October 17, 2024

SPECIAL EDITION – This week’s Decorah Leader features the return of the Progress Edition. A special publication highlighting the community, its trends, progress and its future.

P RO G R E S

2024EDIT

Co m m u n i

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 42

ty

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ION

Decorah, Iowa 52101

Three Sections

BEFORE THE BALLOT BOX www.decorahleader.com

email: editor@decorahleader.com

races this cycle include the District 3 and District 4 seats on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, as well as the race for three open seats on the WinnMed Board of Trustees. Area voters will also

COMPILED BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Voters will be heading to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots in a number of races. Locally contested

Public to pick from trio of U.S. House candidates

phone: 563-382-4221

PUBLISHED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

BY THE DE CORAH LEA DER

Price $1.50

fax: 563-382-5949

CANDIDATE Q&A

have a hand in deciding some state and federal races, including the District 32 seat in the Iowa Senate and Iowa’s District 2 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Decorah Leader contacted several cam-

paigns and submitted questionnaires to the candidates facing contested races this cycle. Their responses are printed here to help inform voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Ballot to feature two candidates for District 32 Iowa Senate seat

A total of three candidates will face off at the ballot box next month in the race for Iowa’s District 2 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is facing challenges from Democratic candidate Sarah SARAH CORKERY ASHLEY HINSON JODY PUFFETT Corkery as well as independent candidate Jody Puffett. District 2 includes 22 northeast counties as far west as Hardin County and as far south as Poweshiek County.

Voters across portions of northeast Iowa will decide who will represent Iowa’s District 32 in the Iowa Senate. Republican incumbent State Sen. Mike Klimesh is hoping to maintain his seat, and Democratic challenger Brian Bruening hopes to be elected to the position. District 32 encompasses all of Winneshiek County, Allamakee County, Clayton Coun- BRIAN BRUENING ty and Howard County as well as portions of Fayette County and a small portion of Dubuque County.

MIKE T. KLIMESH

What inspired you to run for Iowa’s District 2 seat in the U.S. House?

Corkery: After having breast cancer twice, I lobbied with the National Breast Cancer Coalition — a bi-partisan group — to help change policies to help people with breast cancer. Ashley Hinson was the hold-out in the House of Representatives to sign it. Even though all the other Republicans in office in the House Of Representatives did sign it. She finally co-sponsored the Metastatic Breast Access to Care Act on the day I filed my federal papers to run against her in October of 2023.

What inspired you to run for the District 32 seat in the Iowa Senate?

Bruening: There are several factors that prompted my decision to run. I have seen a lot of changes in Iowa over the last 18 years, and most of them aren’t for the better. Our surface water has turned into the most polluted in the country, we now have the second highest cancer incidence rate in the nation, and so many fundamental protections that existed when I was growing up, such as worker’s union rights, reproductive and maternal healthcare access and a first-in-thenation public education, have all been eroded or stripped away by total Republican control of

U.S. House of Representatives District 2

Iowa Senate District 32

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Two vie for District 4 county supervisor seat

Pair of candidates seeking public’s vote for District 3 supervisor

Residents of southeastern Winneshiek County and some areas of Decorah Township will decide between two candidates seeking the District 4 seat on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Republican incumbent and current board chair Dan Langreck is seeking reelection to the board, and independent candidate Cheryl Wiesler has thrown her DANIEL LANGRECK hat in the ring as well.

Voters will head to the polls next month to decide between two candidates hoping to fill the District 3 seat on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Democrat Shirley Vermace filed for reelection and will face off against Republican challenger Dan Hovden. District 3 consists largely of areas in northern and western Decorah.

CHERYL WIESELER

DAN HOVDEN

SHIRLEY VERMACE

What inspired you to run for county supervisor, and what experiences do you feel have prepared you for a seat on the board?

Langreck: I have been highly active on city and county boards over the last 18 years. I knew it was time to step up to the next level, knowing that I could make a change for the better.

Wieseler: I have considered running for public office for a long time, and that interest has

What inspired you to run for county supervisor, and what experiences do you feel have prepared you for a seat on the board?

Hovden: I’m running for supervisor because I was asked to run by highly respected members of our county who don’t care for the constant bickering, division and pettiness going on these days. It didn’t use to be this way. I’ve spent my entire life living, working and raising a family in Winneshiek County, and I know I can play a hand in making it a better place for all of us.

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Winneshiek County Supervisor District 4

Winneshiek County Supervisor District 3

County’s board of adjustment Defendant in target of new court petition Mill Street County Auditor: Iowa is Rural Ridgeway biodigester construction further ‘gold standard’ for secure stabbing case delayed by environmentalist group elections in the nation takes plea deal Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com

EARLY VOTING BEGINS THIS WEEK

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

Early voting for this year’s general election started Oct. 16 in Iowa, and Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines said he and his staff are ready for another safe and successful election cycle.

Steines said, to vote early in Iowa, voters have two options — in-person absentee voting or mailin absentee voting.

“If they do it by mail, they can request it up until Oct. 21, to have a ballot mailed to them,” he said. “They can request a ballot anytime — we don’t mail them out til Oct. 16. There’s a form they fill out with their information, and they need either their driver’s license number or their voter pin number, if they don’t have a driver’s license.

Between 90 and 95 percent of voters just use their driver’s license number. If they’re voting early in person, it’s basically the same process as voting in person on Election Day. They’ll have to fill out a request form, which is right on the envelope where their ballot will be sealed in later. Again, they’ll have to list their driver’s license number or their pin number on that request form — before coming into our office and issued a ballot and proceed to vote.”

In some states, early votes are counted right

The Driftless Water Defenders are making more waves in an effort to prevent a biodigester from being built outside the city of Ridgeway in western Winneshiek County.

Attorney James Larew, acting legal counsel for the nonprofit environmentalist group, filed a second court petition on Oct. 3 — this one against the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment.

Larew previously filed a similar case on Aug. 30 against the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors for its handling of the public hearing on the rezoning of the property upon which the biodigester is slated to be built. The supervisors voted 3-2 to approve that request on Aug. 5, while the county’s board of adjustment unanimously voted to approve a conditional use permit for the biodigester after a Sept. 3 public hearing on the matter.

Earlier this year, Novilla RNG, LLC began the zoning processes required to build an anaerobic digestor facility, commonly known as a biodigester, on a four-acre plot northeast of Ridgeway.

That site, known as Walnut Creek RNG, LLC, would be fed manure from farms owned by Full Bohr Dairy and KG4 Dairy.

The biodigester would be fed manure — from the two nearby dairy farms — which would be broken down to produce a renewable natural gas.

Larew’s lawsuit claims because “no federal or

Early voting

continued on page A-15

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Iowa regulatory regime for manure digesters” exists, “it was up to the board of adjustment to protect the people of Winneshiek County from the hazardous wastes and pollutants produced by manure digesters.”

Larew also argues representatives of Novilla RNG were “provided a generous amount of time

A Decorah man arrested following a late July stabbing has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Court records show 37-year-old Alfredo Morales Hernandez’s attorney filed documents for his client Alfredo Morales earlier this month, Hernandez pleading guilty to a Class D felony of willful injury causing bodily injury — Morales Hernandez was originally charged with a Class C felony of willful injury causing serious injury.

The court accepted the plea agreement the same day, suspending a $1,025 fine and sentencing the 37-year-old to a term of no more than five years in prison. Information from the Iowa Department of Corrections shows Morales

Court petition

Plea deal

James Larew, attorney for Driftless Water Defenders, has filed two lawsuits on behalf of the Driftless Water Defenders in an attempt to delay or halt the construction of an anaerobic digestion facility near Ridgeway. (File photo)

Dan

✓OTE HOVDEN District 3 Supervisor

Paid for by Hovden for Supervisor Committee

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Common sense decision making

PHOTOS

A-2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

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Decorah puts Pride on display

Dozens of runners chose to get a little colorful Sunday morning, during a Rainbow Run 5K event. The run was hosted by Art Haus as part of this year’s Decorah Pride Festival. Shannon Derbin, director of Art Haus, said an estimated 30 people registered for Sunday’s 5K. Volunteers stood at the ready along Sunday’s route and sprayed chalky hues on passing participants until each runner bore all seven colors of the rainbow — event information indicated the white t-shirts given to the runners featured a hidden design, which was gradually revealed as each color was applied.

INSET ABOVE- Decorah photographer Charlie Langton snapped some shots while serving as the grand marshal of Saturday’s parade.

Members of the Decorah area celebrated the community’s sixth annual Pride Festival last week.

The yearly event began Oct. 8 with a presentation on the history of LGBTQIA+ Pride movements. Festivities continued through the week with an author event, trivia competition, drag show and yoga session before Saturday’s downtown parade and outdoor activities. Organizers continued to welcome the public to other events, including a popup opera company, dance party and an adult after party. Organizers rounded out the weekend with a Rainbow Run 5K Sunday morning. (Photos by Seth Boyes, Denise Lana and Zach Jensen)

A number of participants in Decorah’s sixth annual Pride Festival took part in Saturday afternoon’s parade along Water Street. Rainbow motifs appeared in clothing, flags, banners and other decorations during the parade in a show of support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

A number of family-friendly activities were available near John Cline Elementary during the festival’s Party in the Park Saturday afternoon.

CANDIDATE

Meet + GREET

Re-elect DAN  LANGRECK 

Willing to listen to all county residents

SHIRLEY VERMACE Winneshiek County Supervisor District 3

VISIT WITH SHIRLEY  ASK QUESTIONS  SHARE IDEAS + CONCERNS 

Complimentary hot cider and cookies Contact Shirley anytime at 563-419-2999 or svermace@gmail.com PAID FOR BY VERMACE FOR SUPERVISOR CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Winneshiek County Supervisor District 4

WEDNESDAY,

Dan Langreck is a lifelong Winneshiek County resident and current District 4 Supervisor.

3:00-6:00PM

Choose experience.

OCT. 23

at Water Street Park

Next to farmers market and public parking

He is a 35-year business owner, and has 15 years experience with the Ossian City Council, 13 years with the County Planning & Zoning Commission and served on the County Board of Adjustments.

Re-elect Langreck.

Paid for by ________________________________

More than 200 people gathered with their best Judies as six of the area’s most popular drag performers served up fierceness at Decorah’s Pride Drag Show on Friday night in the upper level of T-Bocks Sports Bar and Grill.

The event was sponsored by ArtHaus. “It’s’s a pure celebration of queer life — a cultured tradition.

Queer people are fighting for their right to exist, but here, they can just be themsselves,” ArtHaus Board President Mariann Fant said of the show.

Annual Griddle to Gridiron Pancake Supper

Devoted to serving county residents



Will work toward improving the county with the limited funds state laws have imposed



Will eliminate wasteful spending by analyzing financial records

When: Fri., Oct. 18 from 4:30-7:15 Where: Decorah HS Cafeteria

Bring the family for pancakes and sausages before the Decorah HS football game.

$7 for adults, $5 for kids All proceeds go to the Decorah HS Scholarship Fund

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

A-3

Decorah Schools navigating state truancy Youngblood pleads not guilty to attempted law as board approves new policy murder, assault charges

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

The Decorah Community School District has officially adopted a new policy in response to state efforts aimed at addressing chronic student absences — but staff with Decorah Schools admit they’re still learning how to implement the changes fairly and accurately.

The new law — Senate File 2435 — was signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in early May after it passed through both the Iowa House and Senate on April 18 — with lawmakers voting 32-13 in the Senate and 52-43 in the House. Decorah School Board President Cindy Goodner said the legislation was passed relatively quickly, and Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin indicated Iowa schools had little if any input while lawmakers drafted the bill. Goodner noted Monday the law does not apply to private schools in Iowa.

“It’s well-intended,” Cronin said of the legislation. “Chronic absenteeism is a challenge.

It’s not a made up problem.

We struggled coming out of the pandemic — I think a lot of people have seen that in their workforce — but there’s just a lot to unpack here, and it’s difficult to do it.”

The new state law requires districts to identify students who have missed 10 percent of a given grading period. If a student reaches that 10 percent mark, the district is then required to report the absences to the Winneshiek County Attorney’s office, and families are to be notified of the issue via certified mail. The cost of sending those letters falls to the school district, according to Goodner,

Decorah School Board member Aaron Zander looked over the new policy language, saying some broader terms may give the school district a degree of latitude when calculating chronic student absences. He noted, in addition to medical care and attendance of religious events, the state law allows students to be absent while receiving “competent private instruction.” (Photo by Seth Boyes) and Cronin said some school districts, such as the Dubuque Community School District, expect that cost to be around $30,000 a year if attendance numbers remain steady.

For Decorah High School, which currently operates on a 39-day quarter system, students could cross the 10 percent threshold after missing approximately four days. Decorah High School Principal Brad Hurst told the school board Monday he and his staff recently sent out a number of the certified letters as is now required by the state.

Medical absences, religious events and participation in school-sanctioned tournaments can be considered exempt under the state law, but senior students visiting colleges are not, according to school officials. Cronin indicated school administrators previously met

with a member of the Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office to discuss potential scenarios under the new law. The superintendent said school administrators have also been discussing how to apply the policy consistently in each building. Hurst said the staff has also received some guidance on properly coding student absences to avoid unduly designating a student as chronically absent.

“You’re trying to do right by families and be fair with all these things, so you’ve got to parse it out,” Hurst said. “You can’t just look at the number, because the number’s not the number — you have to look at what kind of absences were these absences and when did they occur? It’s a lot more difficult, and we’re trying to do it the right way and support families.”

Should a student be absent for 15 percent of a grading period, the new state law requires the school district to create an action plan to prevent further absences and meet with the student and family on a regular basis — the county attorney has the ability to take further action if the situation is not resolved.

Cronin said on Monday such meetings with district families should take a common sense approach, and he noted the district could express in its certified letters that staff understands the reasons for certain absences, such as multiple college visits during a single grading period.

“I think there’s a fine line between stressing the importance of coming to school every day and making sure that we’re listening to the reasons that people are absent and making whatever accommodations are feasible in that,” Cronin said.

The Decorah School Board held its first reading of the new policy during its Sept. 9 meeting. Monday’s second reading and subsequent vote finalized the policy change.

Goodner said she is grateful for the communication taking place among the district’s staff, and she encouraged the public to respectfully express their thoughts on the new state law to Iowa lawmakers.

“I want the message to families in the district to be loud and clear that this is not a policy that we crafted,” Goodner said.

“We’re doing our best, and I encourage families, when you’re in touch with your school admin team, they’re working so hard.

Please approach them with respect and patience. They’re carrying out the law.”

Organizers talk options for proposed athletic park

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER City officials and community members were presented Thursday with three options for a proposed athletic park facility on what is known as the Dahlen property along Old Stage Road.

Each design exceeded the city’s budget by approximately $500,000, and city officials expect to take the topic up again next month.

Three potential concepts for Decorah’s future athletic facility were discussed and narrowed down to a potential single preferred plan at a special session held Oct. 10 with Decorah representatives and landscape architects.

A group made up of city council members, city staff, parks and recreation commission members and project stakeholders met previously and prioritized features for the proposed athletic park. Members of ISG Architecture and Engineering drafted three conceptual plans which incorporated those priorities, such as multi-use ball fields, pickleball courts and a playground. The concept plans were presented during the Oct. 10 meeting.

Nathan Compton, civil engineer and project manager with ISG reviewed each concept with organizers Oct. 10.

The first concept — which Compton indicated would impact the build site the least — included two large ball fields, with potential space for two additional ball fields in the future. The concept also included a pair of batting cages and a 100-stall parking lot as well as four pickle ball courts. The second concept would impact the site somewhat more, according to Compton, and would allow for a more ideal orientation of two multi-use ball fields.

“For ball play, fields should be oriented north for sun and

Nathan Compton, project manager for Decorah’s future athletic park facility on what is known as the old Dahlen property, presented three different project concepts to city representatives and stakeholders during a meeting October 10. (Photo

by Denise Lana)

traditional times of game play,” Compton said. “Centerfield should be oriented with the sun.”

The second design option would also include a 100-stall parking lot and parking overflow in addition to designated food truck spaces and two batting cages. Pickleball courts would also be included, but they would not be oriented north-south due to constraints, according to Compton.

The third and most impactful design would feature an athletic hub in the center of the property and require the nearby dog park be relocated to make room for parking. The design includes two large ball fields, open air shelters, four pickle ball courts, batting cages and a playground.

Project stakeholder Bobby Friederick immediately voiced concerns regarding the size and number of the proposed multiuse ball fields.

“Two fields are not enough, even for just practicing, much less practicing and games,” Friederick said. “And with a car for each player, a parking lot for 100 vehicles is going to fill up fast.”

City Manager Travis Goedken rebutted Friederick’s concern, saying the city needs fund raising from the community to get more fields, and he added the city does have continued use of the school fields as part of a previous land sale agreement with the Decorah School District. He said the proposed park would fall inside a flood plain, and he indicated the city may be required to elevate the land. Goedken also noted the park must include a roadway for emergency crews to reach the rear of the property.

Compton said all three concepts were roughly the same cost at around $2.5 million, exceeding the city’s $2 million

budget.

“That $2.5 million does not include field and court lighting, but does include parking lot lighting,” said Compton.

Goedken said the additional funding to meet the $2.5 million cost could be secured through additional fundraising or reallocation of funding.

The majority of the group preferred ISG’s second design and generally agreed the park design should include four ball fields when completed — two 280-foot fields, one 250-foot field and one 200-foot field.

The project’s first phase would start with the building of the two largest ball fields and four pickle ball courts, according to Compton. Councilman Kirsten Olson said he thought the pickle ball courts should be placed farther west from the residential areas, saying possible noise issues could be minimized by using nearby trees as a sound buffer. Decorah Park and Rec Board Chairman Rich Gaard suggested the dog park remain where it is rather than become a parking area.

The design group will host its next session via teleconference at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7.

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A Decorah man facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, has entered a plea of not guilty.

An attorney for 22-year-old Hunter Thomas Youngblood entered the plea earlier this month.

Youngblood was charged with harassment, willful injury, domestic abuse/assault, assault causing bodily injury and attempted murder following an incident which took place the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21 in the 2500 block of 170th Avenue in the unincorporated community of Freeport.

Criminal complaints filed against the 22-year-old outlined multiple offenses which were alleged to have taken place that evening. Court filings claim Youngblood struck a woman — described as Youngblood’s domestic partner — in the face and upper body several times while they were traveling together in a vehicle along Highway 52. The victim’s mother confronted Youngblood about her daughter’s injuries after the two arrived at the Freeport residence, according to court filings. The complaint alleges Youngblood then began strangling the initial victim’s mother on the couch while threatening to kill her.

“Statements made by both victims were corroborated by visible bodily injuries consistent with the acts alleged as well as with 911 audio recordings,” a criminal complaint said.

The first victim escaped the house and made an emergency call, according to court filings, and Youngblood left the residence in pursuit. The woman was able to return to the house and lock the front door, but the back door “could not be secured mechanically,” according to the complaint, and the two wom-

Hunter Thomas Youngblood en attempted to hold the door closed. The Winneshiek County Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls from both women around 11:30 p.m. that day. The older of the two identified Youngblood by name, saying he had assaulted them both.

“Shortly after, both females can be heard screaming on the 911 calls as Hunter forced entry back into the residence,” a criminal complaint said.

Youngblood then resumed his alleged assault on the mother, according to court documents.

The mother was able to escape to a rear bedroom, and her daughter ran to a Winneshiek County Sheriff’s deputy who was arriving on scene. The deputy located Youngblood a short time later on the kitchen floor “with apparent self-inflicted stab wounds to the abdomen.”

Youngblood was airlifted from WinnMed in Decorah, according to information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

The 22-year-old turned himself in at the Winneshiek County Jail the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 30, according to court filings. Court records indicate a cash bail was set in the amount of $75,000. A no contact order was previously approved in the case, prohibiting Youngblood from contacting either victim as well as a minor child.

LifeServe calls for blood donations amid national hurricane relief efforts LifeServe Blood Center is encouraging eligible donors to help recoup the donations which have been sent to areas impacted by Hurricane Milton.

Organizers said, with the United States already experiencing a blood shortage, it is critical for Americans to regularly donate blood to meet local and national needs on a regular basis as well as in times of tragedy.

LifeServe has sent more than 250 units of red cells and platelets to the areas being impacted

by Hurricane Milton. The blood

supply in the hurricane zone is already suffering due to Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in late September, lower blood donor turnout and active evacuations ahead of the current storm.

Individuals are encouraged to visit a LifeServe Blood Center Donor Center or mobile blood drive as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, call 800-287-4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org. Donations can impact up to three lives.

SEALED BID SALE 148.34 Acres, M/L - Winneshiek County Approximately 2 miles south of Decorah Parcel 1: 77.02 FSA/Eff. Crop Acres w/69.60 CSR2 Ͳ Dwelling & Outbuildings Parcel 2: 37.25 FSA/Eff. Crop Acres w/71.90 CSR2 Bids Due: Friday, November 8, 2024 @ 2 PM at Hertz Farm Management 6314 Chancellor Dr., P.O. Box 1105, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

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Glenwood Lutheran Church Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner with Silent Auction 1197 Old Stage Rd Decorah, Iowa Sunday, October 27, 2024 Noon-3pm Menu: Lutefisk, Meatballs, Mashed potatoes & gravy, Corn, Lefse, Rolls, Cranberries, Romegrot, Desserts

Advance tickets only

75th Anniversary!

$25 per adult $10 ages 6-12 5 and under free Last day to purchase tickets will be 10/22/24 Tickets can be purchased at: Waukon State Bank, Viking State Bank, Highland General Store & Church Office

All proceeds will go towards the church organ repair!

For questions contact: Church office: 563-382-2747 or Alyce Schaller: 563-379-2151

OPINION

A-4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Honest questions deserve honest answers, so here you go I’ll try to keep things short, since plenty of other folks have some thoughts to express this week — I guess the opinion page is generating community discussion as intended.

BY SETH Some readers noticed last BOYES week that we at the Decorah News Editor Leader did not mention candidate Sarah Corkery, candidate for Iowa’s District 2 seat in the U.S. House, in our coverage of to cover an campaign watch the Oct. 6 Politics in the Park party they were holding just event here in Decorah. And down the street from my office some have asked why that was in early 2020, I turned them (see elsewhere on the opinion down — I’d already covered page). his campaign stop less than a It’s an honest question from month before that. When presreaders, and it deserves an idential candidate Vivek Rahonest answer. Fortunately, maswamy stumped at a local it’s also a simple answer. I’ve sports bar, I covered it, but I lost count of how many elec- didn’t give him a second swing tions I’ve covered during my at it when he came back to the years behind a news desk, but same sports bar a month or so between Iowa’s congressional later. When presidential canseats, state legislature, coun- didate and Florida Gov. Ron ty boards, city councils and DeSantis scheduled an event at school boards, it’s easily more a brewery in my old coverage than I can count on two hands area, I put it on my calendar (not to brag, but the last elec- — until they told me that partion cycle at my old publication ticular campaign stop wasn’t saw 10 contested races just at open to the press. And to give the local level, so I might have you some perspective on the to involve my toes to get you flip side, when Iowa’s current an accurate tally).

Attorney General Brenna Bird And in covering those races, swung through during her bid the words of my former editor as Iowa’s top prosecutor, I have never left me — “Only didn’t reach out to incumbent one ride per ticket.” That was Tom Miller for comment — he his way of saying, we’ll cov- was welcome to make a local er only one public campaign campaign appearance if he event for each candidate who wanted, and he did just that holds one in our circulation about six months later. All that area — and, if a candidate said, you’ll also notice there’s doesn’t hold a campaign event a sizable Q&A feature in this in our area, that’s their choice. week’s edition, and it has reThe goal being that our cov- sponses from all the candidates erage won’t become bound by in this regions contested races how many coffee shops and this cycle — including Corkdiners a given candidate de- ery. It’s something that took cides to put on their schedule some time to arrange with each for a given week. candidate, but it’s just another So, when Corkery appeared way to ensure fair coverage here again on Oct. 6 — and without yielding the pages of let’s remember, even the event the local paper to the calenorganizers said they didn’t ex- dars of the busiest candidates. pect her there that afternoon Each gets their say one way or — I fell back on the policy another, but none of them get that’s seen me through close an unlimited say. So, hopefulto a decade’s worth of elec- ly that sheds some light on our tions. Corkery had already held last edition for the readers curia public event on Aug. 31 at ous enough to ask. It’s the way Decorah’s Club 45, and cov- I’ve been handling political erage of that event appeared races since 2016. I’d tell you on the front page of the Sept. how many that is exactly, but 5 Leader. So, we chose not to it’s getting chilly these days, give her a second go-round and I’d prefer to keep my socks (and if you need someone spe- on. cific to blame, you can put it on me, since I was the one coverAgree with Seth? Think he’s ing Politics in the Park). got it completely backwards or But, like I said, I do my best he’s missed the point entirely? to enforce this policy equal- Let your voice be heard. Letters ly. So, looking back to when to the editor may be emailed to former presidential candidate editor@decorahleader.com or Tom Steyer’s staff asked me dropped off at 110 Washington St. Suite 4 in Decorah.

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Local elections are pillar of democracy

Antagonism promotes power struggle on board of supervisors Dear editor, In recent weeks, I have read the several letters to the editor complaining about the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Most often the letters are accusatory of three members of the board. Letters written state of a “power struggle,” “not playing nice” and “women solve problems differently.”

The letters seem to ignore that there are two sides of each comment. I have attended the board meetings in-person and online for five years. There are two meetings that concerned me regarding the lone female’s undignified behavior toward three board members. The one instance was during the long discussion about the changes to the Roadside Management Program. During the meeting Vermace had her little helpers with posters surround the supervisors at the table. Chairman Langreck politely asked the helpers to sit down. Vermace retorted, ‘No, stay there.’ And they stayed. Vermace usurped the chairman’s authority; unethical behavior holding an in-yourface protest and ignoring the chairman’s request. Vermace has a problem with not being able to control board meetings.

Secondly, following extended conversations regarding the accountability of the former county engineer over county road deterioration during his

tenure, he voluntarily submitted his resignation. Upon the board accepting the former engineer’s resignation, Vermace disdainfully comments, ‘Are you happy boys?’ as she glared at Supervisors Vick, Kelsay and Langreck.

The letter writers refuse to admit that Vermace is antagonistic, promoting a power struggle. It is Shirley Vermace “not playing nice” with condescending remarks to three other supervisors. And Shirley has no clue how to solve problems without being a bully; tries to table decisions she can’t control the outcome. As a citizen of Winneshiek County, I see no place for her demonstration of unethical, condescending behavior toward representatives of Winneshiek County. Those three duly elected gentlemen represent three-fifths of Winneshiek County. Vermace has no problem insulting them or county residents. Change is needed.

District 3, please elect a candidate who is respectful to others, has been raised and educated locally, who learned business acumen in agri-business, possesses common-sense and will serve Winneshiek County with dignity.

Respectfully submitted, Claire and Julie Askelson Decorah

Your vote is your voice

I want to thank Editor Seth Boyes for leading his recent story (Decorah Leader, Oct. 10) by quoting our State Auditor about Iowa being a purple state.

On the surface for the past six years, we have looked red to everyone, but let’s scratch the surface a bit more.

In 2018, the Decorah municipal electric utility lost by three votes. Kayla Koether for Iowa State House v. Mike Bergan lost by nine votes — evidently.

In 2020, in what was then IA02, Rita Hart lost to Marionette Miller-Meeks by six votes, the closest U.S. House race since 1984.

In 2022, Iowa Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald and Attorney General Tom Miller each had about 49 percent of the vote. Rob Sand’s win for State Auditor was very close also. Cindy Axne’s loss

to Zach Nunn — U.S. House in Des Moines and southwest Iowa — was the nation’s closest loss for an incumbent, by 0.69 percent.

If you have not voted recently, please check your voter registration at voterready.iowa. gov, as the rules have changed.

Details about how and where to vote are also there. You can also get a sample ballot by calling the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office and giving them your address. They will tell you which sample ballot to find on the computer.

Your vote is your voice about the direction that the state of Iowa has taken, as well as the future of the state and the nation. Please use it.

Leslie Sand Decorah

America’s nearly 250-year experiment with democracy has had its share of challenges, including a civil war, numerous political and social insurrections and leadership assassinations. But overall, the scorecard is positive. As Winston Churchill wisely noted: “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

Why is that? There are many reasons for its success in the United States. Some relate to the strategic vision of the founders or the genius of the constitution and its adaptability to social change, and the power-sharing structure among the national, state and local levels of government. No less important is the freedom of candidates to seek public office as nonpartisans.

This is especially important at the community level.

Citizens of Winneshiek County have an opportunity to help strengthen this important pillar of local democracy by electing a representative to the board of supervisors who is committed to fact-based, politically independent decision-making. Previous letters to this paper have reviewed a litany of ill-informed and biased positions taken by the current holder of the District 4 supervisor seat. It’s time for a change.

Steve Cornelius Decorah

Take down ballot races seriously Editor, We take our opportunity to vote very seriously, including all of the down ballot local candidates.

We want our votes for WinnMed trustees to reflect current experience and knowledge of both the transition with Mayo Clinic and the building plans in progress. Votes for experienced leadership makes sense for our fine northeast Iowa hospital.

Linda and Bob Watson Decorah

Reader asks Leader: What about Corkery?

Dear Editor, The Decorah Leader has been such a refreshing change in the newspaper life of Decorah. We have appreciated the number and variety of substantial articles about our community.

A case in point was your coverage of the Oct. 6 Winneshiek County Democrats’ Politics in the Park event (The Leader, October 10, 2024). There were pictures of Shirley Vermace, Rob Sand and Brian Bruening, with a detailed summary of their remarks on such topics as education, health care choices and water resources. That was all very good. However, we are troubled that there was no coverage at all of Sarah Corkery, candidate for the Iowa Senate. She was very much present at this event, speaking on similar topics and reaching out to many of the attendees. No picture of her, no summary of remarks, nothing. In conformity with good journalistic standards, The Leader should publish a correction to this article that includes Corkery’s participation.

Ruth Caldwell and Uwe Rudolf Decorah

What I look for in a candidate The things I value most in a candidate are honesty, interest in the people they represent, a respect for facts and a desire to learn. As for the issues, I want someone who cares about our planet and our democracy, and who realizes there are things we must do right now to keep them out of danger. I look for someone who supports education and wants to give people a chance to get a good start, in life, in a career, in a business.

Using these criteria, there is no question in my mind who the better presidential team is, a team that supports these values.

The other one falls on the opposite side of all of them.

If you agree with me, do everything in your power to support the presidential and vice presidential candidate who supports your views. The alternative poses existential threats to ourselves, our democracy, our world.

Thanks, Mary Lewis Decorah

Excitement in the air ahead of Nov. 5 Do you feel it? There is hope and excitement in the air!

There’s a brighter future on the horizon. Will you be part of the positive change?

It’s up to each of us. Trust your gut. The choices are clear.

How you vote is only your business - it is private. I believe that we all, as Americans, have more in common than not.

Do you care about children and education? Are you concerned about the environment and climate change? What about human rights and women’s rights? Do you respect the Constitution?

We have the opportunity and responsibility to make our county, our state and our country a place to be proud of. A place that is safe and decent.

A country that the rest of the world respects. A country that is a shining example of what citizens and government can accomplish working together. We hold our future in our hands.

Let’s close this current chapter and get on with it. Let’s together heal our country. Please vote on No. 5.

JoAn N. Nelson Decorah

A response on FEMA funding In response to the editor’s note on my comment on the opinion page, yes the funds designated to FEMA’s disaster relief is supposed to be a designated fund for disaster relief, but the Biden-Harris Administration set up another fund in FEMA called Shelter and Services Program, a grant program to fund non-federal entities for shelter and services to migrants — illegals. So FEMA has disbursed more than $1.4 billion through the SSP program and a previous Emergency Food and Shelter Program for Humanitarian Aid. So the question then is, why is the government spending more on illegals than on disaster relief, especially for Helene victims or American citizens? Oh, by the way, Mayorkas is in charge of FEMA and the Secret Service, and since Mayorkas doesn’t seem to enforce the laws on the books already on immigration, do you think he’s being honest about anything else?

Roger Henningsgaard Decorah

OBITUARIES/NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Obituaries Peggy Novak

Sept. 9, 1953 - Aug. 30, 2024 Peggy Marie (Ira) Novak died Aug. 30, 2024.

Peggy was born Sept. 9, 1953 to Charles and Dolores Ira. She attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School t h r o u g h eighth grade and graduated from South Peggy Novak Winneshiek High School in Calmar. She then attended the University of Northern Iowa where she received a Bachelor of Art Degree in Art Education.

She taught art at Ft. Dodge, Tri-Center-Neola, WACO, East Central Schools and completed her teaching profession at Waterloo Schools in Family & Consumer Sciences at Central Middle School.

Peggy married Mark Chardoulias in 1976 and had two sons, Nicholas and Andrew.

The couple later divorced. Peggy then reconnected with Larry Novak in September 2000; he became the love of her life and the pair married in May 2001.

