September 12, 2024

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 37

Decorah, Iowa 52101

www.decorahleader.com

email: editor@decorahleader.com

One Section phone: 563-382-4221

102-year tradition honors the fallen by helping living veterans in need

Local VFW Post to distribute ‘Buddy Poppies’ Friday and Saturday

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Veterans of Foreign Wars has been distributing “Buddy Poppies” since 1922 to raise money in support of local veterans.

VFW Post 1977 veterans, auxiliary members and civilian volunteers will be standing in front of Decorah businesses to carry on the tradition this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13 and 14.

“In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow” are the opening words of Col. John McCrea’s poem dedicated to the memory of the men and women who served, fought and died in France during WWI. The poppies have since become the symbol of all those who have given their lives in wars, information from the VFW said.

In February of 1924, VFW registered the name “Buddy Poppy” with the U.S. Patent Office, according to information from the organization.

T h e t e r m “Buddy” was coined by the poppy makers, who were disabled veterans at the time, as a tribute to the veterans who did not come home and those disabled or scarred for life.

“The American Legion had established the poppies first,”

said local VFW Post Quartermaster Mark Stockdale. “So, to distinguish the VFW from the

American Legion, the VFW came out with ‘Buddy’ poppies.

The open poppy is the Buddy poppy, and the closed poppy is for the American Legion.”

Post Commander Ray Koshatka said another difference between the two programs is that the American Legion holds their

poppy distribution in the spring, while the VFW holds its in the fall.

Stockd a l e said veterans, auxiliary members and civilian volunteers will be distributing Buddy poppies from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., this Friday and Saturday, in front of Decorah’s Fareway and Hy-Vee grocery stores, outside all three of Decorah’s Kwik Star stores and also inside Decorah’s All Vets Club at 104 State St. Funds generated through the

Buddy Poppies continued on page 9

City sets Dec. 10 special election to fill council vacancy

The Decorah City Council voted unanimously during their regular Sept. 3 meeting to hold a special election to determine who will fill a recent vacancy on the council. One of the council’s at large positions is now vacant after Ross Hadley stepped down from his posi-

tion effective Sept 1 — he announced his intentions to do so in July. The remainder of Hadley’s term, which was to end Dec. 31, 2025, will be completed by the winner of the special election.

Iowa Code doesn’t allow for a special election to be held four

weeks before or after a general election, and the city council voted to hold the special election Dec. 10, 2024.

Candidates wishing to run on the ballot for the at large position need to complete a nomination petition for the seat. The petition requires 50 signatures from resi-

dents within Decorah city limits who are eligible to vote in Decorah. Additionally, the petition needs to be notarized before being submitted to the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office. Nomination petitions must be submitted by the end of the business day on Nov. 15.

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Tuesday vote paves way for Decorah Schools’ proposed $38M bond

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR The Decorah School District appears to have cleared its first two hurdles on the way to a proposed $38 million bond measure for the construction of a new elementary building.

Unofficial results from Tuesday’s election show Decorah area voters favored a pair of measures at the polls.

Decorah voters supported the renewal of the district’s revenue purpose statement with 1,829 votes, or about 75 percent of the ballots — the measure needed at least 50 percent to pass. The revenue purpose statement outlines how a given school district will use the 1-cent sales tax funds received from the state.

The Decorah School District’s current revenue purpose statement was set to expire in 2031, but Tuesday’s vote will extend it until 2051, which Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin said will allow the school to finance the proposed elementary by

bonding against the incoming sales tax revenue — voters in neighboring Howard County, some of whom were recorded in Winneshiek County, approved that district’s own revenue purpose statement by 205-42.

Decorah area voters also favored an increase in the school district’s debt service levy limit, according to Tuesday night’s unofficial results. More than 1,678 votes were cast in approval of that proposal, for about 71 percent support — that measure required just over 60 percent approval to pass.

The proposed $38 million bond is expected to require an additional 86 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. A home valued at $250,000 — which Cronin indicated was near the average home value in Decorah — would see a tax increase of $7.96 per month, or $95.47 each year until the bond is paid

School

continued on page 11

Environmental group challenges biodigester approval Petition filed day after project gained BOA support

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a request by Full Bohr Dairy of rural Ridgeway for a conditional use permit during a Sept. 3 public hearing. The conditional use permit allows chemical processes to occur at the site of a proposed biodigesting facility.

After presenting information about the biodigester project, most of which had been previously shared with the county planning and zoning commission and board of supervisors, Mark Hill, co-CEO of Novilla

RNG, which is orchestrating the project, said he was troubled by local environmentalists’ concerns.

“There’s strong opposition from the public,” he said. “That bothers me, because Jared and I started this as an environmental company, and when people come to us and say we’re going to have black liquid come down the streets of Decorah or that we’re going to kill fish or that we’re here to pollute peoples’ wells, that bothers me. That’s not who I am. That’s not who

Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com James Larew, attorney for Driftless Water Defenders, shares his legal concerns with the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors during the Aug. 5 public hearing on the rezoning of the property where the biodigester is to be constructed.

(Photo by Zach Jensen)

Biodigester continued on page 7

Julie Kiple Sollien of Decorah prepares to vote early for the Special School Election at the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office at the courthouse. The special election was held Sept.

10 at the courthouse annex for voters in the Decorah Community School District. Winneshiek County Howard-Winn voters cast their votes at the Ridgeway Community Center.

(Photo by Roz Weis)

Court to determine admissible testimony as Fravel prepares for trial

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER A Minnesota judge is expected to decide later this month which witnesses and testimony will be allowed at the upcoming trial of Adam Fravel, who is accused of murdering Madeline Kingsbury — his ex-partner and the mother of his two children.

Kingsbury’s body was discovered in early June of 2023 — a little more than two months after she went missing. Fravel was arrested

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Adam Fravel

two days later. The now 30-yearold was originally charged with second-degree murder and second-degree murder with a past history of domestic abuse, but a grand jury saw fit to additionally charge him with first-degree murder with a past pattern of domestic abuse and first-degree murder with premeditation. Fravel is currently scheduled to stand trial Oct. 7 in Mankato, Minnesota, after a change of venue was granted due to the high-profile nature of the case.

Testimony tells tale of abuse Witnesses present at the pretrial hearing recounted direct and indirect incidents between Kingsbury and Fravel. Friends shared how they met Kingsbury in 2014 at Winona State University and witnessed Kingsbury’s and Fravel’s relationship progress.

Kingbury’s college friend Michaels Shaw testified Fravel was increasingly bitter toward Kingsbury in the first years of

their relationship. Shaw said she witnessed Fravel often call Kingsbury derogatory names but he became worse after their daughter was born in 2018.

Shaw said Fravel allegedly stated publicly Kingsbury had trapped him by having a baby.

Fravel lost his job in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the couple welcomed a son at the end of that year. Hailey Scott, Kingsbury’s longtime friend and WSU sorority sister, testified that Fravel allegedly

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didn’t do anything around the house and would spend all day playing video games while the children went to daycare and Kingsbury worked.

Kingsbury’s close friend and neighbor Katie Kolka said Kingsbury told her things were so bad she couldn’t keep up, and Kingsbury was worried about being the sole provider and

Fravel continued on page 7

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2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

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South Winneshiek students Charlie Wangsness, age 12, and Zoey Gerleman, age 11, pet young alpaca Felix, age 3, wearing the red harness, and his much older alpaca friend, Nydia, age 19, wearing the blue harness. According to Felix’s and Nydia’s handlers, alpacas can live well into their 20s.

Chase the Cougar, mascot for Northeast Iowa Community College, heckled and hi-fived NICC student Adessa Newhoff.

(Photos by Denise Lana)

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Hundreds of people from across the area gathered Thursday afternoon on the campus of Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar to kick off the school year with the 20th Fall Fest. Children and adults

alike queued up to enjoy a hands-on tour of the GundersenAIR helicopter, which made a spectacular landing entrance on the campus green. Across the NICC grounds, crowds of festival goers swarmed and buzzed, enjoying food, crafts, games and music. Children delighted in bounce houses and giant in-

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flatable slides as well as balloon animals, John Deere train rides and numerous games and interactive stations.

All the funds donated during the fest are put directly back into the event, according to Vice President of Student Services Amy Gaffney.

“The focus of this event is

about the community and getting people together,” she said.

“The college is a community space, and we encourage people to frequent the grounds.”

To boost the public’s interaction with NICC, a scavenger hunt was added this year, geared at drawing people into the newly renovated building to see the simulation labs up close.

“The community college and its relationship with the community here is no joke — it is in everything we do,” Gaffney said. “We focus on what our community and our labor force needs, and then we work to design NICC’s curriculum to meet those needs.”

Overall, Gaffney was more than pleased with this year’s Fall Fest.

“We were running short on volunteers, but the irony is we had a really great turnout,” Gaffney said.

Three-year-old Ivory McCormack, daughter of Brendan McCormack of Spillville, enjoys a game of Duck Pond.

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Behind the scenes event held at Decorah Airport

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

It was clear skies and no turbulence for everyone who gathered at Decorah Airport Thursday, Aug. 29 to see aircraft up close and learn more about future airport improvements as part of the Behind the Scenes

program sponsored by Decorah Chamber of Commerce.

Around 50 people gathered in the maintenance hangar to get an up close look at the goings on of the city’s airport. According to Chamber of Commerce Executive DirectorJessica Rilling, the Behind the Scenes program offers public tours and experi-

ences geared toward giving participants a better understanding and appreciation of how the organizations work together and function in the community.

“Many people drive by the airport every day and don’t

Airport

continued on page 11

Cheryl

Wieseler

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• small business owner • educator • long-time rural Winneshiek County resident Winneshiek County residents deserve representatives who will listen to concerns, make informed decisions, and reject partisanship.

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NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

A group of like-minded community supporters are rekindling the flame of a familiar festival in Decorah later this month.

Live on Winnebago, a one-day, all-inclusive, free-to-attend music and arts festival, is scheduled to return to downtown Decorah after a decades-long absence.

The event will highlight local and regional artists and musicians from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Activities and events will be set up along Winnebago Street and Main Street. All ages are welcome to enjoy the live music, art fair and more. Area artists have been encouraged to participate in the art fair in conjunction with the event. The guest line-up includes Maritza, Nola Jazz Band, Mississippi Hot Club, That 1 Guy and Javier Trejo y caballo Cosmico.

Event committee members met on Winnebago Street, from left: Jeanine Scheffert, Sophie Nall, Hannah Tulgren and Caleb Urling. (Photo by Roz Weis)

Live on Winnebago returning to downtown Decorah

Vesterheim hosted My Favorite Folk

RIGHT- Left to right are Markus Gustavsson, Karla Colahan, Olivia Dierks and Harald Nilsson. The quartet make up the award-winning Swedish band My Favorite Folk, which performed a concert in Vesterheim Commons Friday night.

LEFT- Guitarist and vocalist Harald Nilsson performs a melody with Olivia Dierks on cello in the background. The duo make up half of the quartet My Favorite Folk, which performed a concert in Vesterheim Commons Friday night. The quartet plays a mix of American, Swedish and other folk music traditions with contemporary sounds.

My Favorite Folk has toured in Sweden and the United States, including a joint tour with the Swedish band Jaerv in 2021 and 2022, and U.S. tours in 2022, 2023, and January 2024. (Photos by Zach Jensen)

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Winneshiek County Conservation Education and Outreach Coordinator Hanna Meyer (left) and Decorah Park and Recreation volunteer Miriam Patton explain the importance of monarch butterflies during a public monarch tagging program Sept. 4 at the community prairie. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Tagging sky tigers: County conservation and Decorah Parks team up to tag migrating monarchs

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Decorah Park and Recreation teamed up with Winneshiek County Conservation the afternoon of Sept. 4 to put on an educational and tagging program about monarchs — also known as tigers of the sky and the black-veined brown butterfly — at the community prairie. Nearly 50 people, many of whom were local children, attended the program in which Decorah Park and Recreation volunteer Miriam Patton and WCC Education and Outreach Coordinator Hanna Meyer taught participants how to identify male and female monarchs and talked about their migration patterns. Patton and Meyer also helped attendees tag monarchs by applying stickers less than half the diameter of a penny to one of the butterflies’ wings.

Patton, who has been fascinated by monarchs much of her life, said there are two groups of monarchs in North America which migrate south each fall — the eastern group includes Iowa, while the western group is based west of the Rocky Mountains and the insects there migrate to southern California.

Fred Urquhart of the University of Toronto was credited as the first person to tag monarch butterflies in the 1930s in an effort to find out where they went every year.

“It started in 1937,” said Patton. “A professor in Canada noticed they’d disappear, so he wanted to know where they went. It wasn’t until 1975 that the butterflies were found in El Rosario, Mexico.”

Each year, according to monarchwatch.org, millions of monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains migrate south to a sanctuary in El Rosario, Mexico. The are is also home to oyamel fir trees, which provide habitat for the monarchs during the season. Meyer said the monarchs flock to the firs to stay warm and protected throughout the cooler winter months.

“If they have rain in those forests, and the rain knocks

the monarchs to the ground, and it gets cold, that kills a lot of them,” Meyer said. “The fir trees act as an insulator. The monarchs all huddle together on them and stay warm.”

Meyer said the monarch doesn’t have any predators in the United States primarily because of a key component in their diet.

“They eat milkweed, which contains toxins, so they’re poisonous,” she said. “But, in Mexico, there are two species of birds and one species of mouse that eat them. So, they’re preyed on in Mexico.”

The monarch population has suffered in recent years, Meyer said, but the cause for the low numbers isn’t clear, and this isn’t the first time the population has struggled.

From 2013 to 2014, the monarch population was even worse off than it is today, and that shortage may have been caused by environmental factors. That year, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. experienced seven major environmental disasters that could have impacted the monarch population — including severe tornadoes and flooding.

In an effort to help the monarchs, Patton said many people are raising them indoors, but that doesn’t always yield the best results.

“They go out and find eggs out in the wild and bring them indoors to raise them,” Patton said. “We’re finding that the percentage of indoor-raised Monarchs getting to Mexico is way less than the wild-raised Monarchs.”

Tracking the monarch population is important, because 75 percent of the world’s food depends on pollinators like birds, bees and butterflies.

“All pollinators are important,” Patton said. “A huge percentage of our food needs natural pollinators. Without monarchs, we wouldn’t have good crops or good gardens or beautiful flowers, and that’s why they’re important.”

21

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Correction: Sept. 5, 2024, Decorah Leader An article entitled “Decorah’s Municipal Building — remodel or rebuild?” which appeared in the Sept. 5, 2024, Decorah Leader mistakenly stated a potential bond to improve the city of Decorah’s Municipal Building would occur no earlier than November of 2024, rather than November of 2025. Staff regrets the error.

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OPINION

4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

We news folk are of but common clay There are times when I long for the olden days of newspaperism (no, not a real word, but perhaps it should be). Admittedly, were that the case, I’d have to layout pages by hand

BY SETH with literal typesets, hire some BOYES young person to sit beneath the press while melting lead over News Editor an open flame and probably hang out at the railway station to get all the good news tips, but the leeway publications of that looked a prominent piece of era were afforded sometimes is news from the community. Our alternate theory is the pamphlet quite appealing.

I only say this because I had informing us of the award could a bit of a conundrum the other have easily been blown by the day when someone asked about heavy breeze emanating from a press release that was sent to the whirling arms of our press us during this year’s county fair crew as they strove to meet — and the fair seems a lot lon- deadline, or it may have simply ger ago while sitting at a news fallen behind a writing desk or desk, let me tell you. More or other such sundry silent as a less, the announcement that cat’s footfall. The staff promDavid Sacquitne also received ises to be more careful in the the Winneshiek County Fair’s future and be a little less zealLifetime Distinguished Service ous in their tireless pursuit of Award didn’t make it to print — printing the written word so as the fact that the award was giv- to keep any stray tailwind away en to Gary Sacquitne made it on from items which require the editor’s full attention (end oldthe page nice and timely-like. timey announcer voice).

Sorry, Dave.

Such a thing wouldn’t quite I’ve concluded the fault must lie with me. I likely overlooked fly today. Things need to be the second piece of communi- more formal when it comes to ty news thinking I had already newspapering in the informaseen it — you know, same tion age — that’s why my best solution for recognizing Mr. award, same surname.

Obviously, I can’t ply the Sacquitne’s award so late in the pages of this opinion page each game was to mention it here on week to shine the proverbial the opinion page as part of a spotlight on every tidbit that broader point.

But at the end of the day, I doesn’t quite make it to print, have to admit I hate making such but this week I thought mentioning my own oversight might simple mistakes, despite the fact serve as a way to illuminate the that I know they’re bound to mentality that goes into produc- happen and have been bound to ing a local newspaper 52 weeks happen since well before newspapers were printed with steam a year.

Now, if this were the old power. So in some ways it’s days, it would’ve been well fitting that I often look back to within the bounds of conven- some poignant words once pubtion to simply print a self-dep- lished by Abraham Benjamin recating article on the front Funk — an Iowa newspaper edpage, explaining how (and feel itor who was pulling pages himfree to read this part in an old- self before William McKinley timey announcer voice) we’re was elected president.

Forgive me, but it’s a long all so busy here that the sweat of our brows, coupled with the quote.

“No journal, local or other heat of the roaring press room must have cast us into a dizzy is anywhere near the limits of spell for a time, as we over- perfection,” Funk’s paper said

in November of 1897. “Even the best editors are made of just common clay and are prone to error. They are criticized as no other men, and good people are frequently unjust in their comments upon their work because they are not in a position to take in the situation as it appears from an editorial standpoint.

A newspaper should be judged by its general character – by its manifest purposes and its sum total of accomplishment – and not by any single expression or position. It is so difficult for a newspaper to be always right that its own editor, if he fully realizes the responsibility of his position, is frequently dissatisfied with the work of his own heart and brain. He must feel his way along, with high purpose and unyielding endeavor, determined to make as few mistakes as possible, and make the same mistake no more than once. His readers ought to take him as he means, and his meaning may be comparatively plain after he has served a little while. Remember that he has to keep talking, and commit his talk to the unalterable print. To keep still upon a subject of public importance is cowardice; to talk is to run the gauntlet of public opinion.”

I say this not to imply that the readers of Decorah have been unduly critical of this paper — they haven’t. I say this to confess that I too am made of but common clay and prone to error from time to time — even those so small as overlooking a fair-time press release. And I think admitting one’s mistakes in such a way helps demonstrate that the common threads on which past editors of Iowa’s legacy newspapers hung their heartstrings are still as strong as ever here in this community.

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.

People deserve wellthought-out reason, rather than opinion I have attended several Winneshieck County Supervisor meetings. I observed Dan Langreck during the sessions when people from his district presented life-changing situations due to weather-related events or other county citizens presented specific, well-documented facts. Dan Langreck comes to the meetings with his opinion, and that is how he votes, not on the facts, not on the testimony of citizens from his district. When Dan is asked to clarify why he votes the way he does, he often replies, “That is my opinion.” The people impacted by his vote deserve to hear a well-thought-out reason for how Dan votes. As we have an election coming up soon, I encourage voters to support a candidate who listens to facts and people’s testimonies and votes on what is heard and learned, not just a personal opinion.

Norma Jean Bosma Decorah

Education makes for better county governance The Decorah Leader’s excellent piece — 8/29/2024 edition — on Winneshiek County supervisor candidate Cheryl Wieseler noted her eagerness to learn all she could about the duties and responsibilities of county supervisors. Her years of teaching and running a business provide a solid foundation from the get-go, but she’s also carefully monitoring supervisor meetings and researching the issues to make sure she can hit the ground running as a new supervisor.

The same edition of The Leader referenced the fact that three of our county’s supervisors - Shirley Vermace, Mark Faldet and Steve Kelsay - have been certified by the Iowa State Association of County Super-

visors, an affiliate of the Iowa State Association of Counties.

The ISAC website explains that a supervisor may become certified by successfully completing a “well-rounded continuing education program” designed to “bettering county government in Iowa” by making the supervisors “better public servants.”

The ISAC site also lists certified supervisors across the state.

Notably absent is Dan Langreck, chair of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors.

Iowans generally understand the value of education and want to do their very best in any undertaking - especially one that involves community leadership.

Since Dan Langreck became chair of our board of supervi-

sors early last year, our county has repeatedly witnessed uninformed decision-making, driven more by impulse and ideology than by consideration of data and respect for the law and the views of community members.

Perhaps, if Langreck took his responsibilities seriously enough to educate himself about county governance the way most of our other supervisors have, our county would run more smoothly, its employees would enjoy higher morale, and a measure of public confidence could be restored. Winneshiek County deserves better, and surely can do better.

Elaine St. Clair Decorah

Kudos on last month’s 175th edition Your 175th Anniversary commemorative edition is wonderful. It goes beyond the people, the history and buildings in its several pages. Using categories, it covers the basics of education, business, religion, government and social issues with

reference to influential people.

Every page has some interesting detail using illustrations, quotes, logos, photographs... even the advertisements are full of information.

Being new to Decorah, you captured it well in this anniver-

sary edition. Along with publishing The Driftless and the weekly shopper, your publications are a plus to the community.

We thank you, Sondra Carver Decorah

Echoes of the Past Unaccompanied gals are big news

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER Back in the 1920s, women were fighting for the right to vote and for their independence.

Women were gaining the freedom to travel on their own, without being accompanied by a man or another chaperone; and it was big news when young, unaccompanied ladies were seen touring around the state.

It made the front page back in 1924 when a number of local girls (members of the “Damfino Club” started out on a Saturday on an auto trip to Frankville, with the intention of enjoying a picnic. According to the news story, “Heavy rains made the wet, muddy road undrivable, as

they left Decorah minus chains on their cars. Some capable men - L.B. Wilis and Derwood Darling - were sent out and brought the girls back to the city. The girls claim they won’t leave town without their chains hereafter!”

