December 12, 2024

Winter Sports Preview included in this edition!

24/25

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PUBLI SHED THUR

SDAY, DECEM BER

Veterans to lead

It will be a senior-lade n for the Decorah swimmersteam this winter.

With 13 seniors on the squad and nine returning conference scorers, the Vikings look poised to do big things in the water this season.

12, 2024 BY THE

the way; Decorah

DECO RAH LEADE

R | SPOR TS EDITO

boys swim team

R BECKY WALZ

built on experien

ce

Leading the squad for his third season is Head Coach Loran Storts.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Gaining experienc e The Vikes of 2023-24 strong core of swimmers had a which included five athletes who had state experience.

Leading the way were six seniors — Dominic Bigalk, Mason Cote, Hogan, Isaac Knaack, Dylan Simon Kutz and Nathaniel Roberts.

Using their experience to their advantage, the Vikes raced through the regular season posting strong times.

Everything came together in January when Decorah won its sixth straight North Central Swim Conference title.

Diving into the 2024-25 At the district meet, season on the Decorah the Vi- Weston kings finished fourth Cote, Oak Pasche, boys’ swim team in the Ian are (front row, l-r) Kyle Pattison, Avalea team standings and Giddings, Esteban Garrett See, Ethan Burns (manager) had four Bollinger, Fernandez Swizdor, ; (second events punch tickets Max Grimstad, Ethan , Mitchell Stemper, Spencer Christense row) Ashton Saltou, Kyan Oftedahl, Jordan Snitker, Dane Burns, Keaton to the state Casper, Phuong Vobr, Landon Humpal, n, Bridget Bentley Landyn Hook, Tommy Doan, Eli Sassaman Garrett Willie, Grant (manager); (third Hammel, Dalton , Gavin Wilkins, Erickson, Davis Coppola, coach Amy Schlake; row) Reid Kuehner, Oliver Brummel, Zilka, Jack Sovern, Will (back row) coach Oliver Robinson and Andrew Loran Storts, Aitor Olson. (Photos courtesy Cuevas, of Tami Bohr) meet. Knaack was the lone in- Grimstad, dividual qualifier as Keaton Vobr, Ethan Kyan he earned a Casper, Oftendahl. spot in the 100-yard Will Robinson and backstroke Kyle New to the team Pattison – all of on time. All three this season whom are Dane relays also scored Burns, Weston Cote, points for the Vikes qualified on time. at Landon Humpal, conference last season.

Getting a chance Oak Pasche, to swim Garrett See, Tyler “Each of these swimmers at state in Iowa City, Shaw, Jorwill dan Snitker, Knaack, only get Ethan Swizdor and Cote, Kutz and Hogan made season,” better and faster this Gavin Wilkins. some noise, breaking said coach Storts. the While experience record in the 200-yard school will be a freestyle key contributor relay in 1:29.67, good to how successfor 16th. ful the Vikes will be this season, The same quartet posted a time so are numbers. of 1:40.88 in the 200-yard Decorah boys med“We have a large ley relay to finish swim schedule team this 17th. Bigalk year with 33 swimmers. joined Knaack, Cote We and Kutz will have in the 400-freesty to replace some big Dec. 14 at Cedar Falls, le relay that scorers 11:30 a.m. for last year with shaved nearly four team Dec. 20 hosts meet seconds off depth (Luther), this season,” the their qualifying time.

6 p.m.

Viking The four- skipper noted. some finished 17th Jan. 7 at Vinton-She in 3:24.53. llsburg, Others back for the 4:30 p.m. new sea- Jan. son are seniors Oliver 11 at Waterloo West Big numbers invite, 12:30 p.m. mel, Aitor Cuevas, BrumThe Decorah squad Phuong Jan. 18 at Fort Dodge should be Doan, invite, strong again this year, 10 a.m.

Ellickson, with the Landyn Dalton large number of Hook, Andrew Olson, Jan. 23 at Mason City, senior and/or Back in the water Jack Sovern, Garrett 5:30 p.m. with a returning letter winners.

Max Grimstad, Keaton letter for the Decorah boys’ swim Willie, Feb. 1 at Conf.

Grant Zilka; juniors team are (front, l-r) meet (TBD), Topping coach Storts’ Davis Coppola, Hook, Tommy Hammel, Vobr, Kyle Pattison, Will Robinson; Oliver 12 p.m. list of Bollinger, Ashton key returnees are (back) Oliver Brummel, Ian Giddings, Reid Saltou, Eli Feb. 8 at District meet Davis CopKuehner and Ethan Landyn pola, (TBD), Sassaman, Mitchell Casper.

12 p.m.

Tommy Hammel, Stemper; Reid Feb. and Kuehner, Ian Giddings, sophomores Spencer 14-15 at State meet Chris(Iowa Max tensen, City), TBD Esteban Fernandez and

Vol. 159, Issue 50

Decorah, Iowa 52101

www.decorahleader.com

Kent Klocke

email: editor@decorahleader.com

Two Sections

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Cody Whittle

And then there were two ‘Things are better

Pair of city council candidates headed for January run-off

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR The race for an open at-large seat on the Decorah City Council won’t quite be decided until next month. The race attracted a total of three candidates — Kent Klocke, Paul Wanless and Cody Whittle — and more than 50 percent support from the voting public was required in order to be declared the winner. But unofficial election night results showed none of the candidates on Tuesday’s ballot broke that benchmark.

Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines said the two most popular candidates — Klocke and Whittle in this case — will head to the polls again during a run-off election on Jan. 7,

2025. Steines also pointed out last month that Decorah is the only city in Winneshiek County which includes provisions for a run-off in its city ordinances.

Tuesday’s special election was held to fill a vacancy on the Decorah City Council, following the resignation of former council member Ross Hadley, who stepped down earlier this fall after announcing he and his family would be moving out of the area. Klocke, Wanless and Whittle each submitted candidacy papers to run for the open seat before the Nov. 15 filing deadline.

A total of 1,373 ballots were

Election continued on page A-13

when done by hand’ Rebholz plies skills in creating Hardanger fiddles

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Karen Rebholz was raised in a Norwegian household in Wisconsin, where she was steeped in the cultural traditions of rosemaling and acanthus carving. But what she knew of the Hardanger fiddle — Norway’s unofficial national instrument — was only in word. She had never seen one, nor had she experienced any melody it produced.

Yet today, Rebholz is capable of not only playing a Hardanger, but also crafting one with her own two hands — as exemplified during a demonstration hosted by Rebholz

at Vesterheim Museum in Decorah on Saturday.

Rebholz first stumbled across a Hardanger fiddle at her sons’ elementary school, while the students were studying

Fiddles

continued on page A-12 (Pictured)The detailed hand-carved scroll on a custom Hardanger fiddle hand-built

by Karen Rebholz for a client. The carving was created in the likeness of the client’s grandmother. The blackwork decorations on the fiddle were replicas of the grandmother’s embroidery from her bunad, and the fingerboard and tailpiece included dozens of delicate hand-cut pieces of silver wire, bone, and mother of pearl inserts. The fiddle took Rebholz more than 450 hours across 16 months to complete. (Photos by Denise Lana)

Area priest was first chaplain to give life during WWII

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

NEW 75+ EVENT

Details were scarce as area readers scanned their local newspaper pages following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 — Saturday marked the 83rd anniversary of the now infamous bombing.

The Dec. 11, 1941, edition of the Decorah Journal listed approximately 30 people with ties to northeast Iowa residing in or near Honolulu, Hawaii, at the time, and its front page relayed a short message from a former Decorah physician stationed there.

“Well — Busy — Please don’t worry,” A.F. Fritchen had said in a Dec. 10 telegram to his wife.

Other families soon had good news in hand as well. Local archives said Dana Price of Burr Oak was on the USS West Virginia, but the sailor had been transferred to the USS Smith a few days before the West Virginia was sunk. The family of Don Huinker, who was assigned to the USS Medusa during that time, received word

just before Christmas that their son was safe. The local newspaper also made early mention of Lt. Junior Grade Aloysius Schmitt of St. Lucas, a catholic priest who was serving as a chaplain on the USS Oklahoma at the time. The battleship rolled within approximately 12 minutes of being torpedoed that morning, according to information from the Naval History and Heritage Command, and more than 400 crew members died — Schmitt, who had turned 32 just four days prior,

Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com

Father Schmitt continued on page A-12 Photos of Father Aloysius Schmitt — or Father Al — appeared periodically through the decades as area newspapers remembered the St. Lucas native who was the first chaplain to be killed during WWII. Schmitt helped an estimated 12 sailors escape the USS Oklahoma before his death during the attack on Pearl Harbor. (Photo courtesy of Loras College)

Rescue teams worked on the capsized hull of the USS Oklahoma, seeking crew members trapped inside on Dec. 7, 1941. The starboard bilge keel is visible at the top of the upturned hull. Officers’ motor boats from the Oklahoma and USS Argonne are in the foreground. The USS Maryland is in the background. (U.S. Navy photograph courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Blackand-White Negatives)

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Members of Luther College’s various choral groups combined their voices at several points during this year’s Christmas at Luther performances.

Choir members not only sang from the performance stage, but at times filed into the outer aisles and balcony spaces to surround audiences with sound.

The Center for Faith and Life was filled with reverent stillness as student-musicians performed a portion of the annual Christmas at Luther concert by candle light. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Organizers of the 2024 Christmas at Luther program told student-musicians during rehearsal they should be encouraged by this year’s sold-out performances — Luther students assembled for performances Dec. 5-8, and a mere five seats were still listed as available a few hours ahead of the first curtain call.

Andrew Last, artistic director of Christmas at Luther and the college’s director of choral activities, told the performers the strong ticket sales seem to be a sign of the broader community’s enthusiasm for the college’s annual live performances.

The theme of this year’s Christmas at Luther program was “Seeking Refuge for a Weary World.” Last reminded audiences in a written message that feelings of political, social, economic or religious weariness are not confined to modern times, and he pointed to the literal and figurative backdrop against which the Nativity story is set — a displaced couple

ABOVE- Luther College’s handbell choir joined with the college’s choirs, orchestra and organist in performing “Ring Out, Ye Bells,” which was the final number of the 2024 Christmas at Luther program.

RIGHT- Members of Norskkor clapped in rhythm during their performance of “Come and Go to That Land.” The choir was one of seven ensembles featured during this year’s Christmas at Luther concert.

Christian Montover of North Liberty picked and strummed during the Luther Jazz Combo’s rendition of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” The performance was part of this year’s Christmas at Luther Program.

Mark Potvin, professor of music at Luther College, conducted hundreds of student musicians as they performed orchestral and vocal numbers during this year’s Christmas at Luther concert. seeking shelter and protection amid what Last called the day’s political turmoil.

Musical selections for the 2024 concert included two numbers from Handel’s “Messiah” in recognition of the first time the famed work was performed in full on Luther’s campus 100

years ago. The program also featured a Norwegian hymn entitled “Jeg er sa glad” — sometimes called “I am so glad each Christmas.” Choir members sang a verse in the hymn’s original Norwegian before audiences were invited to join them in singing three English verses.

The arrangement was a special commission for Christmas at Luther, in celebration of the upcoming 200th anniversary of organized Norwegian immigration to the United States. Documented Norwegian migration to North America began on July 4, 1825, according to information from the Library of Congress, as a single-masted vessel called Restauration traveled from the city of Stavanger in southern Norway to New York City — the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church established Luther College less than four decades later.

Luther commissions special work in honor of outgoing president

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Last week’s Christmas at Luther program featured several numbers marking significant milestones — 100 years since the “Messiah” was performed on campus, 200 years since the beginning of orga-

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward will retire from her position in the coming year. A special musical work entitled “Refugee” was commissioned in honor of Ward as part of the 2024 Christmas at Luther program. (Photo by Seth Boyes) nized migration from Norway to the United States — but only one number was performed in recognition of a specific individual.

Luther College’s Board of Regents commissioned a piece entitled “Refugee” in honor of the college’s current President Jenifer K. Ward, who will be stepping down from her position next year. Ward has served as Luther’s president since 2019.

“Those who know me well know that I love Nordic Choir and that I love ‘full circle’ and ‘intersection’ moments, and this

honor represents both,” Ward said. “The ‘full circle’ moment comes because I myself commissioned a piece as a gift to Luther College on the occasion of my inauguration. I am pleased that both my coming and my going are marked by the support of composers and the gift of music. The ‘intersection’ moment comes because my love for Christmas at Luther, Nordic Choir, current students and conductors,

Commission continued on page A-12

NEWS

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

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Decorah hosts Dickens on Mill

File photo

The Cratchit family, including Tiny Tim, made an appearance Saturday at Dickens on Mill Street. Pictured are Emma Burreson as Fan — the sister of Ebenezer Scrooge, Matt Burreson as Bob Cratchit, Jerita Burreson as Mrs. Cratchit, Ava Burreson as Martha Cratchit and Charlotte Hageman as Tiny Tim. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Lord Andy Eastwood, Decorah, a United Kingdom native, prepared authentic figgy pudding for the Dickens on Mill Street Event. The dessert, featured in the favored Christmas carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a medieval Christmas dish comprised of sweet cake containing honey, figs, raisins and nuts. Eastwood said brandy or rum is poured over the cake to enrich the flavor and keep it moist. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

T

he Winneshiek County Historical Society hosted its annual Dickens on Mill Street event from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at 302 South Mill St. in Decorah. The annual event features characters from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” portrayed by local community members. The holiday celebration also includes traditional Christmas music performed by a brass quintet and a choir as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas desserts and snacks.

Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, played by David Anderson and Beth Bodensteiner, helped bring Christmas cheer as greeters during the Dickens on Mill Street event. (Photo by Zach Jensen) Jimmy Dotzenrod offered horse-drawn carriage rides during the Dickens on Mill Street event Saturday on Broadway Street in Decorah. Enjoying a leisurely carriage ride along Decorah’s historic district were Rhonda Sheeley of Decorah and her granddaughters Annelies and Quinn Anderson, daughters of Wes and Erin Anderson, all of Deorah. (Photo by Roz Weis)

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Dickens on Mill Street wouldn’t be the same without Scrooge and Marely, played by retired Decorah teacher and coach Larry Berland (left) and Luther College Professor Emeritus Ed Epperly. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

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Water Street Lighted Parade set for this Friday in Decorah The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Water Street Lighted Parade on Friday, Dec. 13 in downtown Decorah. The parade will start at 6 p.m. in the 200 block of East Water Street and will travel seven blocks west to the intersection of Mill Street.

The parade is free to enter, and organizers encourage all floats to embrace the 2024 vintage Christmas theme. Santa will lead the parade in Dotzenrod’s Carriage, with the chamber board of directors, staff and ambassadors.

The chamber will name a winner among both the large and small float entries, following the conclusion of the parade. Winners will be chosen based on their integration of lights and how well they embrace the vintage Christmas theme. To register for the parade, businesses may fill out an entry form by visiting www. decorahareachamber.com or by calling the chamber staff directly at 563-382-3990.

The Chamber won’t be hosting photos with Santa at T-Bock’s Sports Bar and Grill following the parade, but organizers said the public will have other opportunities to meet Jolly Old St. Nicholas.

Helping Services will be hosting Santa every Friday, Saturday and Sunday up to Dec. 22 during the Holiday Lights event

at Pulpit Rock Campground.

Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center will offer a hot cocoa bar and professional photos with Santa before, during and after the Water Street Lighted Parade on Dec. 13. The public can also attend Santa on the Farm at the Northeast Iowa Dairy Center that same day. Professional photos with Santa will be taken during the Holiday Craft And Vendor Expo on Dec. 14 at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. The Landing Market will be welcoming families to Breakfast with Santa that morning and offering another chance to have professional photos taken with Santa — The Landing will also be hosting Everyone is a Kid at Christmas for individuals over 75 that afternoon from noon to 1:30 p.m. Toppling Goliath will offer live music and play host to what organizers called the real Santa on Dec. 21.

“The chamber extends a special note of appreciation for Mike and Dom Bockman’s support of the photos with Santa event in their second story space for so many years,” the chamber said in a statement.

“Their dedication to community and holiday magic is heartfelt and far-reaching.”

Organizers said Santa will be visiting a number of other area locations this month.

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

Vesterheim hosts a Norwegian Christmas

Vestherim’s Julenisse — Emma Burreson and Charlotte Yu of Decorah — were spreading holiday cheer throughout the museum on Saturday.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Ossian Santa and Mrs. Claus celebrated Luke Kriener’s first Christmas on Saturday, during their visit to Luana Savings Bank in Ossian. Kriener, the 2-month-old son of Zak and Libby Kriener, probably asked Santa for baby wipes, his mother said. (Photos

by Zach Jensen)

Erin Ryan and her goats were at Vesterheim Saturday morning.

(Photos by Roz Weis)

Many holiday traditions of Norway were shared last weekend during Vesterheim Museum’s Norwegian Christmas Celebration. Warm drinks and treats were available for visitors, and costumed julenisse — or Christmas elves — skittered about the museum grounds. The celebration also featured live music and demonstrations of various Scandanavian craft techniques. RIGHT- Lynette Aanonson of Lyle Minnesota demonstrated the art of Hardanger.

Four-year-old Lucas Levine of West Union told St. Nick that he wants a Siren Head toy for Christmas. The youngster spoke with Santa and Mrs. Claus during their annual visit Saturday afternoon at Luana Savings Bank in Ossian.

ney

the jour

Vesterheim volunteer Sandy Somdahl was among Saturday’s demonstrators. She showed how to make paper ornaments.

­

Willow Kullen, daughter of Jon and Emily Kullen enjoyed some treats by the fire.

The sweet bites included Scandinavian s’mores, cookies and more.

RICK BURRAS

Market President / Senior Lender

Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your hard work, leadership, and dedication these past 28 years. Wishing you endless joy and relaxation as you embark on this exciting new chapter.

Taking in all the holiday happenings in Decorah over the weekend were David and Judy Ranheim of St. Paul, Minnesota. They toured Vesterheim Saturday morning.

OPINION

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

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Schmitt’s story still County sheriff comments on stewarding tax funds inspires today Saturday was Dec. 7.

The day which will live in infamy sometimes doesn’t seem quite so infamous as the holiday rush bleeds further and further into our calendars each

BY SETH year, but it’s worth rememberBOYES ing nonetheless.

News Editor I’m a bit of a nut when it comes to newspaper archives, so when historic anniversaries described Schmitt as “a man come along, I often try to see whose lifetime was spent prewhat reporters of the past can paring himself to be of service tell us about what was happen- to others. Years of study here ing in their day. And there’s and abroad, years of prayers typically a lot to be had when and preparations, years of saclooking back on Pearl Harbor. rifice and service — all cut The story of Father Aloysius short…” by the Japanese attack.

Schmitt (which you’ll find elseIt’s an interesting juxtaposiwhere in this edition) was new tion. to me, but I realize I’m not the While Schmitt had likely first to write about the St. Lucas been ordained with a different man who saved at least a doz- sort of service to others in mind, en sailors at the cost of his own it’s irrefutable that his actions life during the attack on Pearl served others. And I find it hard Harbor. That said, I’m more to imagine that a priest — who than glad to tell his story again, had studied scripture in order to because — as one Dubuque city teach others about the Son of staffer said when preparations God, whose life culminated in were being made in 2016 to fi- the willing sacrifice of his own nally lay Schmitt’s remains to life for others — hadn’t already rest there — “it gives me great considered he might need to reason to believe in the good- do the same after he became a ness of people, for the possi- Navy chaplain. It’s conjecture bilities and potential of human- on my part here of course, but I kind.” know from the Navy’s timeline The idea of self-sacrifice that Schmitt wouldn’t have had seems in some ways to be such much time to consider his opa succinctly simple concept. tions — the battleship he was on However, I think most of us rolled within 12 minutes of the would agree that’s not quite the first torpedoes. So I don’t think case when the time comes to it’s too far-fetched to believe put it into practice. That’s what Schmitt’s knee-jerk response makes Schmitt’s story — and was to follow Christ’s example others like it — so compelling to its ultimate conclusion. more than eight decades later.

And I think that’s why Many folks back then were Schmitt’s story continues to likely enlisting in order to quell resonate with us today — if he what one of this very paper’s can sacrifice his very life in a predecessors referred to as situation which would have sent “Japanese Hitlerism.” But most most of us into a panic, perhaps of us today are faced with more we will not be too hesitant to domestic struggles as we mull volunteer a bit of our own time the ever-present inner quanda- and energy for the betterment of ry of whether or not we’ll give our neighbors. of ourselves for the benefit of those around us. And most of Agree with Seth? Think he’s the time, the question of wheth- got it completely backwards or er or not we’ll give up our very he’s missed the point entirely? lives isn’t a consideration.

Let your voice be heard. Letters Yet, that’s what Schmitt did to the editor may be emailed to — and in the most dire circum- editor@decorahleader.com or stances. dropped off at 110 Washington The former Decorah Journal St. Suite 4 in Decorah.

Citizens of Winneshiek County, As county government enters the budgeting process for the 25/26 fiscal year, the county board of supervisors asked each elected official and appointed department head to respond with their thoughts on how budgets are best managed. In the spirit of transparency, I wanted to share my response with you — the people and taxpayers of Winneshiek County — first, since it is the use of your hardearned money under discussion, before submitting it to the board of supervisors.

The following is my response to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors: As an elected office of the people and for the people, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office will continue to put the interests of our citizens first in all we do, including how our resources are used. We will continue to be connected with the

people we serve through transparency and constant communication. We will continue to be an office that places the highest value on trust, accountability, hard work, efficiency and protecting victims on behalf of the people of Winneshiek County.

We will continue to represent and advocate for the people, always keeping their best interests and constitutional rights at the forefront of our service.

During my time as sheriff over the past 10 years, I have returned over $2 million from my budget back to the county General Fund. I am entrusted with the second largest budget in the county. I take that responsibility seriously and only spend what is needed to ensure we have the resources to protect you and your family in your time of need. I don’t view a budget allocation from a “how much do we have” perspective, but rather from the perspective of “how important is the need.” If

we don’t need it, we don’t buy it. On the other hand, if we need it, that’s what the funds are for.

Funds allocated to the sheriff’s budget are not money spent. It is money secured and protected from being spent elsewhere should it be needed in the face of emergency or disaster.

I am a county resident and taxpayer too. I understand that it is not the “county’s” money.

It is ours – the county taxpayers. We as elected officials have simply been entrusted to be a steward of it.

As a county taxpayer, I don’t enjoy paying taxes any more than anyone else. However, as most of us realize, taxes are a necessary reality to ensure we receive vital public services such as public safety. I don’t believe the average citizen has an issue with paying their taxes.

Where the rub typically comes in is when we look at how our hard-earned tax dollars are being spent and return on our

Apparently, the weaponization argument only goes one way After reading the editor’s column in the Dec. 5, 2024, issue, I have to wonder if Seth and I have been living in the same country for the last eight years.

He laments that Joe Biden’s pardon of his son sends the wrong message about the rule of law to Americans. He says that while the prosecution of Hunter may have been politically motivated, a jury of his peers ultimately found him guilty. He complains that Joe Biden didn’t keep his word to not pardon his son.

I’ve got news for you. Any illusion that the rule of law is fair and equitable was shattered

when an ex-president was not held accountable for a myriad of crimes. That same guy was also prosecuted and found guilty by a jury of his peers in a state case. So you could also say that while his prosecution may have been politically motivated, he was found guilty by a jury of his peers. But I dare you to find me a supporter who will admit he is a felon. Apparently, the weaponization argument only goes one way. And while that guy and his supporters are working overtime to pervert the rule of law, you want Biden to constrain himself according

to some long, outdated idea of fairness.

President Biden did not lie about pardoning his son. He changed his mind based on the nominees being floated for the DOJ and the FBI and the constant drumbeat of retribution.

These nominees have admitted to having lists of “enemies” they plan to investigate and prosecute. Don’t you think that was worth mentioning in your op-ed? I hope Biden gives out pardons like candy to those who tried to hold that guy accountable. He’ll be doing that guy a favor. He can spend less time

money. I can assure you that I feel the same way and will continue to manage my budget as if I lived here and was a taxpayer myself, because I am.

It is an honor and privilege to continue to serve as your sheriff. Thank you for your continued trust and outpouring of support.

Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx

getting revenge and concentrate more on working for us.

I’ll make it simple: That guy: I’m going to use the FBI, the DOJ and the DOD to illegally go after my political enemies!

Biden: OK, um, I guess I’ll pardon my son then because forget that.

Media: Oh no, Biden is breaking norms!

You cannot have a conversation about a Biden pardon without telling the whole story.

Melanie Tietz Decorah

Citizens of Winneshiek County, please beware of more destruction of county government

The Winneshiek County Conservation Board, like numerous county departments, has been under attack for more than a year by the ruling majority on our county board of supervisors. I have been a front row observer for 18 months, and I have seen the elements of the campaign that was completed today by the three supervisors who vote as one with a clear agenda to destroy anything that gets in their way.

Monday, they took a sledge-

hammer to the Winneshiek County Conservation Board, which is the department that provides the public with many outdoor recreation and education opportunities while wisely managing our natural resources and encouraging land stewardship.

The three supervisors, have deconstructed and defunded the conservation board. In the 2024 budget, the board of supervisors cut a senior staff position. In the 2025 budget, they cut $10,000

from the conservation staff development budget.

On Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, they replaced the existing chair of the conservation board, Bill Odhe, with the chair of board of supervisors, Dan Langreck.

To be abundantly clear, Odhe is a retired 30-plus year career supervisor in wildlife management with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Langreck repairs cars.

As an observer in the front row, I saw emboldened looks

of agreement between the three who vote as one with an agenda of destruction. Citizens, I encourage you to attend the next Monday morning meeting at 9:30 a.m. to see for yourself your representatives in action.

Quality outdoor recreation could be a thing of the past in Winneshiek County.

With deep worry, Elaine St. Clair Decorah

Echoes of the Past Gift-giving has evolved over the years

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER The gift ideas of another, simpler era are entertaining to consider in these modern times.

Back in the early 1900s, gift-giving wasn’t as spectac-

ular as it seems today. When looking through the newspaper archives, it was plain to see that a simple candy cane or apple in a stocking brought great joy to youngsters. Letters to Santa were filled with requests for doll dishes, rubber balls; and

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The newspaper back in 1924 featured this advertisement from Mott & Co. Store in downtown Decorah. The Christmas gift suggestions were varied, and numerous. local housewives considered a terry cloth hand towel, house slippers, or a corduroy bath robe a practical, attractive gift. Fancy boxed stationery or a box of candy was extra-special! And a new fur coat – that was over the top! The gentlemen of that era were pleased with a sampling of pipe tobacco or a box of embossed, initialed handkerchiefs.

If a family was lucky enough and received a “modern” 4-tube radio set with a loudspeaker for the low price of $32.50 – it was certainly a game changer!

Times have certainly changed.

Read on to read more headlines from another era:

100

YEARS AGO – 1924: Locals are encouraged to HEED THE APPEAL and get that Christmas shopping done early, for a swelling tide of prosperity rides this land, bringing an added cheer to all. It is with particular enthusiasm we invite the public to visit the shops of local merchants. Here are some helpful Christmas ideas for the young lady on your list: fancy perfume bottles, thimbles, card cases, perfume atomizers, vanity cases and icy hot bottles. For those gents on the list, here are few suggestions: cigarette cases, smoking accessories, watch chains, shaving sets, lather

brushes, cuff links, fountain pens, soft collar holders and cigars of course! …All advertisers of the area are reminded that signs must be removed on primary and county roads before Dec. 31. Otherwise, the advertising signs will be removed by local law officers. …Five of the rural schools of Burr Oak Township will host a spelling contest next Friday evening. Admission is 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children who are not members of the school in the contest. …From the society pages of 1924: The marriage of Oscar Vick of Ridgeway to Miss

Emma Alida Hovey, was solemnized at the Lutheran parsonage in Decorah on Dec. 2.

The happy young couple will make their home on the Hovey farm near Decorah. …A robbery plot hatched by two young men from over at McGregor was a success in as the hatching was concerned but failed in fulfillment. A young farmer near Postville came very near to being the victim of the robbers last Friday night. It was a clever scheme. While the young Postville farmer was preparing to retire for the night, he

Echoes

continued on page A-10

OBITUARIES/NEWS

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

James Jirak

Aug. 20, 1928 - Dec. 1, 2024 James Jirak, 96, of Little Turkey, Iowa died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Whispering Willow Assisted Living and Memory Wing in Fredericksburg, Iowa.

J a m e s Francis “Jim” Jirak, was born to Edward Senior James Jirak and Helen (Kunt) Jirak on Aug. 20, 1928, in Little Turkey. Jim lived a full and vibrant life that touched the hearts of all who knew him.

Jim’s early education was rooted in the local country school until the eighth grade, after which he graduated from Rudolphinum Catholic High School in Protivin in 1945. It was at a basketball game that fatefully led Jim to the love of his life, Barbara Riha. Introduced by a friend, Jim and Barbara’s story began, leading to their marriage on Sept. 14, 1949, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma. Together they embarked on a life of love and farming on the Jirak Family farm, where they lovingly raised five children and developed a successful comprehensive hog and grain operation.

After 30 years in the Little Turkey area on the family homestead, Jim and Barbara built their forever home just three miles down the road, where they continued to create a warm and welcoming space for family and friends for the next 45 years. The couple celebrated an incredible milestone of 75 years of marriage this year, coinciding with their

granddaughter’s wedding on Sept. 14, 2024.

Jim was a man of the land, but his interests extended far beyond the fields. He and Barbara were known for their graceful dancing, earning them the titles of Polka King & Queen of Iowa. Their Sundays were joyously spent traveling across Northeast Iowa to polka dances.

The couple also cherished their biannual fishing trips to Canada, a tradition spanning over 50 years. They were also seasoned travelers, participating in Farm Journal Tours, with their favorite visits including farms in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.

In 1993, Jim discovered a new passion for golf when the Jackson Heights course was built, and he quickly became an avid golfer. His love for community was evident in his participation in the neighborhood card club, and he took pride in showcasing his ‘52 pickup and ‘37 coupe in area parades. Jim was very handy and collected and rebuilt machinery he used from his younger days as a farmer. He ended up with a personal museum on the farm. Jim was a craftsman with wood, creating treasures from the walnut trees in his yard, such as little bear chairs and rocking horses, which he generously shared in his family and the surrounding communities.

Jim’s faith was as strong as his work ethic. He was a baptized and devoted lifelong member of the Assumption of the BVM Parish in Little Turkey. His commitment to his church community was unwavering, especially known for

lending a helping hand at the annual Aug. 15 church dinner.

Jim was a man who cherished simple pleasures, such as puzzling, his special love for dogs and the joy of a warm hug.

Jim’s legacy is not only in the rich soil of his farm, or the craftsmanship of his woodwork, or in his passion for dancing, but in the hearts of those who experienced his kindness, his embrace, and his unwavering love for his family and his community.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Fort Atkinson; three children: Jerome (Gayle) of Waucoma, Joan (Alvin) Bakley of Tuthill, South Dakota, and Janet (Mel) Bodensteiner of West Union; 22 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; sons-in-law: Richard (Colleen) Uhlenhake of Ossian and Roger (Jan) Gilb of Lakeville, Minnesota; and sister-in-law, Helen Jirak of St Lucas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Joyce Uhlenhake and Jane Gilb; and siblings, Vernelle (Roy Schmitt) (Wes Dostal) and Edward Junior.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Little Turkey with Rev. Nick Radloff as celebrant. Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Little Turkey.

Friends may greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation will resume for one hour prior to the Mass at the church Friday.

VaLois Mandsager

Sept. 11, 1942 - Dec. 3, 2024

VaLois Mandsager, 82, of Northfield, Minnesota, and formerly of Decorah, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at Wellington Place in Decorah.

Va L o i s Elaine (Ellingson) Mandsager was born VaLois Sept.

11, Mandsager 1942, in Decorah to Ruth (Fretheim) and Darwin Ellingson. As a girl, she spent more than a year living with her grandma and grandpa Ellingson on their farm north of Decorah while her mother went to beauty school in Waterloo.

While living with her grandparents, she attended country school where her aunt Vernelle was her teacher. VaLois learned to read at a very young age and has been a life-long lover of books. After her family moved to a house on Washington Street in Decorah, she enjoyed walking to the Decorah Public Library and checking out a stack of books every week.

She graduated from Decorah High School in 1960 and went on to Luther College where she studied English and Education.

She graduated from Luther in spring 1964. She married David Carlson in December 1962.

Together they had four daughters: Jennifer, Beth, Amy and Anne-Alise. She once told her granddaughter that her favorite decade of life was her 30s when she was a busy stay-at-home mom raising her four daughters.

Several times a week VaLois gathered for afternoon coffee with her mother and sister Diane. The kids would join them after school for a home-baked treat. VaLois was famous in her family for her fantastic pie crust and must have baked thousands of cookies for her family over the years.

After her divorce in 1983, VaLois briefly owned the Armory Bookstore in Decorah.

She married Orlin Mandsager in July 1984. In 1990 she moved to Owatonna, Minnesota where Orlin took a call at Trinity Lutheran Church. After that they moved to Burnsville, Minnesota and then to Northfield, Minnesota where she lived until she moved to Wellington Place Memory Care in July 2022.

Over the years, she and Orlin traveled to many places and spent quality time at their cabin in northern Minnesota. Being out in nature brought her joy.

Until the end she appreciated the beauty of trees, flowers and birds.

One of her primary joys in life was welcoming and nurturing her grandchildren. She made special lovey blankets for all of them when they were born. With the birth of each new grandchild, she would come to stay and help care for the new baby and new mother.

She would cook, bake and do laundry but mostly she wanted to sit and hold the new baby! As families grew, she found special ways to be a part of their lives.

VaLois had a beautiful soprano voice that she shared in high

the

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school musicals, choirs, church and singing to her grandchildren. She was an active volunteer at Luther College Women’s Club and various Lutheran churches. She enjoyed quilting, golfing, going for walks and a vodka tonic at happy hour.

She is survived by her husband, Orlin Mandsager; sisters, Diane (Larry) Grimstad and Roxann Steine; daughters: Jennifer (John) Lembezeder, Beth (Tom) Wahlberg, Amy Bruening and Anne-Alise (Seth) Muir; stepchildren: Kris (Neeta) Mandsager, Mike (April) Mandsager, Naomi Mandsager (Chuck Bartley) and Elizabeth Mandsager; grandchildren: Jacob (Kelsie) Lembezeder, Molly (Derick) Ludwig, Nick Lembezeder, Anders Wahlberg, Annika Wahlberg, Michael Bruening, Katherine Bruening, Rebecca Bruening, Sophie Muir, Isabella Muir, Liam Muir, Finn Muir, Nathan Mandsager, Julia (Tim) Komatsu, Erik Mandsager, Jacob Mandsager, Noah Mandsager, Lars Bartley and Aiden Mandsager; great-grandchildren, Maya Komatsu and baby Ludwig due Dec. 25; sisters-in-law, Orpha Erdahl and Ruth Hembre; and many special nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 7 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah with Rev. David Severtson presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials go to the Alzheimer’s Association or Luther College.

Service Notice

PRSRT.STD CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PD CHARLES CITY, IA PERMIT #144 ECRWS

GARY AMES, 84, of Calmar, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, Minnesota. A private graveside service will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in McGregor. A celebration of life service will be held from 2-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at Pivo Brewery, 101 Huber Dr. in Calmar. All are welcome to wear Iowa Hawkeye apparel in memory of Gary.

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Decorah Schools to seek public input for replacing retiring elementary principal Varney

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER Decorah Community School District will soon begin the search for a new elementary school principal to replace retiring principal Rick Varney.

Varney, who is in his 20th year as principal at John Cline Elementary and West Side Early Childhood Center, announced plans to retire last June. He will serve through this academic school year.

School board members on Monday discussed the upcoming application process, timeline and other issues regarding the expected vacancy.

The school district plans to send a survey to staff and parents, requesting input regarding the public’s desired qualifications in a candidate.

Community School District Superintendent Tim Cronin stressed the importance of involving the staff in the hiring process. He said the key responsibilities of a new principal for Decorah’s pre-K through second-grade buildings will include leadership, an ability to foster school culture and climate, operational management, community engagement and the supporting and promoting of professional development.

The district expects qualified applicants will hold a master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field. Other suggested qualifications listed in the drafted public survey include a minimum of three to five years of experience in education as well as a strong knowledge of early childhood education.

The sample survey also listed other preferred qualifications for elementary school principal candidates, including experience in curriculum development, student achievement analysis and leading school improvement initiatives as well as familiarity with inclusive education practices and addressing the needs of all learners.

Interested candidates may apply through TeachIowa and submit a cover letter, resume and references to Cronin by emailing tim.cronin@decorah. school. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2025. The application process and interviews will begin after school staff considers the input from the public surveys.

“We may have a candidate to consider by the Feb. 10 board

Decorah Elementary Principal Rick Varney greeted students outside John Cline Elementary during the first day of the 2024-2025 school year. (File photo)

Brad Darling (right) was installed as the newest member of the Decorah School Board on Monday. (Photo by Roz Weis) meeting,” Cronin said.

Board developing artificial intelligence guidelines In other business, the board discussed proposed guidelines for governing artificial intelligence — or AI — and how the new technology may be used in the classroom. Members approved the first reading of the policy Monday.

Board President Cindy Goodner stressed the importance of addressing AI at this time.

“This is new technology,” said Goodner, “and it’s come on frightenely fast.”

School officials said the focus of the new policy is on the protection of students, privacy, accessibility, accuracy and transparency. Board members will revisit the proposed policy at the Jan. 13 meeting.

District provides update on new elementary plans Cronin updated school board members regarding progress on the district’s plans for a new el-

ementary school to replace John Cline and West Side Schools.

The superintendent reported Nick Hildebrandt from Emergent Architecture recently met with administrators, and the discussion focused on what he called big picture items as the schematic design phase continues. Hildebrandt said the design development phase will likely span from January to April and include small group meetings with specific groups within the district.

Darling takes oath of office Brad Darling, who was appointed last month to serve out former school board member Brian Petersburg’s post through next November, was sworn in during Monday’s board meeting. Darling resides in northern Winneshiek County, and he was welcomed to his first meeting by fellow board members Goodner, Ron Fadness, Carole Sand and Aaron Zander.

Pictured are (front row, left to right) Brinlee Courtney, Hadley Alexander, Natalie Goodner, McKenzie Riley, Grant Zlika, (back row, left to right) Mara Lovstuen, Bentley Smith, Ella Mann, Lily Sandhorst, Logan Frye and Andy Kruger. (Photo submitted)

Decorah High School FFA, NHS coordinate food drive event The Decorah FFA and National Honor Society joined forces to support a school-wide food drive aimed at helping community members in need. Students and staff donated money instead of collecting food items, noting financial contributions would likely afford more buying power for items in demand. The high school students and staff

donated $2,274 to the Decorah Community Food Pantry. Organizers expressed their thanks for the support of students, staff and family members during teh annual event.

“I am happy to say that as a school and community, we did an amazing job coming together and donating to those less fortunate than ourselves. The

total we collected equates to a meal-buying power of 22,740.

This is a great tradition, and I hope we can keep it going in future years,” said Logan Frye, FFA Food Drive Committee member.

More information about the Decorah Community Food Pantry can be found at www.decorahpantry.org.

NEWS

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

Supervisor’s appointment to county conservation board sparks scrutiny

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on Monday to appoint Supervisor Chair Dan Langreck to the county conservation board, and the split decision was met with some scrutiny.

Current Winneshiek County Conservation Board Chair Bill Ohde’s four-year term will expire at the end of December.

Although Ohde applied to be reappointed, county supervisors Langreck, Mark Vick and Steve Kelsay voted to fill the conservation board’s opening with one of their own. The supervisors also made half a dozen other appointments to boards and committees — each of which included the reappointment of at least one county supervisor.

Ohde said he’s “very disappointed” with the supervisors’ decision regarding the conservation board.

“I am the current chair and enjoyed serving on the board,” said Ohde, who is a retired employee of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “I am just finishing my first term and feel like now that I’m more familiar with county conservation operations, I could be more effective. I’ve been involved in conservation activities my whole life — both professionally and in my pastime. It seemed that serving on the county conservation board was a great fit to continue being involved in conservation and contribute some of my experience and knowledge to the board.”

Tim Wagner of Decorah, who is in his second year on the conservation board, said it’s unreasonable to install Langreck rather than allow Ohde to continue serving on the board.

“There is no reason at all why he should be replaced by someone with no experience,”

Dan Langreck (File Photo)

“There is no reason at all why he should be replaced by someone with no experience,” said Wagner.

“No reason whatsoever.”

Wagner said. “No reason whatsoever.”

Wagner added that Langreck’s appointment is on par with previous county appointments which similarly split the board of supervisors. Melissa O’Rourke’s seat on the Winneshiek County’s Planning and Zoning commission expired Oct. 1, and she applied to be reappointed, but the supervisors voted 3-2 instead appointed Paul Lillegraven to the commission — Langreck, Vick and Kelsay voting in the affirmative. Wagner said he feels these two decisions to not reappoint

incumbent board and commission members show a dangerous trend.

“They’re inserting their political ideology into issues they know little or nothing about, and that’s hurting morale in those departments, and they’re hurting people in the process,” Wagner said. “They’re doing what they feel is important politically versus what has historically been good for Winneshiek County.”

And conservation, in Wagner’s opinion, plays a major role in Winneshiek County’s health.

He said the county’s conservation practices are a large part of why the county is such a desirable place to visit and live.

“They’re hurting the very things that people treasure in this county and what makes our communities a lot of money,” Wagner said. “That’s not what elected officials are supposed to do.”

Langreck said his appointment to the conservation board was done strictly to improve communication and fiscal oversight.

“Instead of getting an update every year, our questions will be answered every month,” Langreck said.

Kelsay agreed with Lan-

greck, adding that state law allows the county supervisors to appoint one of their own to serve on a county’s board of health, conservation board and board of veterans affairs. Vick is already on the Winneshiek County Board of Health.

“It is important for accountability that we have a supervisor on that board,” Kelsay said.

“We do have a fiscal responsibility for every one of those commissions, and we have to know how our tax dollars are being spent.”

Both Langreck and Kelsay said the supervisors have had difficulty getting information about Winneshiek County Conservation’s activities in the past — a problem which will be remedied, they say, by adding Langreck to the conservation board.

Kelsay said the county needs to be more fiscally responsible in preparation for the future.

He cited state legislation which places certain limits on how much property tax counties are able to levy, and he said there may soon come a time when the county will be forced to cut some luxuries, such as kayaking classes offered through county conservation, in order to help cover the cost of other public services, such as road improvements.

“We’re making our decisions based on the overall view of what we need to do as a county — the county’s bigger picture,” Kelsay said. “We don’t just hold one department accountable — we hold them all accountable for better fiscal management.”

Kelsay called the idea that Langreck’s appointment is part of a trend absurd, adding that he, Langreck and Vick intended to appoint a county supervisor to the conservation board last year, but they “missed that chance.”

A-7

Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill Manager TJ Schissel addresses the board of directors Monday night. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Construction of new county landfill shop to begin immediately

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Reconstruction of the county landfill’s new shop building will begin immediately.

The Winneshiek County Solid Waste Agency Board of Directors approved a bid Monday night of $269,000 from Superior Building Center of Monona to build the landfill’s new shop.

The previous shop building and its contents, including most of the landfill’s vehicles and all of its tools, was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 22.

The second highest bid for the job was in the amount of $278,985 from A&J Construction, and the highest bid was submitted by Kruse Construction in the amount of $299,000.

The board also approved $40,200 to be spent on electricity and plumbing for the new building.

Superior Building Center said the company could begin the project immediately, and it will be finished in 60 days, according to Winneshiek County

Sanitary Landfill Manager TJ Schissel.

Schissel said the new building will be slightly larger than its predecessor and will include larger overhead doors, a small storm shelter and radiant heat.

The board also approved the purchase of several vehicles to replace a few lost in last month’s blaze. Included in the approved purchases is a new CAT 963 Track Loader for $450,000, a new skid loader for $75,650 and a new Polaris Ranger for $26,053. Schissel noted the Ranger which was destroyed last month was purchased for $5,500 in 2018.

Schissel added that all the landfill’s hand tools were also destroyed in the fire, and he will purchase replacements as they’re needed — he said the first tools he purchased after the loss were two snow shovels.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and Schissel said the monetary value of all that was lost is immeasurable, although much of it was at least partially covered by insurance.

Attorneys seek to suppress evidence in local attempted murder case Youngblood’s defense alleges improper interviews, labels resulting evidence ‘fruits of a poisonous tree’

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Attorneys defending a Decorah man accused of attempted murder are claiming certain evidence against their client shouldn’t be considered at trial.

Hunter Thomas Youngblood was charged with multiple offenses after law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance at approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at a home in the Freeport area.

Criminal complaints in the case say two victims placed separate emergency calls to the Winneshiek County Communications Center around that time, and a responding Winneshiek County Sheriff’s deputy ultimately found Youngblood inside on the floor of the kitchen “with apparent self-inflicted stab wounds to the abdomen.”

The 22-year-old was airlifted from WinnMed in Decorah, according to a previous statement from the sheriff’s office

Hunter Thomas Youngblood — later court filings indicate Youngblood was served with a no contact order while at a Gunderson Health System facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Youngblood turned himself in at the Winneshiek County Jail on Sept. 30, according to court filings. He was booked into the jail that same day and charged with attempted murder, willful injury, first-degree harassment,

domestic abuse/assault and assault causing bodily injury.

Youngblood pleaded not guilty to the charges on Oct. 24, and his defense attorney has now asked the court to “suppress all evidence arising out of his interactions with law enforcement that took place at the scene of the alleged crimes, the hospital where he was treated and the Winneshiek County Jail.”

Criminal complaints filed against the 22-year-old outlined three separate incidents which took place the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21. Court filings claim Youngblood struck a woman — described as Youngblood’s domestic partner — in the face and upper body several times while they were traveling along Highway 52. The victim’s mother confronted Youngblood about her daughter’s injuries after they arrived at a residence in the 2500 block of 170th Avenue, according to court filings.

A criminal complaint alleges

Youngblood then began strangling the initial victim’s mother on the couch while threatening to kill her.

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

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

The Winneshiek County Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls from both women that night. The older of the two identified Youngblood by name, saying he had assaulted them both.

“Shortly after, both females

Propane-powered school bus will soon hit the road in Decorah

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER Decorah Community School District has taken the first step in introducing a propane bus into its fleet.

Board members approved the purchase of a 2026 Bluebird 77-passenger propane bus from School Bus Sales of Waterloo at a net cost of $144,809 during Monday’s board meeting. The price includes the $4,000 tradein value of two 2024 International 77-passenger buses.

The district is joining a growing list of Iowa schools using propane to power buses, according to Monday’s discussion.

Decorah District Transportation Director Chris Pronschinske said propane-powered buses tend to have better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs. He said he and other district drivers saw the benefits after test-driving a propane bus earlier this fall.

“The propane bus accelerated better than diesel,” he said.

Pronschinske also said propane buses don’t need to idle before driving, unlike diesel buses which must often idle for more than 20 minutes in order to warm up. He added that the propane buses regularly perform better in cold weather, alleviating start issues when tem-

peratures dive below freezing.

Board President Cindy Goodner reminded the board of grant incentives related to propane, which could also be explored moving forward.

Not ditching diesel Although the purchase of one propane-powered bus was approved, the Decorah District isn’t ready to ditch diesel buses just yet. Some concerns were discussed Monday, including the lack of infrastructure for propane fueling stations in rural Iowa.

Board members also approved the purchase of a 2026 Bluebird Vision 84-passenger

diesel-powered bus on Monday for $167,442 — including a $5,000 credit for the trade-in of a 2012 Bluebird 65-passenger bus and a 2011 Thomas Safe-TLiner C2 65-passenger bus.

Pronschinske told board members the two new buses could arrive as early as March or April. He will report back to the board with performance data once the propane bus is put in use on a specific route.

During Monday night’s discussion, Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin applauded the transportation department for maintaining the district’s 40bus fleet.

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

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

The mother was able to escape to a rear bedroom. Her daughter ran to a Winneshiek County Sheriff’s deputy arriving on scene, and the deputy located Youngblood inside the kitchen.

Defense attorney Alex Gilmore, of F.M. Brown Law Firm in Des Moines, argues Youngblood’s constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination was violated when he was questioned at both the scene of the incident and the hospital. Gilmore also claimed Youngblood had the right to have legal counsel pres-

ent when he was questioned at the Winneshiek County Jail.

“Violation of these rights requires suppression of statements made by Mr. Youngblood in response to law enforcement interaction,” Gilmore wrote in his recent motion. “All other evidence gathered because of these violations must also be suppressed as fruits of a poisonous tree.”

Youngblood’s case was most recently scheduled to go to trial Dec. 18, but he waived his right to a speedy trial — one within 90 days of formal charges being filed — in a Dec. 5 filing. The trial is currently scheduled for March 12, 2025.

Youngblood remains in custody at the Winneshiek County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

OBSTETRICS

ak Peek SneOPEN HOUSE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 5 PM - 7 PM 901 Montgomery St. Decorah, Iowa

Please park in Lot A and enter thru the main entrance.

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A-8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

County faces 2 percent tax levy reduction

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER State legislation is reportedly causing fiscal concerns in Winneshiek County.

The county’s board of supervisors considered a dozen budgets during its meeting Monday morning, in preparation for the county’s Fiscal Year 202526. Most of the budget’s presented contained few changes from previous years, and Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines said the county will feel some pressure in the next year. Steines cited Iowa House File 718, which was signed into law in May of 2023 to change aspects of Iowa’s property taxation process.

“HF718 restricts how much we can increase property tax collections each year,” the auditor said after the meeting. “Last year at this time, for the current budget, we had an increase in taxable valuation growth of less than 1 percent so, for the current year, the General Fund rate was frozen at the same level as the year before. So, our total collections for the current year are an increase of .93 percent over the previous year.”

Steines said that, for FY26, the county has a taxable valuation growth of 3.33 percent, which means that, under HF718’s restrictions, the county must reduce its levy rate to a point at which property tax collections don’t exceed approximately 1.3 percent more than the current year.

“The crux of this is that HF718 restricts total property tax collections in the General and Rural funds,” Steines said.