Peggy was a professional artist, designing a rare and unique type of art using dye and wax called “batik”. She learned this medium when she was an undergraduate from Professor Gau at UNI. Over the years, Peggy perfected her art and attended many shows in the state. She loved flowers because of Georgia O’Keeffe, her favorite artist.

Flowers became the subject of all her artwork. Today, her batiks adorn many homes across the United States.

In retirement, Peggy began doing alterations for a local

bridal store but word got out and soon she was doing prom dresses and anything else people needed fixed.

Peggy enjoyed a lot of travel over the years. She visited Italy in 2016, Israel in 2017, New Zealand and Australia in 2018, Bahamas and Universal Studios 2019 and Mexico with special friend Danni in 2021.

Peggy first visited Hawaii with Larry on their 10th Anniversary in 2011 and then again with sibling Rona on the occasion of their retirement in 2015. She also visited Alaska and went on a cross country trip from Iowa to Maine with cousin, Kathy.

In the last five years, Peggy took up camping with her family and visited the Ozarks, Warm Springs Ranch, Missouri, Elephant Rock State Park, Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, Glacier National Park, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Teddy Roosevelt National Park, Red Lodge, Montana, Bear Tooth Highway, Big Horn Mountains, Sedona, Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Los Angeles area, and last September Peggy spent two glorious weeks with Rona and Tess in Utah visiting and hiking in five National Parks and eight State Parks. In addition, Peg spent many great nights and weekends with her family, camping, hiking, and kayaking at beautiful campgrounds in Iowa.

Peggy was an active member of Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls. She had a passion for helping people and bringing joy to their lives and was able to do this as a volunteer at LOVE Inc. for the past 11 years.

Even with her busy life, Peggy’s greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandkids, attending many of their ballgames and other life activities over the years. Some of her favorite activities with her grandkids included painting rocks, diamond art and other arts and crafts activities as well as overnight adventures with each grandchild. Her greatest blessings called her “mom” and “grandma”! Peggy will be greatly missed.

Peggy was preceded in death by her dear husband Larry Novak; father Charles Ira; and sister-in-law Jennifer Ira. Peggy is survived by her mother, Dolores Ira of Spillville; siblings: Rona Ira-Messmore of Hudson, Iowa, Nancy (Steve) McGrew of Van Horne, Iowa, Cindy Ira-Smith (Galen Smith) of Worthington, Minnesota, Jeff Ira of New Hampton, Teresa (Jeff) Kennon of Lime Springs, and Terry (Amy) Ira of Iowa City; sons: Nicholas (Ashley) Chardoulias of Hudson, and Andrew (Whitney) Chardoulias of Cedar Falls; Novak children: Mindy O’Melia of Bettendorf, Nichole (Juan) Moreno of Moline, Illinois, Carrie Smith of Rock Island, Illinois, and Brad (Jennifer) Novak of Wheaton, Illinois; 19 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beautiful Yorkie Terrier, Georgia Mae. Funeral services were held Sept. 6 at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls. Visitation and graveside services followed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Spillville.

husband, Gary, on a blind date set up by Gary’s sister, Patty.

They fell in love and were married six months later at Washington Prairie Church in Decorah on Sept. 24, 1958. Shortly after their marriage, Marolyn followed Gary to Korea where she served as an army nurse for two years. The two went on to have four children, 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Over the years, Marolyn was a proud and active member of PEO since 1962. She claimed that one of the best things she did in her life was to participate in singing in The Messiah for over 60 years. She was also very honored for her and Gary to be named West Union’s Citizens of the Year in 2007.

Marolyn is survived by her children: David (Pam) Bostrom of Owatonna, Minnesota, Mark (Robin) Bostrom of Fayette, Laurie (Jim) Kirkpatrick of Indianapolis, and Lea Rea (Jeremy) Vanhorn of West Union, Iowa; 10 grandchildren: Valerie (Nathan) DeBruin of Melissa, Texas, Lauren (Reese) Bostrom Davis of Great Falls, Montana, Jack (Erin) Bostrom of Ostego,

Minnesota, Lucas (Katie) Bostrom of Grimes, Iowa, Alexandra (Clay) Spear of Beaman, Iowa, Haley Kirkpatrick of Indianapolis, Jenna Kirkpatrick of Chicago, Joshua DeLuca of Waukon, Drew DeLuca of West Union, and Levi Vanhorn of West Union; and great-grandchildren, Kyler, Shea and Hayes Bostrom, Harper and Isla Davis, Leo Spear and Scarlett DeBruin; and sister-in-law, Sonja Sersland.

Marolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her parents, Hillman and Irene Sersland; and siblings Howard Sersland and Wally Sersland.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 14 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union with Pastor Lori Kleppe as the officiant.

A private family burial will take place at the West Union City Cemetery in West Union.

Memorials may be sent to Gundersen Palmer Hospice or Stoney Brook Care Facility, both of West Union.

Burnham Wood Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union assisted with arrangements.

Marolyn Bostrom

May 31, 1935 - Oct. 9, 2024

Marolyn Louise Bostrom, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 at Stoney Brook Care Facility in West Union.

Marolyn Marolyn lived 89 wonBostrom derful years and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She may best be remembered for her love of community, music, strong faith, many hours spent cooking and feeding others, and her dedication to her husband and family.

She was born Marolyn Louise Sersland to parents Hillman and Irene Sersland on May 31, 1935. Marolyn graduated from Decorah High School in 1953 and went on to pursue her RN degree at the Swedish Hospital of Nursing in Minneapolis after attending Luther College for one year.

Following this, Marolyn served as a county school nurse in West Union for one year.

She was introduced to her

CARL KUHN, 60, of Fort Atkinson, died Oct. 7, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Oct. 12, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson. Burial followed the service.

RANDY KUENNEN, 65, of Festina, died Oct. 8, 2024 at home after a short battle of cancer. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Oct. 14, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina with Rev. Donald Hertges officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

KERMIT NORDHEIM, 97 of Decorah, died Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 at Gundersen Health

Service Notices

System in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church with Rev. Matt Becker presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. ,Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday.

THOMAS WANDLING, 75, of Decorah, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at Glenwood Lutheran Church with Rev. Matthew Rossler presiding. Burial to follow service at Pontoppidan Cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation will be held from

4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at Helms Funeral Home in Decorah.

ARLENE I. (SORENSON) LARSON, 87, of Decorah, died Aug. 21, 2024, at Aase Haugen Senior Services. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 at Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding. Burial will follow at Canoe Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. A celebration of life will follow the service from 2-7 p.m. at All Vets Club (VFW Post 1977), 104 State Street, Decorah.

A-5

Supervisors unanimously vote to buy four tandem-axle trucks from Don’s Truck Sales

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Winneshiek County will soon be the owner of four new Western Star 47X tandem axle trucks from Don’s Truck Sales of Fairbank.

Discussion of the purchase was held Monday morning during the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Don’s Truck Sales’ bid included trade-in values for four older Winneshiek County tandem-axle trucks at $10,000 each. With the four trades, Don’s Truck Sales’ bid totaled about $1.14 million.

In comparison, Truck Country, which has a location in Decorah, submitted a bid of about $1.19 million, including a total of $25,000 in trade value for the four county vehicles.

County Engineer Michael Kueny recommended the county accept the low bid from Don’s Trucking, noting the higher trade-in value and the trucks’ the Allison 4000 RDS automatic transmission, which includes a power take-off provision.

“What we get out of the Allison transmission is something we know, and we know we like,” Kueny told the supervisors. “All the operators like these Western Stars with the automatic transmissions.

It’s just a conservative point of view to get something we know and like at a cheaper price, and we’ve done excellent past work with Don’s Truck, so that’s not an issue either.”

Bobby Friedrick of Truck Country described the Detroit DT12 trucks listed in his company’s bid as manual transmission vehicles that are electronically shifted, saying the transmission is still considered an automatic.

“They’ve been around for 10plus years,” Friedrick said of the transmissions. “They’re a great transmission — very durable. The reason (the Allison)

County Engineer Michael Kueny shares his weekly report with the board of supervisors Monday morning. (Photo by Zach Jensen) is hard to get this year or are unavailable at this point is because they sold out.”

Friedrick added the DT12 is a 12-speed automated manual transmission, while the Allison is a six-speed automatic transmission. He said because an automated manual transmission gets better gas mileage, they’re looked upon more favorably by the Environmental Protection Agency. He also said that because Truck Country is local, they’d be able to provide local repairs for the county vehicles.

Gene Carpenter of Don’s Truck Sales said he feels fuel efficiency isn’t as great a concern considering how the county trucks will be used.

“What’s critical with any transmission is that, between the shift points when you’re plowing snow — which Michael said is around 30 miles per hour — you want that shift point right in the middle of where your transmission is shifting, so you’ve got some variation,” Carpenter said.

“With the Allison transmission, you can poke a button and hold the transmission to not shift out of third gear.”

The board of supervisors approved the lower bid from Don’s Truck Sales after approximately an hour of discussion.

In other business: • The supervisors unanimously approved a motion to proclaim October 2024 as Cancer Awareness Month, as requested

by Margaret Walter and Julie Wurtzel of Winneshiek County Celebration of Life.

• The supervisors unanimously approved a change order from SEH, Inc., the engineering company in charge of the Festina sewer project. While the change order increased the total cost of the project by $31,744, SEH’s Tom Madden said the project is still $15,000 under budget.

• County Engineer Michael Kueny reported contract paving operations on County Road W14 should begin south of Spillville this week.

• Striping on Canoe Ridge Road was completed Oct. 9.

• The county submitted a claim in the amount of about $109,000 for bridges and roads affected by the last round of heavy rains. The Federal Emergency Management Administration approved $107,000 of that amount. The county will also soon file claims for both debris clearance and operations management.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Oct. 21, in the courthouse annex.

Plea deal continued from front Hernandez was committed to the Iowa Medical and Classification Center as of Oct. 9. He is to be given credit for 70 days already served in the Winneshiek County Jail, according to court documents, and he is tentatively scheduled for release Nov. 8, 2026.

Morales Hernandez admitted in this month’s court filings to stabbing 56-year-old Jose Maria Cortez Vertiz the evening of July 31 at their shared residence in the 600 block of South Mill Street in Decorah. Morales Hernandez’s attorney had previously filed a Sept. 19 notice, informing the court his client intended to rely on a claim of self-defense, after initially pleading not guilty to the original charge in an Aug. 20 filing.

Morales Hernandez claimed the stabbing had occurred after an argument with Cortez Vertiz, according to a criminal complaint filed against him, adding that the victim had been holding a knife and had threatened to kill him. The complaint went on to say a witness reported the two “talked poorly to each other on multiple occasions” and “would threaten to kill one another on multiple occasions, but it was always in a joking manner.” The two were not near one another prior to that night’s stabbing, according to the complaint, and Cortez Vertiz did not approach Morales Hernandez, but the 37-year-old “went after Vertiz, grabbed the knife and stabbed Vertiz three to four times.”

“After stabbing Vertiz, the defendant left the room and

went to his bedroom,” the complaint said.

Cortez Vertiz was reported to have broken ribs and a lacerated liver following the stabbing.

Cortez Vertiz was initially taken to WinnMed by ambulance following the stabbing. His phone was placed in police custody the night of the incident, according to court documents filed as part of a separate case against Cortez Vertiz. Investigators executed a search warrant on the device and discovered an explicit video involving a prepubescent girl. Court documents indicated the video may have been received through a messenger app and was saved to Cortez Vertiz’s phone at 11:39 p.m. June 9, 2024. A criminal complaint filed against the 56-year-old said he acknowledged receiving multiple videos depicting sex acts with minors, saying he had deleted the videos.

Cortez Vertiz was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail the afternoon of Aug. 21 on the charge of purchase/possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act. Court documents noted Cortez Vertiz was “making arrangements to go back to Chicago” and was planning to leave a few days after the criminal complaint was filed against him. A court approved his release from the county jail on Aug. 22, prohibiting him from leaving the state without the court’s permission. He was later scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 24 but failed to appear.

A warrant was issued that same day for the arrest of Cortez Vertiz. Previous court filings said the 56-year-old could face a up to five years in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000 for violating the conditions of his release.

Celebration of Life for

LOWELL NORTHRUP

FRIDAY, OCT. 25 1:00-3:00PM AT KENNY’S TAVERN

4 E. MAIN ST., NEW HAMPTON

Lowell passed away on July 11, 2024. We want to remember the life he lived so well on what would have been his 68th birthday. Family and friends are invited to come and share their memories of Lowell!

COMMUNITY

A-6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Community briefs County conservation to host Night Eyes Reflector Race

The public is invited to join Winneshiek County Conservation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the the Lake Meyer Campground Shelter for the Night Eyes Reflector Race. Participants will work in teams of two to six people and use flashlights to follow trails marked with reflector tape to hidden clues.

When they find all the clues, they will piece them together to find a hidden treasure. All ages are welcome, and children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult caretaker. Flashlights will be provided, but participants may bring their won. This event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Participants may register as a team or as individuals — organizers will place individuals on a team. Register by calling 563-534-7145. Learn more at www.winneshiekwild. com.

Decorah Performing Arts Boosters to host annual craft and bake sale

The 39th annual Northeast Iowa Holiday Craft and Bake Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at Decorah High School — 100 Claiborne Dr. in Decorah. This community event is free and open to the public. The event will include a television raffle and door prizes. Raffle tickets are available for $2 each or three for $5. Organizers expect nearly 80 vendors, offering handmade crafts, gifts and holiday shopping options. A concession stand will also be available throughout the day.

Proceeds support Decorah Performing Arts Boosters.

Local dropoff location for Operation Christmas Child to open

Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts Nov. 1825 during National Collection Week. More than 4,700 dropoff locations will open across the country next month. Information from the nonprofit

Samaritan’s Purse listed Stone Ridge Community Church — 1111 Montgomery Street — as the only drop-off location in Decorah. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering giftfilled shoeboxes to children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach another 12 million children in 2024 with the hope of Jesus.

Aase Haugen residents invite children to Trick or Treat

Aase Haugen residents are excited to invite area children to Trick or Treat at the nursing home from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. “It really brightens our day to see the little ghost and goblins,” said Andrea Hexom, Aase Haugen activities supervisor. “Our residents will have pumpkins full of candy to pass out as the children wander through the main dining room and around the hall through assisted living to trick or treat with us.” The children and their escorts should enter through the main entrance of the nursing home, where they will be guided to the trick or treat area and end up exiting through the assisted living doors. The public is encouraged to attend rain or shine, as the entire event will take place indoors.

Calmar’s PIVO Brewery earns recognition at Great American Beer Festival

Three Iowa craft breweries and an Iowa craft cidery were recently awarded industry medals at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival competition. The best beers in 105 beer and cider categories covering 175 different styles were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals at a ceremony in Denver on Saturday, Oct. 12. Among them was PIVO Brewery of Calmar, which earned a silver medal in the Historical Beer category for its Decorah Nordic Gruit.

Judges evaluated more than 8,800 entries from hundreds of breweries from all 50 states as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

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Officials hope roundtable talks will help resolve friction over Van Peenen Park use

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Discussion of permitted uses in Decorah’s Van Peenen Park are expected to continue as groups of trail users navigate disagreements over safety and sustainability.

Decorah Park and Rec Director Mark Holtey is hoping members of the Winneshiek County Saddle Club and the Decorah Human Powered Trails mountain biking group can reach a suitable resolution. The next park and rec board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, and Holtey is planning to invite members from each group to participate in round table discussions.

Trailblazing More than 50 years ago, members of the Winneshiek County Saddle Club approached former Decorah Park and Recreation Director Bob Hunt with an offer. In the early 1970s, there were no trails on top of Ice Cave Hill and Dunning Springs in Decorah, and the club offered to create a network of trails in that area. Hunt readily agreed, according to Barb Kellogg, who joined the saddle club in 1972.

Kellogg said she and an estimated 40 people took to their horses, spending three days blazing trails through the forested bluffs. The club also established two trail access points near Quarry Hill Road and the Ice Cave Road intersection as well as a second access trail to the west of Ice Cave.

“These trails could be used by any park goer and, because the horse people built the trails, we were under the impression members of the horse groups would always be able to use them,” Kellogg said.

In 1976, area residents Barbara Van Peenen and her husband Hubert J. Van Peenen gifted 120 acres of their land — located north of Ice Cave and Dunning Springs trails — to the city, with the intention it be turned

(File Photo) into a park. According to a letter from Hubert Van Peenen to the chairman of the Decorah Park Commission, the land gift was contingent upon the condition “that the land be left in a state of nature as a wildlife preserve with facilities only for walking, horseback riding, backpacking, including simple camping, not requiring a developed site.” Van Peenen’s intent was for the land to be added to the adjacent park areas to encourage nature study.

Kellogg recalled being allowed to ride her horse along prairie trails and even on some black top trails in Decorah’s Palisades Park area during the 1970s. Mountain biking became more popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Records show Rick Edwards, the city’s former park and rec director, sought Hubert Van Peenen’s opinion on allowing mountain bikes in Van Peenen Park.

“Barbara and I wanted to keep the land as close to natural as was possible,” Van Peenen wrote to Edwards. “If even hiking and cross-country skiing have already laced the habitat with far more trails than it originally had, mountain biking can only make it worse.”

Van Peenen went on to explain he had no objection to the bikes “if they can be kept from damaging a small and fragile environment,” adding that he

didn’t think Decorah’s park commission could control overuse. Van Peenen acknowledged the land was no longer his, but stated he thought the safety of Van Peenen Park was at its limit.

Sharing the trail Mountain bikers began riding on the Van Peenen Park trails, and usage by cyclists has increased several fold over the past decade.

“We recognize and give credit for all the good mountain bikers have done for the community — they are an economic asset and have put in a lot of work on the trails and in the community,” Kellogg said, noting the saddle club also raises funds for a number of charities.

But, as both groups continued using the Van Peenen Park trails, questions of safety emerged. At several park and rec board meetings in recent years, members of the public have said they believe the mountain biking trails aren’t safe for horseback riders to use, and several board members have moved to stop horseback riding on all the trails. More recently, the board voted to remove horseback riding from the city web page which lists permitted uses in Van Peenen Park.

Earlier this year, saddle club

Law Enforcement Ossian’s Small Business County Events to be held this week Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office Final plans are in place for Ossian’s Small Business Saturday. The WinnMed Clinic in Ossian will kick off the Small Business Saturday Weekend with a flu clinic from 4-7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 17.

Vaccines will be available by appointment, though walk-ins will be accepted as the schedule allows. To schedule an appointment, call the clinic at 563-5329500. Vaccination charges will be forwarded to insurance providers.

The Ossian Care Center will also have a special event during the Small Business Weekend.

The center will be hosting an open house for its new administrator Rachael Marshall from 1-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18.

The city of Ossian and the

Ossian Crown Club will host the second annual Halloween Movie Night Friday at the Park on Oct. 18. Kids’ activities, including pumpkin decorating and Halloween games will begin at 6 p.m., with a 7 p.m. screening of “Hotel Transylvania.”

The second annual Owl’s Nest Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct 19.

Other participating businesses include Becker Hardware, Blooms On Main, Chuck’s Service, Community Insurance of Iowa, Kollective Memories, Ossian Lumber, Sundance Travel, The Local, The Owl’s Nest and the U.S. Post Office in Ossian.

A Waukon woman was cited for failure to maintain control following an Oct. 6 collision. No injuries were reported. A report from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 32-year-old Morgan Leigh Smerud of Waukon was driving a 2024 Ford Expedition along Highway 9 and slowed as another ahead of her prepared to turn onto Centennial Road — the report indicated Smerudwas somehow operating her vehicle reckless or negligent manner. The report said 48-yearold Dawn Ann Koch of Primghar was behind Smerud’s vehicle in a 2010 Ford Edge, did not see the Expedition slowing and ultimately struck Smerud’s vehicle in the rear.

Damage to the Expedition was estimated at $5,500, while damage to the Edge was estimated at $4,500.

A Castalia teen was cited for failure to stop in an assured clear distance, following a collision the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 3 north of Ossian. A report from the Win-

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member Danielle Dotzenrod reached out to the park and rec board, asking that horse back riding be returned to the website as well as any park literature — a request she feels reignited friction between the saddle club and the Decorah Human Powered Trails mountain biking group.

Nick Pearch, president of DHPT, addressed the park and rec board at its September meeting, saying the DHPT didn’t feel safe sharing the trails with horse riders for a few main reasons.

“Mountain bikers, families and dogs don’t feel safe giving the right of way to horses — proper trail etiquette is that both hikers and bikers give way to horses, but that means they need to get off on the side of the trails to make room for the horse,” said Pearch. “There was an incident recently where a horse was screaming through the prairie with no rider. Sustainability of the trail also includes safety, when a thousand-pound animal leaves large craters in the trails, and in turn, runners and hikers twist ankles and bikers fall in.

Large potholes are made and water runs down the trail, and we try to throw dirt in the holes, but it’s never the same.”

Pearch also claimed horse droppings on the trails are problematic for hikers and bikers. Kellogg said she and her husband have been vigilant in routinely removing horse droppings after major events like the saddle club’s annual Memorial Day trail ride, as well as when walking the trail at their own leisure.

Dotzenrod indicated she doesn’t feel the issue should pit horse riders against mountain bikers, saying both can use the trails together.

“It would be so simple if three things on the trails were acknowledged by everyone who uses them — courtesy, communication, and care,” she said.

neshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 17-year-old Ava Rose Witt of Ossian was driving a 2014 Ford Fusion and had slowed to a stop along Highway 52 to wait for coming traffic before turning onto 155th Street. The sheriff’s report said Grace Ruth-Mae Zweibohmer was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox and collided with the rear of the Fusion. Zweibohmer complained of wrist pain and was to be taken to the hospital by a private vehicle.

Witt complained of knee pain but did not seek medical treatment, according to the report. Damage to each vehicle was estimated at $4,000, and both were towed from the scene by Don’s Towing.

Tracy Leuchtenmacher, age 33, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 to serve 15 consecutive days.

Patricia Leeann Kiefer, age 33, of Decorag was charged with public intoxication at approximately 10:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 in the 900 block of Montgomery Street in Decorah. She was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:55 p.m. the same day.

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

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Investment in education supports all members of the community As members of the Decorah area business community, we are called to express the importance of investing in one of the cornerstones of a thriving community and local economy: our education system and infrastructure. On November 5th, the Decorah Community School District will ask voters to support a General Obligation Bond in the amount not to exceed $38,000,000 for the construction of a new Pre-K through Second Grade Elementary School. This vote is important to our community in a number of ways:

1

Community Engagement

Investing in education fosters a sense of community pride and engagement as educational facilities often serve as community hubs and enrich the lives of the many children and families within the district.

2

Long-Term Community Vitality

Schools anchor populations within the community by providing safe, welcoming, and vibrant places to learn. The support of quality educational opportunities promotes growth of new community members and the development of future populations.

3

Skilled Workforce Development and REcruitment

High-quality educational facilities directly translate to workforce development through supporting recruitment of outside workers, creating a higher quality of living for future and current workers, and educating students to be the next generation of employees.

4

Economic Growth

When current and future businesses look to invest in their local communities, the public infrastructure that supports them is critical to the decision-making process. High quality and stable education systems and infrastructure provide a business environment that supports growth and development, and in turn works to create great job opportunities for community members.

Quality educational systems and facilities have long been a part of the highly recognized Decorah Community School District. Recently, the Decorah Community School District was one of 356 schools to be named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and one of only five in Iowa. This recognition is a testament to the emphasis that this local community has placed on education. As a community, we have embraced investing in our high school and middle school facilities to support those students. On November 5th, the school district will be requesting support for our youngest students during some of their most crucial developmental stages.

Investment in education has the ability to support all members of the community.

Participating in the election on November 5th and voting on the Decorah Community School Districts’ Ballot Measure is a way for all constituents to have the opportunity to use their voice on a local matter. We encourage you to participate in the process of casting your vote on November 5th or through early voting beginning October 16th.

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PHOTOS

A-8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Hundreds attracted to Touch a Truck event in Decorah

Twelve-year-old Sky Pasche of Decorah is excited to climb into the driver’s seat of the Decorah Fire Department’s Engine 10. (Photos by Zach Jensen)

New Minowa Players to open curtain on ‘How the Camel Got Its Hump’

Knox Gibbs, age 4, of Decorah poses in the driver’s seat of the skid loader on display at Saturday’s Touch a Truck event.

The New Minowa Players children’s show, “How the Camel Got Its Hump” is scheduled to take the stage later this month. Oct. 24-27 in Decorah. The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Oct. 24-26 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 at the New Minowa Players Theatre, located at 906 South Mill St. in Decorah. ABOVE -Dogs offer sticks to the people in the cast. Pictured (from left to right) are Holly Hurst, Josie Mann, Aubrianna Molokken, Marlee Klimesh-Oblander, Yannalexi Jens and Tessalyn Round. INSET- Cast members Taylor Vick (as the camel) and Clara Garcia-Pratts (as Djinn) rehearse a scene. (Photos by Roz Weis)

OpHen ouse

Allie Marquette, age 4, of West Union covers her ears during the Touch a Truck event. The event gave youth the opportunity to sit in the drivers’ seats of many types of vehicles — horns blared regularly from the beginning of the event till the end.

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District 1 MARK VICK

District 2

MARK FALDET

District 4

STEVE KELSAY

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NOVEMBER 5

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Decorah’s annual Touch a Truck event held Saturday, Oct. 12, attracted hundreds of children, friends and parents to the Decorah Municipal Building for the opportunity to explore more than a dozen vehicles, ranging from a skid loader to a fire truck and even a helicopter from Gundersen Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The event included a free hotdog lunch hosted by the Decorah Fire Department.

CHERYL WIESELER VS. DAN LANGRECK

Map showing current Winneshiek County district representatives and those seeking election/ re-election

Re-elect

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We are committed to supporting our local agricultural businesses!

SHIRLEY VERMACE Winneshiek County Supervisor District 3

I’d greatly appreciate your vote!

Early voting begins October 16 at the Winneshiek County Courthouse Contact Shirley anytime at 563-419-2999 or svermace@gmail.com

FIND VOTING INFORMATION AND POLLING LOCATIONS/MAPS AT

winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov/auditor PAID FOR BY VERMACE FOR SUPERVISOR CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Contact Decorah Bank today!

PHOTOS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

A-9

Area artists open studios during annual tour

Photo submitted

Vesterheim to hold closing event for ‘The Art and Crafts of Ancient Scandinavia’ Artist John Jefferson looks up as he imprints a pattern onto a piece of leather during a studio demonstration. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

Artist Jennifer Fisher Jones welcomed visitors Ceramic artist Doug Cole put his wheelto view her work Sunday afternoon inside the thrown stoneware on display alongside Mystic Sundog. paintings by fellow artist Mary Ann Gloe.

The public is invited to meet artist Sven Lindauer at 1 p.m. Oct. 27 and have one last chance to see the exhibition “The Art and Crafts of Ancient Scandinavia” at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School.

Lindauer will first greet visitors in Vesterheim Commons and then give a gallery walk in the museum building.

There will be free museum admission during the event.

The exhibit showcases original oil paintings by Lindauer with specially carved frames for each of the paintings, also by Lindauer. The paintings focus on Viking scenes, handcrafts and landscapes.

“This exhibition is for

those who value the arts and crafts of Scandinavia and those interested in the daily life of people during 700 and

OCTOBER

1000 CE. It is also for those who love painting artistry,” Lauryn Johnson, Vesterheim collection assistant, said.

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How the Camel Got Its Hump

Area artists opened their studio doors to the public this past weekend during the annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour. Approximately 35 individuals welcomed visitors to numerous sites Oct. 11-13 to view works of art, speak about the artistic process and in many cases potentially purchase appealing pieces. The tour included artists adept in various mediums, such as painting, ceramics, jewelry making, wood carving, leather working and glass blowing.

OCT. 24, 25 & 26: 7PM • OCT. 27: 2PM AT NEW MINOWA PLAYERS THEATRE, 906 S. MILL ST., DECORAH

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ADULTS: $15 • CHILDREN: $5 (12 and under)

SCAN CODE FOR TICKETS Find tickets at Oneota Community Co-op or visit

newminowaplayers.org/tickets Sponsors: Copyland; Decorah Bank and Trust; Sabin Family Table Restaurant; Gallery of Tops; Iroc Web Design Services; Bill Musser, Otter Dreaming, Cleo, Paige and Aurora; Carl Peterson; Pizza Ranch; Rick and Sheryl Scheffert; JoAn Stevenson and Steven Nelson; and Singing Hammers Construction.

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Cheryl Wieseler for Supervisor, P.O. Box 271, Decorah, IA 52101

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NEWS

A-10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Voters to narrow four WinnMed board candidates down to three A quartet of candidates are running for the three available seats on the WinnMed Board of Trustees.

The race is nonpartisan, and voters will choose among incumbents Clark Goltz, Jan Heikes, Karen McLean and challenger Christopher Miculinich. Goltz, Heikes and McLean are each seeking to remain on the board, and Miculinich, the current Ward 2 Decorah City Council member, is hoping to join the board.

What inspired you to run for the WinnMed’s Board of Trustees, and what experiences do you feel have prepared you for a seat on the board?

Goltz: Choosing to run again for the WinnMed Board of Trustees has been inspired through a value of personal integrity and a belief in the important difference that an individual can make by giving back to their community through public service. My decision to run has been inspired by a desire to help others and a personal goal to assist WinnMed meet its own vision to provide an “unparalleled experience as the most trusted partner for health care.” My background as a resident of southern Winneshiek County for over four decades has allowed me to connect with residents who value and want to maintain quality health care in the area where they live and raise their families. My experiences as a teacher, educational consultant and a recognized leader in education have allowed me to model additional leadership qualities which support my position as a WinnMed Board Member. Those leadership qualities include being open-minded, modeling an attentive nature and embracing a desire for change and innovation. These backgrounds, experiences and leadership qualities place me in a position to support WinnMed now and into the future.

Heikes: Before retiring, my work was in mental health/disability services planning and

university has given me not only knowledge of the US City of residence: health care system but an Ossian awareness of the challengOccupation: es faced by rural hospitals, Educational such as WinnMed. My many consultant, student years as a higher education teaching supervisor administrator have provided Family: Shelly me with the collaborative and Goltz teamwork skills necessary to be a contributing member of JAN HEIKES an effective board. Currently, City of residence: I have completed extensive Decorah continuing education in board Occupation: governance and am a certiRetired fied hospital trustee under the Family: Husband Iowa Hospital Association’s Lee Zook Trustee Certification Program and serve as vice chair of the board.

Miculinich: What inspired KAREN McLEAN me to run for WinnMed’s City of residence: Board of Trustees is my deep Decorah commitment to serving the Occupation: Retired local community and improvphysical therapist/ ing the health care landscape university faculty in Decorah. I’ve always bemember/university lieved that quality health care administrator is foundational to a thriving Family: Married to community. I want to conDuncan McLean, tribute to ensuring that Winparents of Anthony and Maddie McLean nMed continues to meet the needs of our residents who call Winneshiek County and CHRISTOPHER surrounding areas home. My MICULINICH experiences, both in a profesCity of residence: sional and personal capacity, Decorah have given me a unique perOccupation: spective on governance and Operations health care services. These Manager within the Health and Human roles have taught me how to Services Sector navigate complex regulatory environments, collaborate with diverse stakeholders and manage resources effectively — administration at both the counall skills that would benefit the ty and state levels. While workboard of trustees. Additionally, ing for the county, I had a fair I’m a relentless advocate and amount of contact with local am passionate about enhancing hospitals in coordinating services for persons with unique the quality and reach of services situations. I wanted to continue at WinnMed. I want to help enadvocating for individuals who sure that WinnMed is prepared may not always be heard and to meet future challenges and making sure that all residents continue offering exceptional care to our community as the could access services locally.

McLean: I believe all indi- health care space consistently viduals, whether they live in an changes and adapts to new regurban or a rural area, deserve ulatory standards.

CLARK GOLTZ

access to high-quality health care. I sought a position on WinnMed’s Board of Trustees to promote accessible, affordable and high-quality health care for all citizens of Winneshiek County. My background as a health care provider, a health care educator and an administrator at a health sciences

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What is the board’s function, and how do the board members fulfill that role?

Goltz: According to the bylaws of the Winneshiek Medical Center, the board’s function is to “make all rules and regulations governing its meetings and the operation of the organization to comply with applicable state and federal regulations.” A board member’s most important function is to listen closely to the residents of the areas served by WinnMed and reflect

their voices in the decisions that you make. Other critical functions for a board member are to ensure quality control, approve key financial decisions and hire and evaluate the senior administrative leaders at WinnMed. As a WinnMed board member, I work closely with the other members of the board and the administrative team to ensure WinnMed meets its vision “to provide an unparalleled experience as the most trusted partner for health care.”

Heikes: The board has a responsibility for fiduciary, financial, quality and safety oversight. Board members fulfill that role by doing their homework before meetings, being part of committees, engaging in community education and communicating with other board members and leadership.