And, it was especially “breaking” news when eight young ladies arrived in Decorah back in the summer of 1924, after touring the west and covering 8,000 miles. The story of their encounters, as they toured 12 states and touched Canada, were detailed on the front page of the newspaper. The party was made up of the following Decorah “misses”: Christine Owen, Agnes Gullickson, Laura Hjelle, Marie Hjelle and Grace Schojels. They were ac-

Decorah Leader

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companied by three other ladies from Fayette, Marshalltown and Hillman. They left Decorah in mid-June. It was reported they traveled in two Ford touring autos, and they carried a camping outfit along with them.

They camped at various tourist parks along the way. Among their stops were Yellowstone National Park, Mt. Ranier, Rocky Mountain National Park and more. Their only problem upon their return was encountering muddy, wet roadways near Canton, Minneosta – causing a great delay in their return home. The writer of the article did some editorializing at the conclusion of the story, writing: “They had the time of their young lives … the girls camped and tramped and toured …and they brought back a rich coat of tan that gave full evidence of the outdoor life they had been living…they show a good, healthy complexion after their long tour, and they won’t need any cosmetics for some time to enhance their beauty.”

Thankfully, despite the dangers and difficulties the women experienced, they remained vigil; and they continue to journey on their own in years to come.

Here are few more tidbits from the past:

O

NE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – 1924: There is a man in these parts of the county selling chicken tablets. This man is a fake poultry inspector, who promises to buy the poultry and eggs at prices far above the market. The takes eggs, large and anything in exchange for these “miracle” poultry pills.

Be on the lookout and report him immediately!

This vintage photo was taken in the early 1900s.

Johanna (Busness) and Ragnvald Jacobson are identified on the left in the picture. The names of the other three people are being sought by local history buffs. Contact Roz Weis at the Driftless Leader with any information. …The film “The Covered Wagon” is coming to thrill and astonish audiences at the Star Theatre. Billed as “the biggest feature ever to be released”, the film tells the story of hardy pioneers doing much to extend the boundaries of the country from ocean to ocean. Thrills are there in plenty throughout, with the biggest scenes including river fording by a huge emigrant train and the massacre of settlers and the scenes of hundreds of wagons crossing the River Platte, with wagons buoyed by logs and floating with teams of horses, mules and oxen swimming ahead of them. …The. J.C. Penney Company has a new shipment of boys’ complete school outfits for $10.90. Fit for any boy ages 7 to 17 years. The suit with two pairs of knickers, the cap, the tie, the shirt and the shoes are all included in the complete outfits. …The public schools will open as usual on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, 1924. …Need eye glasses? See E.H. McMasters, eye doctor.

Prices: $3.50. …The program for the District of Prague Catholic Sokols meet and tournament is being held this weekend at Riverside Park in Spillville. The exhibition of gymnastic skill and field

drills will be “wonderful” according to the planners. Admission to the grounds is 35 cents. …C.N. Volding has just acquired a fine 200-acre farm in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, about 60 miles from Decorah.

Land around there has been selling at $250 an acre. He got the farm from Mr. Geo. E. Derby. …The 12th fire alarm of this summer sounded last Sunday night at the old German Methodist parsonage on West Main Street. The fire damaged most of the roof and the nearby barn is beyond repair. How the fire started is not known. …Graham’s Department Store is having some low prices as the young people hear the school bells ringing: composition books are 5 cents; propelling pencils are 10 cents; spelling tablets are 5 cents; a box of Crayolas is 5 cents; writing fluid is 10 cents, fountain pen ink is 10 cents, and a tube of library paste is 10 cents.

N

INETY YEARS AGO 1934: The “coolest” place in town became the hottest last Monday night when firemen were called to extinguish a blaze at the Dirks Ice House on the West Side. The blaze was soon extinguished with chemicals. Because of the unusually large number of people driving

their cars out to see the fire, authorities requested this practice be discontinued immediately!

It creates traffic difficulties and hinders the work of the local firemen. he public schools of Decorah open on Sept. 3, 1934, per the announcement from Superintendent Thomas R. Roberts. …A Fort Worth, Texas oil man was back in town recently calling on some of his old friends whom he knew when he had charge of the oil well drilled here in the county back in 1923 by the Decorah Pioneer Oil Company. That oil well was drilled on the Bakke field, about three miles east of town. The days of 1923 certainly brought plenty of excitement of citizens of Decorah, scores of whom were firmly convinced there was oil in the field! …Kids’ Day in Decorah is August 30. Capacity crowds are expected to make the event one of the most successful in the city in years. Contests, races and stunts are planned for the children wishing to participate.

Lavish floats are currently being constructed by local merchants. …A corps of 45 corn-hot compliance committeemen have started counting hogs and measuring corn here in Winneshiek County.

OBITUARIES/NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Obituary Roger Goodno

Feb. 7, 1936 - Aug. 31, 2024 Roger Wesley Goodno, 88, of Hesper, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Wellington Place in Decorah with his wife of almost 66 years and two daughters by his side.

Roger was born Feb. 7, 1936, to Olaf and Selma Roger Goodno (Morken) Goodno in Spring Grove, Minnesota. He was baptized at Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church. He attended rural schools at Bergan, Waterloo Ridge, Highlandville and Hesper. He was confirmed at Hesper Lutheran Church in June 1950. He attended Mabel High School in Mabel, Minnesota, graduating in June 1954. During the high school summers, he worked for local farmers.

On Jan. 25, 1955, he entered the U.S. Army with basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Ord, California. He was then stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington in the Second Division, Ninth Infantry then in the Forth Division Field Artillery. He was discharged from the Army in January 1957 and returned to work for a farmer in the Spring Grove area. In June of 1958 he started working for Mansfield Industries in Spring Grove and later for Argus Incorporated. On Oct. 24, 1958, he was united in marriage to Yvonne Smith at the Hesper Lutheran Church. Two daughters, Kari and Wendy were born. In March 1964 they began farming on Yvonne’s home place. In

June 1972 he began working for Mabel Farm Equipment for 29 years until retirement. He then worked part-time in the spring and fall for Winn Coop for 14 years.

Roger’s hobbies included woodworking and collecting and building replicas of toy farm machinery as well as harvesting black walnuts each fall.

He was a member of Hesper Lutheran Church where he served on the Hesper Church Cemetery board as secretary and treasurer for many years up to the time of his death. He played on the Hesper dartball team for many years and received several trophies. He always took pride in spending time with his grandchildren.

Roger is survived by his wife Yvonne; two daughters: Kari and Wendy; two grandchildren: Austin and Haley; two brothers: George (Beverly) of Asbery, Iowa, and Gary (Darlene) of Hesper; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Ragna Hillard and Norma Welper; brother, Solon; and a nephew, Thomas Hillard.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Hesper Lutheran Church in Hesper with military honors by the Mabel American Legion.

Visitation will be from 12:30-2 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be held in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery will be at a later date.

The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.

Service Notices IMELDA NESTEBY, 85 of Decorah, died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, at WinnMed in Decorah. A celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Helms Funeral Home, 306, E. Water St. in Decorah. Burial will follow in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery.

KIM O’BRIEN, 65 of Ridgeway, died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, Sept. 11, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Henry Huber presiding. Burial was in St. Benedict Cemetery.

DUANE SNYDER, 85 of Decorah, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Wellington Place in Decorah. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at at Helms Funeral Home, 306 East Water Street in Decorah.

Salsa making with ISU Extension & Outreach

Winneshiek County ISU Extension and Outreach hosted a salsa-making Workshop Aug. 14 at the Oneota Community Co-op Kitchen. Jill Weber, Human Sciences Specialist with ISU Extension & Outreach, led the class in which participants worked through the steps of chopping ingredients, simmering the salsa and processing the jars. Attendees honed their canning skills and practiced kitchen safety as they each made a jar of salsa to take home. Jane Newhouse (left) and Linda Nelson cut onions for their salsa. (Photo submitted)

5

Firefighters quickly curtail dryer fire

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A small plume of smoke just off College Drive didn’t have the chance to become a fullfledged house fire the morning of Sept. 4, thanks to Decorah firefighters. No injuries were reported.

The Decorah Fire Department was paged out for a dryer fire at 7:47 a.m. that day to 209 North Street — near the intersection of North and East Streets.

Smoke could be seen rising from the home’s windows, but the homeowner was able to exit the house and remained outside, according to information from the fire department.

Steve Vanden Brink, the department’s public information officer, said crews found heavy smoke coming from the home’s basement when they arrived. He said the fire department used a thermal imager to locate the fire amid the thick, black smoke, and firefighters were able to quench the fire using two extinguishers.

“The occupant of the home did what everyone should do, if they have a fire — that is to get out and stay out,” Vanden Brink said. “The home also had working smoke detectors, which

Members of the Decorah Fire Department gathered near a blackened clothes dryer the morning of Sept. 14 after removing the appliance from the basement of a home in the 200 block of North Street in Decorah. No injuries were reported, with only minor smoke damage to the home’s basement. (Photo by Seth Boyes) could be heard alarming when the fire department arrived.”

Vanden Brink reminded the public to check clothes driers regularly and to clean each machine’s lint screen every time it is used.

Crews responding to last week’s call removed the blackened dryer from the home and

placed it outside in the driveway before putting fans in place to ventilate the house — visible smoke coming from a western window and front door dissipated within minutes after the fans were put in place. Vanden Brink said minor smoke damage occurred in the home’s basement, and the dryer was considered a

total loss.

Firefighters were on scene for approximately an hour, Vanden Brink said. They were assisted by the Decorah Police Department and Winneshiek County Dispatch as well as officials with Alliant Energy and Black Hills Energy.

Authorities say armed suicidal man arrested following incident outside WinnMed The Winneshiek County Communications Center received a call from the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office the morning of Sept. 10, reporting a suicidal male subject with a firearm in the WinnMed parking lot. WinnMed was immediately placed on lockdown. The hospital notified the public of the lockdown in a social media post at 9:43 a.m. that day.

Local law enforcement was able to make contact with the subject by phone and negotiation attempts were made. The subject fled in his truck and eluded Winneshiek County Law Enforcement for a time.

During the pursuit, several attempts were made by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and Decorah Police Department to stop the vehicle. Ultimately,

the deputies and officers were able to box the vehicle in on the overpass of Highway 52 near Madison Road and safely bring the vehicle to a stop. The subject was taken into custody without incident and the firearms in the vehicle were recovered. The subject was then taken by law enforcement to WinnMed for further evaluation.

WinnMed updated its social

media post at 9:57 a.m. the same day, saying the lockdown had been lifted.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and Decorah Police Department have several charges pending from this incident. More details on the charges will be released later.

No additional information will be released at this time.

Supervisors hope to save county $30,000 by moving DHS into Community Services building before Public Health

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Winneshiek County Department of Health and Human Services may soon be relocating to the county’s new Community Services building at 607 Washington St. in Decorah.

County supervisor Mark Vick made the announcement during Monday’s regular meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting — adding that Winneshiek County Public Health is “willing to stay where they’re at” — in the third floor of the Smith Building, which was recently sold to the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation.

“We can put DHS in there without spending any money … (and) we wouldn’t have to do any remodeling,” Vick said.

“Then we just step back, take a deep breath and let Public Health stay there.”

Vick further suggested that the county take one year to consider cost-saving alternatives for the Community Services building.

“We’re going to save the county a lot of cash dollars just by doing that,” he said. “Just by getting DHS out of (its current location), it’s going to be in the $30,000 per year range in savings. That’s my recommendation.”

EM EntErprisE MEdia

Supervisor Shirley Vermace asked if it was possible to have Public Health Administrator Krista Vanden Brink provide the supervisors with an update. Vick said Vanden Brink can come to a meeting “if she wants,” although County Auditor Ben Steines added that Vanden Brink has been “very busy” because she doesn’t have a staff — Vick, who sits on the Public Health Board, said Van Brink’s department has only four remaining employees after “everybody quit,” and Public Health is no longer certified to provide services covered by Medicaid or Medicare.

Steines said he would contact Vanden Brink to find out when she’s able to come to a supervisors meeting to provide an update to the public.

In other business: • Tom Madden of SEH, Inc. reported the Festina sewer project is making good progress. He also made a pay request in the amount of $212,122.95 to be paid to JB Holland Construction, Inc. The pay request was unanimously approved.

• The supervisors unanimously approved a Housing Trust Fund pledge letter stating the county would contribute $10,000 to the fund this year.

• The county’s settlement agreement with Jeff Peel was

Tom Madden of SEH, Inc. updated the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on Monday about the Festina sewer project. (Photo by Zach Jensen) unanimously approved. For complete details on this issue, see the article by Seth Boyes in this edition of the Decorah Leader.

• The service agreement with MercyOne of Waterloo for substance abuse services was renewed.

• The supervisors will talk more at the Sept. 16 meeting about hiring a replacement recycling supervisor.

• Winneshiek County Engineer Michael Kueny provided a progress report on several bridges in the county. The deck on Bridge 5 on Centennial Road, 1.8 miles north of Castalia, will be poured this week. Bridge

the

mitigation, which helps prevent damage and collapse, has been purchased for Bridge 208E on County Road V68. Also this week, railroad flat cars will be set in Bridge 313, at the bend where 225th Street changes to 307th Avenue, and Bridge 317A, which is located off River Road about one-half mile north of Canoe Creek Bridge.

•At the end of this week’s board of supervisors meeting, the supervisors toured the county’s road projects.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Sept. 16, at the courthouse annex.

CONTACT US! 563-382-4221 110 Washington St., Suite 4 Decorah

NEWS

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

County approves settlement in rural riprap dispute School board to

ponder facility maintenance issues

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a legal settlement, resolving a case filed against the board by a landowner who had placed unpermitted erosion control measures along a county road. The board had tabled the matter last week in order to seek legal guidance as to whether the terms of the proposed settlement could yet be amended — ultimately, the board approved the agreement Monday without further revisions.

Landowner Jeffrey Peel filed a petition against the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors in mid-December of 2023, alleging the board overstepped its authority by instructing him late last year to remove the materials from the county right of way near his home along 360th Street.

Issues of access caught county’s attention Peel alleged in his December petition that the previous condition of 360th Street in northern Winneshiek County “made it nearly impossible for regular traffic, including delivery vehicles, to enter his private drive and residence” prior to the summer of 2023. The landowner’s own filing states he placed riprap — large stones typically placed to curtail erosion — as well as other materials along a portion of the rural road without seeking the proper permits to do so. Peel argued the unpermitted installation of erosion control measures was “necessary for the day to day use that is required for a residence.”

Neighboring landowner Mary Fitch objected to Peel’s actions in the summer of 2023, saying they limited her tenant farmer’s access to a nearby field. Peel at one point requested the county vacate a portion of 360th Street — which would have made a small stretch of the road private property. County officials ultimately instructed Peel to remove the riprap by Dec. 20 of that year. Peel asked the county for more time during the board’s Dec. 11, 2023, meeting, and proposed alternative solutions — to which Fitch objected, according to the minutes of that meeting — and the board voted unanimously to hold Peel to the original timeline.

Peel filed his petition against the county two days later, asking a court to void the board’s decision and claiming the county supervisors “acted in excess of its authority and illegally deprived the plaintiff of his federal and state constitutional due process rights” when it allowed Fitch to speak, noting she was not listed on the Dec. 11 agenda.

Board sees settlement as acceptable remedy The drafted settlement would require Peel to take certain actions no more than 30 days after the agreement is executed.

Peel would be required to

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

The county has approved a legal settlement in a case filed against the board of supervisors, after the board ordered landowner Jeffrey Peel to remove riprap erosion control he had put in place last year without a permit. Peel filed his lawsuit in December, saying the board had acted in excess of its authority in ordering him to remove the rocks. (File photo) Landowner Mary Fitch voiced her opposition to a proposed legal settlement between the county board of supervisors and her neighboring landowner Jeffrey Peel.

The board unanimously supported the settlement, saying it was in the county’s best interest to resolve the matter outside court. (Photo

by Zach Jensen)

remove any personal property from 360th Street, and remove any rip rap north of an automatic gate he must install — the settlement specifies Peel is to pay for the gate, which must be the same width as those the county uses on such roadways.

That gate is to be installed 20 feet south of the manual gate which currently stands near Peel’s home, under the current terms of the settlement. Access codes for the gate are also to be given to Fitch and the Winneshiek County Engineer’s Office as part of the settlement.

In addition, the settlement shows Peel would agree to dismiss his case against the county with prejudice — meaning it cannot be refiled at a later date. The settlement also shows the county would agree to take no further action against Peel or subsequent owners of the property in regard to the rip rap south of the prescribed gate.

Fitch voiced her opposition to the proposed agreement during Monday’s meeting, saying she’s not sure how the gate became the focus of the agreement, when Peel’s lawsuit centered on the county’s instructions to remove the riprap which was put

in place without a permit.

“I didn’t get the opportunity for the last nine months to bend your ear, where Peel did,” Fitch said, adding she felt the addition of the gate amounted to a second obstruction in the county’s right of way. “I don’t think it’s how other right of way issues that you had were treated earlier this year, so I don’t understand why the inequity is here right now.”

Supervisor Shirley Vermace noted the agreement allows field access to the neighboring property owners, and places the financial responsibility of restoring the ditches on Peel.

“In the interest of the county spending money on a court case or not, I think it’s in our best interest to agree to the settlement as is, knowing that an electronic gate could still go up but you would still have code access to that gate,” Vermace told Fitch.

Fellow supervisor Mark Faldet said he felt the overall issue could have potentially been handled better, but he agreed it was in the county’s best interest to approve the settlement with the train so far down the proverbial track at that point.

Fitch later agreed the agree-

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ment would provide access to her field, but she expressed concern as to whether she and her tenant would be given the gate code in a timely manner — multiple county officials noted Peel would be bound under the agreement to do just that and could face punitive damages if he failed to provide access to either Fitch or county employees.

“It would really be no different than someone going and putting a new padlock on the chain gate and not giving anyone keys,” Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines said.

The settlement, once approved, would continue to be valid if and when a new owner purchased Peel’s property.

Online property listings show Peel’s residence was put on the market in early August for $1.5 million — the listing describes the property as a four-bedroom log home on 76 acres of land.

Steines pointed out to the board that, if the property were sold before the settlement is finalized, the board of supervisors may need to take up the issue again with the new owner from the beginning.

As the Decorah Community School District oversees plans for a proposed new elementary school, leaders also are looking at the upkeep of existing district-owned buildings.

During Monday night’s meeting of the Decorah Board of Education, Superintendent Tim Cronin highlighted several necessary school maintenance issues, citing future roof improvements at Thomas Roberts High School and Carrie Lee Elementary School. This past summer, a new EPDM synthetic rubber roof was installed at the Decorah Middle School.

Cronin said the Shive Hattery Architecture Engineering firm completed installation of a new roof at the middle school this summer. During an inspection of other school facilities’ roofs, it appeared there were significant leaks in the seals of the high school roof over the cafeteria, according to school officials.

Board members are also eyeing ongoing repairs of the existing heating and air-conditioning infrastructure and new lawn mowing equipment down the line in the district facilities.

The board is also considering a change to the snow removal practices in the district. Cronin said he plans to reach out to local snow-removal firms prior to taking any action. Currently, the school custodial staff is responsible for snow removal at all district buildings.

Shawn Gordon, who is currently serving as interim director of building and grounds, said the custodial staff is already down two employees and that their time removing snow can often take away from other responsibilities inside school buildings.

The board met with new teachers during Monday’s meet-

ing. Facilitator of Instruction and Assessment and Elementary Assistant Principal Dana Bockman introduced several new hires — Matt Steven, social worker and third/fourth grade teacher; Alaina Otto, fourth grade teacher; Chris Hadley, band teacher; Sarah Kowitz, fifth through eighth grade orchestra teacher; and Alyssa Marso, business teacher at the high school. Other new teachers this fall are Heidi Snell-Anderson, fifth grade science teacher; and Bretta Schwartz, special education teacher at the Middle School.

Board discusses West Side School plans Board members spent time at Monday’s meeting discussing the future use of West Side School, should the school be vacated after a new elementary school is constructed on the John Cline School site. West Side was built in the late 1930s, and currently lays claim to the oldest operating boiler in the state of Iowa, according to board vice-president Ron Fadness.

The question of the future of the West Side School was brought up at the Sept. 5 school district forum explaining the proposed new elementary school bond referendum. There are currently two sections of pre-kindergarten housed at the West Side building. The proposed new elementary school would replace the John Cline and West Side buildings.

The board unanimously agreed that the West Side building would not be conducive for school use, should the bond referendum be approved, and the district may consider selling the property once a new elementary school is constructed.

At the conclusion of Monday’s meeting, the board voted to move the monthly meeting time to 6:30 p.m. from October through March of next year.

Winneshiek County fire departments train on electric vehicle fire and rescue Members of Winneshiek County fire departments gathered Aug. 24 in Decorah for a one-day training on how to respond to electric vehicle emergencies.

The morning training included classroom education on how to identify EV and hybrid vehicles, how to handle fire and rescue operations when they include EV vehicles and how fire and rescue personnel should preplan their responses to incidents which could include EV vehicles.

“During the class, firefighters were educated on crash dynamics involving electric vehicles, as most are heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts,” said Decorah Fire Department Public Information Officer Steve Vanden Brink.

“The many safety standards that are put in place while building the EV and their starting and operating features pose other safety concerns for the rescuers

and operators — like how they operate with or without a key (and) how they are made secure for entry using the 12 volt systems. We learned how the materials used in manufacturing EVs and other vehicles presents a health hazard when burning — thus making it important to use our personal protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatuses to breathe clean air.”