“For many years, counties could rely on valuation increases to cover increases in operating costs, so that levy rates didn’t need to go up. This bill basically takes the levy rate out of the formula. So, we look at the

Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Administrator Tony Phillips presents his department’s FY2025-26 budget to the board of supervisors Monday morning. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

total property tax dollars we can collect, then backwards-convert that to a levy rate at the end.”

Steines told the supervisors the county’s levy reduction for FY26 is actually 2 percent — which he said means the county will only be able to use about 1.3 percent as the property tax growth.

In other business: • Tom Madden of SEH Engineering presented the final pay request for the Festina sewer project. The supervisors unanimously approved the closeout certificates and reports from the engineering firm.

• The supervisors decided not to interview the two individuals who applied for the position of Winneshiek County Treasurer, which will be open after current treasurer Brenda Kreitzer retires in January of 2025. The supervisors plan to appoint Kreitzer’s replacement after her departure.

Supervisor Shirley Vermace suggested appointing an experienced individual already employed in the treasurer’s office to the position, but Supervisor Steve Kelsay suggested appointing someone else, saying the department would benefit from “a fresh set of eyes.”

• Supervisor Kelsay reported on the progress of Winneshiek County Health and Human

Services’ relocation from its current location on Iowa Highway 52 to the new Winneshiek County Community Services Building on Washington Street in Decorah. Kelsay said what he called an unfunded mandate from the state will require the county to pay for the department’s internet, electricity, gas, copy machine, internet telephones and the office space it occupies, which is approximately one-third of the building at 607 Washington St. • County Engineer Michael Kueny reported that Winneshiek County is a semifinalist for a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.

• Kueny said he’s received safety data which will provide guidance in making decisions on improvements in the county. The Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program from the United States DOT oversees that information.

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

Law Enforcement Sheriff’s Office says scam calls continue The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of phone calls from individuals claiming to be with the sheriff’s office a matter of weeks ago, and reports of the scam calls are continuing to come in, according to a statement released Friday. The sheriff’s office described the calls as “live voices with foreign accents.” The public is reminded they should never share personal information — including credit card information or any other form of identifying information — with an unknown caller. The sheriff’s office advised anyone who does receive one of the scam calls to simply hang up the phone. Those who believe the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office may legitimately be attempting to contact them can call the sheriff’s office directly at 563-382-4268.

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office Francis Martinek, age 55, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:55 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. Information from the county jail indicated Mar-

tinek was awaiting transport.

Michael Thomas Breza, age 33, of Winona, Minnesota, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:55 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6 on an arrest/bench warrant. Court records show Breza pleaded guilty in September to stealing more than $2,300 of merchandise from the Decorah Walmart the previous November, and a warrant was issued last month for violation of probation, after Breza failed to report for scheduled appointments with a probation officer during the October of 2024.

Tyler Dickerson-Markee, age 23, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:45 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6 to serve five concurrent days.

Adam Jay Nash, age 36, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:50 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 on an arrest/bench warrant and was to serve seven concurrent days. Court records indicate Nash failed to complete an Iowa Domestic Abuse Program as part of a previous sentence.

Chase Hageman, age 19, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 7:35 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 to serve seven con-

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Jacob Wayne Willitts, age 28, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 7:35 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8 on an arrest warrant for violation of probation.

Adam Wester Strand, age 40, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 4:20 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9 on three arrest/ bench warrants. Court records showed two of the warrants were issued for violation of pretrial supervision, while the third was issued for violation of probation.

Decorah Police Department Adam Edward Bastin, age 36, of Dayton, Ohio, was charged with operating while intoxicated — first offense — at approximately 8:40 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 in the 400 block of College Drive in Decorah. A criminal complaint said a semi-tractor-trailer collided with a fuel pump at Casey’s Convenience Store. Bastin was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:50 p.m. the same day, and a criminal complaint filed against him said a drug recognition expert from the Postville Police Department provided “an evaluation in which he determined narcotic impairment.”

Daniel C. Burke, age 56, of Chicago, Illinois, was charged with operating while intoxicated — first offense — at approximately 2:21 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 along Highway 9 in Decorah.

Burke was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail the same day.

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

The newly renovated WinnMed Obstetrics Unit will hold an open house from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Standing in the nurses’ station of the new unit are some of the obstetrics nurses and staff. Pictured are (left-right) registered nurse director Brianne Leikvold and health unit coordinator Amanda McGeough as well as registered nurses Annika Anderson, Rachel Pleggenkuhle, Laurie Swatek, Ellie Kuennen, Olivia McGee, Danielle Egan and Brittany Mashek.

(Photo submitted)

WinnMed to hold open house for remodeled obstetrics unit

WinnMed recently announced its newly renovated obstetrics unit as the first project of the hospital’s Transforming Tomorrow project to reach completion, and the public is invited to an open house from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

Guests are asked to park in Lot A and enter through the main entrance.

The obstetrics unit will undergo final preparations following next week’s open house, and the new obstetrics unit will open for patients on Dec. 30.

The $50 million Transforming Tomorrow project, which includes the renovation and expansion of obstetrics, surgery and clinic spaces, was approved by the WinnMed Board of Trustees in December of 2023.

“As part of Transforming Tomorrow, the board enthusiastically supported the inclusion of a new obstetrics unit,” said Clark Goltz, chair of the WinnMed Board of Trustees. “The renovation allows us to affirm our commitment to the region that we will provide obstetric services for years to come and to meet our vision to provide an unparalleled experience as the most trusted partner for health care.”

The obstetrics renovation be-

gan in March of 2024.

The renovated and remodeled obstetrics unit features six labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum — or LDRP — suites, where the patient stays in one suite for her entire hospital stay. WinnMed officials said each private suite is designed with safety and comfort in mind. The suites include a private bathroom and whirlpool tub, home-like furniture, pass-through supply closets and serenity doors. Officials said these features, along with sound-dampening strategies built in throughout the space, are meant to provide the patient a restful experience.

Additional features include a family lounge, an infant nursery, an expanded nurses’ station. Hospital staff said, as the Transforming Tomorrow project continues and the surgical renovations are completed, patients in need of a cesarean section will have more direct access to surgery spaces from obstetrics.

“We have worked hard to design a space that promotes comfort, safety and rest, while enabling in-the-room education with our dedicated obstetric nurses,” said Brianne Leikvold, nursing director of obstetrics.

“If patients are here for the first

time or have delivered with us before, we look forward to welcoming families into our new obstetrics unit.”

Mayo Clinic Health System and Gundersen Health System providers, including family medicine physicians, OB/GYN specialists and a midwife, deliver at WinnMed. “Our patients consistently express their trust in our OB team delivering their newborn and helping them start out as a new or growing family,” said Dr. Sarah Wymer, a family medicine and obstetric physician with the Mayo Clinic Health System. “Our dedicated OB nurses demonstrate daily their skills, knowledge and compassion, and with the completion of the updated obstetrics unit, our beautiful, new space will enhance the level of personalized care patients have come to expect from us.”

The WinnMed Foundation has created opportunities for donors to be part of the project. To learn more about naming possibilities within the new space, contact the foundation office at 563-387-3129. To learn more about obstetric care and services, visit www.WinnMed.org.

Photo submitted

Eighth grade students help host Dec. 14 vendor event to raise funds for DC trip

The 12th Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Market will take place Saturday, Dec. 14 in the Community Building at the Winneshiek County Fairground.

More than a quarter of this year’s vendors are expected to be local eighth-grade students, attending either Decorah Middle School or St. Benedict Catholic School, as they raise funds for their trip to Washington, DC this summer. Students will also be working the door and the food area as well as setting up

and tearing down the event.

The market will feature handcrafted items, health and beauty products, homemade treats, home decor and more. “Six years ago, my niece and I went on this trip together,” said Brecka Putnam, one of the event’s organizers. “I noticed that there were not a lot of group fundraising opportunities, and I felt strongly that no student should miss out on this trip because of lack of funds. I’m lucky to know some great event organizers who help put on a great

event that vendors and customers come back to year after year.

They all really enjoy helping the students while finding great holiday items.”

Attendees who visit the market from noon to 3 p.m. will have the opportunity to have a professional photo taken with Santa. They can also purchase pastries for breakfast or walking tacos for lunch and take part in a number of activities. The first 100 attendees will also receive free gift bags.

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

Iowa’s Dairy Center to host Santa on the Farm

Santa on the Farm will be held from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Iowa’s Dairy Center at 1527 Highway 150 in Calmar, weather permitting. The drive-through event will give visitors the opportunity to meet Santa as they steer their vehicles through the farm’s free-stall barn and see a close-up view of the milking cows. Pre-packaged cookies, honey and milk will be served, and visitors will also receive a holiday goody bag, which includes educational dairy activities. This family-friendly event is free to the public, and donations are appreciated. For more information, email info@iowadairycenter.com. (Photo submitted)

Decorah churches to join in support of migrant workers, families The Decorah Immigration Action Network, a collaborative effort comprised of members from St. Benedict Catholic Church, First Lutheran, Good Shepherd Lutheran, Decorah United Church of Christ and other local congregations, is working closely with the Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Charities Legal Services to provide critical resources for migrant workers and their families amid changing federal immigration procedures.

The network is planning a comprehensive interfaith conference call for the first week of January. This virtual gathering will bring together Roman Catholic and Protestant clergy from across northeast Iowa to discuss ongoing support and strategies for immigrant families.

On Nov. 19, all four Ro-

man Catholic bishops in Iowa, including Most Rev. Thomas Zinkula, Archbishop of Dubuque, issued a joint statement of support.

“As your bishops, we will advocate for your just treatment and dignity within the framework of the law,” the bishops wrote. “The church will accompany and serve you at this time as much as we are able. We assure you of our prayerful support and ask the state of Iowa to do the same. You are our brothers and sisters. Please know that you are not forgotten and that your church stands with you in solidarity.”

A key initiative of this collaborative effort is the comprehensive “Know Your Rights and Safety Planning Toolkit,” developed by Catholic Charities.

The toolkit is available online in both Spanish and English at

catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/ kyr.

“We want to ensure that farmers, food processors, business owners, teachers, pastors, workers, employees, students and parishioners have access to the legal services they need,” said Rev. Michael Wilker, senior pastor of First Lutheran Church.

Established in 2011, the Decorah Immigration Action Network originally formed to support Guatemalan migrants with US work visas in northeast Iowa. The network has since expanded its partnerships, collaborating with Path to Citizenship, Catholic Charities, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors—a Decorah United Church of Christ initiative which provides support such as furniture, food, transportation and accompaniment.

Community City of Decorah announces tree inventory initiative briefs VMH diabetes support group will not meet this month The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will not hold its regular meeting this month. The group will again hold its regular monthly meetings beginning Thursday, Jan. 16. For more information on the diabetes support group, contact Angie Mettille, diabetes educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital, by calling 568-3411.

Crozier elected to Keystone AEA Board of Directors A convention to fill a vacancy in Director District 3 on the Keystone Area Education Agency Board of Directors was held on Dec. 2. The director district includes the Allamakee, Clayton Ridge, Eastern Allamakee, Edgewood-Colesburg and MFL MarMac Community School Districts. Dale Crozier of McGregor was unanimously elected by the school boards of those districts and will serve the balance of a four-year term on the board, expiring in December of 2025.

Email your community brief to editor@decorahleader.com

The city of Decorah recently announced the hiring of Eocene Environmental Group to conduct a comprehensive inventory of the trees located on boulevards and select parks throughout the city. The hire was funded in part by an Urban and Community Forestry grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and the Arbor Day Foundation.

City officials said residents can expect to see Eocene Environmental Group crews in the community over the next month and extending into January. Crews will be gathering data which will provide the city with detailed information on the health, species, size and location of trees in certain areas. City officials said the data will help to better manage Decorah’s urban forest — ensuring trees are maintained and replaced as needed. The city expects improved maintenance, such a pruning of branches, will result in greater public safety.

The tree inventory is also expected to provide the city with information to guide future tree care, planning and growth in Decorah. The data gathered will inform future tree planting efforts, according to city staff, allowing the city to select appropriate species for specific locations and helping to create a more diverse and resilient urban forest.

City officials said detailed data from the inventory can

potentially be used to calculate and improve the ecological services provided by the urban forest, such as air and water purification, energy savings and carbon sequestration.

In addition, staff said a well-maintained tree inventory may enhance the city’s eligibility for future funding and grants to support additional environmental projects, maintenance and tree planting efforts.

For more information on the tree inventory, please contact Decorah City Forester Sam Hogenson at (563) 277-5153 or by email at cityforester@decorah. iowa.gov.

health

A-9

Christmas in Calmar On the fourth day of December Christmas in Calmar gave to thee, free books for the kiddies, lots of bags of popcorn, 30 dozen cookies, chicken noodle soup, coloring books and candy, visits with Santa, carriage rides with horses, train rides for families, hot dogs and homemade treats, carolers singing, Paw Patrol hugs and waves, and Christmas lights and fun for all. (Photos by Denise Lana)

Keep Iowa Beautiful opens 2025 scholarship applications Keep Iowa Beautiful awards three $1,000 scholarships each year to Iowa high school seniors who plan to enroll in an Iowa college or university. These annual scholarships honor important figures in Keep Iowa Beautiful history who have made significant contributions to Iowa communities.

“Keep Iowa Beautiful seeks to foster positive values in younger generations and reinforce them in older generations. We encourage respect for home, neighborhood, community and state,” said Keep Iowa Beautiful Executive Director Andy Frantz. “These students have a passion for improving the communities where they live and work, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where their educational journey takes them.”

The Byers Scholarship High school seniors who plan to enroll and study environmental science, community development, landscape architecture or architecture — with a historical emphasis — or community planning and sustainability are eligible to apply for the Byers Scholarship. Keep Iowa Beautiful and the Byers family established the Byers Environmental Scholarship Fund in 2009 in memory of Bob Byers’ dedication to young people and environmental concerns.

The Schnepf Scholarship High school seniors who have a record of community service and a desire to continue supporting the enhancement of the place they live and work are eligible to apply for the Schnepf Scholarship. College programs may include community and regional planning as well as vol-

unteer management. This scholarship honors Gerry Schnepf, founding executive director of Keep Iowa Beautiful, whose career spanned 50 years.

The Fultz Scholarship High school seniors who plan to enroll and study communications, public relations and/or marketing are eligible to apply for the Fultz Scholarship. This scholarship honors William J. Fultz, a founding Keep Iowa Beautiful board member and artist who started an advertising agency which became the largest agriculture advertising agency in the world.

Applications are due Jan. 31, 2025, and winners will be notified in April of 2025.

For more information or to apply online, visit https://keepiowabeautiful.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships.

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DMS Mock Trial teams successful at state competition A pair of eighth grade Decorah Middle School Mock Trial teams competed at the state level Dec. 2 and 3. The students competed in three rounds of competition, improving in each one.

The team Courtroom Clown Crew of Nathaniel Crose, Charly Courtney, Rosie Burkholder, Kelbi Schuman, Noah Alexander, Robert Davis, Abby Stevens, Ruth Kueny, Edith Marable and June Fassbinder earned the 11th place state trophy.

Each year, one team is awarded the Judge Anthony Critelli Award for Professional Conduct and Decorum. The award is voted on by all of the middle school competitors, and Decorah’s team Waiver Your Life Goodbye received the award this year. The team includes members Simon Potvin, Isaiah Bonnet, Ellis Thompson, Kylie Zoulek, Harper Menke, Sofia Hageman, Lula McAbee, Veda Shimek, Crosby Butler and Austin Bohner.

In addition, two DMS students earned individual awards. Austin Bohner and

Decorah Middle School’s Waiver Your Life Goodbye was awarded the Judge Anthony Critelli Award for Professional Conduct and Decorum during the state mock trial competition earlier this month. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Simon Potvin, Veda Shimek, Kylie Zoulek, Lula McAbee, Harper Menke, Sofia Hageman (back row, left to right) Crosby Butler, Austin Bohner, Ellis Thompson and Isaiah Bonnet.

Abby Stevens was named Outstanding Witness during this year’s mock trial state championship. (Photos submitted)

Austin Bohner was named Outstanding Witness during this year’s mock trial state championship.

Abby Stevens were both selected to receive Outstanding Witness awards.

“This is an amazing group of students,” mock trial coach Dana Hogan said. “I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with them and to see their growth through the season.

They are all fierce competitors

who will use their mock trial skills in many ways in the future.”

Hogan and fellow coach Scott Boylen said they have appreciated the help of local lawyers and previous mock trial students who helped prepare the middle school teams throughout the season.

Decorah Middle School’s Courtroom Clown Crew earned 11th place at the state mock trial championship. Pictured are (front row, left to right) June Fassbinder, Kelbi Schuman, Rosie Burkholder, Robert Davis, (back row, left to right) Nathaniel Crose, Ruth Kueny, Charly Courtney, Abby Stevens, Edith Marable and Noah Alexander.

Echoes continued from page A-5

Pictured are (back row, left to right) Alan Becker, Jan Johnson, Cheryl Carolan, Diane Luzum, (middle row, left to right) Phyllis Byerly, Laura Lechtenberg, Marilyn Kuennen, Linda Hemesath, Annette Kuennen, Jeannie Boyer, Janet Bullerman, Judy Kock, Kay Heying, Ann Chrenen, Kathy Euans, Susan Heying, LuAnne Becker, (front row, left to right) Dean Byerly, Mary Lou Hackman, Mary Kuennen, Connie McCasland, Norma Hackman, Jo Ann Luzum and Shirley Hageman. Not pictured are participants Darlene Hageman and Kathy Kuennen.

(Photo submitted)

Area volunteers create, donate 100 plastic bag mats Calmar United Methodist Church, home to the Weaving Bee, has completed the making of its 100th plastic bag mat.

Many volunteers from the surrounding communities participated in the making of the mats.

Each mat, when completed, used approximately 1,500 plastic bags — with the completion

of its 100th mat, the group has kept an estimated 150,000 plastic bags from entering the landfill.

Mats from the Weaving Bee have been given to homeless individuals in Minnesota, Texas, Missouri and Wisconsin as well as Iowa, and organizers said Weaving Bee gave a number

of retirees a sense of purpose.

The Weaving Bee has ceased its efforts after the completion of the 100th mat, saying 100 individuals now have a place to lay themselves down — organizers indicate some volunteers felt the project may have been a link between prayer and a divine answer.

heard a call for help and someone knocking at his back door.

He took his shotgun with him to check the door, and found a stranger hunched on all fours on the ground, seemingly in great pain. He took the stranger into his home at gunpoint, and promptly called for Doc Kellcher. After looking over the stranger, the doctor announced that the “victim” was indeed faking. He later admitted he and his two companions had plotted to gain entrance to the Postville home, club the local farmer at some point, and rob the place. …Ed Breitsprecher, a young farmer from over near Ossian, was driving his truck the other day when his vehicle was struck by a train on the Milwaukee Tracks near Castalia. The top of his skull was fractured in the accident. He was brought over to the Decorah Hospital in the afternoon and is reportedly getting along nicely. He is son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Breitsprecher. …A well-known hypnotist, Professor Hass, has been booked for the Star Theatre for two nights next week. This will be his first appearance here in 12 years. He is one of the best in the business. …A new handsome electronic sign has been erected in front of F.A. Germann’s storefront. It is a very attractive up-to-date sign, and is in keeping with the progressiveness of the wellknown clothing store. …The Moore Schoolhouse

GIVE THE GIFT THEY WILL RECEIVE G N O L R A E Y L L A Fall sports preview inside

this edition!

PUBLISHED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER

5, 2024 BY THE DECORAH LEADER

football season

A new generation of Vikings ating in 2004 and continuing his our young people become suc- pounced on the West Delaware will take the field this fall for the career the postseason for the second with 35 at Luther College. cessful adults after graduation,” Hawks, total touchdowns. red and blue, with a new head 21-7. Making the short year in a row. However, “I am honored to have the said the new a 54-22 skipper. coach calling out the plays. trek to Crestwood, the Vikes regular privilege to help lead the Decseason win over Water- DHS history Joining Tangen on the side- rolled over Having graduated many key orah High the Cadets, 34-6. loo East secured the School Football pro- lines as assistants Vikes bid Decorah boasts a history of are Matt On the road against the Indecontributors from last season, gram and with a 3-2 district record. am looking forward to Kuempel, Brian success having claimed a conWaskow, pendence Mustangs, Decorah the Decorah football team will build upon the rich history and Jared Bucksa, Having spoiled the season ference or district title Jesse Halweg, couldn’t control the tempo 30 times. be composed of many new fac- success and North Scott was having in 2022, of all coaches and ath- Josh Fenske, Greg Last year’s postseason apDrew, Alec gave up the game 21-7. es looking to get on a winning letes who the Lancers repaid the favor in pearances was have helped make the Zwanziger and Bruce the school’s Clark. streak.

Homecoming was one of the first round program what it has become. of 2024 playoffs, 27th time – 1973, ’74, ’78, While Mike Tangen is the It is the the highlights of the season as knocking hope of myself and Reviewing 2023 off the Vikings, 35-7. ’84, ’86, ’87, ’88, ’89, ’90, new head coach, he is no the other Decorah won 42-0 over Mason For the season, the Vikes ’91, ’94, ’97, ’98, coaches that we can Last season started on a high ’03, ’04, stranger to the program as he continue City to open the district race. scored to bring a level of pas- note for the Vikes with 250 points, averaging ’05, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11, ’12, a trio ’13, served as an assistant for nine sion and dedication to not only of wins before Independence Then the Vikes spoiled Waver- 25.0 points a contest. The varsi- ’15, ’17, ’18, ’21 and ‘23. Foryears, first under Bill Post then help the ly-Shell Rock’s homecoming, ty picked football program, but spoiled the run Decorah up 2,769 yards of total mer head coach Bill Post was 35-20. Back-to-back losses led with Pat Trewin who was at the all activities to offense. The running game tal- the team into at Decorah High on. The Vikes opened at home the playoffs 11 helm for the last six seasons. He School Marion and Western Dubuque lied 1,974 and most importantly with a 32-6 victory over with 795 more comfel- had Decorah fans wondering also played as a Viking, gradu- serve if ing through the air. The squad Stepping up the larger mission helping low NEIC squad Waukon, then the Vikes would be left out of averaged 5.34 yards per play, Continued on page B-2

Thursday, October 31,

Thursday, September 5,

2024

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Decorah, Iowa 52101

Suiting up on the 2024 Decorah football varsity roster are (front row, l-r) Nick Lowery, Hunter Quandahl, Jameson LaBelle, Cash Bucksa, Mason Avila, Will Larson; (second Riehle, Jackson Pipho, Gavin Groux, Gatlin row) Hector Vargas Escobar, William Dahlberg, Louis Tallier, Kade O’Hara, Landon Quandahl, Tarwater, Bradan Darling; (third row) Ezra Caleb Johnson, Caleb Krieg, William Harman-Wood, Tristan Baker, Jared Pavlovec, Hahn, Keaton Orris, Kaden Giddings; (fourth row) Luke Franzen, Archer Sims, Nathan Friend, Joshua Adam, Anthony Putnam, Henry Brynsaas, Brayden Cain Monreal-Rice, Carter Dlhy, Tanner Wemark, Payton Webb, Trevor Kuennen, Caddell, Ian (back row) Bristol Parker (manager), Ethan Tommy Sexton, Noah Milburn, Ryan Pole, Jared Bucksa, Assistant Coach Northup, Mason Vote; Matt Kuempel, Assistant Coach Brian Assistant Coach Josh Fenske, Assistant Waskow, Head Coach Mike Tangen, Assistant Coach Alec Zwanziger and Jordan Sims Coach Jesse Halweg, (manager). (Photo by Becky Walz)

ader.com

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BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER

will Decorah musician Jeni Grouws launch an eight-month artist-in-residenthis month, cy in Omaha, Nebraska later the area will and her last few weeks in solo be filled to the brim with concerts, shows and outdoor appearances.

Coupled with a hectic performance talents to schedule, she’s putting her concert work at an upcoming outdoor Campground Sept. 14 at the Red Barn in Lansing.

“None of what I’m doing, from hitting the Billboard charts to headlining a blues festival for the first time this past weekend would have happened if it weren’t for the community of support that exists here.”

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ah for Local musician thanks Decor career propelling her songwriting

90

YEARS AGO – 1934: A new, 24-hour taxi service is being introduced at Jack’s Auto Service. Clint Monson, a progressive young businessman here in town, is owner/ operator. The taxi service will drive new Fords and Chevrolets anywhere in the city, and long distances as well. Monson is wished much success in his new endeavor. …Some local hunters from this area have motored westward from Winneshiek County to do their bit in reducing the pheasant population in those counties in which it is open season. The days chosen for open season in Iowa caused considerable complaints from the hunters. …A new, up-to-the-minute Dry-Cleaning Department at the Decorah Laundry. The laundry is now able to take care of a large number of customers with high class dry cleaning and laundry work. W.D. Slayback is proprietor. …Reports are that the scarlet fever patients of this area are getting along fairly well, and no one seems to be seriously ill with it.

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Past members of the Decorah High School football program see a certain quality – a quiet confidence – among the players whenever the Vikings take the field. It’s something that has somehow been passed down from generation to generation as the school has marked five state championship victories since the mid-1970s. The program’s team spirit and history of state victories inspired Viking football alumni to erect a monument in honor of the Viking coaches, teammates and community members who helped make Decorah one of the best football clubs in the state — currently tied for sixth overall out of more than 400

DCSD’s Riley says regional activities director PIGs teams up with NICC to award was a offer paranorma l investigation classes team effo rt

al paranormal in help bring peace vestigators to area haunts

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

high school football programs statewide.