McLean: The board’s major responsibility is to govern — not manage — WinnMed. The board’s role will be much broader with the sunsetting of the institution’s Management Services Agreement with Mayo Clinic Health System. As part of its governance role, the board guides the strategic direction of WinnMed, assures long-term fiscal health of the organization, monitors both the quality and safety of the care provided to patients and assures the medical center meets all accreditation standards and compliance requirements of a critical access hospital. Board members fulfill this role by first assuring the board is comprised of individual members who bring a diverse skill set to the table. Secondly, the board meets with WinnMed leadership, reviews reports and briefings, establishes goals and benchmarks, asks probing questions and monitors any areas of concern.

Miculinich: The board’s primary function is to provide oversight, strategic direction and governance for WinnMed, ensuring that the organization remains financially sustainable, operationally efficient and true to its mission of providing quality health care to the community. The board helps set long-term goals, approves budgets, monitors performance and ensures compliance with health care regulations. Board members fulfill this role by participating in regular meetings, reviewing financial and operational reports and offering input on significant decisions such as new initiatives, expansions or policy changes. They

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If elected, which aspects of the position are you most prepared for, and which will you need to learn about?

Goltz: As an incumbent member of the WinnMed Board of Trustees, it’s not a matter of what I am most prepared for, but rather, how am I continuing to bring the hospital into the future of the ever changing world of health care. WinnMed board members believe in lifelong learning. Education and learning are part of the fabric woven throughout WinnMed, which includes thorough board orientations, department presentations at monthly board meetings, attendance at medical staff meetings and participating in Iowa Hospital Association seminars and the annual conference. The board also aligns specific educational opportunities with state and national leaders in the health care field as we expand our understanding of topics that are relevant to WinnMed’s path towards achieving our mission of “improving the health and well-being of those we serve.”

Heikes: Having been on the board for two years, I have learned a lot about the federal and state regulations applicable to the operation and financing of hospitals. While I had some background in Medicaid, the insurance world was mostly new. Social determinants of health play a big part of a person’s healthy lifestyle. I continue to learn about what are better measurements for quality of care and patient satisfaction.

McLean: As a health care provider and educator of future providers, I have a broad understanding of the health care system and how it currently functions. Health care is rapidly evolving with AI playing a larger role in terms of how care is delivered. I pledge to continue to learn about changes in care delivery models, new regulations from Medicare/Medicaid, changing standards for critical access hospitals, trends of those that pay for health care — Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies — cybersecurity threats and other factors impacting health care delivery.

Miculinich: If elected, I acknowledge that I need to pre-

pare for the position’s governance and strategic planning aspects. My experience as a city council member and operations manager has equipped me with skills in organizational oversight, budgeting and navigating complex regulatory frameworks — critical responsibilities for any board member. I’m also well-versed in engaging with stakeholders and making decisions that balance community needs with operational realities.

Additionally, my background in health care services within health and human services, direct care and long-term care settings has given me insights into the challenges and opportunities within health care delivery, which I can bring to the board’s work. I also understand that I will need to learn more about WinnMed’s inner workings, including its unique financial structures, operational workflows and current strategic priorities. Additionally, gaining a deeper understanding of the hospital’s regulatory environment and the main components of hospital governance will be critical to ensuring I can contribute effectively. I’m eager to dive into these areas, working closely with fellow board members and hospital leadership to better understand the organization’s landscape.

What is the most important issue the hospital is currently facing, and what actions can the board to take to address it?

Goltz: Like any rural hospital, WinnMed has its share of challenges. The most important issues we face are staffing shortages and the rising costs for staff, supplies and medications, which are further exacerbated by complex insurance billing and reimbursement challenges. However, WinnMed has strengths that other hospitals may not possess; a caring, dedicated and patient-centered staff, strong and competent leadership and an incredible community that supports WinnMed. We will continue to meet any challenges that arise. The board is cognizant of the need to maintain fair market salaries, create an environment where dedication and patient safety are paramount, and where the leadership communicates with the entire staff and seeks their input to address the issues that challenge us.

Heikes: Health care is an ever changing environment, and the challenge is to provide services locally while remaining financially viable. The Transforming Tomorrow project is under way and will provide more space for current and expanded services. In addition, WinnMed is

WinnMed board

continued on page A-11

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collaborate with the hospital’s leadership team, offering guidance, insight and accountability. Board members also advocate for the hospital, connecting the organization to the broader community and ensuring community needs and concerns are heard and addressed within the strategic planning process.

Their role is critical in balancing the hospital’s mission with its financial health and steering WinnMed toward continued success.

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

A-11

WinnMed board continued from page A-10 transitioning to employing its own leadership team and physician staff rather than contracting with Mayo. The board will need to continue to monitor these changes as growth continues with a strong financial base.

McLean: Workforce is one of the most important issues facing WinnMed. Prior to the pandemic, recruiting enough qualified health care personnel was a major hurdle - particularly for rural hospitals. The pandemic exacerbated this challenge when many practitioners decided to retire or leave their professions. WinnMed is not alone; this is a concern shared by many medical systems. We find ourselves in a hyper-competitive environment. The board must assure that our salary and fringe benefit packages are competitive in order to recruit and retain great employees and providers. Assuring that the WinnMed leadership team is maintaining a positive work environment is also key to the retention of our current employees.

Miculinich: The most essential issue WinnMed is currently facing is ensuring financial sustainability while maintaining high-quality, accessible care in an ever-evolving health care landscape. Like many hospitals, WinnMed is likely contending with rising health care costs, reimbursement challenges, staffing shortages and increased service demand. These

challenges can strain resources and impact both patient care and hospital operations. The board can address this by taking a proactive role in strategic financial planning, ensuring the hospital remains financially viable without compromising the quality of care. This includes exploring new revenue streams, advocating for fair reimbursement rates and ensuring operational efficiencies. The board can also help the hospital attract and retain skilled health care professionals by working on competitive compensation packages and fostering a positive, supportive work environment. Additionally, the board can focus on expanding community outreach and partnerships, which would strengthen relationships with stakeholders and position WinnMed as a central resource in regional health care efforts. By fostering collaboration with local organizations, the board can help expand the scope of services and ensure that WinnMed continues to meet the community’s needs.

How do you plan to stay informed of the public’s health care needs, and why is that important when making decisions as a board member?

Goltz: As I alluded to in a previous response, education and learning are part of the fabric woven throughout Win-

Cards of Thanks Thank you...

The family of Mark Mracek wish to express our deepest appreciation and sincere thanks for all of the support, messages, food, and sympathy in our time of sorrow.

Your many acts of kindness continue to be a great comfort to us.

Sheila Mracek and Family

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for the communities we represent. As the WinnMed board chair, I know the commitment that our current board members demonstrate at every meeting.

Their valuable experience and dedication are key qualities that the WinnMed Board of Trustee needs as we move through our incredible facility project, Transforming Tomorrow, and navigate successful relationships with both Mayo and Emplify now and in the future.

Heikes: Continuing education opportunities are provided to the local WinnMed board and at Iowa Hospital Association events. This is a chance to learn about national and state trends and how they are applicable to the decisions that board members make. I will continue to participate in these training opportunities.

McLean: In order to advance the health status of Winneshiek County, the board needs to consider the diverse perspectives of all area citizens - not just the perspectives of the seven peo-

ple comprising the board. Every three years, WinnMed conducts a community health needs assessment, which is designed to help guide/direct health planning activities. The results of this assessment have provided an excellent overview of the needs of citizens in Winneshiek county. I also serve as volunteer senior health insurance information counselor — aka Medicare counselor — at WinnMed, which brings me into contact with several hundred community members each year to discuss their health care needs. Finally, I obtain information from informal discussions with friends, neighbors and church groups regarding their various health care needs.

Miculinich: I plan to consistently dialogue with community members, local organizations and health care professionals to stay informed of the public’s health care needs. This includes attending community forums, holding listening sessions and actively soliciting feedback

from patients and staff. I also intend to collaborate with local government and civic leaders to stay current on the region’s broader health care access challenges and trends. Engaging with various stakeholders will allow me to understand better the needs and concerns of diverse populations within the community. This approach is crucial when making decisions as a board member because it ensures that the board remains connected to the very people it serves. By having a clear and informed understanding of the community’s health care needs, the board can make decisions that are not only financially sound but also responsive to the well-being of patients. It allows the board to align its strategic priorities with the community’s most pressing concerns, ensuring that WinnMed continues providing relevant, high-quality care that addresses current and future health challenges.

hardt, seconded by Linderbaum to approve the bid of Mehmert Tiling, Inc. in the amount of $6,531.45 to do the repair work. All aye.

Nay: none. Motion carried.

Slim from the Turkey River Culture Center was present to invite everyone down to see the improvements they have made to the building and to see how they are growing.

He also inquired about putting up a sign with their name on it by the City signs on Highway 9. The City will look into this request.

The next City meeting will be November 12, 2024, at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center.

Hauber made a Motion to adjourn, seconded by Engelhardt. All aye. Nay: none.

Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Sharla Berns, City Clerk WARRANTS FOR CITY OF RIDGEWAY – October 8, 2024 Alliant Energy, Utilities.................. $2,136.32 Black Hills Energy, Utility-shop ......... $42.24 Cardmember Services, Shop-postage and parts................ $1,522.09 Dan Pitz, Insurance & phone reimbursement...................... $550.00 Engen Express,Shopfuel ................... $145.66 Enterprise Media, Publishing............... $97.24 Fehr Graham, Wastewater Improvement Project....................$6,461.00 Hanson Tire Service, New tires and tire repair-mower.....$385.00 Hawkins, Chemicals..........................$388.41 Iowa DHS,Child Support payment....$745.35 Iowa DNR, Annual Water Use Fee.... $115.00 IPERS, Ipers....................................$1,430.83 JB Holland Construction, Inc., Wastewater improvement project..................$28,945.41 Johnson Computers, Office printer ink...............................$48.00 Mabel Telephone, Shop $108.96, Office$104.88, Hall$35.68.............. $249.52 Marv Schnur, Help install posts/pickleball..............$54.00 Marv Schnur, Help poor cement, wastewater plant................................$36.00 Metering and Technology, Watermeters............................... $49,175.14 Microbac, Lab tests............................ $214.75 Pat Sands, Com. cen. cleaning........... $300.00 Payroll.............................................$6,304.85 Payroll tax.......................................$1,588.41 Ruppert, Inc., Shop-parts................... $198.13 Ruppert,Inc.,Wastewater plant-heat cable & parts.................... $43.17 Scott Engelhardt......................... , Reimbursecement blocks-wastewater plant..... $600.00 Sharla Berns, Reimbursement ...........$100.00 Shimek Sanitation, Garbage............$2,214.03 Treasurer – State of Iowa, Sales tax..........................................$490.26 Treasurer-State of Iowa, Quarterly withholding tax............$1,312.46 Expenditure Accounts Summary to date: General Fund $4,918.46 Community Center $391.65 Cemetery $100.00 Road Use $295.80 Water Fund $49,993.30 Sewer Fund $779.17 Revenue Accounts Summary to date: General Fund $58,152.29 Community Center $700.00

Cemetery Road Use Tax $1,779.94 Local Option Sales Tax Water Fund $3,374.72 Sewer Fund $22,887.25 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 17, 2024

at the following location: Audio Conference Bridge (816) 301-7380 PIN: 516- 642-610 unless the bidder has been notified by the Engineer prior to the Pre-Bid Conference call that such bidder’s attendance is not required.

Notes covering the Pre-Bid Conference call will be prepared by the Engineer and distributed to all bidders attending the Pre-Bid Conference call.

10/9/24; City of Decorah, Project Owner Travis Goedken Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 17, 2024

Public Notices RIDGEWAY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 8, 2024 The Ridgeway City Council met in regular session October 8, 2024, at the Ridgeway Community Center, at 5:45 p.m. with Mayor Schnur calling the meeting to order. Council persons present were: Linderbaum, Novotny, Engelhardt, and Hauber. Absent: Schnur.

Engelhardt made a Motion to approve the consent agenda, minutes, and claims, seconded by Linderbaum. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Novotny, seconded by Engelhardt to approve to pay the Partial Pay Estimate, Application and Certificate For Payment number eight from JB Holland Construction, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project in the amount of $28,945.41. All aye. Nay: none.

Motion carried.

The Wastewater Plant Improvement project progress was discussed.

Equipment for the new pickleball courts was ordered from Practice Sports in the amount of $1,038.09 by Mayor Schnur and charged to City Cardmember Services. The City Cardmember Services bill is paid out of the City of Ridgeway Business Bank account.

Donations for the pickleball courts have been received and deposited into the City of Ridgeway Betterment account. A Motion was made

by Linderbaum, seconded by Engelhardt to reimburse the City of Ridgeway Business Bank Account at CUSB in the amount of $1,038.09 from the City of Ridgeway Betterment Bank account at CUSB. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

The Thomson Charitable Foundation gave a check to the City of Ridgeway in the amount of $2,500.00 as a donation for the Ridgeway Fire Department towards their new fire truck. Due to rules of the Thomson Charitable Foundation, the check had to go to the City of Ridgeway for the donation. A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Linderbaum to deposit the $2,500.00 check into the City of Ridgeway Betterment Bank account at CUSB and then a $2,500.00 check be paid, out of the Ridgeway Betterment Bank account, to the Ridgeway Fire Department.

All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Linderbaum to approve the fund accounting journal entries. All aye. Nay: none.

Motion carried.

The City event for June 14, 2025 was discussed.

The maintenance man report was given.

Bids for the repair work at the intersection of Skadeland Street and Railroad Street were discussed. A Motion was made by Engel-

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTSIDE PLANT PROJECT Proposals for the construction, including the supply of necessary labor, materials, and equipment, of a telecommunications project as described below: Project Number: DECORAH-ML-2024-01 Company Name: City of Decorah Exchange(s): Decorah, IA 563 County(ies): Winneshiek State(s): Iowa shall be received at the following location and time: Address: City Hall, City Administration 400 Clairborne Dr. Decorah, IA 52101 Bid Date: 11/04/2024 Time: 10:00:00, AM, CDT.. At which time the proposals shall be opened and read.

The project shall consist of the following miles of plant: Aerial:0.00 miles; Buried: 141.35 miles; MST Tails: 0.00 miles; Conduit: 0.00 miles; Service Entrances: 0.00 miles; Number of Service Entrances: Aerial: 0; Buried: 0 The number of cable placement operations used at any one time shall not exceed three (3) nor shall it be less than two (2) without the owner’s and engineers’ express approval.

The time for Completion of Construction of the Project shall be 180 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) from the contract commencement date.

Liquidated damages in the amount of $2000 per day shall apply for each and every day that construction is delayed after giving effect to extensions of time as provided for in the contract (this includes weekends and holidays).

The Plans, Specifications, and Construction Sheets together with all necessary forms and other documents for Bidders may be obtained from The Fibersmith Company, at their office at 10283 685th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917, upon payment of $0 for electronic, $100 deposit for paper (per set). If there are shipping costs for paper copies, they will be paid by the bidder. Paper sets will require one week notification to allow for printing and courier time.

The Plans, Specifications, and Construction Sheets may be examined at the offices of The Fibersmith Company. Copies of these documents will be made available electronically to all bidders.

No proposals will be considered from bidders that do not attend the Pre-Bid Conference call set for 10/21/2024 10:00 AM CDT

Board Minutes October 7, 2024 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am October 7, 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.

Krista Vandenbrink, Public Health Director, met with the Board to give an update on Public Health services.

Jayne Schultz, County Recorder, met with the Board to present information about the Recorder’s Association’s proposal for fee modernization.

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

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Vick to approve the proposal with Midwest Group Benefits for Flex Plan management. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the 2024 Weed Commissioner’s report. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to authorize Doug Groux, County Sanitarian, to take the steps necessary to plug and cap the abandoned well at the Wellington Place property. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vermace to advertise the job opening for staff at the Recycling Center. Kelsay and Faldet will oversee the hiring process in the interim as the opening for a new Supervisor for the department is still in the process. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to adopt the resolution to re-establish the County Compensation Board. The motion was withdrawn, and the Board will take up the question again at a future meeting.

Andy Van Der Maaten, County Attorney, met with the Board to discuss county issues.

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

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, October 14, 2024. Motion carried unanimously.

Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 17, 2024

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nMed, which includes thorough board orientations, department presentations at monthly board meetings, attendance at medical staff meetings and participating in Iowa Hospital Association educational opportunities. Two recent seminars, presented by state and national leaders in health care, included Governance Best Practice and Effective Board Governance of Quality. By expanding our background of knowledge in these critical topics, we continue the path forward, assuring that WinnMed achieves its mission of “improving the health and well-being of those we serve.” Our future decisions will also be based on next year’s more thorough and robust Community Health Needs Assessment. We consider and value the information we receive through that assessment. Staying informed about the public’s health care needs is a critical tenet of our board members’ responsibilities as we continue to serve in a decision-making role

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PUBLIC NOTICES

A-12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAURICE E. HOVER DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016327 NOTICE OF PROOF OF WILL WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Maurice E. Hover, Deceased, who died on or about July 11, 2024: You are hereby notified that on September 16, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Maurice E. Hover, deceased, bearing date of June 5, 1984, and a Codicil to said Last Will and Testament, bearing date of March 7, 2022, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed court and there will be no present administration 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.

Dated September 25, 2024.

Charilyn K. Hover, Proponent Attorney for estate: Karl G Knudson, ICIS#: 0004229 110 Court St., Suite #6 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: October 17, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 10 & 17, 2024

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONDI MICHAEL SHEEY DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016329 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Dondi Michael Sheey, Deceased, who died on or about December 26, 2022: You are hereby notified that on August 30, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Dondi Michael Sheey, deceased, bearing date of May 22, 2022, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Mary Jeanne Sheey was appointed Executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the 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 October 3, 2024.

Mary Jeanne Sheey 6401 Mallards Lane Coconut Creek, FL 33073 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: October 17, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 10 & 17, 2024

IN THE MATTER OF THE GALL FAMILY TRUST NOTICE OF TRUST To all persons regarding JANET E. GALL, deceased, who died on or about July 20, 2024.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Elizabeth Elaine Fritz is the Trustee of the GALL FAMILY Trust dated April 14, 2016.

Any action to contest the validity of the Trust must be brought in the District Court of Winneshiek County, Decorah, Iowa, within the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor whose identities are reasonably ascertainable.

Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred.

Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the Trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required, or the claim shall be forever barred, unless paid or otherwise satisfied.

Dated this 2rd day of October, 2024.

GALL FAMILY TRUST Dated April 2, 1997 Elizabeth Elaine Fritz, Trustee 315 Riverview Drive Decorah, IA 52101 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: Jana Evelsizer Olson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 (563) 382-2959 jana.olson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: October 17, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 10 & 17, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EUGENE DALE DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016330 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Eugene Dale, Deceased, who died on or about September 16, 2024: You are hereby notified that on September 27, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Eugene Dale, deceased, bearing date of May 11, 2009, First Codicil to Last Will and Testament of Eugene Dale, dated October 22, 2024, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that The Home Trust & Savings Bank have been 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 27, 2024.

Yvonne Tourtellott The Home Trust & Saving Bank, Executor of Estate Yvonne Tourtellott, Trust Officer 828 Main St., Osage, IA 50461 Nicholas T. Larson, ICIS#: AT009361, Attorney for Executor Larson Law Office, PLLC 500 Main Street, Osage, IA 50461 Date of second publication: October 17, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 10 & 17, 2024

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 Bottom Circuit of Double Circuit 69kV Line The West endpoint of this line segment is an existing Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) 69,000V nominal voltage, 72,500V maximum voltage electrical transmission line, located approximately 0.08 mile North of and 0.27 mile West of the SE corner of Section 15, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa, at a point on the city limits line of Decorah, Iowa; the South terminus of this line segment is an existing ITC Midwest LLC (ITC), Decorah Electrical Transmission Substation, located in the SE¼-SW¼ and the SW¼-SE¼ of said Section 15, Winneshiek County, Iowa, 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 0.02 mile South of and 0.01 mile West of the NE corner of Section 24, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; and, the North terminus of this line is an existing Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) 69,000V nominal voltage, 72,500V maximum voltage Harmony Electrical Transmission Substation, located in the SE¼-NE¼, Section 14, T101N, R10W, Fillmore County, Minnesota.

Beginning at a point on the east corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa, approximately 0.08 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, crossing the public right of ways of the Upper Iowa River and (Ice Cave Road), in the SE¼ of said Section 15, a distance of approximately .17 miles, to a point on private property being approximately 0.13 mile West of the SE corner of said Section 15; thence East, on private right of way along the South line of Sections 15 and 14, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa, a distance of approximately .55 mile, to a point on the west corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa, approximately 0.03 mile West of the S¼ corner of said Section 14, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; thence continuing through the city limits of Decorah, Iowa, this transmission line begins again at a point approximately 0.25 mile West of the SE corner of Section 14; thence East, crossing through the unincorporated town of Freeport, on private right of way along the South line of Sections 13, 14, 15 and the North line of Section 24, T98N, R8W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa, crossing public roads (County Road A6W/River Road), (172nd Avenue), (170th Avenue) and (249th Street), a distance of approximately 1.22 miles, to a point approximately 0.02 mile South of and 0.01 mile West of the NE corner of Section 24 and the East endpoint of this line segment.

The total distance of this 69,000V nominal voltage line is approximately 1.94 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-22558) 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 October 10, 2024. The date of the second publication is October 17, 2024.

IOWA UTILITIES COMMISSION BY: Jon Tack General Counsel Dated this 20th day of September, 2024.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 10 & October 17, 2024

NOTICE OF MEETING FOR APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH HIGH POINT EAST, L.L.C. AUTHORIZATION OF ANNUAL APPROPRIATION TAX, INCREMENT PAYMENTS The City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa, will meet at the Decorah Council Chambers, on November 4, 2024, at 5:45 p.m., at which time and place proceedings will be instituted and action taken to approve a Development Agreement between the City and High Point East, L.L.C. (the “Developer”) in connection with the construction of public infrastructure improvements necessary for the development of a residential subdivision in the Decorah East Side Residential Urban Renewal Area, which Development Agreement provides for certain financial incentives in the form of incremental property tax payments to the Developer in a total amount not exceeding $560,000 as authorized

by Section 403.9 of the Code of Iowa.

The commitment of the City to make incremental property tax payments to the Developer under the Development Agreement will not be a general obligation of the City, but such payments will be payable solely and only from incremental property tax revenues generated within the Decorah East Side Residential Urban Renewal Area. Some or all of the payments under the Development Agreement may be made subject to annual appropriation by the City Council.

At the meeting, the City Council will receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of the City. Thereafter, the City Council may, at the meeting or at an adjournment thereof, take additional action to approve the Development Agreement or may abandon the proposal.

This notice is given by order of the City Council of Decorah, Iowa, in accordance Section 403. 9 of the Code of Iowa Keri Sand, City Clerk Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 17, 2024

October 1, 2024 Minutes The Spillville City Council held the regular meeting at the Spillville City Hall at 6:00 PM. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Mayor Wermers called the meeting to order with the following councilmen present Kelsay, Taylor, Straube, Schmitt and Backes, Karl Knudsen City Attorney.

Motion by Straube second by Kelsay to approve the minutes of the Aug 6 meeting.

Voice vote Ayes unanimous, Nayes none.

Motion carried.

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

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

The water project discussed by Marc Rudon engineer; Motion by Backes, second

by Straube to agree to pay Summers Const. $172.494.81 Ayes, unanimous. Nayes, none.

Motion carried.

Annexation – tabled.

Future annexation- tabled.

Troy Anderson South Winn Recreation Dept explained how important program is.

Nuisance Letter 3-2-4;3-2-5 complaint letter will be discussed next meeting about obtaining an attorney letter.

Halloween will be Oct 31, 6-8 PM. Tree Grant and tree placement was discussed to place trees in Riverside Park instead of boulevards, Larry will be in charge of handling it.

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

Meeting adjourned 8:15.

Attest: Julie Shimek, City Clerk.

Fund, Income, .............................Distribution General, $20111.97........................ $21144.94 Debt Service, $1366.36...............................$0 Clocks, $5685.89...........................$10673.73 Capitol, $0................................................... $0 Library Trust, $307.47.....................$3741.41 Water, $12267.64...............................$180.00 Campground, $1494.17....................$2546.44 WaterDeposit, $180.....................................$0 Road Use, $3612.25.........................$9137.83 Sewer, $4266.01...............................$3766.15 LOST, $5044.91.....................................$7.99 September Claims Type, Num, Name, Memo..................Amount Check, 22453, Decorah Leader, Publications......................................-150.69 Check, 22478, Dan’s Roofing & More............................-2,825.00 Check, 22479, US POST OFFICE Utility Collection Postage................-336.00 Check, 22480, Dan Silhacek Woodshed Reboot Summer Musc Series...........-400.00 Check, ACH, ALLIANT, Electricity......................................-2,624.65 General Journal, eFile, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax....-445.40 Check, 22454, MISSISSIPPI WELDERS SUPPLY CO., INC, Fire Inspection...-74.60 Check, 22455, SHIMEK SANITATION, Roof Replacement............................-233.82 Check, 22456, SHIMEK SANITATION, Shimek Sanitation Contract..........-3,199.20 Check, 22457, CopyLand, Void Emergency signs..........................-5.03 Check, 22460, FENCL OIL & LP CO, CityLP..............................................-977.62 Check, ACH, CENTURY LINK, City Telephones................................-124.35 Check, 22462, IOWA LEAGUE OF CITIES, DUES.................................-465.00 Check, 22463, NESS PUMPING, Campground Inv 7622.....................-975.00 Check, 22464, FARMERS UNION COOPERATIVE, Fuel Tank Lease..-948.72 Check, 22465, TURKEY RIVER WATERSHED, VOID: Reimburse Postage....................0.00 Check, 22466, STRAUBE,THOMAS, Weed Control...................................-225.00 Check, ACH, GIGFIRE, InternetService...................................-70.00 Check, 22469, TARZAN TREE SERVICE, Ash Tree Removal.........................-2,265.00 Check, 22470, QUILL CORPORATION, Supplies..............................................-54.97 Check, 22471, LA COMMUNICATIONS, INC, Event Advertising....................-377.00 Check, 22472, CopyLand, Emergency signs................................-96.45 Check2, 2473, DENEEN POTTERY, Clocks Souvenirs..........................-1,385.93 Check, ACH, CENTURYLINK, City Telephones................................-122.87 Check, 22440, Beaver Creek Graphix, Souvenirs.........................................-869.00 Check, 22441, Dept of Natural Resources, Wastewater Permit...........................-210.00 Check, 22442, Speer Financial Inc, Water Capitol Project....................-5,000.00 Check, 22443, Ringsted Public Library, video-audio for library.........................-9.00 Check, 22444, CALMAR COURIER, Library Subscription..........................-45.00 Check, 22445, QUANDAHL,TRACY, maintenance and repair library.........-200.00 Check, 22475, Seamless Gutter Co., Library Maintenance........................-200.00 Check, ACH, VISA, Bily clocks supplies.........................-322.40 Check, ACH, VISA, Bily Clocks........-231.02 Check, ACH, VISA, Bily Clocks........-685.95 Check, ACH, VISA, Library Supplies............

-116.55 Check, ACH, VISA, Library Supplies............

-270.55 Check, ACH, VISA, Library Supplies..-24.21 Check, ACH, VISA, PITCH CAMP...-175.00 Check, ACH, VISA, Bily Clocks........-295.61 Sales Tax Payment, ACH, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCEWET, Tax................ 0.00 General Journal, eFile, ........IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax..........-458.92 General Journal, eFile........, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax............-25.45 General Journal, eFile, ........IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, SalesTax.............-30.35 Check, 22481, ROBINSON, SKYLAR, Utility Deposit Refund.....................-116.50 Paycheck, 22482, Shimek, Julie M, payroll...........................................-2,009.24 Check, 22483, .............. HOWARDS TIRE & REPAIR, Equipment Repair..............................-33.00 Deposit, Deposit...................................920.95 Check, 22484, RIDGEWAY LUMBER, Roof repair.......................................-306.60 Check,22485,IROC WEB DESIGN SERVICES, Clocks new Wi-Fi router.........

-96.25 Check, 22486m Microbac, Laboratories, Inc, Water & Sewer Testing......................-42.50 Check, 22487, DRILLINGS, RangerRepair.......................................-7.99 Check, 22488, HTM, SALES INC., Equipment Maintenance..................-632.56 Check, 22489, BADGER, METER, Water Maintenance............................-56.70 Check, 22490, CRESCO SHOPPE, Museum/Campground/Music/ Promotion...........................................-61.20 Check, 22491, PENFIELD BOOKS, Clocks Souvenirs.............................-320.87 Check, 22492, WINNESHIEK COUNTY AUDITOR, combined city/ school election..............................-1,049.38 Check, 22493, Microbac Laboratories, Inc, Water & Sewer Testing.................-2,518.00 Check, 22494, Microbac Laboratories, Inc, Water & Sewer Testing......................-66.00 Check, ACH, GIGFIRE, Internet Service..................................-70.00 Check, 22495, QUILL CORPORATION, Supplies..............................................-65.81 Check, 22496, CITIZENS SAVINGS BANK, City Hall loan................................-7,117.68 Check, ACH, CENTURYLINK, City Telephones................................-215.40 Check, 22498, HAWKINS, INC, Water-Supplies.................................-428.42 Check, 22499, CITIZENS, SAVINGS BANK, City Hall loan................................-5,587.30 Paycheck, 22740, PHILLIPS, LARRY J, payroll...........................................-4,341.60 Paycheck, 22748, KUHN, RUTH, payroll..............................................-775.67 Paycheck, 22747, Elsbernd, Sandra A, payroll..............................................-450.21 Check, 22500, SHIMEK SANITATION, Shimek Sanitation Contract..........-3,107.70 Check, 22501, Origin Design, Water Engineering.......................-11,973.51 Check, ACH, JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, Park, clocks, shop supplies, pump...-113.74 Check, 22502, Dept of Natural Resources, Wastewater Permit...........................-115.00 Check, 22753, .............. HOWARDS TIRE & REPAIR, Equipment Repair............................-342.00 Paycheck, 22741, Craft, Susanna-Virginia...........................-1,677.38 Check, 22752, Mr Computers USA......-67.45 Check, 22751 Decorah Leader Publications........................................-57.00 Check, 22750, Thompson Public Library, Library Book......................................-12.39 Check, 22749, WESTBEND LIBRARY, Library Books....................................-14.00 Check, ACH, VISA, staff development library...................-45.19 Paycheck, 22746, GESING, KATHY,...........................-712.96 Paycheck, 22745, LUTGEN, ADDISON........................-53.34 Paycheck, 22744, LUTGEN, MAKINLEY....................-53.33 Paycheck, 22743, Thompson, Linda M.........................-366.06 Paycheck, 22742, Shatek, Lori...........-302.54 -72,012.83 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 17, 2024

Minutes and claims from the October 7, 2024 City Council Meeting 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 Mayor Borowski read a proclamation supporting Indigenous Peoples Day Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of September 16, 2024, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Resolution 3498 Setting a Date of Meeting at Which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with Hight Point East, LLC, Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Payments

d. Resolution 3499 Setting Public Hearing on Easement for Parking in the Right of Way at 803 Commerce Drive e. Resolution 3500 to Award Tree Inventory Bid to Eocene Environmental Group f. Renewal Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-Skyline Lanes, LLC g. Rainbow Run Fundraiser Special Event Sponsored by Art Haus for October 13, 2024 h. Change Order #1 Decorah 2024 Dry Run Diversion Channel Improvements i. Pay Application #1 Decorah 2024 Dry Run Diversion Channel Improvements Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing regarding wood chip disposal with Jewell Enterprises at 5:52 PM. No public comment.

Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 5:53 PM. Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3501 approving wood chip disposal agreement with Jewell Enterprises.

Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing regarding the development agreement with Decorah Real Estate Fund LP at 5:55 PM. No public comment. Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 5:56 PM. Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3502 approving the development agreement with Decorah Real Estate Fund LP, authorizing annual appropriation tax increment payments, and pledging certain tax increment revenues to the payment agreement. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3503 establishing a written comment policy for public hearings, Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3504 ordering sidewalk repairs at 121 East Water Street to be completed by June 1, 2025. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

The Decorah City Council held a discussion on off-road vehicles being allowed on the Decorah city streets. Les Askelson of 908 Pine Ridge Road, spoke to the council encouraging them to allow off-road vehicles, known as side-by-side vehicles, to be allowed on city streets. The general consensus of the council was to direct staff to move forward with creating an ordinance to allow off-road vehicles on city streets and present this ordinance at a future council meeting.

Neal made a motion to approve designating funds in the amount of $75,000.00 from the Hotel/Motel Fund and $75,000.00 from the Sustainability Fund to be used towards the Downtown Economic Development Grant Program. Zittergruen seconded the motion.

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

There was no discussion held regarding the noise ordinance due to the council waiting for information.

Mayor Borowski announced that there are openings on the Decorah Human Rights Commission and the Tree Board. She encouraged residents to come to Decorah City Hall and complete the application.

City Manager, Travis Goedken, also wanted to remind residents to have their house numbers on their homes, visible from the street.

Meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Paid Invoice Report Szabo Construction, Dry Run Diverson Channel ..................................... 125,307.03 Bankcard, Credit Card Fees................. 798.11 Bcbs – Wellmark, City Share.......... 82,316.88 Authnet, Credit Card Fees......................47.10 Merchant Bank, Credit Card Fees.....2,377.29 Payroll, For9/27/24.......................197,178.59 Perry Novak, Library Generator..... 12,057.76 Govos, Online Permitting................. 8,500.00 Travis Goedken, Reimbursement...... 2,503.97 Erdman Engineering, Services........ 12,070.00 Imoehl, Cody, Online Behavior Training............................... 95.00 Pankow,Jon, State Library Learning Circuit Registration............................. 25.00 Patricia, Thein, Fbinaa Luncheon Plan Retrainer...................................... 35.00 Ytzen,Adam, Bloomington Search Training ............................................ 424.98 Delta Dental, October 2024 Insurance........................................ 1,405.20 Aunt Flow Corp., Feminine Products & Dispensers......................615.00 Brian Or Ashley Benson, Water Sewer Refund/Publication Error......... 28.81 Callie Edie, Water/SewerRefund........... 11.47 Charles Farmer, Water Sewer Refund/Publication............................. 24.51 Connell Flying Service, September 2024 Services ......................................... 3,977.97 Geiger, Jon, Ipra Fort Dodge, Ia .........128.40 Hahn, Logan, Ipra Fort Dodge Ia .......... 16.00 Holtey, Marc, Ipra Fort Dodge Ia...........91.23 Jessica Campos Arzate, Water Sewer Refund/Publication Error........... 6.62 Mcartor, Mallory, Ipra Fort Dodge Ia.. 244.36 Moen, Blake, Ipra Fort Dodge Ia.........136.40 Pamela Kester, Water/Sewer Refund.....29.60 Pitney Bowes Bank, Postage..................63.66 Pitney Bowes Inc, Ink..........................127.80 Robert Bishop, Water/Sewer Refund..... 42.02 Skyline Const, App 2 Final Stormwater Improvement..................................1,084.41 Stevenson, Tree Care Llc, Removal Of Trees/Stump Grind..................10,700.00 Tim Lindblom, Water Sewer Refund/Publication Error....................29.56 Ups, Postage...........................................12.46 Petty Cash, Postage Police..................... 11.55 Postmaster, Bulk Mailing..................... 427.17 Ace Hardware, Supplies.......................126.69 Acentek, Fees.......................................270.00 Airespring, Services.............................277.58 Alliant Energy, Electric Bills.......... 28,849.23 Amazon, Supplies............................. 4,993.22 At&T Mobility, Fd Cell Phone............193.50 Baker & Taylor, Books..................... 3,284.97 Blackhawk Automatic Sprinklers, Sprinkler Repair................................ 814.66 Bodensteiner Imp, Parts......................... 74.59 Bruening Rock Products, Spray Patcher3/8 Washed Chips..................270.96 Brynsaas Sales & Service, Compost Grant- Pipe Materials........................ 224.00 Bsn Sports, Softballs............................149.98 Campground Commander, UsageFee..930.29 Capital One, Supplies...........................123.26 Caroline Allen, Program........................75.00 Carrico Aquatic Resources, Paint.....1,650.57 Cdw Government, Equipment.......... 1,056.04 Center Point Large Print, Books............94.50 Chamber Of Comm And Winn Co Develop Hotel/Motel .................. 16,954.36 Chill, Nick, Program Advertising..........29.75 Christopher Miculinich, Reimb.

Business Cards....................................56.04 Copyland, Business Cards...................172.16 Croell, Sidewalk Repair....................... 447.00 Dalco, Supplies Campground.............. 973.00 Decorah Comm. School District, Collaboration/Pumpkin Project......... 350.00 Decorah Jobs , Hotel/Motel............ 20,345.25 Decorah Leader, Publication................ 893.21 Decorah Mobile Glass, Services....... 8,800.00 Decorah Tire Service, Tractor Tires ....393.00 Des Moines Stamp, Deposit Only Stamp......................................... 44.00 Dick’S Petroleum, Labor/Parts......... 1,974.16 Douglas M. Berg, Services...............1,425.00 Drake Folkedahl, Sidewalk Repair - 508 Day Street ................. 1,072.50 Eurofins , Eurofins............................... 410.30 Farmers Union Cooperative, Lp Tank Rent....................................... 75.00 Fastenal Company, Parts/Supplies.........65.36 First Supply, Parts................................173.58 Fisk Farm And Home, Supplies...........917.66 Fox Strand, Wwtp Upgrade 2024...30,288.00 Frontier Mudjacking, Sidewalk Mudjacking – E Water Street/State St/W Water St............. 3,150.00 Galls, Galls Llc-Uniform..................... 191.19 Goedken, Travis, Meal Reimbursement Sioux City........................................... 59.00 Gundersen Clinic, Random Drug Test .. 98.00 Hawkins, Tank Rental/Fluoride/Chlorine......2,834.23 Heartland Floor Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning................................125.00 Humane Society Of Northeast Iowa, Vicious Dog Kenneling..................1,960.50 Ia Dept Of Transportation, Asphalt Emulsion/Oil Asphalt Emulsn......1,585.50 Impact Coffee, Program Expense........ 102.50 International Code Council, Membership Dues.............................405.00 Iowa Dept Of Natural Resources, Annual Water Use Fee....................... 115.00 Iowa One Call, Iowa One Call Services ............................................161.10 Iowa Police Chiefs Assoc, Ipca Training.......................................60.00 Jb Holland Const, Compost Grant – Pipe Materials...................................494.00 Kanopy Film, Database........................ 100.00 Leon’S Auto & Truck Repair Service 2021 Dodge/F150..............1,629.88

Lulu & Bb’S, Dog Food........................44.00 Lydon Electric Motors, Grit Machine/Centrifugal Pump....7,625.41 Macqueen Equipment, F500 Foam......170.00 Malcom Enterprises, Garbage..............870.00 Marso Electric, Parts/Labor..............4,653.33 Martin’S Flag , Poles...........................673.10 Mcclure Engineering Airport Corporate Hangar And Attached Terminal......8,395.64 Metering & Technology Solutions, Meter Couplings................................270.22 Midwest Patch/Hi-Viz Safety, Barricades/Clothing....................... 3,059.00 Minnowa Const, Minnowa Const-Limestone............ 4,000.00 Mower Power, Supplies......................... 56.90 Napa Auto Parts, Battery Cable Lugs Unit8................... 10.88 Numedahl, Pete, Reimbursement........... 77.79 Olson Explosives, Fuel..................... 2,229.82 Outdoor Recreation Products Parts @ Phelps.................................. 238.51 Pankow, Jon, Marion Public Library/Building & Op..................... 134.93 Perry Novak Electric Inc, Services.12,678.38 Petty Cash, Postage Police..................... 10.40 Pine Creek Trail Builders, PalisadesPark Trail Work............... 1,636.80 Pinter’S Gardens & Pumpkins, Boulevard Tree Voucher - Marsha Mccabe.......... 60.00 Quadient , Postage............................... 500.00 Racom Corp., New Ubit 9 Radio...... 2,077.81 Randy’S Auto Parts, Parts....................301.53 River City Paving, Hma ................... 1,534.24 Secretary Of State, Notary-Hagensick...30.00 Sema Connect, Ev Charger-State Street Chargers Service Fee........................ 480.00 Sherwin Williams, Paint-Pool................ 71.35 Stevenson Tree Care Llc, Stump Grinding..............................3,275.00 Storey Kenworthy Inc, Supplies.......... 311.41 The First Signs Of Fire, Reflective Stickers For Tools............ 169.45 Thornton’S Feed & Grain, Carlson Park...................................... 205.00 Transunion Risk & Alternative Data, Tlo.....................................................150.00 Truck Country Of Iowa, Tower 1 Repairs.............................4,326.57 Uscc Services, Hotspots......................... 23.98 Village Farm And Home, Compost Grant- Blower Shelters...... 690.00 Windstream, Airport .............................. 38.12 Winn Co Recorder, Recording Fees.......17.00 Winn Co. San. Landfill, Deer................... 7.50 Revenue To Date October 04, 2024 General Fund............................ $1,296,300.21 Street Electric Franchise Fee........$41,976.82 Road Use Fund............................ $286,536.92 Employee Benefits......................$251,664.19 Hotel/Motel................................. $140,715.46 Local Option Sales Tax...............$364,054.67 Ssmid.............................................. $1,378.64 Tiff................................................ $12,145.17 Park Special Gifts........................... $7,681.74 Library Special Gifts....................... $1,408.00 Street Equip Fund...........................$5,251.07 Debt Service Fund....................... $199,404.11 Special Projects Water Utility Fund...................... $267,566.92 Sewer Utility Fund...................... $398,070.11 Enterprise Project Interest............... $3,020.33 Metronet........................................ $19,625.50 Forest Utility................................. $40,223.86 Storm Sewer Utility......................$27,650.24 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 17, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE City of Decorah, Iowa NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO GRANT EASEMENT ON CITY-OWNED REAL ESTATE The Decorah City Council will hold a public hearing on November 4, 2024, at 5:45 p.m. local time in Council Chambers at Decorah City Hall to hear comments for and against proposals to convey an interest in City-owned real estate as follows: WHEREAS, the City of Decorah, (referred to as “City”) currently owns certain real estate in the vicinity of 803 Commerce Drive, Decorah, Iowa, and described as follows: See Exhibit A, attached hereto, for legal description (Hereinafter referred to as the “Easement Area”), WHEREAS, HAJOCA CORPORATION (referred to as “Grantee”) is the owner of the following described real estate: Lot 3 in Block 2 of Carlson’s Third Addition to the City of Decorah.

(Hereinafter referred to as “Parcel 1”); and WHEREAS, the City Council has proposed an easement to Grantee over the Easement Area on the following terms: 1. That Grantee shall reimburse the City for the costs of said transfer, which shall include surveying, legal, publication, and recording costs.

2. The easement shall be perpetual and run with the land, subject to the terms, conditions, and the limitations set forth herein, and shall permit the construction of a parking lot in the Easement Area for the benefit of adjacent property that is currently a commercial building at 803 Commerce Drive, Decorah, Iowa.

3. The parking lot shall be constructed by the Grantee in compliance with plans approved by the City of Decorah and all City and State building codes, with the Grantee being responsible for all future maintenance. The parking lot in the Easement Area shall not be altered, removed or expanded without prior approval of the City of Decorah.

4. This easement shall terminate in the event that the Easement Area is no longer used as a parking lot.

5. The City specifically reserves the right to terminate this Easement, at any time, upon giving to the Grantees 30 days’ prior written notice when the City of Decorah, in its own discretion, determines that the Easement Area must be used for any “essential corporate purpose” or “general corporate purpose” as defined by Section 384.24 of the Code of Iowa, as amended. This shall specifically include, but is not limited to, use of the Easement Area by the City for any purpose related to streets, sidewalks, utilities, or drainage. Grantees shall not be entitled to any reimbursement or compensation if the easement is terminated under this provision.

6. The City shall not be liable for any damage to persons or property occurring or arising as a result of anyone using the Easement Area from any cause whatsoever. Grantees shall indemnify and hold the City of Decorah, Iowa harmless for any damages or injuries that occur as a result of anyone using the Easement Area, to include, but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. The Grantees further agrees to pay all reasonable costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses that shall be made and incurred by the City of Decorah, Iowa in enforcing this agreement.

7. Upon termination of this easement for any reason, all improvements to the Easement Area, to include the parking lot, shall become the property of the City, and the City may remove any improvements to the Easement.

At said time and place, comments will be received at the public hearing by the City Council on the question of proposal to convey an interest in City owned real estate.

This notice is published at the direction of the Decorah City Council.

Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 17, 2024 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 a franchise to erect, 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 North endpoint/terminus of this line segment is an existing Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) 69,000V nominal voltage, 72,500V maximum voltage electrical transmission line switch, located approximately .01 mile South of the N¼ corner of Section 15, T100N, R9W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa.

The South endpoint of this line segment is an existing Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) 69,000V nominal voltage, 72,500V maximum voltage electrical transmission line, located approximately 0.50 mile South of the N¼ corner of Section 15, T100N, R9W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa; and, the South terminus of

this line is an existing MiEnergy Cooperative’s Burr Oak Electrical Distribution Substation, located in the NW¼-NW¼, Section 27, T100N, R9W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa.

Commencing at a point being approximately 0.50 mile East and 0.01 mile South of the NW corner of Section 15, T100N, R9W, of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa, and the point of beginning of this Amendment and east circuit of the double circuit; thence South, on private right of way along the North-South centerline in said Section 15, a distance of approximately .49 mile, to a point approximately 0.50 mile South of the N¼ corner of said Section 15 and the endpoint of this segment.

The total distance of this 69,000V nominal voltage line is approximately 0.49 mile.

A map showing the proposed 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 54602-0817.

Orders issued and documents filed in this docket (No. E-21675) 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 October 10, 2024. The date of the second publication is October 17, 2024.

IOWA UTILITIES COMMISSION BY: Jon Tack General Counsel Dated this 24th day of September, 2024.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 10 & 17, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE JOHN L. TJOSTEM TRUST NOTICE OF TRUST To all persons regarding JOHN L. TJOSTEM, deceased, who died on or about August 23, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Ann Kephart is the Trustee of the JOHN L. TJOSTEM Trust agreement dated February 9, 2011, and revised and restated May 26, 2015, and Amended and Restated May 26, 2020.

Any action to contest the validity of the Trust must be brought in the District Court of Winneshiek County, Decorah, Iowa, within the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor whose identities are reasonably ascertainable.

Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred.

Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the Trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required, or the claim shall be forever barred, unless paid or otherwise satisfied.

Dated this 8th day of October, 2024.

JOHN L. TJOSTEM TRUST Dated May 26, 2020 Ann Kephart, Trustee 1765 Birch Hollow Rd Decorah, IA 52101 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: John S. Anderson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 (563) 382-2959 John.anderson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: October 17, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leacder October 10 & 17, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEROME A. UHLENHAKE DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR016332 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Jerome A. Uhlenhake, Deceased, who died on or about September 14, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on 3rd day of October, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Jerome A. Uhlenhake, deceased, bearing date of December 20, 2010, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Joshua Uhlenhake and Jason Uhlenhake were appointed co-executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the 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 this 8th day of October, 2024.

Joshua Uhlenhake 113 Bravo Drive Ossian, IA 52161 Co-executor of estate Jason Uhlenhake 8685 Adams Street Cumming, IA 50061 Co-executor of estate Dustin H. Noble ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, ELELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 dustin.noble@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: October 17, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader October 10 & 17, 2024

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NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

U.S. House of Representatives District 2 Hinson: I got into this job for two reasons, and their names are Max and Jax. I ran for office because I wanted to make sure my boys - and the whole next generation - have all the opportunities in the world. But, I’m worried about the direction of our country after four years of a Harris-Biden Administration. I’m proud of my work to push back on harmful policies while also delivering on Iowa’s priorities, but there is more work to do. We have more work to do to reduce the inflation burden on families and help lower taxes, we have more work to do to secure the border and keep our communities safe, and we have more work to do to make sure our rural communities have resources. I will be on the trail between now and November earning every single vote - talking about my record of accomplishments for the district and laying out what’s next.

Puffett: I have spent 34 years dedicated to working in the finance world – managing budgets and expenses, reporting to federal and state regulators, and being held accountable to the board of directors and shareholders for the strategic and financial performance of the company. And I am fed up with the irresponsible out-of-control federal spending and the size of our national debt. We have hundreds of billions of dollars to send to other countries, yet we have significant needs here in our backyard in Iowa that are not being adequately funded.

We are not taking care of our veterans, we are not taking care of our mental health community, we are not taking care of our foster kiddos and we are not taking care of our teachers and education system. I plan to fight for fiscal restraint and making sure we invest in America first and foremost. Current representatives in Congress continue to talk the talk – but when rubber hits the road, they don’t walk the walk when it comes time to vote. It is time for change.

What do you feel the role of a U.S. lawmaker is, and how do you intend to fulfill that role if elected?

Corkery: The role of U.S.

Iowa Senate District 32

our government. We can’t afford to continue with the status quo of a senator that rubber stamps every one of the governor’s proposals created by highly paid — with taxpayer dollars — out-of-state consultants. The Driftless Area needs someone with a strong, caring voice to fight for them, and I want to be that person.

Klimesh: I served my first term as mayor in the early ‘90s, and I did it because I wanted to give back to my community. I ran for my first term in the senate for the very same reasons, and I am running for my second term with the same intentions.

Representing the folks that elect you to do a job really should be, and is for me, reason enough to run.

What do you feel the role of a state lawmaker is, and how do you intend to fulfill that role if elected?

Bruening: Like any elected official, the role of a state senator requires frequent interactions with the people they represent in order to give them a voice in Des Moines. Even if there are differences of policy and opinion, an effective legislator should be prepared to defend their positions and explain to constituents why they stand by them through town halls and events open to the general pub-

Court petition

... to summarize and openly advocate for the project” during the board of adjustment’s Sept. 3 public hearing, while comments from members of the public were limited to two minutes.

“The board of adjustment denied the public a full and fair opportunity to be heard at the public hearing on the (condi-

lawmakers is to get work done for the people you represent.

That is done by passing policies and laws to improve the lives of the people in northeast Iowa specifically. If elected, I will work hard to meet with and represent all people in District 2. Examples of my values: I have met with Republicans at Club 45 in Winneshiek County.

Before I became a candidate for Congress, I fundraised $1 million to build an inclusive park in Cedar Falls with another family who are Trump Republicans.

Hinson: The role of a member of Congress is to be a strong voice for her constituents. In Congress, I have been a fierce advocate for Iowans’ priorities.

I’ve worked to bring significant federal investments back to the district, including funds to build new emergency operations centers, child care centers and flood infrastructure.

This includes $200,000 for the Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center in Decorah. My team and I are dedicated to helping Iowans navigate challenges with the federal government, and I’m proud of the meaningful results we’ve delivered. From helping families receive delayed tax refunds from the IRS, helping veterans and their families recover benefits or even medals, to reuniting families by expediting passports, my team and I work around the clock to help Iowans. When we’re providing constituent service, we don’t care about political affiliation we will do whatever we can to make sure every Iowan has the support they need.

Puffett: The primary role of a U.S. lawmaker is to 1.) represent the will of the people of their district when voting on legislative bills, 2.) set budgets, 3.) oversee federal agencies of the executive branch, and 4.) help constituents in the district navigate through any federal issues they are trying to resolve.

My goal is to ensure every stakeholder has a seat at the table in conversations and that everyone’s voice is heard. Finding balanced, middle ground solutions – especially in situations where there is dissent among the constituents and colleagues is critical for success. As an In-

lic, not just sympathetic members of their own party. I am committed to an open dialogue with all voters in this district.

In the end, an elected official is an advocate for the people they represent and not themselves.

Klimesh: We are in session for only four months of the year but are acting as a senator for 12. It’s important to remember that, as a public servant, you serve the public. You meet that role by being engaged in the communities you represent; visiting constituents, their cities or counties and taking those conversations to heart when you draft a bill, propose policy or vote on issues. It’s important to do your homework and be able to explain your position to those who disagree with you. In the end, they still may disagree, but they will understand that you put thought and homework into your decision.

What do you feel is the most important issue to northwest Iowa voters, and what action should lawmakers take to address it?

Bruening: I’ve identified four major needs for our district: 1.) recommitting to public education and funding, 2.) ensuring safe housing and food security for children, 3.) improving access to rural hospitals and nursing homes, and

continued from front dependent candidate, I am not beholden to a political party or their platform, and I am not in this to build a political career, so I don’t have to worry about “going along” so I get a leadership position within the party.

I will be in the best position to truly represent everyone in the Second District. If elected, I have committed to donating my first year’s salary to non-profits in the district.

What do you feel is the most important issue to District 2 voters, and what action should lawmakers take to address it?

Corkery: Legal access to abortion care. 59 percent of Iowans do not favor the sixweek abortion ban. 69 percent of women in Iowa do not favor the ban. Even 32 percent of Republicans in Iowa do not favor the ban. As a federal candidate, I would work to codify protection for abortion access nationwide. This is because pregnancy and medical decisions should be between a person and a doctor — end of story. I trust women to make decisions more than the government. If our current courts can take away this right, they will take away others, which they are doing. If we can no longer depend on our courts to protect these individual rights, then Congress must step in.

Hinson: My number one philosophy is: it’s Iowans’ money, not the government’s money.

Lowering costs, supporting working families and standing up for Iowa taxpayers is my mission. Iowa families who work hard should be able to pay the bills, comfortably raise a family and have extra breathing room. Unfortunately, Iowans are struggling to afford the basics. While Kamala Harris plans to raise taxes, I will work with President Trump to make tax cuts permanent for families, farmers and small businesses so Iowans can keep more of their hard-earned paycheck. Another way to reduce the inflation burden on Iowans is to embrace an all-of-the-above energy strategy: expanding biofuels, reopening the Keystone XL pipeline and reforming the permitting

4.) repairing contaminated water sources. We need to repeal recent damaging policies like the AEA gutting and private school vouchers that have drained resources from small rural schools. This has already harmed school budgets and the quality of education, limiting essential services like testing for students with hearing issues.

There’s a pressing need for safe, affordable housing across the state. Business owners struggle to hire due to housing shortages, while many families live in unsafe conditions. Investing in multifamily housing will help address hiring challenges and homelessness. We also need to boost support for food banks and other food programs, such as SNAP and free school lunches, as over 150 families in Clayton County alone rely on our food shelf weekly. The failed Medicaid privatization must end, as it leads to higher costs and lower care, only benefiting outof-state contractors. Maternal and OBGYN care deserts have sprung up around the state and it will take a concerted effort to improve access for women and mothers. We must address the overwhelming influence of Big Ag on our environmental regulations. Iowa’s lax approach to nitrate and manure runoff has resulted in poor water quality and polluted streams and rivers.

We need to empower local governments and adequately fund

process to restore American energy independence and bring back good-paying energy jobs.

This is crucial, especially with Kamala Harris’ intent to ban fracking and offshore drilling while embracing the Green New Deal. Making Iowans’ lives more affordable is a top priority.

Puffett: Right now, inflation and high prices are crippling individuals and businesses. The biggest driver of inflation is our out-of-control federal spending.

We should be able to reduce overall spending while also reallocating dollars. We need to look very hard at how our taxpayer dollars are actually being spent – a deep dive into the budget of Congress itself and every single federal agency/ department. Some areas within the budget need to be reduced or cut out completely and other programs and services need increased support — veterans, mental health. The first thing I would cut from the legislative branch is their pension plan. How many constituents have employers who provide a pension plan or DB plan? Not many. They are very rare because they are very expensive.

Congress needs to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

How do you plan to stay in touch with the needs of constituents, and how will those needs guide your decisions in Washington D.C. if elected?

Corkery: There are almost 800,000 Iowans in District 2.

66 percent of them live in urban areas and 34 percent live in rural areas. My number one job is to help the people in our district get help when they need it. My plan is to hire more Congressional staff in Iowa, where the cost of living is lower, to provide access to Iowans who need help.

I have seen the form letter that my opponent sends to her constituents. Many of them appear that she didn’t even read their concerns. I will use technology to have a constituent-concern ticketing system that both the people requesting help or a concern can know exactly how their concern is being addressed

regulatory agencies to enforce existing laws and hold violators accountable. This isn’t an attack on farmers; agriculture is vital to our state. However, allowing unchecked control by a few is detrimental. We must ensure all parties adhere to established rules to protect our health and environment. Don’t we deserve a better Iowa?

Klimesh: The decline of our rural population is one of the biggest issues we face. Over the last four years, we have lowered our income tax rates to the sixth lowest in the country, have enacted major property tax reform and have reduced the overall size of Iowa’s government by streamlining both agencies and their rules. We must continue to find ways to make rural Iowa the best place to live, grow a business and raise a family, this will help reverse the declining population we face in rural Iowa and ensure that rural Iowa will remain vibrant for generations to come.

How do you plan to stay in touch with the needs of constituents across the district, and how will their input guide your decisions in Des Moines if elected?

Bruening: As I mentioned before, I’m a strong believer in legislator contact with voters through town halls and events open to the general public. An

in real time — like an order to a pizza company. I will get weekly reports on the number of tickets open, a break-out of tickets by type of concern and how many are completed. I am ultimately the one who will make sure everyone gets a real answer. That is what a representative is meant to do — represent the people of District 2 and make sure the government is working for them.

Hinson: Transparency and accountability are key priorities for me. I visit every county multiple times a year and hold an in-person town hall in every county I represent so that I can meet Iowans where they are, hear about the challenges and successes in their everyday lives, and find common sense solutions. To date, I have held 42 in-person town halls across the Second District. Since being elected to Congress, I’ve made over 450 official stops where I’ve listened to Iowans, learned about their challenges and worked to find solutions.

Puffett: I believe you need multiple ways to stay in touch with your constituents because they have varying ways they like to be communicated to, including the standard ways newsletters, social media, town halls, etc. I would also offer to join the meetings of any political party at the district or county level. However, the biggest complaint I have been hearing while campaigning is that their representative does not respond to them, or only replies back with a cookie cutter response.

I will absolutely ensure every constituent is heard and responded to.

How do you plan to balance the needs of District 2 against the needs of Iowa and the country as a whole, if and when they don’t necessarily align?

Corkery: I am very fortunate that I have been successful in this campaign with no financial support from the Democratic Party. That means I can really vote in the best interest of the almost 800,000 people I represent, with no influence from any political party or PAC. I will continued from front

effective legislator must be a listener first to a broad range of voices in order to make the best decisions. And most importantly, if a decision I make is questioned, I should be prepared to defend and explain my choice.

Voters are owed that at the very least.

Klimesh: During session, we have several forums throughout the district. During those forums I visit constituents, and they bring their opinions on what we are doing or what they think we should be doing. But even more than those, I put my personal cell phone on my legislative web page, the one that the state keeps. My constituents call me both in and out of session, and I make myself available to all of them. I enjoy a respectful conversation with anyone on the issues they are concerned about.

How do you plan to balance the needs of District 32 against the needs of Iowa as a whole, if and when they don’t necessarily align?

Bruening: I see a major divide in Iowa politics between those who say they care about rural counties but do little to help us and those who just don’t care about us at all. You can’t really care about rural counties and let school vouchers drain money away from our public schools

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SARAH CORKERY

City of residence: Cedar Falls Occupation: Small business owner with my husband of a marketing and creative services firm called Corkery & Corkery Family: Three kids - Lucy (high school senior), Jude (high school sophomore) and AJ (sixth grade)

ASHLEY HINSON

City of residence: Marion Occupation: Former broadcast journalist Family: Matt, Max and Jax

JODY PUFFETT

City of residence: Delhi Occupation: Retired finance executive Family: Husband Jeff (married for 36 years), six children and six grandchildren. Three of our kiddos are a sibling group we adopted through foster care in 2012.

work extremely hard to make myself available to and prioritize the needs of District 2 first, rather than serve as part of the echo chamber for national party talking points, which unfortunately is what my opponent does.

Hinson: I came to Congress to stand up for taxpayers, champion rural America and provide for the safety and security of Iowa families. I will always put Iowa first. I have bucked my party on many occasions to do what’s right for Iowa and have a proven track record of working across the aisle to get things done. The best way to deliver results and fix our country is through balance and bipartisanship. That’s how I’ve been able to get bills signed into law to expand veterans’ mental health access in rural areas and improve maternal care access.

Iowa will always come first.

Puffet: My priority will always be to represent, and be the voice of, the Second District on all issues. However, right now our country overall is facing crisis after crisis — financial crisis, immigration crisis, mental health crisis. I believe addressing these issues must be the top priority of the next administration and Congress.

Resolving these issues helps the state of Iowa and the Second District.

BRIAN BRUENING

City of residence: Elkader Occupation: Owner/operator of Schera’s Restaurant in Elkader Family: Frédéric Boudouani, together 23 years

MIKE T. KLIMESH

City of residence: Spillville Occupation: Printer Family: Wife Kate

and send to private schools in Des Moines or Cedar Rapids or Dubuque. You can’t really care about us and let AEAs be gutted. You can’t really care about us and let our hospitals not get paid what they are owed by private Medicaid providers. I put the needs of District 32 first because they align with the vast majority of counties in Iowa. As a representative of District 32, my neighbors here must come first, but the issues facing us are the same facing all rural counties in Iowa.

Klimesh: I feel that Iowans needs are similar from one corner of the state to the other.

There are times, in the legislature, where we may encounter an issue that reflects differently from an urban perspective vs. a rural perspective. It’s important to recognize the unique differences between the two and craft policy that can benefit both. I think we as Iowan’s can work together and find common ground in which we all can plant the seeds of our future. continued from front

tional use permit) application by failing to read written public comments into the record arbitrarily, capriciously, and in abuse of discretion and in violation of due process,” the petition said.

The Driftless Water Defenders also claim the board violated Winneshiek County’s zoning or-

dinance when it “failed to make any written findings of fact or reasons for its approval of the conditional use permit application.” The petition also argues the board violated the county’s ordinances by allegedly failing to consider the proposed project’s effect on the health, safety and general welfare of residents

in the surrounding area.

The Driftless Water Defenders are asking the court to order the board of adjustment to supply a transcript of all its records and proceedings related to the issue, including audio and video recordings and “all email and text correspondence by, between or amongst, to or from

any member of the board of adjustment and Zoning Administrator Tony Phillips,” regarding the digester and the conditional use permit application.

Additionally, the nonprofit group is asking the court to enter an order setting aside the board of adjustment’s approval of the permit application.

Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Administrator Tony Phillips and board of adjustment chair Steve Langland declined to comment in response to the lawsuit. As of press time, no papers had been filed in response to Larew’s petition and no other official information was available.

NEWS

A-14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Winneshiek County Supervisor District 4 increased in recent years as I have witnessed growing political divisions at the national, state and local levels. I have always been interested in how our government works and the role that each citizen plays in that system. Winneshiek County has been my home for over 20 years. I care deeply about the people and natural resources here and want to do my part to preserve the health and security of both. My small business has also been enthusiastically supported by the people of Winneshiek County, and giving back through public service is a small way to say thank you.

Although I currently own a bakery, my professional background is in education. I have a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in educational administration and have worked as a classroom teacher, administrator and program director in several capacities, including development of programs to benefit rural public schools. The majority of my education career involved working with federally funded programs that supported low income and at-risk populations. Those experiences involved grant writing, program development and community collaboration. My work with diverse populations has strengthened my communication, decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Those skills have been essential to my success as a small business owner, a farmer and as a current member of the Decorah Farmers Market Board of Directors.

Those same skills will serve me well when I am a member of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. I will be a supervisor who will listen to constituents’ concerns, who will thoroughly research important issues, and who will lead with respect and professionalism. In addition to my current experience, if elected, I intend to pursue supervisor certification

through the Iowa State Association of County Supervisors.

What is the purpose of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, and how should its members go about fulfilling that role?

Langreck: The purpose of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors is to manage the budget, oversee the spending of all departments within the county, and listen to the constituents within your district, while also working with other district supervisors to make the best decisions for the county as a whole.

Wieseler: The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors is the legislative decision making body of the county. They are tasked with ensuring the protection and safety of county property and resources as well as protecting the health, security and welfare of those who live within the county. Along with approving the county budget, the board is responsible for working together with county employees from various departments to ensure that residents of Winneshiek County have access to safe roads, health care, safe and affordable housing and recreational spaces. The board oversees and approves the budgets of those departments to ensure continuation of services, and the continued well-being of those who live here. The county supervisors also serve as ambassadors for the county, in their interactions with other governmental officials regionally and throughout the state. In order to best fulfill their roles, county supervisors need to be as educated as possible on all aspects of county governance. The Iowa State Association of County Supervisors offers a 30 credit hour training for county supervisors that I believe should be required. The training covers

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multiple topics, such as open meetings, ethics and budgeting and goes a long way to boost the public’s confidence in their representatives. County supervisors also need to be willing to listen openly to the concerns of their constituents. Allowing for positive discourse allows one to view an issue from a different perspective, which is essential for remaining objective. Supervisors need to thoroughly research issues and avoid making rushed decisions, especially when the potential exists for negative impacts on county residents or natural resources. Supervisors should foster a welcoming environment at board meetings, encouraging constituents to ask questions and educating the public on how their county government works. When faced with opposing views, the supervisors should be willing to listen respectfully, engage in constructive discourse and compromise. County supervisors need to trust in the experience and expertise of county department heads. They know their departments best, and it is essential to listen to their recommendations and collaborate to come up with the best solutions to challenges such as budget cuts while striving for the best outcome for those who depend on those services.

What is the most important issue currently facing the residents of District 4, and what actions can be taken to address it?

Langreck: District 4 is not much different from Districts 1 and 5. Our major problems are the roads. District 4 is likely the worst with no major repairs having been completed in years. Unfortunately, because of the new state laws, little can be done. The board of supervisors has been working hard to

make every little change we can to add to the secondary road fund, while still abiding by state regulations.