In the afternoon, firefighters were given hands-on practice on how to identify EVs and how to approach a burning EV using streams of water and a 45-degree approach. The firefighters were given hands-on use of the extrication equipment, including cutters, spreaders and rams to open the occupant compartment of the vehicle. They used a thermal-imaging camera to identify the hotspots of the battery and direct cooling of the battery. They also used a cable winch to manipulate the sim-

ulated EV and help cool the battery hot spots. Vanden Brink said firefighters learned ways to remove a burning EV from a building so property damage to the building could be controlled — all while knowing more firefighters and resources are needed to control the EV fire.

As of June 2023, more than 12,800 electric and hybrid vehicles were registered in Iowa, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. In Winneshiek County, there were nearly 300 EVs registered with the DOT. A total of 16 level 2 EV charging stations are located in Winneshiek County, and officials said there are many more home-based charging stations throughout Winneshiek County.

For information, contact Steve Vanden Brink with the Decorah Fire Department at 563-382-3142 or dfd@decorha. iowa.gov.

Winneshiek County school districts join 134 school districts to receive food grants Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Aug. 26 the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will provide $2,000 grants to 137 participating school districts or schools to purchase meat, eggs, produce, dairy and other local foods from area farmers. The Decorah Community School District, South Winneshiek Community Schools and Turkey Valley Schools are included in the list of grant recipients.

“With another school year off

and running, I’m excited to see more connections being made between school lunch programs and local farmers,” said Secretary Naig. “These grants provide yet another way that we can assist our schools with providing fresh and nutritious meals while also fortifying supply chains and building market demand for Iowa farmers.

Because of Choose Iowa and programs like Local Food for Schools, many Iowa farmers are building long-term capac-

ity to serve larger buyers like schools. As a result, these established connections between schools, food hubs and farmers can continue on well into the future.”

Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, the program facilitates direct relationships between schools, food hubs and farmers. To find out more information about LFS or how to participate as a vendor, visit iowafarmtoschoolearlycare.org.

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

7

Biodigester our company is. We’re doing the opposite here, and any of you with those concerns and with those grievances, please come talk to us. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of the good. This is a good project.”

Hill also addressed the perceived potential for an explosion at a biodigestion facility.

He said the gases in the biodigester are held at .25 pounds per square inch.

“That’s one one-hundredth of what’s in the tires on your car,” Hill said. “That’s about one five-hundredth of what’s in a propane tank. In fact, the energy stored at the top of our digester is … about the same amount of energy stored in a propane tank in a barbecue grill. You have more energy there than we have in the top of the digester.”

Hill added that, because the digester has less than 300 parts per million of air — or .03 percent — and 70 percent air is needed to create an explosion, the chances of an explosion at the biodigester are extremely remote.

Bob Watson, local environmentalist, shared concerns about multiple hazardous chemicals he claimed would exist in the facility.

“The only way that Novilla is allowed to say there is no hazardous waste in that is the federal and Iowa governments say these hazardous wastes cannot be called ‘hazardous waste’ in agriculture,” Watson said. “The hazardous wastes are there whether the government wants you to know that or not. Novilla also says they will follow all regulations. This is also misstatement, as there are no regulations that the digesters need to follow.”

Chris Jones of the Driftless Water Defenders shared a few of his concerns about potential environmental hazards, and related sentiments were also shared and supported during the meeting by James Larew

Sharon Gerleman provides a character reference for her neighbors, Nick and Lindsey Bohr (seated in front of her), during the Aug. 3 public hearing held by the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment. (Photo by Zach Jensen) DWD’s legal counsel — Larew did not mention the legal petition he would file against the county board of supervisors the next day.

A united front Other locally-familiar environmentalists spoke during the meeting, largely echoing the same concerns they expressed during the Aug. 5 rezoning public hearing and the earlier public hearing held by the county’s planning and zoning commission. However, friends and neighbors of the Full Bohr Dairy, the family farm where the biodigester would be located, spoke in support of the project.

“I live in the neighborhood where this digester is,” said Sharon Gerleman. “We’ve farmed in this area for 37 years.

I grew up with the Bohrs and the Moellers, and I can’t say enough about their farming practices. They’re excellent farmers. We have loved living next to them. They’re good people, and they’re not big corporations. They’re generational farmers that are providing us food.”

Kevin Gerleman, Sharon’s

husband, also expressed support for the project and added that the nitrate levels in his property’s groundwater aren’t hazardous.

“From what I see, this looks like a good project,” said Pat Boe of the South Winn Veterinary Clinic in Ossian. “To me, to see this type of proactive positioning by this industry — to try to figure out how to control odors make things safe, I know this company is going to be watched very extensively by the DNR — as well as the communities around it. They’re being extremely transparent.”

Joe Nelson of Mable, Minnesota, expressed his opinion that, rather than working against generational farms, the concerned public should work with farms like Full Bohr Dairy to help them succeed.

“I sit here with Nick Bohr,” Nelson said. “He has a fouryear degree out of Iowa State, and he comes back to the dairy farm. He could have gone on to do something else, but he came back. His wife’s sitting next to him, Lindsey, she’s a registered nurse. They have four beautiful young children. Get behind this deal.”

Nessa Stika, also of South Winn Veterinary Clinic, added that dairy farmers like the Bohrs are not only trying to provide for their families but also help clean up the environment.

“I want to commend these farms for going after a project like this,” Stika said. “What they’re doing right now isn’t easy. Do you think they like sitting through these meetings and getting attacked? They’re trying to use the resources available to them to make things better for the environment. Half of these greenhouse gases are going to be here anyway, and this project is put in place to make that better.”

The public hearing was closed after about an hour of public discussion, at which time the county board of adjustment briefly discussed the request for the conditional use permit.

“I am an older farmer and a retiring farmer,” said BOA Chair Steve Langland. “My only alternative is to work with a young beginning farmer, and it is harder than heck to get a young farm going, believe me. It’s a struggle. His wife is working full time, he’s working a second job to make it. This family is trying to keep their families going and the next generations going. I believe they’re doing the right thing. If we can keep family farms going in this county, so much the better.”

A few minutes later, the courthouse annex erupted in applause and cheers after the board of adjustment unanimously approved the conditional use permit for the biodigester, with the stipulation that dust control measures are used on the gravel roads between the farms and the facility until the pipeline is fully operational.

The other shoe Nick Bohr and his wife, neighbors and friends briefly celebrated their victory outside the courthouse annex after the

board of adjustment meeting that Tuesday night, but their cheer was short-lived. The next morning, the county — along with the Decorah Leader and Cedar Rapids Gazette — were notified that DWD attorney James Larew had filed a petition against the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, asking a district court judge to review the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors’ conduct as it considered the zoning request. The board voted 3-2 to approve the request on Aug. 5.

Larew’s primary concern, according to the petition, is how the Aug. 5 public hearing was conducted during that day’s board of supervisors meeting.

Larew claims the meeting was not conducted in accordance with the required published notice and alleges the board illegally “denied the public a full and fair opportunity to be heard at the rezoning hearing.”

Larew’s petition, made on behalf of DWD, claims that “the digester’s operations will result in substantially increased dairy herd sizes, creating significant-increased amounts of nitrate-saturated residuals that, when spread across farm land [sic] in the vicinity, will markedly-enlarge the amount of pollution to be suffered by the area’s wells, aquifers, streams, rivers and lakes, causing direct harms to citizens’ fundamental right to access clean water.”

The petition also claims that DWD members “residing, operating businesses and recreating in Winneshiek County are directly affected by the board of supervisors’ rezoning decision,” and claimed that, if the decision is allowed to stand, the digester will “result in the intensification and sizes of dairy cattle operations, causing an expansive amount of digester nitrate-saturated residuals, that when applied to nearby farmland, will increase water pollution in three independent water-

continued from front sheds that are tangential to the re-zoned area.”

In the petition, Larew further stated DWD members affected by the county supervisors’ approval of the rezoning request will be affected as a result of rezoning the biodigester’s land from agricultural to industrial. The petition also argues the board of supervisors engaged in illegal spot zoning, saying the board “did not make the rezoning decision consistent with Winneshiek County’s comprehensive zoning plan,” and went on to call the split vote “arbitrary and capricious,” as well as “an abuse of discretion.”

The Legal Information Institute says, “Spot zoning refers to when a piece of property or groups of property have special zoning laws applied to them that differ from the zoning laws surrounding them.” The institute also claims that, while some spot zoning is illegal, other spot zoning may be essential.

Larew has requested that the court set aside the board’s decision. It also requests the court require the supervisors submit all email and text correspondence between each of the five supervisors and the county auditor regarding the biodigester and its zoning request and set the matter for a hearing.

“We’re still happy with the outcome,” Hill said of the board of adjustment’s recent approval.

“The more people learn about the project the more support we are getting, and it was shown in the unanimous vote. It’s unfortunate that they filed the lawsuit, and we are a bit perplexed by it. Prior to the meeting, we had reached out to the Driftless Water Defenders to speak with their group and did so again after the meeting — even offering to come talk to their group in person. This is our 14th project to get permitted, and we’ve had broad support from environmental groups and citizens across the political spectrum.”

Fravel caretaker in the household. According to court records, Fravel spent his COVID-19 relief fund money on a home gym instead of assisting Kingsbury with daily expenses. Court records also reflect the couple were months behind on the lease of their townhome prior to Kingsbury’s disappearance.

Lauren Debois, a longtime friend of Kingsbury’s since meeting at WSU, testified Kingsbury confided Fravel was “not stepping up in the ways she had hoped,” and “he was becoming more controlling.”

Kingsbury’s friends and family members testified the majority of the text messages and conversations they had with Kingsbury centered on her being tired, sad and frustrated with Fravel. Scott described seeing Fravel become physical with Kingsbury while she was video chatting with Kingsbury in early 2020.

“She was at home, cooking dinner and holding (her daughter),” Scott said. “I could hear Adam ask, ‘Why the hell is this house such a (expletive) mess?’

She said, ‘Maybe if I had some (expletive) help it wouldn’t be such a mess.’ He backhanded her across the face.”

Debois witnessed a similar interaction during a video call in early 2021, when Kingsbury was holding her infant son and Fravel pushed Kingsbury into the refrigerator. Debois said Kingsbury was embarrassed and immediately ended the video call.

Kingsbury’s sister, Dubois and Kolka all told the court Kingsbury began wearing turtlenecks or sweatshirts with long pants on very hot summer days.

“She had a grey turtleneck on, it was the fall of 2022 but it was a warm day,” Kolka told the court. “I asked, ‘What are you wearing?’ She showed me later she had marks on her neck

— on the sides. (Kingsbury and Fravel) had been fighting over the cleanliness of the house, and Adam had placed his hands around her neck.”

Every witness questioned last week was asked about one incident in particular which occurred in late September, 2021.

Witnesses claimed Fravel and Kingsbury had been watching a documentary on Gabby Petito — a 22-year-old who had been killed by her boyfriend after experiencing domestic abuse — when Fravel allegedly grabbed Kingsbury by the throat unprovoked, threw her on the couch and pressed until Kingsbury could not breath. Kingsbury allegedly shared the incident with her loved ones, saying Fravel told her, if she wasn’t careful, she would end up like Gabby Petito.

Kingsbury’s father, David Kingsbury, recalled his daughter telling him of the incident.

“She was frantic — I couldn’t understand her, she was almost hyperventilating,” the father said of his daughter’s phone call.

David Kingsbury immediately drove from Farmington to Winona, picked up Kingsbury and the children and took them back to his home to stay. Kingsbury supposedly agreed Fravel would be out of the house by the weekend, and she assured everyone she was not going back to him. David Kingsbury testified his daughter wasn’t willing to file a police report, but they were led to believe Fravel would go to his family’s home and the relationship would be over.

He testified his daughter stayed three days at the family’s home before returning to her home in Winona. It was later discovered Fravel had not left the home, and Kingsbury later relayed to her father and stepmother that Fravel was joking about the “Petito incident,”

adding “maybe it was not as bad” as she remembered.

Kolka, Scott and Kingsbury’s older sister Megan each told the court they offered their homes to Kingsbury and her children, pleading with her to leave Fravel, but Kingsbury would say she didn’t want to be a burden or take the children away from their father.

Shaw testified she helped Kingsbury put safety measures in place and told her not to let Fravel back into her home. Kolka said she even offered to let Fravel move in with her family rather than allow her friend to continue living in an allegedly abusive situation.

“I didn’t figure Adam would be a threat to us or my kids, and my husband would put him in his place,” Kolka said. “I wanted Maddi to be safe and not scared while she was trying to get out of there.”

Witnesses say Kingsbury was moving out Witnesses told the court Fravel’s behavior toward Kingsbury worsened over time. The two were no longer romantically involved by 2021, but they continued to reside together. Dubois testified Fravel threatened to hurt Kingsbury or take their children from her if she tried to leave.

Dubois, Kolka, Scott, and Holly Stamschror, a friend and former college roommate of Kingsbury’s, reported seeing bruises and marks on Kingsbury’s neck, and Shaw said Kingsbury had suffered a shoulder injury after Fravel allegedly pushed her into a wall.

Kolka and Stamschror said Kingsbury claimed she and Fravel had agreed to attend therapy, but Kingsbury later confided to her stepmother that she had to leave Fravel because their daughter had “seen too much.”

Kingsbury later began a rela-

tionship with Spencer Sullivan, an old friend with whom she had reconnected the previous year.

Sullivan testified Kingsbury believed Fravel had gained access to her phone and found out about the budding romance, adding that Fravel had also installed cameras inside their home.

The lease on the Winona townhome Kingsbury shared with Fravel was not expected to be renewed as of May 2023.

Kingsbury was already taking strides to separate herself from her ex-partner by March of that year. Fravel was said to have agreed to move out of the townhome as of April 1, and Kingsbury was looking for apartments in the area — Dubois said she observed a mark on Kingsbury’s neck in early March of 2023. Dubois also testified that around that same time, Kingsbury confided in her that if anything ever happened to her or the kids, it would be Adam who would be responsible for it.

Kingsbury disappeared March 31 of that year.

The day prior to her disappearance, Kingsbury called Kolka.

“She was frantic — she asked if she could come work at my house because Adam was hovering and scaring her,” Kolka testified. “Her office was in the basement, and he was making statements about her leaving and some other man raising his kids.”

When Kingsbury arrived at Kolka’s house, she was very pale and looked ‘defeated and weak,’ according to Kolka’s testimony. Fravel allegedly sent Kingsbury a string of text messages, asking if Kingsbury was leaving him, but Kingsbury refused to reply.

“I begged her not to leave my house,” Kolka said. “I told her to come back later and bring Adam, and we’d have dinner together. I said I’ll be a bad guy,

and I’ll call the cops.”

Kingsbury left, eventually texting Kolka she had found an apartment. Scott said Kingsbury texted her March 30 and seemed afraid but confident she could move out of the house she shared with Fravel.

Kingsbury and Fravel were recorded on video while dropping off their children at daycare around 8 a.m. the day of her disappearance. Kingsbury’s sister received a text message from her at 8:15 a.m. the same day.

It was the last time anyone heard from Kingsbury.

The mother of two didn’t report for work at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, nor did she collect her children from daycare that evening. Fravel denied any involvement, insisting he was moving items to his family farm near Mabel that day, and Kingsbury was missing when he returned home shortly after lunch. Numerous searches were conducted, and Kingsbury’s purse, driver’s license and cell phone were located in the home she shared with Fravel.

Kingsbury’s body was found June 7, 2023, in a culvert 4 miles away from Fravel’s family farm near Mabel. Her body was wrapped in a fitted sheet similar to the fitted sheet investigators said was missing from an air mattress at her home.

continued from front Her head was wrapped with a knotted towel and secured with black duct tape similar to a roll of duct tape investigators located at her home.

Fravel was arrested June 9 that year, and he has been housed in Winona County Jail on a $2 million bond while awaiting trial.

Trial could last several weeks Kingsbury’s family made a request during last week’s hearing that no video or audio coverage of the trial be allowed, citing the sensitivity of the allegations of domestic violence and abuse. The prosecution supported the family’s request, which was granted later in the week.

The court calendar originally had three weeks earmarked for the trial, but the judge’s most recent estimate shows the case could be heard over a five-week period. A motion was approved ordering all witnesses in the trial to be sequestered until each individual’s testimony is complete. The court also approved a request from both the prosecution and defense, asking that the usual three alternate jury members be increased to five, due to the case’s notoriety. It was decided an anonymous jury will not be necessary.

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‘Pancakes on the Patio’ raises funds Officials with the city of Decorah and the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce joined with local business people Friday to celebrate the establishment of two parklets along Water Street — one outside Blazing Star (pictured) and another outside Sugar Bowl. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

City, chamber celebrate new parklet projects

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Officials with the city of Decorah, the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce and several representatives of downtown businesses recognized the completion of two recently-completed parklet spaces along Water Street.

The new public spaces are located outside Blazing Star and the Sugar Bowl and were a collaborative effort between the chamber and the city’s Self-supporting Municipal Improvement District — or SSMID. The district was established in

2000 as a special taxing district in which property owners agree to pay property taxes specifically for improvements, such as benches, bicycle racks and public parks, within the district’s bounds.

Jessica Rilling, executive director of the Decorah Area Chamber, helped secure grant funding for Decorah’s new parklets, and she said they are two of only a few such spaces within the state of Iowa. Officials said verbal feedback regarding the parklets has been positive so far, and Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said organizers received four applications from

local businesses seeking to be included in what he called the first cycle of the parklet project.

Rilling said the new downtown features are an example of what some refer to as third places — areas of interaction which are visible to visitors.

“For Decorah, the parklets are a beautiful, highly visible example of third places,” Rilling said.

The parklets are each contained to a single street-side parking spot outside their respective businesses, but city officials said the public is free to use the space regardless of whether they are customers of

either establishment.

Goedken noted Sugar Bowl had previously created similar space using cinder block and other materials. The current parklets are constructed on platforms surrounded by a metal railing — Goedken said the structures are crash tested to 25 mph. Each local business owner associated with a parklet may make certain additions as they see fit — Sugar Bowl’s parklet features solar lights, and Goedken said the organizers are looking into the possibility of adding shade canopies to the two debut parklets.

‘Pete the Cat’ next Ossian Storybook Walk

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The book selected for this storybook walk is “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes”.

Teachers and daycare providers are given activities and ideas to support the story. There is also a box of tennis shoes inside the entryway of the Ossian Community Center. Each class or daycare was invited to take a pair of shoes back to their classroom or daycare setting to decorate their own “school shoe.”

The next “Ossian Storybook Walk Along Main” has been announced by the city of Ossian and the Ossian Crown Club.

The book “Pete the Cat: Rock-

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Holden Monroe and his mom Tami served up scrambled eggs and breakfast sausages.

Fair royalty at the pancake breakfast fundraiser included Fair Princess Addison Wicklund (left) and Fair Queen Annika Schmelzer.

Law Enforcement

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ing in My School Shoes” will be the next selection. Teachers and daycare providers are given activities and ideas to support the story.

The concept for the “Storybook Walk” started as a simple idea of getting kids outside, bringing families and classes together and having a story-walk along Main Street to promote literacy, local businesses and the downtown area. Participants may walk along Main Street in Ossian and read from pages of the selected book. A new book is added on a regular basis.

Proceeds from the Sept. 8 Pancakes on the Patio fundraiser at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Community Building went toward fairgrounds capital improvements. ABOVEGary Schutte was at the griddle making pancakes for the fundraiser. (Photos by Roz Weis)

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office Trisha Kountkofsky, age 41, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 for violation of probation. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said Koutkofsky was transported to the local jail from a residential facility in West Union.

Dominic Reilly, age 22, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:55 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30 to serve two consecutive days.

Dominique Dobson, age 26, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:05 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 on the charge of domestic abuse/assault — first offense. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance that day at approximately 5:49 p.m at a residence on 240th Street. Dobson was arrested and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail.

Jacob Erickson, age 32, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 5:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 on charges of assault on persons in certain occupations, interference with official acts, eluding while exceeding the speed limit and driving while license denied/ suspended/cancelled or revoked.

Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said the Decorah Police Department had initiated a traffic stop, and Erickson was able to elude law enforcement — a criminal complaint said Erickson was traveling at 75 mph in a 35 mph zone. The 32-year-old lost control of his vehicle a short time later, according to the sheriff’s office, resulting in an accident. A separate criminal complaint said Erickson disobeyed commands from a police officer following the accident, and “after multiple taser exposures and the deployment of OC spray,” Erickson attempted to flee on foot before an altercation with the officer

in which he grabbed hold of the officer’s left foot, placing his face on the officer’s calf “in what appeared to be an attempt to bite” the officer, according to the complaint. The officer reported red marks, scratches and a small laceration following the incident. In addition to charges filed by the Decorah Police Department, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office charged Erickson with driving on the wrong side of a two-way highway and failure to maintain control. While incarcerated at the Winneshiek County Jail, Erickson was served with a warrant for failure to serve jail time and was also charged with violation of a no contact order.

Gregory Limberg, age 53, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 6:25 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 1 on charges of gathering where a controlled substance is unlawfully being used and possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said deputies investigated a residence in the 2500 block of Golf View Road over the course of several months. A search warrant was executed on Sept. 1, resulting in Limberg’s arrest.

Dominic Reilly, age 22, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:55 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30 to serve two consecutive days.

Dominique Dobson, age 26, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:05 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 on the charge of domestic abuse/assault — first offense. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance that day at approximately 5:49 p.m at a residence on 240th Street. Dobson was arrested and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail.

Jacob Erickson, age 32, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 5:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 on charges of assault

on persons in certain occupations, interference with official acts, eluding while exceeding the speed limit and driving while license denied/ suspended/cancelled or revoked.

Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said the Decorah Police Department had initiated a traffic stop, and Erickson was able to elude law enforcement — a criminal complaint said Erickson was traveling at 75 mph in a 35 mph zone. The 32-year-old lost control of his vehicle a short time later, according to the sheriff’s office, resulting in an accident. A separate criminal complaint said Erickson disobeyed commands from a police officer following the accident, and “after multiple taser exposures and the deployment of OC spray,” Erickson attempted to flee on foot before an altercation with the officer in which he grabbed hold of the officer’s left foot, placing his face on the officer’s calf “in what appeared to be an attempt to bite” the officer, according to the complaint. The officer reported red marks, scratches and a small laceration following the incident. In addition to charges filed by the Decorah Police Department, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office charged Erickson with driving on the wrong side of a two-way highway and failure to maintain control. While incarcerated at the Winneshiek County Jail, Erickson was served with a warrant for failure to serve jail time and was also charged with violation of a no contact order.

Gregory Limberg, age 53, of Decorah was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 6:25 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 1 on charges of gathering where a controlled substance is unlawfully being used and possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said deputies investigated a residence in the 2500 block of Golf View Road over the course

of several months. A search warrant was executed on Sept. 1, resulting in Limberg’s arrest.

Possible minor injuries were reported following a three-vehicle collision the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 3 along Highway 9 between Centennial Road and Frankville Road. An incident report from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said roadwork is taking place in that area, and a temporary stop light was put in place while the highway was restricted to a single lane. The report said 23-year-old Suly Yohana Toj Sajcap of Monona was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe west and later indicated “when she goes down bigger hills, the vehicle brakes on its own.” The deputy’s written account indicated Toj Sajcap may have been referring to the vehicle’s cruise control and went on to say “she was relying on this to brake the vehicle, rather than using the brakes on her own.” The Tahoe rear-ended a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze driven by 17-year-old Jaxon Lea-Sauceda Millage of Cresco, which in turn rear-ended a 2021 Ford Edge driven by 68-year-old Kevin Lee Lundt of Waukon — both of whom were stopped at the temporary stop light. Toj Sajcap was cited for failure to stop in an assured clear distance and failure to provide proof of financial liability.

The 23-year-old reported no injuries, and damage to the Tahoe was estimated at $5,000. Millage was taken to WinnMed by his father for suspected minor injuries — the Cruze sustained about $7,000 of damage. Lundt reported no injuries, but the report listed 60-yearold Carol Jo Lundt of Waukon as another injured party. Damage to the Ford Edge was estimated at $500.

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

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Foot-Notes to perform at Vesterheim Commons patio Vesterheim will host a FootNotes dance from 7-9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, on the Commons patio.

“You’re in for a treat with this fantastic Decorah-area Scandinavian dance band,” said Lauryn Johnson, Vesterheim collection assistant. “You can sit back and tap your toes to the music or join in on the dance floor. There will waltzes

and two-steps, plus group dances and lots of community fun.”

The Foot-Notes band was founded in 1991, and current band members include Beth Hoven Rotto, Jon Rotto, Erik Sessions and Nina Sessions.

They regularly perform in Iowa at dances in the historic two-room schoolhouse in Highlandville and at Nordic Fest in Decorah.

Grandparents Day celebrated

This event is presented in connection with the exhibit “Hand Me Down the Fiddle: Norwegian Fiddlers, Fiddles, and Fiddle Tunes in the Upper Midwest,” which is guest-curated by FootNotes member Beth Hoven Rotto and open at Vesterheim through May 18, 2025.

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

St. Benedict School observed Grandparents Day last week, which provided lots of smiles.

Mass, classroom visits, snacks and bingo games were among the highlights. A large crowd turned out for the outdoor Mass at St. Benedict School that day. Students concluded the Mass singing, “Thank you Grandma, Thank you Grandpa … We’re so glad you’re in our lives.” RIGHT- Lauren Elsbernd, a first grade student at St. Benedict School, toured her classroom with her grandparents, Don and Trish Elsbernd.

(Photo by Roz Weis)

Buddy Poppies Buddy poppy fundraiser can only be used by veterans in the local area, and Koshatka said they can also only be used to help offset costs of needed services for local veterans, which may include providing the veteran with gas mon-

ey for medical appointments.

“The other day, we had a veteran call us, needing a tire fixed,” Koshatka said. “And, we said ‘Absolutely.’ That’s what we use it for — things like that.”

The only requirement to re-

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ceive help from VFW is that the person requesting help must prove they’re a veteran by providing a copy of their DD214. For information on VFW services, membership or how to help, call Mark Stockdale at 563-382-4847.

Decorah Fall Citywide

GARAGE SALES 1. 605 Stanwood Dr. Christmas/fall decorations, clothes. lawn mower, chain saw, kiddie pool, sandbox, household items, collectables, fine china, books, candles, vases, curiosities, art and more.

6. 506 W. Broadway. Grace Episcopal Church. Friday & Saturday 8am-4pm. Vintage, antiques, household, lighting, garden, holiday decor, treadmill, clothes, linens, books, music, small furniture and Bake Sale.

3. 201 4th St. Friday 8:30am-4pm, Saturday 9am-Noon.

Kids clothes, adult clothes, books, board games, puzzles, toys, shoes, much miscellaneous.

8. 401 Hillcrest Dr. Keurig, microwaves, air fryer, 5x7 area rugs, insulated coveralls, filing cabinets, handbags, holiday wreaths, bedspreads, flannel sheets, furniture and much miscellaneous.

2. 406 High St, near Luther. Vintage jewelry, toys, clothes, fancy belts and gloves, wall hangings, frames/mats, backpacks and luggage, lights, ceramics, kitchenware, kerosene heater, lantern, billiard balls and more!

7. 404 South Mill St. Lamps, rugs, dishes, books, games, dog kennel, shock collar, hamster cage, ice fishing tent, men’s jeans, misses clothes, Christmas decor, ceiling fan, printer, electric roaster

4. 504 Terrace St. 7am-7pm. Antique oak furniture, iron and brass bed, frames, glass and porcelain, collectibles, lamps, frames, canoe, children’s toys, books. Much more. Cash sales.

9. 2549 Whispering Pines Rd. Just moved! Nightstand, desk, dressers, end tables, craft storage, totes, Longaberger baskets, Kirby vacuum, frames, curtain rods, shoes, clothes, LED lights, china, homemade wooden signs.

5. 407 Montgomery St. Lots of Quilting Fabric - $3/yd, quilting books, cookbooks, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, colored glass, cut glass, table decorations.

10. 302 Jefferson St. Moving sale: clothing, electronics, furniture, home goods, jewelry, shoes, tools, kitchen, music & art.

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11. 408 S Mechanic St. Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8am-6pm. Yarn, fabric, thread, lace trims, needlework. Items for cake decorating.

Kitchen, dining. Clothing - boys, girls, men, women. Miscellaneous.

out of City Limits

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12. 603 Twin View Dr. Thursday 7am-5:30pm, Friday 7am-3pm.

Multi-family home goods, furniture, vintage & more. Metal Craftsman cabinets, portable massage table.

13. 101 Ranchview Ct. Friday 126pm, Saturday 8am-2pm. 16’ aluminum extension ladder, 16-gal Craftsman Shop-Vac, student desk, Dyson DC39, kids clothing, sports gear, coats, shoes, boots, toys, household.

16 1 29

14. 203 Vernon St. Antiques, furniture, appliances and many other items you may or may not need.

DECORAH 24

15. 512 W Broadway. Friday 10am6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm. Vintage clothes, hats, shoes, costumes, miscellaneous fancy dishes, silverware, small furniture, dolls and books.

MAP

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 7am - 2pm (unless otherwise marked)

16. 1101 Thomas Ave. Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am1pm. Harley magazines, vintage matchbooks, old tools, end tables, adult clothes, multi-CD player, cassette player, wood shelves, keyboard, cycle helmets, other items.

17. 408 Winnebago St. Saturday 8am-1pm. Huge downsizing. Halloween and fall decor. Furniture, household, women’s clothing, bedding, kids toys and more.

18. 402 South Ave. Thursday 4-7pm, Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 12pm. Boys’ clothes 5-10, girls’ clothes 10+, shoes, books, games, home decor, American Girl dolls & accessories.

19. 2713 Locust Rd. Thursday 4-7pm, Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 7am-2pm. Multi-family: girls’ clothing NB-5, boys’ 18 mo.-5T, boys’ shoes, teen, adult clothing, hunting clothes, 4 barstools, home decor, household.

20. 1725 255th St., Freeport. Thursday 12-5pm, Friday 6am-5pm, Saturday 6am-5pm. Freezer, college frig, men’s clothing, women’s, tools, lawn chairs, boat, scale, cabinet, treadle sewing machine, yard tools, bow, arrow, miscellaneous.

21. 611 W Water St. Vintage pop-up CAMPER, vintage oak desk & school desks, International Disney, port- a-crib, down comforter, electric wok, silver plate pieces, bike carrier, Czech stemware.

22. 405 Jefferson St. Women’s clothes size S-M. Books, antiques, old doilies and textiles.

23. 506 Franklin St. Moving sale! Household items, games, dishes, young men’s, men’s and women’s clothing, size 10 men’s hockey skates, skateboard.

24. 705 Valley View Dr. Friday 1pm - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 4pm. Moving sale! Miscellaneous household items, adult clothing, antique steamer trunk, luggage, wall art.

25. 508 S Mechanic St. 8am-2pm. Large selection of vinyl records new & old, record player and miscellaneous.

26. 2837 Locust Rd. Friday Noon-7pm. Saturday 7amNoon. A young family’s dream sale! MULTI-FAMILY! Girls & Boys Newborn-5T. Baby & kids toys. Home decor & household items!

27. 600 Shady Lane Dr. Some women, men, and baby girl clothes, household items/decor , curio cabinet with glass shelves, miscellaneous.

28. Williams St., blue storage building #5. Lots of T-shirts, old clothes, comics, old toys, jeans, jackets, old records, old trunk, miscellaneous. Cash only.

29. 907 Rosa Dr. Friday 1pm - ?, Saturday 9am - ? Furniture, wine making supplies, medical equipment, golf clubs, child school desk, books, men’s, women’s, girls’ clothes, toys and lots more.

30. 1625 Hickory Hill Rd. Men’s and Women’s clothes/ shoes, household items, outdoor recreation.

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COMMUNITY

10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Community briefs

LifeServe is urgently seeking blood donors to meet the ongoing needs of the community. The public is invited to an upcoming neighborhood blood drive, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1111 Montgomery Street in Decorah. Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter. org or call 800-287-4903.

plore outdoor recreation opportunities in the Decorah area, and support Decorah Park and Recreation projects. This event will allow individuals to sell and/or buy new or gently used outdoor gear such as kayaks, canoes, tents, backpacks, fishing gear, bicycles, skis, lifejackets, car racks, camp stoves and more.

No firearms or weapons will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit Decorah Parks and Recreation, further expanding recreational opportunities and resources in the Decorah area. Resources to help explore outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the area will also be available.

Those interested in selling outdoor gear may drop items at Pulpit Rock Brewing’s front event room from noon to 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27. The seller may set the sale price and receive 60 percent of the sale — individuals may also choose to donate the full proceeds of their sale to Decorah Parks and Recreation.

Unsold items must be picked up from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

29 or be donated. For more information about selling, buying and exploring visit at https:// visitdecorah.com/decorahgearexchange/.

Caregiver Support Group to meet at new Decorah office

Women’s Health Day to be held at Waukon Event Center

WinnMed to offer free ‘Welcome to Medicare’ seminar

WinnMed will host a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. This in-person, two-hour seminar will be held in WinnMed’s lower level conference rooms and will cover Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the prescription drug benefit — Part D — Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. Registration is required

by Monday, Sept. 23. Register online at WinnMed.org/events or by calling 563-387-3036.

LifeServe to hold Decorah Community Blood Drive

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging — or NEI3A — hosts its monthly in-person support group meetings from 10-11 a.m. on the third Monday of each month. The meetings will be held at NEI3A’s new office located at 915 Short St. Suite 169 in Decorah. The next meeting will take place at 10 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 16. This is a free group, and all caregivers of persons with chronic illness or disability, including new caregivers, are welcome and encouraged to attend. No reservations are needed. For more information, please contact Kelly Kuennen, Family Caregiver Specialist at NEI3A, by calling 563-277-6024.

Third annual Decorah Gear Exchange to be held this month

Now is the time to prepare your gently used outdoor recreation items for the third annual Decorah Gear Exchange, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept.

29 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company, 207 College Drive, in Decorah. The Decorah Gear Exchange aims to help individuals sell and buy gently used outdoor recreation items, ex-

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital together with Elliott Jewelers of Waukon are excited to announce they will soon be hosting their 19th Women’s Health Day wellness event on Tuesday, September 24, at the Waukon Event Center. All ages are invited to attend any part of this educational event, which will begin at 11 a.m. with a wellness fair, offering a variety of free health tests and information. A luncheon and program will be held from noon to 1 p.m. that day. Ticket may be purchased for $15 per person. Proceeds will be used to purchase a new iSTAT chemistry and blood gas analyzer used to run many critical tests in the Veterans Memorial Hospital laboratory. For more information, please call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-3411.

Decorah Public Library and ArtHaus announce Coffee and Creativity programs

Decorah Public Library and ArtHaus are holding a Coffee and Creativity program this month. This series is designed to help build community while being creative. Participants can make simple craft projects while chatting over cof-

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Sons of Norway to hear from reality TV show champ

The Sons of Norway Valdres Lodge will hold its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Good Shepard Lutheran Church — 701 Iowa Ave. in Decorah. The meeting will feature a presentation by David Engen of Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 7:30 p.m. that day. His topic will be “Alt for Norge” — or “Everything for Norway — a reality TV show which brings 12 Americans with Norwegian ancestry to Norway and puts them through a variety of challenges to prove who is the most Norwegian. Engen won the reality show competition. Organizers said Engen’s presentation is hilariously funny and will be enjoyed by everyone. The public is invited to hear Engen explain all of the antics he went through to prove that he is indeed very Norwegian. The general public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.

‘…and we thank Him for this food’

Wyatt Dahlen, age 5, gleefully shows off two potatoes he dug up during Glenwood Lutheran Church’s potato harvest Sunday morning. (Photos by Zach Jensen) Following Glenwood Lutheran Church’s Sunday morning service, members of the congregation met at the church’s potato patch — about a quarter-of-a-mile south of the church on Glenville Road. Loren Wilkins, who coordinated the potato

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Public invited to attend qualified charitable distribution program

Decorah Public Library is hosting a free presentation on qualified charitable distributions, which will be hosted by staff of Decorah Bank and Trust and Winneshiek Energy District at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27. The presentation will take place in the library’s mezzanine. More than two-thirds of households donate annually to a charitable organization. People over the age of 70 can give in a tax-savvy way through a qualified charitable distribution — or QCD. For more information, please contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library by emailing zrow-heyveld@decorahlibrary. org or by calling 563-382-3717.

Diabetes support group meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the large conference room, located on the lower level of the hospital. This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes. For more information on the diabetes support group, please call Angie Mettille, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator with Veterans Memorial Hospital, at 568-3411.

Church Women United make Sunflower donation

The local chapter of Church Women United, a national ecumenical Christian women’s movement representing Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women, recently presented a donation to the Sunflower Child Development Center to be used toward its new facility. Pictured are (l-r): Sherry Schilling, Sunflower Executive Director Holly Benda, Ann Naslund, Karla Miens, Diane Sadler and Bev Sheridan.

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easy to prepare and something everyone eats. Before harvesting the potatoes Sunday morning, Nimrod led the congregation in prayer, saying that while the parishioners planted and harvested the crop, God watered and cared for the field.

BELOW- This wagon represents a little more than half of the potatoes harvested by Glenwood Lutheran Church’s congregation on Sunday.

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garden with Dale Nimrod, said they hoped to harvest up to 900 pounds of potatoes this year — all of which will be donated to food pantries in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties. Wilkins said they chose potatoes, because they’re easy to grow,

Two-year-old Eli Nimrod helped harvest potatoes with the Glenwood Lutheran Church Sunday morning.

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fee from 10-11:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The sessions will be led by ArtHaus instructors.

The public is welcome to come make something, regardless of previous experience or artistic ability. Attendees will be practicing decoupage during the Sept. 17 session. This program is free to the public and all materials are provided. For more information, please contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library via email at zrow-heyveld@decorahlibrary. org or by calling 563-382-3717.

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James and Barbara (Rika) Jirak are celebrating their 75th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 14. They were married at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waucoma and currently live on acreage south of Protivin.

The Jiraks have five children: Joan (Alvin) Bakley of Tuthill, SD, Joyce - deceased (Rich Uhlenhake) of Ossian, Jane - deceased (Roger Gilb) of Lakeville, MN, Janet (Melvin Bodensteiner) of West Union, and Jerry (Gayle Drilling) of Little Turkey. They have 22 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

Cards and well wishes may be sent to: 1557 Co. Rd. V64 Fort Atkinson, IA 52144

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

11

School off. Local taxpayers can calculate their individual tax increase by visiting decorahcsdfuture. org/taximpact. Cronin said the $38 million bond is expected to be paid over a 20-year period at 5 percent interest, which the superintendent said may come down, and he noted Decorah Schools has been able to pay off previous bonds ahead of schedule.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support that was shown by our residents on election day,” Cronin said the morning after the election. “We have had many great conversations about the future of our schools in recent months, and it is clear that our community cares deeply about education and the students our district serves.”

Voters will still be asked to approve the $38 million bond itself during the Nov. 5 election — that measure also requires a little more than 60 percent support at the ballot box to pass.

School officials noted the district can’t begin taxing for the bond until after the results of the November election, at which point the school will be issued specific payment information — a process they said guarantees Iowa school districts don’t tax property owners for more than the district is borrowing.

An aging elementary John Cline Elementary welcomed its first students in 1964.

Today, the building is showing its age. Volunteers pointed out heaving hallway tiles, roots in sewer lines and insects inside the building during public tours

last month. And water often enters some portions of the building after heavy rains, whether through the building’s aging roof or through walls standing at the bottom of a nearby hill.

In addition, the building lacks central air conditioning, and each classroom was fitted with a window air-conditioning unit last year. Judy Moen, a retired teacher and a volunteer during last month’s building tours, said the window units can only keep the rooms about 10 degrees cooler than the outside temperature — which she noted isn’t much relief for the young students on a 90-degree school day.

A community survey was created in April to gauge public support for potentially replacing John Cline as well as West Side Early Childhood Center, where the district currently houses its pre-kindergarten classes. The survey found more than 76 percent of the respondents were in support of the proposed project, according to organizers, with about 15 percent opposed to it and around 8 percent unsure.

The Decorah School District purchased the nearby softball field and tennis courts from the city of Decorah approximately a year ago.

“So we’ve got the land to build,” Cronin said, during a Sept. 5 public forum. “Now we have the momentum to get started.”

The district’s plan calls for John Cline to be torn down after the new elementary is built on the property to the west, where the ball field and courts cur-

rently stand. New tennis courts will then be constructed where John Cline currently stands — Cronin said the district’s tennis matches will likely be played on the courts at Luther College during the transition.

Some needed space Preliminary plans for the new elementary call for a two-story structure capable of bringing the district’s pre-K classes under the same roof — on Monday, the Decorah School Board briefly discussed options for the West Side Elementary building if it becomes vacant. Security would also be improved at the new elementary, according to officials, as preliminary plans show a secure entry vestibule on its northeast corner.

The proposed elementary would also feature a separate 600-800 seat gym and a 55,000 square-foot commons area.

John Cline’s gymnasium also serves as the building’s lunch room, which Cronin said limits scheduling of certain classes and can present additional challenges if Mother Nature demands students stay inside for the recess period.

The superintendent said the elementary’s new gym space will allow more overlap during events, such as junior varsity sports, practices or other activities, such as school concerts — drafted plans show the new building’s music room could convert to a performance space via a removable wall.

Cronin said the district is also hoping to work with city officials to use Heivly Street —

Airport continued from page 2 really know what goes on here,” Rilling said. “Through programs like this, they see the airport and learn how it is a huge economic impact for the city. “ Airport Manager Mike Connell was on hand to chat with the crowd of nearly 50 attendees who toured the hangars, touched airplanes and enjoyed a catered lunch provided by the chamber and Luther College Catering.

Connell, a master pilot who

also serves as the airport’s fixed base operator, shared his excitement about the long-awaited $2 million airport upgrade, which is slated to break ground in March of 2025. The current maintenance hangar, built in 1972, will be razed, the cracking asphalt and concrete will be replaced, and a larger maintenance hangar will be built. Additionally, a new pilots lounge and terminal offices will be added to the hangar, replacing

the current hangar which is neerly 60-years-old and houses the FBO offices as well as the antiquated pilots lounge. City Manager Travis Goedken was present at the event and gave further insight about the project.

“This has been three years in the making,” Goedken said. “It has taken eight grants to get the project covered, and it is now 83 percent grant-funded, with the city matching $300,000.”

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which runs along the south side of the school block — for bus traffic to curtail morning congestion near the school building.

“Separating the bus drop off from the car drop off for parents will make life a lot easier for everyone involved and, of course, a lot safer for our students,” Cronin said.

A little room to grow John Cline currently has five sections of students, and Cronin said Decorah’s district-wide enrollment is steady at approximately 1,600 students. The superintendent said Decorah Schools is the largest school district in the six-county area, and has a net gain of 85 students through open enrollment.

“People want to come to Decorah,” Cronin said, calling the district’s positive open enrollment numbers incredible.

“We’re a desired district.”