Construction of the school’s “Legacy of Champions” monument, located near Viking Stadium’s entrance, was recently completed — spotlighting DHS football’s many achievements and honoring those who made them possible. Mike Naslund, who played for Decorah during the 1987 state football championship, said organizers had two goals in mind when they envisioned the monument — to

recognize former coach Richard Wuest as well as the coaching staff and players who were part of Decorah’s championship teams, and to add recognition to the school’s overall program “by erecting a monument that would encapsulate the storied history of Decorah football.”

Wuest began coaching for Decorah in the fall of 1964, at

Monument

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Decorah football legacy embodied by new monument at Viking Stadium

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er program ne

tudents at Luther College will soon be rehearsing for the college’s annual Christmas at Luther This year’s performanprogram. ces are scheduled Dec. 5-8.

Andrew Last, artistic director of Christmas at Luther and the college’s director tivities, said the of choral acyearly musical celebration marks of the Christmasthe beginning season for many attendees and it serves to bring the college and the broader community together — be they long-time local or first-year students residents ing to life in northeast acclimat“It’s an incredibleIowa. event, where we get to that is good aboutshowcase all Luther College, and then invite 8,000 to 10,000 people onto our campus and into our communi ty to revel in how beautiful the downtown area is — just get nostalgia about a little bit of what a small- Hundreds of Luther town holiday College students festival feels college’s history perform during like,” Last said. for generatio Christmas at ns, and the theme Is on the Way.” Luther each This year’s theme of the 2023 Christma year. Holiday concerts have will be “Seeking s at Luther performa been part of Refuge for a nce (pictured the Weary World.” ) was “Love, Members of (Photo Submitte the Rose, the Decorah d) Area Chambe of Commerce’s r Decorah class most recent Empower series gathered ber to celebrate in Octothe piece in a series installment of a third (Photo submitte of public art displays. d)

busifire department and city continued on page 10 ness offices. It was initially revered for its contemporary The recently-completed Legacy of Champions monument at Videsign and unusual roof archiDecorah City Manager Tra- tecture. king Stadium in Decorah. Mike Naslund, a 1988 Decorah High vis Goedken has spent several Along the way, according School graduate, headed a committee to create the monument, years working with the Decorah to archives, the building had Residency and he said it wouldn’t have been possible without generous conaccepted City Council to remedy issues several upgrades and improveAdamfrom The local performer was RileyTroost Monument Co., Northeast Security tributions Bank, project with with the city’s municipal build- ments — temperature control into an artist-in-residence 1975 Decorah gained graduate has Al Rosendahl and 1976 Decorah gradwith Fire. ining, and their work the Omaha nonprofit Playing and air conditioning was uate Keith Bruening – whose names appear on the monument. the past few weeks. her proBYinZACH traction an addition was JENSEN Grouws said she submitted (Photo by Zach Jensen) designed stalled in 1972, was to do as building bay TheSTAFF WRITER posal based on what she wanted space to the fire station’s single time, by renowned local architect was constructed in 1983 and an artist, and if she had the llisch in 1959 and Altfiwinter do reach her CharlesOne Retired ABOVE- The and financial support to night Today, Decorah Smith Building, about 20Remodel or rebuild

BY ZACH JENSEN year ago,in a 1960. constructed Police Chief on Decorah’ goal.

Decorah s Building woman Municipal accordcalled 911 Smutzler led Dave STAFF WRITER Decorah’s Street, is one Montgomery continued on page A-8 Playing with Fire’s mission, to report a class local someone department, is police hotspot the platforms, Monday night was pounding houses for paranorm ing to their social media on her al on paranormal ts and fosThe police respondedwindows. tired Decorah activity. ReDecorah Communi investi“to champion local non-profi ty Schools’ Acand inacross gations for Northeas Dave SmutzlerPolice Chief vestigated the

BY ZACH JENSEN tivities Director ter connections between people free area but found t and Associate said that Iowa years ago, magic of nothing wrong, cipal Adam STAFF WRITER Commun he recorded the globe, all through the Riley has been Prinaccording to College. (Photo ity a wailing or moaning former Decorah the 2024-25 Northeast named live music concerts”. by Zach Jensen) District High in the old hospital’s sound Jackie Hoyme be able to Dave Smutzler. Police Chief School Activities Helping Services for Youth “They want musicians to A surgery Director of the waiting room. offer a reslater, she called short while for the second and Families plans to help the (Photo by Zach focus on their craft, and they time by the Iowa Year 911 again Jensen) as a way of and reported School Athletic High Decorah area get into the spirit idency at The Music House somebody was Directors Associatio Grouws pounding on her While Riley said of the holidays during its annual n. allowing this focus to happen,” roof. The pothe BOYES

BY SETH accolade is apto conduct the non-partisan Holiday Lights Walk Through focused on lice responded preciated, he explained said. “My proposal to them insisted again and again phenomena which he couldn’t do NEWS EDITOR race during this month’s gen- Night. write and to found nothing alone. it inspired Smutzler being able to take time to wrong. and several ultimately eral election, but state restricDecorah police, “There’s an offi This year’s event will be held other officers enhance my skills as a player, not sure of to start the PoDecorah of my reshere will what BOYES makes thingsVoterscein staff thathave tions on scheduling elections from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday was happening

BY SETH lice Investigat providing a concert at the end happen,” ing , decided another chanceRiley to exercise a real contoNEWS “Our activities set up EDITOR said. their required the upcoming race be Nov. 27 at Pulpit Rock CampPIGs — group, Ghosts — or a sting operation idency. With a desire to have which has been I civicdepartmen duty before t doesn’t 2024 to passes decided catch community, no on earlier than ground the next run program Omaha in Decorah. Pokey Pete, y whoever helping the shoulders nection with was causing people across artist-in-residenc of just one person.” into the history man the ac-causing books. A spe- month. embarks on an 8-month workshop the tripoor Awoman local choirs, a live Nativity formersoDecorah state area solve problems for Jeni Grouws of Decorah also offered up a songwriting Julie Simiele.) much trouble. problems with cial election for a vacancy on her. It Smutzler a teenagewas at that DCSD Award to speak weeks. (Photo courtesy Winneshiek County Audi- scene, Santa and a professional But, like of whatever goes cused all murdering the times before, time Smutzler and visits to the area schools in Nebraska in the coming said. “And, bump in the the Decorah City Council will tor Ben Steines confirmed the photographer will in the night had recording nobody has entered a pleathe idea of walking 2017 be available girl inwas in their lives. caught, about music.” we could hear through the be continue held Tuesday, Dec. 10, and successful candidate in next during the celebration, case.they home with give back theand found guiltyofinany notsigns of no While Smutzler which d on page 5 Grouws said she wants to a digital recorder talking, we could hear us effort to bethree candidates have admitted Bachmurski filed pa- Denise as she can, in a continuing residency. month’s the — and on his three-way race must kicks off Helping Services’ bigTrying David mischief.

Gulrud home.

James to escape to the community during her way back to the woman talking, and then there he’s never seen a full-body music scene. the phething special in her temporary pers in pursuit of the council’s secure more than 50 percent of gest fundraiser of the 15-yearthis comcome acquainted with the station, while of killing apshe parition or is accused year. the woman success nomenon, “If I’m going to live within listening to the was an unknown voice on She said, once she gets to Omaha, movedin late available at-large seat.

Grouws credits much of her Colvin the vote in order to be declared to aolddifferent the he remains “shadow person,” wanted to be I recording Marie recording “This months, location Jade event is critically imeight ideal for an , the he from munity — heard address,65-year-old will start researching Candidates Kent Klocke, the winner. If none of the three portant for our organization’s to the support she’s received whatever The but he’ll never forget. something said ‘We’re a whisper that someday, hopeful that he will Grouws said. of 2017. and will Marchwas sure I also gave back,” and he said he’s here.’ The other causing the and a date for the finale concert Paul Wanless and Cody Whit- candidates are able to do so, the stability,” said Helping David Bachmurski concert at Decorah community. ruckuswas charged with sec-“Another had James officer stopped updated. in offi Serhercially officer “Most exciting to me is the that all of previous homemonth, the car, the hair multiple experiences, including keep her Decorah connections tle have all thrown their hats in two most popular candidates vices Director Carson last “It’s really crazy to think followed will include ing, and I rememberwas drivresidency the back of my ond-degree Des Eggland. her andmurder to the on in my life the end of the residency missing continued from reported “While The Music House neck stood Parano holding the ring to join the city council. will face off at the ballot box “We can’t thank the this is happening at this point up.” she said, after being extradited that recorder in Police sponsors, Holiday Department Omaha area songwriters.” rmal my hand,” thanks to Decorah,” she doesn’t come with a stipend,” Moines Lights volunteer Jack Barloon directs FCSAmerica’s Bre Hemesath, really Former her summer.

Decorah it’s City this and taking Council four be weeks later. by earlier will Steines businesses noted That Kayla Burkey and organizations Georgia of living The U.S. was one of several The area musician at T-Bock’s “they help offset the cost and Val Brincks in erecting a Holiday Lights display at Pulpit Rock being on June 10, 2016. member Ross Hadley stepped Decorah is the only city in Win- enough for their support.” in Decsaid. “My first open mic was continued on unCampground. (Photo by And a truly Bachmurski is currently page 10 experiences from her decades providing a place to live. down from his at-large position neshiek County which includes creation of Also included for a free-will Zach Jensen) held at the Winneshiek County Bachmurski believe that I orah with her, including her beautiful one at that. I can’t Grouws earlier Live at the grateful.”

Jail on multiple charges.

BY SETH BOYES this fall after announc- run-off provisions in its city or- donation will be a variety of the “Jeni Grouws and Friends

BY SETH BOYES get to live there, and I’m truly led ing his intent to do so in July. dinances, and he said a potential soups, hot cocoa, continued on page A- 8 and the “She continued on page A-6 A criminal complaint fi plans to atcookies and Springs side of the campground NEWS EDITOR Winneshiek County Fair” NEWScampground During her residency, she was held every fall. FCSABY Z Hadley’s term was s donated $4,000 t ED Colvin was she hostBY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

48

The theme of this year’s performance is “Seeking for a Weary World.” Refuge organizers believe Last said the theme may resonate with audiences , following a year tumultuous eventsof somewhat on the national and world stage.

“Obviously, we wanted to honor the season of Advent, but maybe come at it from a little bit different perspectiv e, talking about the place — the place in which unique and diverse people all came to on that night,” Last said. “We had shepherds , and royalty, and animals, and a couple who were place to find safetylooking for a and refuge.”

Christmas at Luther is held inside the main hall of Luther College’s Center for Faith and Life — a space capable of seating more than 1,400 people — and Last said the backdrop for this year’s performan resemble a cracked ce will and worn barn structure.

He encourage d

Christmas at

Luther

continued on

page 14

Bachmurski’s defense seeks info on reported sighting of teen after alleged murde r

Trial reschedul

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A former Decorah man accused of killing a teen in 2017 has withdraw n his demand for a speedy trial, and attorneys are now his defense hoping to access document ation regarding a reported

ed for March

…An old-time dance is planned later this week at Haugen’s Hall. The Viking Accordion Band of Albert Lea will play dance music. Ticket sales are progressing well. …A local man has been accused of violating the local liquor laws and has been fined $300 and given a sentence of three months in the county jail.

He had a gallon of alcohol with him when he was arrested last week. …Shop the Ness store for holiday meals: fancy mixed nuts – 19 cents per pound; lutefisk – 8 cents per pound; cranberries – 7 cents per pound. …Handel’s “The Messiah” will be rendered here for the 30th year later this month. The preservation is put on by the Decorah Choral Union, directed by Dr. Carlo A. Sperati.

AUCTION CALENDAR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Bidding will open Tuesday, December 10 at 10 a.m. and start closing at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17. All Equipment Will Be At Gehling Auction Co. - 27741 State Highway 16 Preston, Minnesota For Inspection.

To consign a complete farm line or a single item call Gehling Auction Co. 1-800-770-0347 or e-mail denny@gehlingauction. com

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| SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ

Athletes step up as Vikings open 2024

is hosting a basket social. This District No. 3 rural country school is situated one-half miles northwest of Decorah on the Bluffton Road. Ladies are encouraged to bring baskets for the event. …Eber DeCou from over at Ossian recently had a new radio installed at his place.

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

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR FAYETTE COUNTY RE THE MARRIAGE OF DAWN MARIE FRICK AND JEREMY JACOB FRICK CASE NO. CDDM003022 Dawn Marie Frick, Petitioner vs. Jeremy Jacob Frick, Respondent TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of the clerk of this court, naming you as the respondent in this action. A copy of the petition (and any documents filedwith it) is attached to this notice. The attorney for the petitioner is Linda Ressler and her address 744 Main St., Suite 1, Dubuque, IA 520016825. Ms. Ressler’s phone number is (563) 588- 4653; facsimile number (563) 588-4656, and email address is lressler@iowalaw.org.

You must serve a motion or answer within 20 days after service of this original notice upon you and, within a reasonable time thereafter, file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Dubuque County at the county courthouse located at 720 Central St., Dubuque IA 52001. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

This case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. Please see Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 for general rules and information on electronic filing. Chapter 16, division VI contains specific information regarding the protection of personal information in court filings.

If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call your district ADA coordinator at (319)-833-3332 (If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942).

CLERK OF COURT 114 N Vine St Suite 200, West Union, IA 52175 IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS Iowa Judicial Branch Case No. CDDM003022 County Fayette Case Title DAWN FRICK VS JEREMY FRICK You must file your Appearance and Answer on the Iowa Judicial Branch eFile System, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless the court has excused you from filing electronically (see Iowa Court Rule 16.302).

Register for the eFile System at www. iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile to file and view documents in your case and to receive notices from the court.

For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure in chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules at www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ ACO/CourtRulesChapter/16.pdf.

Court filings are public documents and may contain personal information that should always be kept confidential. For the rules on protecting personal information, refer to Division VI of chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules and to the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www. iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/protect-personal-information/.

If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability access coordinator at (319) 833-3332. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942). For more information, see www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ada/. Disability access coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

Date Issued 09/06/2024 10:19:11 AM District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk’s Designee of Fayette County /s/ Rhonda Bouska Decorah (Iowa) Leader November 28 & December 5 & 12, 2024 December 2, 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, Steve Zittergruen, Brent Parker, Mayor Lorraine Borowski, City Manager Travis Goedken, andCity Clerk Keri Sand Absent: None Tim Wagner of 505 Franklin Street, Decorah spoke during public comment regarding the MunicipalElectric Utility vote. Wagner applauded the City Council for voting to have the second vote regarding theMunicipal Electric Utility. He appreciated the City Council educating voters and encouraging voters’participation. Voters need to have good solid information they can trust.

Tom Hansen of 3469 Locust Road, Decorah gave an update on the Decorah Community ThanksgivingDinner that was held. The dinner was successful again this year. The dinner fed close to 550 meals to thecommunity. It shows what a community can do when we work together for the common good.

Hansen stated that this is what frustrates him when some people on the council use the words about diversity, equality, inclusion, and tolerance but only apply this to certain groups or do not want to put forth the effort and sacrifice to make it work.

Carol Birkland of 1018 Walnut Street, Decorah wanted to know why non-Decorah citizens are allowed to use council meetings as a platform to repeatedly air their personal political grievances, attack council members, and threaten lawsuits. Birkland spoke regarding a personal matter that was spoken about in public view, and she felt it was a disgraceful spectacle. Birkland spoke about cities across Iowa that have put reasonable rules in place to ensure orderly meetings.

Jerry Donlan of 104 Highland Drive, Decorah asked the council if they had watched the video with the Iowa Utility Board where Attorney Lynch stated that you cannot do the MEU on rate alone. Donlan stated he wanted to know if the date of the vote can be changed by petition. Does not feel that March is the right time. He will contact the Auditor’s Office for that information. Donlan also questioned whether the council knew the dollar amount that has been spent on the election. Donlan feels that it is important to the public that we know what we are spending on the MEU vote.

The consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of November 18, 2024, Council Meeting b. Claims c. FYE 25 Street Finance Report Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve $15,000.00 from the Sustainability Funds for educational material distribution such as flyers and direct mailers, along with establishing a webpage dedicated to information on the MEU vote.

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

Mayor Borowski stated that the City of Decorah is taking applications for the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Sustainability Commission until December 6, 2024. There is also an opening on the Decorah Human Rights Commission.

Meeting adjourned at 6:23 PM Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, December 2, 2024 Payroll, For 11-22-24............... 194,011.05 Connell Flying Service, November 2024 Services ....................................3,977.97 Skyline Const, App 2 Dry Run Wqi Wetland, Project...................... 40,143.08 Ups, Ups-Postage.............................. 12.47 Yaneff, Nick, Marion Training ....... 463.00 Skyline Const, Pay App 1 2024 Street Improvement-Asphalt Resurfacing ..........................393,366.02 Chill, Nick, Facebook Ads................14.91 Delta Dental, December 2024 Dental............. 1,384.10 Patricia Thein, Reimbursement Uniform.............137.03 Postmaster Decorah Ia, Bulk Water Bill Postage...............384.54 Torresdal, Kristin, Reimbursement Food Staff Meeting........................55.50 Ups, Postage..................................... 12.47 Albert, Jeff, Reimbursement Cell Phone....................................300.00 Anderson Wilmarth Van Der Maatten, Legal Fees.................................7,344.00 Anthony Henry Sealcoating, Sealcoating................................5,610.00 Arthaus, Program Expense..........1,300.00 At&T Mobility, Fd Cell Phone.......264.10 Baker & Taylor, Books...................622.55 Bodensteiner Implement, Parts/Service................................372.89 Bruening Rock Products, Rock.......632.47 Camacho’S Concrete, Storm Sewer Intake Top Repair...................... 1,500.00 Capital One, Supplies.......................89.78 Carolan, Jeremy, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Caroline Allen, Program...................75.00 Casper Plbg & Htg, Thermostat ..... 189.69 Cdw Government, Equipment.......... 43.30

Center Point Large Print, Large Print Books..........................93.38 Chamber Of Comm And Winn Co Develop, Hotel/Motel ...............13,805.45 Corey Meyer, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Cote, Luke, Reimbursement-Cell Phone.........175.00 Dakota Supply Group, Equip.......... 403.86 Dan’S Service, Towing/Butt Connectors Travel Car....................................295.00 Decorah Jobs, Hotel/Motel........16,566.53 Decorah Leader, Publications.........997.57 Decorah Tire Service, Tire Repair.... 92.50 Decorahnews.Com, Banner Setu.... 309.00 Dell Marketing, Computer Monitor, Computers, Equip.....................7,839.33 Driveway Specialist, St. Bens Alley Work .................3,800.00 Emergency Apparatus Maint, E10 Primer Repair....................... 866.79 Erdman Engineerin, W HeivlyStreet Design.......................................7,145.25 Force America Distributing, Parts.. 296.60 Fox Strand, Wwtp Upgrade2024................20,336.00 Geiger, Jon, Cell Phone Reimbursement.........300.00 Goedken, Travis, ReimbursementCell Phone.......... 300.00 Hagensick, Debra, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Hahn, Logan, Reimbursement-Cell Phone.........300.00 Hawkins, Tank Rental.......................40.00 Hill, Renee, Reimbursement Cell Phone......... 300.00 Hogenson, Sam, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Holm, John, Reimbursement Cell Phone ........ 300.00 Holtey, Marc, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........150.00 Hovden Oil , Oil..........................1,287.70 Hovey, Jason, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Ihde, Todd, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Impact Coffee, Program Expense/Metting.............62.00 Iowa Dept Of Public Safety, Oct-Dec 2024............................1,031.25 Iowa One Call, Services ................152.40 Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Platic Pallet .................................100.00 Kruse, Andy, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Kuennen, Jesse, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Kuennen, Nolan, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Leslie White, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Ludeking, Joshua, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Lydon Electric Motors, PumpbRepair...............................270.80 Mcartor, Mallory, Reimbursement-Cell Phone ........300.00 Meyer, Evan, Cell Phone Reimbursement.........300.00 Mississippi Welders, Cylinder..........20.00 Moen, Blake, Reimbursement-CellPhone..........300.00 Napa Auto Parts, Parts....................131.08 National Mississippi River Museum, Program........................................ 340.20 Nelson, Kevin, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Numedahl, Pete, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 O’Hara, Mike, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Oneota Community Co-Op, Program Supplies...........................15.96 Peak Software Systems, Annual Software Renewal........3,715.10 Perry Novak Electric, Locate..........585.00 Premiere Kubota Of Waukon, AirFilter/Assy Element A/C.........174.58 Randy’S Auto Parts, Parts...............461.75 Ricoh Usa, Printer........................... 595.99 River City Paving, Hot Mix......... 3,645.30 Sand, Keri, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Sherwin Williams, Pool Credit ......123.36 Storey Kenworthy, Building Supplies.........................544.36 Swanson, Greg, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Symbolarts , Symbol Arts................. 79.90 The Des Moines Register, Des Moines Register- Annual Fee...................521.73 The Landing Market, Program Supplies.............................6.00 The New York Times, New York Times-Subscription................... 1,092.00 Thornton’S Feed & Grain, Rye Grass-Ice Cave........................85.00 Truck Country Of Iowa, International 2019/Truck 2..........908.36 Upper Explorerland Rpc, Ecbg October Admin...................460.09 Uscc Services , Hotspots...................58.98 Vandekrol, Scott, Reimbursement-Cell Phone.........300.00 Voltmer, Traffic Signal Repair .......266.00 Wicks Construction, CgRepair .24,684.50 Windridge Implements, Couplers.....91.80 Windstream, Airport ........................38.28 Young, Jon, Reimbursement Cell Phone.........300.00 Ziegler, Loader Mantenance .......2,045.48 Decorah (Iowa) Leader December 12, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ELAINE J. GRIMES DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016350 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Elaine J. Grimes, Deceased, who died on or about November 6, 2024: You are hereby notified that on November 25, 2024 the Last Will and Testament of Elaine J. Grimes, deceased, bearing date of May 17, 2013, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Jan E. Grimes and Lynn Tiemann 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 December 4, 2024.

Jan E. Grimes, Co-Executor 511 1st Ave NW Oelwein, IA 50662 Lynn Tiemann, Co-Executor 2666 Mulberry Ct Marion, IA 52302 Andrew P. Nelson, ICIS# AT0005669 Attorney for Co-Executors Meyer, Lorentzen & Nelson 101 1/2 E. Water Street, P.O. Box 126 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: December 19, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader December 12 & 19, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT, IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY (JUVENILE DIVISION) IN THE INTEREST OF JUVENILE NO. JVJV002012 W.M. A Child.

NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING [CHILD IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE] TO: Unidentified Putative Biological Father YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition alleging that the child named above is a child in need of assistance has been filed in the office of the clerk of juvenile court for the above-captioned county. A true copy of the Petition is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Court has entered an Order setting an ADJUDICATORY HEARING (CINA) on the merits of the Petition on January 8, 2025, at 9:00 am, in the designated Juvenile Courtroom of the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the child must be represented by an attorney and guardian ad litem, which may be the same person. The Court has appointed an attorney and guardian ad litem to represent the child. If the parent has or will retain an attorney to represent the child as attorney and guardian ad litem, that attorney should be notified immediately. If the child is then represented by counsel retained by the parents

and the Court determines there is a conflict of interest between the child and his parent, guardian or custodian and that retained counsel could not properly represent the child as a result of the conflict, the Court shall appoint other counsel to represent the child and set a hearing to determine payment for attorney fees to be assessed to the parent.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a parent, guardian or custodian in a child in need of assistance proceeding has the right to be represented by counsel at all hearings subsequent to the filing of a Petition. If you wish to privately retain counsel, you should immediately notify the attorney of these proceedings.

If you desire representation but you cannot afford to hire and attorney, you should immediately contact the Clerk of the above-named Court and request from and file with the Clerk an Application for Appointment of Counsel and Financial Statement. If you are determined to be indigent, the Court may appoint counsel for you at minimal or no cost to you.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that upon your request, the Clerk shall issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers at the adjudicatory hearing.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the adjudicatory hearing may take place without your presence if you fail to appear after reasonable notification. If you wish to state your views to the Court, you must appear in person or by attorney or the Court may rule against you.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that in the event the Court places a child in foster care, the child’s parent or guardian may be liable for all or a portion of the cost of foster care. Foster care includes all out-of-home placements except the State Training School at Eldora, the State Juvenile Home at Toledo, or the Mental Health Institute at Independence. The Iowa Department E-FILED 2024 DEC 04 11:16 AM WINNESHIEK - CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT of Human Services will notify you of the amount of any recommended parental liability for the cost of foster care and there exists an administrative procedure if you object.

If you need assistance to participate in Court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator at (319)833-3332. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942). Disability Coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

THIS CASE HAS BEEN FILED IN A COUNTY THAT USES ELECTRONIC FILING. You must register to eFile through the Iowa Judicial Branch website at https://www. iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile and obtain a log in and password for filing and viewing documents in your case and for receiving service and notices from the court.