Wieseler: Winneshiek County, like other rural counties across the Midwest, is facing many challenges. Residents here are concerned about water quality, access to health care, child care and affordable housing. Since the beginning of July, I have traveled around District 4 talking to constituents and, by far, the number one concern that is brought up is the condition of the roads. Many of the residents in District 4 are commuting every day to Decorah for jobs, appointments and shopping. Hard surface roads like Middle Calmar Road are heavily traveled and receive a lot of wear and tear. Some very busy gravel roads are leading to heavy dust, visibility issues and severe washboarding. In some areas, heavy truck traffic exacerbates the problem. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for the roads issue. Many factors affect when roads are repaired or maintained, including the amount of traffic and if that road is a major connection to a larger city. Winneshiek County is fortunate to have talented and knowledgeable professionals working in our county engineer’s office and on our roads crew. They work long hours in a sometimes thankless job and do their best to keep up with all of the road and bridge repairs. Winneshiek County has over 1,000 miles of roads, with more than 75 percent of those roads being gravel. While the number of roads in the county is not decreasing, the revenue to fix those roads is. Actions by the Iowa State Legislature have reduced revenue for counties and prompted tough decisions and prioritization of which projects need to be addressed first. Although the county engineer is able to access additional federal funds through

Winneshiek County Supervisor District 3 Vermace: My mom, Jean Jenkins, was a role model for our family for strong community involvement and volunteerism. I wish to carry on that commitment to the community in her honor with my own work.

My previous experiences serving this community inspired me to run for county supervisor.

Those experiences include Decorah PTO; Winneshiek Habitat for Humanity; Decorah Park and Recreation; the “Seamsters Union of Winneshiek County” and many other volunteer opportunities over the last 24 years since moving back to Decorah.

I worked as an aggregate inspector for the Iowa DOT while in college to help cover part of my tuition at the University of Iowa. I guess the road and bridge work still intrigues me and they are the foundation on which this county’s business, tourism, education, and economic development depend. I will always try to vote to support county roads and bridges with 100 percent of the funds available in our budget to do so.

I have work experience in a variety of fields including restaurant waitress, daycare management, elementary education, event planning and marketing.

In each of these fields, it takes clear communication, consensus building, teamwork, a willingness to learn new things and the ability to change one’s mind when new facts are presented. Continuing education is vital for effective leadership; there is something new to learn every day. I have a B.A. from the University of Iowa; recertification as a Certified County Supervisor by the Iowa State Association of Counties; and I have taken 26 weeks of training in Professional Leadership Training through the National Association of Counties. Good public service by county supervisors includes knowing how to work with and cooperate

on projects equally with county employees and department heads; county and regional non-profit organizations; and the community at large. Listening to all of these constituencies and their concerns, researching and finding the facts, including everyone at the table when decisions are to be made is the most effective way of serving the public. I believe I have shown I am committed to that cooperative model of county governance. Supervisors are not the CEOs of the county, we are a part of the larger piece. I can guarantee this community, we are very fortunate to have the county employees who work for Winneshiek County at every level – they make it all happen. Not to mention they have to work with the constantly changing dynamics of an elected board of supervisors, whose only qualifications for the job are to be 18 years old and live in our districts; we must be humble enough to admit we can learn from our employees and our community.

What is the purpose of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, and how should its members go about fulfilling that role?

Hovden: The primary responsibility of a supervisor is to ensure the effective management of our road systems and providing oversight of budget decisions by working with department heads to make everyone accountable for the tax dollars we spend.

Vermace: Counties are empowered to perform any function to “protect and preserve the rights, privileges and property of the county or of its residents and to preserve and improve the peace, safety, health, welfare, comfort and convenience of its residents.” — Iowa Code,

grants, more money is always needed. Educating the public on the process for road repairs is incredibly helpful. I highly encourage Winneshiek County residents to attend supervisor meetings if possible, either in person or virtually, or watch the recorded meetings when it is convenient. Residents should also not hesitate to contact their county supervisors to ask questions and learn as much as they can about the procedures for fixing the roads. Residents can also contact their state representatives and voice their concerns about the loss of revenue forcing counties to make difficult budgetary decisions that may delay road repairs.

When the board members aren’t unanimous in their views on a particular topic, what do you feel is the most important factor in reaching a decision?

Langreck: If it is clear that there will not be a unanimous decision, you have to be confident in your research on the subject. Your vote must reflect on laws, ordinances and your research.

Wieseler: In a perfect world, all members of the board of supervisors will agree on every decision that needs to be made.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. I think it is incredibly important that all of the supervisors have done thorough research, including considering input from impacted residents, experts on a topic, such as water quality or flooding, and county employees. They should also avoid rushing into decisions that might have negative impacts in the future. Supervisors should not have their minds made up before a meeting even starts and should be open to changing their minds as more evidence is presented. They need to be will-

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331.301(1). This broad power is a part of county home rule and is vested in the county board of supervisors. — Iowa Code 331.301(2) (source: ISAC County Supervisor Manual). It is the duty of the board of supervisors to work cooperatively in nearly every aspect of the county government; the BOS duties are primarily administrative, but they also serve as the legislative, executive and judicial branches of county government in many aspects (ISAC Supervisor Manual). However, I firmly believe they must exercise those powers in cooperation with, and in partnership with, their department heads, elected officials and the community at large with communication, common sense, transparency and facts. All while keeping in mind, county home rule cannot be inconsistent with the laws of the General Assembly or municipal corporations. This is where county governance and the will of the people can be tricky to navigate and, for me, one of the most difficult to understand and accept.

What is the most important issue currently facing the residents of District 3, and what actions can be taken to address it?

Hovden: Upgrading, maintaining and possibly restoring our roadways and bridges.

Winneshiek County is a beautiful area that attracts many visitors. We need to provide safe and easy travel. As far as residents in District 3 are concerned, I would say we are all in this together and what’s good for some has to be good for all.

Listening, explaining and respectfully discussing the county’s challenges is the only path forward that makes sense to me.

Vermace: One of my colleagues and I both pushed for

the Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Commission to begin researching and writing ordinance language to allow Auxiliary Dwelling Units to be constructed in Winneshiek County to help alleviate the housing crisis facing our current residents and others wanting to move to our beautiful county. By allowing our current residents in the county to add housing within a new shed or build a smaller, close-by or connected home for their parents, siblings, grandparents or a new young family who want to work and raise their kids in this county, we can build a beloved community and be more welcoming to new residents; we can better care for and help grow our community. The water quality of northeast Iowa is in jeopardy with over 356 of the 1,452 private wells tested in Winneshiek County showing elevated levels of nitrate; 607 of those wells showed elevated bacteria levels (source: ewg.org/interactive-maps/2019_iowa_wells/ map and Iowa DNR). We must, as a larger community, have critical conversations about the protection of our water, soil and air, while at the same time find ways to support our agricultural industries and farm families.

Water is life, and we all depend on it. Many of you reading this article may remember last year’s Winneshiek County Resources Study conducted by Luther College, with round table discussions held throughout the county. Attendees to those sessions included business owners, many farmers and urban citizens. Although the final study is yet to be presented, what we are seeing in the data is that the number one concern of the majority of attendees, including farmers, was water. We must address this issue as a whole community, with everyone at the table.

When the board members aren’t unanimous in their views on a particular topic, what do you feel is the most important factor in reaching a decision?

Hovden: When a decision is not unanimous, it presents a valuable opportunity for further education on a topic to reach a consensus. It’s important to understand why people have differing opinions. I will always listen carefully to the views and ideas of all taxpayers.

Vermace: Four things - facts, community trust, common sense and transparency. County supervisors must be committed to open meetings laws, follow legal policies and procedures, work with intention to avoid any optics of collusion on decisions before the board, do their homework to find facts and data on which to base their decisions and approach each decision humbly, knowing we don’t know everything about each topic before us. I have asked that our meetings be officially recorded, saved and uploaded to YouTube for our community to view at their leisure. To date, I have been unsuccessful in getting this done, but I won’t give up — Deepest of gratitude to the private citizen who is spending every Monday morning of their time recording our meetings and uploading them for all to see and has been doing that for more than two years. Most folks cannot attend a Monday morning meeting. They are at work. I want this community to have the opportunity to see and hear all board meetings; the discussion leading up to board votes is just as important as the vote itself. Of course we may disagree on votes occasionally.

That is how county government works. But we must strive to be sure our votes and discussions

DANIEL LANGRECK

City of residence: Ossian Occupation: Auto-technician and shop owner Family: Lori Langreck (wife); two children: Austin (Nicole) Tieskoetter and Elizabeth (Kristian) Edman; and one granddaughter Oaklyn Edman

CHERYL WIESELER

City of residence: Decorah Occupation: Small business owner/baker at Cluck Ewe Farm and Bakery Family: Husband Monte Wieseler, and three adult children

ing to listen to opposing views and consider both sides of the issue thoughtfully. In some cases, supervisors should also be willing to table a decision to allow time to gather more information and explore options in order to make the most informed and best decision for the county and those who live here.

What do you see as your opponent’s best quality and why?

Langreck: In all fairness to Cheryl, without knowing her or her background, I admire her willingness to run as a candidate to serve the people.

Wieseler: I don’t know Mr. Langreck personally, but I admire his willingness to commit time to public service, both in his role as county supervisor and his role on the Ossian City Council. Mr. Langreck is a business owner and, as a business owner myself, I recognize that it often isn’t a 40 hour per week job - far from it. County supervisors, in addition to being on the board, also serve on multiple additional county boards and committees as part of their duties and responsibilities. All of these assignments mean an additional time commitment and more to juggle. Not many people are willing to commit the time it takes to serve in public office and anyone who does should be thanked for their service.

DAN HOVDEN

City of residence: Decorah Occupation: Food producer/ grower Family: Married 30 years to Sally Mallam. We have three grown children.

SHIRLEY VERMACE

City of residence: Decorah Occupation: District 3 Supervisor, Winneshiek County Family: Spouse Mike and three grown children: Charlie (Becca), Ed and Ruth Anne

are based on facts, research and input from all the right people who know more than we do about a specific topic. We must be humble enough to admit we don’t know everything and need to learn from our community, our employees, and other organizations and experts. We also must strive to remain professional and respectful with our community and with each other in our meetings. We work for you - we collect our pay and benefits from each of you, from the taxpayers of Winneshiek County. We must earn that and keep professional decorum in that room.

What do you see as your opponent’s best quality and why?

Hovden: She is very devoted to her viewpoints and, although we differ in our beliefs, I respect her strong convictions.

Vermace: I don’t personally know Dan Hovden well enough to answer this question. He graduated several years before me from Decorah High School.

I can only assume that he is a good neighbor and friend to many in the region, as the Hovden family has been in this area for a long time. Like so many area families, individuals and businesses in Winneshiek County, the Hovden family should be commended for their contributions to this community in many ways over many years.

NEWS

Election and winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov/departments/auditor/election-information | | | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221 DECORAH LEADER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM can confirm whether they are registered to vote by visiting voter information Voters sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/regtovote/search.aspx.

All polling site locations, forms and other election-related information can be found at

away, but Steines said early votes aren’t counted in Iowa until Election Day. Steines said voters can register as they come to vote.

“If they’re voting by mail, they’d just need to send in their registration form with their ballot,” he said.

The county auditor said different procedures will go into effect after Oct. 21 — the deadline for voters to pre-register — in order to protect election integrity.

“People can still register when they come in, but they also have to bring a secondary proof of residency — where they live,” Steines said. “If their driver’s license is current, they may not need a second form.

But, if they haven’t updated their driver’s license, then they may need to bring in a secondary proof of residency — like a bank statement, payroll stub, utility bill, copy of their lease or their homestead tax credit filing that shows where they live.”

This same policy applies on Election Day — voters may

need proof of identification and proof of residency to vote.

Steines said that has been the law for about the last 20 years.

He said, prior to that, if a person wasn’t registered to vote by the pre-registration deadline, they simply couldn’t vote.

“It’s easier to get registered

by Oct. 21, because when you go to vote, they’ll just scan your ID, and you’ll get your ballot quicker,” he said. “If you aren’t registered by Oct. 21, it’s still possible to vote, it’s just going to take a couple minutes longer, and you’ll have to show additional paperwork.”

Steines said voters should check to make sure of the correct locations of their polling sites, because they can change between presidential elections.

“Years that end in 0, we have a census,” he explained. “Years that end in 1, we do a redistricting, and years that end in 2 is when the new polling sites and precincts go into effect.”

The auditor also said that this election cycle is different because of township trust-

ee elections and the Decorah Community Schools bond issue. Normally, the county has 30 different ballots in a general election, Steines said, but there will be 38 different ballots in Winneshiek County this year.

“That can be complicated — making sure each person gets the right ballot,” he said. “The voter doesn’t need to know which ballot they need. We know based on their address.

So they’ll be issued the correct ballot depending on where they live, which is why it’s important to have your address updated.”

Steines added that the policy regarding Luther College student voting is the same as the policy for snowbirds and other people with part-time residency — they can either vote locally or at their seasonal home.

“A student, being a part-time resident, has the same voting rights as anyone else,” he said.

“They would follow the same procedures. If they’re pre-registered, they can just vote with an ID like everyone else or, if they’re not, they have to prove

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switched to something more accurate, and Florida was still using them. It’s controversial, because the Constitution basically leaves election administration (up to the states). So, for the most part, states decide how to administer their elections. But, after the 2000 election fiasco, we now have minimum standards for what kinds of election equipment we can even use, and Iowa has always met or exceeded those standards even before they were put into place.”

Steines also emphasized that claims of poll workers attempting to interfere or intimidate voters haven’t found much footing in the state of Iowa.

“I have 60-or-so bipartisan poll workers trained for Election Day, and they’re very helpful,” the county auditor said. “Every polling site is managed by a bipartisan team of poll workers, and they’re your friends and neighbors. I don’t know about other states, but in Iowa, that bipartisan team is the statewide rule.”

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that it’s producing accurate results,” Steines said. “If another state has an issue, they say ‘Let’s see how Iowa does it, and see if we can do it more like them,’ because we are one of the best as far as that goes.”

Steines said he often recalls the 2000 election, when “hanging chads” in Florida caused complications in that year’s presidential race. Floridian voters that year were required to punch out small rectangular perforated pieces of paper next to the candidates for whom they were voting. However, some of the punch-card ballots contained “hanging chads,” which weren’t completely punched out, and other ballots contained dented chads that weren’t punched out at all but appeared to have been the voter’s choice. The resulting confusion caused the refusal of nearly 200,000 ballots.

“That equipment was similar to equipment that Iowa had used 30 or 40 years before,” Steines said. “And, we’d said these machines aren’t good enough and had gotten rid of them and

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their residency and get a letter that shows Luther as their landlord.”

Steines said voter fraud and election interference — topics over which some public officials at various levels have expressed concern in recent years — are not issues Winneshiek County has experienced, and he added that Iowa is the gold standard for election security to which other states aspire.

“There can be bad actors anywhere,” Steines said. “We have a lot of training, and we do extensive testing of every machine, and those are not connected to the internet. After the machines are used, they’re sealed so you actually have to break the seal to get the results.”

The procedure for protecting the votes has multiple redundancies in place, which Steines said work together and make it virtually impossible for any kind of interference to occur.

“We have very stringent policies and laws to verify that our equipment is certified for use, that it’s working correctly and

continued from front

3. In order to eliminate ties in the contest, all entries must include answers to the two tiebreakers.

4. In the event of a three-way tie for first place, first and second prize money will be divided equally between each of the tying contestants.

5. When there is a tie for second place in the contest, second place money and third place money will be divided equally among the

persons tying for second place.

6. The contest is open to everyone, except employees of the Enterprise Media and their families.

7. Each person is allowed only one ballot.

8. Winner will be announced in a news story after the preceding weekly contest.

9. Each entry page must be in the Decorah Leader Office by 4:30 p.m. Friday or submitted online by 2 p.m. Friday.

10. Children age 12 and under not eligible.

11. Winners must claim prize money within 30 days at the Decorah Leader Office at 110 Washington St., Suite 4, Decorah.

ENTRY FORM

Week 6

Early voting

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A-16 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Trojans finish third in UIC

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com

Stretching to make the attack before the West Central defender is Warrior senior Kiara Bullerman during Tuesday’s regular season finale. (Photo by Becky Walz)

SW on a 12-match win streak program and left a legacy that shows that retention is a very simple recipe for a strong program. Thirteen seniors came out and took part in many ways in a three-set sweep of a conference opponent. We appreciate their efforts in leaving our program in a better place for their time in it.”

On the volleyball side of the evening, Holthaus delivered another outstanding evening, with 12 kills on 13 swings and .923 efficiency rating, while being perfect from the service line with three aces. Theis continued to get to everything and delivered 29 assists in her time on the floor, while Holthaus and Britney Hageman added three blocks each on top of 11 and 9 digs respectively from Chloe Wiltgen and Allison Hageman respectively.

“We’re proud of these 13 seniors, their patience, and their contributions to this program both tangible and intangible.

We’d like to thank their parents for all of their support, and belief, in our program. Warrior volleyball is a good place thanks, in large part, to groups like this,” concluded coach Adams.

The momentum is there for the UIC runner-up South Winn volleyball team (19-10, 7-1 UIC) who wrapped up the regular season on a 12-match win streak.

Another “W” The Warriors were able to play three good sets of volleyball Thursday, Oct. 10, winning 3-1 over Clayton Ridge (7-13, 5-3 UIC) in Guttenberg. Set scores were 25-9, 30-32, 25-11 and 25-10.

“The second set, Clayton Ridge came out and played hard, and we sort of fell over ourselves at the end and handed them a set. We bounced back well in sets three and four, but we have some work to do on making in-game adjustments.

Fortunately, we walked away with a 3-1 victory and some things to continue to improve on,” said co-head coach Ethan Adams. “We need to tidy some things up to be ready to make a postseason run, which we really believe we can.”

Freshman Bailey Kuennen had another outstanding evening, tallying 15 kills, while her counterpart at the outside hitter position, Ivey Franzen, tallied another 11 kills. Eight kills a piece by Addison Timp and Britney Hageman, plus five blocks from Britney Hageman were essential as well. Ella Theis handed out 43 assists and led with 13 digs and served 28for-28. Allison Hageman served up five aces and was 16-for-17 at the service line to go with six digs. Chloe Wiltgen was there for 12 digs.

Stats vs. West Central Kills – Holthaus 12; Franzen 10; Kuennen 9; Frana 4; B. Hageman 3; Ad. Timp 3; Theis 1; Bullerman 1 Assists – Theis 29; Kali Kleve 1; Wiltgen 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – B. Hageman (3-0); Holthaus (3-0); Theis (2-0); Franzen (2-0); Kuennen (1-1); Kelsey Timp (1-0); Frana (10); Bullerman (1-0) Digs – Wiltgan 11; Al. Hageman 9; Theis 4; Luzum 4; Ad. Timp 2; Franzen 2; Ellie Knutson 1; Frana 1; Holthaus 1; Kuennen 1 Serving (success/attempts) – K. Timp (2-2); Knutson (1-1); Theis (12-14); Al. Hageman (11-12); Frana (2-3); Holthaus (14-14); Au. Hageman (3-4); Luzum (3-4); Al. Timp (0-1); Wiltgen (9-9) Aces – Holthaus 3; Theis 2; Al. Hageman 1; Luzum 1; Wiltgen 1

Stats vs. Clayton Ridge Kills – Bailey Kuennen 15; Ivey Franzen 11; Britney Hageman 8; Addison Timp 8; Alyssa Holthaus 6; Bailee Frana 2; Ella Theis 1; Allison Hageman 1 Assists – Theis 43; Chloe Wiltgen 5; Alyssa Timp 1 Blocks (assist-solo) – B. Hageman (3-2); Kuennen (2-0); Theis (1-0); Frana (1-0); Holthaus (1-0) Franzen (1-0); Kiara Bullerman (1-0) Digs – Theis 13; Wiltgen 12; Aubrey Hageman 8; Avery Luzum 7; Al. Hageman 6; Ad. Timp 4; Holthaus 3; Frana 1; B. Hageman 1 Serving (success/attempts) – Theis (28-28); Al. Hageman (16-17); Holthaus (13-14); Au. Hageman (911); Luzum (17-19); Al. Timp (0-1); Wiltgen (7-8) Aces – Al. Hageman 5; Luzum 4; Holthaus 2; Au. Hageman 1; Wiltgen 1

Senior celebration Tuesday night was a great night celebrating the 13 seniors on the Warrior squad as South Winn defeated West Central (620, 2-6 UIC)) in three sets. Set scores were 25-19, 25-11 and 25-21.

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AA lot has transpired for the Turkey Valley Trojan volleyball team in the past week or so.

The Trojans and co-head coaches Ashley Walz and Tammy Vrzak helped guide their Trojans to a third-place finish in the Upper Iowa Conference standings after finishing off the league portion of their slate with a three-set sweep over West Central and a win in four at MFL MarMac. This is the second year in a row that the Trojans have gone 6-2 in league play and finished third in the league standings.

Last week The Trojans won in three games over West Central on Tuesday, Oct. 8 by scores of 25-7, 25-8 and 25-12. TV had to go four games to outlast the Bulldogs of MFL – 20-25, 2522, 25-20 and 26-24.

“The girls came to play ball.

They gelled on the court and came up with three-straight wins,” Vrzak said of the West Central Match in Maynard.

TV played in the Riceville Invite this past Saturday, but those match results and stats were not available as the Tribune went to press.

TV senior Layni Schuchhardt and junior Annika Bodensteiner each tabulated nine kills apiece in the West Central match. Trojan junior setter Addison Steinlage dished out 26 assists and senior libero Morgan Vsetecka came up with 16 digs. Karstyn Lukes, another junior for the Trojans, notched 10 digs.

TV was 70-of-73 serving against the 6-18 Blue Devils.

Steinlage was 15-for-15 serving and continued her mastery in the serving department. She is 264-of-266 serving this fall, good for a 99.2 percent efficiency through 25 matches tabulated thus far on gobound.com.

Kinsey Reicks (left) and Delaney Busta led the Trojans throughout the season in blocks during the season where Turkey Valley finished third in the Upper Iowa Conference.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Dons run roughshod over Trojans

Area high school and A-R-C football standings Class 4A District 2 Decorah Western Dubuque Waverly-Shell Rock Marion Mason City Waterloo East

District Overall 3-0 7-0 2-1 5-2 2-1 4-3 1-2 2-5 0-3 2-5 1-2 2-5

Last week Decorah 56, Marion 14 Waterloo East 10, Western Dubuque 42 Waverly-Shell Rock 40, Mason City 15 This week Decorah vs. Western Dubuque Mason City vs. Marion Waverly-Shell Rock vs. Waterloo East Next week Decorah at Waterloo East Marion vs. Waverly-Shell Rock Western Dubuqe vs. Mason City

Class A District 3

The Trojan offensive line helped struggled Friday night against the No. 3 Don Bosco defense in the 62-0 district loss. Pictured is Hunter Kruse (with the ball), Jordan Kriener, Tucker Reicks and Logan Busta. (Photo courtesy of Leah Kruse)

No matter how the 17-point tiebreaker shakes out – Turkey Valley needs to win Friday night to have a chance to secure a ninth game this fall and a coveted playoff berth.

The Trojan football team was a heavy underdog at Gilbertville last week against No. 4 Don Bosco (7-0 5-0). The Dons proved that prediction right as they rolled past coach Mark Scott’s squad to post a 62-0 shutout victory in 8-Man, District 3 play.

Don Bosco rolled up 370 yards of rushing in the contest and led 35-0 after one quarter of play.

“We need to improve our tackling,” said coach Scott.

chance to claim one of two atlarge berths 8-Man awards.

TV (3-4, 3-2) won last year’s Riceville game in a defensive slugfest, 14-8, to nab one of those two at-large bids a year ago.

Riceville is 6-1 overall and 4-1 in league play. Kee High is 5-2 overall and 4-2 in the district as the Hawks have already completed district competition and play at non-district foe Edgewood-Colesburg this Friday. Riceville defeated Kee, 65-44, back in September.

Kee High defeated TV, 58-28, during the regular season.

Don Bosco – which has already locked up the district crown — plays at home versus Waterloo Christian (2-5, 1-4) in its last game of the regular season Friday.

Still a chance Now the task at hand for the veteran coach is to regroup his Trojans and earn win at home versus Riceville this week if TV wants to play in the postseason.

A win over the Wildcats could force a three-way tie to determine second and third place in district play between those Wildcats and Kee High.

The 17-point tiebreaker will determine two of the automatic qualifiers from TV’s district. If TV does not snare one of those postseason spots, it still has a

A little review The Don defense racked up seven tackles for loss and held TV to just 76 yards rushing on 27 carries.

Logan Busta, TV’s junior signal caller, led the Trojans in rushing with 34 yards on 10 carries. Busta also threw for 61 yards. Five of his completions went to his favorite target – junior wideout J.D. Kruse. Kruse hauled in 30 receiving yards.

Kaden Schmidt, a sophomore who was limited to 16 yards rushing last Friday, is TV’s

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com

Kreitzer takes top prize week five

Cresco’s Wayne Kreitzer submitted only the second perfect entry this season of the Pigskin Picks football contest last week to take the top prize.

Two entries missed one game. By virtue of the first tie breaker, Mark Cline of Decorah claimed second. Cline guessed 66 as the most points scored in a single game and it was 62 by Don Bosco, so the Decorah entrant was just four away. Allen Goeke of Waukon also missed one game but had guessed 57 and was five away to earn third.

Some of the most commonly missed games were South Winn surviving North Tama, Iowa pouncing on Washington and Drake defeating Butler.

leading rushing with 559 yards.

He’s scored 10 touchdowns on the ground – which is fifth-best in the district.

Kruse (6.5 tackles) and sophomore Jordan Kriener (6 tackles) led the TV defense. Hugo Busta recovered a fumble in the contest as well.

Hunter Kruse, a junior who came up with five tackles on the interior line, talked about how setbacks can focus in on what the Trojans need to fix on both sides of the ball. That will not only be beneficial for TV the rest of 2024, but into 2025 also.

TV has no seniors on its roster.

“A loss exposes what you don’t do right and what you need to get better at,” said Kruse. “Whether a win or a loss, we still see things that we have to improve on. That’s what’s going to help us learn for this coming season and into next year as well.”

TURKEY VALLEY STATS Rushing - Logan Busta 10-34, Parker Reicks 7-13, Kaden Schmidt 6-16, Caleb Kriener 3-15, Hugo Busta 1-(-2).

Passing - L. Busta 7-16-61.

Receiving - J.D. Kruse 5-30, Reicks 1-8, Tucker Reicks 1-5.

Tackles - Kruse 6.5, Jordan Kriener 6, Hunter Kruse 5, Schmidt 2.5, L. Busta 2, H. Busta 1.5, Eli Holthaus 1.5, Traejin Keel 1.

Tackles for loss - Holthaus 0.5.

Fumble recoveries - H. Busta.

Kick returns - J.D. Kruse 4-15.5.

Kickoffs - J. Kriener 1-32.

Punts - J.D. Kruse 7-17.9.

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

District Overall 4-1 5-2 4-2 4-3 4-1 5-2 3-2 3-4 2-3 4-3 1-4 1-6 0-5 1-6

Last week South Winn 44, North Tama 36 AGWSR 21, Belmond-Klemme 26 BCLUW 0, Wapsie Valley 46 Nashua-Plainfield 0, North Butler 22 This week South Winn at BCLUW North Butler vs. AGWSR North Tama at North Mahaska Wapsie Valley vs. Nashua-Plainfield Next week Playoffs begin - TBD

Class 8-Player District 3 Don Bosco Kee Riceville Turkey Valley Central Elkader Waterloo Christian West Central

District Overall 5-0 7-0 4-2 5-2 4-1 6-1 3-2 3-4 1-4 2-5 1-4 2-5 0-4 0-7

Last week Turkey Valley 0, Don Bosco 62 Kee 44, Central Elkader 0 Riceville 57, Waterloo Christian 0 West Central 7, Springville 49 This week Turkey Valley vs. Ricveville Kee at Ed-Co Central Elkader vs. West Central Don Bosco vs. Waterloo Christian Next week Playoffs begin - TBD

American Rivers Conference

Conference Overall Coe 4-0 6-0 Wartburg 3-0 4-1 Dubuque 2-1 2-3 Central 2-2 4-2 Simpson 2-2 3-3 Nebraska Wesleyan 1-2 2-3 Buena Vista 1-3 1-5 Loras 1-3 1-5 Luther 0-3 1-4 Last week Luther 13, Loras 48 Coe 16, Central 13 Buena Vista 21, Wartburg 70 Simpson 21, Nebraska Wesleyan 14 This week Luther at Central Loras vs. Dubuque Nebraska Wesleyan vs. Coe Wartburg vs. Simpson Next week Luther vs. Nebraska Wesleyan Coe vs. Wartburg Dubuque vs. Central Simpson vs. Buena Vista

Coming up in area high school sports Oct. 17 – Dec fb at Western Dubuque-Epworth (JV), 6 p.m.; SW/TV g/b xc at UIC meet (Elkader), 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 – Dec fb vs. Western Dubuque-Epworth (9th/V), 5 p.m.; SW fb at BCLUW (V), 7 p.m.; TV fb vs. Riceville (V), 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 – Dec vb at NEIC tnmt. (V in Cresco), 9 a.m.; Dec g swim at conf. meet (Grinnell), 12 p.m.

Oct. 21 – TV vb vs. Kee (Rd. 1), 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 – Dec vb vs. Waterloo East (Rd. 1), 7 p.m.

Oct. 23 – Dec g/b xc at State Qualifying (TBA), 4 p.m.; SW fb vs. Osage (Rd. 2), 7 p.m.; TV vb vs. Nashua-Plainfield/ Northwood-Kensett (Rd. 2 at N-P), 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 - SW/TV g/b xc at State Qualifying (TBA), 4 p.m.

SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221A-17

Big match with Western Dubuque Friday District title on the line for Vikes

After the first quarter, no one could predict what was to come as the Decorah football team (70, 3-0) came together to dominate the gridiron at Marion (2-5, 1-2) Friday night, picking up its seventh win of the season and remaining undefeated in district play, 57-14.

The win sets up a big showdown in Decorah as the Vikings host Western Dubuque (5-2, 2-1) in what could be the link to claiming the Class 4A District 2 title.

“Our kids did a great job of being patient and sticking together during the first quarter of the game. Marion came out and was extremely aggressive and physical on defense. They are very good on that side of the ball. Our defense and special teams were outstanding all night and once we got our offense going good things started to happen,” said coach Mike Tangen. “I am really proud of our group and the team that we are becoming. They truly have come together and play for each other. The results are great but I am more excited about how we have been preparing during the week and the way our guys care about each other and play for each other.”

Solid defense After a scoreless first quarter, the Vikings finally got in the end zone with a 64-yard pass from Louis Bucksa to Will Larson at the 9:36 mark. Less than a minute later, the Marion Wolves had their own long strike for a 79-yard touchdown pass, knotting the score 7-7.

From there it was a flurry of scoring for Decorah as Trev-

nen provided five solo and three assists stops.

Louis Bucksa

Trevor Kuennen

or Kuennen came up with an interception and Bucksa fired a bullet to Noah Milburn for a 25-yard touchdown pass. On top 14-7, Bucksa threw another strike, this time to Tommy Sexton for a 16-yard touchdown with 4:11 remaining. Kuennen came up with a big pick-six and his second interception of the game, just one play into the Wolves’ possession at the 4:10 mark giving Decorah a 29-7 lead. However, the Vikings were far from done in the second as Gavin Groux caught an 11-yard pass with 1:17 to play, giving Decorah a 36-7 lead at halftime.

Having already thrown a quartet of touchdown passes, it was Bucksa’s time to score in the third as the senior quarterback plunged through the defense from the Wolves’ 1-yard line putting Decorah on top 437. Sexton put the exclamation point on the quarter just over a minute later with his own picksix.

With the point spread over 35, the continuous clock was set in motion, allowing Decorah to run the time down with its rushing game as many players came off the sidelines to

Tommy Sexton

pick up minutes on the gridiron.

Stepping into the quarterback role, Tanner Caddell eventually weaved through traffic for a 38yard touchdown run and conclude the scoring for the Vikes who had scored 50 unanswered points. Marion managed one more time to enter the end zone with 55 ticks on the clock after its inability to stop Decorah through the middle part of the game.

Doing enough The Vikes passed for 239 yards and had 345 total. Marion picked up 320 yards.

Will Larson led the offense with 94 yards receiving on three catches while Gavin Groux caught two passes for 62 yards.

Tanner Caddell led the ground force with four carries for 61 yards while Louis Bucksa completed 9-of-13 passes for 239 yards and four scores.

It was a group defensive effort with Trevor Kuennen and Tommy Sexton picking off two passes each. Both Vikings scored on one of their interceptions. Sexton led the tackle charts as well with six solo and four assists tackles with a pair of solo stops for a loss. Kuen-

Maintaining the lead It will be a big battle Friday in the final regular season home game of the year.

Western Dubuque is averaging 22.0 points per game while the Vikes have put up 34.0 points per game. Defensively, Decorah is giving up 12.57 points a night while the Bobcats are allowing 14.29. Western Dubuque has won the last two matchups; however, the Vikings lead the series 8-4 and will look to remain on top of the district.