The new elementary is expected to have what Cronin called a flex space — instruction areas which can serve as additional classrooms if and

Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE Skyline Construction Inc plans to submit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to be covered under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit No. 2 Storm Water Discharge Associated With Industrial Activity for Construction Activities.

The storm water discharge will be from site grading and related activities for construction of new water control structures and retention area located in NE, Section 30 Township 98, Range 8, Winneshiek County.

Storm water will be discharged from one point source and will be discharged to the following streams: Dry Run Creek.

Comments may be submitted to the Storm Water Discharge Coordinator, IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Environmental Protection Division, 502 E 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. The public may review the Notice of Intent from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the above address after is has been received by the Department.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader September 12, 2024 Spillville City Council Meeting Minutes Sept. 3, 2024 The Spillville City Council held the regular meeting at the Spillville City Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024 Mayor Wermers called the meeting to order with the following councilmen present Kelsay, Taylor, Straube and Schmitt and Backes.

Motion by Taylor, second by Straube 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 tabled.

Annexation – tabled.

Water Tower MOA- Mayor Wermers will work on.

Library: Ruth Kuhn wants to nominate Emily Smith to be on Library Board. Motion

by Schmitt second by Straube. Ayes: unanimous. Nayes: none. Motion carried.

Community events: Spillville Area Picnic Sept. 15,2024 at Riverside Park.

Motion by Straube, second by Backes to adjourn. Roll call vote: unanimous. Motion Carried.

Meeting adjourned 6:45 p.m.

Attest: Julie Shimek, City Clerk Fund, Income, Distribution General, $6621.76, $25270.51 Debt Service, $0, $0 Clocks, $6555.87, $8401.92 Capital, $0, $0 Library Trust, $12599.60, $3967.27 Water, $19382.23, $14469.98 Campground, $2453.35, $995.02 Water Deposit, $0, $0 Road Use, $2345.65, $1681.65 Sewer, $4170.83, $1612.41 LOST, $5775.18, $0 August Claims Payc... 07/31/2024 Craft, Susanna-Virginia Payroll .........................................-1,691.32 Payc... 07/31/2024 Elsbernd, Sandra A Payroll ................................................-718.87 Payc... 07/31/2024 KUHN, RUTH Payroll ......................................................-383.23 Payc... 07/31/2024 KULISH, JOANE Payroll .............................................-1,732.76 Payc... 07/31/2024 LUTGEN, ADDISON Payroll ................................................-295.52 Payc... 07/31/2024 LUTGEN, MAKINLEY Payroll .......................................-378.64 Payc... 07/31/2024 PHILLIPS, LARRY J Payroll .............................................-3,922.47 Payc... 07/31/2024 Shatek, Lori Payroll -..

106.20 Payc... 07/31/2024 Thompson, Linda M. Payroll ................................................-300.13 Payc... 07/31/2024 GESING, KATHY Payroll ................................................-978.50 Payc... 07/31/2024 Shimek, Julie M Payroll ......................................................-394.05 Payc... 07/31/2024 Wagner, Abigail A Payroll ................................................-144.07 Payc... 07/31/2024 WAGNER, NIKKI J Payroll ................................................-308.86 Liabili... 08/06/2024 To P... IPERS IPERS.............................................. -2,172.88 Liabili... 08/06/2024 To P... United States Treasury 42-0869418 ......................-2,815.02 Check 08/06/2024 IPERS Penalty ....-3.39 Check 08/06/2024 Decorah Leader Publications ................................................-311.05 Check 08/06/2024 BADGER METER Water Maintenance ............................-230.10 Check 08/06/2024 Flashing Thunder Fireworks ...............................................-2,500.00 Check 08/06/2024 GIGFIRE Internet Service .......................................................-70.00 Check 08/06/2024 DRIFTLESS SECURITY Library Alarm ................................-70.00 Check 08/06/2024 OVERDRIVE, INC Library E-Books .................................-392.40 Check 08/06/2024 Maxwell Public Library Library Books .............................-15.00 Check 08/06/2024 Linden Public Library Books .....................................................-7.00 Check 08/06/2024 Microbac Laboratories, Inc Water & Sewer Testing ................-148.00 Check 08/06/2024 AMAZON MARKETPLACE ClocksSupplies .......................-94.17 Check 08/06/2024 STRAUBE, THOMAS Weed Control .....................................-100.00 Check 08/06/2024 KUHN, RUTH Mileage Reimbursem... ................................-52.82 Check 08/06/2024 Origin Design Water Engineering .....................................-6,124.95 Check 08/06/2024 A & W DESIGNS Clocks Souvenirs ...............................-389.00 Check 08/06/2024 Winneshiek Co Historic Preserv... Clocks Staff Souvenirs ...............

-84.00 Check 08/06/2024 VISA City Supplies ....

-110.56 Check 08/06/2024 VISA City Supplies ....

-510.56 Check 08/06/2024 VISA LibrarySupplies.

-158.91 Check 08/06/2024 JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL Park,clocks,shop sup... ......-49.98 Total -27,764.41 Decorah (Iowa) Leader Sept. 12, 2024

when an incoming grade level is particularly large.

“There is a little space in these drawings for a bubble to go through,” Cronin said while presenting drafted plans last week. “But we’re trying not to build too much, and we’re trying not to build too little, because we wouldn’t want to build a new school and then a year later put portable (classrooms) out there.”

More specific design details for the proposed elementary will be decided upon after the bond is formally approved.

If the public approves the $38 million bond in November, Cronin expects the elementary project’s design phase will last 10 months, and the district will be able to call for contractor bids in September of 2025.

Construction would then be slated to start in March of 2026, and the building could potentially be complete by the fall of 2027.

County auditor reports high voter turnout Winneshiek County Audi-

continued from front

tor Ben Steines said more than 2,400 ballots were cast in the special election as of the time polls closed Tuesday night — more than twice the participation during the 2018 vote to consolidate Decorah and North Winneshiek Schools, and more than six times the usual turnout for a typical school election, he said.

A statement released by Steines’ office late Tuesday said polling sites ran out of pre-printed ballots about halfway through Tuesday’s election, but Steines was able to arrange for more ballots to be printed at a local print shop — specifically Copyland. The county auditor said, because of election security features, the ballots case later in the day needed to be hand-counted by a bi-partisan team of precinct election officials who worked the polls that day. Steines said no inconsistencies or irregularities were reported during the process — he said the only issue was the additional time it took to tally the votes by hand.

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12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221

OFFICIAL NOTICE BEFORE THE UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO THE CITIZENS OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY: Notice is given that Dairyland Power Cooperative, La Crosse, Wisconsin, pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 478, has filed a petition with the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) for extension of franchise to maintain and operate an electric transmission line setting forth the following as the maximum voltage, starting points, routes, and termini of the existing line: EXHIBIT A 69,000V Nominal Voltage (72,500V Maximum Voltage) Electric Transmission Line Winneshiek County, Iowa The West endpoint of this line is an existing Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) 69,000V nominal voltage, 72,500V maximum voltage electrical transmission line, located approximately 0.07 mile North of and 0.27 mile West of the SE corner of said Section 15, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; the West terminus of this line is an existing ITC Midwest LLC (ITC), Decorah Electrical Transmission Substation, located in the SE¼-SW¼ and the SW¼-SE¼, of said Section 15, within the city limits of Decorah, Iowa.

The East endpoint of this line is an existing Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) 69,000V nominal voltage, 72,500V maximum voltage electrical transmission line, located approximately 0.1 mile South of the NE corner of Section 24, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; and, the South terminus of this line is an existing Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) 69,000V nominal voltage, 72,500V maximum voltage, Postville Transmission Substation, located in the SW¼-NW¼, Section 12, T95N, R6W, of the 5th P.M., Clayton County, Iowa.

Beginning at a point on the east corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa in the Upper Iowa River, approximately 0.07 mile North of and 0.27 mile West of the SE corner of said Section 15, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; thence Southeasterly, on public right of way in the SE¼ of said Section 15, crossing public road (Ice Cave Road), a distance of approximately .16 miles, to a point on private property being approximately 0.13 mile West of and 0.01 South of the NE corner of Section 22, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; thence East, on private right of way along the North lines of Sections 22 and 23, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa, a distance of approximately .53 mile, to a point on the west corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa in the Upper Iowa River, approximately 0.01 mile South of and 0.1 mile West of the N¼ corner of said Section 23; thence continuing through the city limits of Decorah, Iowa, this transmission line begins again at a point approximately 0.01 mile South of and 0.25 mile West of the NE corner of Section 23, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; thence East, on private right of way along the North line of Sections 23 and 24, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa, and along the North margin of a public road (Mollers Drive), crossing public roads (County Road A6W/River Road), (172nd Avenue), (170th Avenue) and (249th Street), a distance of approximately 1.12 miles, to a point approximately 0.04 mile South of and 0.14 mile West of the NE corner of Section 24; thence Southeasterly, on private right of way in the NE¼-NE¼ of Section 24, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa, a distance of approximately 0.15 miles, to a point approximately 0.1 mile South of the NE corner of Section 24 and the East endpoint of this line.

The total distance of this 69,000V nominal voltage line is approximately 1.96 miles.

A map showing the route of the electric line may be obtained at no cost by calling (608) 788-4000 or by writing to Dairyland Power Cooperative, Attn: Real Estate and Right of Way Department, 3200 East Avenue South, P.O. Box 817, La Crosse, WI 546020817.

Orders issued and documents filed in this docket (No. E-22557) may be viewed by searching under the docket number in the IUC’s electronic filing system (EFS) at efs. iowa.gov. Objections to the granting of the franchise may be filed electronically using EFS or filed in writing with the IUC no later than 20 days after the date of second publication of this notice. Instructions for submitting an electronic filing can be found in EFS; written objections must be mailed to the Iowa Utilities Commission, 1375 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319.

The date of the first publication is September 5, 2024. The date of the second publication is September 12, 2024.

IOWA UTILITIES COMMISSION BY: Jon Tack General Counsel Dated this 22nd day of August, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader September 5 & 12, 2024

On September 20, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., a sale of personal property of Audreana Cappps and Warren Harvey will be held at unit #32, Store-it-Storage, 2340 East Ridge Rd., Decorah, IA. The item will be sold to the highest bidder who must be present. Item includes but not limited to fan, computer, men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, microwave, boots, shoes end tables, aquarium, basement shelving.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader September 5 & 12, 2024

September 3, 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, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Tom Hansen, 3469 Locust Road, Decorah IA spoke during public comment. Hansen stated that he has been a staunch defender of everyone’s First Amendment Rights. This includes the LGBTQ Communities right to have their parade and fly their flags during it. Club 45 had Democratic Candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, Sarah Corkery, speak at Club 45 to allow her to have her First Amendment Rights.

Hansen feels that when he comes to this council and asks to express his First Amendment Rights, during his events, instead of council acting the way they speak about equality, inclusion, tolerance, diversity, they treat Hansen like an enemy. Hansen stated that council went so far last year as to take him to court to try to fine him $750.00 and ask the court to prohibit him from speaking his mind on city property without council permission. Hansen stated he will continue to point out the hypocrisy between council’s words and actions. This includes the hypocrisy if what had happened up at Chattahoochie Park on June 6th, had happened to a Republican, both members of this board and Hanson would be calling for their resignation. But because it happened to one of council’s own, council sits up here and defends him. Hanson asked for Mr. Zittergruen resignation.

Lisa Zittergruen, 501 Leif Erikson Drive, Decorah IA- Zittergruen stated that she reassures the council that Tom Hansen’s concerns are both inappropriate and irrelevant. She maintains full confidence in her husband’s ability to serve the City of Decorah as a city leader and as a council person. Zittergruen fully believes that we all should as well. Zittergruen asks that Tom, and the community please respect her family’s privacy going forward.

Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of the August 19, 2024, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Tax Abatement for Christopher Winters-543 Massman Drive-New Construction d. Approving Official Newspaper of the City of Decorah-Decorah Leader e. Amendment Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-Impact Coffee f. Renewal Special Class C Retail Alcohol License-Luther College-The Center for the Arts g. New Class C Retail Alcohol License-Blazing Star h. Resolution 3488 Setting Public Hearing on Wood Chip Disposal i. Reappointment of Aaron Dahlen on

Board of Appeals j. Reappointment of Paul Mattson and Lydia Anderson to the Telecommunications Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Schissel seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3489 to fill the council vacancy by special election December 10, 2024. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Olson, Neal, Miculinich, Parker, Zittergruen. Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1334 amending section 2.22.030 of the Decorah Municipal Code regarding Board of Park Commissioners powers and duties. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to waive the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1334.

Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Zittergruen, Parker, Neal, Miculinich, Olson. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski announced that there is an opening on the Decorah Human Rights Commission.

Meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 EBS/BCBS, CITY SHARE - HEALTH INSURANCE...............................83,865.79 AUTHNET, CREDIT CARD FEES......23.55 BANKCARD, CREDIT CARD FEES.213.65 MERCHANT BANK, CREDIT CARD FEES...................2,637.57 CLOVER, CREDIT CARD FEES.........52.95 IA DEPT OF REVENUE, REC TAX....30.88 IA DEPT OF REVENUE, SEWER TAX....................................587.01 IA DEPT OF REVENUE, WATER TAX.................................4,407.58 IA DEPT OF REVENUE, POOL TAX....................................1,554.09 EBS, CLAIMS CUSHION.............50,000.00 UMB ACCT, BOND FEES...............1,200.00 PAYROLL FOR 8/30/2024...........212,771.84 BRITTANY THEISMANN REIMBURSEMENT FOR STICKERS AND MAGNETS..............................216.64 CONNELL FLYING SERVICE, AUGUST 2024 SERVICES ..........3,977.97 DELTA DENTAL, SEPTEMBER 2024 DENTAL ......1,431.40 HOLTEY, MARC, REIMBURSEMENT WHALEN CABIN SUPPLIES...........37.17 IOWA DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ANNUAL WWTP PERMIT FEE..1,275.00 PATRICIA THEIN, REIMBURSEMENT REPLACEMENT KEYS....................16.56 QUADIENT FINANCE USA, POSTAGE.........................................500.00 UPS, POSTAGE....................................40.66 WINN CO. SAN. LANDFILL, BUILDING DEBRIS & DEER............8.30 ACCO, CHEMICALS......................8,078.35 AIA SERVICES, APPAREL.............3,808.72 ALLIANT ENERGY, COMPOST GRANT PROJECT.......921.58 ANDERSON WILMARTH VAN DER MAATTEN, LEGAL SERVICES..5,293.80 AT&T MOBILITY NATIONAL ACCOUNTS, FD CELL PHONE.......86.62 BAKER & TAYLOR, BOOKS.........2,145.94 BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS INC, ROAD ROCK...................................815.09 CAPITAL ONE, SUPPLIES................520.89 CAROLINE ALLEN, PROGRAM........75.00 CARRICO AQUATIC RESOURCES, PULSAR BRIGUETTES...............1,026.50 CDW GOVERNMENT, EQUIPMENT................................2,743.60 CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT, BOOKS.............................................209.22 CHAMBER OF COMM AND WINN CO DEVELOP, HOTEL/MOTEL.........19,467.81 COLD-BLOODED REDHEAD, PROGRAM.......................................367.00 CROELL, STREET PATCH ............3,738.00 CULLIGAN WATER COND., BOTTLED WATER..............................8.50 DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP, MATERIAL......................................425.07 DALCO, SUPPLIES ...........................410.41 DECORAH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, FYE 2025 APPROVED ALLOCATION......17,500.00 DECORAH JOBS, HOTEL/MOTEL..........................23,361.37 DECORAH LEADER, PUBLICATIONS..............................776.66 DECORAH RENTAL, POWER SCREED RENTAL..............72.00 DELL MARKETING, EQUIPMENT..............................36,724.13 ERDMAN ENGINEERING, W HEIVLY STREET DESIGN.....8,182.50 ETHAN KOEHN CONSTRUCTION, RONANS SOUTH TANK REHABILITATION.....................10,500.00 FAREWAY STORES, SUPPLIES....3,629.96 FASTENAL, BLUE MARKING PAINT.......

43.38 FOX STRAND, WWTP UPGRADE 2024.............10,168.00 HAWKINS, HAWKINS TANK RENTAL..............20.00 HOVEY REPAIR, MINI REPAIR.......202.00 HOWARD COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, POOL/SLIDE INSPECTION...................................418.00 IMPACT COFFEE, PROGRAM EXPENSE......................12.50 JIMMY SIDEBOTTOM, PROGRAM.100.00 KRIVACHEK JANITORIAL, BROOM, SQEEGEE AND DRYING CLOTHS ..........................................199.67 LETTERWERKS -SIGN CITY, DECALS.............................................68.00 MIDWEST BREATHING AIR, NFPA QUARTERLY AIR TEST......672.16 MIDWEST OVERHEAD CRANE, ANNUAL INSPECTIONS............1,082.88 MIDWEST PATCH/HI-VIZ SAFETY, HIGH PERFORMANCE PATCH.....934.50 MISSISSIPPI WELDERS, FIRE EXTINGUISHER ANNUAL CHECK .........................................1,135.94 NAPA AUTO PARTS, SUPPLIES.......266.85 POSTMASTER, BULK WATER BILL POSTAGE...............................385.41 PRECISION OVERHEAD DOORS, NORTH RURAL DOOR REPAIR...295.00 QUADIENT LEASING, LEASE PAYMENT...........................214.68 ROAD MACHINERY & SUPPLIES, SPRAY PATCHER PARTS............2,152.48 SCHILLING SUPPLY, SUPPLIES.....859.83 SCHWAN’S HOME SERVICE, RESALE PRODUCTS.......................77.19 SHERWIN WILLIAMS, PAINT- POOL.....................................15.55 SPAHN & ROSE LUMBER, SUPPLIES........................................246.94 STAR EQUIPMENT, SAW BLADE...381.51 STOREY KENWORTHY, OFFICE SUPPLIES..........................112.18 SUBSURFACE SOLUTIONS, EQUIPMENT...................................635.00 T & W GRINDING, GRIND BRUSH............................6,500.00 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION PRODUCTS, “CAMERA REPAIR HWY 9 AND SHORT, “...................................950.00 TRI STATE DOORS, REPAIR.........2,625.00 TROJAN TECHNOLOGIES, UV PARTS .......................................325.40 UPPER IOWA MARINE, AIR HORN..99.54 VOLTMER, TRAFFIC SIGNAL REPAIR............320.00 WINDSTREAM, INTERNET...............38.12 ZARNOTH BRUSH WORKS, BROOM REFILL.............................611.30 Decorah(Iowa) Leader September 12, 2024 ORDINANCE NO. 1334 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2.22.030 OF THE DECORAH MUNICIPAL CODE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS POWERS AND DUTIES WHEREAS, the City of Decorah, Iowa, pursuant to the Decorah Municipal Code (the Code”) Chapter 2.22, currently has a Board of Park Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the Decorah City Council desires to amend the powers and duties of the Board of Park Commissioners set forth in Section 2.22.030.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED

BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That Decorah City Code Section 2.22.030 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: 2.22.030 Powers and duties.

The board of park and recreation commissioners shall have the following powers and duties: A. The parks and recreation board shall establish rules, regulations and operating procedures for the management of parks, recreation centers, recreation buildings, pools, campground and any other facilities designated by the city council for parks and recreation activities.

B. The parks and recreation board shall establish rules, regulations and operating procedures related to the types of recreational

programs, activities, events and tournaments.

Such rules and operating procedures shall include scheduling, fees and other rules related to such recreational programs, activities, events and tournaments.

C. The parks and recreation board shall make recommendations to the council with regard to the acquisition, sale, lease or exchange of city property used for park purposes.

D. All expenditures for capital improvements shall follow the same procurement and approval procedures as adopted by the city council for all departments.

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, 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: August 19, 2024 Date of Second Reading: September 3, 2024 Roll Call Vote: Councilmen Voting Aye: Schissel, Zittergruen, Neal, Miculinich, Parker, Olson Councilmen Voting Nay: None PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of September, 2024.

CITY OF DECORAH Lorraine Borowski, Mayor ATTEST: Keri Sand City Clerk Finance Officer Decorah(Iowa) Leader September 12, 2024

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOLENE M. LAMMERS DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016319 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Jolene M. Lammers, Deceased, who died on or about August 10, 2024: You are hereby notified that on September 4, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Jolene M. Lammers, deceased, bearing date of April 22nd, 2014, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Lisa Peterson was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated September 6, 2024.

Lisa Peterson, Executor 11371 County Road 102 Hanska, MN 56041 Joseph P. Braun, ICIS#: AT0001120 Attorney for Executor ELWOOD, O’DONOHOE, BRAUN & WHITE, LLP 217 North Elm Street PO Box 377 Cresco, IA 52136 Date of second publication: September 19, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader September 12 & 19, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA MARY MOORE A/K/A PATRICIA MARY BURROUGHS, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016317 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Patricia Mary Moore a/k/a Patricia Mary Burroughs, Deceased, who died on or about August 20, 2024: You are hereby notified that on August 30, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Patricia Mary Moore a/k/a Patricia Mary Burroughs, deceased, bearing date of November 29, 2014, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Angela Marie Lansing 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 September 5, 2024.

Angela Maire Lansing 364 W. Post Street, P.O. Box 932 Postville, IA 52162 Andrew P. Nelson, ICIS#: AT0005669 Attorney for Executor Meyer, Lorentzen & Nelson 101 ½ E. Water Street P.O. Box 126 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: September 19, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader September 12 & 19, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES INTERIOR RENOVATIONS NICC PEOSTA CAMPUS To Whom It May Concern: You are hereby notified that at 8:00 AM local time on October 7, 2024, at the Calmar Campus Administration Boardroom, 1625 Hwy 150 S, Calmar, IA 52132, there will be a public hearing as provided under Section 73A.2 of the Code of Iowa for the purpose of approving, hearing, or receiving objections to the adoption of prepared drawings, specifications, and form of contract and estimated cost for the project at Northeast Iowa Community College.

