November 14, 2024 by Decorah Leader

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 46 www.decorahleader.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

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Precinct totals show Decorah voters leaned left, county fell right BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR County officials on Wednesday reviewed totals from last week’s general election as part of an official canvass of votes cast in Winneshiek County. Last week’s unofficial totals showed greater support for Democratic candidates among precincts in and near the city of Decorah, while other portions of Winneshiek County tended to support Republican candidates. About 80 percent of the county’s 15,194 registered voters cast ballots this cycle, totaling more than 12,000 votes locally, according to totals from the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office. Precinct

Luther political science faculty shed light on presidential election results Multiple factors contributed to Trump victory BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

2 in northeastern Winneshiek County recorded the highest voter turnout per capita with 86 percent of its 1,733 registered voters participating in the election — Precinct 2 has the second highest number of registered voters in the county, behind Precint 11, which has 2,142. Incumbent county supervisors held majorities in each district’s precincts Incumbent Winneshiek County Supervisor Shirley Vermace’s reelection was the only Democratic victory among the local contested races. She was favored over Republican candidate Dan Hovden for the District 3 seat on the local board of supervisors. Vermace was the victor in

Two members of the college’s political science department, Orçun Selçuk and Aime Rovelo, said Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to former President Donald Trump during the Nov. 6 presidential election wasn’t a surprise in some ways. Selçuk and Rovelo, along with department head Carly Foster, presented “Making Sense of the Presidential and Congressional Elections” the night of Nov. 7 in the college’s Center for Faith and Life’s recital hall — each of them offering different perspectives on Trump’s victory. “Donald Trump was the winner in 2016, and he almost won in 2020,” Selçuk said. “So, in that sense, I don’t find it very surprising. It happened because a significant majority — a significant portion of Americans — are not happy

all three precincts which fall within the bounds of the district. She topped Hovden by more than 35 percent in Precincts 6 and 7 in northern Decorah, but the Republican challenger was only six percent — or 47 votes — behind Vermace in Precinct 8, where he resides. Republican Dan Langreck was also successful in his bid for reelection to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, overcoming no-party candidate Cheryl Wieseler in both of District 4’s precincts. Langreck was most successful close to home, earning about 78 percent of the vote in Precinct 10 — the southeastern

Precinct totals

continued on page 12

with the current administration, and they voted against the incumbent.” Selçuk explained that one major contributing factor in Trump’s win was polarization — surrounding oneself only with others who agree with each others. “If you are a college student (and a) Democrat, probably 80 or 90 percent of your friends are also Democrat — especially on a college campus like this,” Selçuk said. “If you’re a Trump supporter, you probably live in some zip code that predominantly also supports Trump.” Selçuk went on to say Trump’s supporters

Faculty sheds light continued on page 12

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David Kingbury, Madeline Kingsbury’s father, embraces a family member outside the Blue Earth County Justice Center shortly after Adam Fravel was found guilty of murdering his daughter. (Photo by Denise Lana)

Local group begins weekly Grieving for Gaza vigils in downtown Decorah

Susan Herndon holds a sign reading “Choose Peace, Speak Out” during a Grieving for Gaza vigil held Saturday at Water Street Park. Also pictured are Carolyn Corbin and Hailey Abbey. See article inside. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Fravel guilty on all charges in Kingsbury murder

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER A jury found 30-year-old Adam Fravel guilty of murdering his ex-partner, 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury. The 12

jurors reached their decision on Nov. 6 after nearly 11 hours. Fravel now stands convicted of two counts of ﬁrst-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. The multiday trial was held in Blue Earth

County, Minnesota, following a change of venue for the high-proﬁle Winona County case, and included testimony from friends, family, investigators, neighbors and others who knew Kingsbury and Fravel.

According to testimony from family and friends, Kingsbury’s seven-year on-again off-again relationship with Fravel was

Fravel guilty

continued on page 9

Declining enrollment among Decorah School District concerns Decorah expected to be independent athletic conference next year

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER As Decorah School District ofﬁcials celebrate the recent passage of a $38 million dollar bond referendum, they may

VOTE DEC 10 A voice for the people that listens to the people Paid for by Klocke for Decorah Committee

also be faced with some looming budgetary challenges. A comparison of certiﬁed enrollment for 2024 released during Monday night’s monthly school board meeting indicated there are approximately 66

fewer students attending Decorah Community Schools than there were during the previous school year. Enrollment is now at 1,398 compared to 1,465 a year ago. Declining enrollment affects

the district’s budget, and DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin said some of the decline can be attributed to approximately 23 students in the northern part of the county attending Mabel-Canton School in nearby

Minnesota. He also cited an increase in the number of students studying in virtual classrooms across the region. He

School Board

continued on page 6

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Tiffany (Klimesh) Weaver and her daughter Amelia, pictured left, were enrobed with a Quilt of Valor during South Winn’s Veterans Day program Monday. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Members of Decorah VFW Post No. 1977 served as the color guard during Monday’s program in the Decorah High School Auditorium. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Area communities host Veterans Day programs A number of programs and events were held earlier this week in recognition of Veterans Day. Community members and students attended programs at area schools, businesses and other gathering spaces. U.S. Census data showed an estimated 1,143 veterans called Winneshiek County home between 2018 and 2022 — about 6 percent of the county’s estimated total population. Decorah High School Hardly a seat was unoccupied inside the Decorah High School auditorium Monday, during a community Veterans Day program. Members of Decorah VFW Post No. 1977 posted the colors for the 9:45 a.m. program, before the high school’s concert band and choir performed a number of patriotically themed numbers. Tade Kerndt, a 1995 graduate of Decorah High School, was the morning’s featured speak-

er. Kerndt had joined the U.S. Army Reserve the previous year at the age of 17, and he headed to South Carolina for basic training soon after receiving his diploma. Kerndt told Monday’s audience he still isn’t entirely sure what drew him to become a reservist — he noted the local recruitment station was in the same building as his father’s ofﬁce at that time, and he said the prospect of guaranteed college funds was appealing — but he knows he did a lot of growing up in a week’s time that summer. He said his company acted mainly as a construction unit in those days, taking on construction projects to assist non-proﬁt organizations, but he said things changed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. He and his fellow reservists shifted to mission preparations and, in

Decorah High School alum Tade Kerndt was the featured speaker during the school’s Veterans Day program Monday. Kerndt joined the U.S. Army Reserve after graduating from Decorah High School in 1995. He told students of how his time in the armed forces taught him how to work well with others and how to persevere when situations become difﬁcult. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Tina Huinker (left) and Amy Knutson (right) share a smile and laugh after presenting their father Lee Hendrickson his Quilt of Valor on Monday during South Winn’s Veterans Day program. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Veterans Day

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Who Shot Alexander Hamilton? Spin-off of the hit Broadway Alexander Hamilton show

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Erik Stoen of Decorah (left) and Bob Alden of Louisiana met July 1, 1980, in basic training for the United States Air Force, and they’ve been friends ever since. Alden and his family traveled to Decorah to visit Stoen on Veterans Day. “I came all this way just for dinner, and it was well worth it,” Alden said. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

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Decorah High School student Davis CoppoFour of the six Juve brothers, all Army veterans, had dinner together at the la stepped down from his place on the choir Lynch Family Foundation’s Veterans Day meal Monday night. Pictured (left risers to read a presidential proclamation reto right) are Richard, Ron, John and Jim. Not pictured are Robert and Dave. garding Veterans Day. (Photo by Seth Boy(Photo by Zach Jensen) es)

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VOTE DEC 10

KENT

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Rick and Joanne Freidhof of Cresco said Monday night’s dinner was excellent. Rick served in the United States Army in 1969 and 1970 in Vietnam. The couple has been married 52 years. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

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NEWS

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

ISAA fashion show is more than fabric BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER More than 50 Luther College international students gathered in the campus’ Center for Faith and Life main hall Saturday Nov. 2 to perform in the International Students and Allies Association annual fashion show. The event showcased cultural dance routines, vocal and musical performances and a student-involved spectrum performance. All funds raised through ticket sales and donations will be given to the Nuoi Em Initiative Raise the Children to provide impoverished Vietnamese communities with aid for education and healthcare. “The theme is culture and heritage and modernity,” said Moliehi Seipati, Treasurer of ISAA. “We celebrate the cultures of where we come from and the foundations of our identities. We do this while still embracing the change that has happened over the past as we look

Opening up the fashion show was a trio representing Pakistan — Sarab Aftab, Faneeza Malik and Abdullah Ali. forward to the future. In a world that is constantly evolving, it is important for us to remember and have a connection to our roots.” Many students from around the globe modeled outﬁts which were modern but paid homage

to tradition and heritage, while others performed modern songs and dances intermeshed with historically signiﬁcance and rituals. As part of the show, volunteer students participated in a spectrum performance during which

K-Project, ISSA’s K-Pop dance group, performed several dance numbers.

“Back home I am just a man, but in the U.S., I am a black man — I am aware I am a black man in the US. To add to that, I am a Nigerian black man. There are lots of expectations, especially when you just want to go to school.” -Daniel Nnodium, international student from Nigeria

thought-provoking questions were asked — the word “agree” was projected on the left side of the stage while “disagree” was projected on the right side with a neutral space in the center and indications of several varying degrees between each space. For example, participants were asked if English was a barrier to life at college — a question to which freshman Abdullah Ali from Pakistan heartily responded by moving to the far right of the stage. “I have never stayed this far away from home and never spoke English 24/7,” Ali said. “It get’s tiring having to speak English 24/7 — sometimes you don’t have the energy to go out and communicate.” Daniel Nnodim from Nigeria strongly disagreed with the same question, explaining his country has more than 300 languages and English is something of a neutral language. “If we pick a domestic language, there is this feeling of superiority amongst each other,

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but with English, none of us are superior or inferior to the other — I am used to speaking English 24/7,” said Nnodim. Most students indicated they had at some point changed their behavior to ﬁt in. Ali was the lone participant standing to the far left of the stage under the word “disagree.” “I don’t think changing for someone will help me,” said Ali, as the audience erupted in applause. Most of the students indicated they had dealt with microagression — one student said she was once told she spoke English well for a foreigner and another said she was once asked if she came to America on a plane or if she swam. Students were also asked if they feared being judged because of their skin color, accent or home country — among those who strongly agreed was Nnodim. “Back home I am just a man, but in the U.S., I am a black man — I am aware I am a black man

in the US,” he said. “To add to that, I am a Nigerian black man. There are lots of expectations, especially when you just want to go to school.” As the event came to a close, all the international students gathered on the stage and danced in unison, smiling and laughing, holding hands and embracing one another as a variety of global music styles echoed through the auditorium. “We all come from different backgrounds, different countries, different traditions,” said Pakistani student Sarab Aftab, vice president of ISAA. “The world is at war right now — a lot of our countries have economic and terrible conditions and are living through terrible times right now. What we are trying to do at Luther is bring our students from around the world and unite them on one stage and give them the opportunity to share their beautiful cultures and traditions, and that is what our goal for the fashion show is this year.”

OPINION

I hope the maps are helpful

Reclaim the spirit of Armistice Day To the Editor: As we mark Veterans Day this year, we would do well to remember its origin, the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. This date was celebrated as Armistice Day, a day to end all wars, until 1954 during the Korean War, when the US Congress renamed it Veterans Day. The gloriﬁcation of those who ﬁght in wars, and thus war itself, turned the original meaning of Armistice Day on its head. We can reclaim the spirit of Armistice Day this year by

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Years ago, I used the phrase kinetic journalism to describe a key component of effective local reporting. My point back BY SETH BOYES then was that community-level reporting requires journalists to News Editor apply their past experience in a practical way that benefits their readers each and every week, so seeing the numbers laid out year after year. in a spectrum of hues really Originally, I was just refer- helped put things in perspective ring to my own need to wear for me in a way that looking swimming trunks the next time rows and columns of numbers I covered a particular outdoor didn’t. And because I’m a geek, swimming event, since I’d I also mapped out five of the mostly come away from that contested partisan races that first year with photos of peo- appeared on our county ballots ple’s backsides. But this week just for fun — it really highshowed me in a less comical lighted the contrast between way that my own tidbit of news- voter preferences in Decorah paper philosophy does indeed and the cities elsewhere in Winhold water. You may have no- neshiek County. ticed some colorful maps elseBut, while I can tell you how where in this week’s edition, the numbers in one area stacked and those are maps I guarantee up against those from another, I you no other news outlet has. I can’t necessarily tell you why can say this, because they were they are what they are. That’s made in house by yours truly. the kind of quandary many a To be clear, I’m not a tech news commentator has been wizard by any stretch. Rather, trying to nail down out on a the maps came about thanks to larger post-election scale for a a bit of knowledge I picked up bit now. during last year’s Iowa Better It’s also something that can Newspaper Contest and Con- seem divisive at first glance, but vention. Now, admittedly, I can I see potential for the numbers get overly enthused about the to become a handhold toward shiny plaques the INA divvies unity and, like many worthout in Des Moines each year, while efforts, I’d imagine things but I know the real purpose be- may need to start small — at the hind the annual competition is local level. to improve the quality of print You see, a large part of what journalism across the state. The makes it appealing to read awards banquet shows us what about our friends and neighsorts of approaches are working bors in a local newspaper is the among similarly sized papers, simple fact that we know these but the seminars are what give people. And these voting statisus the tools and know-how to tics are part of that communal make practical changes for the experience as well. They just reader’s benefit. don’t come with names and a So, when a reader reached out faces like a news feature does, to the Decorah Leader the other but they’re still useful, because day and asked if we planned the numbers aren’t just an indito publish a breakdown of last cation of what might be written week’s election results by pre- on people’s voter registration cinct, I was pleasantly surprised cards. They offer a pin-hole to realize the right tool in the glimpse into how the experiencproverbial tool belt, and we es of people near us every day could easily convey that data might differ from our own, and visually for our readers (and perhaps why each of us might it’s here that I have to stop and feel the way we do about things say thank you to the folks at the – political or otherwise. Winneshiek County GIS Office The talking heads on the mafor not only providing me with jor news channels might strugthe mapping files of our local gle to put their finger on why voting precincts, but for doing a last week’s numbers look like bit of trouble shooting with me they do for some time, but I say when the files weren’t initially the local market stills has the recognized by the program I advantage — we need only talk was using). to our friends and neighbors. Now, there’s been a lot of I imagine a lot of us have election analysis over the last been less than enthused to have week or two. But we aren’t those kinds of conversations likely to see Winneshiek Coun- the last few years, but I really ty’s stats displayed on any cable do believe they can be fruitful news shows — that’s why you if done well. And hopefully, the have us. reporting in this week’s edition They’re big picture. provides some helpful perspecWe’re in your backyard. tive to guide those kinds of conAs such, I’ve always felt versations in a meaningful way. the local newspaper is the one Searching for understanding, tasked with bringing you sto- rather than division. ries that can’t be found anyAgree with Seth? Think he’s where else — stories about your got it completely backwards or friends and neighbors. And in he’s missed the point entirely? some ways, this week’s maps Let your voice be heard. Letters are just an extension of that to the editor may be emailed to idea. editor@decorahleader.com or I don’t know about you, dear dropped off at 110 Washington reader, but I’m a visual learner, St. Suite 4 in Decorah.

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calling for a permanent ceaseﬁre in Gaza and throughout the Middle East. The surest way to achieve such a ceaseﬁre is for our own government to stop sending bombs to Israel to be dropped on Palestinian children and their parents. It is high time to put an end to genocide, military confrontation and the prospects of a nuclear war that could bring a terrible end to human civilization as we know it. Sincerely, Robert Fischer Decorah

‘To him, you are nothing more than cannon fodder’ Belleau Woods, France, June 1918. This was the ﬁrst and deadliest battle fought and won by the USA troops (Marines) in WWI. June 2018, at the AisneMarne Cemetery, France held a ceremony honoring the soldiers who gave their all 100 years earlier. Almost 2,000 USA troops died, plus/minus 7,000 were wounded during the battle June 1-26, 1918. Plus, the Brit-

ish and French troops. The war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th month of 1918. POTUS Trump ﬂew there to represent the USA. It was raining that day. He “declined” to leave his hotel. ‘My hair will get wet, besides they are losers and suckers.’ The troops in 1918 got more than their hair wet giving their all, so cadet bone spurs could become POTUS.

Presently, 2024. Adding more disrespect to USA troops, he went to Arlington National Cemetery. Section 60 has a ban on picture taking. He ordered his Secret Service detail to forcibly remove the cemetery employees trying to enforce the ban. He had political pictures taken. No tear gas was involved. I am sorry we had veterans who swallowed their pride and voted for him. I feel you are

not “losers and suckers.” He does! Allowing your commander-in-chief to denigrate you is painful. It would be great if you that voted for him would explain to us why you voted for the crook. To him, you are nothing more than cannon fodder. Dave Ameling Ossian

Echoes of the Past

Air ﬁeld approved east of town

Air raids in the 1940s Air raid drills were common back in the 1940s, as Americans were in fear of attack. Decorah area residents were required to practice blackout drills and air raid drills, and warnings such as this (pictured) were often published in the newspaper. (From the Decorah Leader Archives)

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER Most Decorah residents probably think the local airport has always been east of town. But, in fact, it was back in the fall of 1944 when a new private airport was approved east of Decorah. Before that time, the landing strip was situated northwest of town at Tatro Field. Dewey Tatro, commander of the Decorah Civil Air Patrol was designated to operate the new airport. According to Tatro in 1944, “Aviation for Decorah will be just as good as Decorah makes it. Aviation does not need Decorah. It will go on without us, but Decorah needs aviation.” Flying from the new air strip would begin immediately in November. Heaviest activity was expected be on Sundays when student flyers would have their first full day of instruction. Advanced flight training would be secured thanks to three new parachutes which Tatro brought back from Des Moines. Approximately 30 students within a 10-mile radius of Decorah expressed interest in flying in the fall of 1944. Flying students included two Decorah women: Miss Annette Edward, a student at Luther College, and Miss Ingrid Oxley, who resided on a farm between Decorah and Ossian. Tatro’s lease on the airport ground was to run for four months. Tatro was gambling on city purchase of the ground in the future. Establishment of a municipal airport on the site, suitable for landings of large commercial planes, depended upon approval by Decorah citizens at the polls in an upcoming election. The council had already adopted a resolution in favor of an airport on the east side of town. According to the news headlines in 1944, “Achievement of an airport here would bring to fruition years of effort by the Luther College administration, which has pioneered in inspecting and surveying prospective fields under the leadership of President O.J. H. Preus and Business Manager Karl Hanson. The college has led in the aviation campaign.”

Here are more headlines from another era:

IGHTY YEARS AGO 1944: Two Decorah councilmen are opposed to issuing a new beer permit to the operator of Bill’s Casino at 503 West Main Street. Despite their objections, the council approved the permit by a 5-2 vote. …The Springer Hotel in downtown Decorah has been sold to Mrs. Sam Usgaard. Mrs. Usgaard also has purchased the café equipment at the hotel. She has been employed there for a number of years. She is the former Miss Gladys Hovden. …FRONT PAGE NEWS: The ﬁre siren in town is being removed from its present location near the city shops to a new location at the top of the coal silos at Ingvolstad Lumber Company. It is hoped the move will make it more readily heard throughout the city and improve ﬁre protection. …Staff Sgt. Bernard Borlaug, who had been a swim guard at the local swimming pool, has been wounded in the invasion of Holland. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Borlaug. Mr. Borlaug had operated a blacksmith business here at one time. The family was alerted in October via telegram from the War Department.

EVENTY YEARS AGO 1954: Veteran’s Day is the new name designated for Armistice Day. In a mail ballot vote conducted recently by the retail trades committee, 45 retail stores voted to remain closed for the special day. …There were 50 children at the sixth annual Halloween Party in Decorah. A costume parade and contest were conducted.