Decorah Marion

1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 0 36 14 7 0 7 0 7

F 57 14

Game stats Total yards: Decorah 345; Marion 320 Passing (comp/att/yds): Louis Bucksa (9-13, 239 yds., 4 TDs) Rushing (att/yds): Tanner Caddell (4-61, 1 TD); Gavin Groux (424); Will Larson (4-15); Mason Avila (4-12); Bucksa (1-1, 1 TD); Trevor Kuennen (3-(-4)); Archer Sims (3-(2)) Receiving (att/yds/TD): Larson (3-94, 1 TD); Groux (2-62, 1 TD); Carter Dlhy (1-35); Noah Milburn (125, 1 TD); Tommy Sexton (1-16, 1 TD); Kuennen (1-7) Tackles (total): Sexton (8.0); Kuennen (6.5); Landon Quandahl (5.0); Jackson Pipho (4.5); Gatlin Dahlberg (4.0); William Hahn (3.5); Groux (2.5); Jameson LaBelle (2.5); Dlhy (2.0); Bradan Darling (2.0); Ian Giddings (2.0); Larson (1.5); Kade O’Hara (1.5); Henry Brynsaas (1.5); Keaton Orris (1.5); Joshua Adam (1.0); Avila (1.0); Nathan Friend (1.0); Cash Riehle (1.0); Anthony Putnam (!.0); Caleb Krieg (0.5); Caddell (0.5); Luke Franzen (0.5); Caleb Johnson (0.5) Interceptions (no/return yds): Sexton (2-69, 1 TD); Kuennen (231, 1 TD) Punts (att/yds): Milburn (4-172) Punt returns (att/yds): Avila (362) Kick-offs (att/yds): Brayden Wemark (9-452 yds., 2 TB, 7-7 PAT) Kick-off returns (att/yds): Avila (1-24)

Gliding through the water in a home meet earlier this season is Bridget Bentley. Last week the senior finished 13th in the 100 freestyle at Linn-Mar. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Bucksa earns pair of silvers The season is winding down for the Decorah girls’ swim and dive team with just one regular season meet on the docket before the conference meet. The Vikings traveled to Linn-Mar Tuesday, Oct. 8, to compete in a double dual with the host and Iowa City West. Decorah fell to Linn-Mar 122 to 56 and Iowa City West 143 to 37.

Highlighting the night for the Vikes were double runner-up finishes for Liz Bucksa. The sophomore touched the wall in 26.21 seconds in the 50 freestyle and later took silver in the 100 freestyle in 56.61 seconds.

In 4:00.45, the 400 freestyle relay had the next best finish with a bronze. Members of that team were Bucksa, Bella Sailor, Grace Baker and Jenna Schissel.

Baker and Sailor were also in the top five in the short 50 freestyle, taking fourth and fifth respectively. Baker posted a time of 27.08 seconds while Sailor wrapped up the speed race in 27.31 seconds. In 1:09.23, Sailor later took fifth in the 100 butterfly. Schissel, a freshman, was fifth in the 100 freestyle in 59.16 seconds.

Decorah will wrap up its regular portion of the season

Thursday, Oct. 24, at Algona at 5:30 p.m.

Individual race results 200 medley relay – 8. Lauren Holthaus, Sophia Gardner, Annika Becker, Liv Anderson, 2:28.60 200 free – 6. Jenna Schissel 2:12.94; 12. Reagan Lubahn 2:40.40; 13. Allia Ericksen 2:41.94 200 IM – 7. Naomi Kutz 2:43.21; 12. Anderson 3:06.13 50 free – 2. Liz Bucksa 26.21; 4.

Grace Baker 27.08; 5. Bella Sailor 27.31; 12. Holthaus 29.74; 13. Bridget Bentley 29.99; 14. McKenna Demaray 31.16; 15. Adeline Bollinger 31.54; 16. Jena Peters 31.58; 17.

Becker 31.99; 18. Ana Simon 32.49; 21. Stella Pole 33.86; 22. Kinley Leliefield 35.89; 23. Esme Cuevas 35.90; 26. Margaret Hahn 37.84 1 mtr. diving – 7. Ava Carolan 143.30 100 fly – 5. Sailor 1:09.32; 10.

Bollinger 1:33.58 100 free – 2. Bucksa 56.61; 5.

Schissel 59.16; 9. Baker 1:01.72; 13. Bentley 1:07.80; 16. Kate Pattison 1:14.48; 18. Addison Lickiss 1:15.69; 19. Leliefield 1:15.99; 20.

Pole 1:18.43; 21. Cuevas 1:22.28; 23. Hahn 1:23.53 500 free – 7. Kutz 6:17.07; 10.

Erickson 7:32.99; 12. Simon 7:34.22 200 free relay – 8. Bucksa, Sailor, Baker, Schissel, 2:24.70; 10.

Pole, Bollinger, Cuevas, Becker, 2:28.60 100 back – 11. Holthaus 1:20.91; 12. Peters 1:33.08; 13. Pattison 1:35.27 100 breast – 10. Demaray 1:26.50; 11. Gardner 1:28.64; 12.

Anderson 1:32.27; 14. Lickiss 1:35.76 400 free relay – 3. Bucksa, Sailor, Baker, Schissel, 4:00.45; 9. Simon, Holthaus, Demaray, Gardner, 4:41.90

Streeter rushes over 300 yards for South Winn

A defensive stop in the red zone during the final 30 seconds ensured the Warriors’ 44-36 victory over North Tama Friday night in Calmar. The win moves the South Winn football team to 3-2 in the district and guarantees a playoff bid in Class A with one game left in the regular season.

“We got off to a fast start, and our running game led by Carson Streeter kept us in the lead the entire game. Our kids blocked very well giving us over 400 yards rushing. We had four freshmen playing significant time on both sides of the ball and I couldn’t be prouder of how they rose to the challenge,” said coach Jason Ohrt.

“This was a nice win for our seniors as this was most likely their last home game. There are a lot of good football teams in Class A and to earn a shot in the

post season is always a challenge every year. We’re hoping to continue this momentum and finish the regular season on a high note as we prepare for the playoffs.”

Scoring bonanza Although the game came down to the wire, there were highlights throughout Friday’s game, especially from the junior duo of Carson Streeter and Kyle Kuboushek who combined for all six of the Warriors’ touchdowns and 21.5 total tackles.

Coach Ohrt provided North Tama with a new look as Streeter took the snaps Friday night in place of Braiden Todd who was moved to the backfield. Streeter and Kuboushek moved the ball efficiently on the opening possession with the latter capping off the drive in the end zone as

ABOVE LEFT: Carson Streeter prepares to give the North Tama defender a stiff arm during one of his 18 carries Friday night.

Streeter did it all as he ran for over 300 yards, passed for 56, had eight total tackles and was 6-for-6 in PATs to go with seven kick-offs for 312 yards. ABOVE RIGHT: Andres Macario (21) and Braiden Todd work together to bring down a Redhawk.

(Photos by Becky Walz) he ploughed ahead three yards with 5:42 left on the clock in the first. A trio of North Tama penalties gave the Warriors the pigskin back just over two minutes later, and Streeter wove in

The North Tama defense will do anything including stretching Kyle Kuboushek’s jersey to the max to stop the Warrior junior from scoring Friday night. It didn’t work this time nor two others as Kuboushek carried the ball into the end zone for three scores and tallied 83 yards rushing.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

and out of traffic 67 yards to the house, putting South Winn on top 15-0.

Playing an up-tempo offense, the Redhawks made their way into the endzone less than two minutes into the second. However, Streeter once again turned on the jets for another long run.

This time it was a 68-yard carry for the junior for his second score of the night and a 22-8 lead for the Warriors. North Tama’s Kolt Knaack continued to give the South Winn defense trouble as he picked up yard after yard on carries, eventually plummeting over the goal line with 3:48 left in the half to narrow the margin to 22-14. Both teams would tack on scores in the final 3:44 with Kuboushek scoring again for the Warriors with 2:27 remaining to make it 29-22 in favor of South Winn at halftime.

South Winn’s defense forced the Redhawks to turn the ball over on downs at the 9:10 mark of the third and the offense opened a hole for Kuboushek to score for the third time with 7:25 remaining allowing the Warriors’ a comfortable 36-22 advantage. That is until the final minute when the rushing game of North Tama pushed its way into the end zone. That made it

36-30 for South Winn.

With 9:27 left to play, Streeter broke out into an open field to score his third touchdown of the game from the Redhawk 48-yard line giving South Winn a little more breathing room with a 44-30 advantage. Trailing by two scores, North Tama switched to a hurry-up offense, scoring just over two minutes later, making it 44-36. South Winn’s lone punt of the game came with 3:26 remaining, giving the Redhawks ample time to move the pigskin, and that they did. North Tama raced into the red zone sitting at the Warrior 12-yard line in the closing minute. A series of incomplete passes and stellar Warrior defense eventually eliminated the Redhawk threat as South Winn got the ball on downs with 25 seconds remaining to secure the win.

Individual notes The Warriors had 457 total yards. Of that, 401 came from the run.

Streeter, perhaps saving a career night, carried the ball 18 times for 307 yards. He also completed one pass for 56 yards. Defensively, Streeter had five solo and two assisted stops.

Kuboushek went 83 yards on

17 carries and led the Warriors with 14 solo and three assisted tackles. Todd was there for 11 solo and two assisted tackles with two tackles for a loss. He also caught the lone pass from Streeter for 56 yards receiving.

Eric Greve provided seven solo tackles and one assisted stop.

Finale The Warriors will wrap up the regular season on the road at BCLUW Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. The Comets are 1-6 overall.

1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q N. Tama 0 22 8 6 South Winn 15 14 7 6

F 36 44

Game stats Total yards: South Winn 457; North Tama 500 Passing (comp/att/yds): Carson Streeter (1-2, 56 yds.)

Rushing (att/yds): Streeter (18307, 3 TD); Kyle Kuboushek (1783, 3 TD); Braiden Todd (1-6); Eric Greve (2-5) Receiving (att/yds/TD): Todd (1-56) Tackles (total): Kuboushek (15.5); Todd (12.0); Greve (7.5); Streeter (6.0); Gavin Feickert (5.5); Brandon Kriener (4.0); Andres Macario (3.5); Ayden Hovden (3.0); Tristen Bodensteiner (3.0); Yahir Macario (1.0); Ayden Palafox (1.0); Logan Tieskoetter (0.5); Ray Lienau (0.5) Punts (att/yds): Streeter (1-37) Kick-offs (att/yds): Streeter (7312, 4-4 PAT) Kick-off returns (att/yds): Greve (5-35)

SPORTS

A-18 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221 Winning the NEIC title and claiming seven all-conference honors Tuesday for the Class 3A No. 6 Decorah boys’ cross country team were (l-r) Oak Pasche, Landyn Hook, Garrett See, Grant Zilka, Davis Coppola, Mitchell Stemper and D’mitry Lesser.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

The Class 3A No. 14 Decorah girls’ varsity cross country runners are all smiles after winning the conference title Tuesday night at Luther College. Members included (l-r) Leah Garcia-Prats, Deborah Hougen, Brinlee Courtney, Amelia Wadsworth, Olivia Volkmann, Raelyn Newhouse and Riley Chrisopher.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Vikings reign at NEIC cross country finale Boys’ varsity team results 1. Decorah 26; 2. Waukon 52; 3.

Charles City 64; 4. Crestwood 84; 5.

New Hampton 99 Girls’ varsity team results 1. Decorah 32; 2. Waukon 45; 3.

Crestwood 55; 4. New Hampton 78; 5. Charles City 155

Olivia Volkmann claimed silver in the NEIC girls’ race.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Brinlee Courtney earned her second All-NEIC honor Tuesday. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Garrett See earned bronze in the boys’ NEIC race. (Photo by Becky Walz)

With the future of the Northeast Iowa Conference still hanging in the wind, the cross country teams of the state’s oldest conference converged on the course at Luther College Tuesday night for what is likely the final time.

All girls ran in one race, with the boys in another. The NEIC coaches had to declare their top seven runners for varsity competition prior to the start of the race to avoid running separate junior varsity and varsity races.

At the end of the night when all the scores were tallied, Decorah swept the competition away as the Vikings claimed all of the titles, including the middle school.

Due to a glitch in the timing system during the night, individuals times listed are unofficial at the time of publication.

Seven All-NEIC “Our progress as an entire team has been impressive this season and we had some great runs,” said Viking Boys’ Coach Brad Johansen following the teams’ 29th title win.

Having finished sixth a year ago, Grant Zilka worked his way up to second during this season’s campaign Tuesday night to earn his third NEIC honor. The senior was edged at the line by Crestwood’s Nathan Ahern as the pair virtually crossed the finish line at the same time. Unofficial results posted has Ahern’s time as 16:04.25, while Zilka had 16:04.34.

Earning ninth last season, Garrett See upgraded his time and place as the junior was third in 16:04.42. Mitchell Stemper, D’mitry Lesser and Davis Coppola finished together in the sixth, seventh and eighth places to round out the Vikings’ score.

Stemper was third in the JV race a year ago and improved

his time by over a minute, ahead of Lesser who was 10th last season.

Capping off his senior NEIC campaign with his second NEIC nod was Landyn Hook with a 10th place finish in 17:10.79.

Taking 13th and rounding out the varsity line-up for Decorah was freshman Oak Pasche in 17:42.97.

Six honors Six Lady Vikes earned all-conference honors by placing in the top 15 with an average time of 20:54.18.

“It was a nice night to run and I believe our kids ran with purpose and performed at a high level. We are a young team. The seniors on the team did a great job of leading. The underclassman used this leadership to become more competitive all season. I am proud to be part of a positive, hardworking team,” said Decorah Girls’ Coach Cristy Nimrod.

Olivia Volkmann was the runner-up in 20:14.68 earning her second all-conference honor. The sophomore had been 14th a year ago. Brinlee Courtney earned her second all-NEIC honor as the sophomore crossed the finish line in 20.38.57, good for fifth, moving up a spot from last season.

Riley Chrisopher snared sixth place in a time of 21:02.98, while Raelyn Newhouse posted a time of 21:07.46 to finish eighth. Leah Garcia-Prats and Amelia Wadsworth also grabbed all-NEIC honors finishing 11th and 14th respectively. Garcia-Prats had a time of 21:27.18, while Wadsworth stopped the clock at 21:50.43.

Deborah Hougen rounded out the Viking girls’ roster in 19th overall (17th in team) with her time 22:28.13.

Up next As of press time, the Decorah cross country teams were still awaiting the release of their state-qualifying assignment, a race scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. Check online for where the teams will be competing once the list is

released.

Boys’ individual results (minus top 7) 13. Max Grimstad 17:29.76; 15. Bill Fullhart 17:31.18; 17.

Bennett Coppola 17:45.60; 18.

Spencer Christensen 17:49.18; 19. Clarence Nimrod 17:58.92; 22. Oscar Grimstad 18:20.91; 24. Jack DeLaRosa 18:30.25; 25. Derek Hrdlicka 18:32.46; 26. Kelton Casterton 18:33.80; 29. Kyan Oftedahl 18:39.56; 30.

Liam Huang 18:40.10; 32. Logan Nalean-Carlson 18:46.48; 33.

Oliver Bollinger 18:55.54; 34. Kyle Pattison 18:58.28; 36. Jayven Neubauer 19:03.23; 41. Riley Berns 19:26.07; 43. Ezra Vorvick 19:31.89; 45. Colin Thompson 19:42.90; 46. Esteban Fernandez 19:46.14; 47. Maxwell Goodner 19:48.23; 49. Carson Bohner 20:04.49; 51. Evan Madsen 20:26.03; 53.

Phuong Doan 20:36.36; 57. Nils Peterson 20:40.04; 60. Beau Newhouse 20:48.37; 63. Reid Berns 21:04.07; 65. Owen Rix 21:08.62; 68. Weston Cote 21:12.84; 69.

Van Bassford 21:27.89; 70. Will Robinson 21:37.10; 71. Andrew Olson 21:53.15; 78. Pranav Caton 23:18.16; 80. Oskar Swanson 23:56.82; 81. Dylan Brincks 24:02.08; 87. Wyatt Birdsell 27:32.94; 88. Noah Potvin 28:24.23; 89. Keagan Steines 30:09.76 Girls individual results (minus top 7) 16. Natalie Stevens 22:05.71; 18. Claire Storhoff 22:24.02; 20.

Elsa Johnson 22:29.63; 23. Nora Lesmeister 22:46.52; 24. Addison Quandahl 22:48.67; 25. Olivia Rissman 22:50.98; 27. Ellie Adams 23:04.93; 28. Natalie Goodner 23:05.97; 29. Lulu Bellrichard 23:11.58; 31. Grace Blikre 23:12.46; 35. Vivian Searcy 23:22.28; 39.

Natalie Holthaus 23:40.17; 40.

Simone Downing 23:43.52; 41.

Lillian Dahlen 23:44.82; 44. Grace Huinker 23:55.76; 47. Lauren Severtson 24:29.78; 49. Willow Blair 24:36.08; 50. Marley Harmening 24:37.29; 52. Regine Hougen 24:48.00; 56. Evelyn Opheim 25:03.72; 58. Jillian Volz 25:05.07; 60. McKenzie Riley 25:07.20; 61.

Camryn Quandahl 25:09.40; 69.

Rachel Weis 25:43.66; 70. Alandra Mercado-Arneson 25:46.72; 72.

Brinley Quandahl 25:53.62; 73.

Nina Sessions 25:57.86; 75. Sophia McGee 26:05.01; 77. Emily Myers 26:12.57; 81. Kennedy Carlson 26:46.07; 82. Rachel Spilde-Maki 26:47.36; 88. Poppy Bellrichard 27:13.66; 89 Claire Ko 27:14.10; 91. Teagan Menke 27:16.34; 92.

Margaret Gavle 27:17.85; 94.

Myla Leitz 27:27.04; 103. Kyra O’Hara 28:50.93; 105. Kathy Sitan Muj 29:19.02; 107. Ava Hanson 32:39.12; 109.

Ella Carlson 33:47.10; 110 Charlotte LaBelle

Volleyball postseason starts Monday Brackets for the volleyball postseason were released last week as area teams prepare for tournament action that begins next week.

Decorah is in Class 4A Region 1 and will host the first round Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. The opponent is Waterloo East. The winner will face Charles City Thursday, Oct. 24, in Charles City at 7 p.m.

The regional semifinalists will face off Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. The location will be at the highest ranked team in the last IGHSAU rankings. Other regional opponents include Independence, Waverly-Shell Rock and Xavier.

South Winn is in Class 2A Region 5 and receives a bye in the first round. The Warriors will host Osage at home Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in Calmar. The winner will move to the regional semifinals Monday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. in Sumner. The regional final is

Wednesday, Oct. 30, at a neutral site at 7 p.m. Teams included in Region 5 are MFL MarMac, Postville, Sumner-Fredericksburg, Ogden, South Hamilton, Aplington-Parkersburg, Lake Mills and Belmond-Klemme.

Turkey Valley is in Class 1A and faces Kee in the first round Monday, Oct. 21, in Jackson Junction at 7 p.m. The winner faces the winner of Nashua-Plainfield/Northwood-Kensett Wednesday, Oct. 23, in Nashua at 7 p.m. The regional semifinal is Monday, Oct. 28, in St. Ansgar at 7 p.m., with the regional final Wednesday, Oct. 30, at a neutral site at 7 p.m.

Other teams in the Region 3 bracket include Riceville, Central Elkader, St. Ansgar, North Iowa, West Hancock, Newman Catholic, North Union, West Bend-Mallard, GTRA, Rockford and Bishop Garrigan The state volleyball tournament runs Nov. 4-7 at the Xtreme Arena in Coralville.

Week 8 cross country rankings for Class 1A, 2A, 3A Boys’ team rankings Class 3A – 1. Gilbert; 2. Pella; 3. Des Moines Christian; 4. Mount VernonLisbon; 5. Central DeWitt; 6. Decorah; 7. Clear Creek-Amana; 8. Grinnell; 9.

ADM Adel; 10. Sioux Center; 11. MOC-Floyd Valley; 12. Bondurant-Farrar; 13. Washington; 14. Epworth (Western Dubuque); 15. Carlisle; 16. Davenport Assumption; 17. North Polk; 18. Fort Madison; 19. Nevado; 20. Oskaloosa Class 2A – 1. Mid-Prairie; 2. Denver; 3. Oelwein; 4. Unity Christian; 5. Okoboji; 6. Chariton; 7. Forest City; 8. Spirit Lake; 9. Garner-HayfieldVentura; 10. Waukon; 11. Anamosa; 12. Tipton; 13. Pella Christian; 14.

Jesup; 15. Monticello; 16. Sheldon; 17. Vinton-Shellsburg; 18. Mediapolis; 19. Van Meter; 20. Red Oak Class 1A – 1. Lake Mills; 2. Ogden; 3. Woodbine; 4. Danville; 5. Earlham; 6. Ankeny Christian; 7. Riverside; 8. Sioux Central; 9. Springville; 10. Van Buren; 11. Tri-Center; 12. Columbus Community; 13. ACGC; 14. Baxter; 15.

Lynnville-Sully; 16. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge); 17. Sibley-Ocheyedan; 18.

Newman Catholic; 19. Maquoketa Valley; 20. St. Albert (Council Bluffs) Girls’ team rankings Class 3A – 1. Pella; 2. Mount Vernon-Lisbon; 3. Solon; 4. Fort Madison; 5. Glenwood; 6. Harlan; 7. Sioux Center; 8. Des Moines Christian; 9. Marion; 10. Winterset; 11. MOC-Floyd Valley; 12. ADM Adel; 13. Gilbert; 14. Decorah; 15. Wahlert Catholic; 16. Clear Creek-Amana; 17. North Polk; 18. Ballard; 19. Williamsburg; 20. Center Point-Urbana Class 2A – 1. Van Meter; 2. Mid-Prairie; 3. Forest City; 4. Unity Christian; 5. Tipton; 6. Albia; 7. Pella Christian; 8. Denver; 9. Sumner-Fredericksburg; 10. Hudson; 11. Prairie City; 12. Waukon; 13. Monticello; 14. Crestwood; 15.

Roland Story-Story City; 16. Jesup; 17. Cherokee; 18. Grundy Center; 19.

Osage; 20. MFL MarMac Class 1A – 1. Madrid; 2. Earlham; 3. South Winneshiek; 4. English Valley; 5. Treynor; 6. Lynnville-Sully; 7. ACGC; 8. Martensdale-St. Marys; 9. Panorama; 10. Sioux Central; 11. Logan-Magnolia; 12. Altua-Aurelia; 13. Grand View Christian; 14. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge); 15. Danville; 16.

Maquoketa Valley; 17. Wapsie Valley; 18. Ridge View; 19. Cascade; 20.

Regina

Ella Stille

Ella Stille is a senior member of the Decorah volleyball team who is also involved in track and field and National Honor Society.

Having played in 24 sets, Stille has provided 19 digs and served 50-for-57 with six aces for the Vikings this season.

“Ella has been able to come off the bench several times and delivered some very important serves. She works hard every night in practice and always has a positive attitude. She is always ready to step in and help in any way that she can,” said Decorah Head Volleyball Coach Gina Holthaus.

Ella is the daughter of Brandon and Michelle Stille.

Morgan Vsetecka

Morgan Vsetecka is the libero for the Turkey Valley volleyball team. The senior also participates in golf, softball, yearbook and student senate.

The senior defensive specialist has played in all 61 sets for the Trojans this season and has 333 digs to go with a 91 percent serving percentage (142-of-156) with 21 aces. In addition, Vsetecka has provided 27 assists and seven kills.

“Morgan is one of our senior leaders and one player we rely on heavily as she is on the court at almost all times. She steps up in hitting and setting when we need help or a different look, but really excels in and serving,” said Trojan Co-Head Coach Ashley Walz.

Morgan is the daughter of Michael and Donna Vsetecka.

There’s no place like home.

World-renowned care, provided by Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine and specialty physicians.

Grant Zilka leads the pack of NEIC boys down a straight stretch Tuesday. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Leah Garcia-Prats (left) and Amelia Wadsworth paced each other throughout Tuesday’s race. (Photo by Becky Walz)

WinnMed.org

PROGRESS

2024EDITION Community

PUBLISHED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

BY THE DECORAH LEADER

Community

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

B-2

‘Creating community spaces for people to connect’ Vesterheim continues to expand, creates Vesterheim Commons

The oculus feature in the ceiling of the building’s first floor gathering space was inspired by the lavvu tents used by the Sami people — the indigenous inhabitants of several Scandanavian countries.

The street-facing features of the new Vesterheim Commons were designed to resemble a traditional Norwegian boat.

Vesterheim Museum added Heritage Park to its campus in 2021 before opening the nearby Vesterheim Commons building in 2023. The village features a dozen buildings indicative of Norwegian life during the 1800s.

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BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR When Norwegian Americans began gathering various items to preserve at Luther College in 1877, they likely didn’t expect their efforts to record family and cultural history would result in a museum capable of attracting Norweigan royalty. But grow it did, and that early collection ultimately became the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah — and the local museum has hosted various members of Norway’s royal family at least seven times in almost as many decades.

Vesterheim’s multi-story museum, located near the corner of Water Street and Mill Street, is just part of the nonprofit’s overall campus. The museum added its Heritage Park — an outdoor area where visitors can view a dozen historic buildings indicative of Norwegian life during the 1800s — in 2021, and construction began on the Vesterheim Commons in February of 2022. The nonprofit celebrated the opening of the Vesterheim Commons in late September of 2023.

The new 7,600 square foot building includes three stories as well as an outdoor patio area.

Materials from last year’s dedication event said the commons space unifies the Vesterheim campus by connecting to the Westby-Torgerson Education Center and Vesterheim’s Folk Art School and Museum Store.

The upper stories of the Vesterheim Commons provide additional space for exhibits, and museum materials said “a designated collection access space allows students, researches and artists to get up closed and personal with artifacts.”

Museum officials said portions of the commons building were constructed using regionally sourced brick from Adel, and its timber frame was constructed using Alaskan Yellow Cedar from Alamco Wood Products of Albert Lea, Minne-

The south side of the Vesterheim Commons features a three-story window, which museum officials said represents the limestone bluff striations of the driftless region. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

sota. The building’s street-facing features were designed to resemble a traditional Norwegian boat.

Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski thanked Vesterheim in a statement shared during the 2023 dedication, saying the museum had continued to invest in the local community and noted the opening of the commons came just two years after Heritage Park joined Vesterheim’s campus.

“Both are welcoming additions to our city, creating community spaces for people to connect with each other,” Borowski said.

The first floor gathering space is capable of seating approximately 100 people and features a decorative opening in its ceiling. The museum has dubbed the opening an oculus, saying the opening is meant to resemble the lavvu tents used by the Sami people — the indigenous inhabitants of several Scandanavian countries. There are an estimated 80,000 Sami currently living in northern Scandanavia, according to information from Decorah’s 2024 Nordic Fest.

Vesterheim officials noted Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta also incorporated several other elements into the building’s design as an homage to the heritage on display across the museum’s campus.

“That approach is demonstrated throughout the commons — the historic limestone brick wall restored and incorporated as part of the building, the stunning three-story window that represents the limestone bluff striations of our driftless region and the sustainably-sourced mass timber construction — all within the context of contemporary Scandanavian function and design,” Vesterheim officials said in a joint letter shared as part of the 2023 dedication. “ Admission to the Vesterheim Commons free, and the building is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Community

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PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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 recent completion of two 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. Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said organizers received a total of four applications from local businesses

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

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 during the September ribbon cutting that verbal feedback regarding the parklets has been positive so far. Rilling said the

One of Decorah's two parklets is positioned outside of Blazing Star on Water Street. Each local business owner associated with a parklet may make certain additions as they see fit. (Photo by Samantha Ludeking)

Officials with the city of Decorah and the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce joined with local business people Friday, Sept. 8 to celebrate the establishment of two parklets along Water Street — one outside Blazing Star (pictured) and another outside Sugar Bowl. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Decorah Senior Citizen Hospitality Center sees continued improvements COMPILED BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Decorah’s Senior Citizen Hospitality Center has undergone many improvements over the past several months as part of an ongoing campaign.

The center’s improvement campaign kicked off in mid2022. Senior center volunteer Mary Lou Cotton said the project is divided into three phases, with an estimated total cost between $200,000 and $300,000.

Cotton said she and other volunteers are nearing the end of the project’s second phase and recently received a $12,000 grant from the Winneshiek County Community Foundation to help cover the cost of new appliances. She said the third phase is largely focused on repairing the center’s parking lot, which she said may cost between $40,000 and $60,000.

In late 2023, workers repaired the building’s roof, installed a new front window as well as LED lighting and rebuilt the facility’s two restrooms to make them wheelchair accessible. Crews also installed new drywall and insulation to address mold issues, installed air purifiers to improve air quality, updated plumbing and renovated the old kitchen. Cotton said the previous commercial-style kitchen had previously been in use for about 40 years, and had served as the local meal site kitchen. But she said some of the appliances eventually stopped working, and the kitchen’s built in cupboards were also in need of replacement.

In the spring of 2024, an upgraded fire safety door and ADA entrance railing were installed outside. The center’s interior walls have been painted, and new windows have been installed. Cotton said voluntees are preparing to repaint the exterior of the building – the building’s north wall features a mural, and Cotton said volunteers expect to future of the mural as part of the painting preparations.

New tables and chair were purchased for the center’s card room, and Cotton said volunteers plan to tear out the dated carpet in that room as well – she said discussions on replacing the senior center’s floor are ongoing.

Organizers also hope to make repairs to the building’s gutters, and install smoke detectors.

There are also plans, as funds allow, to improve lighting in the senior center’s parking lot, improve the use of green space and possibly patch the parking lot.

Goedken noted Sugar Bowl had previously created a similar space using cinder blocks 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 organizers are looking into the possibility of adding shade canopies to the two debut parklets.

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Volunteers continue to make improvements at the Decorah Senior Citizen Hospitality Center. Organizers are nearing the end of the improvement project’s second of three phases. LEFT- Senior center volunteer Mary Lou Cotton said plans are in the works to replace the floor of the senior center, and discussions on the particulars are ongoing.

(Photos by Seth Boyes) The center collects nominal dues which help offset the costs of its operation, but the senior center has no foundation or fund on which to rely on for the cost of its one-time remodeling and renovation costs.

“We are working towards transforming our building to meet codes and be a happy and safe place for people to meet,” Cotton said. “This is for the seniors of Winneshiek County — those here at present but mostly for the future.”

The public is welcome to join in any of the senior center’s events, activities or plans, regardless of age or membership to the center. Cotton stressed the activities are not reserved solely for senior citizens. Cotton said the center holds regular events, like card games, craft events, exercise sessions, day trips and educational programs — and she said they’re open to suggestions from the public.

She went on to say such events are often important to members of the senior demographic.

“The seniors in our community have developed over

new downtown features are an example of what some refer to as third places — public 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.

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New tables and chairs were purchased for the senior center’s card room. Volunteers expect to tear out the room’s carpet as well, and discussions regarding the replacement of flooring throughout the building are ongoing. (Photo by Seth Boyes) generations, and our lives have changed in ways we never dreamed of,” Cotton said.

“We’ve learned and experienced so much change, but that’s just the way life is – always changing. But as seniors, what gives us purpose? Social contact, physical activity, good nutrition and learning opportunities. We find all this at the senior center.”

Cotton said the senior center

is always looking for volunteers eager to find their purpose and use their talents.

“We have a board of directors, and individual committees to divide the work into manageable bites,” she said. “Many hands make light work.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit scdecorah.com or call either Mary Lou Cotton at 563-419-4307 or Gerry Sorenson 563-382-2669.

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Community

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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Preliminary plans for the new elementary call for a two-story structure capable of bringing the district’s pre-K classes — currently housed in the West Side Elementary building — under the same roof. If the November bond measure is successful, the elementary project’s design phase is expected to last approximately 10 months, with the school district potentially calling 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. (Rendering courtesy of Emergent Architecture)

November vote could make new elementary a reality for Decorah

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Decorah area voters will be asked to approve a $38 million bond in November to fund the construction of a new school to replace the aging John Cline Elementary.

The public approved a pair of ballot measures in September, which laid some groundwork for the Decorah Community School District’s proposed bond. The September election saw high turnout, as Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines said more than 2,400 ballots were cast before polls closed on election night — more than twice the participation seen during the 2018 vote to consolidate Decorah and North Winneshiek schools.

The September results allowed Decorah Schools to renew its revenue purpose statement, which was set to expire in 2031 and outlines how a given school district will use the 1-cent sales tax funds received from the state. The measure

was approved with about 75 percent support at the polls — needing only 50 to be approved.

The revenue purpose statement will now be extended to 2051, which Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin said will provide the district a financial advantage by allowing the school to bond against the expected sales tax funds.

Decorah area voters also favored an increase in the school district’s debt service levy limit. More than 1,600 votes were cast in support 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 collect an additional 86 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. School officials indicated the average home in Decorah would see a tax increase of $7.96 per month, or $95.47 each year until the bond is paid off. 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.

