If the owner and the dog are participating in a regularly scheduled competitive or exhibition event, sanctioned or sponsored by a nationally rec_ognized organization, local chapter thereof or other generally recognized local organization; (6) If in a park designed by the city’s Park and Recreation Department for such activities and the owner and dog are complying with the terms and conditions established by the Park and Recreation Department; “Dogs” means both male and female animals of the canine species whether altered or not.

“Owner” means any person or persons, firm, association, corporation or any type of forprofit or nonprofit entity owning, keeping, sheltering or harboring a dog.

“Pound” means any building or enclosure or a place selected or authorized by the city

9

council for the purpose of restraining or impounding any animal taken up under the provisions of this chapter.

“Premises” means real property that is a tract of land, condominium unit or a rental unit, and any structures and grounds that belong to it, such as house, building, or yard, and includes commercial and non-commercial real estate.

6.20.030 Immunization.

All dogs six months of age or older shall be vaccinated against rabies. It is a violation of this chapter for any dog not to be vaccinated against rabies. A tag showing evidence of proper vaccination shall be worn by any dog when not confined.

6.20.040 Kennel dogs.

Dog Kennels kept for the sole purpose of breeding and sale are prohibited; except that, not more than three dogs over the age of six months may be kept per residence.

6.20.050 At large prohibited.

A. No owner of any dog shall permit such dog to run at large.

B. If an owner of a dog is found in violation of this section three or more times within ten years, the owner will be required to obtain a certificate of registration from the police department, in accordance with the requirements of a vicious animal certificate of registration pursuant to city code.

6.20.060 Barking or annoying dog prohibited.

A. It is unlawful for any owner of a dog to allow or permit such dog to pass upon the premises of another thereby causing damage to, or interference with, the premises.

B. It is unlawful for an owner of a dog to allow or permit such dog to cause serious annoyance or disturbance to any person or persons by frequent and habitual howling, yelping, barking, or otherwise; or by running after or chasing persons, bicycles, automobiles, or other vehicles.

6.20.070 lmpoundment when.

A. Any unvaccinated dog found at large or any dog found at large in violation of Sections 6.20.030 and 6.20.050 shall be seized and impounded, or at the discretion of the chief of police, the owner may be summoned to appear before a proper court to answer charges made thereunder.

B. Impounded dogs may be recovered by the owner upon proper identification and payment of the impounding fee, boarding costs and any related costs. If such dogs are not claimed within seven days after impounding, they shall be rehomed or euthanized in a humane manner as directed by the city manager or surrendered to the Northeast Iowa Humane Society for adoption, if the Northeast Iowa Humane Society will accept such dog for adoption.

C. The owner of any unvaccinated dog that has bitten a human being or a domesticated animal, even when justified, shall surrender the dog for quarantine as directed by an order from the Decorah Police Department for observation for 10 days. The owner shall be responsible for all fees for such quarantine. The Chief of Police may authorize the animal to be confined to the home of its owner for the required 1 O days. If the dog or the owner has a history of dog at large, at any time in the city limits of Decorah, the animal will be quarantined under order of the police department or board of health.

6.20.080 Interference with the impounding officer.

Any person who breaks upon the pound or discharges or aids in discharge or aids in discharging any animal therefrom or from the custody of the chief of police or his delegated representative without his authority, or by process of law or who hinders, delays or obstructs the chief of police or his designated representative in taking or driving any animal to the pound is guilty of a misdemeanor.

6.20.090 Confinement.

The owner of any dog which has contracted rabies or which has been suspected of having rabies, or which has bitten any person, shall, upon demand of the police department of the city, produce and surrender up such dog to such department to be held in quarantine for observation for a period determined by the chief of police at the expense of the owner of said dog; or such dog may, at the discretion of the chief of police , be confined at the home of its owner in such manner as he shall prescribe.

6.20.100 Disposal of infected animal.

If, upon laboratory examination, any dog proves to be infected with rabies, such animal shall be rehomed or euthanized as directed by the chief of police. It shall be the duty of said veterinarian to notify the chief of police of any positive rabies cases found, without delay.