• For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 Pertaining to the Use of the Electronic Document Management System, available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.

• For court rules on the Protection of Personal Privacy in court filings, refer to Division VI of the Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16.

• If you are unable to proceed electronically, you must receive permission from the court to file in paper. Contact the clerk of court in the county where the petition was filed for more information on being excused from electronic filing.

Iowa Judicial Branch Case No. JVJV002012 County Winneshiek Case Title WILLIAM MAY If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator at (319) 833-3332. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942. For more information see www.iowacourts.gov/for-thepublic/ada/. Disability access coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

Date issued 12/04/2024 11:17:44 AM District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk’s Designee of Winneshiek County /s/ Sarah Trimble Decorah (Iowa) Leader December 19 & 26, 2024 January 2, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NEVA A. EMERY DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016349 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Neva A. Emery, Deceased, who died on or about November 24, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 4th day of December, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Neva A. Emery, deceased, bearing date of January 19, 2023, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Decorah Bank & Trust Company 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 4th day of December, 2024.

Decorah Bank & Trust Company Executor of Estate 202 E. Water Street Decorah, IA 52101 John S. Anderson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: john.anderson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: December 19, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader December 12 & 19, 2024 PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE WALNUT CREEK RNG, LLC plans to submit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to be covered under an NPDES General Permit.

GENERAL PERMIT NO. 2: “Storm Water Discharge Associated with Industrial Activity for Construction Activities.”

The storm water discharge will be from a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) production facility with a manure digester, process gas equipment, utility interconnect, flare station, concrete pavement, gravel surface, storage tanks, various small out buildings for storage, manure pipelines, dewatering facility, minor grading and storm water BMPs. Temporary and permanent erosion control measures will be included as part of the project.

Located in NE, 04, 98, 98N 10W, WINNESHIEK COUNTY. Storm water will be discharged from 2 point sources and will be discharged to the following stream: Unnamed Tributaries to Walnut Creek.

Comments may be submitted to the Storm Water Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 502 E 9th St, Des Moines IA 50319. The public may review the Notice of Intent from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, at the above address after it has been received by the department.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader December 12, 2024 Board Minutes December 2, 2024 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am December 2, 2024 with Kelsay, Vick, Vermace, and Faldet present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to discuss road matters.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to approve the plans for Bridge 208E. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to approve the minutes of the last meeting.

Motion carried unanimously.

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

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

Public Noticing for Potential Impacts Floodplains Iowa Rotocast Plastics Inc. 1712 Moellers Drive, Decorah, IA 52101 Re: Public Notice of an RBS Loan, Guaranteed Loan or Grant regarding the Hazards of Locating Structures within a Floodplain or Critical Action Floodplain, Iowa Rotocast Plastics Inc. ground solar project.

Iowa Rotocast Plastics Inc. intends to seek financial assistance from USDA, Rural Business & Cooperative Programs under the REAP Program for construction. The proposed project involves two sites. Site one will consist of 1740 VSUN 575W Bifacial solar panels and will occupy 108,000 sq. ft.

(2.4793 acres) in a field directly east of the manufacturing facility located at 1712 Moellers Drive, Decorah, IA 52101. Site two will consist of 468 VSUN 575W Bifacial ground mounted solar panels and will occupy 20,000 sq. ft. (0.459 acres) in a field directly north of the manufacturing warehouse facility located at 1764 Old Stage Road, Decorah, IA 52101. If implemented, the proposed project will convert floodplain or critical action floodplain which is defined as any land area susceptible to inundation by water from any source. In keeping with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management and USDA Department Regulation 9500-3, Land Use Policy, the purpose of this notice is to in-

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form the public of this proposed conversion or effect and request comments concerning the proposal, alternative sites or actions that would avoid these impacts, and methods that could be used to minimize these impacts.

The environmental documentation regarding this proposal is available for review at 709 Iris Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641.

For questions regarding this proposal, contact Dana Boone by phone at 319-201-3062 or by email at dana.boone@usda.gov.

Any person interested in commenting on this proposal should submit comments to the address above by Decemeber 25, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Leader December 12 & 19, 2024

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

Father Schmitt

Fiddles continued from front

impactful poetry, the fact that the piece was composed by an alum, and especially that the gift is for the entire community, not just me, all come together in this gesture.”

Andrew Last, artistic director of Christmas at Luther and the college’s director of choral activities, said it’s not uncommon for works to be commissioned for the Christmas at Luther program.

“Most often it is a gift that an individual or family gave to Christmas at Luther so that we can create new and beautiful settings of choral/orchestral music,” Last said. “It is rare that we are ever commissioning to honor an individual. President Ward has been an enthusiastic supporter of Christmas at Luther and the Nordic Choir, so honoring her in this way is a very appropriate way to show our gratitude for her six years of service.”

Last reached out to composer and 2015 Luther alumnus James Deignan on behalf of the board of regents in October. Deignan is currently based in Wuxi, China, and his musical work debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2019.

He has been commissioned by not only Luther’s Collegiate Chorale and Nordic Choir but a number of groups across the Midwest and other parts of the country, according to information from Luther. Deignan said he was humbled and honored to compose “Refugee” for Christmas at Luther this year, adding

continued from page A-2 he hoped the work would be meaningful for Ward.

“I was most inspired by the theme of this year’s (program) ‘Seeking Refuge in a Weary World,’” Deignan said. “Seeking safety in a home to call your own is central to the Nativity story, and it couldn’t be more timely in today’s world. I found this beautiful and haunting sonnet to set to music by British poet Malcolm Guite, and I’m so glad that I did.”

Ward said she hopes audiences reflect on how perceptions of Christ are often anchored in the image of an infant lying in a manger, rather than “with a million displaced people on the long road of weariness and want,” as the lyrics of “Refugee” put it. And Ward said she hopes the music inspires others to consider how they may be called to welcome the proverbial stranger into their daily lives.

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Norway. Rebholz had volunteered to teach rosemaling to the children, while a fellow parent talked about the Hardanger fiddle and held a concert afterwards.

Rebholz was immediately hooked.

“I heard the music, and I knew I wanted to play,” Rebholz said.

Rebholz, who had an elementary knowledge of violin playing from lessons she received in her mid-20s, waited until all the students were gone to meet with the parent and try her hand at the fiddle. Rebholz then bought a fiddle, and she started playing through the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America located just outside Madison, Wisconsin, where she resides.

With a background in biochemistry, Rebholz began looking at the instrument from a scientific angle. She discovered that historically, the crafting of a fiddle was a joint effort — one person would do the wood-

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resume to Food Service Director, to Athletic Director Riley, 100 Chad Elliott, 100 Claiborne Drive, Winneshiek CountyAdam Courthouse, 201 W. Main St., Decorah • 563-382-5085 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, Decorah, IA 52101, by end of the www.winneshiekcounty.org by end of the day on December 14, day on December 20, 2024, or open 2024, or open until position is filled. until position is filled. The Decorah The Decorah Community School Community School District is an District is an EEO/AA employer.

EEO/AA employer.

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FT/PT WORKERS & DRIVERS WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING Winneshiek County is accepting applications for Full and Part Time Recycling Workers & Drivers. Job descriptions and applications are available at the Winneshiek County Recycling Center and online at www.winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov. Send completed application to The Recycling Center, 2510 172nd Ave, Decorah, IA 52101 or email to eneubauer@co.winneshiek.ia.us.

Deadline-December 16, 2024. EOE 49-4-LD-12

Winneshiek County Courthouse, 201 W. Main St., Decorah • 563-382-5085

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AUTO TECHNICIANS Don’s Sales and Service in Decorah now accepting applications for auto technicians.

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Interested applicans should send a resume and brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience to

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223 College Dr., Decorah, IA 563-382-2968 Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 Sat 7:30-1:00 www.donssalesandservice.com

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POSITION OVERVIEW WHY DECORAH HIGH SCHOOL?

Decorah High School seeks a passionate and collaborative Social Studies • Educational Excellence: Decorah High School is a Teacher for the 2025-2026 schoola year.

This position offers a unique community that profoundly valuesopportunity education. Consi to teach in one of Iowa’s top-ranked schools, where areU.S. encouraged to Iowa’s top five highstudents schools by News & World Rep think critically, engage deeply, and build the skills needed for success National Blue Ribbon Schools Awardinincollege, 2024, highligh careers, and civic life. commitment to academic achievement and student su As a Social Studies Teacher, you will play a vitaland roleActivities: in shapingAtstudents’ • Enrichment Decorah High Scho understanding of the world. You’ll guide them in 85% exploring the complexities classroom.

Over of students engage in at least one of the past, critically evaluating the present, and thoughtfully preparing for the activity, with many participating in multiple programs future. Our curriculum emphasizes criticalresilience, thinking, effective character, and grit, communication, preparing students for ac and civic responsibility, equipping students with theenvironment tools to become informed, create a supportive where students are en compassionate, and engaged citizens who overcome make meaningful contributions to their passions, challenges, and grow into confiden communities and beyond. our school and community.

• Community Support: Nestled in the Driftless Area WHY DECORAH HIGH SCHOOL? vibrant town where education and community thrive t • Educational Excellence: Decorah High School is a proud cornerstone of foundation of school support, Decorah offers families, a community that profoundly values education. Consistently ranked among a rich environment filled with the arts, local partnersh Iowa’s top five high schools by U.S. News & World Report, we earned our second From scenic trails to peaceful parks, Decorah provides National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2024, highlighting our unwavering connect, inspire, and grow, making it an exceptional p commitment to academic achievement and student success.

• Enrichment and Activities: At Decorah High School, learning goes beyond the POSITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES classroom. Over 85% of students engage in at least one sport or extracurricular DeliveryThese experiences build activity, with many participating inCurriculum multiple programs.

• Teach Social Studies coursesand aligned with theWe Core S character, resilience, and grit, preparing students for academic life success.

• Create dynamic, engaging lesson plans that create a supportive environment where students are encouraged to pursue theirfoster cr andgrow effective • passions, overcome challenges, and intocommunication. confident, contributing members of • Build a positive, inclusive classroom environment su our school and community. personal growth.

• Community Support: Nestled in the Driftless Area of Iowa,Placement Decorah is(AP) a or Nort • Preferred: Teach Advanced vibrant town where education and community together.

With a strong College (NICC)thrive courses in Social Studies. foundation of school support, Decorah offers families, educators, and students Student Support a rich environment filled with the arts, local personalized partnerships,and andgroup natural beauty.

• Provide support to help stud From scenic trails to peaceful parks, Decorah provides countless opportunities to goals. connect, inspire, and grow, making•itMonitor an exceptional to live, work,constructive and learn. feed student place progress, offering achievement.

POSITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES • Build strong, supportive relationships with students

Curriculum Delivery motivation, and engagement.

• Teach Social Studies courses aligned with the Core Studies Standards.

Collaboration andSocial Professionalism • Create dynamic, engaging lesson• plans that foster critical thinking, collaboration, Participate actively in Professional Learning Commu and effective communication. • teaching practices with instructional goals.

• Build a positive, inclusive classroom environment supporting and in all s • Maintain confidentiality andacademic professionalism personal growth. interactions.

• Preferred: Teach Advanced Placement (AP) Coach or Northeast Iowaextracurricular Community activitie • Preferred: or sponsor College (NICC) courses in Social engagement Studies. and connection.

Student Support Technology Integration • Provide personalized and group•support totechnology help students theirmethods academicto enh Leverage andachieve innovative goals. learning experiences.

• Monitor student progress, offering constructive feedback foster growth andSchool t • Utilize platforms such astoCanvas and Power achievement. track student progress effectively.

• Build strong, supportive relationships with students to inspire confidence, Professional Responsibilities motivation, and engagement.

• Contribute to school and district goals by participati Collaboration and Professionalism community activities.

• Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) toand align • Model reliability, professionalism, a positive atti teaching practices with instructional goals. Community Schools. of Decorah • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all student, family, and staff interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS • Preferred: Coach or sponsor extracurricular Required: activities to promote student engagement and connection.

• Valid Iowa teaching license (or willingness to obtain Technology Integration • 5-12 Social Studies endorsement(s); 5-12 All Social S • Leverage technology and innovative methods to enhanceand teaching and student • Strong communication organizational skills. learning experiences.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development • Utilize platforms such as Canvas and Power School to manage coursework and improvement. track student progress effectively. Desired: Professional Responsibilities • Ability to teach AP or NICC courses in Social Studie • Contribute to school and district goals by in initiatives, • Ability toparticipating coach or sponsor multipleevents, athleticand and/or e community activities.

• Model reliability, professionalism, and aTO positive attitude that reflects the values HOW APPLY of Decorah Community Schools.

Resume and cover letter must be submitted to Princi Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, or email brad.hur QUALIFICATIONS of the day on December 20, 2024, or until the position Required: the Agreement between the Decorah Community Scho • Valid Iowa teaching license (or willingness to obtain).2024-2025. The Decorah Comm Education Association • 5-12 Social Studies endorsement(s); 5-12 All Social Studies (186) preferred.

EEO/AA employer.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

The Decorah Community School District is • Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

Desired: • Ability to teach AP or NICC courses in Social Studies.

• Ability to coach or sponsor multiple athletic and/or extra-curricular activities.

HOW TO APPLY

There will be NO garbage pick-up

51-2-DL-17

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50-2-DL-12

Resume and cover letter must be submitted to Principal Brad Hurst, 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, or email brad.hurst@decorah.school by end of the day on December 20, 2024, or until the position is filled as provided/or in the Agreement between the Decorah Community School District and the Decorah Education Association 2024-2025. The Decorah Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

The Decorah Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

50-2-LD-12

All customers will be picked up on

think critically, engage deeply, and build the skills need careers, and civic life.

As a Social Studies Teacher, you will play a vital role understanding of the world. You’ll guide them in explo Decorah Community Schools of the past, critically evaluating the present, and thoug for the 2025-2026 School Year:critical thinking, e future.

Our curriculum emphasizes and civic responsibility, equipping students with the to compassionate, and engaged citizens who make meani (Decorah School) communitiesHigh and beyond.

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work, while another did the line spiration for her designs from drawing, and yet another would Norwegian pieces, like bunads craft the inlay and so on. It sud- — traditional Norwegian folk denly occurred to her she had costumes. She has crafted sevall the skills to build Hardanger eral fiddles on commission – fiddles. one she built for a young man In 2012, Rebholz launched who wanted to honor his grandher freshman fiddle-building mother. attempt, reaching out to oth“He sent me pictures of his er fiddle makers and players grandma, and we talked about whose instruments she hoped to what he wanted — it fit right in emulate. She referenced guitar with what I like to do,” Rebholz builders, especially the meth- said. “The artist in me likes the ods they used for the inlay, and idea of creating unique instrushe learned by doing repairs for ments based on Norwegian traa few years. dition but not copying directly.”

In 2018, she received a grant Rebholz often includes trathrough the American-Scan- ditional crafting techniques in dinavian Foundation and trav- her pieces whenever it’s not elled to Norway to spend a cost prohibitive. She has develmonth studying at the Ole Bull oped her own varnishes, and the Academy, where she learned willow used in the lining of her how to take her instruments to fiddles comes from a tree where the next level acoustically. she grew up.

“I do a thing called plate tunTo date, Rebholz has crafted ing—as I carve the top and bot- eight Hardanger fiddles, which tom of the instrument, I look at might not sound like a large the resonance frequencies and number at first glance. But this try to optimize those,” said Re- is in addition to raising two bholz. sons, working at a part-time Rebholz stopped doing re- job, hosting fiddle-building pairs after returning from Nor- demonstrations and holding fidway, and she began focusing dle classes. Decorah Communi her time and energy on craftAdditionally, fiddleSc for theevery 2025-2026 ing hand-built instruments. is individually designed — Certified Social She prefers to make her own each piece is shaped, cut Stu out, (Decorah High S designs and wants every fiddle POSITION OVERVIEW she creates to be different from Fiddles Decorah High School seeks a passionate and collabo the last.

Teacher for the 2025-2026 schoolon year.page This position continued A-13o Oftentimes, she drawsto teach in- in one of Iowa’s top-ranked schools, where stu

(Summer of 2025) Applications and job description are available at the Engineers Office and www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs.html Send letter of application and 47-5-LD-12 Send letter of application and resume EOE

50-2-DL-12

Commission

after the attack, according to the Naval History and Heritage and Command.

A mass of requiem was held for Schmitt before the month’s end at St. Mary’s church in Festina, according to local archives, and an anniversary mass was held on Dec. 7, 1942 at St. Aloysius Church in Calmar. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer escort vessel in Schmitt’s honor the following May, which the Decorah Journal called “an effective and tangible monument to the memory of this young man of God.” American Legion Post 691 in Schmitt’s hometown of St. Lucas bears his name, and he was given special recognition within the city’s veterans memorial, which was dedicated in 2015.

But his remains weren’t identified until 2016.

The local chaplain was ultimately laid to rest at Christ the King Chapel on the campus of Loras College in Dubuque, according to information from the U.S. Navy.

50-1-DL-12

and Heritage Command, causing it to rapidly roll and sink.

Schmitt and several crew members were trapped inside a compartment when the Oklahoma capsized, and a small porthole was the only means of escape, according to information from the Naval History and Heritage Command.

“With unselfish disregard for his own plight, he assisted his shipmates through the aperture,” Naval records said.

“When they in turn were in the process of rescuing him, his body became tightly wedged in the narrow opening. Realizing that other men had come into the compartment seeking a way out, Lt. Schmitt insisted he be pushed back into the ship so the others might escape. Calmly urging them on with a pronouncement of his blessing, he remained behind while his shipmates crawled out to safety. In so doing, he gallantly gave up his life for his country.”

Schmitt’s relatives in St. Lucas and Calmar received word of his death on Dec. 17 that year.

“The report, because of censorship, was brief, official, full of the dignity of sorrow — and still tinged with pride in his valor,” the next day’s Decorah Journal read.

Local archives credited Schmitt with saving about a dozen lives that day, saying the attack likely came during or shortly after he had concluded morning mass. Schmitt’s communion chalice and prayer book were both salvaged soon

50-2-LD-12

was eventually listed among them.

The St. Lucas native was recorded as the first chaplain to die during the war. Schmitt was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, as well as the Purple Heart and Silver Star, having given his life in helping a number of sailors to safety before the ship sunk.

Schmitt was born on a farm southeast of St. Lucas in December of 1909, according to local archives. He was one of 10 children in that family and, following parochial school, he attended Campion Academy in Prairie Du Chen, Wisconsin, before enrolling at Loras College in Dubuque — formerly Columbia College. Archives said Schmitt was then able to study for four years in Rome at the theological school of the American College, and he was ordained in 1935.

He served churches both close to home and far from it upon his return to the United States, and he volunteered to serve as a Navy chaplain in 1939 — he was assigned to the Oklahoma the next year.

Initially, local newspapers conjectured that the details of Schmitt’s death might never be known. However, later accounts provided some insight into the selfless actions of the local son during his final moments.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began at approximately 7:55 a.m., and a large portion of the Oklahoma’s port side was torn open by aerial torpedos, according to the Naval History

continued from front

NEWS

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

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Election continued from front

Thank You

The estate of Harry B. Olson and the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa are grateful for the memorial donations made to help lost and abandoned animals. The Olsons rescued many cats over the years and their continued compassion and generosity will help many more at HSNEI.

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Karen Rebholz, a Vesterheim Museum gold medalist in carving, gave a demonstration on Hardanger fiddle building at Vesterheim Saturday, December 7. (Pictured) Rebholz uses a completed fiddle to illustrate the process step by step as she talks with visitors during her demonstration at Vesterheim. Both fiddles pictured were inspired by bunad designs.

(Photo by Denise Lana)

Fiddles

ADOPT A

continued from page A-12

painted, formed, tapped and so forth by Rebholz.

“A man in Norway said it took him 440 hours to make a Sponsored by Humane Society of NE IA Sponsored by Humane NE IA Hardanger fiddle, Society but Iof make (formerly PAW) and Decorah Newspapers and Decorah Newspapers different designs every time, so give alonger,” dog or cat itLooking takes meto Looking tomuch give a dog or Rebcat in need a loving home? holzinsaid. need, a loving home?

Visit our website: The fingerboard of one such Visit our website: www.iowapaw.petfinder.com fiddle Rebholz crafted is covHSNEI.org ered with dozens of intricate swirling pearlescent teardrops.

She said it takes approximately 5 minutes to cut each tiny

ADOPT A

crescent from a delicate sheet of mother of pearl. Rebholz also uses silver and bone for inlay, and she’s been known to Sponsored by Humane Society of NE IA Sponsored

by Humane Society of NE IA carve spruce, maple and even (formerly PAW) and Decorah Newspapers and Decorah Newspapers birdseye woods for her fiddles’ Looking to give a dog or cat structures. Ebony is a mainstay in need a loving home? giveall asLooking well. Butto above else, ReVisitor ourcat website:fiddle she a dog bholz wants every www.iowapaw.petfinder.com intoneed, makes evoke her love of the a loving instrument. home?

“I love the human touch,” said Rebholz.

“Things are betVisit: ter when done by hand.” rg I.o E HSN

cast, according to unofficial election night tallies — less than a quarter of the registered voters eligible to participate in Tuesday’s special election — but none of the three candidates pulled ahead of the pack enough to be declared the winner. Whittle was less than 2 percent from an outright win, coming in as the most popular candidate with 673 votes, or about 49 percent of Tuesday’s total. Klocke was a little more than 100 votes behind him with 571 cast ballots in his favor for about 42 percent. Tuesday night’s totals showed Wanless in a distant third, garnering 129 votes for about 9 percent support at the polls — eliminating him from next month’s run-off.

Whomever ultimately wins the special election is expected to serve on the Decorah City Council until at least Dec. 31, 2025 — what would have been the end of Hadley’s most recent term. The at-large council seat will then be placed on the ballot again, and the winner of next month’s run-off will need to file new candidacy papers if he intends to retain his seat on the council.

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SPORTS

A-14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

SW triumphs over Cougars, OT loss to Bulldogs Up and down start to season for Lady Warriors The South Winn girls’ basketball team (2-3, 1-2 UIC) notched a win over LeRoy-Ostrander over the weekend and collided with MFL MarMac Tuesday night.

UIC clash Tuesday night the Warriors had a tough match-up against MFL MarMac (3-3, 3-1 UIC) in Calmar, falling 44-14.

“MFL MarMac was a tough physical team and we did not match their intensity. Turnovers and an off night on our baskets led to a lopsided score. This will be a good learning experience for us to grow from,” said coach Mike Gehling.

South Winn was held to single digits in each of the four quarters leading to its demise.

The Bulldogs opened the contest with an 8-4 advantage after the first and added 12 in each of the subsequent periods to roll over the Warriors.

Vanessa Bullerman and Karissa Wenthold each dropped in five points and came away with a pair of steals. Emmy Gehling led the charge off the rim with five boards while Bullerman pulled down three.

ABOVE: The Cougar double team picks up Carson Streeter before the Warrior can drive to the basket. (Photo by Becky Walz)

RIGHT: Matson Winings put up 21 points and nabbed nine rebounds in the Warriors’ 79-44 win over Mabel-Canton Saturday. (Photo by Becky Walz) Try as it might, the South Winn boys’ basketball team (21, 1-1 UIC) couldn’t keep the perfect season intact, falling in overtime Tuesday at home to MFL MarMac. Border Battle Facing Mabel-Canton in the annual Iowa/Minnesota Border Battle game at Luther College Saturday, the Warriors put on a show, defeating the visitors from Minnesota 79-44.

After a 15-15 knot after the first quarter, South Winn went to work. The Warriors outscored the Cougars 20-11 in the second and never looked back, holding the visitors to just two points in the third period. It was an offensive outpouring in the fourth, with the squads scoring a combined 39 points.

Streeter and Winings were on fire. Streeter put up 23 points to go with five rebounds and four assists. Winings provided 21 points and nine boards. Senior Kaden Barton-Franzen was also in double digits with 10 points,

MFL MM 8 12 12 12 44 South Winn 4 4 4 2 14 Scoring – Vanessa Bullerman 5; Karissa Wenthold 5; Adele Conway 2; Emmy Gehling 1; Adrienne Winings 1 Rebounds – Gehling 5; Bullerman 3; Assists – Wenthold

adding eight caroms. Junior Braiden Todd contributed nine points, nine boards and five assists.

Mabel-Canton 15 11 2 16 44 South Winn 15 20 21 23 79 Scoring – Carson Streeter 23; Matson Winings 21; Kaden BartonFranzen 10; Braiden Todd 9; Nolan Sabelka 8; Carver Wenthold 6; Irving Flores 2 Rebounds – Todd 9; Winings 9; Barton-Franzen 8; Streeter 5; Logan Tieskoetter 4; Flores 3; Sabelka 2; Wenthold 1; Assists – Todd 5; Sabelka 5; Streeter 4; Winings 2; Tieskoetter 1; Steals – Sabelka 2; Wenthold 2; Todd 1; Winings 1; Barton-Franzen 1; Tieskoetter 1; Flores 1; Blocks – Winings 2; Barton-Franzen 2

Clash in Calmar With nearly a standing room only crowd on hand to see what looked like a playoff game, the Warriors battled UIC leader MFL MarMac (5-0, 3-0 UIC) into overtime Tuesday night, falling 60-59.