Proposed drawings, specifications, and form of contract may be examined at the office of the Construction Manager, Office 127, Student Center, Northeast Iowa Community College, 1625 Highway 150, Calmar, Iowa. Direct inquiries to Norm Racicot, 563-202-0426 (cell).

The bid proposals for this project will not be acted upon by the owner until after the public hearing is held.

Published by order of the Board of Trustees, Northeast Iowa Community College, in the Counties of Winneshiek and Dubuque, State of Iowa.

Northeast Iowa Community College in the Counties of Winneshiek and Dubuque State of Iowa BY: Dave Dahms Vice President for Finance and Administration Northeast Iowa Community College P. O. Box 400, 1625 Highway 150 Calmar, IA 52132 Decorah (Iowa) Leader Sept. 12, 2024

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON DESIGNATION OF THE DECORAH EAST SIDE RESIDENTIAL URBAN RENEWAL AREA, AND ON PROPOSED URBAN RENEWAL PLAN AND PROJECT Notice Is Hereby Given: That at 5:45 p.m., at the Decorah Council Chambers, Decorah, Iowa, on September 16, 2024 the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa (the “City”) will hold a public hearing on the question of designating as the Decorah East Side Residential Urban Renewal Area (the “Urban Renewal Area”), pursuant to Chapter 403 of the Code of Iowa, certain real property described as follows: Metes and Bounds description of the perimeter of a Tax Increment Financing District for the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision (Phase I and the undeveloped portion of East Hills Road) in the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest and the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 25, Township 98 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M. in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa.

Proprietor: Michael T. Kelly, Lori M. Kelly and High Point East, LLC. Commencing at the Center of said Section 25; thence S 87°48’48” W along the south line of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 25, a distance of 230.55’ to the point of beginning, being a point on the east line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision; thence S 00°48’ 1 0” E along the east line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 221.92’; thence N 59°35’08” W along the south line of the proposed Lot 4, Block Two of proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 307.13’; thence N 59°44’52” W a distance of 70.40’; thence north easterly 117.30’ (arc length) along a 118.60’ radius curve concave northwesterly with a chord bearing N 27°32’37” E, a distance of 112.58’; thence S 86°50’24” W a distance of 129.06’; thence N 01 °15’18” W along the west line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 440.42’; thence N 87°44’33” E along the north line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 132.56’; thence N 00°47’24” W along the west right of way line of East Hills Road, a distance of 98.28’; thence N 89°12’36” E a distance of 66.00’ to the east right-of-way line of East Hills Road; thence S 00°47’24” E along the east rightof-way line of East Hills Road, a distance of 96.67’; thence N 87°48’33” E along the north right of way line of East Hills Road, a distance of 468.00’ to the centerline of East Ridge Road; thence S 00°47’54” E along the center line of East Ridge Road, a distance of 66.00’; thence S 87°48’32” W along the south right of way line of East Ridge Road, a distance of294.94’ thence N 00°47’28” W along the east line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 450.90’; thence N 87°48’48” W along the north line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 64.46’ to the Point of Beginning; The coordinate basis for this survey and subsequent Basis of Bearing is the Iowa North State Plane Coordinate System (1401) Horizontal Control NAD 83 (2011) Vertical Control NAVD88 (Geoid 12A). U.S. Survey Foot.

The subject matter of the public hearing will also include a proposed urban renewal plan and project for the Urban Renewal Area identified above, pursuant to Chapter 403, Code of Iowa, a copy of which plan is on file for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk.

The general scope of the proposed urban renewal plan (the “Plan”), as more specifically described therein, includes the following: Increasing the tax base and promoting economic growth in the City by encouraging economic development, constructing necessary public improvements and assisting private enterprise through tax increment financing incentives in the Urban Renewal Area. The initial project to be undertaken under the Plan will consist of providing tax increment financing to High Point East, L.L.C. in connection with the construction of public infrastructure necessary for the development of a residential subdivision in the Urban Renewal Area.

At the hearing any interested person may file written objections or comments and may be heard orally with respect to the subject matter of the hearing.

Keri Sand City Clerk Decorah(Iowa) Leader September 12, 2024 WCASWA Minutes 09/09/24 1 September 9, 2024 Call to Order & Determination of Quorum: The Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mark Vick at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept 9th, 2024 at the Winneshiek County Courthouse. Voting members present were; Mark Vick, Steve Kelsay, Keith Frana, Don DiLaura, Mark Faldet, Todd Ihde, Leon Kipp, and Richard Hammel. A quorum was determined by the chairperson. Also present were; Counsel Jana Evelsizer Olson, Landfill Director T.J Schissel, Landfill Operator Meghan Scheidel, and Clayton County representative Steve Doeppke.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda: Moved by Faldet, seconded by DiLaura, to approve the meeting minutes of 06/10/24. All voting approved.

Moved by Faldet, seconded by DiLaura to approve the 09/09/24 agenda. All voting approved.

Introduction of Guests: No guests were present.

Report from Secretary-Treasurer: 06/30/24 Checking Balance: $411,651.58 06/30/24 Checking Interest: $2.84 06/30/24 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $2,045,774.04 06/30/24 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $6,967,137.21 06/30/24 Total Investments: $9,012,911.25 07/31/24 Checking Balance: $453,896.16 07/31/24 Checking Interest: $3.60 07/31/24 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $2,045,774.04 07/31/24 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $6,967,137.21 07/31/24 Total Investments: $9,012,911.25 08/31/24 Checking Balance: $586,678.79 08/31/24 Checking Interest: $4.60 08/31/24 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $2,045,774.04 08/31/24 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $6,967,137.21 08/31/24 Total Investments: $9,012,911.25 Hearing and Final Vote for Vacating Easement of Monitoring Well: Moved by Kelsay, seconded by Faldet to open the public hearing. No public comment was received.

Moved by Faldet, seconded by Frana to close the public hearing. Moved by DiLaura, seconded by Faldet to vacate the easement of the Ludeking monitoring well. All voting approved. Motion carried.

Public Comment: There was no public comment.

Approve Claims Paid: Moved by Faldet, seconded by Kelsay to approve the June claims of $71,272.20, July claims of $147,781.98, and August claims of $180,851.80. All voting approved. Motion carried.

Committee Reports: Landfill Director’s Report Haul roads were built and black dirt was excavated. TJ toured local recycling centers.

Road department used landfill excavators and motor grader, and Ziegler was on site repairing the 816F2.

Engineer’s Report Sampling has been completed. DNR comments on the HMSP were addressed. Compaction rates have improved.

Committee Reports: 1. Item 7.4 Approve Operating CD purchase- Moved by DiLaura, seconded by Frana to invest $400,000 plus the balance of the current money market at Luana Savings Bank, into a 36 month CD at a rate of 4.45% at Luana Savings Bank. All voting approved.

Motion carried.

2. Item 7.5 Approve Wage Step Increase-Moved by Ihde, seconded by Frana to approve the wage step increase as presented.

All voting approved. Motion carried.

3. Item 7.6 Clayton County 28e agreement- Moved by Frana, seconded by Kelsay

to permit the executive committee to communicate and act on legal matters. All voting approved. Motion carried.

4. Establish Time & Date of Next Meeting: The WCASWA will meet on December 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm at the Winneshiek County Annex Building.

Adjournment: Moved by Faldet, seconded by Ihde to adjourn at 6:10 pm. All voting approved.

Leon Kipp, Secretary Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency General Ledger June 2024 Date, Transaction Type, Num, Name, Memo/ Description........................................ Amount 06/03/2024, Check12016, Logan Schnuelle, Steel Toe Boots 23-24........................ -133.35 06/03/2024, Check12017, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Education........ -120.00 06/03/2024, Check12018, Fisk Farm and Home, Shop....................................... -211.84 06/03/2024, Check12019, CENTURY LINK, Telephone............................................. -85.00 06/03/2024, Check12020, Windridge Implement, Fuel.......................................... -128.70 06/03/2024, Check 12021, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass.....................

-41.88 06/03/2024, Check12022, Eurofins Environment Testing NC, Monitoring wells............................. -1,380.00 06/03/2024, Check12023, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Appliances.......................................... -280.00 06/05/2024, Expense, ACH, Quickbooks Intuit, Office.......................................... -322.50 06/10/2024, Check12024, HAWKEYE RECYCLING, Glass................................. -33.12 06/10/2024, Check12025, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass.....................

-44.40 06/10/2024, Check12026, Windridge Implement, Repairs............................ -128.70 06/10/2024, Check12027, AcenTek, Internet.

-54.95 06/10/2024, Check12028, Clear Live LLC, Telephone............................................. -15.95 06/10/2024, Check12029, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll .... -48,530.88 06/10/2024, Expense, Pizza Ranch, Agency mtg... -251.40 06/10/2024, Expense, HyVee, Agency mtg....

-47.08 06/17/2024, Check12030, Village Farm & Home, Seeding................................... -649.00 06/17/2024, Check12031, Vestis, Office....................................................287.20 06/17/2024, Check12032, MiEnergy Cooperative, Electricity............................. -1,057.57 06/17/2024, Check12033, Ziegler Inc., Repairs................................................. -1,172.09 06/20/2024, Check, ACH, IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND FINANCE, Sales Tax........................................... -909.45 06/24/2024, Check12034, AGVANTAGE FS INC., Fuel....................................... -5,201.53 06/24/2024, Check12035, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ................................... Tipping Fees-9,838.81 06/24/2024, Check12036, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass.......... -38.88 06/24/2024, Check12037, Driftless Multimedia LLC, Advertising......................... -229.89 06/30/2024, Expense, June fees........... -78.03 Beginning Balance......................$255,232.92 Total Deposits.............................$227,688.02 Interest....................................................$2.84 Total Debits................................($71,272.20) ‘Ending Balance..........................$411,651.58 Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste AgencyGeneral LedgerJuly 2024 Date, Transaction Type, Num, Name, Memo/ Description........................................ Amount 07/05/2024, Check12038, HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, Educational Grant....................... 2024-2,515.31 07/05/2024, Check12039, City of Postville, Educational Grant .................. 2024-1,907.67 07/05/2024, Check12040, City of Ossian, Competitive Grant..................... 2024-968.00 07/05/2024, Check12041, City of Fort Atkinson, Competitive Grant ............. 2024-800.00 07/05/2024, Check12042, ,CLAYTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Competitive Grant 2024.................. -3,150.00 07/05/2024, Check12043, Winneshiek Co Conservation, Grant FY 24/25...... -68,000.00 07/05/2024, Check12044, Winneshiek County Auditor, June payroll................. -35,076.34 07/05/2024, Check12045, TJ Schissel, Cell phone FY .................................. 24/25-300.00 07/05/2024, Check12046, Mississippi Welders Supply Co. Inc., Shop.................. -138.00 07/05/2024, Check12047, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass ......... -40.08 07/05/2024, Check12048, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Appl/TV recycling -100.00 07/05/2024, Check12049, Hovden Oil Inc., Fuel................................................. -1,029.60 07/05/2024, Check12050, Fisk Farm and Home, Shop....................................... -952.84 07/05/2024, Check12051, Carolina Software, Office.................................................. -200.00 07/05/2024, Check12052, Eurofins Environment Testing NC, Ground Water.................................. -2,309.00 07/05/2024, Check12053, Ziegler Inc., Repairs................................................. -1,605.00 07/05/2024, Check12054, CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING, Office.......... -216.07 07/05/2024, Check12055, Bruening Rock Products, Road Rock....................... -7,904.54 07/05/2024, Check12056, AECOM, Engineering............................................ -5,716.70 07/05/2024, Check12057, Clear Live LLC, Office.................................................... -16.05 07/05/2024, Check12058, CENTURY LINK, Office.................................................... -85.00 07/05/2024, Check12059, AcenTek, Office.................................................... -54.95 07/15/2024, Check12060, Buddenberg Custom Services, Repairs...................... -1,169.21 07/15/2024, Check12061, Vestis, Office.................................................. -208.05 07/15/2024, Check12062, Windridge Implement, Fuel.......................................... -121.68 07/15/2024, Check12063, Winneshiek County Credit Bureau, Office....................... -93.46 07/15/2024, Check12064, Anderson Law Office, Attorney fees........................... -3,594.68 07/15/2024, Check12065, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Shop........................................... -19.99 07/22/2024, Check12066, RUSSELL JAUERT, Uniforms..................................... -86.97 07/22/2024, Check12067, Kyle Frank, Uniforms.................................................. -122.90 07/22/2024, Check12068, Logan Schnuelle, Uniforms............................................ -129.97 07/22/2024, Check12069, TJ Schissel, Uniforms.................................................. -191.96 07/22/2024, Check12070, MEGHAN SCHEIDEL, Uniforms....................... -124.08 07/22/2024, Check12071, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass ......... -39.84 07/22/2024, Check12072, MiEnergy Cooperative, Electric..................................... -753.90 07/22/2024, Check12073, AGVANTAGE FS INC., Fuel....................................... -4,039.11 07/22/2024, Check 12074, BODENSTEINER IMP CO, Repairs.......................... -306.09 07/22/2024, Check12075, BODENSTEINER IMP CO, Lawn mower lease........... -1,800.00 07/26/2024, ExpenseTreasurer-State of Iowa, Sales Tax......................................... -1,204.47 07/29/2024, ExpenseRivals, Inc. Custom Gear, Uniforms................................... -605.04 07/31/2024, Expense, First Data Merchant Bank, July fees..................................... -85.43 Beginning Balance......................$411,651.58 Total Deposits.............................$190,022.96 Interest....................................................$3.60 Total Debits..............................($147,781.98) Ending Balance...........................$453,896.16 Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency General LedgerAugust 2024 Date, Transaction Type, Num, Name, Memo/ Description........................................ Amount 08/05/2024, Check12076, Landon Ashbacher, Uniforms....................................... -249.96 08/05/2024, Check12077, CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING, Office............ -61.25 08/05/2024, Check12078, Iowa Communities Assurance Pool, Insurance ...................................... -55,156.00 08/05/2024, Check12079, Becker Hardware, Repairs............................................ -1,989.69 08/05/2024, Check12080, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, 2 Appl 2 TVs........................................ -80.00 08/05/2024, Check12081, Ziegler Inc., Repairs................................................. -3,741.51 08/05/2024, Check12082, AcenTekInternet................................... -54.95 08/05/2024, Check12083, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass......... -42.12 08/05/2024, Check12084, CENTURY LINK, Telephone............................................. -84.61 08/05/2024, Check12085, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll......................... -35,830.45 08/05/2024, Check12086, AECOMAECOM. -25,162.16 08/05/2024, Check12087, Hawkeye Sanitation, Inc., Appl recycling................. -1,359.00 08/05/2024, Check12088, Eurofins Environment Testing NC, Ground water................................ -15,090.75 08/05/2024, Check12089, HAWKEYE RECYCLING, Glass................................ -34.20 08/05/2024, Check12090, Clear Live LLC, Telephone............................................. -15.22 08/05/2024, Check12091, Fisk Farm and Home, Shop....................................... -162.18

08/07/2024, ExpenseIowa Society of Solid Waste Operations, Education............. -320.00 08/12/2024, Check12092, Decorah Mobile Glass, Repairs.................................... -100.00 08/12/2024, Check12093, SWANA, Membership................................................ -255.00 08/12/2024, Check12094, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Repairs....................................... -66.27 08/19/2024, Check12097, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass......... -51.36 08/19/2024, Check12098, Academy Roofing & Sheet Metal, Refund overpayment..............

-2,242.37 08/19/2024, Check12099, USA Blue Book, Lagoon aerator............................. -10,718.90 08/19/2024, Check12100, MiEnergy Cooperative, Electric..................................... -910.52 08/19/2024, Check12101, AGVANTAGE FS INC., Fuel....................................... -3,653.37 08/26/2024, Check12102, AECOM, Engineer................................................ -22,114.95 08/26/2024, Check12103, Decorah Tire Service, Tires........................................ -1,057.36 08/26/2024, Check12104, Vestis, Office.................................................. -202.32 08/31/2024, Expense, Clover Merchant Services, Card fees.................................... -45.33 Beginning Balance......................$453,896.16 Total Deposits.............................$313,629.83 Interest ...................................................$4.60 Total Debits..............................($180,851.80) Ending Balance ..........................$586,678.79 Decorah(Iowa) Leader September 12, 2024

Board Minutes September 3, 2024 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am September 3, 2024 with Kelsay, Vick, Langreck, Vermace, and Faldet present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to give project updates.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to approve the pledge letter to NEIA Housing Trust Fund, leaving the current year at the budgeted $10,000 and increasing to $12,500 for FY26 and FY27. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the lease with NEIA Community Action for office space to house the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission office in the Smith Building. Motion carried unanimously. The lease, Quit Claim Deed, and Affidavit of Possession were signed and will be delivered to NEICAC. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to approve the Property Tax Abatements recommended by Brenda Kreitzer, County Treasurer, for properties acquired by the cities of Calmar and Decorah. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and the liquor license for Country Express. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, September 9, 2024. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah(Iowa) Leader September 12, 2024

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JANET E. GALL DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016321 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Janet E. Gall, Deceased, who died on or about July 20, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the September 4, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Janet E. Gall, deceased, bearing date of April 2, 1997, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Elizabeth Elaine Fritz was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated September 6, 2024.

Elizabeth Elaine Fritz Executor of Estate 315 Riverview Dr Decorah, IA 52101 Jana Evelsizer Olson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: jana.olson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: September 19, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader September 12 & 19, 2024

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ARLENE IDELLA LARSON DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016324 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Arlene Idella Larson, Deceased, who died on or about Aug. 21, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on Sept. 8, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Arlene Idella Larson, deceased, bearing date of April 13, 1990, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Tracy Dostal was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated Sept. 10, 2024.

Tracy Dostal Executor of Estate 1601 Manawa Trail Road Decorah, IA 52101 Jana Evelsizer Olson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: jana.olson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: September 19, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader September 12 & 19, 2024

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221 13

Luther College sports weekend wrap-up Women’s soccer The Luther women’s soccer team was defeated by St. Olaf College 4-0 on Saturday. Luther is now 0-4 overall.

Queoff came up with a big stop in the 51st minute blocking a shot headed to the top right corner. Queoff made nine saves. St. Olaf out shot Luther 26-5.

Men’s soccer Javier Pastor Valls scored in the 81st minute as the Norse won their first game of the season Friday. The Luther men’s soccer team is now 1-1-1 on the season.

The Luther men’s soccer team fell to Macalester 3-2 on Sunday.

Francesco Mungari scored both goals for the Norse marking the first of his career.

Women’s cross country The Luther women’s cross country team finished second overall with 37 points at the Coach Kent Finanger Invitational Friday. Alyssa Blankenship finished third overall with a time of 19:55.8. Rounding out the scoring five after Blankenship, was Sarah Schmidt (7th, 21:00.6), Mia Lung (8th, 21:01.7), Norah McDonald (10th, 21:12.3) and Sarah Grams (18th, 21:34.5). Also in the top-seven was Lucy Corbin (20th, 21:44.0) and Makaylee Jensen (21st, 21:55.2).

Men’s cross country Friday, the Luther men’s cross country team finished first at the Coach Kent Finanger Invitational with 21 points. Michel Heinrich and Garrett Seppanen took sec-

ond and third at the event on Friday. In the top scoring five were Heinrich (2nd, 16:24.6), Seppanen (3rd, 16:27.2), Christian Montover (5th, 16:33.6), Jack Bode (6th, 16:37.3) and Kurt Lebakken (8th, 16:48.1). And in the top-seven was Benjamin Gillikin (9th, 16:52.7) and Philip Dahlen (14th, 17:10.8).

Volleyball The Luther volleyball team dropped a five-set thriller with Carleton to open the Sugar Loaf Classic hosted by St. Mary’s (Minn.) (25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 2025, 13-15) Friday. In the final day of the Sugar Loaf Classic the Luther volleyball team lost to Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in straight sets (18-25, 19-25, 21-25) and defeated Beth-

any Lutheran in five sets (25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-10). Luther is now 3-4 overall.

Women’s tennis The Luther College women’s tennis team’s quest for a sixth consecutive American Rivers Conference championship got off to a good start Saturday in Pella.

The Norse defeated the Dutch of Central College 7-0. The women’s tennis team improved to 2-0 in the American Rivers Conference following a 7-0 victory over the University of Dubuque Sunday afternoon. The Norse dropped just three games in doubles action and won five of six singles matches in straight sets.

Luther dropped a hard fought decision to Morningside University Sunday afternoon in Decorah by a final of 4-3.

Women’s golf The women’s golf team traveled to Superior, Wsconsin, for the 36-hole 6th Annual Twin Ports Collegiate Tournament hosted by UW-Superior Saturday and Sunday. The two-day tournament was played at Nemadji Golf Course, a Par 72 located in Superior. Eight teams were in the field and Luther finished third shooting rounds of (365-353-718). Augsburg College Minnesota won the team title (328-335-663) and UW-River Falls was second (343-329-672).

Completing the Norse five and were they finished included Maci Doty (14th - 91-87-178), Samantha Suski (17th - 89-94-183), Tori Schnell (18th - 89-96-185) and Anna Barbknecht (29th - 107-95202).

Men’s golf The men’s golf team played in their first of four tournaments scheduled this fall over the weekend. The Norse traveled to Maple Plain, Minn., for the two-day, 54hole Minnesota Golf Classic hosted

by Bethel University. Host Bethel won the team championship by one stroke (887). Luther finished in ninth place carding a three-round total of (911).