6.20.110 Harboring dogs suspected of infection.

Any person who knowingly harbors or keeps any dog infected with rabies or any dog known to have been bitten by a rabid dog or who fails to produce and surrender any dog suspected of being so infected shall be punished as provided in Chapter 1.24.

6.20.120 Reporting dead dogs.

Any person finding a dead dog or other animal shall at once notify the police department.

Upon receipt of such notice, the dead animal will be picked up and delivered to any recognized rabies diagnostic laboratory to be checked for rabies.

6.20.140 Dog and cat waste.

Any person who shall walk a dog or cat on public or private property shall provide for the disposal of the solid waste material excreted by the dog or cat by immediate removal of the waste except when the dog or cat is on the owner’s or keeper’s property and except for dogs properly trained and certified to assist persons with disabilities while such dogs are acting in such capacity.

Repealer. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

Severability Clause. If any section, provision, or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, as a whole, or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.

When Effective. This Ordinance shall be in effect upon its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.

Date of First Reading: July 1, 2024 Date of Second Reading: July 15, 2024 Roll Call Vote: Aye: Neal, Olson, Zittergruen, Hadley, Miculinich, Parker, Schissel Nays: None PASSED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of August, 2024.

CITY OF DECORAH Lorraine Borowski, Mayor ATTEST: Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer I hereby certify that the above Ordinance No. 1333 was published on the 15 day of August, 2024, in the Decorah Leader.

Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING To Whom It May Concern: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of Winneshiek County, Iowa, have set for August 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Board of Supervisors Office in the Winneshiek County Courthouse Annex, Decorah, Iowa, as the time and place for hearing on the proposed sale of the Winneshiek County real estate being more particularly described as follows: Lots 1 and 2 of Block 2 in Morningside Addition and also the vacated 19’ alley North of said Lot 1; Lots 1 and 2 of Montgomery’s Reserve; Lots 1, 2 and 3 in Block 1 of Montgomery’s Addition all in the City of Decorah, IA and also Lots 1-2-1 and 2-2-1 in the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter in Section 15, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., in Winneshiek County, Iowa.

At said time and place, consideration will be given to the sale of the subject real estate to Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation for the sum of $1.00 and such other terms and conditions as are set forth in the Offer to Purchase Real Estate submitted by Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation to Winneshiek County, a copy of which can be viewed at the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office.

At said time and place, arguments for and against the sale of the property will be heard and considered. A copy of the resolution setting this public hearing is available for review at the Office of the Winneshiek County Auditor.

By order of the Board of Supervisors of Winneshiek County, Iowa, this 12th day of August 2024.

WlNNESHIEK COUNTY AUDlTOR Benjamin Steines Decorah (Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221

Help Wanted

Street operator The City of Decorah Street Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Street Operator. Minimum qualifications include high school diploma or equivalent. Valid driver’s license with Class B CDL and airbrake endorsement (must obtain within one month of hire). Minimum of one year of experience in maintenance, construction, repair work, or related occupation. Familiarity with maps, engineering plans, blueprints and utility markings. Position is subject to post-offer physical examination including drug testing, background and motor vehicle records check. Starting pay range up to $25.89 per hour.

Competitive benefit package offered.

Application and complete job description may be obtained at the City Clerk’s office, Decorah Municipal Center, 400 Claiborne Drive or online at www.decorahia.org. For more information call 563382-3651. Return city application to: City of Decorah, Attn: Michael O’Hara, Public Works Director, PO Box 138, Decorah, IA, 52101 or mohara@decorah.iowa.gov.

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Applications will be received until position is filled, with first review of applications 4:00 PM, August 23, 2024.

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Help Wanted-Government POLICE OFFICER TEST NOTICE Test Dates: September 20th & 21st, 2024 Application deadline is September 4th @ 4:00pm. Lakes Area Law Enforcement Employment Co-op. Is establishing an eligibility list for current and future law enforcement openings in the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes Area! Successful applicants are eligible for employment by all agencies: Arnolds Park, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Lake Park, Milford, Okoboji, Spencer, Spirit Lake Police Departments; Palo Alto, Osceola & Dickinson County Sheriff’s Offices At the time of application, candidates must meet State Requirements for Law Enforcement Employment. Currently certified ILEA applicants are allowed lateral transfer. Applicants without certification are required to pass P.O.S.T. & physical agility exams.