…Decorah school students who make up their work in advance and receive permission from their parents are again excused from school in order to legitimately go pheasant hunting on November 11.

IXTY YEARS AGO 1964: A free demonstration of the new color televisions is planned this week at Helwig Radio and TV. You too could see college football IN LIVING COLOR right on your own television set. …Nearly 1,000 children dressed up for Decorah’s 16th annual Halloween party and costume parade the other night.

IFTY YEARS AGO 1974: Television viewers in the Decorah area will soon receive Channel 9 – KCRG. A second educational TV channel is also on the horizon for local J and E Cable TV subscribers.

ORTY YEARS AGO 1984: There were three upset victories in the general election in Republican dominated Winneshiek County. Among the upsets was electing Democrat Tom Harkin to the U.S. Senate. …The Oneota Community Coop, comprised of about 60 local families, has been denied a request for rezoning. The coop members hoped to open a natural-food store to the public, with a pottery shop and electrical appliance store next to Ole’s Swap Shop in the south part of town.

HIRTY YEARS AGO 1994: The Big Canoe luteﬁsk and meatball supper is this month. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $3.50 for children. Call Lester Bentley for advance tickets.

…Woodland Acres Estates invites you to stop by and tag your Christmas tree while the weather is good. …Only about 62 percent of registered voters turned out for the recent general election, according to County Auditor Georgiann Schweinefus. Approximately 7,435 voters cast ballots in the election.

WENTY YEARS AGO 2004: Decorah City Council approved a revised final plot plan for the Howdy Hills Subdivision near Freeport. …The warm autumn in Northeast Iowa has led to bumper crops. A record 175-bushel yield is predicted, breaking the county’s previous high-yield average of 167 bushels-per-acre a few years ago. …The Decorah Viking football squad is undefeated in Class 3A after romping over Anamosa in the first round of the playoffs last week. This is the Vikes’ 15th trip to the playoffs. They will seek their fifth state title and will face off against New Hampton in the quarterfinals at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls.

EN YEAS AGO - 2014: In the recent Winneshiek County Supervisor race, Floyd Ashbacher and John Beard were elected. …A new program designed to improve the availability of housing in the future will go into effect soon. On a 4-3 vote, the Decorah City Council approved a tax abatement on new residential construction. …The Decorah girls cross country team has become the ﬁfth team in school history to win at least three straight state titles.

OBITUARIES/NEWS

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

Obituaries Robert Rothmeyer

Dec. 22, 1933 - Nov. 8, 2024

Robert Charles Rothmeyer, 90, died Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 at Ossian Senior Hospice after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Bob was born on Dec. 22, 1933, to Frank and Genevieve Robert (Gerleman) Rothmeyer Rothmeyer in Bloomfield Township in Winneshiek County. He attended school at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School through the 11th grade and then graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1952. At age 10, Bob began his farming experience by working for several area farmers until enlisting in the U.S. Army in July 1953. He served for two years in Germany as a truck driver. After being discharged, Bob returned to the Ossian area and worked for local farmer Fred Scheidel. In 1956, he met his future wife Audrey Northrop while on a blind date in Chicago. Audrey was a nursing student from Allen Nursing School in Waterloo doing a rotation in Chicago. Bob and Audrey were married on Jan. 26, 1957, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waterloo on a record-cold day. They settled in Cedar Rapids where Bob experienced layoffs at three different manufacturing companies before being hired by Quaker Oats where he worked in the grain unload-

ing terminal. During this time, two daughters were born. Bob’s love for farming brought the family back to northeast Iowa where he worked for farmer Joe Hemesath near Monona. While living in Monona another daughter joined the family. Shortly after this, in 1960, the family moved to Ossian to the John Uhlenhake farm which they later purchased. Bob and Audrey had three more children to complete their family. Bob’s career as a farmer allowed him to fulfill his dream of caring for his family, his animals and the land. Being a dairy farmer instilled in his children a strong work ethic and loyalty to family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Genevieve; sisters, Jean Ann who died at age 4, Irene (Pat) Grady, and Elizabeth (Betty) Schnuelle; brother, James; nephew, Shane Rothmeyer; great-granddaughter, Lucy Nieman; and granddaughter, Brianna Sauer. Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Audrey; brothers, Bill and Art; children: Janice, Susan, Kathryn (Mark) Hunt, Brian (Lorna), Brenda (Dave) Mueller and Steven (Shelly); step-daughter, Cathy Daniels; 16 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A private family celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian is assisting with arrangements.

Dale Suhr

Sept. 2, 1942 - Oct. 28, 2024 Dale William Suhr, 82, passed away Oct. 28, 2024, in Decorah. Dale was born in Fayette County on Sept. 2, 1942, to Paul and Elsie Suhr, the sixth of 13 children. After graduating from Dale Suhr Arlington High School, Dale attended Universal Trade School in Omaha, Nebraska. Dale was then drafted into the United States Army where he spent most of his service working at a military prison in Germany. He married the love of his life Margaret (Hanson) on April 15, 1967, and they eventually settled on a farm in Winneshiek County where they raised four children. Dale was a lifelong farmer and he loved attending Farmers Markets. He was especially fond of raising free range chickens and helping Margaret prepare her famous Norwegian Lefse and Kringla. Dale also loved to take Margaret dancing and riding their bicycles all over the country before arthritis made these activities too difficult to enjoy. Dale was active in his church and community. He was a member of Calmar Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. Dale also served on the Boards of the Aase Haugen Home and the American Farm Bureau, was Clerk of Calmar Township, and was a member of the American Legion. Dale also genuinely loved people and was especially fond of children. In addition to raising their own kids, Dale and Margaret also welcomed many foster children into their home. Dale never missed the opportunity to be a role model and mentor to any young person in need of a father-figure. Dale was friendly and outgoing by nature; just as likely to strike up a conversation with a longtime acquaintance as a complete stranger. Dale will be best remembered for his amiable and fun-loving personality. Dale’s good-natured humor and infectious smile brought laughter and joy to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him. Dale was preceded in death

by his parents, Paul and Elsie Suhr; father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Alma Hanson; four brothers: Arnold Suhr, Donald Suhr, Paul Louie Suhr and Gary Suhr; four brothers-in-law: Lyle Wilson, Dick Hughson, Paul Hanson and Harley Evenson; five sisters-in-law: Luella Suhr, Beverly Suhr, Elaine Suhr, Sylvia Feigenspan and Judy Hanson; niece, Sarah Hanson; and nephew, Ben Elrod. Dale is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Suhr; four children: Lynne Speer (Eric Giddens), Keith Suhr, Amanda Pitts (Larry) and Ramona Maresh (Don); granddaughter, Shanell Belles (Travis); two great-grandchildren: Briley and Braxton Belles; two brothers: Duane Suhr (Mary) and Ron Suhr (Phil Roehrborn); six sisters: Ruth Kamper (Roderic), Esther Wilson, Joann Hughson, Nancy Buhmann (Richard), Mary Henderson (Terry) and Donna Buhman (Mike); four brothers-in-law: Harold Hanson (Leanna), Enoch Hanson (Gina), Albert Hanson (Trudy) and Marvin Feigenspan (Erma); and four sisters-in-law: Randine Evenson, Inga Hanson, Elsie Walsh (Kevin) and Cora Elrod (Gary). A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Calmar Lutheran Church, 200 East St., Calmar, with Pastor Daryl Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held at the Calmar Lutheran Church from 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and from 9-10:30 a.m. prior to the service Saturday. Memorials can be designated to Calmar Lutheran Church and Bremwood Lutheran Children’s Home in Waverly.

Court cancels suppression hearing as Nyanjenga pleads guilty

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Court documents indicate a Decorah teen has pleaded guilty in a case stemming from several instances of local vandalism in September of 2023 — some of which were initially noted as hate crimes. An attorney for 19-year-old Caeden Philip Andrew Nyanjenga previously argued law enforcement illegally obtained evidence against the teen during the execution of a search warrant last year — specifically a hooded sweatshirt law enforcement saw the teen unload from a dryer during the search. An officer asked Nyanjenga to hand him the sweatshirt at that time and ultimately seized the shirt as evidence, which the teen’s defense attorney claimed was a violation of Nyanjenga’s right to have counsel present during questioning, his right to avoid self-incrimination and his protection from unreasonable search and seizure. A hearing on the defense’s request to suppress evidence against the teen had been scheduled for Tuesday of this week. However, court documents filed that morning said the court has accepted a guilty plea from Nyanjenga, and Tuesday’s hearing was cancelled. Nyanjenga was initially charged with second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal mischief and trespassing — the latter two were described as hate crimes in the case’s original trial information. A Nov. 12 filing indicated Nyanjenga pleaded guilty to both criminal mischief charges — those two charges had originally been filed as Class D felonies but were amended to be aggravated misdemeanors. The

Caeden Philip Andrew Nyanjenga plea said he is expected to pay civil penalties and other costs, serve at least one year of informal probation and write a letter of apology to each victim as part of a plea agreement. Judgement is to be deferred for both counts of criminal mischief, per the proposed plea deal, and the trespassing charge is to be dismissed. The Decorah Police Department was initially informed on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, that Decorah Lutheran Church had been vandalized at some point overnight. The responding officer learned additional vandalism had also taken place uphill at the neighboring Decorah United Church of Christ — court documents described the vandalism there as more extensive. The congregational church had installed a display on its north side, comprised of six doors painted with the main colors of the rainbow spectrum and bearing the words “God’s doors are open to all.” The officer’s account said the display was an indicator “of the church’s inclusivity of all

Investigators used video footage to help identify two suspects in the case. Law enforcement charged Caeden Nyanjenga and Jose Macias Torres with the vandalism. Court documents indicate a third individual may have been involved, and Macias Torres has since agreed to testify against Nyanjenga and an unnamed juvenile as part of a plea bargain. sexual orientations,” and noted the words “God hates gays” had been spray painted on the display. Additional vandalism was discovered elsewhere on the church as well as walls, signage and businesses in multiple locations — initial estimates placed the damage at $10,000. Investigators were able to obtain video surveillance footage from locations near almost all of the affected sites. The footage captured three suspects, two of which law enforcement later identified as Nyanjenga and 19-year-old Jose Macias Torres of Decorah — court documents indicate the third individual has since been the subject of a case within the juvenile court system. Charges filed against Torres were similar to those in Nyanjenga’s case. Torres accepted a plea bargain earlier this year and agreed to testify against Nyanjenga and an unnamed juvenile. Torres re-

ceived a deferred judgement for both of the criminal mischief charges filed against him. Those charges are to be dismissed and the case file is to be expunged after Torres completes a threeyear probation period, according to court records. The teen served four days in jail this past August for the trespassing charge, and he was to pay more than $2,000 in reparation to the organizations which were vandalized. Neither of the churches which were vandalized sought reparations from either teen. Officials with each church said last month their congregations did not feel financial compensation was necessary, and both have previously asked the court to consider alternative sentences, such as community service, for the teenagers. Nyanjenga is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17.

Jury selection begins in Jones arson trial BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Jury selection in the upcoming arson trail against Mindy Jones was slow but steady Tuesday at Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon. Jones faces charges of first-degree arson and misdemeanor animal abuse stemming from the fiery destruction of a Waukon commercial building in February of 2022 which caused the death of a family dog. Iowa Assistant Attorney General Israel Jacob Kodiaga will be prosecuting the case, alongside Allamakee County Attorney Anthony Gericke and Assistant Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler. Attorneys Aaron Hawbaker and Nicholas Thompson of the Waterloo Adult Public Defenders Office

Jones appeared in court Tuesday at the Allamakee county Courthouse, along with her attorneys — Nicholas Thompson, pictured with Jones — and Aaron Hawbaker, both from the Waterloo Adult Public Defenders Office. (Photo by Denise Lana) will be representing Jones. Jones’ defense team submitted a motion last week, asking

that her criminal and financial history not be entered as evi-dence. The defense argues both

Law Enforcement

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office

A Decorah man was cited for entering a stop or yield intersection following a collision east of Burr Oak. A report from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 44-year-old Joshua John Phillips was heading east in a 2018 Volkswagon Tiguan at approximately 10:10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 and failed to obey a stop sign at the intersection of 350th Street and North Winn Road. He collided with a 2021 Mazda CX5 driven by 64-year-old Steven Lynn Fossum of Mabel, Minnesota. Both

vehicles were carried into the north ditch. Fossum was listed as having suspected minor injuries, and Phillips was uninjured. Both vehicles were totaled, according to the sheriff’s report. Alysa Kennedy, age 19, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 to serve two consecutive days. Chase Telsrow, age 41, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:25 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 to serve 30 consecutive days. Dean William Beck, age 47, of Manchester was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:35

a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 on the charge of disorderly conduct - loud or raucous noise. Larry Hruska, age 63, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 to serve 15 consecutive days. David Hyke, age 27, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 1:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 and held for the Howard County Sheriff’s Office.

Decorah Police Department

The Decorah Police Department was informed of a possible

are irrelevant and would prove prejudicial. No ruling has been made on that issue by presiding Judge Laura Parrish. At least 54 exhibits have been admitted for evidence, including numerous photographs of the fire, several videos, financial documents, bank records, social media posts and 911 calls. Waukon Fire Chief Dave Martin and Gayge Samuelson, vice president of FreedomBank, are among those expected to potentially testify during the trial. Kistler said Tuesday the prosecution hoped to have 12 jury members and three alternates seated by the end of day — eight had been seated as of press time Tuesday afternoon — and Kistler speculated the prosecution’s case could be wrapped up by the end of this week.

violation of a no-contact order at approximately 10:47 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, resulting in the arrest of 41-year-old Adam Follmer of Oakdale, Minnesota. Follmer was located and arrested at the Super 8 Motel in Decorah, according to a statement from the police. He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:30 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.

Service Notices ROGER LEIBOLD, 77, of Fort Atkinson, died Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at Wellington Place in Decorah. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at St. John Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson with Rev. Henry Huber presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 15 at the Helms Funeral Home Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary and scripture service at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday. ELAINE GRIMES, 93, died Wednesday, Nov. 6,

2024, at her home in Decorah. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov.14 at Congregational United Church of Christ, 209 W. Broadway St., Decorah. Burial will be at Phelps Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Helms Funeral Home in Decorah. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church Thursday. ELIZABETH “BETTY” A. ANDERSON, 87, died Oct.4, 2024. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Nick Radloff pre-

siding. Burial will be in the St. Benedict Cemetery in Decorah following the mass. A celebration of life service will be held following the burial at Helms Funeral Home in Decorah. CARL BERGAN, 55, of Bluffton, died Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov.18 at Orleans Lutheran Church, 2969 Co. Rd. W14, Cresco with Rev. Nathan Wicks presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A celebration of life will follow the funeral service from 1-5 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center, 690 County Street, Ridgeway.

NEWS

Petersburg announces resignation after 17 years on Decorah School Board desire to expedite the appointment in order to potentially allow the Brian Petersburg of new board member to Decorah has announced attend the Iowa Associhis resignation from the ation of School Board Decorah School Board. annual meeting in Des The revelation came at Moines later this month. Monday night’s monthPetersburg’s term exly school board meetpires in 2027, but the ing. new appointee must apPetersburg began pear on the ballot in Noserving on the board vember of 2025 to re17 years ago when his tain a seat on the board. children were young Cronin summarized students in the district. the board’s appointment He and his wife Kathy process moving forhave two daughters — ward. Megan, a 2007 grad“The board is looking uate at Decorah High at candidates who ran School, and Alyssa, a in the last election, who 2009 graduate. got the most votes, who He said he valued participated in district his experience on the board activities and othboard, working with er things,” he said. three school superinDuring the meeting, tendents and navigatboard members indicating through some dif- Brian Petersburg is stepping away from his ed they might consider ficult times during the role on the Decorah School Board after 17 Brad Darling of rural years of service. (Photo by Roz Weis) COVID pandemic. Decorah for the ap“It’s been a great 17 pointment. Darling was years,” he said. “I’m happy to dent Cindy Goodner applauded a candidate in the last school Petersburg’s service, thanking board election and received the have been a part of it.” Petersburg noted some high- him for being what she called second-most votes on the ballot. lights during his tenure, in- a positive leader in the commuFollowing publication of the cluding working through the nity. notice of school board vacancy, “The role of being a school the public will also have the opremodeling of the high school, the purchase of the district’s board member is more than a tion to file a petition calling for new transportation facility, the few meetings a month,” she the vacancy be filled by a spepurchase of land from the city said. “It’s living a lifestyle of re- cial election. Voters have up to of Decorah for expansion near sponsibility, and you have car- 14 days after the published noJohn Cline Elementary, and the ried that with such dignity, and tice to gather and submit signapassage of the recent $38 mil- I appreciate the seriousness that tures equal to at least 30 percent lion bond referendum for the you have taken with your role.” of the number of voters who new elementary school. participated in the most recent He expressed pride in the dis- Vacancy to be filled regular school board election Decorah School Superinten- – Winneshiek County Auditor trict’s accomplishments over the years — including Decorah dent Tim Cronin said the first Ben Steines said that number High School being named a step in filling Petersburg’s seat would equate to 670 signatures Blue Ribbon School twice by on the board will be publishing in this instance. the U.S. Department of Edu- notice of the board’s intention A special meeting has been cation — students’ academic to fill the vacancy by appoint- tentatively scheduled for noon achievements as well as their ment. That notice is expected on Monday, Nov. 18, for board many extra-curricular successes to appear in today’s Decorah members to consider filling the Leader. in athletics and the arts. vacancy. Board members expressed a Decorah School Board PresiROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

Framework on WinnMed’s northern addition continues, and crews hope to have sidewalks and other pavement poured before winter sets in, which officials said will help decrease the overall size of the construction area and ease snow removal later in the year. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Work progressing on WinnMed additions as winter approaches BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Officials with WinnMed in Decorah say the hospital’s Transforming Tomorrow campaign is on budget as construction crews prepare for winter weather. The $50 million project includes expansion of the county hospital’s clinic spaces as well as its surgical services and obstetric unit, which staff expect will be upgraded before the hospital delivers its first baby of 2025. Officials said the hospital delivered dozens of babies during the month of October, which staff indicated was lower than expected after a number of births occurred early. WinnMed is also constructing a two-story addition estimated to add 30,000 square-feet 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. Hospital officials previously explained the Transforming Tomorrow project is largely funded through rural development grants provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The hospital is also paying about $7 million out of its own coffers and has the ability to borrow up to approximately $8 million from local banks. WinnMed’s Chief Medical Officer Thomas Marquardt said he sees Transforming Tomorrow as a potential draw for future hires. “It is very physical and a highlight of growth,” he said following a Nov. 6 project update. Jesse McDannald with Graham Construction serves as the Transforming Tomorrow’s lead superintendent, and he said 65-70 construction workers are working on the project. Crews are largely focused on closing in the hospital’s new additions to before Old Man Winter arrives in earnest, according to McDannald. He estimated about 95 percent of the hospital’s surgery addition has been enclosed for the season. McDannald said the addition’s roof was already in

Project supervisors said a majority of the hospital’s surgical addition has been enclosed for the season. Other interiro work is expected to begin early next month. place as of the WinnMed Board of Directors’ Nov. 6 meeting, and crews planned to install aluminum wall curtains the following week. McDannald expects drywall will be installed in the coming weeks as well. He went on to say three crews are working on exterior framing of the hospital’s new clinic space on the north side of the hospital’s campus, and they hope to have sidewalks and other pavement around the hospital poured in the near future — McDannald said doing so will help reduce the footprint of the construction sites and ease snow removal later in the year. Work on the hospital’s internal hall space is tentatively slated to begin Dec. 2. Ben Stevens, chief financial officer at WinnMed, indicated the interior work will affect several areas of the hospital, including storage, offices and clinics, over a period of several months, but he said officials are taking steps to minimize the impact of the construction on hospital patients and staff. “We’re going to be asking people to give up some spaces to be able to move some waiting rooms — it’s going to be painful there for a little bit, but we’re working diligently to make sure that we’re coordinating all that work” Stevens said, noting some office spaces will be especially impacted by the construction of hallways connecting to the new additions. Stevens went on to say some items, such as hospital beds, are expected to be moved into the new spaces as work is completed, and additional furniture is scheduled to arrive the week before Christmas.