Aside from the first charity toss and a bucket, the Warriors led throughout the first quarter, making it 14-11 after eight minutes of play. The Bulldogs managed to pull even with SW in the

second several times; however, the Warriors maintained a slim 23-22 advantage at the break. A fast and furious pace returned in the third period leaving the two UIC teams deadlocked at 39 with eight minutes to play.

South Winn led by as many as six in the final quarter with 51 ticks on the clock which was erased by a sunk basket, free throw and long ball as time ran out with a 54 tie. With four more minutes to play, it was back to a fast pace that saw Carson Streeter hit a free throw and a layup to give the Warriors at 57-54 lead with 1:52 remaining. But the Bulldogs refused to lie down with a pair of back-to-back buckets. Braiden Todd hit a short jumper with 25 seconds remaining pulling SW back ahead 59-58, giving MFL MarMac just enough time to hit what would be the game winning shot.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

MFL MM 11 11 17 15 South Winn 14 9 16 15

6 60 5 59

TV boys continue to falter on the court

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com

Turkey Valley’s start to the conference season didn’t go as planned as MFL MarMac and Kee High both came away with comfortable wins over the Trojans during the first week of the season a week ago, as did New Hampton in non-conference action.

TV (0-3, 0-2 UIC) had not played a home game yet this year prior to the home contest that was played this Tuesday versus Central Elkader.

MFL MarMac took care of business over TV last week Tuesday by a score of 81-46 and Kee turned back the Trojans, 70-40 last Friday.

TV had trouble getting to the charity stripe as the Trojans attempted just five three throws versus MFL and three against Kee. Logan Busta, a junior, hit double-figure scoring against MFL (12) and Kee (15). He grabbed five rebounds versus the Bulldogs and produced three steals, two assists and two blocks. In the matchup versus Kee, Busta ripped down six rebounds. Busta was a combined 6-16 from beyond the 3-point stripe in those two league games.

Jordan Kreiner, a sophomore, notched eight points on 4-6 shooting versus MFL. Tucker Reicks, a junior, was 3-6 from

the floor for seven points to go along with a made 3-point attempt.

J.D. Kruse, a junior, came up with six points, six rebounds and four assists against Kee. Alex Hanson, another junior for John Izer’s squad, drained two 3-pointers to come up with his six points of scoring.

Turkey Valley 6 16 17 8 46 MFL MM 22 32 23 4 81 Scoring – Logan Busta 12; Jordan Kriener 8; Cale Langreck 7; Tucker Reicks 7; Kaden Schmidt 4; Treyton Franzen 4; JD Kruse 2; Jayden Rausch 2 Rebounds – Busta 5; Langreck 4; Reicks 4; Franzen 3; Kruse 2; J. Kriener 2; Jonah Orvis 2; Schmidt 1; Rausch 1; Caleb Kriener 1; Assists – Kruse 4; Busta 2; Langreck 2; Franzen 1; Orvis 1; Steals – Busta 3; Langreck

1; Franzen 1; Blocks – Busta 2

Turkey Valley 11 9 12 8 40 Kee 25 20 19 6 70 Scoring – Busta 15; Kruse 6; Alex Hanson 6; Langreck 5; Franzen 4; Schmidt 2; Reicks 2 Rebounds – Busta 6; Kruse 6; J. Kriener 3; Rausch 3; Langreck 2; Hanson 2; Schmidt 1; Assists – Kruse 4; Busta 2; Langreck 2; Franzen 2; Rausch 1; Orvis 1; Steals – Franzen 5; Langreck 3; J. Kriener 2; Busta 1; Rausch 1; C. Kriener 1 Turkey Valley 13 10 7 20 50 N. Hampton 12 12 19 21 64 Scoring – Franzen 15; Busta 8; Langreck 7; J. Kriener 6; Kruse 5; Reicks 4; Rausch 3; Schmidt 2 Rebounds – J. Kriener 6; Busta 4; Kruse 3; Franzen 3; Reicks 3; Langreck 1; Schmidt 1; Hanson 1; Rausch 1; Assists – Busta 6; Kruse 2; Langreck 2; Schmidt 1; Steals – Busta 5; Franzen 3; J. Kriener 2; Kruse 1

1; Steals – Bullerman 2; Wenthold 2; Gehling 2; Winings 1; Blocks – Winings 1

Border Battle Eighteen steals and a big fourth quarter contributed to the Lady Warriors defeating LeRoy-Ostrander Saturday in the annual Border Battle held at Luther College. South Winn survived the Minnesota team to win, 49-41.

“I was very happy with how we played as we handled their size and aggressiveness very well. We will need to continue with this effort going forward to compete,” said coach Gehling.

The two teams matched up early, ending the first period knotted at 12-all. The Warriors tiptoed to a 21-19 lead at halftime. Thanks in part to a pair

Trapped at the top of the key, SW’s Adrienne Winings looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Becky Walz)

of free throws sunk by Chloe Wiltgen and Vanessa Bullerman in the final 20 second of the third, SW remained on top, 30-29. It was a battle for control of the ball in the final period with both teams heading to the charity stripe numerous times, allowing LeRoy-Ostrander to pull within four at 45-41 with 56 seconds in the game. However, free throws by Ella Theis and Bullerman in the closing seconds pulled the Warriors to the 49-41 win.

Bullerman led the Warriors in scoring with 13 points, also totaling four steals. Fellow freshman Alexis Johanningmeier added 12 points and five rebounds. Karissa Wenthold and Charlotte Moonen put up seven points apiece with Wenthold collecting seven boards. Wiltgen led South Winn in rebounds with eight and seven steals to go with her six points.

LeRoy-Ostrand. 12 7 10 12 41 South Winn 12 9 9 19 49 Scoring – Bullerman 13; Alexis Johanningmeier 12; Wenthold 7; Charlotte Moonen 7; Chloe Wiltgen 6; Ella Theis 3; Conway 1 Rebounds – Wiltgen 8; Wenthold 7; Johanningmeier 5; Moonen 3; Winings 1; Gehling 1; Theis 1; Bullerman 1; Assists – Gehling 3; Wenthold 1; Winings 1; Theis 1; Bullerman 1; Steals – Wiltgen 7; Bullerman 4; Wenthold 2; Gehling 2; Winings 1; Conway 1; Johanningmeier 1; Blocks – Moonen 1; Wiltgen 1; Johanningmeier 1

Trojans top MFL; fall to Hawks, Chickasaws

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com The Turkey Valley girls’ basketball team (2-2, 2-1 UIC) came up with a big road win over defending UIC champ MFL MarMac last Tuesday in Monona by a score of 45-40 before falling to Kee and New Hampton.

Big win MFL MarMac (2-3, 2-1) won the league last year with a mark of 14-2 but could not get past the Trojans – who sank 16-24 from the charity stripe and outscored the Bulldogs, 13-5, in the third period.

“It was a great team win. The girls fought really hard tonight.

This was a very physical game and we didn’t back down from it. We made some clutch free throws late to seal it,” said TV head coach Steve Hoffert.

TV junior guard Addison Steinlage paced the Trojans with 18 points on 5-13 shooting. She was also 7-11 from the free-throw line and ripped down seven rebounds.

Bella Stika, a sophomore, grabbed 11 rebounds and netted six points. She also came away with four steals. Trojan senior frontcourt standout Delaney Busta also notched six points.

Turkey Valley 10 11 13 11 45 MFL MM 9 11 5 15 40 Scoring – Addison Steinlage

Speeding by the New Hampton defender is Trojan sophomore Treyton Franzen who put up 15 points against the Chickasaws Saturday. (Photo by Bob Fenske/New Hampton Tribune)

Warrior senior Karissa Wenthold looks to rein in the loose ball as a defender closes in. Ready for a pass in the background is teammate Ella Theis. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Layni Schuchhardt eyes the basket on the perimeter while a New Hampton player works to defend during Saturday’s non-conference skirmish. (Photo by Bob Fenske/New Hampton Tribune) 18; Bella Stika 6; Delaney Busta 6; Annika Bodensteiner 5; Hazel Nieman 4; Emersyn Hoffert 3; Ellaney Bodensteiner 2; Layni Schuchhardt 1 Rebounds – Stika 11; Steinlage 7; E. Bodensteiner 5; Busta 3; Hoffert 3; Nieman 2; A. Bodensteiner 1; Haylee Hanson 1; Assists – Stika 3; A. Bodensteiner 1; Schuchhardt 1; E. Bodensteiner 1; Steals – Stika 4; Steinlage 2; Schuchhardt 2; Hoffert 2; Blocks – Hoffert 2; Steinlage 1

Playing hard TV – which has played three of its first four games on the road this season – dropped a UIC tilt to Kee (2-1, 2-0 UIC) on Friday by a score of 39-30.

The Hawks outscored TV, 14-4, in the third period.

Steinlage once again led the Trojans in scoring with Trojan junior Addison Steinlage works to drive to the basket against a Chickasaw defender.

(Photo by Bob Fenske/New Hampton Tribune)

nine points and junior Annika Bodensteiner pumped in eight points. Both of those starters for Hoffert combined to net TV’s three 3-pointers on the evening.

Stika once more registered double-digit rebounds (11) versus the Hawks and managed five steals.

“These girls just keep fighting. We had our opportunities but we just couldn’t capitalize on them,” said Hoffert.

Turkey Valley 9 8 4 9 30 Kee 8 10 14 7 39 Scoring – Steinlage 9; A. Bodensteiner 8; Busta 5; E. Bodensteiner 4; Stika 2; Nieman 2 Rebounds – Stika 11; A. Bodensteiner 4; Busta 4; Steinlage 3; Nieman 2; Hoffert 1; E. Bodensteiner 1; Assists – Steinlage 2; A. Bodensteiner 2; Nieman 2; Stika 1; Hoffert 1; Steals – Stika 5; A. Bodensteiner 2; Busta 2; Nieman 1; Blocks – A. Bodensteiner 3 Turkey Valley 10 12 12 14 48 N. Hampton 14 16 15 12 57 Scoring – Schuchhardt 11; Busta 8; Stika 7; Steinlage 6; E. Bodensteiner 6; Nieman 4; A. Bodensteiner 3; Hoffert 3 Rebounds – Stika 16; Steinlage 8; Busta 6; Hoffert 6; A. Bodensteiner 4; E. Bodensteiner 2; Schuchhardt 1; Nieman 1; Assists – Stika 4; Steinlage 2; A. Bodensteiner 1; Schuchhardt 1; Busta 1; Hoffert 1; E. Bodensteiner 1; Steals – Schuchhardt 5; Steinlage 4; Stika 4; A. Bodensteiner 1; Blocks – Busta 2; E. Bodensteiner 2; Schuchhardt 1

SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Coming up the rest of December in area varsity HS sports Dec. 12 – SW g/b bb vs. East Buchanan, 6 p.m.; Deb g/b wr vs.

Charles City, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 13 – SW g/b wr hosts tnmt. (Luther), 4 p.m.; Dec bowl vs.

Denver, 4 p.m.; Dec g/b wr at SW invite (Luther), 4 p.m.; SW g/b bb at Clayton Ridge, 6:15 p.m.; TV g/b bb at North Fayette Valley, 6:15 p.m.; Dec g/b bb at New Hampton, 6:45 p.m.

Dec. 14 – Dec b swim at Cedar Falls, 11:30 a.m.; Dec g bb vs. Osage (at Luther), 4 p.m.; TV g bb vs. Jesup, 4:45 p.m.; Dec b bb vs. Wahlert Catholic (at Luther), 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 – Dec g/b wr at Waukon, 5:30 p.m.; SW g wr at Waukon, 5:30 p.m.; SW b wr hosts quad, 5:30 p.m.; SW g/b bb at North Fayette Valley, 6:15 p.m.; Dec g/b bb vs. Waukon, 6:45 p.m.

Dec. 19 – Dec g wr at Waterloo East tnmt. (at Young Arena), 9 a.m.; TV b bb vs. Clarksville, 6 p.m.; Dec b bb vs.

Prairie, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 – Dec bowl at Charles City 4 p.m.; SW g wr at MFL MarMac, 5 p.m.; Dec b swim host meet (at Luther), 6 p.m.; SW g/b bb vs. West Central, 6:15 p.m.; TV g/b bb vs. Clayton Ridge, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 – Dec b wr at Fort Dodge tnmt., 10 a.m.; SW b wr at Starmont tnmt., 10 a.m.; Dec g bb vs. East Buchanan (at Luther), 1 p.m.

Sexton collects silver at Dan Gable Donnybrook tourney Staley to take home 10th place.

Other place winners for the Vikings in the top 20 included Kelton Casterton (113 lbs., 12th place), Gavin Knutson (132 lbs., 13th), Meison Tollefson (106 lbs., 15th), Ethan Kuennen (215 lbs., 16th), Kasen Tyler (144 lbs., 18th) and Michael Clement (126 lbs., 20th).

Individual results 106 – Meison Tollefson, 15th place Prelim – WBF in 0:42 over Ashton Landherr (Linn-Mar); Rd. 1 – WBF in 0:35 over Jaden Bradley (DeKalb); Rd. 2 – lost 15-8 dec. to Kane Robles (Joliet); Cons. rd. 2 – lost 17-2 tech fall to Preston Morrison (Marmion); Cons. rd. 3 – lost 19-4 tech fall to Joshua Hopkins (Staley); 15th place match – WBF in 4:15 over Diego Martinez (Woodstock)

Tommy Sexton takes Bettendorf’s Brayden Koester off his feet during the 190-pound title match Saturday. The Viking was unable to maintain control, getting turned and earning silver. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Stello)

Dan Gable Donnybrook team scores (Top 10 plus Decorah) 1. Bettendorf 366.5; 2. Staley 352; 3. Don Bosco 332.5; 4. Joliet (Catholic) 326.5; 5. Waukee Northwest; 6. Freedom 263.5; 7.

Creighton Prep 263; 8. WaverlyShell Rock 262.5; 9. Shakopee 257; 10. Albert Lea Area 243.5; 25.

Decorah 135.5

Eight Viking grapplers finished in the top 20 of the prestigious Dan Gable Donnybrook tournament held in Coralville over the weekend, including a runner-up spot for Tommy Sexton.

As a team, the Decorah boys’ wrestling team finished in 25th place with 135.5 points.

Class 3A No. 2 Bettendorf was crowned the champion with 366.5 points.

Sexton, a junior, received a first-round bye at 190 pounds.

In his first mat action the Class 2A No. 3 grappler scored a 13-2 major decision victory over Hortonville’s Brock Schmidt.

In the quarterfinal, Sexton defeated Levi Mechtel of Shakopee in another major decision,

this time by a 13-3 score. The Viking secured a spot in the finals with an 8-5 victory over Class 3A No. 3 Abe Parker of Waukee Northwest in the semifinal match. After winning three matches to get in the finals, Sexton couldn’t stay on his feet as Class 3A No. 2 Brayden Koester of Bettendorf got the Viking turned in 3:54, handing the Decorah grappler silver.

At 165 pounds, Bill Fullhart also scored a top 10 finish as he is currently ranked ninth in Class 2A at 157 pounds. The sophomore threw Anthony Haddad of Marmion Academy in 2:51 in round one before falling to Luke Hamiti of Joliet Catholic Academy by a 12-7 decision. The sophomore rebounded in the consolation bracket with a fall over Lucas Bittman of Huntley and a sudden victory over Joe Novera of Creighton Preparatory School.

In the ninth place match, Fullhart came up short by an 11-8 decision to Merrik Murray of

113 – Kelton Casterton, 12th place Rd. 1 – won 19-3 tech fall over Ayden Tyznik (Medford); Rd. 2 – LBF in 0:46 to Benjamin Walsh (Ankeny); Cons. rd. 2 – WBF in 2:32 over Gunner Dahms (Staley); Cons. rd. 3 – lost 21-4 tech fall to Landon Gottschalk (Bettendorf); 11th place match – lost 12-2 maj. dec. to Wyatt Ford (Odessa)

132 – Gavin Knutson, 13th place Rd. 1 – won 11-10 dec. over Caiden Selof (New Lenox); Rd. 2 – LBF in 2:53 to Easton Jorgenson (W-SR); Cons. rd. 2 – lost 8-2 dec. to Grayson Garcia (Marmion); Cons. rd. 3 – WBF in 0:45 over Ben Spalla (Wilmot Union); 13th place match – WBF in 0:34 over Andrew Roskosh (Apple Valley) 138 – Kash Turner, DNP Rd. 1 – lost 7-0 dec. to AJ Ward (Basehor-Linwood); Cons. rd.

1 – LBF in 1:27 to Cash Botting (Hortonville); Cons. rd. 2 – WBF in 0:44 over Grady Fowler (DeKalb); Cons. rd. 3 – LBF in 4:17 to Eli Perez (Ankeny); Cons. rd. 4 – lost 17-6 maj. dec. to Myles Monis (Montini) 144 – Kasen Tyler, 18th place Prelim – won 16-1 tech fall over Grant Ritter (Freedom); Rd. 1 – LBF in 3:28 to Tyler Turzinski (Shakopee); Cons. rd. 1 – WBF in 3:10 over Henry Finley (LincolnWay West); Cons. rd. 2 – won 18-6 maj. dec. over Aiden Hellman (Don Bosco); Cons. rd. 3 – WBF in 3:34 over Michael Hodge (DeKalb); 17th place match – LBF in 3:43 to Chase Nobiling (Antioch)

Chris Davis Invite team scores 1. Nashua-Plainfield 262.5; 2.

West Marshall 209; 3. Waukon 150; 4. Wapsie Valley 139; 5.

Riceville 109.5; 6. South Winn 89; 7.

Newman Catholic 43.5; 8. HLV 36; 9. Springville 31; 10. Oelwein 22; 11. West Fork 14; 12. Rockford 7; 13. Tripoli 6; 14. Hudson 0

South Winn Landen Schnuelle was one of three Warriors to reach the finals at the Chris Davis Invite Saturday hosted by Wapsie Valley. The junior came up short of the title as he dropped the title match 8-0. Above is Schnuelle dominating a match from earlier this season. (Photo

by Becky Walz) the finals for the Warriors. The 157-pound wrestler got a 17-2 tech fall over Burke Shane of Riceville in the opening round of the day and threw Alex Baltes of Rockford in the quarterfinal, needing 3:52. It was a 17-11 decision win for the junior in the semifinal over Cael Weisskopf of HLV before giving up the final by an 8-0 major decision to Nashua-Plainfield’s Devon Blanchard.

Also making the podium for the Warriors were Kolton Brummond at 285 pounds in fourth place, Clayton Kuboushek at 120 pounds in fifth place and Gavin Thuente at 113 pounds in sixth place.

Individual results 113 – Gavin Thuente, 6th place Rd. 1 – LBF in 1:31 to Urijah Courter (WM); Rd. 2 – lost 10-4 dec. to Kolton Grotegut (Wau); Rd. 3 – LBF in 4:00 to Cooper Forst (WV); Rd. 4 – LBF in 2:47 to Jagger White (N-P); Rd. 5 – LBF in 3:51 to James Decker (WM) 120 – Clayton Kuboushek, 5th place Quarterfinal – LBF in 2:52 to Kaden Mitchell (Wau); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; Cons. rd. 2 – lost 10-4 dec. to Kiptyn Cox (WV); 5th place match – won 1-0 dec. over Parker Evans (Rice) 132 – Matthew Donovan, DNP Quarterfinal – LBF in 1:03 to Nayden Rinken (N-P); Cons. rd. 1 – LBF in 1:37 to Mael Quam (N) 138 – Steven Andera, DNP Quarterfinal – LBF in 0:55 to Cayden Kruger (Wau); Cons. rd. 1 – LBF in 0:53 to Brooks Jones (WF) 157 – Landen Schnuelle, 2 place Rd. 1 – won 17-2 tech fall over nd

150 – Will Larson, DNP Rd. 1- LBF in 2:40 to Nolan Vogel (Joliet); Cons. rd. 1 – LBF in 2:37 to Andrew O’Connor (Creighton Prep); Cons. rd. 2 – WBF in 3:20 over Brayden McNeal (W-SR); Cons. rd.

3 – WBF in 2:46 over Rollie Hanks (Odessa); Cons. rd. 4 – WBF in 1:50 over Cain Boddicker (Linn-Mar)

157 – Steven Munoz, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 3:20 to Trent Ignaszewski (Albert Lea Area); Cons. rd. 1 – LBF in 1:16 to Shannon Hughes (Bettendorf); Cons. rd. 2 – WBF in 2:52 over Briar Higgins (Park Hill South); Cons. Rd. 3 – WBF in 3:35 over Connor Cassels (Marian); Cons. rd. 4 – LBF in 1:23 to Campbell Janis (IC West) 165 – William Fullhart, 10th place Rd. 1 – WBF in 2:51 over Anthony Haddad (Marmion); Rd. 2 – lost 12-7 dec. to Luke Hamiti (Joliet); Cons. rd. 2 – WBF in 3:40 over Lucas Bittman (Huntley); Cons. rd.

3 – won sudden victory over Joe Novera (Creighton Prep); 9th place match – lost 11-8 dec. to Merrik Murray (Staley)

175 – Bradan Darling, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 1:03 to Ben Vazquez (Antioch); Cons. rd. 1 – LBF in 1:41 to Parker Richards (Kasson-Mantorville); Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 2:35 to Austin Van Horn (Waukee Northwest); Cons. rd. 3 – LBF in 3:44 to Waylon Theobald (Huntley); Cons. rd. 4 – LBF in 3:51 to Cooper Martin (Waukee) 190 – Tommy Sexton, 2nd place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – won 13-2 maj. dec. over Brock Schmidt (Hortonville); Quarterfinal – won 13-3 maj. dec. over Levi Mechtel (Shakopee); Semifinal – won 8-5 dec. over Abe Parker (Waukee Northwest); Final – LBF in 3:54 to Brayden Koester (Bettendorf) 215 – XX (SW) – Ethan Kuennen, 16th place Rd. 1 – WBF in 0:59 over Ian Stickney (Medford Area); Rd. 2 – LBF in 3:54 to Landon Rouse (Shakopee); Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 3:06 to Maddon Evans (H-D-CAL); Cons. rd. 3 – lost 13-1 maj. dec. to Meric Hagarty (W-SR); 15th place match – LBF in 0:52 to Wyatt Theobald (Huntley)

126 – Michael Clement, 20th place Rd. 1 – lost 5-0 dec. to Isaac Mayora (Lombard); Cons. rd. 1 – won 17-1 tech fall over Rylan Sidzyik (Creighton Prep); Cons. rd.

2 – won 8-7 dec. over Matthew Tran (IC West); Cons. rd. 3 – LBF in 1:52 to Talas Zimmerman (W-SR); 19th place match – lost 9-0 maj. dec. to Matthew Laird (Joliet)

SW’s Kuboushek, Lienau invite champions

The tournament season has begun for the South Winn boys’ wrestling team as it competed at the Chris Davis Invite Saturday, hosted by Wapsie Valley.

Nashua-Plainfield, ranked No. 8 in Class 1A, won the event with 262.5 points. South Winn came in sixth with 89 points.

“It is early in the season and we have a lot to clean up, but it’s been a good week getting to see where we are with some things. I like the effort our kids are wrestling with and the guys have been receptive to their coaching and understanding where they need to get better at,” said coach Jacob Elsbernd.

Two junior Warriors, Kyle Kuboushek and Ray Lienau, won their divisions.

Kuboushek, ranked sixth in Class 1A, started the tournament strong as he threw Newman’s Urijah Paulsen in 1:52 in the 165-pound quarterfinal. The junior grappler claimed victory over seventh-ranked Garrett Miller of Wapsie Valley by a 12-2 decision to advance to the finals. There he outlasted Jackson Carey of Nashua-Plainfield to win the 10-8 decision and the title. Carey is currently ranked sixth in Class 1A at 157 pounds.

At 215 pounds, Lienau took the quarterfinal round with a 16-0 tech fall over West Marshall’s Evan Meester. Facing Jaxon McDonald of Nashua-Plainfield, the junior got the pin in 3:19. Lienau later put Caleb Marr of Riceville on his back in 5:23 to win the title.

Landen Schnuelle also made

A-15

Decorah’s Bill Fullhart and his opponent is are tied into a pretzel during the Dan Gable Donnybrook tournament in Coralville over the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Stello)

Storhoff, Fromm drop in 15

It’s back in the win column for the Decorah girls’ basketball team (2-2, 1-0 NEIC) following Tuesday’s NEIC contest against Crestwood after falling to Class 3A No. 13 Center Point-Urbana over the weekend.

Finally home Getting their first taste of the energy of the home crowd, the Vikings pounced on Crestwood (0-3, 0-1 NEIC) Tuesday night with a big 53-31 victory.

“This was an excellent team win for our girls. The girls came out with a lot of enthusiasm and energy to start the game. We also did a great job of staying consistent from quarter to quarter,” said coach Blake Moen. “Our defensive effort was outstanding, and offensively we did some good things to get good looks.”

Decorah won the first quarter 12-7 and never looked back, extending its lead to 33-22 at halftime. In the second half, the Cadets got within seven, 37-30 before the Vikings took off on a 16-1 run to finish the game, giving up one free throw in the final quarter.

Claire Storhoff and Brooklyn Fromm were a force with 15 points apiece with Sydney Thompson joining, the duo in double digits with 11 points. Storhoff also provided seven boards, five steals and three assists, while Fromm pull down five boards. Thompson was there for three caroms and a trio of steals.