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IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DARREL HAGER, DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR 016305 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: August 15, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader August 8 & 15, 2024

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE STATUS OF FUNDED ACTIVITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY OF FESTINA WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Pursuant to the requirements of Section 508 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended, the Winneshiek County Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 10:15 AM at the Courthouse Annex building located at 201 West Main Street, Decorah, IA. The purpose of the hearing will be to discuss the status of funding for the Festina wastewater treatment facility improvement project.

The project is being funded in part through a Community Development Block Grant provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, along with funding from the community of Festina.

If you have questions concerning the project or if you require special accommodations to attend the hearing such as handicapped accessibility or translation services, you may contact Ben Steines, Winneshiek County Auditor at 563-382-5085. Written comments may also be submitted to the Winneshiek County supervisors, 201 West Main Street, Decorah, IA 52101. Persons interested in the status of funding, or the progress of the project are welcome to attend this meeting.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY

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Winneshiek County Secondary Roads will be accepting applications for the position of “On-Demand Part Time Operator” at the office of the Winneshiek County Engineer, 201 W Main St, Decorah, IA 52101. Class A CDL with medical card are required at application. Applications and job description are available at the Engineers Office and at www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs.html.

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PUBLIC NOTICE The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, has received a construction permit application for a confinement feeding operation, more specifically described as follows: Name of Applicant: Nick Bohr Location of the operation: Section 5, Lincoln Township.

Type of confinement feeding operation structure proposed: A new RNG digester system at an existing dairy operation.

Animal Unit Capacity of the Confinement Operation after Construction: 2153 animal units (1395 head of mature dairy cattle and 200 head of immature dairy cattle}.

Examination: The application is of file at the County Sanitarian’s Office and is available for public inspection during the following days: Monday through Friday and the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Comments: written comments may be filed at the County Sanitarian’s Office, until the following deadline of August 16th, 2024.

Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024

IN THE MATTER OF the Estate of Matthew M. Jackson Probate No. ESPR016289 Notice Of Probate Of Will, Of Appointment Of Executor, And Notice To Creditors To all persons interested in the estate of Matthew M. Jackson deceased, who died on or about January 25, 2024 You are hereby notified that April 18, 2024 the Last Will and Testament of Matthew M. Jackson deceased, bearing the date of February 1, 2019, was admitted to probate in the above named court and that Dana Jackson was appointed Personal Representative(s) of the estate.

Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the District Court of the above 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 the surviving spouse and 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 date: 8/1/24 Personal Representative(s) of the Estate Dana Jackson 3101 Springwater Road Decorah, IA 52101 LARSON LAW OFFICE By: Dennis G. Larson (IA. AT00060501) (MN 00060501) 312 W. Main St. Decorah, IA 52101 563-382-8448 / 5936 Attorney for Dana Jackson, Personal Representative Date of second publication: August 15, 2014 Decorah (Iowa) Leader August 8 & 15, 2024

LIBRARY AIDE Decorah Public Library is accepting applications for a

part-time

Library Aide

Maintenance Assistant St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA is seeking a Maintenance Assistant.

Position assists in the daily maintenance activities that prepare the school for the next day, including but not limited to: cleaning doors; sweeping/vacuuming and mopping common areas; collecting waste from classroom waste baskets; grounds maintenance; and seasonal snow removal.

Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays and as needed/ available. 8am-3pm summer month and break hours; 4-8pm school year hours.

Hourly wage rate is negotiable based on experience and adjustable based on quarterly performance reviews.

Candidates must be at least 14 years old and available to work select weekday hours, between 8:30am3:30pm. 10-19 hours/week available at $10.50/hr, no benefits.

Job description and application available at www.decorahia.org or call 563-382-3717.

Send completed application to: Decorah Public Library Attn: Tricia Crary, 202 Winnebago St., Decorah IA 52101 or tcrary@ decorahlibrary.org.