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The Transforming Tomorrow project is scheduled for completion in January of 2026, with the remodeling of WinnMed’s surgical facilities taking place during the final phase.

School Board continued from front speculated some of the decline may be simply due to fewer students living in the district. The declining enrollment figures are just one the challenges facing the board in the year ahead. In a report to the board, Dana Bockman, who serves as facilitator of instruction and assessment and the elementary assistant principal at Carrie Lee Elementary and John Cline Elementary, presented a 2023-24 progress report analysis to the board. Bockman cited several areas of concern, and the declining enrollment figures topped the list — other areas for improvement included addressing chronic absenteeism, expanding student behavioral interventions and providing supportive answers to closing any proficiency gaps in achievement. The enrollment data released Monday was viewed as a red flag by some board members. “This is a huge hit for our public school system,” said Decorah School Board President Cindy Goodner. “In addition to just receiving this data, we need to be thoughtful and look at how to support enrollment.” Goodner went on to question whether the lower number of students could be due to a lack of affordable, available single-family housing in the district, forcing some families to live outside the Decorah area. Changes in legislative school funding were also among the board’s concerns, and Mon-

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day’s data included figures related to the Iowa Education Savings Account program — sometimes called the school voucher system. The number of Education Savings Account-funded students enrolled at private schools in the Decorah District increased from 69 students a year ago to 121 this year, as rules regarding the vouchers were relaxed. Iowa legislators approved the Education Savings Accounts, providing taxpayer dollars to families to help pay for private school tuition and related costs. The program is set to expand substantially in the next few years. Starting in 2025-2026, all K-12 students in the state will be eligible for the vouchers, regardless of family income. Decorah School Board Vice President Ron Fadness, who has served on the board since 2009, said this isn’t the first year he has witnessed declining enrollment figures in the district. “I do recall one year, probably eight years ago, where we had a pretty dramatic drop, and the next year we bounced almost all the way back,” Fadness said, later adding he hopes the drop in enrollment is just a “blip.” Bond approved The now-approved $38 million bond will fund the construction of a new elementary building to replace the 60-yearold John Cline Elementary. Cronin painted a tentative timeline for construction of the new elementary school, saying the schematic design phase is under way and will continue through the spring. Working drawings could be expected by July. Bidding negotiations are earmarked for early fall of 2025. An estimated 17-month to 20-month construction timeline would bring the estimated occupation date to fall of 2027. Cronin reminded the school board that those tentative dates depend on the demolition of the existing John Cline School as

well as street and site work. Athletic conference update Also discussed at Monday’s meeting was a recent ruling by the State of Iowa Education Director McKenzie Snow, which confirmed the Upper Iowa Conference’s denial of Decorah School’s bid to join the UIC athletic conference in 2025-26. Decorah’s failed attempt to join the UIC came as the district’s current conference, the Northeast Iowa Conference, expects to disband following this academic year. Cronin said the administration, athletic department staff and coaches will be looking at a number of issues as they navigate the situation, including the threat of increased transportation costs as student athletes may need to travel father distances for basketball games, cross country meets, wrestling meets, baseball and softball games. “It’s clear that the current process has not been beneficial for Decorah students,” Cronin said. “We remain committed to exploring all possible avenues to ensure the best opportunities for them.” Decorah Schools’ Athletic Director Adam Riley informed the board that the district will be independent during the 2025-26 academic year due to scheduling challenges. He indicated that finding available opponents to round out schedules will be an unchartered task. “We will be having conversations with the board, within the community and having external conversations regarding the process,” Riley said. “We need to get some answers.” Board members applauded Riley’s efforts and continued questioning the Department of Education’s conference affiliation application process. “The process did not work at all for us,” Goodner said of Snow’s decision. “I don’t assume it will be easy to operate as an independent because our

schedule is blank and other (schools’) blanks are filled in … and we’re starting with nothing, so it will be challenge next year.” Other board members echoed frustration over the Snow’s recent ruling, which will affect each of the district’s sports except football. “The first section of the Iowa Administrative Code, which governs these measures, states that every school which desires to be in a conference shall be placed in a conference,” said Fadness, who also serves on the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union Board. “Well, except when you are way too close to Minnesota or Wisconsin and significantly bigger than those around you. In that case, it doesn’t apply — you are abandoned to the wind.” Other business The school board members also decided their respective roles for the coming year. Goodner and Fadness will remain board president and vice-president respectively. Fadness and school board member Aaron Zander will serve on the negotiations team. Goodner will serve as county conference board representative. Zander also will serve on the shareholder board and school board member Carole Sand took on responsibilities on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee for the coming year. The meeting concluded with District Business Manager Cathy Dietzenbach presenting the annual transportation report. Among the bullet points in her report was a notable decrease in the total cost of fuel. Fuel costs for 2023-24 were $160,665.53, compared to $191,775.43 in fuel expense the year prior. Board members pointed to increased efficiency thanks to a new routing system implemented this year with that very goal in mind. The board is tentatively scheduled to hold a special meeting Monday, Nov. 18.

NEWS

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

Local group begins weekly Grieving for Gaza vigils in downtown Decorah BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

SEH, Inc.’s Tom Madden announced work is finished on the Festina wastewater treatment facility. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Festina wastewater treatment facility project complete BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Festina’s wastewater treatment facility improvements are complete. Tom Madden of SEH, Inc., the St. Paul, Minnesota engineering firm contracted to do the work for the county, announced a Nov. 6 completion date during Monday morning’s Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting. The project, which began earlier this year, cost the county roughly $793,000. That price tag includes last month’s change order for $38,971 as well as a more-recent change order in the amount of $2,204 for placing stonework around the facility, making modifications to the main piping and adding several conduits. The supervisors unanimously approved the change order and accepted SEH’s Certificate of Substantial Completion, which is dated Oct. 31 — Madden noted that approximately nine tasks had yet to be complete at that point, but most had been finished as of Nov. 6. “So, basically, what I’d like to let you guys know is that as of Nov. 6, they’ve completed all the work that they need to complete to be done with this project,” Madden said, adding that the project includes a twoyear warranty, which went into effect Oct. 31. Madden suggested he meet with the supervisors in one

month to sign final forms for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, which oversaw the Community Development Block Grant funds used by the project. “It helps out that we had a great all-around grouping,” Madden said. “The county is great. Festina’s great. The contractor is great. That helps a project be successful. It really does.” In other business: • In a 3-2 vote, the supervisors opted not to continue using a county compensation board. Due to changes at the state level earlier this year, counties could decide independently if they would continue relying on compensation boards. Supervisors Shirley Vermace and Mark Faldet voted to continue the use of a compensation board, while supervisors Steve Kelsay, Mark Vick and Dan Langreck voted against using a compensation board. • The supervisors unanimously approved compensating Kayla Hageman an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks she filled in for County Recycling Supervisor Scott Logsdon, who was off work for medical reasons beginning around Sept. 2. The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 18 in the courthouse annex.

Almost 45,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military forces since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. This month, three Decorah friends — Melva Underbakke, Fred Bryant and Julie Fischer — have decided to raise local awareness about the issue by hosting a Grieving for Gaza vigil each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Water Street Park in Decorah, adjacent to Oneota Food Co-op. “I have a lot of Palestinian friends, and some of them have lost all of their family,” Underbakke said. “I’m from Decorah, but I used to live in Tampa, Florida, and there are a lot of Palestinians there, because Palestinians have been spread all over the world because of … ethnic cleansing. If you watch the news, how can you not be concerned about it? These are human beings, and 70 percent of those being killed are women and children.” Since Hamas’ attack on Israel last year, which claimed 1,139 lives — not including 254 hostages reportedly taken by Hamas — more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in retaliation, and nearly 103,000 have been wounded by Israeli forces in Gaza, according to

Hailey Abbey, Susan Herndon, Debra Huffman, Mel Underbakke, Fred Bryan, Carolyn Corbin and Zack Jacobsen met Saturday at Decorah’s Water Street Park for the group’s first Grieving for Gaza vigil. (Photo by Zach Jensen) Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. The Watson Institute has also reported more than 60,000 additional Gaza residents have died of starvation in the last year due to the Gaza Strip having been cut off from food supplies. Underbakke and Bryant said they planned to begin the vigils on Nov. 2 — the Saturday before Election Day — but they didn’t want the awareness effort to seem politically motivated. “We didn’t want this to be a political statement,” Bryant said. “So, we decided to wait till after the election. This is something that affects people regardless of political affiliation.”

Bryant said he hopes the weekly vigils will keep the issue in people’s minds. “There’s so much — good and bad — to distract us,” Bryant said. “But, how can you not put genocide on the top your list of things to be concerned about? There is no justification for it.” Underbakke is concerned many people might not be as concerned about Gaza, saying she thinks genocide has become normalized to a degree. “It’s commonplace,” Bryant said. “This helps keep people from being desensitized.” Bryant said residents of the Gaza Strip come from many different places, and he said conditions there are more than

difficult. “Families have been moved there from occupied places,” he said. “It’s like an open-air prison, and this situation just has to end, and I think the U.S. has more power than any other country to bring this to an end. It baffles me why anyone would want to keep it going, but you can always find reasons to justify something.” Underbakke went on to question U.S. aid for Israel in its fight against Hamas. “We should stop funding genocide,” Underbakke said. “It’s against our laws. If a country is causing humanitarian problems, it’s against U.S. law to give them military aid.”

by 5 p.m. Jan. 15. The online grant application will be available on WCCF’s website at www.winneshiekccf.org. Grants may be awarded to projects in the areas of arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health and human service. Grants are available to 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Tax-exempt organizations classified as other than 501(c)(3) are also eligible, if and only if, the project is deemed charitable. Please contact Shanda Hansen at 319243-1357 or shansen@cfneia. org to discuss the project’s eligibility prior to submitting a

proposal. Grants selections are made in an effort to create a better quality of life for people in Winneshiek County. A local

governing committee reviews the applications from charitable organizations serving their community.

WCCF to host grant guideline workshop The Winneshiek County Community Foundation will host a public grant workshop on Nov. 18 to discuss WCCF’s 2025 grant cycle. Individuals, especially those interested in applying for a 2025 grant, are encouraged to attend the workshop. Attendees are asked to register at https://www.cfneia. org/news/events/winneshiek-workshop-25. The workshop will discuss the 2025 grant guidelines, budget template and application, and presenters will provide grant writing tips. There will also be time for a Q&A. The 2025 WCCF grant application opens Nov. 15, with a deadline to submit applications

Variety show performances Thursday-Saturday The Decorah High School Drama Program will present this year’s variety show “Those Meddling Kids,” which will be an original production set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris during the Olympics. This performance will combine comedy, intrigue and talent as the show’s characters – reminiscent of a famous mystery-solving gang and their loyal, snack-loving canine companion – unravel a suspenseful storyline while showcasing 18 student acts. Those Meddling Kids performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 in the DHS auditorium. Tickets are available at a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for students. They are available for purchase online at decorahschools.ludus.com and in the DHS office. The box office will also open an hour before each show with house doors opening 30 minutes before showtime.

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Brown to share letters from ancestor’s 1908 Norway excursion This month’s Sons of Norway Valdres Lodge meeting will feature a presentation by Karla Brown titled “Travel Back in Time to Norway in 1908.” She will speak about a two-month-long trip to Norway her great-great-aunt Elise Sandager Hoiness and husband took to Norway in 1908 to visit his family. Karla has the letters and postcards Elise sent home to her sister, Emma Sandager, which convey details about the journey, as well as postcards to Emma, mother Ragnhild — who immigrated to Calmar in 1853 — youngest brother Hans and niece Esther Boe Weselmann, whose married home is now the Lavendar Fields guest house in Calmar. Brown retired to Decorah in 2016 after a career teaching English, and she works at Vesterheim Museum, where she has gained more interest in her Norwegian heritage. The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Good Shepherd

Pictured (from left to right) are State Senator Mike Klimesh; Alliant’s Senior Manager Of Customer Operations Justin Mottet, Alliant’s Manger of Customer Operations Dustin Mohs, Iowa President of Alliant Energy May Farlinger, Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski, Alliant Energy Director of Distribution and Capital Improvement Tracy McCampbell, Alliant Energy Corporate Secretary Omar Chaudhary and State Representative Michael Bergan. (Photo courtesy Alliant Energy)

Decorah Operations Center celebrates opening Karla Brown Lutheran Church — 701 Iowa Ave. in Decorah. The public is invited to attend; and they do not need to be of Norwegian ancestry. There will be refreshments following this presentation.

Recently, more than 30 employees and members of the community gathered together to celebrate and host a ribbon-cutting event outside Alliant Energy’s Operations Center in Decorah. Iowa President at Alliant Energy May Farlinger was joined by Corporate Secretary Omar Chaudhary, Manager of Customer Operations in Iowa Dustin Mohs, Director of Oper-

ational Resources Randy Bauer, Lead Community Development Specialist Mike Wagner and many others to celebrate the new facility and the benefits it offers. Alliant officials said the new operations center will provide stoplight access to the east of the facility. The facility is also capable of housing all of the local branch’s vehicles and equipment inside, which officials said will reduce service

call times, particularly during the winter. The facility will also bring the business’ 18 local employees under the same roof, and the property features a larger outdoor area for stockpiling equipment and other items. “The extra space at this facility makes it easier for our crews to see, access and refresh those stockpiles,” Alliant said in a statement. “And, when extra crews arrive in town to help

with storm restoration, they can quickly and easily get what they need and get back to getting the lights back on - because time matters.” Before helping cut the ribbon, Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski, expressed her appreciation for the company’s decision to build a new, larger facility to serve the community and respond to outages, as quickly as possible.

Community briefs St. Ben’s, First United Methodist to host Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Veterans stood at attention while the “Star Spangled Banner” was sung, as the Veterans Day program began Monday morning at South Winn. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Veterans Day continued from page 2 March of 2003, deployment to Iraq. He and his fellow reservists help prepare military camp sites, transported equipment, constructed buildings to train Iraqi soldiers and at one point took part in a training exercise near the Iranian border. Kerndt told the Decorah students among Monday’s audience his time in the Army taught him how to work with people from all walks of life, to pull his individual weight as part of a larger team and to persevere when situations become difficult. Today, Kerndt is active with not only the Decorah VFW but the Winneshiek County Vet-

erans Memorial Board as well. South Winneshiek Schools South Winneshiek High School hosted its annual Veterans Day assembly Monday in the high school gymnasium. Local veterans were recognized, and organizers with Decorah Quilts of Valor presented seven veterans with quilts during the program. Quilts of Valor was founded in 2003, and has dozens of chapters across Iowa and many more across the country. The nonprofit provides quilts to service members and veterans as

NOTICE

Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company is holding unclaimed property of at least $25.00 due to the persons listed below: William & Sherri Holland Tim Ruble Richard Aller J L Holthaus Thomas Ruppeiner Isabel Araujo Pat & Jill Ryan Keith Bakken Kevin Johnson Bradley Scholbrock Ed & Rachel Barak Karin Jones Kenneth & Pam Schramm Jason Kesten Shane & Sara Bell Derrick Klimesh Kristi Solum David & Bobbi Benter Mike & Kristi Bergan Alan Knock Mark Spies Marc & Larissa Stano Marcella Bergerson John Kuennen Lucas & Nessa Stika Robert Leifeld Chris & Kim Blanchard Sherri Lewey Abby Thiesen Roy Branham Karen Brubakken Tami Linne Jody Torgerson James & Johanna Cheryl Bryan Jessica Mann William & Michelle Martin Tweedy David Burkhart Opal Underbakke Kaia McConnell Danny Callaway Eric Van Vliet Yolando Chevez Sharon McIntyre Vobr Welding Bob & Carrie Melcher Patrick Courtney David Wagner Steven Crawford Gregg Moothart Bryan & Julie Walker Jeremy Olsgar Kevin Fink Gerald & Tracey Walsh Melissa Fowlkes L Phillips/H Dahl Gene Wenthold Elliott Pike Bill Fullhart Kyle Whalen Janet Gillespie Luke Price Gerald Wilson Lathan & Gina Good Betty Putnam David Wood R J Hawkins Peggy Randall Crystal Zafft Kenneth Roffman Scott Helm Nickolas Zeien The owner may claim this property by contacting us at the address and/or phone number listed below. Holder Information:

Mabel Cooperative Telephone

PO Box 368, 214 N Main St., Mabel, MN 55954 • 507-493-5411 If unclaimed for six months (May 01, 2025), the distribution will forfeit back to Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company to use for the teaching and promoting of cooperatives or economic development.

a tangible symbol of support. Recipients recognized during Monday’s program were Richard Hendrickson, Mark Massman, Amanda Mikesh, Tiffany (Klimesh) Weaver, Lee Hendrickson, Logan Weaver and David Werges. Another seven veterans were bestowed with quilts at the All Vets Club in Decorah. That group included Delbert Matt, Gabriel Fuerhelm, Devin Creek, Doug Abbott Marvin Schnur, Rodney Rovang and Donald Nelson. The South Winneshiek choir and band performed patriotic music during Monday’s program, and students lined up to shake hands with veterans before heading back to class. Officials with South Winn Schools said the local Veterans Day program serves as an important opportunity for students to personally connect with local veterans and allows residents of all ages to acknowledge veterans who live in the community.

Lynch Family Companies’ dinner The Community Building at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds was packed the night of Nov. 11, as the Lynch Family Companies fed dinner to approximately 1,000 veterans and veterans’ families. The annual event was started by Lynch BBQ owner Gary “Porkie” Lynch, a United States Navy veteran who served in 1969 and 1970 in Vietnam. During the dinner, 20 veterans were each awarded $1,000 to donate to their veteran services and organizations of their choosing. This year’s winners were Dennis Shurtleff, Dean Speichers, Ron Juve, Dave Gilbert, Joe Thoma, Mike Yslas, Loren Eberling, Leigh Rekow, Charles Hegseth, Cletus Myers, Duane Hruksa, James Lalk, Chuck Vikdal, George Maloy, Tony Roethler, Charlie Dietz, Austin Ollendieck, Dale Olson, Stan Fuchs and Judson Schrick. Steve Novak won a flag which will be flown over the nation’s capital at a later date.

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St. Benedict Catholic Church and First United Methodist Church will host this year’s Decorah Area Community Thanksgiving Dinner starting at noon on Thursday, Nov. 28. The meal includes turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, dinner role and pie. The public is encouraged to bring their favorite family dish to share. Orders for home delivery may be placed Nov. 12-26 by calling First United Methodist Church at 563-382-3835. Home deliveries will begin at 11 a.m. Thanksgiving day. Organizers are seeking volunteers to help peel potatoes at 10 a.m. Nov. 27 at First Methodist and to debone turkeys at noon in Luther College’s kitchen near the cafeteria in the student union. Volunteers are also being sought to assist with various tasks, starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 28 as organizers set up the dining area, prepare and serve food, delivery meals and clean at St. Benedict. Pie donations may be left on the kitchen counter of St. Benedit starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 27. The church is located at 307 West Main St. in Decorah.

Caregiver support group to be held at new office location in Decorah

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging will be hosting monthly in-person support group meetings from 10-11 a.m. the third Monday of each month. The meetings will be held at NEI3A’s new office, located at 915 Short St. Suite 169 in Decorah. The next meeting will take place on Nov. 18. There is no cost to attend, and all caregivers of persons with chronic illness or disabilities, including new caregivers, are welcome and encouraged to attend. No reservations are needed. For more information, please contact Kelly Kuennen, family caregiver specialist at NEI3A, at 563-277-6024.