Liz Bucksa put up six points to go with seven rebounds.

Crestwood 7 15 8 1 31 Decorah 12 21 13 7 53 Scoring – Claire Storhoff 15; Brooklyn Fromm 15; Sydney Thompson 11; Liz Bucksa 6; Clara Hjelle 2; Renae Wilson 2; Natalie

Stevens 2 Rebounds – Storhoff 7; Bucksa 7; Hjelle 7; Fromm 5; Wilson 5; Thompson 3; Assists – Storhoff 3; Steals – Storhoff 5; Thompson 3

Over the weekend Going on the road in non-conference action Saturday, the Lady Vikes fell to Class 3A No. 13 Center Point-Urbana (2-2), 58-42.

Decorah led 13-12 after the first eight minutes; however, a slow offensive second period left the Vikes trailing 25-19 at halftime. The Vikings got going again in the third, scoring 10 points before the Stormin’ Pointers took over in the fourth, outscoring the visitors 22-13.

Storhoff had the hot hand with 13 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists. Renae Wilson added 12 points and eight boards. Bucksa chipped in seven points and came up with six rebounds, while Fromm provided six points and four caroms.

Hjelle contributed the final four points for the Vikes to go with six rebounds.

“I’m really proud of the fight and grit from our girls. Coming off a tough loss Tuesday, they came to practice the rest of the week on a mission to get better and clean up miscues. Though we didn’t win, they took a senior led, state-qualifying type team to the fourth quarter, and we improved from game two to game three,” said coach Moen.

Decorah 13 6 10 13 42 CPU 12 13 11 22 58 Scoring – Storhoff 13; Wilson 12; Bucksa 7; Fromm 6; Hjelle 4 Rebounds – Wilson 8; Hjelle 6; Bucksa 6; Storhoff 4; Fromm 2; Assists – Storhoff 3; Wilson 2; Thompson 1; Hjelle 1; Steals – Storhoff 4; Thompson 2; Hjelle 1; Fromm 1

Burke Shane (Rice); Quarterfinal – WBF in 3:52 over Alex Baltes (Rock); Semifinal – won 17-11 dec. over Cael Weisskopf (HLV); Final – lost 8-0 maj. dec. to Devon Blanchard (N-P) 165 – Kyle Kuboushek 1st place Quarterfinal – WBF in 1:52 over Urijah Paulsen (N); Semifinal – won 12-2 maj. dec. over Garrett Miller (WV); Final won 10-8 dec. over Jackson Carey (N-P) 215 – Ray Lienau, 1st place Quarterfinal – won 16-0 tech fall over Evan Meester (WM); Semifinal – WBF in 3:19 over Jaxon McDonald (N-P); Final – WBF in 5:23 over Caleb Marr (Rice) 285 – Kolton Brummond, 4th place Quarterfinal – lost 12-2 maj. dec. to Spencer Michels (Oel); Cons. rd.

1 – won 4-0 dec. over Jackson Sable (N); Cons. semifinal – WBF in 4:32 over Isaac Hill (Spring); 3rd place match – LBF in 2:51 to Matthew Praska (Rice)

Decorah’s Claire Storhoff drives away from Brooklyn Fromm’s screen on the way to the basket Tuesday night as a Cadet chases her down to the baseline. (Photo by Becky Walz)

SPORTS

A-16 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Simon champion, Viking girls runner-up at Donnybrook

Dan Gable Donnybrook team scores (Top 10) 1. Raccoon River-Northwest 344.5; 2. Decorah 287.5; 3. Ankeny 277; 4. Mason City 234; 5. WaverlyShell Rock 233.5; 6. Apple Valley 206.5; 7. Mount Vernon 192.5; 8. Cedar Rapids Prairie 183.5; 9. Vinton-Shellsburg 177.5; 10.

Basehor-Linwood 157

After day one of the Dan Gable Donnybrook tournament last week, the Class 1A No. 1 Decorah girls wrestling team sat in first in the team standings; however, as the event wrapped up Friday the Vikes fell to second with one of their own standing atop the podium.

Raccoon River-Northwest took the top spot with 344.5 points while Decorah secured runner-up with 287.5 points.

Ankeny rounded out the top three teams with 277.

“This is a great tournament with great competition. It’s valuable experience to wrestle in a two-day format, in the same venue that will host the Girls State Championships in February,” said head coach Gene Adams. “There were many individual victories captured throughout the two-day event; something all of wrestlers can

use as momentum moving forward.”

Three Vikings reached the title match — Chloe Sheffield at 100 pounds, Ana Simon at 145 pounds and Madysen Lippe at 235 pounds.

Ranked second in Class 1A, Simon was the lone champion of the event for Decorah as she had a first round bye and threw Charlene Prazak of Mason City in 1:06 in round two. It took the junior just 32 seconds to turn Clinton’s Lauren Whitney in the quarterfinal. Moving into the semifinal, Simon faced Class 2A No. 4 Naomi Templeman of Raccoon River-Northwest and eventually put her shoulders on the mat in 5:02. Battling through all three periods, the Viking won the 13-6 decision in the final over Class 1A No. 4 Eve Skrocki of Wahlert.

“Anastasia Simon really took charge of her bracket and dominated her competition,” said coach Adams.

Following an opening round bye, Sheffield, the Class 1A No. 2 wrestler, pinned Class 1A No. 3 Sophia Calpito of Charles City in 1:54 in round two. It took an 8-4 decision for the

senior to defeat Class 2A No. 5 Cassidy McCallister of Raccoon River-Northwest in the quarterfinal. Moving swiftly in the semifinal, Sheffield threw Freedom’s Katherine Cook in 22 seconds to move into the title match. It was there that Sheffield finally suffered her only loss of the tournament to Lilly Breeden of Liberty who won by a 7-1 decision, leaving the Viking to settle for silver.

A first round bye led for a round two fall for Class 1A No. 11 Lippe who threw Sara Willis of Huntley in 1:42 before pinning Marion’s Harper Griffin in 44 seconds in the quarterfinal.

A 2-1 decision victory for the Viking grappler in the semifinal over Emelia Reyes of Cedar Rapids Prairie led to a trip to the final. It was there that Lippe got turned by Class 2A No. 6 Reese Baxter of Raccoon River-Northwest, falling in 3:24.

Five other Vikings reached the podium including Class 1A No. 2 Lauren Luzum (155 lbs., 3rd place), Class 1A No. 3 McKenzie Tollefson (140 lbs, 4th place), Amelia Wadsworth (135 lbs., 6th place), Class 1A No. 7 Kamryn Steines (190 lbs., 6th place) and Ellie Adams (120 lbs., 10th place).

Individual results 100 – Chloe Sheffield, 2nd place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – WBF in 1:54 over Sophia Calpito (CC); Quarterfinal – won 8-4 dec. over Cassidy McCallister (RR-NW); Semifinal – WBF in 0:22 over Katherine Cook (Freedom); Final – lost 7-1 dec. to Lilly Breeden (Liberty)

Viking Madysen Lippe battles the sixth-ranked wrestler in Class 2A in the finals Friday, finishing with a silver medal at 235 pounds. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Stello)

110 – Audrey Feuerhelm, DNP Rd. 1 – WBF in 4:49 over Alivia Frost (W. Marshall); Rd. 2 – lost 19-4 tech fall to Angelina Gochis (Maple Park); Cons. rd. 2 – WBF in 3:01 over Jersey Naughton (IC West); Cons. rd. 3 – won 10-0 maj. dec. over Makayla Erpelding (Algona); Cons. rd. 4 – LBF in 1:16 to Jules Neubauer (Denver)

No. 4 Decorah pound Cadets, Bobcats

There has been an explosion of offense in the gym for the Decorah boys’ basketball team (3-0, 1-0 NEIC) with the Vikings collecting impressive points and wins over Western Dubuque and Crestwood.

Bobcats caged Stout defense contributed to the Vikes a 69-39 win over Western Dubuque (1-1) Friday night at home.

Decorah gave up just 10 points in the first quarter while pulling ahead 19-10 over the Bobcats. At halftime the Vikes held a 31-21 lead and kept on rolling in the second half, putting up 19 in each period for the easy victory.

LaFrentz and Driscoll put the Vikings on their backs with 28 and 21 points, respectively.

LaFrentz had a double-double with 12 rebounds to go with six blocks. Driscoll came up with five boards and dished out five assists. Peyton Webb came off

Viking senior Zach Driscoll hits a roadblock of three Western Dubuque defenders on his way to the basket Friday night, (Photo by Becky Walz) the bench to score five points, with four caroms and two steals while Tanner Caddell finished

W. Dubuque 10 11 12 6 39 Decorah 19 12 19 19 69 Scoring – LaFrentz 28; Driscoll 21; Webb 5; Caddell 4; Groux 4; Milburn 3; Pipho 2; Dlhy 2 Rebounds – LaFrentz 12; Driscoll 5; Milburn 5; Caddell 4; Webb 4; Groux 3; Dlhy 3; Kuennen 3; Pipho 1; Keaton Nalean-Carlson 1; Assists – Driscoll 5; Caddell 3; Groux 2; Webb 2; Milburn 1; LaFrentz 1; Steals – Dlhy 2; Webb 2; Driscoll 1; Caddell 1; Pipho 1; Milburn 1; Blocks – LaFrentz 6; Milburn 2; Driscoll 1

NEIC opener Back on the home court Tuesday night, things came together quickly for the Vikings as Crestwood (0-2, 0-1 NEIC) paid a visit to Decorah in the conference opener. The Vikings battered the Cadets on both sides of the ball to the tune of a 93-58 victory.

Taking a 28-12 lead in the first the Vikings kept the ball flying through the hoop, stretching their lead to 52-28 at halftime. The firepower continued in the third, with Decorah going up 73-47 with eight minutes remaining.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

Crestwood Decorah

12 16 19 11 58 28 24 21 20 93

110 – Cassie Wilkins, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 0:49 to Jaedyn Stites (Ankeny); Cons. rd. 1 – bye; Cons. rd. 2 – LBF in 1:59 to Presley Sullivan (Ankeny) 115 – Izabella Kos, DNP Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – won 20-3 tech fall over Valeria Lopez (DeKalb); Rd. 3 – LBF in 0:27 to Kate Seery (LinnMar); Cons. rd. 4 – lost 3-1 dec. to Megan Boone (Staley) 120 – Ellie Adams, 10th place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – WBF in 0:46 over Abby Lizak (New Lenox); Rd. 3 – lost 2-1 dec. to Izzy Duncan (RRNW); Cons. rd. 4 – won 5-0 dec. over Eve Askildson (MC); Cons rd.

5 - won 5-1 dec. over A’Shay White (Staley); Cons. rd. 6 – LBF in 1:46 to Keston Spratt (Williamsburg); Cons. rd. 7 – WBF in 3:54 over Callie Nosbisch (V-S); 9th place match – LBF in 2:13 to Trudy Haag (Ankeny) 125 – Simone Downing, DNP Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – won med.

Forfeit over Neve Hurley (CR Prairie); Rd. 3 – LBF in 1:03 to Elyse Engebretson (Ankeny); Cons. rd. 4 – WBF in 2:57 over Julieta Ceballos (Huntley); Cons. rd. 5 – LBF in 0:42 to Hannah Huza (Hortonville) 130 – Bristol Parker, DNP Rd. 1 – WBF in 4:00 over Alissa Engel (Algona); Rd. 2 – LBF in 0:31 to Calista Rodish (RR-NW); Cons.

Decorah bowling teams sweep TigerHawks

It was a big night for the Decorah bowling program Friday as both the girls and boys picked up victories at Lilac Lanes in West Union.

Facing North Fayette Valley, it was the second win for both squads, improving them to 2-0.

The girls produced a score of 2,718 to NFV’s 2,184.

Baker scores for the Vikes were 187, 168, 233, 169 and 151.

“Bowling a 2,718 on the second night out is a special score. I was impressed with our energy and discipline on spares,” said coach Keith Bruening. “This group of girls is special and has lofty goals. We need to keep working hard on our game and improving. All the girls were over 300.”

Karlie Einck produced a big night. She had a 190 and 219 to lead the way. Marri Feuerhelm also was strong with a 199 and 203. Other Viking scores were Jasera Tweten (168, 188), Rylee Averhoff (156, 173), Addison Wicklund (162, 144) and Kennady Riehle (140, 174).

The boys won by nearly 600 pins, 2,871 to 2,291.

Baker scores were 177, 202, 215, 178 and 178.

Leading the boys with a 192 and a 236 was junior newcomer Alex Maki. Jordan Sims was a close second with 178 and 229. Junior Tyler Novak was solid in the baker games with seven strikes and filling all his frames. Individually he rolled a 176 and 185. Other varsity participants were Jace Buddenberg (165, 162), Cain Monreal-Rice (169, 221) and Bryce Elsbernd (146, 189).

rd. 2 – WBF in 1:48 over Amanda Wiktor (Huntley); Cons. rd. 3 – LBF in 1:35 to Harper Graff (W-SR) 135 – Amelia Wadsworth, 6th place Rd 1 – bye; Rd. 2 WBF in 2:11 over Kaylee Anthony (Staley); Rd. 3 – WBF in 1:30 over Jaylynn Craun (Oelwein); Quarterfinal won 4-1 sudden victory over Ellie Hancock (RR-NW); Semifinal – LBF in 0:52 to Lilly Stough (W-SR); Cons. semifinal – lost by med. Forfeit to Sophia Glaser (NH); 5th place match – lost by medical forfeit to Brielle Parke (Linn-Mar) 140 – McKenzie Tollefson, 4th place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – WBF in 1:41 over Lydia Virtue (Wahlert); Rd. 3 – WBF in 1:19 over Liz Makovec (Ankeny); Quarterfinal – WBF in 1:28 over Cassandra Gonzales (Apple Valley); Cons. semifinal – won 11-1 maj. dec. over Edie Collins (RR-NW); 3rd place match – lost 8-0 maj. dec. to Hayden Bratland (Ankeny) 145 – Ana Simon, 1st place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – WBF in 1:06 over Charlene Prazak (MC); Quarterfinal – WBF in 0:32 over Lauren Whitney (Clinton); Semifinal – WBF in 5:02 over Naomi Templeman (RR-NW); Final – won 13-6 dec. over Eve Skraocki (Wahlert)

155 – Lauren Luzum 3rd place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – WBF in 1:11 over Lilly Ness (Williamsburg); Quarterfinal – WBF in 4:43 over Shaona Emmanuel (IC High); Semifinal – lost 1-0 dec. to Amalia Djourmessi (W-SR); Cons. semifinal – WBF in 0:47 over Regan Jensen (Algona); 3rd place match – WBF in 2:47 over Destiny Kolheim (CC) 170 – Isabelle Alley, DNP Rd. 1 – LBF in 0:33 to Aysia Moser (Ankeny); Cons. rd. 1 – WBF in 3:41 over Jayda LaSalle (MC); Cons. rd.

2 – lost 15-7 maj. dec. to Lucy Wing (Omaha Westside Girls) 190 – Kamryn Steines, 6th place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – WBF in 0:43 over Danika Reiser (Waukon); Quarterfinal – lost 7-1 dec. to Cambrie McLoyd (Clinton); Cons. rd.

4 – WBF in 1:52 over Sophia Kelner (Lockport); Cons. rd. 5 – WBF in 1:35 over Kennedy Burk (Denver); Cons. semifinal – LBF in 2:14 to Izzy Renfro (Lasehor-Linwood); 5th place match – lost by medical forfeit to Cambrie McLoyd (Clinton) 235 – Madysen Lippe, 2nd place Rd. 1 – bye; Rd. 2 – WBF in 1:42 over Sara Willis (Huntley); Quarterfinal – WBF in 0:44 over Harper Griffin (Marion); Semifinal – won 2-1 dec. over Emelia Reyes (CR Prairie); Final – LBF in 3:24 to Reese Baxter (RR-NW)

Decorah boys return to the pool at relay event

Saturday, the Decorah boys’ swim team traveled to Dubuque to take part in the Ram Relays. In the relay-only event, the Vikes finished fifth with 44 points. Cedar Falls was the team champion with 94 points.

One event took first overall. The junior varsity breast relay trio of Ethan Swizdor, Will Robinson and Dane Burns touched the wall in 3:42.51 to win gold.

Ethan Casper, Andrew Olson, Kyle Pattison and Dalton Ellickson took silver in the 200 medley relay in the junior varsity event. The quartet posted a time of 2:00.28. In the same 200 medley relay freshman/ sophomore junior varsity event, it was Kyan Oftedahl, Spencer Christensen, Jordan Snitker and Esteban Fernadez claiming runner-up in 2:20.11.

Three other events took home bronze. Thomas Hammel, Landyn Hook, Davis Coppola and Mitchell Stemper touched the wall in 1:56.12 in the junior varsity 200 free relay. In the freshman/sophomore/junior varsity 200 free relay it was Christensen, Gavin Wilkins, Oak Pasche and Fernandez in third with a time of 2:11.75. Oftedahl, Pasche, Fernandez and Wilkins teamed up for a time of 4:53.35 to take bronze in the 400 free relay.

Varsity results 200 medley relay – 6. Reid Kuehner, Weston Cote, Ian Giddings, Max Grimstad, 1:49.75 600 free relay – 6. Will Robinson, Landyn Hook, Thomas Hammel, 6:46.65 400 IM relay – 5. Dane Burns, Kuehner, 4:41.30 200 free relay – 5. Giddings, Landon Humpal, Kuehner, Grimstad, 1:36.64 300 fly relay – 6. Grimstad, Giddings, Cote, 3:07.99 1000 free relay – 5. Keaton Vobr, Jordan Snitker, 12:45.48 300 back – 5. Hook, Ethan Casper, Vobr, 3:29.52 300 breast – 6. Kuehner, Cote, Humpal, 3:30.61 400 free relay – 5. Grimstad, Pattison, Giddings, Humpal, 3:45.96 JV race results 200 medley relay – 2. Casper, Andrew Olson, Pattison, Dalton Ellickson, 2:00.28 600 free – 6. Davis Coppola, Aitor Cuevas, Oliver Brummel, 7:45.71 400 IM relay – 4. Eli Sassman, Ashton Saltou, 5:52.64 200 free relay – 3. Hammel, Hook, Coppola, Mitchell Stemper, 1:56.12 300 fly relay – 4. Casper, Ellickson, Pattison, 3:33.10 1000 relay free – 4. Phuong Doan, Estaban Fernandez, 15:43.48 300 back relay – 4. Olson, Brummel, Bollinger, 4:17.29 300 breast relay – 1. Ethan Swizdor, Will Robinson, Burns, 3:42.51 9-10 Varsity results 200 medley relay – 5. Vobr, Humpal, Burns, Swizdor, 1:51.84 200 free relay – 5. Burns, Kyan Oftedahl, Swizdor, Cote, 1:42.80 1000 relay free – 4. Phuong Doan, Estaban Fernandez, 15:43.48 400 free relay – 5. Swizdor, Vobr, Snitker, Spencer Christensen, 4:13.89 9-10 JV results 200 medley relay – 2. Oftedahl, Spencer Christensen, Snitker, Fernandez, 2:20.11 200 free relay – 3. Christensen, Gavin Wilkins, Oak Pasche, Fernandez, 2:11.75 400 free relay – 3. Oftedahl, Pasche, Fernandez, Wilkins, 4:53.35

Pre-Owned

A Western Dubuque player had the tough task of squaring off with Decorah’s Cael LaFrentz on the tip-off Friday night which the Viking won. (Photo by Becky Walz)

the night with four points, four rebounds and three assists.

Decorah junior Ana Simon claimed the 145-pound title at the Dan Gable Donnybrook tournament in Coralville Friday, winning over Wahlert’s Eve Skrocki. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Stello)

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R E T WIN S T R SPO PREVIEW

PUBLISHED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 BY THE DECORAH LEADER | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ

Veterans to lead the way; Decorah boys swim team built on experience

It will be a senior-laden team for the Decorah swimmers this winter.

With 13 seniors on the squad and nine returning conference scorers, the Vikings look poised to do big things in the water this season.

Leading the squad for his third season is Head Coach Loran Storts.

Gaining experience The Vikes of 2023-24 had a strong core of swimmers which included five athletes who had state experience. Leading the way were six seniors — Dominic Bigalk, Mason Cote, Dylan Hogan, Isaac Knaack, Simon Kutz and Nathaniel Roberts.

Using their experience to their advantage, the Vikes raced through the regular season posting strong times.

Everything came together in January when Decorah won its sixth straight North Central Swim Conference title.

At the district meet, the Vikings finished fourth in the team standings and had four events punch tickets to the state

Diving into the 2024-25 season on the Decorah boys’ swim team are (front row, l-r) Garrett See, Ethan Swizdor, Jordan Snitker, Dane Burns, Keaton Vobr, Weston Cote, Oak Pasche, Kyle Pattison, Avalea Burns (manager); (second row) Ashton Saltou, Kyan Oftedahl, Landon Humpal, Garrett Willie, Grant Zilka, Ian Giddings, Esteban Fernandez, Mitchell Stemper, Spencer Christensen, Bridget Bentley (manager); (third row) Reid Kuehner, Oliver Brummel, Oliver Bollinger, Max Grimstad, Ethan Casper, Phuong Doan, Eli Sassaman, Gavin Wilkins, coach Amy Schlake; (back row) coach Loran Storts, Aitor Cuevas, Landyn Hook, Tommy Hammel, Dalton Erickson, Davis Coppola, Jack Sovern, Will Robinson and Andrew Olson. (Photos courtesy of Tami Bohr) meet. Knaack was the lone individual qualifier as he earned a spot in the 100-yard backstroke on time. All three relays also qualified on time.

Getting a chance to swim at state in Iowa City, Knaack, Cote, Kutz and Hogan made some noise, breaking the school record in the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:29.67, good for 16th.

The same quartet posted a time of 1:40.88 in the 200-yard medley relay to finish 17th. Bigalk joined Knaack, Cote and Kutz in the 400-freestyle relay that shaved nearly four seconds off their qualifying time. The foursome finished 17th in 3:24.53.

Back in the water with a letter for the Decorah boys’ swim team are (front, l-r) Davis Coppola, Max Grimstad, Keaton Vobr, Kyle Pattison, Will Robinson; (back) Oliver Brummel, Landyn Hook, Tommy Hammel, Ian Giddings, Reid Kuehner and Ethan Casper.

Big numbers The Decorah squad should be strong again this year, with the large number of senior and/or returning letter winners.

Topping coach Storts’ list of key returnees are Davis Coppola, Tommy Hammel, Reid Kuehner, Ian Giddings, Max

Grimstad, Keaton Vobr, Ethan Casper, Will Robinson and Kyle Pattison – all of whom scored points for the Vikes at conference last season.

“Each of these swimmers will only get better and faster this season,” said coach Storts.

While experience will be a key contributor to how successful the Vikes will be this season, so are numbers.

“We have a large team this year with 33 swimmers. We will have to replace some big scorers for last year with team depth this season,” the Viking skipper noted.

Others back for the new season are seniors Oliver Brummel, Aitor Cuevas, Phuong Doan, Dalton Ellickson, Landyn Hook, Andrew Olson, Jack Sovern, Garrett Willie, Grant Zilka; juniors Oliver Bollinger, Ashton Saltou, Eli Sassaman, Mitchell Stemper; and sophomores Spencer Christensen, Esteban Fernandez and

Kyan Oftendahl.

New to the team this season are Dane Burns, Weston Cote, Landon Humpal, Oak Pasche, Garrett See, Tyler Shaw, Jordan Snitker, Ethan Swizdor and Gavin Wilkins.

Decorah boys swim schedule Dec. 14 at Cedar Falls, 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 20 hosts meet (Luther), 6 p.m.

Jan. 7 at Vinton-Shellsburg, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Waterloo West invite, 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Fort Dodge invite, 10 a.m.

Jan. 23 at Mason City, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Conf. meet (TBD), 12 p.m.

Feb. 8 at District meet (TBD), 12 p.m.

Feb. 14-15 at State meet (Iowa City), TBD

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW 24|25

B-2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Members of the 2024-25 Decorah girls’ wrestling team include (front, l-r) managers Olivia Paulsen, Adalyn Farley, Isabella Sailor; (middle) coach Paige Hageman, Brandi Nehls, Izabella Kos, Audrey Feuerhelm, McKenzie Tollefson, Chloe Sheffield, Cassie Wilkins, Liv Anderson, Ana Simon, assistant head coach Casey Kohls; (back) head coach Gene Adams, Simone Downing, Lauren Luzum, Bristol Parker, Ellie Adams, Kamryn Steines, Amelia Wadsworth, Esme Cuevas, Isabelle Alley and coach Bruce Sacquitne. Not pictured is Madysen Lippe. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr)

Viking girls look to repeat success as state champions

As memorable as the 2023-24 season was, head coach Gene Adams believes this season will be just as noteworthy with eight returning letter winners — all of whom were state qualifiers on the title team last season.

Adams, who has coached wrestling for 25 years, enters his second as the Decorah girls’ head coach with a 12-2 dual record last season. Assisting him are Casey Kohls, Matt Simon, Bob Holkesvik and Bruce Sacquitne.

Remarkable season Seven letter winners led the Viking team into the 2023-24 season that finished as the runner-up in the Northeast Iowa Conference in duals.