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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Daryl Hovden DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016308 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Daryl Hovden, Deceased, who died on or about July 9, 2024: You are hereby notified that on July 18, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Daryl Hovden, deceased, bearing date of July 28, 2008, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that David M. Hovden and Daniel J. Hovden have been appointed 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 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 August 6, 2024.

David M. Hoven, Executor Daniel J. Hovden, Executor By: Theresa E Hoffman, ICIS#: AT0003649 Beecher Law Firm PO Box 178, Waterloo, IA 50704-0178 Date of second publication: August 22, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader August 15 & 22, 2024

Board Minutes August 5, 2024 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am August 5, 2024 with all members present.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Scott Logsdon, Recycling Supervisor, met with the Board to announce his intent to retire in January of 2025, and to also update the Board on other openings in his department.

The Board will consider the procedure and timeline for Logsdon’s replacement at a future meeting.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and to accept and file the monthly report of the County Recorder. Motion carried unanimously.

Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board with updates on road programs.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to open the public hearing on the rezoning request by Storlie/Bohr/Novilla for zoning on a property for a proposed agricultural digester gas processing and refining facility.

Tony Phillips, Planning and Zoning Administrator, reported the P&Z Commission held a public hearing and voted 2-4 to deny the requested rezoning. Numerous members of the public commented against the facility and asked questions regarding the facility. Representatives of Novilla were present to clarify comments and answer questions. Comments were also received in support of the project.

Handouts and emailed comments are available in the County Auditor’s office. Moved

by Kelsay and seconded by Vick to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to hold the first reading of the proposed ordinance to rezone the subject property. Motion carried with Kelsay, Vick, and Langreck voting aye; and Vermace and Faldet voting nay.

The reading was held. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to waive the additional readings. Motion carried with Kelsay, Vick, and Langreck voting aye; and Vermace and Faldet voting nay. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to adopt Ordinance 25-251, approving the requested rezoning. Motion carried by roll call vote with Kelsay, Vick, and Langreck voting aye; and Vermace and Faldet voting nay. Complete Ordinance will be on file in the county Auditor’s and Recorder’s offices and will be published as required.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, August 12, 2024, with an informational meeting August 6th at 10:00am with Emergency Management and Secondary Roads personnel. Motion carried unanimously.

On August 6th at 10:00am, the Board along with Emergency Management and Secondary Roads personnel met with Makaria Kirianov with Iowa Department of Homeland Security to learn about the process and procedures associated with responding to disaster declarations. This was an informational session and no actions were taken by the Board.

ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah(Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024

­

30-7-PJ-12

Public Notices August 8, 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, Brent Parker, Steve Zittergruen, Mayor Lorraine Borowski and City Clerk Keri Sand Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3483 approving waiving the review of the preliminary plat and the final plat of Mary Holthaus’s subdivision, Cedar Heights-3rd Addition. Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve a resolution to provide notice of intent to fill a council vacancy by appointment. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Olson, Parker. Nays: Zittergruen, Schissel, Miculinich. Motion failed.

Schissel made a motion to table the resolution to order a special election to fill a council vacancy. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader August 15, 2024

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

11

Castalia Tractor Revival:

Tiny town’s annual celebration endures

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted activities around the world, including Castalia’s annual Tractor Days celebration.

But, now in its second year, the Castalia Tractor Revival celebration is expected to be bigger and better than ever, including multiple activities for the entire family — and a couple just for adults.

All events during the Saturday, Aug. 31 celebration take place at Castalia’s park/ball diamond. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. with the tractor show, which will be followed by a car show at 4 p.m. Both the car and tractor show feature a Best of Show award, and the car show will also feature a Kids’ Choice award.

Classic rock cover performer Shawn Ster will perform from 4-6 p.m., and the golf cart, lawn mower and UTV parade featuring 2024 Parade Queen Lois Schnuelle will be held at 6 p.m.