The voting public will be asked to approve the bond amount itself during the Nov. 5 General Election. That measure will require a little more than 60 percent support at the ballot box as well. If the $38 million bond measure is successful, 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.

‘Now we have the momentum to get started’ 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 of the building in August.

School staff said water often enters portions of the build-

Retired Decorah teacher Judy Moen led tours of John Cline Elementary last week. She pointed out several challenges staff in the aging building face, including water leaks, limited space and some outdated classroom tools. (Photo

by Seth Boyes)

Decorah School Superintendent Tim Cronin (left) spoke to the public during a Sept. 5 forum in the high school auditorium, along with Nick Hildebrandt with Emergent Architecture (right) and Decorah School Board President Cindy Goodner (seated). (Photo

by Seth Boyes)

A survey conducted in April found more than 76 percent of the respondents were in support of constructing a new elementary in Decorah. Those numbers largely played out as two ballot measures related to a $38 million bond to fund the proposed building were approved at the ballot box with 71 and 75 percent support. Voters will head back to the polls Nov. 5 to potentially approve the bond amount itself. (File photo)

ing after heavy rains, whether through the building’s aging roof or through walls standing at the bottom of a nearby hill.

Cronin, who was hired by Decorah Schools in 2022, indicated previous school officials deferred on certain maintenance issues — including the school’s roof — for years, believing a new building was likely to be constructed in the near future. He said replacement of the building’s roof would cost an estimated $500,000 at this point.

“If we had a time machine and we could go back to 2008, maybe we’d say ‘Hey, let’s replace the roof, if we’re not going to have a new school in 20 years,’” Cronin said during the August tours.

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 the August 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. 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 currently 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.

'We’re trying not to build too much, and we’re trying not to build too little’ Preliminary plans for the new elementary call for a two-story structure capable of bringing the district’s pre-K classes — currently housed in the West Side Elementary building — under the same roof. 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 feature a separate 600800 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 during 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 activ-

ities, such as school concerts — drafted plans show the new building’s music room could become a performance stage via a removable wall.

School officials have also factored for the potential growth of the student body. 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 it 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.”

Initial plans for the proposed elementary include what Cronin called a flex space — instruction areas which can serve as additional classrooms if and when an incoming grade level is particularly large.

“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,” Cronin said in September.

The superintendent went on to say the district is also hoping to work with city officials to use Heivly Street — which runs along the south side of the school block — for bus traffic in an effort 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.

Community

Helping Services to celebrate 20 years of Holiday Lights

Helping Services for Youth and Families has hosted its annual Holiday Lights fundraiser since 2005. The event helps pay for the various programs offered by the local nonprofit. (File photo) BELOW- Helping Services for Youth and Families can trace its roots back to a Luther College classroom in 1971. Originally founded as Trouble Line, the nonprofit now provides domestic abuse advocacy, in-home family education, prevention services and a youth mentoring program. (File photo)

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B-5

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The nonprofit Helping Services for Youth and Families has provided services to families in the area since 1973, and for the last 20 years, the Decorah-based organization has been dazzling Decorah with its Holiday Lights fundraiser.

The event is its largest annual fundraiser and helps pay for the organization’s multitude of programs.

Holiday Lights was first held in 2005 with 38 displays, and in recent years, more than twice that number of displays have been created by local businesses and families.

The event also attracts an outpouring of volunteer support. More than 300 volunteers helped with the event in 2023, said Helping Services Executive Director Carson Eggland.

“When Holiday Lights was originally started, we charged by the car,” Eggland said. “Today, it’s all free-will donation, and I think that’s great, because anyone can come celebrate with us and enjoy the lights.”

The 2024 Holiday Lights fundraiser is once again scheduled for late November — walking tours will take place Nov. 27, and drivethrough visits will begin Nov. 28.

Eggland said all the funds raised during the Holiday Lights event support Helping Service’s programs, including domestic abuse advocacy, in-home family education, prevention services and a youth mentoring program. He said

the mentoring program is one of the organization’s more well-known offerings.

“We ask that our mentors commit to four hours every month for one year,” Eggland said. “It’s very simple, and we’re always looking for more volunteers for our youth mentoring program.”

Eggland said the organization tries to pair mentors with youth who have similar interests within the same communities, but he said that’s not always easy in rural Iowa.

“Winneshiek County is not just Decorah,” Eggland said. “There are other communities in the county that have expressed interest in mentors, and this program stretches across northeast Iowa. Sometimes, all it takes is one person in someone’s life to change a youth’s trajectory or just provide them with new experiences they might not otherwise have. That’s one of our goals — to try to create experiences for youth — whether that’s going to the zoo or a baseball game — and just have another person in their life that they can trust. Being a kid is tough, so the more trusted adults you can provide in someone’s life, the better off they’ll be. We’re just trying to be a friend, and that’s something we can all be.”

From classroom to community Karen Tjossem was a junior at Luther College in 1971, when she and her classmates were asked to research whether the Decorah area would benefit from a crisis intervention center. At the time, there were a few centers in Iowa, but none were in the Decorah area. The class talked to community members, the ministerial association, police department, hospital staff and doctors to determine if there was a need.

With the support of the community, the class found the area would benefit from the addition of a crisis center. Their next step was getting funding and a location. Local attorney Frank Miller anonymously donated his office space to the group, and volunteers soon began to train with mental health professionals in Iowa City.

“In the beginning, we did a lot of information and referrals because we weren’t trained psychologists,

and we weren’t trained to counsel,” Tjossem said. “We were that first step people could take. It was nice to be able to connect with the community so we could send them in the right direction for what they needed.”

On April 19, 1971, the group answered their first call as Trouble Line. It was primarily Luther volunteers who handled the phone lines at that time, along with a number of community members.

In the group’s first year, volunteers staffed the phone lines from 6 p.m. until midnight each night except the Christmas and Easter. More than 400 calls were received in the first calendar year.

Shortly after opening, Trouble Line formed a board of directors and became a non-profit. Tjossem credits board member Larry Grimstad as being instrumental in getting the group started.

By 1974, things with Trouble Line were changing. Tjossem, who was still a volunteer at that time, said many of the calls were related to drug abuse, and the nonprofit was able to receive funding from the Iowa Drug Abuse Authority.

That money paid for things like training, phone lines and a library.

Trouble Line continued to see increased use and eventually moved its headquarters to 215 E. Water St. Tjossem said, in addition to the phone lines, the move provied physical space for students to walk in and talk.

The nonprofit also expanded its program offerings and became known as the Decorah Information Center, with a drop-in center and Telecheck, a service which called people in the evening to check on their wellbeing.

A 1975 fire forced the Information Center to relocate to 108 W. Water St., and the name was changed in 1978 to Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, Inc. According to a Decorah newspaper article from that year, the name was chosen to “accurately reflect the services provided and the geographic area served by the agency.”

At that time, programs were offered to residents in Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties.

The organization is located at 805 E. Main Street, today.

VOTE YES Bond Referendum

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 In the past 20 years, the Decorah Community School District has built a middle school and renovated the high school and Carrie Lee Elementary School.

It’s now time to turn our attention to the youngest students in our district.

On TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, voters will consider a $38 million general obligation bond referendum to fund the construction of a new facility to replace John Cline Elementary School and West Side Early Childhood Center.

PROPERTY TAX IMPACT

If voters approve the bond referendum, property taxpayers would see an estimated impact of $0.86 per year on every $1,000 of taxable property value (not assessed value).

This would result in an increase of approximately $7.96 per month for a home with an assessed valuation of $250,000.

Calculating the tax impact can be a little complicated due to the state rollback and Homestead Credit. Below is a five-step process to provide some clarification:

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Community

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PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Spectrum Network marks milestone, looks to future Celebrating 50 years of service to the community

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Spectrum Network of Decorah celebrated its 50th year of serving developmentally disabled adults and the community earlier this year.

“We’re celebrating 50 years of service to the community, which is a big deal,” Spectrum Operations Manager Christopher Miculinich said ahead of Spectrum’s gala event in May. “A lot of organizations don’t make it that long, and we’re not going anywhere. We’ll likely be here for the next 50-plus years and beyond.”

The organization began in 1974 under the name Winneshiek Development Center in the basement of Grace Episcopal Church, providing services to 13 clients. The nonprofit moved within a year to the Carlson building, now home to B. Fit Studio, at 105 Railroad Ave. in Decorah.

In 1982, the nonprofit opened a can redemption business for Winneshiek County and,

in 1986, WDC and Sheltered Work, Inc. merged to become Spectrum Industries. A number of other changes took place over the following 20 years, and Spectrum Industries changed its name to The Spectrum Network to reflect its vision of strengthening the network of support and community inclusion for clients. The organization went on to open the doors to its new headquarters at 607 Washington St. and has been developing and adapting ever since – the building has since been purchased

by Winneshiek County, which Spectrum staff called a win-win situation for Spectrum and other business tenants in the building.

Miculinich said Spectrum partners with other companies and organizations in the Decorah community to provide employment services.

“We’re actively providing services in community organizations, because our clients are employed in those organizations — like the

chamber or The Landing and others,” Miculinich said. “And, our Day Habilitation provides our clients with social connections, and they have at least one outing every day, where they go out into the community.”

Spectrum Vice President Paul Greenberg said the Spectrum Network is fortunate to be located in a supportive community.

“We are blessed to be part of such an incredible community that not only supports but powers the existence of an organization like ours,” Greenberg said. “This community is what

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors announced earlier this year it had purchased the building previously owned by the Spectrum Network for a total of $1.25 million.

The county is expected to make $250,000 payments on the building until 2029. The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors voted earlier this year to rename the building the "Winneshiek County Community Services Building." (File photo) Decorah resident Alan Hover began receiving services from Winneshiek Development Center in the mid1970s. (Photo submitted) makes our mission possible, allowing us to provide essential services and advocacy that sig-

Pictured are (from left to right) Community Services Administrator Debora Van Horn, client Mark Landas and Community Services Specialist Hillary Hart at Justin's in the Landing Market.

89 Years Strong!

We’re Here For You

nificantly impact lives.”

He went on to say the community’s generous spirit helps fuel Spectrum’s efforts as they continue their work.

“We are reminded daily of the difference we make, seen in the milestones met by those we assist,” Greenberg said.

“From the simple joys of learning a new skill to the profound achievement of securing a job.

This is why our work resonates so deeply within our hearts and our community. As we look forward, the continued support of our community is essential. It is what will sustain and propel us into the future.”

Winneshiek County agrees to pay $1.25M for Spectrum building

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors announced earlier this year it had purchased the building previously owned by the Spectrum Network.

The county entered into a contractual purchase of the 18,000 square foot building, located at 607 Washington St. in Decorah, on Friday, March 1.

Per the agreement, the county paid $250,000 as of that date and pledged to pay $250,000 per year until the total purchase price of $1.25 million is paid – the final payment for which is expected to be made in 2029.

Spectrum Board Vice President Paul Greenberg said one of the stipulations of the agreement was that all the Spectrum building’s current tenants, which includes Toys Go ‘Round, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, the Decorah Community Food Pantry and The Spectrum Network, be allowed to stay in the building after the sale.

“Originally, we looked at renting space to the county for Public Health Services, and then they were interested in buying the property,” Greenberg said earlier this year, calling the proposal a win-win for those in the building. “We didn’t want to see anyone displaced, including ourselves, and we sold it at a

very reasonable cost.”

Greenberg said Spectrum didn’t sell the building for financial gain.

“We’re looking at making Spectrum stable in the long term – as well as making sure these other nonprofits that have partnered up with us also have someplace to be,” he said. “We could have sold it privately and made more money, but that wouldn’t have been what’s right for the community.”

Greenberg said, because of changes at the state level, a significant portion of the Spectrum building has remained vacant for some time, which he said significantly contributed to the nonprofit’s overhead expenses.

Greenberg said Spectrum’s future would have been less certain the situation had remained unchanged.

“It’s a beautiful building, and it has a lot to offer,” Greenberg said. “Real estate is a rarity in Decorah – especially real estate that’s ADA-friendly. It was a difficult decision, knowing that over the years there’s been a lot of people who’ve given money for this building. But, at the same time, if we didn’t make a decision, there wouldn’t be a Spectrum next year.”

In a later meeting, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to rename the building the “Winneshiek County Community Services Building.”

ent Happy Retirem NEIL SCHRAEDER Neil Schraeder retired from Hacker Nelson & Co. on Sept. 1, 2024 after over 40 years in the industry.

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Community

B-7

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Decorah City Council weighing options for historic municipal center

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Officials continue to discuss options regarding the future of Decorah’s Municipal Center.

The building was designed by renowned local architect Charles Altfillisch in 1959 and constructed in 1960. Today, Decorah’s Municipal Center houses the city’s police department, fire department and municipal business offices. It was initially revered for its contemporary design and unusual roof architecture, according to local archives, the building had several upgrades and improvements along the way — temperature control and air conditioning was installed in 1972, an addition to the fire station’s single bay was constructed in 1983 and the city council chambers were redesigned in 1992.

Nearly 75 years after the building was completed, its unusual roof has started to leak, the building’s tiles are weakening and the structure no longer meets a number of modern requirements. Some portions of the building, such as certain restrooms and entrances are not compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. Portions

of the structure are also not up to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. The building’s fire alarm system only provides partial coverage, and most areas of the building don’t have the appropriate notification — such as horns, strobes and speakers.

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken has spent several years working with the Decorah City Council to remedy issues within the city’s municipal building, and their work is starting to gain traction.

Brunton Engineering and Construction firm was hired by the city in late 2023 to perform a walkthrough and inspection of the municipal building. The firm’s evaluation outlined the building’s deficiencies as well as potential solutions for each issue, and Goedken sorted each issue into one of four priorities — what he called “need,” “should,” “will have to” and “do without.”

Issues like foundation cracks, leakage, condensation of exterior windows and asbestos in crawl spaces were all items which would have to be accomplished, according to Goedken, whereas a new storage room for audio video equipment or exte-

rior stone cleaning and sealing were listed as things the city could do without. Goedken’s list of priority items totaled more than $2 million, with the “need” and “want” lists each coming in just shy of $1 million, for a total of around $4 million. City officials indicated accomplishing those items would likely bring the municipal building to a renewed functioning status.

As a second option, Goedken referred to a May 2022 design

by Brunton, which included a remodel of the existing building, an extension of the current fire department bays and a 3,000 square-foot addition on the north side of the building for the police department. The renovations and addition were tallied with 10 years of maintenance and upkeep, topping out around $9.5 million.

Goedken dove further into the Brunton design archives and presented a third option for council to consider.

In February of 2022, Brunton designed a ground-up design, in which the current structure would be razed and a 44,000 square-foot facility would be constructed in its place. Seven firehouse bays would be erected collectively at one end, and

The city of Decorah is considering several options to address issues within its historic municipal center. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

the building could have enough offices to centrally house city employees.

According to Brunton’s 2022 estimate, the cost for a new building would be approximately $15 million, but officials indicated that number could potentially be less than originally estimated.

“We don’t need as much dedicated office space as what is shown in these plans,” Goedken said.

In August of 2024, the city council and staff met to consider the options for the municipal building, but no decision was

made and discussions are expected to continue — Goedken said he planned to meet with representatives of Brunton Engineering and work on potentially whittling down the price of the two options before reconvening with the city council.

Council members previously said they would like to have new construction plans reviewed by Brunton to see whether the $15 million price tag could indeed be reduced.

Council members said they would consider sacrificing the building’s historic value for a functional facility which would

be more efficient and comfortable for the office staff and departments housed within it.

“I want to build a building that people will want to work out of,” said Council Member at Large Emily Neal.

Several council members said they would also consider repairing and updating the building along with several expansions.

The city manager indicated the proposed improvements will likely require a bond, which he said wouldn’t go to the polls until November of 2025 at the earliest.

Community Action takes ownership of historic Smith Building

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation has rented office space in the Smith Building — Decorah’s former hospital on the corner of Montgomery and East Broadway streets — for the last 22 years. On Sept. 3, the nonprofit organization bought the 15,000-squarefoot, 110-year-old historic building from Winneshiek County for just $1. And, NEICAC Chief Executive Officer Trisha Wilkins said the agency was looking forward to the purchase.

“We are excited,” Wilkins said earlier this year. “The board considered the building purchase very carefully. We’re looking forward to beginning our strategy for new agency signage and working on some projects to enhance building usage

The three-story building which formerly served as the Decorah Hospital, now known as the Smith Building, was originally built in 1914 and had undergone four expansions by the 1960s. In 2023, the building earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. (File photo) and aesthetics, while continuing to honor the property’s historical significance.”

The three-story Smith Build-

ing was built in 1914 as Decorah’s medical hospital and faced challenges early on, according to Decorah histori-

an Elizabeth Lorentzen. Anna Haugsness was the first patient to enter the Decorah Hospital to have her teeth extracted — the patient’s cost for the extraction and operating room was $5 at that time. Although there were 256 patients served during the first year, Lorentzen said people were reticent to trust their lives to the facility, and the hospital lost $2,260 in operating expenses.

The hospital didn’t really start making money until 1920, when a women’s hospital club was organized with Elizabeth Ness as president. After that, the hospital underwent expansion efforts each of the following four decades, and it was donated to the county in 1969.

The Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital, more recently renamed WinnMed, opened on Feb. 3, 1971, at 901 Montgomery St. in Decorah, Lorentzen

said.

Today, the Smith Building boasts 15,045 square feet of space on a 2.01-acre plot of land. It was added to the National Historic Registry in 2023.

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation began in 1965 and moved into the Smith Building in 2002, where it continues its core mission to this day.

“NEICAC provides the support and resources to improve the stability and quality of life for individuals and families with limited resources,” information on the organization’s website said. “We assist those living in the northeast Iowa counties of Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek with programs serving all stages of life, including family services, crisis programs and food pantries, Head Start, low-income energy

assistance and weatherization, affordable housing, transportation and more.”

Wilkins said members of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors contacted NEICAC earlier in 2024 to inquire as to whether the organization was interested in taking ownership of the property. She said NEICAC currently occupies the lower two floors of the building, and it is considering leasing the top-floor office space to other nonprofit organizations.

Winneshiek County Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck said the county is glad the transaction worked out the way it did.

“The county is happy that we were able to provide this opportunity for Northeast Iowa Community Action because we appreciate their corporation and the services they provide the residents of northeast Iowa,” he said.

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CELEBRATING

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

11AM-9PM (til 10PM Friday + Saturday)

Transforming Tomorrow

WinnMed is growing in many ways to meet the needs of the broader region. The most visible changes are in our Decorah facilities with the Transforming Tomorrow project. This involves a major facility expansion and remodel to provide a fully renovated birthing unit with six labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum suites, an expanded surgery area with an additional operating room, and a two-story addition to house expanded primary and specialty clinics.

To learn more about the Transforming Tomorrow project, and to see a virtual walk-through video, head online.

WinnMed.org

YEARS

2024

Legacy Award

MABEL WHITE founded Mabe’s Pizza in 1953.

Mabel’s son DON and wife MAMIE operated Mabe’s upon Mabel’s retirement in the early 1980s at age 77.

Mabel’s grandson STEVE and wife CONNIE took over Mabe’s in 1999.

Mabel’s granddaughter CHERI and great-grandson COLLIN operate as general managers.

Mabe’s continues to serve up the original square pizza slices and food loved by locals and visitors alike.

Steve, Cheri and Collin White of Mabe's Pizza accept the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce's "Legacy Award" on behalf of Mabe's founder, Mabel White.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 110 East Water Street, Decorah 563-382-4297 |

mabespizza.com

Community

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PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Decorah’s new VA clinic on track for completion next year

Crews continue to make progress on the new VA clinic in Decorah. The clinic is expected to be complete by February of 2025. (Photo by Denise Lana)

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Construction of the much-anticipated Veterans Affairs Clinic in Decorah is on schedule, according to project manager Gabe Farah, with an expected completion date of Feb. 1, 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Nov. 7, 2023, at the construction site for the 17,000 square foot clinic, located near the intersection of Highway 9 and 52 — adjacent to the Country Inn and Suites.

The single level facility will offer an array of services, including physical therapy and exercise areas, retinal scanning, audiometry testing, hearing aid treatment, radiology,

women’s health, phlebotomy, optometry, eyewear fitting and mental health services.

Decorah’s VA clinic is part of the Veterans Integrated Service Network, which serves more than 440,000 enrolled Veterans in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota as well as portions of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Medical services are provided through a network of nine hospitals, 63 outpatient or outreach clinics, eight community living centers and residential treatment programs. The network employs more than 15,000 full-time employees and has an annual operating budget in excess of $5 billion.

Crews moved dirt into place near the road outside the new VA clinic, which is currently under construction. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

THE HUNT IS ON

Decorah Fish Hatchery aims to engage with public via mobile-based scavenger hunts

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Visitors to the Decorah Fish Hatchery may be starting to look at their phones more often but, rather than being a digital distraction, the phones may be a sign the hatchery’s plan to connect with the public is working.

The hatchery hosted an event in mid August, launching the first of what may be many scavenger hunts at the facility. Staff coordinated the new activity through the mobile app Goosechase.

Emily Neal of Decorah, who signed on as the hatchery’s extern earlier this year, helped create the debut scavenger hunt.

“I have never been someone who gravitates toward the electronics — ever — so my doing this is interesting, but everyone has a phone and people love to take pictures,” Neal said. “You can’t go anywhere and not see people taking pictures of themselves outside doing things — like selfies with the fish. So why not harness the energy that people have both for the fish and their taking selfies to create an experience that many people are enjoying together?”

She described the Goosechase app as an online platform in which users complete specific challenges or missions as part of a team. Prompts specific to the hatchery might ask participants to stop at the nearby Siewers Spring, which feeds the facility’s fish raceways, and answer a question about the volume of water by sharing a photo or video. Others may simply ask a teammate to post a photo of their best fish-face or to tag their location with the app’s GPS. “Some are educational, some are just fun and whimsical, and

the whole idea is to get people out here at the hatchery, learning about what we do but also just exploring the outdoors and having fun with the partners they’re with,” Neal said.

Results will be posted to an online leaderboard — Neal said teams may earn bonus points for creative responses.

Neal, who teaches chemistry and physical science at Postville High School, began her time with the hatchery in March as part of an externship — a term for community-level partnerships aimed at allowing educators to experience real-world careers and applications related to their specific fields, which can then inspire project-based learning in the classroom. Neal initially hoped to focus on water quality work during her time at the hatchery and, while she was able to participate in trout stocking and even turtle trapping, she also noticed the hatchery was in need of greater public engagement.

A friend of Neal’s had previously helped Decorah’s Vesterheim Museum use Goosechase to offer online educational programming in 2020, and Neal saw the app’s potential not only for her own classroom but for the hatchery itself.

The Decorah Hatchery was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the mid-1930s, and it continues to draw visitors constantly throughout the year, Neal said.

Brian Malaise, fisheries hatchery biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said staff don’t keep

specific numbers on how many visitors stop at the hatchery, but the facility generates approximately $14,000-$16,000 annually from 25-cent fish food sales. He said the hatchery has become a local destination in its own right as well as a generational tradition for many families. In addition, the hatchery hosts hundreds of school tours, upwards of a dozen weddings and a handful of funerals each year.

“The Goosechase app has the chance to

The local fish hatchery features several raceways stocked with rainbow trout, which the public can feed. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

reach an almost immense number of people that are coming to the fish hatchery and to the Decorah area,” Malaise said.

Malaise went on to say many people — both inside and outside the Decorah area — don’t necessarily understand the ecological interconnectedness of the greater Driftless Area. He said engaging with the public can help shine a light on the hatchery’s broader work, demonstrate where the commu-

LEFTExtern Emily Neal carries an electrofisher, which is used to temporarily immobilize fish so they can be caught and studied without injury. (Photo submitted) nity’s water supply comes from and by extension the importance of promoting local water quality — he noted the spring from which the local hatchery draws water for its fish is one of the main tributaries of the Upper Iowa River.

Malaise feels the Goosechase app and the challenges Neal is creating for visitors may be an effective method for reaching curious minds by mingling recreation with education.

“Sometimes — as Emily can tell you as a teacher — if you can make it fun, it sinks in more than if it sounds like they’re being lectured to,” Malaise said.

Neal noted the hatchery currently has a number of informational signs and educational boards, but she said it’s unclear how often visitors actually read them. She said many visitors come with questions about the hatchery and its stock of trout, and staff don’t often have the time to stop and answer every inquiry.

“But they want to,” Neal said. “They want this education about fish and our trout streams in general. So this is another way in which this can provide that educational platform. Within the scavenger hunt, you can insert these sorts of common questions people ask about fish.”

Neal agreed to extend her ini-

tial externship at the hatchery by a matter of weeks in preparation for the launch event earlier this year, which she described as a low-maintenance test run, but she feels the idea has plenty of potential for growth. Future Goosechase missions may be tailored for specific visiting groups — anything from senior centers to daycares — and new challenges could potentially be created on a monthly basis to encourage past participants to revisit the hatchery throughout the year.

“Any time you can connect young people to the natural world — if that’s a fish or a tree, any experience that they have — you plant the seed for someone willing and wanting to protect it or to recognize the inherent value our natural world has,” Neal said. “Any time you can engage a kid and plant that seed, you’re creating the stewards for tomorrow.”

PUBLISHED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

BY THE DECORAH LEADER

PROGRESS

2024EDITION Business + Industry

Business + Industry

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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WRIGHT WAY COMPUTERS continuing to grow after 20 years

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR What began as a simple interest in technology has become a full-fledged business for Tyler Wright, owner of Wright Way Computers in Decorah. Wright’s business is now in its 20th year, and Wright is laying the groundwork for his company to continue providing services to tech-users great and small.

Wright began tinkering with computer programming after his parents purchased their first home computer in 1996. His younger self initially focused on modifying computer games rather than paying money for new games, and in the process he also learned many of the ins and outs of computer technology.

“Next thing I know, I’ve got friends and family asking for help,” he recalled.

At one point, staff at the telephone company in Mabel, Minnesota, asked Wright if they could give his information to customers seeking help with their computers — the telephone company was providing internet service at that time, but did not provide IT support for home computers, Wright said.

Wright said he found working with people in their homes to be enjoyable, which the self-described introvert admitted was somewhat unexpected when he began making house calls. But he said he continued to find satisfaction in helping clients use their own devices to connect with loved ones. He said the genuine appreciation is fulfilling for him, especially when helping some of the company’s older clients use technology to keep in touch with their grandchildren or other family members.

Wright graduated from North Winneshiek Schools in 2000 and went on to earn a trio of two-year degrees from Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, before formally starting his business in 2004. The first incarnation of Wright Way Computers was initially based out of his parents’ home, and it eventually relocated to his own basement upon his move to Decorah. Wright’s sister helped handle Wright Way’s scheduling from home for a time, and Wright’s client base continued to expand, prompting the budding business owner to hire

Tyler Wright, owner of Wright Way Computers, stands beside his company logo in the Decorah office’s lobby. Wright began helping family members and friends with their IT needs after learning about technology in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. He founded Wright Way Computers in 2004, and the business is now hoping to place greater emphasis on MSP services. (Submitted photo)

Wright Way Computers is located at 117 E Water Street, downtown Decorah. (File photo)

COMMITTED TO SENIOR LIVING NEEDS FOR MORE THAN

109 YEARS!

Aase Haugen has been committed to responding to our community’s needs for senior living for more than 109 years. Since the early home in Haugendale, built in 1915, Aase Haugen has been providing creative and exceptional care to enhance the lives of seniors and their families. The facility offers resident-centered care across a system of integrated services that are designed to enrich the health and spirit of older adults.

Aase Haugen is certified as a social ministry of the ELCA, governed by 23 local churches, and fully licensed with Iowa Department of Health to accept private pay and most private insurances as well as being a certified Medicaid and Medicare provider.

TODAY

Aase Haugen is building a new facility to renew its commitment to seniors with the greatest medical needs, those who are seeking rehabilitation, and all seniors searching for a place to call “home”.

Aase Haugen has begun building the next phase in Scan the QR code for senior living for the more information. community.

A new 72,000+ sq. ft. nursing and assisted facility will expand Aase’s campus to include the existing independent senior living neighborhoods of Vennehjem and Nabotunet. This $20+ million project will provide care for everyone in the community, including those without the funds to pay.

Aase Haugen is proud to be and all-embracing, all-inclusive senior living organization dedicated to our community’s needs.

Aase Haugen is a Christian non-profit, governed by 23 local Christian churches who have committed their support to Aase and its mission of caring for the elderly. God Bless Aase Haugen and the community for supporting elder care for our families, neighbors and friends.

4 Ohio Street Decorah, IA 563-382-3603

his first part-time employee around 2017.

Wright’s company had four employees by 2021 — the IT services were still based out of Wright’s home at that time.

“We used to pack into the living room downstairs that we’d converted to an office space,” Wright said. “It was tight.”

The basement was soon too small to contain the growing company, and Wright Way Computers moved into a rented space for two years before relocating to Water Street in downtown Decorah. Today, Wright has eight employees working for him — he said he’s pleased to see the business is continuing to fulfill an ever-evolving community need after two decades.

Wright said the business has been providing IT services for entire businesses for some time, and he’s aiming to place a greater emphasis on that aspect of the company’s offerings. The business was renamed Wright Way Technologies at the end of last year, and Wright formed a new separate Wright Way Computers at the same time, with plans to operate the two distinct businesses under separate names.

Wright Way Computers will continue to serve residential clients and small businesses, which call for IT support from time to time, while Wright Way Technologies will act as what Wright called an MSP — or managed services provider. He said MSP services are more suited for larger businesses, which aren’t quite big enough to employ an in-house IT staff but still have a regular demand for IT services.

A number of employees will remain under the Wright Way Computers branch and continue providing services for individual clients, and Wright said the debut of Wright Way Technologies may merit additional staff hirings.

“We’re seeing trends coming up,” Wright said. “Cyber-security insurance is starting to require that businesses up their ante on what they’re doing for their IT securities.”

It’s a requirement he expects will become increasingly common in the coming years, and he noted many businesses may not have the time or knowhow to bolster their own cyber-security measures — but that’s something Wright Way can help with, he said.

Celebrating

30 years!

Owners Mike and Dominique Bockman opened T-Bocks Sports Bar & Grill in 1994.

The facility boasts a delicious menu and drinks, “Upstairs” and “Underground” locations for special events and an outdoor patio in the warmer months.

T-Bock’s is proud to be Decorah’s go-to place for a great time, great food and great atmosphere!

206 W. Water St. Decorah, IA 563-382-5970 www.tbocks.com

We thank you all for your support.

We look forward to serving you for years to come!

te a r b le Ce Join us to

our anniversary!

Saturday, November 2

All-day food & drink specials

Let’s grow together!

Business + Industry

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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Mabe’s Pizza founder, Mabel White's grandson, Steve, and his wife Connie, took over Mabe’s in 1999. A fourth generation of the White family, Mabel’s great-grandson Collin is co-general manager. Collin and his wife, Jenny, have a son Dawson and a daughter, named after her great-great-grandmother Mabel. (Submitted photo)

Mabe’s Pizza dishes up deliciousness for seven decades

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER After more than 70 years, Mabe’s Pizza in Decorah continues to dish up delicious pizza.

Mabe’s dates back to 1953, when Mabel White of Decorah brought a new concept to the Decorah restaurant scene – pizza.

She used a small oven to create her pizzas on Decorah’s West Side. The tavern style pizza with the signature square slices soon became a staple in the area.

The Mabe’s pizzeria in downtown Decorah celebrated 70 years in business last year.

Mabel’s grandson Steve and his wife Connie as well as her great-grandson Collin and his wife Jenny are now at the helm.

A tradition Back in 1953, the then-49year-old Mabel White opened her small cafe, calling it Mabel’s Lunchroom.

Situated at the corner of College Drive and Leif Erickson Drive, the small lunch spot served up sandwiches to students at nearby Luther College. Historians recall Mabel was asked by a Luther student if he could make her a pizza.

She wasn’t familiar with the concept, as pizzas were virtually unheard of in Iowa back in those days. The restaurant owner decided to branch out into the pizza business, thanks to a growing Luther population from the Chicago area and their love for the Italian favorite.

The restaurant was rebranded Mabe’s Pizza in 1968. Mabel baked the early pizzas on cookie sheets in her small oven, and it was easier to cut the pies into squares. But embracing round pizza pans after purchasing a large pizza oven didn’t mean changing the slices – those square slices remain today.

Having outgrown the original small restaurant location, the pizzeria moved to a larger building, eventually moving to the downtown area in the early 1970s. On New Year’s Eve back in 1976, a fire destroyed the restaurant, which was then located in the 500 block of West Water Street.

Many from the Decorah area have vivid memories of the big fire engulfing the popular downtown restaurant on that cold day in the winter of ’76.

The Decorah newspaper featured front page pictures of an estimated 33 local firemen feverously fighting the blaze for more than six hours. Damage to the pizza parlor and the two upstairs apartments was estimated at $300,000 at that time.