WED’s Online Energy Lunch to discuss solar grazing

The Winneshiek Energy District will host a webinar about solar grazing from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. This free program will feature three key speakers — Joel Zook of Ames Electric as well as Aaron Steele and Chad Steenhoek of Goats on the Go. Together,

these three speakers will discuss details on solar grazing in the city of Ames. They will address topics such as how the project started, the benefits and challenges of the project, what kind of infrastructure is needed for a solar grazing program and the potential for solar grazing outside the city of Ames. There will be 15 minutes at the end of the webinar for questions from the audience. Participants are asked to register at energydistrict.org/ events/ by Monday, Nov. 18, to receive the Zoom link. Questions may be directed to the Winneshiek Energy District at contact@energydistrict.org or 563-382-4207.

ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager course to be held

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be sponsoring a course with ServSafe, the national certification program for food service managers, May 19 at the Winneshiek County Extension office — 2316 Sweet Parkway Rd. in Decorah. All food service operations are required to have at least one certified staff person. Those interested in preparing and serving safe food are welcome to attend. The cost of the course is $160, which includes eight hours of class time, a manual and a national certification exam. There is a $110 discounted rate for Iowa Restaurant Association members. Registration is required three weeks prior to class. Contact Jill Weber, human sciences specialist, food and health and course instructor at jrweber@ iastate.edu with any questions.

Public invited to hear results of natural, historic resources study

Residents of Winneshiek County are invited to hear the results of a multi-year study on Winneshiek County’s Natural & Historic Resources: Understanding Residents’ Values & Priorities. The meeting will include a public presentation to share the key findings of the study, followed by a time for questions. The first meeting will be from 7-8 p.m. Nov. 14 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company in Decorah, and the second will be from 7-8 p.m. Nov. 20 at Pivo Brewery in Calmar. The study was contracted by the Winneshiek Zoning Commission and was completed with support from Luther College. Wendy Stevens, chair of the Winneshiek Zoning Commission, will be presenting along with Rachel Brummel from Luther College.

NEWS

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

Fravel guilty continued from front beyond salvaging and she planned to move out of the home they shared in Winona, Minnesota. Kingsbury had found a new place to live and had a new love interest, but she disappeared Friday, March 31, 2023, after she and Fravel dropped their children off at day care and arrived back at their shared residence. Fravel denied any involvement in her disappearance, but when Kingsbury’s body was found in a culvert near Mabel more than two months later, Fravel was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree murder with a past pattern of domestic abuse. In October of 2023, a Minnesota grand jury found there was enough evidence to additionally charge Fravel with first-degree murder with premeditation as well as first-degree murder with a history of domestic abuse — an investigation revealed numerous incidents of verbal and physical abuse Fravel was said to have committed against Kingsbury. Jury selection lasted more than a week, and opening statements began Oct. 17. The state prosecution called 68 witnesses to testify over the next two weeks — the defense called only five. Allegations of abuse Fravel and Kingsbury met while attending Winona State University, according to testimony from Michaela Shaw, a close friend of Kingsbury. Shaw said she witnessed Fravel call Kingsbury derogatory and profane names early in their relationship — events the prosecution referred to as “signs of things to come.” Shaw also testified that Fravel had accuse Kingsbury of “trapping him” in the relationship by getting pregnant with their first child in 2018. The couple moved in together to raise their daughter, and two witnesses testified thatnwhile on video calls with Kingsbury, they saw Fravel strike and push Kingsbury. The couple was expecting their second child during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kingsbury was employed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, while Fravel remained unemployed — the prosecution said if Kingsbury had left Fravel, he would have been destitute. Financial records showed Kingsbury gave Fravel $4,000 within the first two months of 2023. Kingsbury also had a $170,000 death benefit through her employer, and Fravel might have had control of those funds if he was selected as the guardian of their children. Prosecuting attorney Phil Prokopowicz said during the trial that Kingsbury had grown weary of Fravel’s lack of support with the house, finances and children. Kingsbury’s friends and family also testified to seeing bruises and marks on her neck on multiple occasions — they claimed Kingsbury dismissed the bruises and would often wear turtleneck shirts to hide the marks. Kingsbury allegedly confided in her friends and family, saying Fravel had held her down with his hand around her throat in mid-September of 2021, after the two had watched a television program on the murder of Gabby Petito — a 22-yearold woman who was murdered by her fiance, who then hid her body. Kingsbury’s loved ones testified that she told them Fravel threatened her at that point, saying if she didn’t start listening to him, she would end up like Gabby Petito. In an interview with investigators after Kingsbury’s disappearance, Fravel admitted to being infatuated with the Petito case but insisted he was just joking when he threatened Kingsbury. A new relationship Kingsbury decided to end her relationship with Fravel in De-

cember of 2022. Prokopowicz showed a chain of text messages Fravel and Kingsbury exchanged in early December of that year. According to Prokopowicz, the texts illustrated Kingsbury’s struggle as she considered whether to continue the relationship with Fravel and how the breakup was the culmination of years of experiencing manipulation, control and isolation. “She poured her feelings out to him and all she got was an ‘alright,’” Prokopowicz said of the lengthy text exchange. “That’s because it was all about him.” The prosecution said Fravel immediately inundated Kingsbury with nostalgic photographs of their family — images of their children, pregnancy pictures, holiday memories. Fravel sent Kingsbury more than 60 photographs in the course of two hours, Prokopowicz said, noting Kingsbury replied with phrases such as “If you wanted to make me feel worse, it’s working.” Ultimately, Kingsbury did not move out, but she had begun a new relationship with an old college friend, Spencer Sullivan. Kingsbury told Fravel about Sullivan in late March of 2023 — a few days before she went missing. Fravel admitted to investigators he asked her to forgo texting Sullivan when she was near Fravel, and he also admitted he was hurt by Kingsbury’s relationship with Sullivan. Testimony at trial indicated Kingsbury went to her friend Katie Kolka’s home on March 30, as Fravel began “creeping around,” and cellphone data shows Fravel had driven around Kolka’s residence several times — unaware Kingsbury was at a birthday celebration with Sullivan. “The degrading comments worked no longer, the relationship was no longer about him — he’d be damned if she was going to do this to him,” Prokopowicz said to the jury. “Adam said he would never let his children be raised by another man.” The day Kingsbury disappeared Kingsbury logged onto her work computer at 7:22 a.m. March 31, 2023. She was expected to do some work at her office in Rochester later that day, but she never arrived. Kingsbury and Fravel had taken their children to daycare at 8 a.m. that day, as seen on the daycare provider’s doorbell video camera — it was the last known image of Kingsbury before her death. The two arrived at home again about 10 minutes later, and Kingsbury’s cellphone activity showed a text message to her sister, the transfer of $20 to Fravel and an online coffee order. At approximately 8:15 p.m., her phone went into lock status — it stayed that way until investigators recovered it on April 1 inside the house. Kingsbury’s sister became concerned when she didn’t hear back from Kingsbury about plans they had for the next day. She contacted several individuals, including Fravel, and Kolka filed a missing persons report the next morning. Fravel told investigators he last saw Kingsbury go into her home office space the previous morning, and he claimed he later loaded boxes of items into Kingsbury’s van and drove them to his parents’ home in Mabel — Fravel claimed he turned around in the city of Choice after realizing the boxes were intended for storage, and returned home. Digital evidence showed Fravel left his cell phone behind during his travels that day. He said he never checked if Kingsbury was still in her lower-level office, and he retrieved his children around 4:30 p.m. that day, and investigators said there were no signs of forced entry at the home.

Prosecutors say Fravel planned attack on Kingsbury Thousands of volunteers conducted the first search for Kingsbury in early April — dozens of searches would later be conducted throughout Winona and Fillmore Counties over the subsequent months. An April 7 search of the Fravel family’s property yielded a computer tower and a laptop in a dumpster as well as a burned electronics in a fire pit. A trail camera near the Fravel family home later revealed Fravel driving a side-by-side UTV with a shovel in the back. Investigators returned on April 10 with two cadaver dogs which reacted to the bed of the side-by-side — the family claimed they had recently used the shovel to remove a dead animal from the farm. Investigators later obtained video surveillance from several businesses and residences in Winona and Fillmore counties. Some of the footage showed Fravel switching license plates from his vehicle to Kingbury’s van before heading to a gas station the morning of Kingsbury’s disappearance. The van backed into the home’s driveway upon returning around 10:30 a.m. that day and leaves about an hour later, eventually heading south along Highway 43 toward Mabel and returning to Fravel’s home before 1:30 p.m. the same day. A deputy with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office discovered Kingsbury’s body beneath brush and logs in a culvert near 198th Street south of Choice. Minnesota — about five miles from the Fravel family farm. The body was wrapped in a grey fitted bedsheet and secured with black tape. A medical examiner later noted a towel had been wrapped around her head and neck in a slipknot, and the death was determined to be a homicide, specifically asphyxiation. Investigators said the towel, sheet and tape were consistent with items that would have been in Kingsbury and Fravel’s home. Prokopowicz argued the evidence showed Fravel planned the attack on Kingsbury, catching her off guard when they

arrived home after dropping off their children that morning. Fravel’s defense argued the evidence was circumstantial, with Fravel’s defense attorney Zachary Bauer telling the court investigators were tunnel visioned on his client and did not focus on anyone else. Prokopowicz rebutted, saying investigators followed up on 450 leads and tips, including suspicions against Sullivan, but all were cleared — except Fravel. “His story just didn’t add up,” Prokopowicz said. “There were things that didn’t make sense.” Jury returns guilty verdict The defense did not offer an alternate perpetrator. Bauer called a handful of witnesses to testify, including Fravel’s older brother and an elderly neighbor, who testified he saw a figure around Kingsbury’s van but was unsure of who it was or when he saw the figure. Bauer said during closing arguments that friends and family who claimed Fravel had abused Kingsbury never documented any abuse. “The only ones who have testified regarding any past history of domestic abuse are the ones who have no evidence and don’t like Adam at all,” Bauer said. The jury began deliberations around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 6. No verdict was reached by 9:30 p.m., and the jury was sequestered at a nearby hotel. They reconvened the next morning, and a verdict was announced around 10:35 a.m. When court convened, Fravel stood, shoulders slouched, face red and tear-stained. The verdicts were read, and he was found guilty of all four of the charges brought against him. “We’ve lost a daughter, mother, aunt, sister. Children are scarred. Fravel can’t be punished enough,” said Kingsbury’s father David. “His life is wasted — ruin and devastation on two families. There’s no joy here, but we’re glad at the result.” Fravel will be sentenced at the Winona County Courthouse on Dec. 17. Fravel is expected to receive a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.

Nordic Fest announces president for the 58th annual celebration The Nordic Fest Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Cole Steffen as the 2025 Nordic Fest president. The board voted unanimously to promote Steffen to the role, following his three years of service as Nordic Fest Board treasurer. Steffen grew up in Decorah, graduating from Decorah High School in 2016. After attending the University of Iowa, he intentionally returned to Decorah. “My short time away allowed me to realize just how special and unique Decorah really is, especially when it comes to community involvement,” Steffen said. He now serves as the deposit service manager at Decorah Bank and Trust. He joined the Nordic Fest Board as treasurer in 2022. As a board member and lifelong attendee of Nordic Fest, Steffen is well versed in the festival’s activities, entertainment and food selections. While he enjoys the annual Grand Parade, Steffen mostly looks forward to purchasing multiple varme pølse and rounds of lefse throughout the three days of festivities each year. He also enjoys being a spectator – and only a spectator – at the lutefisk eating contest. As planning ramps up for the 2025 Nordic Fest, organizers said Steffen will be at the helm to ensure a vibrant celebration. Nordic Fest will celebrate its 58th year of festivities in 2025 and will join partners from Norway and North America, including Vesterheim, in commemorating 200 years of organized Norwegian migration to North America. Steffen said he is honored to serve as president during this commemorative year, as he can trace more than 50 percent of his ancestry to Norway. Steffen went on to say he is excited to continue to engage with local organizations and individuals who help make Nordic Fest possible, and he looks

Cole Steffen forward to helping recruit additional community volunteers. Organizers noted many local nonprofit organizations benefit greatly from participating in Nordic Fest, raising funds to utilize in their operations throughout the year. “As treasurer for the past three years, I’ve had the unique experience to connect regularly with food vendors throughout the fest,” Steffen said. “It’s been rewarding to get to know the variety of local nonprofit organizations and individuals who are involved and bring such a valuable part of Nordic Fest to life.” The newly-selected president said Nordic Fest serves as a valuable driver of economic development in the area. “Visitors travel to our area for the fest, filling local hotels and other lodging properties,” he said. “And the value of the fest doesn’t end with the weekend, as many of those visitors discover a love for the area and continue to visit again and again during other times of the year. I’m honored to serve on the Nordic Fest Board and contribute to our community in this way.” Nordic Fest is an annual three-day summer festival held in Decorah, celebrating community and the area’s Scandinavian heritage. The 58th annual Nordic Fest will take place July 24-26, 2025. Learn more and get involved at nordicfest.com.

South Winneshiek Middle School first quarter honor roll

First quarter grade point averages have been calculated at the South Winneshiek Middle School. All students who earned straight A’s were added to the Special Honor Roll. Those who achieved a grade point of 3.7 to 3.99 were named to the A Honor Roll. Those who achieved a grade point of 3.0 to 3.69 have been listed on the B Honor Roll. Students who received any grade below a C- were not considered for honor roll status.

A Honor Roll: Charles Andera, Harper Baumler, Hannah Bullerman, Emery Mann, Holden Monroe, Amelia Moonen, Gracie Tieskoetter, Juan Toj B Honor Roll: Bryson Bohr, Ryker Brincks, Kinleigh Fels, Easton Hageman, Noah Harris, Colton Linderbaum, Kaden Linderbaum, Zane Moellers, Jaylee Nesvik, Mason Nolte, Ivy Oyloe, Taimane Ryan, Rayne Solem, Clete Steffens, Kenadee Wenthold

Fifth Grade Special Honor Roll: Caidance Moellers

Sixth Grade Special Honor Roll: Kaitlyn Mills

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A Honor Roll: Jacob Christophersen, Ainsley Gesing, Josie Mann, Maysa Ondrashek B Honor Roll: Franklin Bruess, Avery Froelke, Mason Huinker, Marlee Klimesh-Oblander, Samuel Phillips, Gunnar Wadsworth

Seventh Grade A Honor Roll: Raelyn Massman, Gannon Ohrt, Avery Peters, Bennett Smith B Honor Roll: Tate Balik, Jezebel Garcia, Brooke Jevne, Sullivan Nelson, Blake Timp, Brady Timp, Ryder Uhlenhake

Eighth Grade Special Honor Roll: Kaylie Bruess A Honor Roll: Louis Andera, Hattie Conway, Payton Cox, Gabriel Creek, Asher Merrill, Derek Sabelka, Tayla Teff, Remington Wadsworth B Honor Roll: Landon Bullerman, Natalie Burington, Jenna Dahl, Addison Elsbernd, Sid Hesse, Jackson Huinker, Linlee Huinker, Helen Maldonado, Caden Meyer, Kenzie Monroe, Evelynn Moonen, Evan Oyloe, Johnathan Phillips, Kort Steffens, Hayden Tieskoetter, Parker Willoughby, Augie Wiltgen

ADMINISTRATIVE / SALES ASSISTANT We are seeking a motivated and customer-focused Administrative/Sales Assistant to join our dynamic team. Individual will play a key role in delivering exceptional customer service, helping to drive sales. RESPONSIBILITIES • Provide product information and recommendations to customers. • Handle customer inquiries and resolve issues promptly. • Collaborate with team members to achieve sales targets. • Stay informed about product knowledge and promotions. QUALIFICATIONS • Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills. • Experience in media sales with a strong track record in both print and digital products. • Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach. • Understanding of the media industry, including digital advertising and content monetization. • Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment. BENEFITS • Competitive salary and performance-based incentives • Health, dental and vision insurance • Paid time off and holidays • Opportunities for career advancement and growth • Supportive and friendly work environment

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD H. SERSLAND DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016339 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Ronald H. Sersland, Deceased, who died on or about February 5, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 30th day of October, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Ronald H. Sersland, deceased, bearing date of June 29, 2007, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Nelly B. Sersland 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 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 1st day of November, 2024. Nelly B. Sersland Executor of Estate E9826 Buckhorn Road Reedsburg, WI 53959 Dustin H. Noble ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dustin.noble@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: November 14, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 7 & 14, 2024

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S LEVY AND SALE State of Iowa Winneshiek County ss. Iowa District Court Court Case # EQCV026292 Winneshiek County Freedom Bank PLAINTIFF vs. Devin R. Humpal DEFENDANT (Judgment Debtor) Special Execution As a result of the judgment rendered in the above referenced court case, an execution was issued by the court to the Sheriff of this county. The execution ordered the sale of defendant’s real estate to satisfy the judgment. The property to be sold is Lot 2 of 2 of 1 and 2 of 2 of 2 of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Seaction 24, Township 96 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M., in Winneshiek County, Iowa. Commonly known as 1246 107th Ave., Castalia, IA The described property will be offered for sale at public auction for cash only as follows: Date of Sale: December 17, 2024 Time of Sale: 10 a.m. Place of Sale: Winneshiek County Courthouse Homestead: Defendant is advised that if the described real estate includes the homestead (which must not exceed 1/2 Acre in within a city or town plat, or, if rural, must not exceed 40 Acres), defendant must file a homestead plat with the Sheriff within ten (10) days after service of this notice, or the Sheriff will have it platted and charge the costs to this case. Redemption: After the sale of real estate, defendant may redeem the property within12 months. Property exemption: Certain money or property may be exempt. Contact your attorney promptly to review specific provisions of the law and file appropriate notice, if acceptable. Judgment amount - $413,432.75; Costs - ; Accruing Costs – Plus; Interest $6,973.76; Attorney – Wesley B. Huisinga (319) 3659461; Date – September 5, 2024; Sheriff – Dan Marx, Winneshiek County, Iowa. Deputy Andrew Hageman. Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 7 & 14, 2024 NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY In accordance with lowa Code Sections 279.6-.7, notice is hereby given that a vacancy has occurred among the members of the Board of Directors of the Decorah Community School District. The vacancy will occur on Tuesday, November 12. The remaining balance of the term of office for the vacant position will expire on November 4, 2025. It is the intention of the remaining members of the Board of Directors to fill said vacancy by appointment. Persons interested in being considered for appointment should contact the Superintendent or Board Secretary. A person so appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office until a successor is elected and qualified in accordance with law. The electors of the School District have the right to file a valid petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by a special election. Dated this 11th day of November, 2024. DECORAH COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Darlene Woodhouse, Board Secretary Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14, 2024 ORDINANCE NO. 1336 An Ordinance Providing for the Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the September, 2024 Addition to the Central Business District Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403 .19 of the Code of lowa WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa (the “City”) previously enacted an ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Providing for the Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the Central Business District Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of lowa”; and WHEREAS, pursuant to that ordinance, certain taxable properly within the Central Business District Urban Renewal Area in the City was designated a “tax increment district”; and WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to increase the size of the “tax increment district” by adding additional property; BE IT ENACTED by the Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa: Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide for the division of taxes levied on the taxable property in the September, 2024 Addition to the Central Business District Urban Renewal Area of the City of Decorah, Iowa, each year by and for the benefit of the state, city, county, school districts or other taxing districts after the effective date of this ordinance in order to create a special fund to pay the principal of and interest on loans, moneys advanced to or indebtedness, including bonds proposed to be issued by the City of Decorah to finance projects in such area. Section 2. Definitions. For use within the remainder of this ordinance the following terms shall have the following meanings: “City” shall mean the City of Decorah, Iowa. “County” shall mean Winneshiek County, Iowa. “Tax Increment District” shall mean the September, 2024 Addition to the Central Business District Urban Renewal Area of the City of Decorah, Iowa, the legal description of which is set out below, approved by the City Council by resolution adopted on September 16, 2024: Beginning at the north line of South Avenue and the centerline of First Street; thence south along the centerline of First Street to the centerline of John Street; thence continuing south along the centerline of John Street to the centerline of the alley in Block 44 of Original Decorah; thence west along the cen-