Nathan Tricky Allen will perform adult comedy and magic from 7-8:30 p.m. and a fireworks show will be held at about 8:30 p.m. that day. The event’s planners said, though last year’s fireworks display rivaled those of many small towns, they expect this year’s

Virginia Brown, the 2023 Castalia Tractor Revival Parade Queen, waves to the camera from the passenger seat of a golf cart driven by her son, Gary. (Photo submitted) fireworks show to be much even than last year’s, thanks to private donations.

After the fireworks, Kruegs First Chance Saloon will host country and rock cover band Smoking Gun Showdown from 7-11 p.m. for a $2 admission charge.

Other planned activities include inflatable bounce houses for children, face painting, a balloon artist, food trucks and the Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters’ Moo Mobile. A bags tournament will also be held during this year’s celebration.

“Our community is our family,” said Jim Tangen, one of the event’s organizers. “Like family, we’re here for each other, and that’s what this celebration is all about — enjoying all this tiny town has to offer with each other and with all our visitors.

And, it absolutely could not have been done without the generous donations and support of everyone who contributed for which we’re all very thankful.”

For information, call Tangen at 563-568-7582 or organizer Jeff Stee at 563-380-3855.

Thunder Rode hosts Appreciation Summit for veterans and families Thunder Rode, with support from Chapter 8 of Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Riders, hosted an opportunity for veterans and their families to learn how equine-assisted therapy can benefit combat soldiers during its annual Appreciation Summit. The event featured a presentation by Winneshiek County Veterans Affairs Director Faith Hlubek, a demonstration on equine-assisted therapy by Michelle McLain-Kruse and a talk by Margaret Walter, who told the story of how she and her family were affected after her brother, Pfc. Lloyd Wohlford, Jr., was killed in the Vietnam War. ABOVE- Decorah’s Margaret Walter smiles while receiving a congratulatory hug from Thunder Rode’s Michelle McLain-Kruse after Walter shared the story of how the death of her brother, Pfc. Lloyd Wohlford, in the Vietnam War, affected her and her family. Editors’ note: Michelle McLain-Kruse is employed as a part-time sales representative by Sally Lange of Bluffton escorts Rainbow during the the Decorah Leader and equine-assisted activities demonstration. (Photos by its associated shopper.

Zach Jensen)

WinnMed continued from front Ben Stevens, chief financial officer at WinnMed, said Transforming Tomorrow grew out of a feasibility study conducted several years ago. Project managers arrived on site in January, and contractors followed in March. Stevens said, while this summer’s plentiful rainfall held crews at bay for some time, they’ve been making up for lost time over the last several weeks.

Jordan Archer, project manager with Graham Construction, told hospital officials last week that crews are wrapping up their work with the surgical area’s steel structure and will then be moving on to the clinic area — Stevens said concrete for the clinic’s floor is expected to be poured in the coming weeks.

“One of the big milestones we did accomplish this quarter, apart from finishing foundations and getting steel erected, was that we did get our air handling unit,” Archer said. “In the construction world, procurement lead times on various components — really since COVID — has been very challenging. Not getting some of that major equipment is something that can wreak havoc on construction schedules, so that was a huge success.”

Archer noted there were some issues procuring doors earlier in

WinnMed’s Transforming Tomorrow project is slated to span about 2.5 years and includes a two story addition onto the hospital. (Rendering courtesy of WinnMed) the process, and he said the decision to lower a floor’s elevation by about a foot resulted in some extra work, but he said he feels there won’t be many more unexpected financial obstacles as the project moves forward.

“We generally see a lot of unforeseen costs at the front end of projects, with design modifications and unforeseen conditions in soil,” Archer said during the Aug. 7 hospital board meeting. “We’ve been kind of working our way through that, but we should be done with that now. That was a big risk to the project that we’re through now and, from a budget standpoint, I think (we) fared very well through that.”

Archer indicated a 50 percent financial contingency had been factored for in the project budget, and he said approximately $900,000 of the construction contingency dollars were still available at this point.

Stevens explained the Trans-

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forming Tomorrow project is largely funded through rural development grants provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said the hospital also paying about $7 million out of its own coffers and has the ability to borrow up to approximately $8 million from local banks, but he said the USDA funds are fixed 30-year loans, which he said are uncommon in the world of commercial business.