Mabel was in her 70s at the time of the fire, and she could have easily made the decision to close-up shop, but she had the resolve to rebuild. The restaurant reopened on East Water Street in 1978, and today it stands proudly at the same Water Street location.

In February of 1978, open house advertisements featured in the Decorah Newspaper boasted free pizza and pasta samples as well as door prizes,

luncheon specials and tours of the restaurant’s new party room and meeting rooms.

Mabel’s son Don and his

The Depot’s board of directors recently decided it was time for the store itself to expand. The Depot bought nearly the entire 510 Montgomery St. building, where it’s currently located – the purchase almost doubled the store’s current retail and warehouse space, and the nonprofit hopes to welcome customers to it’s new space before the end of the year. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Depot Outlet prepares for major expansion after serving Decorah for 51 years

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

wife Mamie operated Mabe’s upon her retirement in the early 1980s at age 77. Mabel continued to live in the apartment above the restaurant until her passing in 2002 at the age of 97. Don’s wife Mamie passed away on New Year’s Day in 1993, and Don passed away in December of 2014.

Mabel’s grandson Steve White and wife Connie, a Lawler native, took over the business in 1999.

Now, Mabel’s granddaughter Cheri and great-grandson Collin operate as general managers of the business.

More than pizza Mabe’s is one of the few Decorah restaurants which still operates seven-days-a-week, and it offers up a varied menu.

Alongside the popular pizzas, pastas, burgers and broasted chicken are a wide range of sandwiches, salads, appetizers, desserts and more. Craft beer and wine were also added over the years.

Many employees at the Decorah pizzeria have been on the Mabe’s team for decades.

Mabe’s traditionally turns out more than 100,000 pizzas a year — a conservative estimate from the staff. Loyal patrons from Decorah and across the world are sold on the Mabe’s unique recipe.

“Our half-baked pizzas are taken to Alaska by a very loyal customer numerous times a year,” Steve White said.

The half-baked pizzas are also popular among the crowds stopping at Mabe’s while visiting the area — others simply have them on hand for when their children come to town.

Patrons show up in droves to order the popular made-fromscratch Regulars — Mabe’s sausage and pepperoni pizza — the Around-The-Garden — a pizza topped with the proverbial works — and other signature favorites.

Though Mabe’s faces many of the same obstacles as other businesses in town, like staffing shortages, rising food costs and expenses, but the owners have tackled those challenges headon. Over the years the business has grown, and the Whites have embraced technology with the development of a website, installation of a new point of sale system and an option for online ordering, which has proved popular. But the staff feel some things from Mabel’s original lunchroom remain — like good service, hospitality and consistently good food.

Every weekday morning, shoppers line up at the front door of Decorah’s Depot Outlet, Inc. for a chance at finding inexpensive clothing, collectibles and other treasures. The store, casually referred to as The Depot, opens at 9 a.m., and employees are typically restocking shelves within the first 90 minutes.

“We always have lines of people waiting to come in every morning,” said Depot Director Jessica O’Mara. “Rain or shine or 30 below, it doesn’t matter.

We’re putting new stuff out every day, all day long. It comes out as fast as we can process it.

In one week in December, we processed and sold 20,000 individual items, and most of those were at $2 or less.”

The store sales allow the local nonprofit thrift store to provide grants and charitable donations, totaling between $250,000 and $300,000 every year — and The Depot’s board of directors recently decided it was time for the store itself to expand. The Depot bought nearly the entire 510 Montgomery St. building, where it’s currently located – the purchase almost doubled the store’s current retail and warehouse space, and the nonprofit hopes to welcome customers to it’s new space before the end of the year.

“It’ll be a bigger warehouse, bigger store — bigger everything,” O’Mara said. “The Depot has always very much wanted to do what we can to improve the lives of people with disabilities. So, one of the priorities in this new store is that we will finally have aisles that are ADA-approved, and shoppers will feel more comfortable because there’s enough room to shop and not feel crowded.”

History The Depot’s current location is its fifth spot since opening 51 years ago. In 1973, The Depot was founded as a nonprofit by Rev. Ward Stephenson, Rev. Paul Christianson and Mrs. Fred Grant with a simple goal that holds true today — Donate all profits back to Winneshiek County.

The very first store location was a house on East Water Street, but it soon moved to the town’s old train depot on Water Street — the current office location of chiropractor Dr. Kelly Reagan — from which the business garnered its name. The train depot quickly became too small for the growing nonprofit, and the store moved again to the former Iverson’s Funeral Home. The store moved again due to overcrowding in 1984 to the Brickner building on Dec-

Depot Supervisor Laurie Hatlan of Waukon sorts through a box of donations at Depot Outlet, Inc., in Decorah. “I like this place because of what it does for the community,” Hatlan said. “I have six kids, so this is a passion of mine; to shop where things are affordable.” (File photo)

orah’s Railroad Street. In 2013, The Depot Outlet bought 510 Montgomery St. — a portion of the building formerly owned and occupied by Lang’s Dairy Equipment.

Community dedication The first 25 years, The Depot Outlet was operated strictly by volunteers but, as the store’s inventory grew, it needed more workers as well as paid employees. Today, O’Mara said The Depot has about 25 employees and 35 volunteers as well as “wonderful surrounding communities.”

“Donations are coming from as far away as Minneapolis,” she said.

Today, The Depot hears and grants up to six funding requests every month, according to O’Mara. Additionally, through The Depot Outlet Lower Rate program, the organization pays $2 per taxi ride for disabled individuals in Winneshiek County — the program sees about 25 fares every day.

The Depot’s member delegates approved a motion at their annual meeting earlier this year to grant $50 for every firstthrough-fourth-grade student in

Winneshiek County to pay for field trips during the 2024-25 academic year.

“It’s really gratifying, because when you look at all the good we’re doing, it all matters,” O’Mara said. “Everything we do serves the entire county in every way. So many other places take donations and send their profits elsewhere. We’re different in that all the money stays right here in Winneshiek County, and we can actually see the results of all our work and take care of those closest to us first, and that is so important.”

BRUENING

ROCK PRODUCTS, INC. INC Your local contractor since 1932 For 90+ years, BRP has been “rocking” Northeast Iowa. Founder Leo Bruening started BRP in 1932 with just one truck hauling coal from the railroads. He grew the business to four trucks, and in 1946 BRP took off with rock, excavation and agricultural work.

Building Foundations.

Many family members have since joined the Supporting growing business, including Leo’s son, Duane, who passed away in 2019. Duane spurred Communities. the business to 30+ employees with multiple

quarry sites as well as dairy operations. Duane’s sons, Greg and Keith, have worked at BRP since 1978 and 1980, respectively. Ushering in another generation (making it the 4th generation of learning), Greg’s children, Tyler, Jacob, and Jocelyn, as well as Keith’s son Michael, have joined the BRP Family.

Material Trucking Concrete Work Aggregate Processing Civil Road Construction Earth Work Water & Sewer Installation 900 Montgomery St. Decorah, IA

563-382-2933

www.brueningrock.com

Business + Industry

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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WinnMed’s Transforming Tomorrow project is slated to span about 2.5 years and includes a two story addition onto the hospital. (Rendering courtesy of WinnMed) Work on the steel structure of the hospital’s two-story addition was nearing completion as of August, according to project officials. The new portion of WinnMed’s facilities will house specialty services on its lower level and family practice spaces on the second floor. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

WinnMed’s Transforming Tomorrow expansion project continues

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Steel beams have been put in place and concrete is coming along as part of WinnMed’s Transforming Tomorrow project.

The $50 million project includes expansion of the county hospital’s clinic spaces as well as its surgical services and obstetric unit. WinnMed is constructing a two-story addition estimated to add 30,000 squarefeet to its facility on Montgomery Street. Plans call for specialty services on its lower level and family practice spaces on the second floor. In addition, operating rooms will be reworked, an endoscopy room will be added and the hospital’s labor and delivery suites will be remodeled to allow delivery and postpartum to take place in the same room.

Ben Stevens, chief financial officer at WinnMed, said the Transforming Tomorrow project grew out of a feasibility study conducted several years ago. Project managers arrived

on site in January of this year, and contractors followed in March. Stevens said, while this summer’s plentiful rainfall held crews at bay for some time, they were able to make up for lost time over a period of several weeks.

Crews were wrapping up their work with the surgical area’s steel structure in August, according to Graham Construction Project Manager Jordan Archer, before they moved on to the clinic area.

“One of the big milestones we did accomplish this quarter, apart from finishing foundations and getting steel erected, was that we did get our air handling unit,” Archer said during an Aug. 7 update to hospital officials. “In the construction world, with procurement lead times on various components — really since COVID — have been very challenging. Not getting some of that major equipment is something that can wreak havoc on construction schedules, so that was a huge success.”

Archer noted there were some

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issues procuring doors earlier in the process, and he said the decision to lower a floor’s elevation by about a foot resulted in some extra work, but he said he feels there won’t be many more unexpected financial obstacles as the project moves forward.

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

Archer indicated a 5 percent financial contingency had been factored into the project’s budget, and Stevens explained the Transforming Tomorrow project is largely funded through rural development grants provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said the hospital is also paying about $7 million out of its own coffers and has the ability to borrow

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Construction crews made preparations in August on the north side of the WinnMed campus in Decorah. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

up to approximately $8 million from local banks. He went on to say the USDA funds are fixed 30-year loans, which he noted are uncommon in the commercial world. More recently, WinnMed gained a $2 million USDA loan, which officials

said other high-interest funding the hospital has previously secured for the Transforming Tomorrow project.

The hospital’s overall project is expected to take place over about 2.5 years. Stevens said the remodeling of WinnMed’s

obstetric unit is slated for completion in January of 2025. The remodeling of the surgical facilities will be the project’s final phase, according to Stevens, and is tentatively scheduled for completion in January of 2026.

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PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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DECO – from garage to industrial plant

WinnMed officials see potential benefits amid

BY ROZ WEIS change in Mayo partnership STAFF WRITER

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER WinnMed, the county-owned hospital and clinic in Decorah, will no longer be managed by the Mayo Clinic Health System as of 2025.

The announcement was made June 27 during a special WinnMed Board of Trustees meeting, and board chair Clark Goltz indicated the expected changes may ultimately benefit the hospital and its patients. He noted earlier this year, the change in management may open the proverbial door for WinnMed to partner with a broader range of entities. Information provided

by WinnMed said the change will also allow the hospital more local control over its various services and give WinnMed full discretion as to which specialties it recruits, while continuing to partner with Mayo Clinic for its current physicians.

Officials from both WinnMed and Mayo Clinic met on June 20 to discuss the upcoming change in the hospital’s management. Information from WinnMed said the Mayo Clinic Health System is focusing on fully-owned facilities and practices. WinnMed and Mayo have held both a Professional Services Agreement and Management Services Agreement in some form since 2005 — the PSA providing Mayo physicians to WinnMed, with the MSA providing management and business services to WinnMed through the Mayo system. However, WinnMed said its PSA and MSA are the only remaining agreements of their kind in Mayo’s entire enterprise.

“Mayo Clinic Health System has openly expressed their appreciation for the high quality of care and positive patient experience we provide at WinnMed,” the hospital said in a July statement. “They have shared their desire for us to be successful and will support us in ways that also align with their strategy.”

The agreements had been renewed every 3-5 years, and Mayo Clinic physicians have had a presence in Decorah since 1992, according to information from WinnMed, but the two entities have now chosen to amend the management structure.

Goltz explained WinnMed and Mayo Clinic still plan to negotiate a new long-term Professional Services Agreement, which would potentially take effect in July of 2025 — around the same time the current PSA is set to expire. Talks regarding a new PSA are still ongoing, according to hospital officials, and the new agreement will be presented to physicians once it is finalized. Physicians will then be able to compare the terms of the adopted PSA with WinnMed’s new compensation and benefits plan — which was approved by WinnMed’s Board of Trustees on Oct. 2 — before deciding whether to become an employee of WinnMed or remain a Mayo employee.

Steve Slessor Officials with WinnMed indicated it’s likely most, if not all, of the physicians currently practicing under its roof will remain at WinnMed in some capacity — whether it be as an employee of WinnMed or an employee of the Mayo Clinic.

“WinnMed is in a strong position to employ the existing leaders and pursue its goals independently,” Mayo’s Regional Vice President Dr. Robert Albright Jr. said in a statement.

“We appreciate and value the history of this partnership, and we look forward to collaborating to ensure patients in and around Decorah continue to receive high-quality care.”

The upcoming changes in the Management Services Agreement between the two entities allows WinnMed to employ its own upper management professionals — positions such as the chief administrative officer, chief medical officer and others.

The hospital board offered WinnMed’s chief administrative officer position to Steve Slessor during a June 27 meeting, and Slessor officially began his new role on July 3.

“Even as an administrator, I am fully aware that what the community cares about is not contracts related to how the hospital is managed, but rather the relationship with their clinician and the quality of care they receive,” Slessor said. “We fully expect that through a variety of options, none of that will need to change. We have a wonderful team of 600-plus employees and physicians that are here ready to provide high quality care and services as you have come to expect. While our path may be altered by this change, we still have many paths to success open to us and are confident we have the team and culture to continue to move this organization forward.”

Goltz referred to Slessor as a great leader and said many employees expressed their support when the hospital offered Slessor the position as chief administrative officer.

“I got so many texts from employees and department heads that said ‘Please maintain the leadership structure that we have, with Steve Slessor as our lead administrator. I’ve never worked in a place more dedicated, more caring, more involved, more focused than WinnMed, and I don’t want that to change.’

My phone was blasting with positive comments, so I feel very good about this,” Goltz said.

From humble beginnings, Deco Products of Decorah continues to be a major local employer.

Deco of Decorah, a zinc die casting manufacturer, got its start in a two-car maintenance garage at 808 River St. in a building owned by Mel Iverson. Today, that structure is the Senior Citizen Center.

In March of 1960, Deco employed three people. It was an independent branch of Lake Center Industries of Winona, Minnesota, a supplier to the automotive industry.

The company has grown into its headquarters on Sanford Street, and now employs a crew of 205 in a growing 150,000 square-foot facility.

Lew Storlie was the plant’s manager for many years, retiring in 2010. His son Chris Storlie then took over as general

manager. Storlie continues as CEO. Randy Tangen is the chief operations officer at the firm.

Local history According to local newspaper archives, Deco operated for two years out of the garage building as well as the Ask building — now LaRana in downtown Decorah — and the Winkie building in town. During those first two years, production consisted primarily of hand assemblies for

KVIK radio celebrates 30 years

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Decorah’s classic hit radio station KVIK celebrated its 30th birthday on Aug. 22 this year. Broadcasters celebrated their three decades on the airwaves by inviting the public to enjoy free burgers and shakes as well as prize drawings.

Crowds gathered outside the KVIK building near the corner of Mill Street and Mechanic Street to eat and chat with radio employees, most of whom were clad in blue shirts emblazoned with red KVIK emblems.

KVIK’s General Manager Les Askelson, himself wearing a bright fuchsia polo shirt, stood apart from the crowd, and clutches of people took turns interacting with him as he told and retold bits of the local station’s history.

According to Askelson, he was the first voice on the airwaves when the station began broadcasting in 1994.

“The owner handed me the keys and told me to make it work,” Askelson said.

The station was originally located where Don Jose restaurant

is today, according to Askelson.

The station was renting space at that time, and a second move was made to the building now occupied by Cozy Pie Shoppe.

The KVIK team finally found a permanent home with the purchase of the building located at the corner of Water and Mechanic streets.

At last week’s birthday celebration, Askelson insisted the attention not be on him, stressing the celebration be focused on the radio’s listeners in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota.

“I’m just here to do my job on the air in the morning and sign checks,” he said, jokingly.

And at age 72, Askelson is one of the more senior staff members at KVIK, but he said he has no desire to retire.

“My doctor says I should keep doing what I’m doing as long as I’m having fun,” he said.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Asso-

Lake Center Industries.

In November of 1961, Deco moved the manufacturing operation to the new building on Sanford Street in Decorah. At that same time, Deco started with five manually operated die-casting machines.

Today, the company has installed new, computer-controlled machinery.

In the 1960s, the Deco team made all the Chrysler push-button heater/air conditioning switches.

In 1963, Deco landed its first big customer – IBM. Two years later, Deco became a certified vendor to IBM, and maintained that honor for about 30 years, doing castings, assemblies and wiring.

In 1970, Deco received IBM’s highest quality award for a 100 percent quality rating record, which included 656 shipments that year.

In 1971, Deco purchased and installed the first custom production powder capability in Iowa. The system was out-

grown by the late 1980s, and a new dual powder line coating system was installed, capable of handling nearly 100 colors.

In 1978, the company built and installed its first automatic liquid zinc feeding system, which fed 18 die-casting machines. That system has also expanded substantially.

Deco die casting services include tool design, powder coating, machining, assembly and kitting, prototyping, tool transfer projects, die management and plating — both decorative and functional.

Deco Human Resources Director Barb Breza said the company continues to grow, with the ongoing goal of increasing its customer base.

The company has processed more than 10 million pounds of zinc alloy at the Decorah facility.

Deco celebrated its 50th anniversary back in 2010, and company executives look forward to future milestones.

Crowds gathered outside the KVIK studio during the 30th birthday celebration in August.

(Photos by Denise Lana) LEFTLes Askelson, does the morning announcements from the original KVIK-FM studio at 201 E. Water St. (formerly the Viking 1 Stop, presently Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant. (Waterloo Courier photo 1994) ciation donated and grilled 500 hamburger patties and steaks for sandwiches, for the celebration. The meat was prepared and served by 2024 Winneshiek Beef Queen Lauren Holthaus

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Business + Industry

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

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‘Our first 50 years’ Oneota Co-op celebrates half-century of business

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Lush countryside and blue skies made for a picture-perfect celebration Saturday, Sept.

28, as hundreds gathered at Luna Valley Farm to celebrate Oneota Community Food Cooperative’s 50th Anniversary Fall Frolic.

Formed in 1974, the Oneota Food Buying Club began as a small group of people who took turns traveling to Iowa City and Minneapolis to purchase natural foods in bulk, which were then stored at members’ homes. Now, 50 years later, that small group has grown to more than 5,500 members, and the co-op now employs more than 50 people.

“The work we all do together is hard but rewarding,” Oneota Community Co-op General Manager Nate Furler said.

“The work we’ve done and continue to do together furthers a mission that is greater than any one of us alone — each of us alone can accomplish only so much, but together, the possibilities are exponential.”

Co-op President Piper Wood reminisced about her experiences since joining the group and what the local business means to her.

“In 2020, when I left college and needed a place to work, the co-op is the place that showed me the beauty of our community,” she said. “When I think about 50 years, I think about five decades of farmers and lo-

cal businesses who have used the co-op as a springboard for all their amazing local goodness that they have to offer us.

The dreams all the owners had when they started the buyers’ club, they are still very alive today.”

Board member Hannah Breckbill was eager to share details about the co-op’s new grant program, Grow the Good, which began in 2023.

Members of the co-op’s board raised approximately $14,000 to be distributed to local food producers and used to assist with food distribution. She said producers at Fiddlehead Knob were able to double the available growing space for their mushrooms. Driftless Seeds also received a small grant through the co-op’s Grow the Good program, and the funds were used to purchase a caterpillar tunnel to manage weeds and offer a controlled growing space for crops.

“With that success on our first try, we think we can build momentum, and it’s really exciting for me to think about year two,” Breckbill said of the grant program.

As the sun fell behind the tree line during last month’s celebration, musical trio Switchback, with their blend of bluegrass and traditional Celtic music, motivated people to get out of their chairs and on their feet. Organizers also projected images from the co-op’s past onto a metal silo near Luna Valley’s pavilion.

The Oneota Community Food Cooperative celebrated it’s golden anniversary last month during its Fall Frolic at Luna Valley Farm. More than 500 people attended the Oneota Community Food Cooperatives’ Fall Frolic, during which guests recognized the co-op’s 50th anniversary. As the sun fell during last month’s celebration, musical trio Switchback, with their blend of bluegrass and traditional Celtic music, motivated people to get out of their chairs and on their feet. (File photos)

Oneota Community Food Cooperative is located at 312 West Water Street, downtown Decorah.

And, with the co-op's half-century milestone behind it, Furler encouraged the audience to refer to those previous decades as “our first 50 years.”

A year of celebrating

ABOVE- The Footnotes delighted the crowd at the Oneota Community Co-op's 50th anniversary celebration this spring at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. Left to right are longtime Footnotes musicians Beth Hoven Rotto, Erik Sessions and Jon Rotto.

FAR LEFT- Marlene Whelan and Wendy and Jim Stevens. The longtime co-op members tore up the dance floor during the Footnotes’ performance at the Oneota Community Co-op’s 50th anniversary celebration this spring. LEFT- What would a co-op anniversary be without Liz Rog (left, front) and Dan Rotto? (File photos)

Business + Industry

C-7

PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

It’s hammer time

Luther begins renovation of Gerdin Fieldhouse

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

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

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

Portions of the fieldhouse — a facility boasting more than 200,000 square feet — date back to the 1960s, according to information from the college, and Smith said many portions of the building, including the gymnasium and locker rooms,

Improvements to Luther College’s Gerdin Fieldhouse began earlier this year. The first of the project’s four phases will focus on renovations to the north lobby area. (Rendering courtesy of Luther College)

Jack Bell, an all-conference soccer goalie and NCAA qualifying diver, used a sledge hammer to break through copies of the blueprints for the Gerdin Fieldhouse. Luther College held a “wall breaking ceremony” the morning of Aug. 5 to mark the beginning of renovations to the building. Bell and numerous other student-athletes were invited to the ceremony. (Photo submitted) are not air conditioned, which he said limits its use.

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

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

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

But the project’s first phase won’t be focused on the gymnasium.

Smith said supply chain delays prompted college officials to adjust the initial project schedule — specifically, he said work on the gymnasium floor can’t begin until after air handling units are installed — and work will first be concentrated on the building’s north lobby.

Smith said the college expects to host one more season of court sports, such as volleyball and basketball, in the current gym space before holding another brief ceremony in recognition of the current gym’s final use.

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

Work on the north lobby is al-

ready evident, as patrons use the fieldhouse’s south entrance near the sports and recreation center — the alternate entry route will likely remain in place until the project enters its fourth and final phase. Students may also have access to the fieldhouse via another entrance when coming from the main campus.

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

Renovation plans also call for the addition of quiet spaces for athletes to study, and crews will also be upgrading the fieldhouse’s locker rooms.

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

Smith noted the current building doesn’t offer many working spaces for teams to gather for events outside typical practice sessions, such as viewing film of an opposing team ahead of a match.

The overall renovation project’s final phase will focus on

the addition of a wrestling wing.

College officials announced the addition to their plans earlier this year — more recently, the college also announced the addition of women’s wrestling to its athletic program.

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

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

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

Previous plans had called for a three-mat training space near the aquatic center and the north gymnasium, according to information from the college, but the new plan will place a four-mat space near Carlson Stadium and the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center.

“This is a game-changer for one of Luther’s top programs,” Luther’s Athletic Director Renae Hartl said as part of the June

5 announcement. “Not only will it be huge for wrestling, it is going to transform the circle drive into a new outdoor plaza area for all of our outdoor venues and events and an additional gathering space for campus.”

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

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

Smith said the library renovations will be a separate project but are still part of the same master plan for Luther’s campus.

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

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

Women’s wrestling to become Luther’s 11th female varsity team

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward announced last month the planned addition of women’s wrestling as the college’s 11th varsity sport for women during the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.

“Luther has a long legacy of supporting its students’ desire to belong to teams, to learn discipline and resiliency and to compete,” Ward said. “We were among the first colleges to establish varsity teams for women, beginning in 1964 — well before Title IX legislation required us to. We will soon celebrate our 60th an-

niversary offering our women opportunities to participate in varsity athletics.”

Along with announcing the addition of the program, Ward established milestones for the upcoming months.

“This will be a planning year in 2024-25,” Ward said. “Our timeline is to use this fall and winter to get the word out to recruits that the program will begin next fall. We will begin a nationwide search for our first women’s wrestling coach this winter, so that we can hire as soon as possible after this wrestling season, and we will field our first team

Welcome to Decorah Community Schools

in the 2025-26 academic year.”

Athletic Director Renae Hartl and men’s wrestling coach Dave Mitchell joined Ward in her online announcement.

“With both the NCAA and the American Rivers Conference set to add women’s wrestling as a championship, the moment to join in is now,” Hartl said.

She went on to note the current renovation of the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness, which began earlier this year, will include an expanded wrestling training space — Hartl called the timing perfect. Girls wrestling has grown exponentially in high schools since the IGHSAU sanctioned it, expanding from 58 schools

Decorah Community School District embraces student learning and well-being as our fundamental purpose. The mission of Decorah Community School District is Learning – Thriving – Creating Our Legacy.

Decorah High School has been recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School.

The recognition highlights schools which excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

to 204 schools with teams and another 61 with cooperative sharing agreements.

“I have seen the growth of girls wrestling in the state of Iowa first-hand, and I know many of the great coaches leading girls high school programs in Iowa and beyond,” Mitchell said. “We offered a girls’ wrestling team camp in 2023, and it grew significantly this year. One of the top questions I get asked by girls and coaches at camp, and by our alumni and Luther wrestling fans, is ‘When is Luther adding women’s wrestling?’”

For Luther, the addition of women’s wrestling will bring the total number of varsity sports to 22 — with 11 for

women and 11 for men. The new program comes two years after the college added both men’s and women’s bowling as varsity teams.

“We’re proud to add to Luther’s legacy of being a college that promotes new athletic opportunities for women,” Hartl said. “With Luther adding the sport, the state of Iowa will lead the nation with the most collegiate women’s wrestling programs to date. With the recent announcements by the A-R-C and NCAA, I know this can open up recruiting opportunities for students from other states to come to Decorah.”

Mitchell said she feels the attraction will also be local.

“

The Decorah Community School District is renowned for its academic and extracurricular achievements. For the past four years, Decorah High School has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top high schools in Iowa, a testament to the exceptional work of our high school staff and the dedication of our entire PreK-12 team.

“

-Tim Cronin, Superintendent

“Our wrestling community is eager to have opportunities for our local and regional girls to study and compete, and the timing is perfect to provide those opportunities right here,” Mitchell said. “The coach who leads this new program is coming into a strong wrestling support system in a strong girls wrestling region. For example, we have in Decorah both the girls state team champions and the girls wrestling coach of the year, Gene Adams, who was an All-American himself here at Luther.”

Wrestling continued on C-8

A special place to live and learn

The Decorah Community School District serves approximately 1600 students living in the beautiful Driftless Area of northeast Iowa. We take great pride in providing our students with well-rounded arts, athletic, and academic programming. DCSD students are encouraged to embrace new experiences and find their passion.

Staff members work collaboratively to deliver our mission and vision each day.

Creating our legacy and making the world a better place.

Decorah Community School District Administration Office | 1732 Old Stage Road, Decorah | (563) 382-4208

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PROGRESS EDITION | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

C-8

Sunflower continues to meet local child care needs The new Sunflower facility in Decorah was built to provide care for around 215 children. The child care center was originally founded in 1975. (File photo) COMPILED BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Doors opened at the new Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center June 10. Reaching out with a warm welcome were Daiton Johnson, Director of Operations, and Holly Benda, Executive Director.

(File photo)

Pictured in front of the new Solarflower at Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center is Perry Novak Electric General Manager Brent Freilinger, Sunflower’s Daiton Johnson, Amy Winter, Sunflower Executive Director Holly Benda and Winneshiek County Development and Tourism Director Stephanie Fromm. (File photo)

The Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center opened the doors to its child care facility on June 10, after what officials there called years of planning and fundraising.

Stephanie Fromm, executive director of Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, said in a statement soon after the new Sunflower opened that access to child care was identified as a key issue for the community more than five years ago.

“With the completion of this project phase, the Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center is helping to alleviate this issue by adding much-needed child care slots in its beautiful state-of-the-art facility,” Fromm said. “This multi-million dollar initiative taken on and supported by dozens of organizations in the county, not only supports working families but also contributes to the overall well-being and development of children.”

Nearly 50 years of child care The Sunflower center was originally founded by a group of parents in 1975 as the Sunflower Child Care Center — archives of the Decorah Journal noted an increasing need for local child care at that time as well. Just shy of three decades later, Sunflower underwent a renovation and built an addition on its former location along Highway 9 West in Decorah, according to the archives.

Sunflower cared for about 150 children from more than 80 families at that time.

“Sunflowers’s building addition and renovations will allow the center to increase the daily children attendance, provide additional room for school age children and recognize the infant department, adding a new room for the older infants and providing alternative classroom space,” the May 6, 2004, edition of the Decorah Journal said.

Organizers launched the effort to “The Smart Flower will be a daily construct the current Sunflower in interest of children and their families 2019, according to fundraising inforseeing the process of opening, followmation at that time. WinnMed ing the sun’s movement and donated approximately four closing at the end of the Sunflower acres of land for the projday,” said Sunflower ect, according to Fromm, Executive Director Child Development and organizers said the Holly Benda. “This + Discovery Center new facility would be may even inspire capable of providing questions and cuOpen House care to around 215 riosity, which are children.

Sunflower vital parts of learnFriday, Oct. 25 received several state ing.”

5:30-7:30 p.m. grants for the project, The Smartflower many worth hundreds of and the main building’s thousands of dollars — includrooftop solar panels are exing one grant of $930,000, which orgapected to help offset the majority nizers noted was one of largest awardof Sunflower’s electrical energy coned by the state program. sumption.

“Sunflower tries to be diligent in usShowcasing community ing renewable resources — to be envicommitment ronmentally conscious as well as cost Organizers broke ground on the $8.5 effective,” Benda said. “This whole million project in October of 2022. project will be a leader in the industry.

“Through successful fundraising and Being able to showcase a community’s grant writing efforts, the facility offers commitment to a project is such a wonamenities that include an indoor gym derful feeling.” space, a learning kitchen sized for students and beautiful outdoor play spacSharing community spaces es,” Fromm wrote earlier this year.

The new Sunflower facility will also “The facility made energy-efficient feature a publicly available Discovery decisions when building, and has inCenter, which is expected to open yet cluded a 210kW solar array, 60kW Sothis fall.

Organizers said the Discovery CenlarEdge battery system, 22kW Standby ter includes a large wall mounted Light Generac Generator, SolarFlower Array Bright, a giant Etch-A-Sketch, a netted and a Daily Educational Solar Producclimbing structure and rock climbing tion and Monitor Display System that wall, as well as a dynamic water tawill help visually educate children and ble where young ones can explore the visiting families about the positive imprinciples of buoyancy, hydrology and pact this setup has on both the nonprofair dynamics in a safe yet engaging it’s operating budget and the environenvironment. Sunflower staff plans to ment.” share the building’s Discovery Center, Grant funds also allowed Sunflower along with other non-classroom spacto construct what officials said is the es, with other child care entities, home first solar array of its kind in the state of school students and the public for a fee Iowa. The so-called Smartflower array during designated hours. features multiple solar panels attached “These spaces will challenge chilto a single stem, allowing the array to dren to develop their large motor skills, open each morning and track the sun’s coordination and creative thinking movement before closing again at while having fun,” Fromm said. night.

Wrestling At the recent NCAA Convention, the national organization endorsed the creation of divisional championships at each level. When approved this fall, women’s wrestling became the 91st national championship offered by the NCAA, and Division III will lead the way with more than 60 member institutions sponsoring the sport.

Competition schedules cannot be determined until later this year, as both the A-R-C and NCAA are finalizing details of participation in their respective first years of competition. The total number of first-year participants may also be a factor.

“We won’t know for a while whether this will begin as open competition or also include

team duals,” Hartl said. “What we do know is young women will have the opportunity to put on that famous Luther blue singlet and compete like a Norse.”

State and national organization leaders expressed their support for Luther’s addition of women’s wrestling.

“The addition of women’s wrestling at Luther College will

Thank you!

no doubt have a generational impact for female athletes to come,” said Erin Gerlich, executive director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletics Union.

“As we look across our state and our country over recent years, girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing programs offered in sports. In Iowa alone, we have consistently seen the

number of high school female wrestlers grow exponentially each year and reports from the youth wrestling community show no signs of girls wrestling slowing down anytime soon.”

Mike Moyer, executive director of the National Wrestling Coaches Association, expressed his thanks to Luther College on behalf of the association’s board

continued from C-7

of directors for embracing the rise of women’s wrestling in what he called “a state that has always been synonymous with the sport.”

“Anytime we add more opportunities for young women to further their educational and athletic goals in college, it’s a win for our students and a win for our sport,” Moyer said.

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EM EntErprisE MEdia

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HISTORIC NEWSPAPERS OF DECORAH Decorah-Posten (1874-1972)

Decorah Republican (1866-1928)

Decorah Journal (1893-2019)

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Driftless Journal (2019-2024)

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Other publications included: Decorah Republic (1860-1866), Decorah Bee (1875-1878), Daily Republican (1883-1886), Saturday Evening Journal (1976), Decorah Weekly Journal (1857-1858), Decorah Journal and Press (1883-1885), Decorah Gazette (1859), Decorah Radical (1880), Ventilator (1876) and The Bee and Decorah Journal (1876).