terline of said alley to the centerline of Day Street; thence north along the centerline of Day Street to the centerline of the alley in Block 14 of Original Decorah; thence west along the centerline of said alley to an extension of the easterly line of Lot 2 of 5 in said Block 14; thence southwesterly along the extension and easterly line of said Lot 2 of 5 and the easterly line of Lot 2 of 6 and Lot 3 of 7 in said Block 14 and extending to the centerline of East Main Street; thence west along the centerline of East Main Street to the centerline of State Street; thence south along the centerline of State Street to the centerline of East Broadway; thence east along the centerline of East Broadway to the east line of State Street; thence south along the east line of State Street to the south line of Block 28 of Original Decorah; thence east along the south line of said Block 28 to the west line of Winship and Kenyon’s Addition; thence south along the west line of said Winship and Kenyon’s Addition to the north line of Block 1 of Townsley’s Addition; thence west along the north line of said Block 1 to the east line of Lot “13” in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian; thence southwesterly along the east line of said Lot to the south line of said Lot “13 “, also being the north line in common with Lloyd Street; thence west along the south line of said Lot and line in common, to the west line of said Lot “13”; thence nmtheasterly along the west line of said Lot to the south line of Lot 4 of 6 in said Block I; thence west along the south line of said Lot 4 of 6 to the east line of Lot 7 in Block 1 at a point 2.0 feet north of the south line of said Lot 7; thence continuing west along a line parallel with and 2.0 feet north of the said south line of said Lot 7 and extending to the centerline of Washington Street; thence south along the centerline of Washington Street to an extension of the south line of Lot 19 in said quarter-quarter; thence west along the south line, and extension of said Lot 19 to the east line of Woodward’s Addition at a point 22.7 feet south of the north line of Lot 18 in said Woodward’s Addition; thence continuing west along a line parallel with and 22.7 feet south of the said north line of said north line of said Lot 18 and extending to the centerline of Winnebago Street; thence north along the centerline of Winnebago Street to the centerline of West Broadway; thence west along the centerline of West Broadway to the centerline of Court Street; thence south along the centerline of Court Street to the centerline of the alley in Block 24 of Original Decorah; thence west along the centerline of said alley to an extension of the west line of Lot 2 in said Block 24; thence north along the west line, and extension, of said Lot 2 and extending to the centerline of West Broadway; thence west along the centerline of West Broadway to the centerline of the northsouth alley in Block 19 of Original Decorah; thence north along the centerline of said northsouth alley to the centerline of the east-west alley in said Block 19; thence west along the centerline of said eastwest alley to the centerline of River Street; thence north along the centerline of River Street to the centerline of West Main Street; thence west along the centerline of West Main Street to the centerline of Mill Street; thence north along the centerline of Mill Street to the centerline of Heivly Street; thence west along the centerline of Heivly Street to an extension of the west line of Lot 4 of Hansen’s Addition; thence north along the west line, and extension of said Lot 4 to the north line of said Hansen’s Addition; thence east along the north line of said Hansen’s Addition to the east line of Block 7 of Central Addition, also being the west line in common with Lot 3 in the Southwest Quaiter of the Nottheast Quaiter of said Section 16; thence nmth along the west line of said Lot 3 to the south line of the north 19’-8” of said Lot 3; thence east along the south line of said north 19’-8” of said Lot 3 and extending to the centerline of Mill Street; thence south along the centerline of Mill Street to an extension of the north line of Lot 1 of 2 of 9 in said quarter-quarter, also being the south line in common with Block I of Sutton’s First Addition; thence east along the north line, and extension of said Lot I of 2 of 9 and line in common, to the east line of said Block I of Sutton’s First Addition also being the west line in common with Lot I of 2 of 2 of 2 of 9 and Lot 2 of I of 2 of 3 of 2 of 2 of 9 in said quarter-quaiter; thence north along the west line of said Lots and line in common, to the north line of said Lot 2 of 1 of 2 of 3 of 2 of 2 of 9; thence east along the north line of said Lot to the east line of said Lot; thence south along the east line of said Lot and continuing southwesterly along the east line of Lot 1 of 2 of 2 of 9 and Lot 2 of 1 of 1 of 9 all in said quarter-quarter and extending to the centerline of Heivly Street thence southeasterly and east along the centerline of Heivly Street to the centerline of State Street; thence north along the centerline of State Street to an extension of the north line of part of Lot 29 and north line of Lots 31 and 31 1/2 in the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 16; thence east along the north line, and extension of said Lots to the east line of Riverside Avenue and the north line of South Avenue; thence east and northeasterly along the north line of South Avenue to the point of beginning. “Urban Renewal Area” shall mean the entirety of the Central Business District Urban Renewal Area as amended from time to time. Section 3. Provisions for Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the Tax Increment District. After the effective date of this ordinance, the taxes levied on the taxable property in the Tax Increment District each year by and for the benefit of the State of Iowa, the City, the County and any school district or other taxing district in which the Tax Increment District is located, shall be divided as follows: (a) that portion of the taxes which would be produced by the rate at which the tax is levied each year by or for each of the taxing districts upon the total sum of the assessed value of the taxable property in the Tax Increment District, as shown on the assessment roll as of January 1 of the calendar year preceding the first calendar year in which the City certifies to the County Auditor the amount of loans, advances, indebtedness, or bonds payable from the special fund referred to in paragraph (b) below, shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into the fund for the respective taxing district as taxes by or for said taxing district into which all other property taxes are paid. For the purpose of allocating taxes levied by or for any taxing district which did not include the territory in the Tax Increment District on the effective date of this ordinance, but to which the territory has been annexed or otherwise included after the effective date, the assessment roll applicable to property in the annexed territory as of January 1 of the calendar year preceding the effective date of the ordinance which amends the plan for the Tax Increment District to include the annexed area, shall be used in determining the assessed valuation of the taxable property in the annexed area. (b) that portion of the taxes each year in excess of such amounts shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into a special fund of the City to pay the principal of and interest on loans, moneys advanced to or indebtedness, whether funded, refunded, assumed or otherwise, including bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9(1 ), of the Code of Iowa, incurred by the City to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, projects in the Urban Renewal Area , and to provide assistance for low and moderate-income family housing as provided in Section 403.22, except that taxes for the regular and voter-approved physical plant and equipment levy of a school district imposed pursuant to Section 298.2 of the Code of lowa, taxes for the instructional support program levy of a school district imposed pursuant to Section 257.19 of the Code of Iowa and taxes for the payment of bonds and interest of each taxing district shall be collected against all taxable property within the taxing district without limitation by the provisions of this ordinance. Unless and until the total assessed valuation of the taxable property in the Tax Increment District exceeds the total assessed value of the taxable property in such area as shown by the assessment roll referred to in subsection (a) of this section, all of the taxes levied and collected upon the taxable property in the Tax Increment District shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts other property taxes. When such loans, advances, indebtedness, and bonds, if any, and interest thereon, have been paid, all money thereafter received from taxes upon the taxable property in the Tax Increment District shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts in the same manner as taxes on all other property. as taxes by or for said taxing districts in the same manner as all other property.

(c) the portion of taxes mentioned in subsection (b) of this section and the special fund into which that portion shall be paid may be irrevocably pledged by the City for the payment of the principal and interest on loans, advances, bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9(1) of the Code of Iowa, or indebtedness incurred by the City to finance or refinance in whole or in part projects in the Urban Renewal Area. (d) as used in this section, the word “taxes” includes, but is not limited to, all levies on an ad valorem basis upon land or real property. Section 4. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 5. Saving Clause. If any section, provision, or pati of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective after its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law. First consideration passed by the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa, on September 16, 2024. Lorraine Borowski, Mayor ATTEST: Keri Sand, City Clerk Second consideration passed by the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa on October 21, 2024. Lorraine Borowski, Mayor ATTEST: Keri Sand, City Clerk Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14, 2024 ORDINANCE NO. 1337 An Ordinance Providing for the Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the Decorah East Side Residential Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of lowa BE IT ENACTED by the members of the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa: Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide for the division of taxes levied on the taxable property in the Decorah East Side Residential Urban Renewal Area, each year by and for the benefit of the state, city, county, school districts or other taxing districts after the effective date of this ordinance in order to create a special fund to pay the principal of and interest on loans, moneys advanced to or indebtedness, including bonds proposed to be issued by the City to finance projects in such area. Section 2. Definitions. For use within this ordinance the following terms shall have the following meanings: “City” shall mean the City of Decorah, Iowa. “County” shall mean Winneshiek County, Iowa. “Urban Renewal Area” shall mean the real property situated in the Decorah East Side Residential Urban Renewal Area, the boundaries of which are set out below, such property having been identified in the Urban Renewal Plan approved by the City Council by resolution adopted on September 16, 2024: Metes and Bounds description of the perimeter of a Tax Increment Financing District for the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision (Phase I and the undeveloped portion of East Hills Road) in the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest and the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 25, Township 98 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M. in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa. Commencing at the Center of said Section 25; thence S 87°48’48” W along the south line of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 25, a distance of 230.55’ to the point of beginning, being a point on the east line of the proposed High Point East Fomth Subdivision; thence S 00°48’ IO” E along the east line of the proposed High Point East Fomth Subdivision, a distance of 221.92’; thence N 59°35’08” W along the south line of the proposed Lot 4, Block Two of proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 307.13’; thence N 59°44’52” W a distance of 70.40’; thence northeasterly 117.30’ (arc length) along a 118.60’ radius curve concave northwesterly with a chord bearing N 27°32’37” E, a distance of 112.58’; thence S 86°50’24” W a distance of 129.06’; thence N 01°15’18” W along the west line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 440.42’; thence N 87°44’33” E along the north line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 132.56’; thence N 00°47’24” W along the west right of way line of East Hills Road, a distance of 98.28’; thence N 89°12’36” E a distance of66.00’ to the east right-of-way line of East Hills Road; thence S 00°47’24” E along the east rightof-way line of East Hills Road, a distance of 96.67’; thence N 87°48’33” E along the north right of way line of East Hills Road, a distance of 468.00’ to the centerline of East Ridge Road; thence S 00°4 7’54” E along the center line of East Ridge Road, a distance of 66.00’; thence S 87°48’32” W along the south right of way line of East Ridge Road, a distance of 294.94’ thence N 00°47’28” W along the east line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 450.90’; thence N 87°48’48” W along the north line of the proposed High Point East Fourth Subdivision, a distance of 64.46’ to the Point of Beginning; The coordinate basis for this survey and subsequent Basis of Bearing is the Iowa North State Plane Coordinate System (1401) Horizontal Control NAD 83 (2011) Vertical Control NAVD88 (Geoid 12A). U.S. Survey Foot. Section 3. Provisions for Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the Urban Renewal Area. After the effective date of this ordinance, the taxes levied on the taxable property in the Urban Renewal Area each year by and for the benefit of the State of Iowa, the City, the County and any school district or other taxing district in which the Urban Renewal Area is located, shall be divided as follows: (a) that portion of the taxes which would be produced by the rate at which the tax is levied each year by or for each of the taxing districts upon the total sum of the assessed value of the taxable propetiy in the Urban Renewal Area, as shown on the assessment roll as of January 1 of the calendar year preceding the first calendar year in which the City certifies to the County Auditor the amount of loans, advances, indebtedness, or bonds payable from the special fund referred to in paragraph (b) below, shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into the fund for the respective taxing district as taxes by or for said taxing district into which all other property taxes are paid. For the purpose of allocating taxes levied by or for any taxing district which did not include the territory in the Urban Renewal Area on the effective date of this ordinance, but to which the territory has been annexed or otherwise included after the effective date, the assessment roll applicable to property in the annexed territory as of January I of the calendar year preceding the effective date of the ordinance which amends the plan for the Urban Renewal Area to include the annexed area, shall be used in determining the assessed valuation of the taxable property in the annexed area. (b) that portion of the taxes each year in excess of such amounts shall be allocated to and when collected be paid into a special fund of the City to pay the principal of and interest on loans, moneys advanced to or indebtedness, whether funded, refunded, assumed or otherwise, including bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9(1), of the Code of Iowa, incurred by the City to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, projects in the Urban Renewal Area, and to provide assistance for low and moderate-income family housing as provided in Section 403 .22, except that taxes for the regular and voter-approved physical plant and equipment levy of a school district imposed pursuant to Section 298.2 of the Code of Iowa, taxes for the instructional support levy program of a school district imposed pursuant to Section 257.19 of the Code of Iowa, and taxes for the payment of bonds and interest of each taxing district shall be collected against all taxable

property within the taxing district without limitation by the provisions of this ordinance. Unless and until the total assessed valuation of the taxable property in the Urban Renewal Area exceeds the total assessed value of the taxable property in such area as shown by the assessment roll referred to in subsection (a) of this section, all of the taxes levied and collected upon the taxable property in the Urban Renewal Area shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts as taxes by or for said taxing districts in the same manner as all other property taxes. When such loans, advances, indebtedness, and bonds, if any, and interest thereon, have been paid, all money thereafter received from taxes upon the taxable property in the Urban Renewal Area shall be paid into the funds for the respective taxing districts in the same manner as taxes on all other property. ( c) the portion of taxes mentioned in subsection (b) of this section and the special fund into which that portion shall be paid may be irrevocably pledged by the City for the payment of the principal and interest on loans, advances, bonds issued under the authority of Section 403.9(1) of the Code of Iowa, or indebtedness incutTed by the City to finance or refinance in whole or in pmt projects in the Urban Renewal Area. ( d) as used in this section, the word “taxes” includes, but is not limited to, all levies on an ad valorem basis upon land or real property. Section 4. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances m conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 5. Saving Clause. If any section, provision, or pmt of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective after its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Passed and approved by the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa, on November 4, 2024. Lorraine Borowski, Mayor Attest: Keri Sand, City Clerk First Consideration: September 16, 2024 There being no further business to come before meeting, it was upon motion adjourned. Lorraine Borowski, Mayor Attest: Keri Sand, City Clerk Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14, 2024 ORDINANCE NO. 1338 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 17 - ZONING OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DECORAH RELATED TO SECTIONS 17.88.020, 17.100.020, AND 17.108.020 REGARDING CAN REDEMPTION CENTERS AS PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES WHEREAS, the City of Decorah recognizes the importance of recycling and waste reduction in fostering a sustainable and environmentally responsible community; and WHEREAS, the State of Iowa has established a bottle bill to encourage the recycling of beverage containers, supporting both environmental conservation and economic benefits; and WHEREAS, can redemption centers play a crucial role in the implementation of this bottle bill by providing a convenient and effective means for residents to return and recycle their beverage containers; and WHEREAS, the inclusion of can redemption centers as a permitted use within the city’s zoning classifications will facilitate the establishment and operation of such facilities, thereby enhancing the city’s recycling efforts and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on the proposed resolution, where public comment was made in favor of and against the request; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed changes allow for can redemptions center to be able to operate in Decorah is beneficial to the City. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa, as follows: SECTION 1. That Section 17.88.020 - Principal Permitted Uses, is amended by deleting said section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17.88.020 - Principal permitted uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section shall be permitted in the C-1 district: A. Business, service or recreational uses including, but not limited to, the following, and similar uses as may be determined by the zoning administrator: 1. Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics or kennels, provided any exercising runway shall be at least two hundred feet from any R district boundary, 2. Automobile accessory stores, 3. Automobile, trailer, motorcycle, boat, farm implement and lawn and garden establishments for display, hire, rental and sales (including sales lots). This subdivision shall not be construed to permit automobile, tractor or machinery wrecking and rebuilding and used parts yards, 4. Bed and breakfast inn, 5. Bowling alleys, poolhalls, and coin-operated amusement establishments, 6. Bus terminal, 7. Can redemption centers that are wholly contained within a building and create no offensive noise, dust, or odor 8. Carwash, 9. Commercial swimming pools, skating rinks, dancehalls, golf driving ranges, miniature golf courses, drive-in theaters and similar recreational uses and facilities, 10. Drive-in banks, 11. Food, meat and fruit stores and food catering services, 12. Funeral parlors, 13. Garages for general motor vehicle repair including collision repair work where it can be demonstrated that no dust or odors which would adversely affect adjoining properties will emanate from the site. 14. Gas stations, 15. Gift shops, 16. Liquor and beverage stores, 17. Mini-warehouses, self-storage, 18. Monument sales yards, 19. Motels and motor hotels, 20. Office buildings, 21. Plant nursery and garden supply stores and sales, 22. Plumbing, heating and air conditioning shops, 23. Restaurants, including drive-in restaurants, 24. Radio and television broadcasting stations, 25. Self-service laundry and dry cleaning establishments and laundry pickup stations, 26. Taverns, bars and nightclubs, 27. Travel and tourist information centers, 28. Travel trailer parks, 29. Truck stops, 30. Used car sales lots, 31. Medical, dental and chiropractic clinics, 32. Clubs and lodges, 33. Commercial condominiums; B. Combinations of the above uses; C. Billboards and outdoor advertising signs, provided a special exception is granted by the board of adjustment, and subject to the following provisions: 1. Billboards shall not be closer than three hundred feet to each other; 2. No billboard shall exceed three hundred square feet; 3. No billboard shall be located on a public right-of-way; 4. No billboard shall be located closer than fifty feet to a public right-of-way; 5. Must be a minimum of one hundred feet in radius from residential zoning district property line; 6. Must be erected in a freestanding design-no back bracing, guy wires or roof-mounted signs are allowed; 7. Must meet all federal, state and local requirements prior to issuance of permit; 8. Rolling and/or animated signs which incorporate in any manner any rolling, flashing, pulsating, rotating, beacons or moving lights are not permitted; 9. Lighting, when installed, must be positioned in such a manner that light is not directed onto an adjoining property or onto a public street or highway. D. Manufacturing and processing uses that are wholly contained within a building and create no offensive noise, dust, odor, vibration or electrical interference.