The overall project is expected to take place over about 2.5 years. Stevens said the remodeling of WinnMed’s obstetrics areas is slated for completion in January of 2025 — Archer said work in that department is pro-

Work on the steel structure of the hospital’s two-story addition is nearing completion, according to project officials. The new portion of WinnMed’s facilities will house specialty services on its lower level and family practice spaces on the second floor. (Photo by Seth Boyes) gressing well and moving toward above-ceiling inspections.

Stevens said the remodeling of the surgical facilities will be the project’s final phase, tentatively scheduled for completion in January of 2026.

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12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

It’s hammer time - Luther to begin renovation of Gerdin Fieldhouse

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A sledge hammer and a copy of some blueprints met to form a metaphor outside Luther College’s Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness last week. The “wall-breaking ceremony” marked the launch of renovations to the building.

College officials expected construction to begin Monday, with hopes the first three phases of the $24 million project will be complete by next fall — the fourth and final phase will focus on the addition of a wrestling wing.

Several of Luther’s student athletes were present for the ceremony, alongside more than 90 prospective students, many of whom were on campus to meet coaching staff and attend training seminars. Luther College’s Vice President of Communications Bill Smith said college officials were able to show the rising high school juniors and seniors the current fieldhouse facility while also making it clear the group was “walking through a museum” — he explained the facilities will be vastly different by the time the prospective Luther students become sophomores.

Portions of the fieldhouse — a facility boasting more than 200,000 square feet — dates back to the 1960s, according to information from the college, and Smith said many portions of the building, including the gymnasium and locker rooms, are not air conditioned, which he said limits its use.

“Most people think of it as an athletic training space, but a lot of classes are held in there,” Smith said.

The Gerdin Fieldhouse — formerly known as the Regents Center — has hosted not only physical education classes but many other elective courses, such as social dance.

Smith said the gymnasium itself has remained in the same configuration — wooden bleachers and court bounds near its entrances — since it was first constructed. Renovation plans call for the court to be rotated 90 degrees, with new seating installed around its entirety in what Smith called an arena-style arrangement.

But this month’s work won’t

Jack Bell, an all-conference soccer goalie and NCAA qualifying diver, used a sledge hammer to break through Officials with Luther College said proposed improvements to the Gerdin Fieldhouse were expected copies of the blueprints for the Gerdin Fieldhouse. Lu- to begin this week. The first of the project’s four phases will focus on renovations to the north lobby ther College held a “wall breaking ceremony” the morn- area. (Rendering courtesy of Luther College) ing of Aug. 5 to mark the beginning of renovations to the building. Bell and numerous other student-athletes were invited to the ceremony. (Photo submitted) be inside the gym.

Smith said supply chain delays prompted college officials to shift some aspects of the project schedule — specifically, he said work on the gymnasium floor can’t begin until after air handling units are installed — and work will first be concentrated on the building’s north lobby. Smith said the college expects to host one more season of court sports, such as volleyball and basketball, in the current gym space before holding another brief ceremony in recognition of the current gym’s final use.

Work on the gymnasium space is then expected to begin the following day.

Work on the north lobby was expected to begin Monday, and Smith said patrons will likely need to use the fieldhouse’s south entrance near the sports and recreation center until the project enters its fourth and final phase. Students may also have access to the fieldhouse via another entrance when coming from the main campus.

The upgraded fieldhouse’s lobby will feature a new concession area for the public as well as improvements to make the college’s hall of fame displays more engaging, Smith said.

Renovation plans also call for the addition of quiet spaces for athletes to study, and workers will also be upgrading the field-

house’s locker rooms.

“Modernizing the locker room spaces for the various teams will be a great step forward for them,” Smith said. “It adds to the spirit.”

Smith noted the current building doesn’t offer many working spaces for teams to gather for events outside typical practice sessions.

“If a team wanted to get together for film, our locker room facilities don’t really allow for that,” he said.

The overall renovation project’s final phase will focus on the addition of a wrestling wing — college officials announced the addition to their plans earlier this year.