Luther was led by Haakon Rustad who finished in a three-way tie for 28th (74-74-75-223). Mark Devlin was next finishing in a three-way tie for 31st (77-70-77224). Jay Fjelstul finished in a fourway tie for 42nd (73-78-76-227).

Pedro Pelicioni (T76 - 74-82-81237) and Peter Stinar (T96 - 83-8481-248) completed the Norse Five.

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

Warrior, Trojan XC opens season With the first race of the season cancelled last week, the South Winn and Turkey Valley cross country teams debuted Thursday night in Charles City.

The boys and girls teams raced in 9th/10th grade and 11th/12th grade divisions. Other teams participating were Clarksville, Lake Mills, Mason City, Nashua-Plainfield, North Butler, Northwood-Kensett, Riceville, Rockford, Saint Ansgar and Waukon.

SW girls The trio of Ava Franzen, Annie Hageman and Lauren Ondrashek were the first Warriors on the course in the freshman/ sophomore race. By virtue of finishing in the top 10, Franzen and Hageman earned medals while Ondrashek came up just shy. In 22:02.7, Franzen crossed the finish line in fifth.

Hageman toured the course in 22:30.8, good for seventh. In 12th was Ondrashek, posting a time of 23:50.3.

Two others medaled for the Warriors in the junior/senior race. In 22:47.2, Maddy Jansen claimed ninth with Izzy Kuboushek on her heels for 10th. Kuboushek clocked in at 22:50.7. Senior Karissa Wenthold went 23:45.1 in the 5K race, good for 13th. Posting a personal best time of 24:00.0, Tessa Phillips crossed the finish line 14th. Rounding out the Warrior field in 23rd was Katie Shimek who toured the course in 26:35.5.

Warrior boys medal A pair of freshman made a good first impression on the 2024 season with top 10 finishes. Cameron Einck and Hugh Conway grabbed third and fourth places respectively in the freshman/sophomore boys’ race. In 18:33.4, Einck finished his first high school race with a bronze, while Conway claimed the fourth-place medal in 18:57.2. Six other harriers made their debut with Caden Tieskoetter touring the course in 21:28.8, good for 18th, while Clayton Kuboushek dialed in a 24th place finish in 22:02.1. In 22:07.7, Myles Green earned 26th. Levi Feickert (29th, 22:57.0), Matthew Donovan (44th, 27:52.3) and Henry Lensing (47th, 30:14.8) also raced.

In the boys’ junior/senior race, it was Brad Dahl pacing the Warriors in 19:13.4, good for 21st.

Lukas Weiss stopped the clock at 22:36.2, taking 41st. Eli Higgins took home 50th in 25:05.1, while Diego Flores finished in 26:13.5 for a 54th place finish.

ABOVE: Brad Dahl paces himself early in the first Warrior race of the season and went on to finish 21st in the 11th/12th division in 19:13.4.

BELOW: Lukas Weiss keeps smiling early in the 11th/12th mens’ race at Charles City Thursday. The senior finished 41st in 22:36.2. (Photos by Becky Walz)

For the Trojans The Turkey Valley XC trio of Bella Stika, Hazel Nieman and Madalyn Vsetecka got on the course in the freshman/sophomore girls’ race. Stika came in eighth. The sophomore had a time of 23:13.6. Nieman just missed a medal with her time of 23:48.1, good for 11th. In her first high school race, Vsetecka had a good performance as she crossed the finish line in 25:41.6, good for 22nd.

Annie Hageman (left) and Ava Franzen ran as a duo much of the 9th/10th girls’ race at Charles City Thursday. Hageman finished fifth, just behind Franzen. (Photo by Becky Walz)

In 23:13.6, TV’s Bella Stika claimed a medal by finishing eighth. (Photo by Becky Walz)

ABOVE LEFT: Layni Schuchhardt’s 3-for-3 effort helped the Trojans go 100 percent in serves against Denver Saturday. ABOVE RIGHT: Kinsey Reicks tries to get a kill between a pair of Saint Ansgar defenders. (Photos by Becky Walz)

Trojans gain win over MFL to start season

BY KELLY TERPSTRA SPORTS@NHTRIB.COM Win No. 1 was put on the board last week in Monona for Tammy Vrzak and Ashley Walz’s Turkey Valley Trojan volleyball squad.

“We’re off and running,” said Vrzak.

The Trojans topped MFL MarMac in a season-opening triangular on Tuesday, Sept. 3 by scores of 25-12 and 25-21.

“We played much better against MFL than versus New Hampton. All the girls came to play there, as I can’t just highlight one off-hand,” said Vrzak.

TV started out the 2024 campaign with a loss to New Hampton. The Chickasaws downed the Trojans 25-9 and 25-12.

“The scores against New Hampton don’t do us justice, as it was our very first game of the year and their third or fourth. This is not an excuse, but it was an excellent chance for our girls to come together, learn from each other on the court and gel together,” said Vrzak, who is co-coach again this year along with Walz.

Morgan Vsetecka, a senior libero, notched 13 digs and junior outside hitter Annika Bodensteiner recorded four kills versus New Hampton.

Layni Schuchhardt, a junior outside hitter, sent down six kills to the hardwood versus MFL and senior middle Kinsey Reicks cranked her way to four kills. Bodensteiner netted three kills and Vsetecka’s defense was on point with 19 digs.

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Efforts foiled at NH TV (1-4) once again played in the New Hampton Invite on Saturday as they traditionally do every fall. The Trojans took on some top-notch competition in the form of top-ranked Denver, No. 7 St. Ansgar and Tripoli.

The Cyclones topped TV 2110 and 21-7, while the Saints took it to the Trojans by scores of 21-4 and 21-13. TV ended the afternoon with a match versus Tripoli, which the Panthers won 21-14 and 22-20. In that final set against Tripoli, TV led 9-1 at one point.

“Well, we went to New Hampton and it didn’t go as we had liked, but we are seeing improvement in each game.

This is a team that is learning to move and play together and it takes matches like these to make this happen. Our serving was excellent,” said the TV head coach, who is coaching in her 24th season this fall.

TV was a perfect 16-16 serving versus Denver (13-1) and was 16-18 against St. Ansgar (11-4).

There were no stats available for the Tripoli match.

Schuchhardt and Bodensteiner are tied for the team lead with 11 kills through four matches that are posted on gobound. com. Delaney Busta, a senior rightside hitter, has racked up seven kills and Reicks has amassed six kills.

Reicks, an all-conference

Coming up in area high school sports Sept. 12 – Dec vb vs.

Independence (9th/JV/V), 5 p.m.; TV vb vs. MFL MarMac/New Hampton (JV), 5 p.m.

Sept. 13 – Dec fb vs.

Crestwood (9th/V), 5 p.m.; SW fb vs. Wapsie Valley (V), 7 p.m.; TV fb vs. West Central (V), 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 – Dec/SW/TV g/b xc at Luther All-American Race, 9 a.m.; Dec vb at New Hampton (JV), 9 a.m.; SW vb at Jesup tnmt.

(V), 9 a.m.; TV vb at Crestwood tnmt. (V), 9 a.m.; Dec g swim at Waterloo West, 12 p.m.

Sept. 16 – Dec vb at MFL MarMac tnmt. (9th), 4:30 p.m.; Dec vb vs. Kee/South Winn (9th/ JV), 5 p.m.; Dec fb at Crestwood (JV), 6 p.m.; SW fb at Riceville (JV), 6 p.m.; TV fb at NorthwoodKensett (JV), 6 p.m.

Sept. 17 – TV g/b xc at Starmont, 4 p.m.; Dec vb at Waverly-Shell Rock (9th/JJV/ JV/V), 5 p.m.; SW vb vs. Kee (9th/ JV/V), 5 p.m.; TV vb vs. Clayton Ridge (9th/JV/V), 5 p.m.; Dec g swim vs. Cedar Rapids Kennedy (Luther College), 6 p.m.

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pick last year, is tops on the team along with Busta with five blocks. TV junior setter Addison Steinlage is the leader in assists for the UIC squad with 29 assists.

Stats vs. Denver Kills – Annika Bodensteiner 3; Karstyn Lukes 1; Delaney Busta 1 Assists – Addison Steinlage 5 Digs – Alexis Elsbernd 3; Layni Schuchhardt 2; Morgan Vsetecka 2; Kinsey Reicks 1; Lukes 1 Blocks - Elsbernd 3.

Serving - Reicks (2-2); Steinlage (4-4); Schuchhardt (3-3); Elsbernd (3-3); Lukes (2-2); Vsetecka (2-2) Aces - Elsbernd 1

Stats vs. Saint Ansgar Kills - Schuchhardt 3; Busta 3; Bodensteiner 1 Assists - Steinlage 4 Digs - Steinlage 5; Reicks 2; Lukes 2; Schuchhardt 1; Vsetecka 1; Busta 1; Bodensteiner 1 Serving - Reicks (4-5); Steinlage (3-3); Schuchhardt (5-5); Elsbernd (3-3); Lukes (0-1); Vsetecka (1-1) Aces - Schuchhardt 1

Week 3 XC rankings

Boys’ team rankings Class 4A – 1. West Des Moines Dowling Catholic; 2. Cedar Falls; 3. Norwalk; 4. Ankeny Centennial; 5. Waukee Northwest; 6. Dallas Center-Grimes; 7. Ankeny; 8. Iowa City City High; 9. Iowa City Liberty; 10. Cedar Rapids Prairie; 11.

Johnston; 12. Lewis Central; 13.

Dubuque Seniors; 14. Indianola; 15. Cedar Rapids Kennedy; 16.

Pleasant Valley; 17. Ames; 18.

Waukee; 19. Urbandale; 20.

Marshalltown Class 3A – 1. Gilbert; 2. Pella; 3. Des Moines Christian; 4. Mount Vernon-Lisbon; 5. Decorah; 6.

DeWitt; 7. Clear Creek-Amana; 8.

ADM; 9. MOC-Floyd Valley; 10.

Grinnell; 11. Fort Madison; 12.

Carlisle; 13. Bondurant-Farrar; 14. Sioux Center; 15. Western Dubuque; 16. Assumption; 17.

Spencer; 18. Knoxville; 19. Ballard; 20. Solon Class 2A – 1. Forest City; 2.

Mid-Prairie; 3. Spirit Lake; 4. Unity Christian; 5. Okoboji; 6. Denver; 7.

Oelwein; 8. Waukon; 9. Chariton; 10. Garner-Hayfield-Ventura; 11.

Jesup; 12. Sheldon; 13. VintonShellsburg; 14. Pella Christian; 15.

Anamosa; 16. Tipton; 17. Red Oak; 18. Mediapolis; 19. Monticello; 20.

East Sac Class 1A – 1. Lake Mills; 2.

Earlham; 3. Ogden; 4. Danville; 5. Ankeny Christian; 6. ACGC; 7.

Sioux Central; 8. Tri-Center Neola; 9. Fort Dodge St. Edmond; 10.

Council Bluffs St. Albert; 11. SibleyOcheyedan; 12. Woodbine; 13.

Baxter; 14. Van Buren; 15. Riverside Oakland; 16. Mason City Newman Catholic; 17. Beckman Catholic; 18.

Lynnville-Sully; 19. Martensdale-St. Mary’s; 20. IKM-Manning Girls’ team rankings Class 4A – 1. Pleasant Valley; 2.

Johnston; 3. Ankeny Centennial; 4.

West Des Moines Valley; 5. Ankeny; 6. Dubuque Senior; 7. Indianola; 8. Waukee Northwest; 9. Iowa City City High; 10. Ames; 11. Cedar Falls; 12. Dallas Center-Grimes; 13.

Waukee; 14. Dubuque Hempstead; 15. Cedar Rapids Prairie; 16. LinnMar; 17. West Des Moines Dowling Catholic; 18. Davenport Central; 19.

Council Bluffs Lewis Central; 20.

Iowa City West Class 3A – 1. Pella; 2. Mount Vernon-Lisbon; 3. Ballard; 4. Gilbert; 5. Harlan; 6. Sioux Center; 7. ADM; 8.

Clear Lake; 9. Glenwood; 10. Solon; 11. Decorah; 12. MOC-Floyd Valley; 13. Fort Madison; 14. Winterset; 15.

Des Moines Christian; 16. Marion; 17. North Polk; 18. Clear CreekAmana; 19. Center Point-Urbana; 20. Williamsburg Class 2A – 1. Van Meter; 2.

Mid-Prairie; 3. Unity Christian; 4.

Forest City; 5. Albia; 6. SumnerFredericksburg; 7. Tipton; 8. Denver; 9. Crestwood; 10. Cherokee; 11.

Prairie City-Monroe; 12. Monticello; 13. Hudson; 14. Pella Christian; 15. Waukon; 16. Roland Story; 17.

Jesup; 18. Union; 19. Osage; 20.

New Hampton Class 1A – 1. Madrid; 2. Earlham; 3. Martensdale-St. Mary’s; 4. South Winneshiek; 5. Treynorl 6. Sioux Central; 7. Lynnville-Sully; 8. AltaAurelia; 9. English Valley; 10. Fort Dodge St. Edmond; 11. Iowa City Regina; 12. Danville; 13. Wapsie Valley; 14. ACGC; 15. LoganMagnolia; 16. Grandview Christian; 17. Panorama; 18. Cascade; 19.

Central Decatur; 20. Woodbine

SPORTS

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

Swimmers finish mid-pack at Riverhawk Invite Riverhawk Invite Team scores 1. Waukee Northwest 504; 2.

Waukee 421; 3. Spencer 258; 4.

Decorah 222; 5. Mason City 174; 6.

Fort Dodge 171; 7. Boone 167; 8.

Algona 106

Picking up just one top-three finish, the Decorah girls’ swim and dive team left the Mason City Riverhawk Invite Saturday with a fourth-place finish.

Waukee Northwest posted a whopping 504 points to win over Waukee who tallied 412.

Spencer took home third with 258, while the Vikes picked up 222 points.

Liz Bucksa had the best finish

of the day with a runner-up time of 1:12.71 in the 100 breaststroke. The sophomore claimed another top five finish in the 50 freestyle in 26.79, good for fourth.

Freshman Jenna Schissel is making some noise as she was fifth in the 500 freestyle. She had a time of 5:58.33.

Two relays also finished in the top five with the 200 free relay quartet of Bella Sailor, Avalea Burns, Grace Baker and Bucksa posting a time of 1:49.19, good for fourth. In 2:01.84, the 200 medley relay claimed fifth. Members of the

relay were Bucksa, Schissel, Sailor and Baker.

Looking to continue drop times in the water, the Vikings will be at Waterloo West Saturday, Sept. 14, at 12 p.m. Next week, Decorah will host Cedar Rapids Kennedy in a dual meet Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., at Luther College.

Varsity race results 200 medley relay – 5. Liz Bucksa, Jenna Schissel, Bella Sailor, Grace Baker, 2:01.84 200 free – 14. Reagan Lubahn 2:32.75; 16. McKenzie Tollefson 2:35.35; 20. Bridget Bentley 2:43.09 200 IM – 7. Schissel 2:27.25; 13.

Avalea Burns 2:39.61 50 free – 4. Bucksa 26.79; 7.

Sailor 27.05; 8. Baker 27.56 1 mtr. diving – 10. Ava Carolan 236.25 100 fly – 7. Sailor 1:08.76; 18.

Adeline Bollinger 1:30.50; 20.

Addison Lickiss 1:35.38 100 free – 7. Baker 1:02.01; 15. Bentley 1:09.65; 16. Sophia Gardner 1:10.30 500 free – 5. Schissel 5:58.33; 11.

Naomi Kutz 6:25.62; 15. Tollefson 7:00.89 200 free relay – 4. Sailor, Burns, Baker, Bucksa, 1:49.19 100 back – 12. Lauren Holthaus 1:19.03; 16. Liv Anderson 1:23.13; 22. Jena Peters 1:29.66 100 breast – 2. Bucksa 1:12.71; 8. Burns 1:18.36; 16. Kutz 1:21.94 400 free relay – 8. Bentley, Tollefson, Lubahn, Kutz, 4:40.41

Decorah’s Leah Holland (4) battles for control of the tip Tuesday in the Vikings 3-2 win over Crestwood. (Photo courtesy of Nate Troy/Cresco Times Plain Dealer)

Decorah spikers go 4-0 at CC Closing out last week the Decorah volleyball team (7-1, 1-0 NEIC) picked up four wins at the Charles City tournament and defeated Crestwood in five sets Tuesday to open the NEIC season.

ABOVE LEFT: McKenzie Tollefson completed a grueling 200-yard freestyle race in 2:35.35, in 16th place. ABOVE RIGHT: In 1:18.36, Avalea Burns finished eighth in the 100-yard breaststroke Saturday in Mason City. (Photos by Becky Walz)

Warriors strike out at Crestwood, New Hampton Last week was a trial by fire of sorts for the South Winn volleyball team (0-7, 0-0 UIC) as the Warriors competed in a quad with some larger schools Thursday and the New Hampton tournament with several ranked teams Saturday.

Quad at Cresco Thursday the Warriors traveled to Cresco for a quadrangular with two non-conference schools and one UIC team.

Playing Crestwood and Waukon, SW fell in straight sets in both matches. After a tough first set 25-13 loss against Cresco, the Warriors responded well in set two, pushing the score to 27-25.

Aubrey Hageman was a big boost at the service line, rattling off four aces, as were Addi Timp and Bailey Kuennen contributing in the front row with five kills and three kills, respec-

tively. Defense by Avery Luzum, Chloe Wiltgen and some back row offense from Allison Hageman were great contributing factors as well.

It was a similar slow start versus Waukon, with the Warriors falling 14-25 and 17-25.

While Bailey Kuennen rattled off 5 kills, four in set two alone, South Winn was unable to protect the ball well enough throughout.

“I felt like we played timid through most of the evening and are struggling to find simple ways out of what seem like complex situations. As coaches, we’ll need to make some practice and prep changes, while looking to continue building on the great team we have. We did see flashes of that,” concluded the coaching duo.

Bailee Frana 2; Alyssa Holthaus 1; Ivey Franzen 1 Assists – Ella Theis 11; Chloe Wiltgen 2 Blocks (assist-solo) – Theis (11); Holthaus (1-1); Kuennen (1-1) Digs – Al. Hageman 7; Wiltgen 6; Aubrey Hageman 5; Franzen 5; Theis 4; Avery Luzum 3; Holthaus 1; Ad. Timp 1; Kuennen 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Theis (5-5); Al. Hageman (5-6); Frana (4-4); Holthaus (1-2); Au. Hageman (9-10); Luzum (4-6); Wiltgen (2-2) Aces – Au. Hageman 4

Stats vs. Waukon Kills – Kuennen 5; Holthaus 4; Franzen 4; Britney Hageman 1 Assists – Theis 13 Blocks (assist-solo) – Frana (11); Kuennen (1-0) Digs – Wiltgen 8; Theis 4; Al. Hageman 3; Luzum 3; Frana 2; Au. Hageman 2; Franzen 2; Kuennen 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Theis (4-5); Al. Hageman (3-3); Frana (3-4); Au. Hageman (6-7); Luzum (2-4); Alyssa Timp (1-1); Wiltgen (6-8) Aces – Al. Hageman 2; Wiltgen 2; Frana 1

NH tourney The Warriors competed in the New Hampton tournament Saturday, falling in all three matches.

It was a 0-2 loss to Class 1A No. 6 Don Bosco (14-21, 15-21).

The Warriors had 11 kills, 43 attack attempts, 10 assists, 23 digs and served 25for-28. Bailey Kuennen had four kills on 14 attack attempts.

Chloe Wiltgen came up with eight digs and Ella Theis went 6-for6 at the service line to go with eight assists.

South Winn lost to Class 2A No. 15 Sumner-Fredericksburg 0-2 (16-21, 1521). The Warriors served 29-for-24, along with 11 assists, Britney Hageman takes a swip at a kill before the Sumner-Fred block 10 kills and 24 digs. gets set during Saturday’s tournament at New Hampton. (Photo by Wiltgen had 10 digs to lead the Warriors Becky Walz) Stats vs. Crestwood Kills – Addison Timp 5; Bailey Kuennen 3; Allison Hageman 2;

while Theis was once again perfect in serves going 9-for-9.

The day ended with a close 0-2 battle with New Hampton.

Set scores were 23-25 and 1325. South Winn had 13 kills on 45 attack attempts, 33 digs, five total blocks and served 35for-40 with four aces. Aubrey Hageman paced the Warriors in serves, going 6-for-6. Ivey Franzen and Kuennen recorded four kills apiece with Theis and Wiltgen each grabbing nine digs.