SECTION 2. That Section 17.100.020 Principal Permitted Uses, is amended by deleting said section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17.100.020 - Principal permitted uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section shall be permitted in the C-4 district: A. Automotive service stations, but not including automotive or farm machinery display or sales; B. Beauty shops and barbershops; C. Business and professional offices and studios; D. Can redemption centers that are wholly contained within a building and create no offensive noise, dust, or odor E. Grocery, apparel, appliance, hardware, toy, and drugstores and retail stores similar in nature; F. Department stores; G. Gift and specialty shops; H. Personal service and repair shops; I. Dry cleaners and laundries; J. Real estate, insurance, and financial institutions, including drive-in banks; K. Dance or music schools; L. Commercial amusements contained within a building; M. Clubs and lodges; N. Medical, dental and chiropractic clinics; 0. Restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs, but not including drive-in eating or drinking establishments; P. Liquor store; Q. Public utilities, but not including storage or maintenance yards or buildings; R. Warehousing and plumbing, HVAC, electrical and other trade shops; S. The sale and outdoor display of automobile, trailer, motorcycle, boat, farm implement, recreational vehicles and lawn and garden equipment. SECTION 3. That Section 17.108.020 -Uses Permitted, is amended by deleting said section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17 .108.020 - Principal permitted uses. Only the uses of structures or land listed in this section shall be permitted in the M-1 district: A. Manufacturing and processing uses that are wholly contained within a building and create no offensive noise, dust, odor, vibration or electrical interference; B. Wholesaling and warehousing uses but not including the bulk storage of anhydrous ammonia or petroleum products under pressure; C. Contractors’ shop and storage yard; D. Public utilities, including storage buildings and yards; E. Truck and freight terminals; F. Building fabrication, including mobile homes, display and sales; G. Welding, machine and repair shops; H. Animal hospitals and kennels; I. Plumbing, heating, air conditioning and sheet metal shops; J. Can redemption centers that are either wholly contained within a building and create no offensive noise, dust, or odor; or enclosed with a screening fence in accordance with Section 17.108.030; K. Automobile paint and body shops; L. Automobile and farm implement display, sales, service and repair; M. Lumberyards and building materials, sales and storage; N. Adult entertainment business. Repealer. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. Severability Clause. If any section, provision or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. When Effective. This Ordinance shall be in effect upon its passage, approval andpublication as provided by law. Date of First Reading: October 21, 2024 Date of Second Reading: November 4, 2024 Roll Call Vote: Councilmen Voting Aye: Schissel, Zittergruen, Olson, Parker, Miculinich, Neal Councilmen Voting Nay: Neal PASSED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of November, 2024. CITY OF DECORAH Lorraine Borowski, Mayor ATTEST: Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14, 2024 ORDINANCE NO. 1339 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10.80 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA, TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF OFF-ROAD UTILITY VEHICLES. WHEREAS, the purpose of this ordinance is to establish regulations governing the operation of off-road utility vehicles (ORVs) within the City of Decorah, Iowa to promote public safety, the general welfare, and the efficient use of roadways and public property. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa, as follows: SECTION 1. That Decorah City Code Chapter 10.80, Snowmobiles and AllTerrain Vehicles is amended by deleting the same in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following: Chapter 10.80 SNOWMOBILES, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES, AND OFFROAD UTILITY VEHICLES Sections: 10.80.010 Definitions. Where words and phrases used in this title are defined by the laws of Iowa, such definitions shall apply to this title. The following words shall have the following meaning: A. “All-terrain vehicle” or “ATV” shall mean a motorized vehicle as defined in Section 321.1.1 (1)(a) of the Code of Iowa, as amended. B. “Off-road utility vehicle (ORV)” shall mean a motorized vehicle with not less than four and not more than eight nonhighway tires or rubberized tracks that has a seat that is of bucket or bench design, not intended to be straddled by the operator, and a steering wheel or control levers for control. ORVs include, but is not limited to, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), side-by-sides, and similar vehicles. ORVs may be intended for off-road terrain, with a width not exceeding 65 inches and a dry weight not exceeding 2,000 pounds. C. “Operate” means to ride in or on, other than as a passenger, use or control the operation of a snowmobile, ORV or an ATV in any manner, whether or not the snowmobile, ORV or ATV is moving. D. “Operator” means any person who is at least 18 years of age and holds a valid driver’s license and is responsible for operating the ORV. E. “Public Roadway” means any street, highway, or alley maintained by the City of Decorah or the State of Iowa. F. “Snowmobile” means any self-propelled vehicle equipped with sled-type runners or skis and propelled by an endless belt-type tread or pneumatic tires, or any combination thereof, and designed for travel upon snow, land or ice. G. “Street or highway” means the entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular traffic, except in public areas in which the boundaries shall be thirty-three feet on each side of the centerline of the roadway. H. “Utility use” means the operation of an all-terrain vehicle for the purposes of snow removal, landscaping and/or yard work whether for private or commercial use. I. “Golf cart” means any self-propelled vehicle as defined in Section 251.247 and described as a low speed vehicle in Section 321 (36)(A) of the Code of Iowa. 10.80.020 Registration required. Every off-road utility vehicle, snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle used on public or private property of the city shall be currently registered, and identification numbers shall be displayed as prescribed by the Code of Iowa. 10.80.030 Operation of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. A. No person shall operate a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle upon the sidewalks, streets and alleys and public grounds of this city, except as provided in this chapter. B. A snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle may make a direct crossing of a street or alley from one parcel of private property to another

provided it is made at an angle of ninety degrees to the centerline and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing, and provided that the operator yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic. C. A snowmobile may operate on city streets and alleys during snow emergencies when streets have not been plowed at locations where snow upon the roadway renders travel by conventional motor vehicles impractical. D. A snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle may operate on those portions of public park land which the board of park commissioners may from time to time by regulation designate as permitted snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle operating areas. 10.80.035 Golf cart operation. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any golf cart within the city limits of the City of Decorah on any public lands, city streets or highways or on private lands without the permission of the owner. 10.80.040 Unlawful operation of snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle. A. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile within the city: 1. On any portion of the flood-protection dikes of the Upper Iowa River; 2. In a careless, reckless or negligent manner; 3. At a speed greater than reasonable or proper under all the existing circumstances; 4. Whenever such snowmobile is not equipped with a suitable and effective muffling device to prevent excessive and unusual noise; 5. When such operator is under sixteen years of age; 6. On any public lands not designated as a permitted snowmobile operating area by proper city officials; 7. On any private lands without the permission of the owner or tenant thereof; 8. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics or habit-forming drugs; 9. Without efficient headlights and taillights; 10. With any firearms in the snowmobile, except in possession of a peace officer; 11. At normal resting hours, after eleven p.m. and before eight a.m., except for emergency use authorized by the chief of police. B. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any all-terrain vehicle within the city: 1. In violation of any of the requirements for the operation of an all-terrain vehicle on public property required by Chapter 321 G of the Code of Iowa, amended. 2. On any private lands within one hundred fifty feet of a residence located on adjacent property when being operated for recreational uses. 3. No more than two all-terrain vehicles may be operated on the same parcel of private land within the City of Decorah for recreational uses at one time. 4. At normal nighttime resting hours, after 10:00 P.M. and before 6:00 A.M., except for emergency use authorized by the chief of police and except for utility uses as defined in this chapter. 10.80.050 Special permits for snowmobile, ATV and golf cart operation. The city council, upon application, may issue a special permit for the operation of a snowmobile, ATV or golf cart upon public property and/or upon any council-designated snowmobile, A TV or golf cart route. 10.80.060 Operation of off-road utility vehicles (ORVs). A. ORVs may be operated within the City of Decorah on public roadways under the following conditions: 1. Properly equipped ORVs may be operated upon any city public roadway with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. 2. An ORV operator shall be at least eighteen years of age and have a valid driver’s license. 3. ORVs must be operated at speeds of thirty-five miles per hour or the speed limit for motor vehicles, whichever is lower, on all segments of public roadways. 4. Operators of ORVs must adhere to all traffic and parking laws, codes, rules, and regulations, applicable to other motor vehicles, unless directed otherwise by this ordinance. 5. An ORV operator shall have financial liability coverage in effect for the vehicle and carry proof of such financial liability coverage in accordance with section 321.20B of the Iowa Code, as amended. 6. An ORV operated within the city shall be equipped with the parts, lamps, and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as required under Iowa Code Chapter 321 for motor vehicles, including but not limited to the parts, lamps, and equipment required under sections 321.386, 321.387, 321.404, 321.432 and 321.437. 7. Owners of UTVs operated within city limits shall register their ORV with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and proof of such registration shall be displayed and provided, upon request, to any peace officer requesting it. Out-of-state ORV operators must display and provide appropriate proof of registration from their home state upon request by any peace officer. 8. No person shall operate an ORV within the city in violation of Iowa Code Chapter 3211 or in violation of rules established by the Natural Resource Commission of the Department of Natural Resources governing their registration, equipment, and manner of operation. 9. A person operating an ORV shall not ride other than on a permanent seat regularly attached thereto. All occupants must be in a seated position at all times with no more passengers than the seat(s) are designed to accommodate. No one may be standing on the vehicle or sitting on another passenger while the vehicle is in operation. 10. The operator and all passengers of an ORV shall wear the seatbelt or harness as so equipped by the manufacturer. B. Prohibited Areas: ORVs are prohibited from operating on: 1. Sidewalks or pedestrian pathways. 2. City parks and trails, including the Trout Run Trail, and Ice Cave Road, except that ORVs may be operated on paved roads and driveways in Palisades Park and the Campground. 3. Other areas established by resolution of the City Council. When properly posted or marked pursuant to such council resolution, it is a violation of this chapter for the driver of any vehicle to fail or refuse to comply with such signs or markings. 4. Private property without the express permission of the property owner. C. Exceptions. The following persons are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance: 1. The operation is incidental to the vehicle’s use for the purpose of surveying by a licensed engineer or land surveyor. 2. Operation of the vehicle by an employee or agent of a political subdivision of the State of Iowa or a public utility. 3. The operation by an employee or agent of a public agency for the purpose of providing emergency services or rescue. D. Violations. The operation and use of an ORV, including as a passenger, in violation of this section may be charged as a simple misdemeanor, or municipal infraction, or may be subject to the penalties set out in Iowa Code Chapters 321 and 3211, and all other applicable laws pertaining to motor vehicles. Repealer. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. Severability Clause. If any section, provision or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. When Effective. This Ordinance shall be in effect upon its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Date of First Reading: October 21, 2024 Date of Second Reading: November 4, 2024 Roll Call Vote: Councilmen Voting Aye: Schissel, Zittergruen, Miculinich, Parker, Neal, Olson Councilmen Voting Nay: None PASSED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of November, 2024. City of Decorah Lorraine Borowski, Mayor ATTEST: Keri Sand, City-Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

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

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL J. SCHMITT DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016344 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Daniel J. Schmitt, Deceased, who died on or about October 27, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 7th day of November, 2024, the undersigned was appointed as Executor of the estate. Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated this 7th day of November, 2024. Mary Schmitt, Executor 101 Grove St. Fort Atkinson, IA 52144 Miller Law Office, P.L.C. James Burns AT0001264 Attorney for Executor 301 West Broadway, P.O. Box 28 Decorah, Iowa 52101 Telephone: (563) 382-4226 Facsimile: (563) 382-3783 millerlaw@millerlaedecorah.com Date of second publication: November 21, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14 & 21, 2024

Date of second publication: November 21, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14 & 21, 2024

Services

563-382-4221

Help Wanted

NEEDS:

Paraeducator

NEEDS:

Swim Coach

Interim English Teacher (Decorah High School)

NEEDS:

Swim Coach

NEEDS:

Paraeducators

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CODE

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROLLIN KENT ISENBERGER, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016343 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Rollin Kent Isenberger, Deceased, who died on or about September 25, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 7th day of November, 2024, the undersigned was appointed as Executors of the estate. Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the 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 11th day of November, 2024. Keith Allen Isenberger, Executor 1030 Sage Circle Golden, CO 80401 Miller Law Office, P.L.C. Jon Specht AT0012576 Attorney for Executor 301 West Broadway, P.O. Box 28 Decorah, Iowa 52101 Telephone: (563) 382-4226 Facsimile: (563) 382-3783 jspecht@millerlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: September 21, 2021 Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14 & 21, 2024

For Rent

46-2-LD-12

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RANDAL R. KUENNEN DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016340 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Randal R. Kuennen, Deceased, who died on or about October 8, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 5th day of November, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Randal R. Kuennen, deceased, bearing date of October 13, 2009, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Jacquelynn Kuennen was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated this 7th day of November, 2024. Jacquelynn Kuennen Executor of Estate 2418 Co. Road B32 Fort Atkinson, IA 52144 Dustin H. Noble ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dustin.noble@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: November 21, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14 & 21, 2024

Garage Sale

CODE

dan.fretheim@andersonlawdecorah.com

November 4, 2024 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Lorraine Borowski at 5:45 PM. The meeting was held at the Decorah Council Chambers and electronically. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Randy Schissel, Emily Neal, Kirsten Olson, Christopher Miculinich (Zoom), Steve Zittergruen, Brent Parker Mayor Lorraine Borowski, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Absent: None Public Comment was made by Tom Hansen at 3469 Locust Road. Hansen spoke regarding Emily Neal’s comments at the last council meeting regarding voting for President Donald Trump. Hansen has been in contact with the Ethics and Finance Committee, and they have assured Hansen that they would be investigating the incident. Hansen also spoke regarding making public comment on city property and how he has been told that people are not allowed to make public comment on city property. Trisha Wilkins with Northeast Iowa Community Action presented an annual report. Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of October 21, 2024, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Appointment of R. Ivy Riggs to the Tree Board Schissel made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing regarding the easement for parking in the right of way at 803 Commerce Drive at 5:58 PM. No public comment. Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing regarding 803 Commerce Drive at 5:59 PM. Zittergruen made a motion to approve Resolution 3506 approving the easement for parking in the right of way at 803 Commerce Drive. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing regarding the development agreement with High Point East LLC, authorizing annual appropriation tax increment payments and pledging certain tax increment revenues to the payment of the agreement at 6:02 PM. Mike Kelly of 2414 Red Oak Road, the developer, addressed the council. Kelly explained that there would be a total of sixteen lots, eight in the first phase and eight in the second phase with two of those lots being for multi-family. Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 6:04 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3507 approving the development agreement with High Point East LLC and the annual appropriation tax increment payments and pledging certain tax increment revenues to the payment of the agreement. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Olson, Parker, Neal, Miculinich. Nays: Zittergruen. Motion carried. Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3508 approving the memorandum of agreement with Decorah Human Powered Trails, Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Zittergruen made a motion to approve Resolution 3509 amending the Decorah Downtown Economic Development Grant Program. Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Olson made a motion to approve the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1336 on the designation of the Expanded Central Business District Urban Renewal Area and Urban Renewal Plan. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Parker, Schissel, Zittergruen, Neal, Miculinich. Nays: None. Motion carried. Olson made a motion to approve the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1337 on designation of the Decorah East Side Residential Urban Renewal Area and Urban Renewal Plan and Project. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Parker, Miculinich, Neal, Zittergruen, Schissel. Nays: None. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1338 amending 17tle 17-Zoning of the Decorah Municipal Code regarding can redemption centers as primary permitted uses. Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Zittergruen, Miculinich, Neal, Olson, Parker. Nays: None. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to waive the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1338 amending Title 17-Zoning of the Decorah Municipal Code regarding can redemption centers as primary permitted uses. Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Zittergruen, Neal, Olson, Parker, Miculinich. Nays: None. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1339 amending Chapter 10.80 of the Decorah Municipal Code regarding the regulation of off-road vehicles, Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Zittergruen, Neal, Parker, Olson, Miculinich. Nays: None. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to waive the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1339 amending Chapter 10.80 regulating off-road vehicles, Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Miculinich, Parker, Neal, Zittergruen, Olson. Nays: None. Motion carried. Olson made a motion to go into closed session at 7:00 PM to discuss strategy to upcoming collective bargaining negotiations as authorized by Section 20.17(3) Code of Iowa and Exempt from Chapter 21 requirements. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Parker, Neal, Miculinich, Schissel, Zittergruen. Nays: None. Motion carried. Zittergruen made a motion to approve representation of the council in union negotiations as Mayor Borowski, Council Member Parker, and Council Member Olson. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to go into closed session at 7:31 PM to discuss settlement negotiations presently in litigation as authorized by Section 21.5(1)(c), Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Zittergruen made a motion to go back into open session at 7:45 PM, Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Zittergruen made a motion to approve the Amy Chico’s and Kennth Lembke settlement in the amount of $37,500.00, Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Zittergruen, Olson, Neal, Parker, Miculinich, Schissel. Nays: None. Motion carried. City Manager, Travis Goedken, announced that the city will be accepting applications for the Decorah Downtown Economic Development Grant until November 22, 2024. Applications can be obtained at the Clerk’s Office at the Decorah City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024 PAYROLL, FOR 10-25-2024..... 206,463.40 CHAMBER OF COMM AND WINN CO DEVELOP, BUDGET FYE 25..................... 17,500.00 HELPING SERVICES,