“As we approached the Board of Regents for approval of the final plans, we took the opportunity to think bigger,” Luther College President Jenifer Ward said in a June 5 statement.

“Shifting the main entry has inspired a new design, and we were able to imagine a fourmat training space in place of the old south entrance circle.

The board agreed that, with the level of changes set for the old Regents Center, now is the time for Luther to propose a wrestling addition.”

Previous plans had called for a three-mat training space near the aquatic center and the north gymnasium, according to information from the college, but the

Officials and student athletes gathered for last week’s “wall breaking ceremony.” Pictured are (from left to right) Opus Design Build Project Manager Jeremiah Cunningham, Opus Design Build Senior Vice President Jeff Smith, all-conference softball player Riley Sauser of Cedar Rapids, Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward, two-sport athlete Jack Bell of Madison, Wisconsin, and 2024 all-American wrestler Walter West of Plymouth, Minnesota. (Photo submitted) new plan will place a four-mat space near Carlson Stadium and the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center.

“This is a game-changer for one of Luther’s top programs,” Luther’s Athletic Director Renae Hartl said as part of the June 5 announcement. “Not only will it be huge for wrestling, it is going to transform the circle drive into a new outdoor plaza area for all of our outdoor venues and events and an additional

gathering space for campus.”

More than 60 percent of the funds for the expanded renovation have been raised at this point, according to Luther’s Vice President for Development Mary Duvall, and officials hope to have secured the remaining funds by the end of 2025.

Elsewhere on campus, plans to improve Luther’s Preus Library are also in the works.

Smith said the library renovations will be a separate project

but are still part of the same master plan for Luther’s campus.

“Preus is in a stage where the Regents Center was four to five years ago — preliminary plans, preliminary concepts,” Smith said.

Smith went on to say the college has yet to set a definite start date for work on the library, but he said renovations there are the next project on the college’s proverbial list.

IHSAA and IGHSAU to separate boys and girls golf, tennis seasons starting in 2025-26

Braiden Todd South Winn, Soph.

Class 1A All-State First Team

Carson Streeter South Winn, Soph.

Class 1A All-State Third Team

SW players named to All-State list A pair of South Winn sophomore baseball players were honored recently by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association as they were placed on the Class 1A All-State lists.

Braiden Todd, rotated between third base and the pitcher’s mound to earn his inaugural All-State Class 1A First Team nod for his third-base play. He led the Warriors in hitting with a .495 average, seventh-best in class statewide. He was fourth in Class 1A with 37 singles and 48 total hits.

Striking out 92 opposing batters, Carson Streeter was named to the All-State Class 1A Third Team. During his sophomore campaign he went 7-4 with a 1.27 ERA and .084 WHIP in his 66-1/3 innings on the mound.

His 92 Ks was 12th-best in the class.

Class 1A All-State Teams First Team – Lucas Sieck, Sr., P, Lynnville-Sully; Jayce Schwiesow, Jr., P, St. Ansgar; Collin Homan,

Jr., P, Remsen St. Mary’s; Corder Noun Harder, Sr., C, LynvilleSully; Landon Waldschmitt, Jr., C, Remsen St. Mary’s; Cal Heydon, So., 1B, Coon Rapids-Bayard; Justin Bauer, Sr., 2B, Bishop Garrigan; Daenon Louks, Jr., SS, Remsen St. Mary’s; Braiden Todd, So., 3B, South Winneshiek; Cooper Oberbroeckling, Sr., OF, MSTM; Reid Molyneux, Sr., OF, Sigourney; Cole Griffith, Jr., OF, North Linn; Pryce Rochford, Jr., OF, EdgewoodColesburg; Landon Frost, Sr., UT, Don Bosco; Caden Clarahan, Jr., UT, Sigourney; Mason Bechen, Jr., UT, North Linn Third Team – Eli Christensen, Sr., Ankeny Christian; Kalab Kuhl, Jr., Logan-Magnolia; Cale Brechwald, Sr., Alta-Aurelia; Gage Peterson, Jr., Newman Catholic; Carter Reed, Sr., Lenox; Wyatt Throckmorton, Sr., Moravia; Toby Grimm, Sr., Maquoketa Valley; Caden Schwenker, Sr., Burlington Notre Dame; Dylan Kipp, Sr., Burlington Notre Dame; Drew Powers, Sr., St. Ansgar; CJ Nikkel, Sr., Lynnville-Sully; Arik Allard, Sr., Akron-Westfield; Gabe Funk, Jr., Lenox; Ashton McCully, Sr., AkronWestfield; Anthony Harrington, So., Midland; Carson Streeter, So., South Winneshiek