Stats vs. Don Bosco Kills – Kuennen 4; Theis 2; Ad. Timp 2; Frana 1; Holthaus 1; Franzen 1 Assists – Theis 8; Holthaus 1; Luzum 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – Frana (10); Ad. Timp (1-0) Digs – Wiltgen 8; Luzum 4; Al. Hageman 3; Kuennen 3; Au. Hageman 2; Franzen 2; Holthaus 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Theis (6-6); Al. Hageman (2-2); Au. Hageman (4-5); Luzum (3-3); Al. Timp (3-4); Wiltgen (7-8) Aces – Au. Hageman 1; Wiltgen 1 Stats vs. Sumner-Fred Kills – Kuennen 3; Theis 2; Franzen 2; Al. Hageman 1; Frana 1; Ad. Timp 1 Assists – Theis 10; Britney Hageman 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – Theis (10); B. Hageman (1-0); Holthaus (10); Ad. Timp (1-0) Digs – Wiltgen 10; Theis 4; Luzum 3; Franzen 3; Al. Hageman 2; Ad. Timp 1; Au. Hageman 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Theis (9-9); Al. Hageman (3-3); Holthaus (2-3); Au. Hageman (7-8); Luzum (4-5); Al. Timp (2-3); Wiltgen (2-3) Aces – Au. Hageman 1 Stats vs. New Hampton Kills – Franzen 4; Kuennen 4; Theis 2; Holthaus 1; Ad. Timp 1; Wiltgen 1 Assists – Theis 10; Wiltgen 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – Frana (11); Theis (1-0); Holthaus (1-0); Ad. Timp (1-0) Digs – Theis 9; Wiltgen 9; Al. Hageman 4; Au. Hageman 3; Luzum 3; Kuennen 2; Holthaus 1; Franzen 1; Al. Timp 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Theis (7-8); Al. Hageman (3-4); Holthaus (4-4); Au. Hageman (6-6); Luzum (7-8); Al. Timp (4-4); Wiltgen (4-6) Aces – Luzum 2; Wiltgen 2

Area high school and A-R-C football standings Class 4A District 2

Decorah Mason City Waterloo East Western Dubuque Marion Waverly-Shell Rock

District Overall 0-0 2-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 1-1 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-2

Last week Decorah 31, West Delaware 25 Marion 13, Benton 41 Western Dubuque 16, Wahlert 28 Mason City 35, Fort Dodge 17 Waterloo East 19, Des Moines North 12 Waverly-Shell Rock 24, North Scott 38 This week Decorah vs. Crestwood Waverly-Shell Rock at Bondurant-Farrar Marion at Center Point-Urbana Waterloo East at Charles City Mason City at Gilbert Western Dubuque vs. Xavier Next week Decorah vs. Independence Waterloo East vs. Fort Dodge Western Dubuque at North Scott Marion at Maquoketa Mason City vs. Charles City Waverly-Shell Rock vs. Clear Lake

Class A District 3

AGWSR Nashua-Plainfield South Winn BCLUW North Butler North Tama Wapsie Valley

District Overall 1-0 1-1 1-0 2-0 1-0 1-1 0-1 0-2 0-1 1-1 0-1 0-2 0-0 1-1

Class 8-Player District 3

Don Bosco Kee Waterloo Christian Central Elkader Riceville Turkey Valley West Central

District Overall 1-0 2-0 1-0 2-0 1-0 1-1 0-1 0-2 0-0 2-0 0-1 0-2 0-1 0-2

Last week South Winn 35, North Butler 14 AGWSR 14, BCLUW 13 North Tama 6, Nashua-Plainfield 27 Wapsie Valley 35, Denver 12

Last week Turkey Valley 28, Kee 58 Don Bosco 65, Central Elkader 0 West Central 24, Waterloo Christian 44 Riceville 47, North Iowa 14

This week South Winn vs. Wapsie Valley AGWSR vs. North Tama Nashua-Plainfield vs. BCLUW North Butler vs. West Fork

This week Turkey Valley vs. West Central Waterloo Christian vs. Kee Tripoli vs. Central Elkader Riceville vs. Don Bosco

Next week South Winn vs. Newman Catholic BCLUW vs. North Tama Nashua-Plainfield vs. AGWSR Wapsie Valley vs. North Butler

Next week Turkey Valley at Central Elkader Kee vs. Don Bosco West Central vs. Riceville Waterloo Christian at GMG

American Rivers Conference

Conference Overall Central 0-0 1-0 Coe 0-0 1-0 Wartburg 0-0 1-0 Luther 0-0 0-0 Buena Vista 0-0 0-1 Dubuque 0-0 0-1 Loras 0-0 0-1 Nebraska Wesleyan 0-0 0-1 Simpson 0-0 0-1

Undefeated tourney The Vikings had a good day at the Charles City Early Bird Tournament Saturday going 4-0 on the day.

“This was a good day for us.

We played everyone and moved people around a little. It is nice to know we have some depth in every position. We saw many good things, but we will continue to improve on some others. Our serve receive was great and I want to give some credit there as they work hard and often get little credit,” said Coach Gina Holthaus.

It took three sets for Decorah to defeat the host Comets, falling 19-21 in set one and rebounding to win the match 2119 and 15-9. McKinley Massman had nine kills while Dylin Thompson dished out 14 assists and Ellie Rolfs came away with 13 digs. At the service line, Savannah O’Reilly went 13-for13 with a pair of aces.

It was a 2-0 win over Iowa Falls-Alden (21-10, 21-14).

Leah Holland and Kelby Kerndt led the hitters at the net with six kills apiece. D. Thompson had 11 assists. Defensively, Rolfs, Massman, Holland and D. Thompson all had eight digs.

Against Riceville, the Vikings won 2-0 (21-11, 21-7). At the net it was Massman pacing Decorah with five kills while Holland and Audrey Essa hammered down four apiece. The Vikes came up with a total of 20 digs with Sara Johanningmeier, Rolfs, Massman and Ella Stille all grabbing four. As a team Decorah was 35-for-38 at the service line with 10 aces.

Finishing the day against Mason City, Decorah won 2-0 (2114, 21-16). The Vikes pounded out 20 kills on 44 attack attempts with 14 digs and served 37-for-41.

Stats vs. Charles City Kills – McKinley Massman 9; Leah Holland 5; Kelby Kerndt 5; Renae Wilson 2; Dylin Thompson 1

Assists – D. Thompson 14; Ellie Rolfs 2; Massman 2; Holland 1; Kerndt 1; Savannah O’Reilly 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – Holland (1-0); D. Thompson (1-0) Digs – Rolfs 13; D. Thompson 13; Massman 12; Kerndt 6; O’Reilly 6; Sara Johanningmeier 3; Holland 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Johanningmeier (6-6); Rolfs (6-7); Massman (9-10); Holland (8-9); D. Thompson (8-9); O’Reilly (13-13) Aces – O’Reilly 2; Rolfs 1; Massman 1 Stats vs. Iowa Falls-Alden Kills – Holland 6; Kerndt 6; Wilson 2; Massman 1; D. Thompson 1; Edyn Bateman 1 Assists – D. Thompson 11; Massman 2; Holland 1; Jasera Tweten 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – Massman (0-1) Digs – Rolfs 8; Massman 8; Holland 8; D. Thompson 8; Kerndt 5; Tweten 2; O’Reilly 2; Johanningmeier 1; Wilson 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Johanningmeier (6-6); Rolfs (2-2); Massman (8-9); Holland (11-12); D. Thompson (7-8); O’Reilly (4-5) Aces – Massman 3; Holland 1; D. Thompson 1 Stats vs. Riceville Kills – Massman 5; Holland 4; Audrey Essa 4; Kerndt 3; D. Thompson 1; Wilson 1; Clara Hjelle 1 Assists – D. Thompson 14; Johanningmeier 1; Massman 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – Massman (1-0); Holland (1-0); D. Thompson (1-0); Wilson (1-0) Digs – Johanningmeier 4; Rolfs 4; Massman 4; Ella Stille 4; D. Thompson 2; Holland 1; Brynnah Hanson 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Johanningmeier (4-5); Rolfs (7-7); Massman (7-7); Holland (3-3); D. Thompson (8-9); Stille (6-7) Aces – D. Thompson 3; Massman 2; Stille 2; Johanningmeier 1; Rolfs 1; Holland 1 Stats vs. Mason City Kills – Kerndt 7; Holland 3; Massman 2; Wilson 2; Hjelle 2; Bateman 2; D. Thompson 1; Essa 1 Assists – D. Thompson 14; O’Reilly 3; Rolfs 2; Wilson 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – Holland (1-0); Bateman (1-0) Digs – Hanson 4; Massman 2; Holland 2; Kerndt 2; Johanningmeier 1; Rolfs 1; D. Thompson 1; Stille 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Johanningmeier (7-7); Rolfs (0-1); Massman (3-4); Holland (8-9); D. Thompson (6-7); Kerndt (1-1); Stille (7-7); O’Reilly (5-5) Aces – Johanningmeier 1; Massman 1; Holland 1; D. Thompson 1; O’Reilly 1

Opening NEIC It was a team effort for the Vikings Tuesday that led to a 3-2 win over Crestwood (4-2, 1-1 NEIC). The Vikes won by set scores 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 17-25 and 15-11.

Statistics from Tuesday’s match were unavailable at press time.

Trojans drop district opener to Kee

The young Turkey Valley football team (0-2) were still getting their feet wet as the Trojans tried to rally against Kee (2-0) in the district opener Friday. In the end, the Trojans couldn’t keep up with the pace of the game with costly turnovers, falling 58-28.

Logan Busta completed 6-for-17 passes for 99 yards against the Hawks and held on to the pigskin 11 times for 147 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Kaden Schmidt had eight carries for 23 yards. JD Kruse, Tucker Reicks, Treyton Franzen and Schmidt all caught at least one pass.

Defensively, JD Kruse, Reicks and Jordan Kriener each had seven solo tackles, while Schmidt and Mitchell Kriener had six solo stops.

Last week Loras 0, Hope 49 Buena Vista 7, Benedictine 34 Central 49, Illinois Wesleyan 14 Coe 55, Cornell 10 Simpson 13, Augustana (Ill.) 30 Nebraska Wesleyan 25, Dakota State 41 Wartburg 38, Monmouth 24 This week Luther at St. Olaf Wartburg at Saint John’s Nebraska Wesleyan at Mayville State Coe at Wisconsin-Eau Claire Buena Vista at Wisconsin Lutheran Central at California Lutheran Loras vs. Benedictine Simpson vs. Crown Dubuque at Wisconsin-Platteville Next week Luther vs. Coe Dubuque vs. Simpson Central vs. Wartburg Loras vs. Buena Vista

Hugo Busta finds an opening in the defense after taking the ball from Logan Busta (1) with Treyton Franzen (21) helping to make running room. (Photo courtesy of Leah Kruse)

SPORTS

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

Vikings hold together for second win

Warrior quarterback Braiden Todd is out in an open field as the North Butler defense gives chase along with fellow teammates Ray Lienau (71) and Shayde Wermers (75) during Friday’s 35-14 over the Bearcats. (Photos by Becky Walz)

ABOVE: Decorah’s Brayden Wemark (81) winds up for a kick off as the rest of the special team picks up speed to race down the field for a tackle.

LEFT: Gavin Groux eyes the field as he fields the pigskin on punt in recent Viking action. (Photos by Becky Walz)

A fourth-quarter comeback was thwarted by the Decorah football team Friday night, preserving the Vikes’ win 31-25 against West Delaware in Manchester.

“Friday night was a mix of emotions. We had to overcome some adversity and our kids responded very well. I am proud of the way we stuck together and finished the game,” said Coach Michael Tangen. “We played an outstanding first half and found a way to beat a very good opponent. West Delaware is a very physical team that will win a lot of games this season.”

Rewinding to Friday Decorah was able to overcome a first possession fumble early on to score twice in the opening period. The Vikes put together a 10-play drive that moved the pigskin 71 yards.

Louis Bucksa found Noah Milburn for a 5-yard touchdown strike, putting the Vikes on the board first. The excitement on the Decorah sideline was short-lived as West Delaware pounded the ground with a 30yard sweep play into the Viking red zone, eventually seeing the Hawk quarterback race five yards into the end zone and tie the score with the PAT. With the score all tied up 7-7, the Vikings began their next possession at their own 31-yard line. Five plays later, Decorah’s Trevor Kuennen answered the call as he scampered up the middle, jumping over a defensive lineman for 50 yards to score the Vikes’ second TD of the game and a 14-7 advantage with 6:41 to play in the first.

A 15-yard Hawk penalty pushed the Vikings into West Delaware territory. The result was an electrifying 43-yard pass to Peyton Webb from Bucksa extending the lead to 21-7 with 1:37 remaining in the first half. Looking to make a final push down the field, West Delaware went to the air. However, Kuennen had other plans as he plucked the ball from the air for an interception and 17-yard return with just over a minute remaining in the second.

The Vikes’ final tally of the first half came as Brayden Wemark drilled a 33-yard field goal to make it 24-7 in favor of Decorah at halftime.

The Hawks opened the second half methodically marching down the field before Gaitlin Dahlberg tipped the ball and hauled in the pigskin at the WD 42-yard line; however, the Vikes couldn’t capitalize on the possession. They would have another chance with 5:21 left in the third when William Hahn recovered a WD fumble at the Viking 19-yard line. With 2:29 to play in the third, a big pass to

Carter Dlhy went for 66 yards before Kuennen was stripped of the ball at the Hawk 1-yard line, that was run all the way back for a WD touchdown in a shocking turn of events. The momentum quickly swung back in the Vikes’ favor as Gavin Groux took the kick return 59 yards to the WD 37-yard line. A Bucksa to Milburn pass pushed Decorah to the 13-yard line and was capped by Kuennen who scored on the Vikes’ second play of the possession for a 3113 Decorah lead.

West Delaware would go on to score two more times in the game on a 17-yard and 28-yard carries but came up short as the Viking defense shut the door on the comeback.

On track The Vikings saw improvements from week one to week two in several categories. They posted 11 first downs with 249 yards rushing and 204 yard passing with only one penalty.

Kuennen rushed 12 times for 88 yards, scoring twice, while Tommy Sexton had 16 touches of the pigskin and gained 38 yards for the Vikes. Through the air, Bucksa was 12-for-17 for 277 yards with Milburn one of his main targets for 85 yards on five receptions. Dlhy had one reception for 66 yards, while Webb caught two passes for 52 yards.

Defensively, Will Larson was there for seven solo and three assisted tackles. Gatlin Dahlberg had seven assisted and three solo stops to go with an interception and fumble recovery. Kuennen was in on four assisted and four solo tackles, while William Hahn had three solo stops and five assists.

Finally home Starting the season with backto-back road games, the Vikings will be home Friday, Sept. 13, against Crestwood at 7:30 p.m.

The Cadets have started the

2024 season 0-2 with a 9-7 loss to MFL MarMac week one and was defeated 41-27 by Independence last week.

1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Decorah 14 10 7 0 W. Delaware 7 0 12 6

F 31 25

Scoring sequence 1st Quarter Decorah – Louis Bucksa 5-yd. pass to Noah Milburn (Brayden Wemark PAT) W. Delaware – 5-yd. run (PAT) Decorah – Trevor Kuennen 50yd. run (Wemark PAT) 2nd Quarter Decorah – Bucksa 43-yd. pass to Peyton Webb (Wemark PAT) Decorah – Wemark 33-yd. field goal 3rd Quarter W. Delaware – 100-yd. fumble return (PAT failed) Decorah – Kuennen 13-yd. run (Wemark PAT) W. Delaware – 17-yd. run (2-pt. run failed) 4th Quarter W. Delaware – 28-yd. run (PAT failed) Game stats Total yards: Decorah 311; West Delaware 441 Passing (comp/att/yds): Louis Bucksa (12-17, 225 yds., 2 TD) Rushing (att/yds): Trevor Kuennen (12-80, 2 TD); Tommy Sexton (16-31); Gavin Groux (3-4); Bucksa (1-(-8)) Receiving (att/yds/TD): Noah Milburn (5-85, 1 TD); Carter Dlhy (1-66); Peyton Webb (2-52, 1 TD); Groux (3-11); Jackson Pipho (1-11) Tackles (solo-assist): Will Larson (7-3); Gatlin Dahlberg (37); Sexton (5-3); Kuennen (4-4); William Hahn (3-5); Pipho (6-0); Groux (4-1); Luke Franzen (2-2); Milburn (3-0); Caleb Krieg (2-1); Henry Brynsaas (1-2); Webb (1-1); Bradan Darling (0-2); Joshua Adam (1-0); Dlhy (0-1); Cash Riehle (0-1); Keaton Orris (1-0); Mason Vote (01) Interceptions (no/return yds): Kuennen (1-17); Dahlberg (1-0) Fumble recoveries: Krieg 1; Dahlberg 1 Punts (att/yds): Milburn (5-186) Punt returns (att/yds): Groux (1-13) Kick-offs (att/yds): Brayden Wemark (6-268, 1 TB, 1 FG, 4 PAT) Kick-off returns (att/yds): Groux (3-86); Mason Avila (2-33)

Warriors take bite out of Bearcats Last season North Butler visited Calmar and beat the Warriors 22-14. This season the South Winn football team (11, 1-0) countered the Bearcats as the Warriors defeated North Butler Friday 35-14 in Greene.

“We came out and established a nice opening drive that ended with a touchdown,” said Coach Jason Ohrt. “I thought our kids did a nice job offensively all night and Coach Wenthold did a great job of adjusting to North Butler coming out in a different defense then what we anticipated. On the defensive side we were needing to blitz more than we like to put pressure on North Butler’s talented quarterback. As always there is room for improvement, but I like how we came out and played a more complete football game this week. It was really important for us to get that first district win.”

Big plays South Winn struck first, scoring on a 10-yard carry by Kyle Kuboushek midway through the opening period. It didn’t take long, and the junior was back in the end zone after Carson Streeter intercepted a pass at the Bearcat 23-yard line and returned the pigskin 40 yards.

Kuboushek then spun away from the North Butler defense and scored a second time with 4:08 left in the first. Streeter’s second PAT gave the Warriors a 14-0 head start on the home team.

Just 20 seconds into the second frame, quarterback Braiden Todd then found his way through traffic, racing 62 yards to the house, scoring again for the Warriors. A back-and-forth battle ensued in the period that

ended with a Bearcat touchdown.

At halftime, South Winn maintained a 21-6 advantage that wouldn’t change throughout the third as neither squad managed another trip across the goal line. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Kuboushek danced his way into the end zone from one yard out pushing the Warriors ahead even further, 28-6. The Bearcats weren’t ready to roll over as they struck themselves with a long 62-yard pass and completed a two-point conversion. They followed it up with a successful onside kick that North Butler was unable to capitalize on. South Winn managed one more score as Todd fired a strike to Streeter late in the game to give the Warriors the 35-14 victory.

Statistics The Warrior rushing attack went for 268 yards while Todd threw of 116. That’s a total of 384.

Kuboushek did the brunt of the work on the ground. He carried the pigskin 25 times for 134 yards, a 5.4 average. Todd galloped eight times for 109 yards.

Todd completed eight passes for 116 yards. Streeter had five receptions for 63 yards while Eric Greve hauled in three passes for 53 yards.

Kuboushek was a rock of defense as well with seven solo and three assisted tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss.

Greve had five solo tackles, while Todd, Streeter and Gavin Feickert each had four solo stops.

Big test It will be a big night under

the lights Friday, Sept. 13, as the Warriors host Wapsie Valley who is also 1-1. The gold and black Warriors fell to Jesup week one 20-13 and bounced back week two to defeat Denver, 35-12.

1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q South Winn 14 7 0 14 N. Butler 0 6 0 8

F 35 14

Scoring sequence 1st Quarter SW – Kyle Kuboushek 10-yd. run (Carson Streeter PAT) SW – Kuboushek 23-yd. run (Streeter PAT) 2nd Quarter SW – Braiden Todd 62-yd. run (Streeter PAT) NB – 1-yd. run (2-pt. run failed) 3rd Quarter None 4th Quarter SW – Kuboushek 1-yd. run (Streeter PAT) NB – 62-yd. pass (2-pt. pass) SW – Todd 22-yd. pass to Streeter (Streeter PAT) Game stats Total yards: South Winn 384; North Butler 307 Passing (comp/att/yds): Braiden Todd (8-10, 116 yds., 1 TD) Rushing (att/yds): Kyle Kuboushek (25-135, 3 TD); Todd (8-109, 1 TD); Eric Greve (3-19); Landon Humpal (1-6); Yahir Macario (2-0) Receiving (att/yds/TD): Carson Streeter (5-63, 1 TD); Greve (3-53) Tackles (total): Kuboushek (8.5); Streeter (5.5); Greve (5.0); Todd (4.5); Gavin Feickert (4.5); Brandon Kriener (3.0); Ayden Palafox (2.5); Humpal (2.0); Andres Macario (1.5); Logan Tieskoetter (1.5); Kolton Brummond (1.5); Y. Macario (1.0) Interceptions (no/return yds): Streeter (1-40); Greve (1-0) Punts (att/yds): Streeter (1-27) Punt returns (att/yds): Streeter (1-8) Kick-offs (att/yds): Streeter (6303, 2TB, 5/5 PAT) Kick-off returns (att/yds): Todd (2-30)

North Butler defenders are drug along by Kyle Kuboushek in one of his 25 carries Friday night for the Warriors. The junior ran for 135 yards and scored three times in South Winn’s district win. (Photos by Becky Walz)

TV Hall of Fame ceremony Friday

Trevor Kuennen (20) gets the handoff from Viking quarterback Louis Bucksa in Decorah’s first game of the season against Waukon. Friday, Kuennen scored twice and galloped 80 yards on 20 carries. (Photos by Becky Walz)

Turkey Valley will induct three new members into their Hall of Fame Friday, Sept. 13, at halftime of the home football game versus West Central.

The 2024 HOF inductees include Larry Bergmann, the first individual state wrestling champion in school history. Joining him will be Mary Lensing Dreckman, first team all-state softball pitcher in 1983, along with devoted school nurse Shirley Murray, who served the TV district over 30 years from 1966 to 1997.

In conjunction with the HOF festivities, members of the Trojan 1982 Fall State Softball Championship Team and the 1983 Summer

State Runner-up Team are also invited back to Turkey Valley to join with their teammate Mary Lensing in celebrating the historic events in school history.

After the conclusion of the football game versus the Blue Devils, devoted Trojan fans and patrons are cordially invited to Jackson Heights Golf Club for a reception honoring the 2024 HOF inductees and members of the legendary 1982-83 softball team. Cake and snacks will be provided courtesy of the Turkey Valley Athletic Boosters. Please join in the special night as the Class of 2024 HOF inductees and members of the 1982-1983 softball teams are honored.