NESS PUMPING, CAMPGROUND BUDGET FYE 2025................... 1,250.00 SEPTIC PUMPINGHUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTHEAST HIDEWAY...................................... 350.00 IOWA, BUDGET FYE 2025....... 4,500.00 NEW HAMPTON PUBLIC LIBRARY, IAWEA, IAWEA- CONF REG DAMAGED ILL BOOK.................. 27.00 HOVEY............................................ 40.00 NORTHEAST IOWA TASK FORCE, IHDE, TODD, IOWA EMPLOYMENT Garage Sale 1670 Old Stage Rd. Apartment for Rent: 1-bedroom, AUGUST JAG................................ 831.91 CONFERENCE.............................. 599.97 NORTHEAST IOWA TASK FORCE, MATHIS, TERA, DEFENSIVE TACTICS Friday & Saturday, November 15 & upstairs apartment. NS/NP. 326 SEPTEMBER JAG........................ 903.37 INSTRUCTOR 16th, 11-5. 2 twin beds with com- Washington St. Decorah. 563-419PINE CREEK TRAIL BUILDERS, SCHOOL MATHIS.....................1,500.00 PALISADES PARK TRAIL NEICAC, FYE 2025 BUDGET.....7,587.00 forters, sheets. Lots of Christmas 2621. 46-tf-LD-x-9 WORK REPAIRS........................... 600.00 PETTY CASH, POSTAGE POLICE..12.30 decorations, clothes, blankets, other PINTER’S GARDENS & PUMPKINS, SKYLINE CONST. INC, DRY RUN MEMORIAL TREECREEK WQI WETLAND miscellaneous. 46-1-L-pd-2 CAMPGROUND........................... 159.95 PROJECT..................................58,796.47 POSTMASTER DECORAH IA, FIRST SZABO CONSTRUCTION, DRY RUN CLASS PRESORT......................... 350.00 DIVERSION CHANNEL POSTMASTER DECORAH IA, APP 2.........................................35,617.02 Will walk your dog between 6:30 BULK MAILING........................... 344.52 UPS, POSTAGE..................................12.46 QUANDAHL CONSTRUCTION INC, WINN CO. SAN. LANDFILL, and 7:15 am. Small to mid-size Contact the Decorah Leader SIDEWALK INTERSECTION DEER............................................... 15.00 only. $25/hr. Text 315-729-8277 HIGHLAND DR AND WINNESHIEK CO. DEVELOPMENT MASSMAN DR..........................1,978.80 BUDGET FYE 2025................. 19,200.00 44-tf-DL-14 R & S FIBER OPTIC SERVICES LLC, DELTA DENTAL, FIBER MAINTENACE............... 28,500.00 FOR NOVEMBER 2024............. 1,362.40 RANDY’S AUTO PARTS LLC, ALLIANT ENERGY, ALLIANT YARD PARTS............................................ 948.38 WASTE SITE...................................36.07 RIVER CITY PAVING, HMA AL’S COUNRTY MEAT LOCKER, PATCHING.................................. 5,492.31 RESALE PRODUCTS- MEAT........ 39.30 SOVERN, KERITH, IPCA ADMIN AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, Decorah Community PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SUPPLIES.................. 85.62 CONF-SOVERN............................217.49 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, Schools 2024-2025 SPAHN & ROSE LUMBER CO., LIBRARY CREDIT........................-14.62 ARCHERY SUPPLIES/PARTS..1,949.76 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, Decorah Community STEVENSON TREE CARE LLC, STUMP SUPPLIES...................................... 257.44 GRINDING/TREE AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES, Schools 2024-2025 REMOVAL................................ 12,900.00 AMERICAN AND IOWA STOREY KENWORTHY INC, FLAG............................................... 71.13 DESKS........................................ 2,626.52 AMERICAN RED CROSS, SAFETY STOREY KENWORTHY INC, OFFICE INSTR............................................ 301.00 (Carrie Lee Elementary or SUPPLIES........................................ 59.33 ANDERSON WILMARTH VAN DER Temporary Assistant Boys Decorah Middle School) STOREY KENWORTHY INC, MAATTEN, PUBLIC SAFETY.. 1,008.00 CAMPGROUND SUPPLIES.......... 19.87 ANDERSON WILMARTH VAN DER Support person to teachers SUGAR BOWL, PROGRAM............. 36.73 MAATTEN ZONING.................... 240.00 working with children 1:1 SYMBOLARTS LLC, ANDERSON WILMARTH VAN DER (for the 2024-2025 SYMBOL ARTS............................. 891.70 MAATTEN, GENERAL............. 1,896.00 or a group setting. THE CRESCO SHOPPER INC, ANDERSON WILMARTH VAN DER swim season) TRAVEL GUIDE........................... 255.00 MAATTEN, THE CTK GROUP, STREETS/SIDEWALK................. 384.00 Send letter of application and Send letter of application and resume TRAINING-YANEFF.................... 550.00 ANDERSON WILMARTH VAN DER WINDSTREAM, AIRPORT............... 38.28 MAATTEN CODE ENFORCEMENT resume to Principal Justin Albers, to DHS Athletic Director Adam Riley, WINN CO. SAN. LANDFILL, DEER KITTELSON.................................. 123.00 405 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA DISPOSAL.......................................15.00 AXON ENTERPRISES INC., AXON52101, by end of the day on Nov. 16, 52101, by end of the day on Nov. 21, ZOHO CORPORATION, ZOHOTASER 60 YR 4 2024, or open until position is filled. MANAGE ENGINE DESKTOP PAYMENT................................ 11,375.90 2024, or open until position is filled. CENTRAL...................................2,144.70 BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO, The Decorah Community School Total............................................ 552,075.76 TRACTOR SERVICE AND The Decorah Community School Revenue to date October 31, 2024 REPAIR............................................44.94 District is an EEO/AA employer. District is an EEO/AA employer. General Fund.........................$2,831,813.84 BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO, Street Electric Franchise Fee....$102,006.35 PARTS.............................................. 71.16 Road Use Fund......................... $371,521.76 BOHR, RICK, SPINNERS...............140.00 Employee Benefits....................$804,017.85 BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS INC, Hotel/Motel..............................$172,934.42 SPRAY PATCHER 3/8 Decorah Community Schools Local Option Sales Tax............$487,102.18 WASHED CHIPS.............................62.21 for the 2024-2025 School Year: TIFF..........................................$108,904.20 BSN SPORTS, VOLLEYBALL SSMID.......................................... $9,439.55 NETS.............................................. 360.00 Park Special Gifts....................... $10,681.74 CAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, Library Special Gifts.................... $1,408.00 CONCRETE STREET PATCH – MAPLE Street Equip Fund.........................$6,029.42 AVE & SANFORD ST................6,105.60 Debt Service Fund.................... $644,969.71 CAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, Special Projects INTERSECTION SIDEWALK - MAPLE JOB DESCRIPTION Water Utility Fund....................$453,051.19 AVE & SANFORD ST................1,629.60 Decorah High School seeks a dynamic interim English Language Arts Teacher Sewer Utility Fund................... $506,808.08 CAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, Enterprise Project Interest............ $4,488.35 CONCRETE STREET PATCH – for the Spring 2025 semester. This position is needed due to a current teacher Metronet.....................................$35,702.00 DECORAH AVE & 4TH taking a leave of absence through the end of the school year. The courses taught Forest Utility..............................$66,495.54 STREET......................................5,332.10 in this position include: Co-Taught English 10, Advanced English 10, A.P. Storm Sewer Utility....................$38,035.30 CAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, Total.......................................$6,655,409.48 INTERSECTION SIDEWALK – English Literature and Composition Decorah (Iowa) Leader DECORAH AVE & This is a contracted position for Spring 2025 only, from January 3, 2025, November 14, 2024 4TH STREET................................. 764.40 CAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, through the end of the 2024-25 school year. CONCRETE STREET PATCH – Board Minutes November 4, 2024 WINNESHIEK AVE & The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am About Decorah High School: US News and World Report consistently 4TH STREET.............................. 4,204.50 November 4, 2024 with Kelsay, Vick, LanCAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, ranks Decorah High School among Iowa’s top five high schools. It was recently greck, Vermace, and Faldet present. The CONCRETE STREET PATCH – Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, awarded its second National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2024. As one of the DECORAH AVE & and the meeting was called to order. premier high schools in the state, we take pride in our tradition of high academic 3RD STREET..............................2,744.00 Brenda Kreitzer, County Treasurer, met CAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, achievement, athletic prowess, and musical excellence. Our students thrive in a with the Board to submit her letter of intent CAMACHOS CONCRETE – to retire on January 3, 2025. The Board culture of rigorous expectations, and we seek a teacher who can help them reach SIDEWALK INTERSECTION Decorah Community thanked her for her many years of service to WINNESHIEK AND 1ST...........1,008.00 even greater heights. the County.2024-2025 Schools CAMACHO’S CONCRETE LLC, Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met English Language Arts at Decorah High School: At Decorah High School, CONCRETE STREET PATCH with the Board to review road projects and WASHINGTON STREET........... 2,317.50 we offer a comprehensive education in reading, writing, speaking, and listening quotes for a new loader. Moved by Vermace CAPITAL ONE, TV MOUNT............ 17.88 skills. English courses allow students to engage deeply with literature, develop and seconded by Faldet to approve the purCAPITAL ONE, WALLEYE CLINIC chaseAssistant of the low quote loader as recommendtheir writing abilities, and prepare for college and future careers. Temporary Boys SUPPLIES........................................ 66.37 ed by Kueny: John Deere 624P for $221,400. CAPITAL ONE, TOUCH A Motion carried unanimously. RESPONSIBILITIES TRUCK............................................62.12 Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay CAPITAL ONE, • Develop and implement lesson plans and instructional materials aligned to approve the consent agenda which includes WALMART SUPPLIES................... 32.07(for the 2024-2025 the minutes of the last meeting and to accept with state and national standards for English Language Arts and the Advanced CAPITAL ONE, WALMART...........317.80 and fileseason) the monthly report of the County ReCAROLINE ALLEN, PROGRAM.....75.00 swim Placement (A.P.) curriculum for English Language Arts and Composition. corder. Motion carried unanimously. CASPER PLBG & HTG INC, Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vick • Utilize various instructional strategies to engage students and enhance their POOL MAINT................................343.76 Send letter of application and resume to approve the hire of Evan Neubauer as the CASPER PLBG & HTG INC, to DHS Athletic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Director Adamwith Riley, Recycling Supervisor his start date to be COMPRESSOR CITY HALL.....4,591.40 determined. Motion carried Drive, Decorah, IA unanimously. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, grades, and CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT, 100 Claiborne by Kelsay and seconded by Vick 52101, of thethe day on Nov. 21, BOOKS............................................ 95.25by end Moved attendance per school policies and procedures. to cancel contract with Reliable Dumpster CHAMBER OF COMM AND WINN COor open until position is filled. 2024, for glass hauling at Recycling effective JanDEVELOP, HOTEL MOTEL....14,644.98 • Collaborate with other English teachers, administrators, and staff to promote uary 1, 2025. Motion carried unanimously. CHILL, NICK, GOHST COSTUMES The DecorahMoved Community student success. by VickSchool and seconded by Vermace REIMBURSEMENT........................76.88 District istoanapprove EEO/AA the employer. lease with the Decorah ComCLEAR LINE LLC, KNOT WEED • Incorporate technology and innovative teaching methods to engage and munity Food Pantry for their space at the TREATMENT................................625.00 motivate students, including those with diverse learning needs and backgrounds. Community Services Building. Motion carCOLEMAN MOORE CO, COLEMAN ried unanimously. MOORE-ICE CAVE ROAD.......... 312.00 • Foster a positive and supportive classroom environment that promotes student Andy Van Der Maaten met with the Board CONNELL FLYING SERVICE INC, to discuss county issues. learning, growth, and success. OCTOBER 2024 SERVICES......... 3,977.97 Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vick CROELL INC, to adjourn to 9:30am Tuesday, November 12, REQUIREMENTS ICE CAVE BENCH PAD................. 42.50 2024. Motion carried unanimously. CUMMINS CENTRAL POWER, •Valid, current Iowa teaching license (or willingness to obtain) Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor CUMMINS – SERVICES...........1,426.63 Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Super• 5-12 English Endorsement (or willingness to obtain) DALCO, SUPPLIES.........................184.64 visors DALCO, PARKS SUPPLIES............ 326.44 Decorah (Iowa) Leader • Strong communication and organizational skills DECORAH CLEANERS, LLC, DEC November 14, 2024 CLEANERS-UNIFORM COA...... 100.00 • Commitment to ongoing professional development DECORAH ELECTRIC INC, LIGHT REPLACEMENT- PHELPS PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS PARK................................................97.43 Decorah Community DECORAH JOBS INC, DEC JOBS • Master’s Degree in English Schools 2024-2025 HOTEL MOTEL.......................17,573.98 DECORAH LEADER, MINUTES AND • Prior experience teaching Advanced Placement (AP) English courses CLAIMS PUBLICATION.............. 202.86 • Prior experience teaching Honors or Advanced courses DECORAH LEADER, HIGH POINT EAST PUBLICATION..................... 30.27 • Prior co-teaching experience DECORAH LEADER, 803 COMMERCE DRIVE EASEMENT....................... 63.11 (Decorah High School) Decorah High School values diversity and welcomes applicants from various DECORAH LEADER, Support person to teachers working with ADVERTISING...............................47.66 backgrounds and experiences. We encourage individuals who are passionate DRIVEWAY SPECIALIST, FILL CRACK children 1:1 or a group setting. about making a difference in students’ lives to apply. & SEAL.....................................26,200.00 ERDMAN ENGINEERING INC, W HEIVLY STREET DESIGN....... 9,672.50 Send letter of application and Resume and cover letter must be submitted to Principal Brad Hurst, EUROFINS ENVIRO TESTING, resume to Principal Brad Hurst, 100 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, or email EUROFINS......................................32.10 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, FAREWAY STORES INC, WATER FOR brad.hurst@decorah.school by end of the day on November 22, 2024, by end of the day on Nov. 16, 2024, or CALLS AND DRILL.......................48.80 or until the position is filled as provided for in the Agreement between FAREWAY STORES INC, open until position is filled. the Decorah Community School District and the Decorah Education CAMPGROUND RESALE.............56.91 FISK FARM AND HOME DECORAH, FD The Decorah Community School Association 2024-2025. The Decorah Community School District is an SUPPLIES........................................45.27 District is an EEO/AA employer. EEO/AA employer. FISK FARM AND HOME DECORAH, POOL SUPPLIES............................. 10.98 FISK FARM AND HOME DECORAH, CAMPGROUND SUPPLIES........105.91 FISK FARM AND HOME DECORAH, PARKS SUPPLIES........................672.42 FISK FARM AND HOME DECORAH, SUPPLIES TREE GRANT............319.20 For Sale-Miscellaneous Miscellaneous FISK FARM AND HOME DECORAH, SUPPLIES...................................... 784.96 Eliminate gutter cleaning forevWhere veterinary care is unavailHEXOM GARDENS, able or unaffordable, ask for Happy er! LeafFilter, the most advanced SATURDAY, NOVEMBER LANDSCAPING..............................50.00 HOLIDAY INN/CONVENTION, Jack® animal healthcare products. debris-blocking gutter protection. 16 - Mervil Mabb: Guns, fishIMFOA FALL SAND.....................237.44 HOLIDAY INN/CONVENTION, For dogs, horses, & cats. 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IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EVELYN C. ELSBERND DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016341 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Evelyn C. Elsbernd, Deceased, who died on or about October 25, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 4th day of November, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Evelyn C. Elsbernd, deceased, bearing date of February 15, 2020, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Cynthia M. Jestrab and Floyd A. Elsbernd 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 5th day of November, 2024. Cynthia M. Jestrab PO Box 123 Protivin, IA 52163 Co-executor of estate Floyd A. Elsbernd 2024 Elm Circle West Des Moines, IA 50265 Co-executor of estate Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LORNA A. BJERKE, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016342 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Lorna A. Bjerke, Deceased, who died on or about October 18, 2024: You are hereby notified that on November 5, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Lorna A. Bjerke deceased, bearing date of July 31, 2007, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed court and that Janice M. Bjerke was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated November 5, 2024. Janice M. Bjerke, Executor of Estate 705 Jefferson St. Decorah, IA 52101 William J. Shafer, ICIS#: AT007218 Attorney for Executor Shafer & Shafer Law Office, PLLC 23 Allamakee St. Waukon, IA 52172 Date of second publication: November 21, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 14 & 21, 2024

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Precinct totals continued from front precinct which encompasses the city of Ossian. But Langreck was also able to top Wieseler by about 10 percent on her home turf in Precinct 9 — about 565 of the precinct’s 1,353 registered voters supported Langreck. Klimesh favored in seven of 12 county precincts Farther up the ballot, Republican State Sen. Mike Klimesh held majorities among voters in seven of Winneshiek County’s 12 precincts as he and Democratic candidate Brian Bruening of Elkader vied for the District 32 seat in Iowa’s Senate. The Republican incumbent saw his highest Winneshiek County totals in Precincts 10, 11 and 12, which largely make up the southern two rows of townships in the county, including Calmar Township where Klemish previously served as mayor of Spillville. Support for Klemish in those three precincts ranged from 74-77, percent. The totals for Klimesh were a little lower in northeastern Winneshiek County’s Precinct 2 as well as Precinct 9, which surrounds Decorah — the Republican

earned about 63 percent in each. Bruening won by at least 30 percent in three precincts within Decorah, but he only won by about 6 percent in Precinct 8 — the Democrat fell behind Klimesh in each of the six counties which make up District 32, according to numbers from the Iowa Secretary of State’s Ofﬁce. And Klimesh overtook Bruening by about 2 percent — or about 34 votes — in Precinct 3, which includes southern Decorah and other portions of that area. Democrat Sarah Corkery was the top choice among a handful of Decorah precincts, but it was incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson whom Winneshiek County voters favored in the race for Iowa’s District 2 seat in the U.S. House. Corkery earned more than 65 percent in Precincts 4 through 7, and she squeaked by Hinson by 5 percent in Precinct 9 and lost Precinct 3 by about 3 percent — or about 46 votes. Elsewhere in the county, support for Hinson never dipped below 60 percent, reaching past 70 percent in southern and western portions of the county,

with her greatest support from local voters being reported at 75 percent in Precinct 12. No-party candidate Jody Puffett failed to gain more than 3 percent in any of the county’s 12 precincts. Precincts split 6-6 on presidential ticket At the top of the ballot, third-party candidates tallied a few percentage points, and Winneshiek County’s 12 voting precincts were evenly split between the two major party candidates. President Donald Trump ultimately won Winneshiek County overall, but he and Vice President Kamala Harris each saw six Winneshiek County precincts vote in their favor last week. Precinct 10 was the most supportive of President-elect Trump, with about 73 percent of the ballots there favoring the Republican candidate — Precincts 1 and 12 weren’t far behind with 71 percent. Harris took the lead in several precincts near the county seat. The Democratic candidate earned about 70 percent support in at least three Decorah precincts, with her lowest Winneshiek County win marked at

52 percent in Precinct 3. Support for school bond radiated from Decorah The school bond measure which appeared on last week’s ballots wasn’t a partisan issue, but support for the $38 million bond proposed by Decorah Schools for the construction of a new elementary building was still concentrated in northern Decorah. The measure required 60 percent support for approval. It received 67 percent support overall — 5,087 votes to 2,536 — and the proposal saw no less than 73 percent approval from voters in any precinct within the city of Decorah. The bond received 66 percent support from voters in Precinct 9, which surrounds the Decorah. The measure maintained a majority across eastern Winneshiek County but dipped below the 60 percent threshold in Precincts 2 and 10 — overall, the measure received 67 percent support. Opposition to the bond only outnumbered support in two of the county’s 12 precincts. Precinct 1 saw about 80 more votes against the proposed bond than it did votes in support. Only a

small portion of the Decorah School District crosses into Winneshiek County’s Precinct 12, which recorded only three

votes on the proposed bond — two against the measure and one for it.

Faculty sheds light continued from front believed the former president would win — and he won — whereas Harris supporters weren’t sure who was going to win, according to Selçuk, which also contributed to Trump’s victory. “This includes Minnesota,” he said. “They nominated Tim Walz, but guess what? The Democrats in Minnesota actually went down. So, in that sense, polarization — the fact that we’re often surrounded by likeminded individuals who reinforce our existing views — instead of challenging them — is part of the problem.” The second aspect that won Trump the election, according to Selçuk, was the President-elect’s ability to mobilize

his followers. “He does empower,” Selçuk said. “He does give a sense of belonging, and he is basically the voice of the people who feel marginalized — who feel left out. And, Trump is the anti-establishment candidate. More than 70 percent of the country was asking for change, and he represents the change candidate — whereas the Democrats represented the status quo. One of the things that probably hurt Kamala Harris was that she was asked multiple times ‘Is there anything you would change from the Biden administration?’ and she would say ‘Nope, not that I can think of right now.’” Selçuk also believes Harris lost the election because of

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Luther College Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Studies Program Director Orçun Selçuk shared several insights about the results of this year’s presidential election. (Photos by Zach Jensen) what he called a misunderstanding on the Democrats’ side on how to oppose populist leaders and because Democrats often feel justiﬁed in taking what they perceive to be the moral high ground. He said that, since the election, he’s seen many comments from Democrats on social media, saying the party may have been defeated but was “on the right side of history,” or were on morally solid ground while choosing a candidate they felt was honest and trustworthy — they’re the sort of comments Selçuk said only contribute to Trump’s message and his popularity. “Democrats have a habit of assuming people voted for Trump, because they’re ignorant or because they only watch Fox News, and President Biden calling Trump supporters ‘garbage’ on Oct. 30 also didn’t help Harris,” Selçuk said. Biden reportedly referred to Trump’s supporters as ‘garbage’ in response to a conservative comedian who called Puerto Rico “a ﬂoating island

THANK YOU

To everyone who supported my campaign for District 4 Supervisor in any way, thank you.

To my amazing campaign team who dedicated many hours mentoring me, doing legwork, organizing volunteers, and giving advice, thank you.

of garbage” during an Oct. 27 rally the Trump campaign held in Madison Square Garden. Rovelo, a recent addition to Luther’s Political Science Department, shared specific stats showing several voter demographics during the election. Overall, Rovelo said, more voters from nearly all demographics, except women voters, voted Republican during the 2024 election. “The voting behavior of small groups like this really matters, specifically because the electoral college is based on the unit rule, which often takes the position that electors are going to vote in favor of whatever the state popular vote prefers,” Rovelo said. One phenomenon which Rovelo said worked against Harris was what she referred to as The Bradley Effect, which defines how polling between a minority candidate and a white candidate is distorted if voters don’t admit they won’t vote for a minority candidate. “People are less willing to say they support a non-white candidate early on,” Rovelo said. “Obama overcame this is 2008 and 2012 — given the kind of campaign he ran on —

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to accommodate all types of work, school & social schedules. Full Circle Services offers sick, vacation and personal time to our part time staff.

To everyone who contributed financially to my campaign, I am humbled and awed by your generosity, thank you. To everyone who voted for me, who put their faith in me, thank you.

8:30-1:30 shifts available weekdays!

To my family who cheered me on, and especially to my husband, Monte, who made sure I ate, and slept and who kept the farm running, thank you.

Paid for by Cheryl Wieseler for Supervisor.

fessor of political science and head of its political science department, agreed with Rovelo. She said many of the election’s demographics contradicted what the polls predicted prior to Election Day. “All of these patterns are things that were contrary to what a lot of the polling data was looking like going into this election,” Foster said, “which tells us that … there are systematic ﬂaws in the way public opinion polls are conducted, and we know that.” Additionally, the number of voters who cast ballots in this election was 1 percent lower than voter turnout during the 2020 election, which Foster said is a signiﬁcant difference. “Any predictions that were being made leading into this race — that there was going to be a big surge in voter turnout, that voters are being mobilized — that did not happen,” Foster said. “There are lots of other people who are going to investigate why that was, and there are lots of possible reasons: Populism, disaffection with the political process overall. It’s easier to persuade people to not vote than it is to persuade people to vote for someone.”