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have collaborated to reduce spring schedule congestion by moving boys’ golf and girls’ tennis to the fall sport seasons starting in the 2025-26 school year.

The changes address decades-long concerns from member schools over scheduling and were approved by both the IHSAA’s board and IGHSAU’s board following discussions at a joint meeting in early July.

“Our member schools have been asking for ways to relieve the crowded spring sports seasons for years” IGHSAU executive director Erin Gerlich

said. “The new changes provide relief in an already busy spring, and an opportunity for the IGHSAU and IHSAA to enhance the state tournament experiences for tennis and golf. A lot of work has gone into this process and we appreciate all of the input we have received regarding these changes.”

Iowa’s current spring schedule includes eight sports – golf, soccer, tennis, track and field for both boys and girls – and overlaps seasonally with baseball and softball.

The adjustment was discussed across 2023-24 district meetings, the IHSADA state conference, advisory committees, and the 2023 IHSAA membership

survey.

“Reducing the congestion in the spring schedule has been a topic of conversation among ADs, our staffs, representative councils, boards, and the joint IHSAA & IGHSAU committee for several years,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “Moving our Class 3A, 2A, and 1A golf competitions to the fall to align with Class 4A is a step toward easing that congestion.”

Among nine other peer state associations in the Midwest, seven separate golf seasons by gender and all nine separate tennis seasons. The increased availability of facilities, coaching, and school resources, plus

2024-25 Sport Seasons Fall (6) Boys: Cross Country Boys: Football Boys: Golf (4A) Girls: Cross Country Girls: Swimming Girls: Volleyball

Winter (7) Boys: Baskeball Boys: Bowling Boys: Swimming Boys: Wrestling Girls: Basketball Girls: Bowling Girls: Wrestling

Spring (8) Boys: Golf (3A, 2A, 1A) Boys: Soccer Boys: Tennis Boys: Track and Field Girls: Golf Girls: Soccer Girls: Tennis Girls: Track and Field

2025-26 Sport Seasons

Fall (7) Winter (7) Spring (6) Boys: Cross Country Boys: Baskeball Boys: Soccer Boys: Football Boys: Bowling Boys: Tennis Boys: Golf (All Classes) Boys: Swimming Boys: Track and Field Girls: Cross Country Boys: Wrestling Girls: Golf Girls: Swimming Girls: Basketball Girls: Soccer Girls: Tennis Girls: Bowling Girls: Track and Field Girls: Volleyball Girls: Wrestling

Summer (2) Boys: Baseball Girls: Softball

Summer (2) Boys: Baseball Girls: Softball

the reduction of scheduling conflicts are the top cited reasons for those successful season separations.

“Other Midwest states have found success with this model and I am confident our schools will adjust to the new format,” said Keating, who served as president of the NFHS in 202324. “While we recognize some of the initial challenges, the advantages of reducing scheduling congestion in the spring, reducing lost class time, and giving the option of having the same coach for spring and fall combine to lead us in this direction.

“For boys’ golf, fall should provide good course and playing conditions, and the high school season will immediately follow summer, when most golfers have enjoyed the opportunity to work on their game.”

In 2025, boys’ golf (3A, 2A, 1A) and girls’ tennis (2A, 1A) will compete in both the 202425 spring season and the 202526 fall season. Class 4A boys’ golf has competed exclusively in the fall since 1993 and features the earliest competition start date of any fall sport.

Other golf changes Three teams will advance from each round of the postseason to the next in 3A, 2A, and 1A golf, with no regard for home course in qualification.

This will ensure a set number of qualifiers at district meets and 12 qualifiers at the state meet for those classes.