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To everyone who rooted for me, gave me pep talks in the grocery store or at the farmers market, and gave me hugs when I didn’t know I needed them, thank you.

—Cheryl Wieseler

which was a more interracial unity message, whereas Kamala ran on a similar message but emphasized fear and coalescing around something that could be very dangerous, which might not have had the same appeal to it that we saw with the 2008 and 2012 elections for Obama.” Rovelo went on to say the concept of so-called issue owning — a specific political topic for which each candidate is known — also came into play during this year’s election. She said Trump owned the economy issue this cycle, which the Luther political science team agreed is the number-one issue a candidate can run on, while they said Harris’ issue wasn’t as specific. “Democrats have traditionally claimed employment, unemployment, education and healthcare,” Rovelo said. “With this election, there was a big association — and similarly in 2016 — with the economy and Donald Trump, given his business background, but if that was something that had been emphasized more by the Harris campaign, that could have been something that would benefit her turnout.” Foster, a Luther College pro-

LOOKS LIKE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY! OPPORTUNITY !

To the volunteers who canvassed, wrote postcards, made phone calls, drove me all over District 4, and helped out at the farmers market, thank you.

The outcome was not what we had hoped for, but I will continue to fight for Winneshiek County, working to promote facts, fairness and common sense in leadership. You have inspired me and, for that, I thank you.

Carly Foster, Luther College Professor of Political Science and Political Science Department Head, shared how pre-election polling and predictions favoring Harris were largely inaccurate, which she implied shouldn’t be surprising.

36-18-DL-12

Apply at: www.fullcircleneia.applicantpro.com/jobs/ or call Jared Morriss at 563-277-2029, jared.morriss@fullcircleneia.com

SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

ISU-Navy wrestling meet will honor Decorah native

Adeline Bollinger took the water in a pair of events Saturday including the 100-yard freestyle which she completed in 1:09.62. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Four events headed to state in Marshalltown

Reg Wicks. (submitted photos)

By Roz Weis Staff Writer Friday’s Iowa State University wrestling meet with Navy will be dedicated to the late Reg Wicks. Wicks was a collegiate wrestler at Iowa State and also a wrestling coach and professor at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). He passed away earlier this year at the age of 79, at his home in Crownsville, Maryland. An Iowa State spokesman said Wicks is being honored posthumously as part of Iowa State’s Military Appreciation Dual Meet. A native of the Decorah area, Wick’s was the son of Eddie and Anna (Shekleton) Wicks. He had a distinguished wrestling career. He wrestled for Decorah under head coach Larry Poock. He was a four-year letter winner in high school and was twice named most valuable wrestler. He was Northeast Iowa Conference Champion at 154 pounds in 1963. He was district champion in 1964 at 154 pounds, and finished second at the state

Team scores 1. Iowa City West 422.5; 2. Pleasant Valley 400; 3. LinnMar 356.5; 4. Iowa City City High 229; 5. Davenport Central 217; 6. Burlington 183; 7. Decorah 153; 8. Muscatine 132; 9. Tipton 36

championship, finishing with a 19-2 record that year. He wrestled for Iowa State under head coach Harold Nichols. As a Cyclone, he was a three-time conference place winner and a three-time NCAA qualifier. In 1968, Wicks won the NCAA National Championship at 160 pounds, and earned All-American distinction. Wicks, who was also the Iowa State team captain in 1968, finished his career with a 44-124 record with six of his losses coming by two points or less. Wicks’ coaching career started as an assistant coach at Mankato State from 1969-1971 where he also earned his masters degree. He earned his first head coaching job in 1971, when he served for four years and coached two All-Americans. Wicks coached for 28 years at the Naval Academy, assisting Ed Peery from 1974-1987, before taking the reins of the program from 1987-2000. During his time as the head coach in Annapolis, the Midshipmen were 175-60-5, winning the EIWA tournament in 1990 and finishing second four times (1988, 1991, 1992 and 1994).

Wicks coached 17 EIWA champions, 35 NCAA qualifiers and six NCAA place winners at Navy. He was the EIWA Coach of the Year in 1990. Wicks was 10-1-2 against Army. Wicks retired from coaching in 2000, with a career record of 200-80-6. Wicks held several Hall of Fame honors, including: Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame (1998), National Wrestling Coaches Association, 25 years award, National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2001) for Life Service, Iowa High School Hall of Fame (2005), and Iowa State University Hall of Fame (2016). After retirement from coaching, Wicks continued as a full professor at the USNA until 2010. He also remained active within both the national and local wrestling community He has many family members still residing in the Decorah area. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda (Grinna) Wicks, also a Decorah native. The Nov. 15 meet against the Navy Midshipmen is scheduled at 7 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.

The Decorah swim team will have representatives in four events this weekend at the state meet in Marshalltown Saturday, Nov. 9, at the regional meet at Linn-Mar. All of Decorah’s events qualified with at-large bids, which are time-based in relation to other regions across the state. The Vikings posted a seventh-place overall finish, totaling 153 points as Iowa City West captured the team title with 422.5 points. Qualifying process There are no classes in swimming and all schools from across the state compete against one another. Throughout the season, swimmers can qualify based on time standards. However, those swimmers still needed to compete in the event at the regional meet regardless of whether the swimmers have met the qualifying standard. If a swimmer is disqualified at the regional meet or did not finish the regional event, they will not be allowed to compete in that event at the state meet even if they had achieved the qualifying standard during the regular season. The field of 32 state qualifiers consists of all swimmers who have met qualifying standard and competed in that event at the regional meet. The rest of the qualifying field was filled from the next fastest regional times from swimmers that did not meet the state standard during the regular season. Re-

gional champions from each event are automatic qualifiers for the state meet regardless of time. There are no qualifying standards in the relay events. Regional champions, plus the next fastest 26 times, qualified for the state meet. Relays will be a four-heat, timed final on the Saturday evening session of the state meet. Moving on Decorah will send all three relays to state with one of those team members qualifying as an individual as well. Liz Bucksa will compete in the 100-yard breaststroke after finishing third at the regional meet Saturday. The sophomore’s time of 1:07.70, has her seeded 18th for the prelims which will take place Friday, Nov. 15. Joining Bucksa for all three relays – the 200-yard medley, 200-yard freestyle and 400yard freestyle will be junior Bella Sailor, freshman Jenna Schissel and senior Grace Bak-

Mark Scott regaled a memorable play this fall in a game versus Don Bosco where one of his Trojan football players tracked down a ball carrier, forced the turnover and then proceeded to make another tackle as the opposition fell on the pigskin to retain possession. That desire to never back down – regardless of the circumstance – perhaps best personified the kind of season it was for the Turkey Valley football squad. In 2024, the ball didn’t exactly bounce the Trojans’ way, but that didn’t stop coach Scott’s playmakers from having an impact – win or lose. That player Scott was referring to was sophomore two-way starter Jordan Kriener – who was recently selected to his second all-district squad in as many years on the varsity level. Watch out for Kriener and the rest of his teammates, because if TV can avoid the injury bug – the year 2025 could definitely be a landmark season for the Trojans, who sported no seniors on their roster this fall. TV was awarded with five spots on the 8-Man, All-District 3 squad – one on the first team, three on the second squad and an honorable-mention pick as well. TV managed one first team selection in junior J.D. Kruse, who was an honorable-mention

selection last year. Kruse lit up the scoreboard this fall with eight receiving touchdowns to go along with three interceptions on defense. The wideout also brought back three touchdowns on special teams – two in the punt return game and one via a kickoff. “He can play multiple positions, obviously, and in 8-Man that’s crucial – especially when you have injuries like we did this year and have to move people around,” said Scott. Kruse hauled in 23 passes for 474 yards and that stat line was accentuated by an impressive 20.6 yards-per-catch average. Kruse registered 976 all-purpose yards. Kruse was also the real deal in the secondary at what Scott refers to as an “invert” defensive position, similar to a strong safety. Kruse was one of the district’s best enforcers on the defensive side of the ball with a team-leading 61.5 tackles. Forty-seven of those tackles were of the solo variety, which was third best in his district. “He plays hard, and he works hard in practice and he works hard in the weight room,” said Scott. “He does all the things you want him to do.” Cracking the second team for TV was Kriener, sophomore Kaden Schmidt and junior Logan Busta. Busta was a repeat selection on the all-district team as he made the honorable mention list a year ago.

Varsity race results 200 medley relay – 4. Bella Sailor, Jenna Schissel, Liz Bucksa, Grace Baker, 1:55.90 200 free – 20. Annika Becker 2:33.39; 22. Liv Anderson 2:34.69 200 IM – 8. Avalea Burns 2:29.92; 13. Naomi Kutz 2:37.09 50 free – 11. Baker 26.51; 24. Lauren Holthaus 28.73; 21. Bridget Bentley 28.41 100 fly – 4. Sailor 1:04.17; 18. Becker 1:24.68 100 free – 20. Bentley 1:04.82; 23. McKenna Demaray 1:05.87; 24. Adeline Bollinger 1:09.62 500 free – 12. Schissel 5:45.94; 17. Kutz 6:08.43 200 free relay – 5. Sailor, Baker, Schissel, Bucksa, 1:43.91 100 back – 18. Holthaus 1:14.77; 22. Anderson 1:20.18; 23. Bollinger 1:23.32 100 breast – 3. Bucksa 1:07.70; 7. Burns 1:12.82; 22. Demaray 1:22.99 400 free relay – 6. Schissel, Sailor, Baker, Bucksa, 3:48.41

Freshman Jenna Schissel will make her debut at the state swim meet this week as a member of all three relays for the Decorah girls’ swim team. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Johnson final Pigskin Picks winner

Five Trojans tabbed all-district By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com

er. The 200-yard medley relay finished fourth at the regional meet in 1:55.90, earning the Vikes a 21st seed. The quartet is seeded 22nd in the 200-yard freestyle with its qualifying time of 1:43.91. Seeded 21st, the 400-freestyle relay posted a time of 3:48.41 at the qualifying race, after finished sixth in the competitive regional meet.

JD Kruse Junior First Team

Jordan Kriener Sophomore Second Team

Busta – Scott’s second year starting quarterback and solid cornerback in the secondary – produced many highlights this year for the Trojan faithful. He passed for 677 yards to go along with eight touchdowns versus four interceptions. It was his ability to improvise out of the pocket that made him doubly dangerous for defenses to stop. Busta rushed for 484 yards and scored seven times on the ground. “He’s actually dangerous when he takes off running,” said Scott. “He does a good job of getting yards when he does take off.” Busta tallied 22 tackles and picked off one pass this season. “He’s still young, too. He’s growing,” said Scott. “He’s got a couple years underneath his belt now.” One star for TV that definitely showcased his talent was Schmidt. In his first year in a starting varsity role, he led the Trojans in rushing with 611 yards. He averaged a stellar 8.5 yards per crack and found the end zone 11 times. He also caught six balls for 96 yards.

Kaden Schmidt Sophomore Second Team

Logan Busta Junior Second Team

“He sees the field well and he does a good job of seeing his blockers and cutting behind them – using the guys in front of him that are doing their jobs,” said Scott. Schmidt recorded 34.5 tackles (24 solo) at his linebacker position. “I think he’s starting to realize that he needs to do some of the things that we need him to do to get better – to be as good as he possibly could be,” said Scott. For Kriener – who played alongside his twin brother Mitchell for much of the season prior to the latter Kriener getting hurt – was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Kriener was a starting guard on the offensive line and played defensive end, as well as linebacker. Kriener came up with 57.5 tackles, 40 of them solo. In the Bosco game, which the No. 4 Dons won handily, 62-0, Kriener exemplified what he’s all about. Scott explained some more about Kriener’s engine that rarely shuts down or takes a break from grinding its way

Hunter Kruse Junior Hon. Mention

out on the gridiron. “He made a play in the Bosco game. He ran the kid down, punched the ball out and caused a fumble. One of their kids picked it up and he got up and tackled that kid, too,” said Scott. “That’s the kind of hustle he has. He’s an effort guy. He’s not faster than a lot of guys, but he doesn’t quit. He keeps coming and keeps coming.” Hunter Kruse, a junior starting center and nose guard, made it back-to-back honorable mention selections for the Trojans. He cracked the squad last year as a sophomore and racked up 34.5 tackles (20 solo). His three tackles for loss led the Trojans. “He’s a hard worker, too. He’s very intelligent, which is a big thing,” said Scott, who wrapped up his 22nd season as TV head coach. “A lot of years he probably would have been first or second team, but we played some pretty good teams this year in our district.” Also receiving academic all-district were Jordan Kriener, Mitchell Kriener, Hunter Kruse, Tucker Tlusty, Cale Langreck and Traejin Keel.

The final week of the 2024 Pigskin Picks football contest is in the books and it was a tough one with the best entry missing four games. Decorah’s Ray Johnson took the top prize with Armin Pipho of Moorhead, MN., taking second and Decorah’s Marlene Sorenson third. Pipho and Sorenson each were among the many missing five games; however, both correctly guessed the first tie breaker which was the highest single score of a game of 45. It was Kansas who racked up the high score for the week, as well as combining with Iowa State to have 81 for the second tie breaker. Pipho had guessed 68 in the second tie breaker with Sorenson estimating 60. Numerous games slipped up entries including Iowa falling to UCLA, Kansas topping Iowa State and Ole Miss defeating Georgia.

Correction It was incorrectly reported in the Nov. 7 Decorah Leader that Tanner Caddell threw the final pass of the game against Newton to win the game; however, it was Caleb Krieg that threw the winning touchdown. The Leader regrets and apologizes for the error.

SPORTS

Vikes upended by North Scott

Where cheers filled the stadium in the final minute the prior week, Decorah fans fell silent in the closing seconds of Friday’s game against North Scott as the Lancers came back from a 10-point deficit in the final 6:30 to expel the Vikings from the postseason, 28-24. With the outcome no Decorah player, coach or fan wanted, the Vi k e s h a v e nothing to hang t h e i r h e a d s about as they posted the first 10win season since 2013, and going undefeated in the district. “Our kids played outstanding on Friday,” noted Head Coach Michael Tangen. “We executed our game plan on both offense and defense and put ourselves in a position to win the game. You have to give a lot of credit to North Scott. Their quarterback and wide receivers are the best we have seen all season. They were pretty unbelievable down the stretch.”

Nail-biter From the beginning it looked to be a back-and-forth battle with Decorah taking its first possession on downs at the Viking 26-yard line. However, the Vikes quickly moved the chains into the red zone. Trevor Kuennen covered the final 10 yards to cap off a 14-play, 74-yard drive in the end zone and put the Vikings up 7-0 with Brayden Wemark’s PAT. For the remaining 2:33 in the first quarter, the Decorah defense pummeled the Lancers, pinning them on a 4th and 20 from their own 28-yard line. Back on offense to start the second pe-

Trevor Kuennen makes a diving grab on the North Scott ball carrier along the Viking sideline.

riod, Decorah grappled with moving the pigskin and was forced to punt. That allowed North Scott to

Will Larson stretches to make the over the back catch for a 34-yard gain for the Vikes.

pick up its first score of the game on a 53-yard pass to knot the score 7-7 with 4:22 remaining in the half. The Vikes utilized the final time on the clock to push their way to the Lancer 21-yard line. With 22 ticks on the clock, Wemark sent the pigskin through the uprights for a 32-yard field goal to put Decorah back on top 10-7 at the break. There was little ball movement on either teams’ first possession of the second half; however, Decorah altered that on their second as Tanner Caddell picked up 47 yards on the ground with 7:27 remaining in the third. The junior quarterback, combined with the running talents of Kuennen and Gavin Groux, landed the Vikes within striking distance at the Lancer 4-yard line. Caddell found his way over a pile of defenders and landed in the end zone to extend Decorah’s lead 17-7 after Wemark’s sec-

ond PAT of the game. One play into the fourth quarter, North Scott answered the call as the Lancers began to claw their way back, scoring on a 12-yard scamper. Uncomfortable with just a field goal separating the two teams, Decorah’s Caddell, Groux and Kuennen led the Vikes back down the gridiron and over the goal line with 8:21 remaining to set the score 24-14. Four plays and 76 yards later, the Lancers were back within striking distance, 24-21. The Vikes had a chance to put the game away with a muffed punt by North Scott that was recovered by Jameson LaBelle; however, Decorah was stopped on a 4th and 5 at the Lancer 19yard line with 3:43 left to play. North Scott took advantage of that turnover, marching down the field and finishing the drive on a 25-yard pass that gave the Lancers the 28-24 lead and win with 33 seconds remaining.

Last numbers Offensive yardage was a hot commodity for both squads as Decorah garnered 240 on the ground and another 69 passing for 309 total, while North Scott grabbed 385 total yards of offense. Caddell was quick on his feet, leading the Vikes with 132 yards on 22 carries in addition to completing 4-of-8 passes for another 69 yards. Kuennen provided 58 yards on 18 carries while Groux took the pigskin nine times for 41 yards. Carter Dlhy also had one carry for nine yards. Will Larson, Kuennen, Noah Milburn and Groux all hauled in one pass for the Vikes with Larson having the longest reception at 34 yards. Defensively, Gatlin Dahlberg had seven solo and five assisted tackles while Kuennen was there for seven solo and two assisted stops. Groux provided another five solo tackles with Larson taking down four on his own. Final thoughts “I am so proud of our team and the way we battled. Our team left everything we had on the field. There is noth-

Decorah running back Gavin Groux goes airborne over a pile of North Scott and Viking players and braces for a hard landing with the pigskin as teammates William Hahn (77), Tommy Sexton (22) and Cash Riehle (71) look on. (Photos by Becky Walz)

Diving across the goal line with the pigskin for a touchdown is junior Tanner Caddell. Also pictured are Bradan Darling (55), Cash Riehle (71) and Noah Milburn (87). ing more you can ask for as a coach. What a fun season overall though. Nothing can take that away from our group. The leadership on our team was outstanding, and both players and coaches became a family. We proved all season long that this team could play with anyone. The excitement that our team brought to our community is something to be proud of,” said the ﬁrst-year head coach. Game stats Total yards: Decorah 309; North Scott 385 Passing (comp/att/yds): Tanner Caddell (4-8, 69 yds.) Rushing (att/yds): Caddell (22132, 2 TD); Trevor Kuennen (18-58, 1 TD); Gavin Groux (9-41); Carter Dlhy (1-9) Receiving (att/yds/TD): Will Larson (1-34); Kuennen (1-12); Noah Milburn (1-12); Groux (1-11) Tackles (total): Gatlin Dahlberg 9.5; Kuennen 8.0; Groux 5.0; Larson 4.0; Henry Brynsaas 3.0; Jackson Pipho 2.5; Caleb Krieg 2.0; Tommy

Co-Captain Braden Darling accepts the state qualifying trophy from Activities Director Adam Riley following Decorah’s 28-24 loss Friday night to North Scott as the rest of the Viking team looks on.

Sexton 2.0; Brayden Wemark 2.0; Milburn 1.5; Keaton Orris 1.0; William Hahn 1.0; Peyton Webb 0.5 Fumble recoveries: Jameson LaBelle 1 Punts (att/yds): Milburn (3-114)

Kick-offs (att/yds): Wemark (5227, 1 FG, 3/3 PAT) Kick-off returns (att/yds): Kuennen (4-115); Mason Avila (1-13)

Decorah center Cash Riehle points out a defensive change to fellow offensive linemen Adrian Smith (52) and William Hahn (77).