It was the Region 8 qualifier where everything came together for Decorah it won the regional title and saw nine Vikings punch tickets to state.

When the final match was complete in Coralville, the Vikings tallied 141 points, leaps and bounds ahead of second place teams East Buchanan and

Raccoon River-Northwest with 96 points apiece. The Vikes also boasts the first four-time state champion in girls’ wrestling history in Iowa as senior Naomi Simon pinned her way to the finals at 170 pounds. In her only non-fall action of the state tournament, she defeated Autumn Elsbury of South Tama County in the finals by a 15-2 major decision.

Chloe Sheffield was also in the finals but fell to returning champion Katie Biscoglia of Raccoon River-Northwest by a

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Returning letter winners on the Decorah girls’ wrestling team this season are (front, l-r) Cassie Wilkins, Chloe Sheffield, Ana Simon; (back) McKenzie Tollefson, Ellie Adams, Kamryn Steines, Amelia Wadsworth and Lauren Luzum. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr) 5-1 decision giving the junior a silver medal at 100 pounds.

Also competing in the placing rounds was Ana Simon, who recorded a fall in 44 seconds to claim bronze at 145 pounds. Kamryn Steines (190) took sixth while Lauren Luzum (155) earned eighth.

Others competing in the limelight at state for the Vikes were Ellie Adams (115), McKenzie Tollefson (135), Amelia Wadsworth (140) and Madysen Lippe (235).

Hungry to do it again At the top of Coach Adams’ list is his eight returning letter winners — Sheffield (100), Adams (115), Tollefson (135), Wadsworth (140), Simon (145), Luzum (155) and Lippe (235).

“The girls are determined to be the Class 1A State Champions this year in the new twoclass system as we have a number of high level talent returning this season,” said Coach Adams.

“These girls have many match-

es of experience, including state tournament experience. There are a number of wrestlers who are returning place winners and have been practicing/competing in wrestling since last February.

A nice freshman class should allow us to fill all 14 weight classes, which we couldn’t do last season.”

Joining the returning letter winners this season is junior Izabel Alley; sophomore Cassie Wilkins; and freshmen Simone Downing, Bristol Parker, Audrey Feuerhelm, Izabella Kos, Brandi Nehls, Liv Anderson and Esme Cuevas.

“We will need our freshmen to be able to contribute to the success of the team immediately,” noted the veteran coach.

“Also, with the two-class system in wrestling there will be many schools in Class 1A and now only the top two individuals at each weight will qualify for the state tournament.”

Coach Adams doesn’t doubt the competition will be stiff

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this season in the NEIC with Charles City and Crestwood; however, he still foresees the Vikes claiming the league and state title.

Decorah girls wrestling schedule Dec. 12 vs. Charles City, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 13 at South Winn invite (Luther), 4 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Waukon, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Waterloo East (Young Arena), 9 a.m.

Jan. 4 at Saint James tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Crestwood/Holmen, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Anamosa tnmt., 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 14 at Waverly-Shell Rock, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 at New Hampton, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Mason City tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 31 at Regional tnmt., 11 a.m.

Feb. 6-7 at State tnmt.

(Coralville), TBD

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM | B-3

Decorah grapplers to build foundation on experience There’s a strong core of athletes to build a team around for the Decorah boys’ wrestling program.

With five returning state qualifiers and four additional letter winners, the Vikes will utilize their experience to put together a winning line-up.

Leading the team for his second year is Jordan Thompson. He will be assisted

by Lee Meirick.

A good year For the 2023-2024 season, Coach Thompson had two state qualifiers back and a host of athletes.

Things really started coming together in the postseason that began with a runner-up finish at the Northeast Iowa Conference tournament. The Vikes finished second to Waverly-Shell Rock with five of six grapplers winning titles in the finals.

Two weeks later, Decorah had seven wrestlers earn state bids at the district meet. Mason Avila (132) and Tommy Sexton (190) were crowned district champions, while Gavin Knutson (106), Will Larson (138), Bill Fullhart (144), Kolin Henry (150) and Brody Hanson (157) finished runner-up.

At Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines for state, Knutson, Avila, Fullhart, Hanson and Sexton all survived the first day. In the end Sexton finished the season with a 39-9 record in fourth place, while Avila went 34-4 on the season and made the podium in fifth place. Knutson also climbed the podium with a sixth place finish and capped of the season 37-9.

Loaded with talent At the conclusion of the season, the Vikings graduated four seniors including Brody Hanson, Kollin Henry, Danny See and Kaiden Youngblood.

However, coach Thompson

Donning the singlets for the Decorah boys’ wrestling program in 2024-25 will be (front, l-r) Kelton Casterton, Michael Clement, Hunter Jirak-Selden, Meison Tollefson, Isaac Quandahl, Lucas Wymer, Kellen O’Gara, Will Larson, Andrew Bjork; (middle) Kennadi Schuman (manager), Mason Avila, Kasen Tyler, Logan Fortman, Gavin Carolan, Justin Fortman, Jacob Kulish, Steven Munoz, Bill Fullhart, Coach Lee Meirick; (back) Peyton Schultz (manager), Gavin Knutson, Tommy Sexton, Adrian Smith, Bradan Darling, Kash Turner, Owen Larson, Ethan Kuennen, Coach Jordan Thompson. Not pictured is Aiden Whalen. (Photos courtesy of Tami Bohr)

has a loaded roster to turn this season including two-time state qualifiers Avila and Larson, along with last year’s inaugural state matmen Knutson, Sexton and Fullhart. Joining the five will be returning letter winners Kelton Casterton (106), Steven Munoz (157) and Bradan Darling (165).

Other grapplers ready to take the mat include senior Justin Fortman (132); sophomores Michael Clement (126), Adrian Smith (175), Cash Turner (138); and freshmen Andrew Bjork, Gavin Carolan, Logan Fortman, Hunter Jirak-Selden, Ethan Kuennen, Jacob Kulish, Owen Larson, Kellen O’Gara, Isaac Quamdahl, Meison Teollefson, Kasen Tyler, Aiden Whalen and Lucas Wymer.

Decorah boys wrestling schedule Dec. 12 vs. Charles City, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 13 at South Winn tnmt.

(Luther), 4 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Waukon, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Fort Dodge tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 3-4 at La Crescent tnmt. (La Crosse Center), 10 a.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Crestwood, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 14 at Caledonia, 6 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Osage tnmt., 9 a.m.

Jan. 23 at New Hampton, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Center Point-Urbana tnmt., 9 a.m.

Feb. 1 at NEIC tnmt. (Charles City), 10 a.m.

Feb. 4 at Regional dual tnmt.

(TBD), 6 p.m.

Feb. 8 at State dual tnmt.

(Coralville), 10 a.m.

Feb. 15 at District tnmt., (TBD), 10 a.m.

Feb. 19-22 at State tnmt. (Des Moines), TBD

Members of the Decorah boys’ wrestling team back with a letter are (front, l-r) Kelton Casterton, Michael Clement, Will Larson, Mason Avila; (back) Steven Munoz, Gavin Knutson, Bradan Darling, Tommy Sexton and Bill Fullhart.

Keglers set another run at state

For the past two seasons the Decorah girls’ and boys’ bowling teams have grown to be among the best in the state, not only qualifying for the state tournament but finishing in the top eight in Class 2A. Keith Bruening continues to lead the programs since its organization in 2016, as he has with former Viking kegler Michael Bruening acting as his assistant.

A big year The Decorah squads returned a lot of talent and experience in 2023 and rolled through the season with both the girls and boys posting a perfect 10-0 dual record.

At the North Central Bowling Conference Baker tournament, the Viking boys entered bracket play as the top seed and made their way to the top with wins over Forest City, Waterloo Columbus and Charles City to win their second consecutive title.

The girls came in shy of the title as the second seed. The Viking girls defeated Waukon and Waverly-Shell Rock before falling to Charles City in three games to earn the runner-up spot.

Two weeks later on their home lanes, the Decorah girls hosted one of the state qualifying meets and posted the top score of 2,675. Additionally, then-sophomore Karlie Einck was the individual champion.

Two others punched individual tickets to state including senior Anika Grina and sophomore Jasera Tweten.

A day later it was the boys’ turn to showcase their talents as they were crowned the district champs at King Pin Entertainment Center. Earning an individual state bid for the Vikes were Brock Christensen who was the district runner-up, along

with Jordan Sims in fourth and Cade Averhoff who was eighth.

In Waterloo at the state tournament, the Decorah boys qualified third for bracket play and dropped a close match to Le Mars which came down to a single spare. That loss sent the Vikes into the third-place match versus Dowling, who Decorah had no trouble defeating to claim bronze. The girls started seventh in the 15-round qualifier and were in the consolation bracket, defeating Independence and Fort Dodge to earn fifth.

Those graduating after the season included Anika Grinna, Kathleen Delphey, Anopa Mtisi, Cade Averhoff, Brock Christensen, Jeron Feuerhelm, Luke Jensen, Kadin Remick and TJ Round.

Ready to go again There is little doubt that the Vikes will once again be a force on the lanes during the 2024-25 campaign with only one graduating from the girls’ team and three from the boys,’ along with a large roster to pull from.

Sims, a second team all-state honoree last year, looks poised to earn another trip to state with the Vikings, along with fellow letter winners Tyler Novak, Cain Monreal-Rice, Chase Vick, Bryce Elsbernd and Jace Buddenberg.

Other boys looking to lock in a varsity spot are seniors Cole Christopher, Brody Hageman, Beau Newhouse, Shane Treangen; juniors Yoseph Ko, Alex Maki, Dak Sabin; sophomores Jack Hammell, Tristan Hunter, Gavin Luzum, Clarence Nimrod, Toby Schnitzler, Van Steine, Keagan Steines, Oskar Swanson; and freshmen Brock Anfinson, Wyatt Birdsell, Dylan Brincks, Quade Bruen-

ing, Brock Bullerman, Dominic Christopher, Brody Darling, Grady Sabelka and Anders Wicklund.

“The boys have the experience but we need to get better if we want to reach our goals,” said Coach K. Bruening. “It starts by working hard every day.”

The girls’ return all but one from last year’s state team, with the trio of Einck, Riley Averhoff and Marri Feuerhelm having two years of state experience under their belt. Joining the trio with a letter are Addison Wicklund, Jasera Tweten, Asmere Jensen and Naomi Pedlar.

Additional girls ready to contribute this season are seniors Abbeke Jesen, Shelby Jochola, Audrianna Marsh, Kathy Sitan Muj; sophomores Hadley Alexander, Hayley Baker, Kayley Baker, Ella Jacobsen, Kaelyn Kuhn, Kennady Riehle, Isabella

Schnitzler and freshmen Harlie Larson and Taylor Sloan-Dahl.

“Just like the boys, the girls have to keep working hard, but they are experienced, smart kids,” added the coach. “We do have a tough schedule with some new programs on the list but are looking for a fun yet rewarding season. If we improve and have fun, I see no reason why we won’t be successful.”

Jasera Tweten

Fair Winds and Following Seas this season, to all area athletes!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Team photos were unavailable at press time as the Decorah bowling team was awaiting the arrival of team apparel. Photos will be published later in the season as space permits.

Decorah bowling schedule

All matches begin at 4 p.m., unless noted otherwise Home matches will be at Kingpin Entertainment Center Dec. 13 vs. Denver Dec. 20 at Charles City Jan. 6 vs. Mason City Jan. 10 vs. Oelwein Jan. 17 vs. Waukon Jan. 24 at SumnerFredericksburg Jan. 25 at Independence tnmt.

(Cadillac Lanes), 9 a.m.

Jan. 30 at Waverly-Shell Rock, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 at Conf. tnmt. (Cadillac Lanes), 10 a.m.

Feb. 7 vs. Waterloo Columbus Feb. 17 at Regional tnmt. (girls only), 10 a.m.

Feb. 18 at District tnmt. (boys only), 10 a.m.

Feb. 24-25 at State tnmt.

(Cadillac Lanes), TBD

Wishing you success all year long!

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW 24|25

B-4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Decorah girls look to capitalize on experience Athleticism combined with the ability to push the ball and run the floor are among the list of items new Head Decorah Girls Basketball Coach Blake Moen sees at the strength for the Vikings this season.

Moen, who takes over the helm from Shannon Quandahl who led the Vikes for eight seasons, will have four returning letter winners to rely on as the season rolls with a mix of athletes who had successful junior varsity games a year ago.

Looking back With four seniors, three of them the letter winners, the Vikes were a work in progress.

It was matter of putting it all together during the regular season. Decorah had some ups and downs, finishing the conference portion of the slate second with an 8-2 NEIC record and 15-8 overall mark.

In the Class 4A regional quarterfinal, the Viking girls took care of Charles City 70-

15. That placed Decorah into the regional semifinal against Western Dubuque. The Bobcats took care of business, defeating the Vikes 62-36.

Following the conclusion of the season, the Vikes graduated three seniors. First team All-NEIC Yazmeen Whitsitt led the way, scoring 551 points on the year and coming away with 64 steals to go 69 rebounds and 46 assists. Brynn Storhoff scored 99 points and led the Vikes with 120 boards, along with 47 assists and 22 steals.

Also graduating was Brooke Anfinson.

Young and pesky Decorah will return four players with letters. Among them is All-NEIC First Team honoree Claire Storhoff. During her freshman campaign, she provided 11.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. She was second in steals for the Vikes with 54 and contributed 88 rebounds and 32 assists.

Having played 11 Decorah girls varsity games prior to an inbasketball schedule jury putting her on the bench, Brooklyn Dec. 13 at New Hampton, 6:45 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Osage (at Luther), 4 p.m.

Fromm had racked up Dec. 17 vs. Waukon, 6:45 p.m.

107 points, an average Dec. 21 vs. East Buchanan (at of 9.7 per game. As a Luther), 1 p.m. sophomore she also had Jan. 3 vs. Hudson, 6:45 p.m.

4.9 rebounds a night for Jan. 6 at MFL MarMac, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Kee, 7:30 p.m. a total of 54 (19 offenJan 11 vs. Cascade, 2:30 p.m. sive, 35 defensive to Jan. 14 vs. Waverly-Shell Rock, 7:30 go with 23 assists, 11 p.m. steals and seven blocks.

Jan. 17 at Crestwood, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 21 vs. Prairie du Chien, 7:30 p.m.

Sydney Thompson Jan. 24 vs. New Hampton, 6:45 p.m. also saw big minutes on Jan. 31 at Waukon, 6:45 p.m. the floor, averaging 5.0 Feb. 1 vs. Mason City, 5:30 p.m. points and 3.8 rebounds Feb. 6 at Spring Grove, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 vs. Lanesboro, 7:30 p.m. a game, firing 30.3 perFeb. 13 at Waterloo East, 7:30 p.m. cent from behind the

arc. As a sophomore she contributed 16 steals and 14 assists as well.

Also back with a letter is junior Clara Hjelle who pulled down 30 boards to go with 19 points, nine steals and eight assists.

Others listed on the varsity roster looking to find a way to contribute are seniors Kera Walter and Ella Carlson; juniors Renae Wilson, Kelby Kerndt, Natalie Stevens and Deborah Hougen, along with sophomore Liz Bucksa.

“We have a lot of returning experience and new potential but it will take effort to get our timing down,” said coach Moen. “We will rely heavily on our junior and sophomore class , but I am excited for the season to see what this team can do.”

ABOVE: Members of the 2024-25 Decorah girls’ varsity squad are (front, l-r) Clara Hjelle, Deborah Hougen, Kelby Kerndt, Liz Bucksa, Natalie Stevens; (back) Renae Wilson, Sydney Thompson, Ella Carlson, Kera Walter, Claire Storhoff and Brooklyn Fromm.

2024 projection “We have been fortunate to have some excellent talent come through our program over the past few years, and it is now this group’s turn. The girls are hungry and have dedicated a lot of time for the season, and I am looking forward to putting that to the test and continuing to build with them,” added coach Moen.

The new coach foresees the

INSET: Returning to the hardwood this season with a letter are (l-r) Sydney Thompson, Brooklyn Fromm, Claire Storhoff and Clara Hjelle. (Photos courtesy of Tami Bohr)

Northeast Iowa Conference wide open for the taking, citing a well-coached Crestwood squad with a core group of returnees as the team to look out for.

Decorah opened their season

at Dike-New Hartford on Nov. 26 and already has several other non-conference games under its belt as the Vikes get set to open the NEIC portion of their season at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at New Hampton.

SW girls aim to improve throughout 2024-25

A lot of scoring ability will be back on the hardwood for the South Winn girls’ basketball team for during the new season and new head coach Michael Gehling is hoping that will translate to more wins.

After serving as assistant coach the last several seasons, Gehling is no stranger to the

program. Neither is his assistant Carla Nymeyer, who led the Turkey Valley girls’ team for nine seasons, which included a pair of state runner-up finishes.

Glancing back South Winn players had a big learning curve last season with just two seniors taking the court

as well as several juniors and sophomores stepping in to fill roles on the varsity squad that went 5-11 in the Upper Iowa Conference.

As the postseason began, the Warriors managed to edge Wapsie Valley 47-43 in the opening round of Class 2A action. However, for the third season in a

row, Aplington-Parkersburg ended South Winn’s season in round two, 61-22.

The Warriors finished the season with a 7-16 overall record and graduated UIC honorable mention guard Aubrey Willey and guard Loleta Ryan.

Looking ahead

Back in action with a letter for the South Winn girls’ basketball program are (front, l-r) Adele Conway, Allison Hageman, Karissa Wenthold; (back) Charlotte Moonen, Alyssa Holthaus, Adrienne Winings, Ella Theis and Chloe Wiltgen. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Suiting up for varsity action in the South Winn girls’ basketball program this season are (front, l-r) Adele Conway, Allison Hageman, Karissa Wenthold, Adrienne Winings, Emmy Gehling; (back) Charlotte Moonen, Alyssa Holthaus, Vanessa Bullerman, Alexis Johanningmeier, Chloe Wiltgen and Ella Theis. (Photo by Becky Walz)

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Having gained experience last season, the Warriors look poised to better their record with eight returning letter winners.

“We return a strong core of upper classmen with 78 percent of our scoring from last year’s team,” pointed out coach Gehling. “Defense will be our strength, but our team height will be a little disadvantage for us.”

Leading the way is last season’s leading scorer Karissa Wenthold. During her junior campaign she averaged 11 points per game to earn a second team all-conference nod.

Wendhold was second on the Warrior squad in steals with 49 and had 34 assists.

Junior Alyssa Holthaus looked poised to big things again this season as a returning All-UIC honorable mention.

She put up 6.4 points per game and nabbed 4.5 rebounds a night; however, an injury in the Warriors’ first game against Kee

in November will have her on the bench for most the season.

Ella Theis was third in rebounds a season ago for the Warriors with 102 boards.

Other returning letter winners include seniors Allison Hageman (2.6 ppg. 3.1 rpg) and Adrienne Winings (1.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg); juniors Charlotte Moonen (1.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg) and Adele Conway (0.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg) and sophomore Chloe Wiltgen (2.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg).

The outlook Coach Gehling believes his Warriors have the capability to finish in the top half of the conference with defending UIC champ MFL MarMac and Kee leading the way.

“We are going to try to improve every day and give our full effort at all times,” said the first-year head coach. “I think by doing this we should be able to compete in all of our games.

We have a great group of girls who are willing to learn new things.”

Good luck Winter Athletes!

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW 24|25

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Eyeing a run back to state; Viking boys strive to fill gaps All eyes will be on the Decorah boys’ basketball team this season as the Vikings look to make a return trip to state.

The Vikes return six letter winners off a team that went all the way to the state semifinal last year.

Leading the way is head coach Jonathan Carlson, who has been leading the program for 12 seasons.

So close Five seniors who saw countless minutes on the floor in previous seasons led the Decorah team from the onset of the 2023-24 season. Those leaders, combined with some young talent, were poised to make some noise in the postseason and did they ever.

Decorah claimed a share of the Northeast Iowa Conference title with Waverly-Shell Rock with a 9-1 record. As the postseason rolled on, the Vikes handled West Delaware with ease at home, winning 98-41.

Moving on to round two, Decorah defeated Wahlert 69-56 to advance to the substate final against NEIC foe, Charles City. Winning 69-40, the Vikes punched their ticket to the Class 3A state tournament.

In Des Moines, the top-ranked Vikes defeated Williamsburg 66-42 in the quarterfinal before ending their record-setting season against Davenport Assumption in overtime, 61-53.

The Vikes finished the season 22-2 overall and had four athletes named to the All-NEIC team, including seniors Ben Bockman and Trey McCain,

age size for a Class 3A team.

We have two dynamic scorers in Driscoll and LaFrentz,” noted coach Carlson.

While size could be a huge factor for Decorah, so could the inexperience the Vikes have at other positions and how quickly the athletes can gel as a team.

“Many of our guys came off a successful football season, so we are hoping to carry it over to the hardwood. We have an early challenging schedule and will be tested big time,” concluded the veteran coach.

Members of the Decorah boys’ basketball varsity team for 2024-25 are (front, l-r) Jameson LaBelle, Zach Driscoll, Gavin Groux, Louie Bucksa, Carter Dlhy, Peyton Webb, Tanner Caddell, Andy Carolan; (back) Coach Jacob Reinhardt, Coach Jon Carlson, Jackson Pipho, Keaton Nalean-Carlson, Noah Milburn, Cael LaFrentz, Trevor Kuennen, Caden Malanaphy, Coach Josh Wiepert and Coach Gunnar Rollins. (Photos courtesy of Tami Bohr) along with junior Zach Driscoll and sophomore Cael LaFrentz.

At the conclusion of the year, Decorah saw five contributing seniors graduate — Ben Bockman, Trey McCain, Matthew Bockman, Kaiden Quandahl and Andrew Rhodes. Those five accounted for 1,202 of 1,980 points last season.

Big names back Coach Carlson will have several key names back this season, including Driscoll who was named to the All-State and All-NEIC team last season.

Now a senior, Driscoll led the Vikes with 44 steals to go with 117 assists, 97 rebounds and averaged 9.8 points a game last year. LaFrentz is also returning to the hardwood with 15.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game averages. The junior

Those returning to the Viking floor with a letter this season are (l-r) Noah Milburn, Zach Driscoll, Gavin Groux, Louie Bucksa, Carter Dlhy, Jackson Pipho and Cael LaFrentz. center also finished at the top of Class 3A in blocks with 67.

Four others return with a letter for the Vikes including junior forward Noah Milburn who played in 22 games last season, scoring 46 points and hauling in 46 total rebounds to

go with 13 steals, 10 assists and four blocks. Senior point guard Gavin Groux, senior guard Jackson Pipho and forward Carter Dlhy also return.

A look ahead Although the leading scorers

have graduated, coach Carlson predicts the Vikes will be contending for the league title with Charles City, with Waukon and Crestwood possibly vying for the top spot as well.

“We will be a highly athletic team this year with above aver-

Decorah boys varsity basketball schedule Dec. 13 at New Hampton, 8 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Wahlert Catholic, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 vs. Waukon, 8 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs. Prairie du Chien, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 vs. Hudson, 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Charles City, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Cascade, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 vs. Spencer (NIACC), 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Crestwood, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Council Bluffs/ Sergeant Bluff-Luton, 10:45 a.m.

Jan. 24 vs. New Hampton, 8 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Waukon, 8 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Chatfield, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Winterset (Wells Fargo, Des Moines), 2 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Osage, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 vs. Charles City, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20 vs. Mason City, 7:30 p.m.

Spots open; SW boys developing depth

There’s excitement in the South Winn boys’ basketball program.

With five returning letter winners and several young players ready for their time to shine, there’s potential for a strong year for the Warriors.

Leading the squad for his third season is Derek Taylor.

He will be assisted by Mitchell Herold and Logan Schweinefus.

A look at last year The Warriors of 2023-24 featured just three seniors and a host of underclassman, who already had seen plenty of time on the floor.

South Winn saw lots of ups and downs on the hardwood that culminated in a fourth-place finish in the Upper Iowa Conference, finishing the league

schedule 9-7 and 15-9 overall.

Taking round one 65-21 over Clayton Ridge, the Warriors survived Edgewood-Colesburg 65-60 in round two before falling to Kee in the Class 1A semifinal game 59-56.

Following the conclusion of the year, four Warriors were named all-conference. Sophomore Matson Winings was named to the first team, averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. He had a team high 34 blocks.

Senior Kole Hageman was named to the second team, contributing a total of 309 points for the season or 13.4 points a night with 123 rebounds, 62 steals and 66 assists.

Then-junior Nolan Sabelka was named honorable mention.

He was third in steals for the Warriors with 45, along with

52 assists, 49 rebounds and 86 points for the season.

Braiden Todd was an honorable mention selection. During his sophomore campaign he averaged 12.5 points a night; however, he led the Warriors in assists with 96. Todd also had 52 steals and 87 boards.

Back strong In addition to Winings, Sabelka and Todd, the Warriors have two other players who earned a letter.

Junior Carson Streeter was sidelined with an injury during the 2023-24 season but finished with a 15.6 points per game average. Through the nine games he played, he racked up 36 steals, 47 assists and 58 rebounds.

Kaden Barton-Franzen will be back at a forward position.

As a junior he averaged 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds a game.

They will be joined by senior Irving Flores; juniors Carver Wenthold, Brad Dahl, Cale Kleppe and Logan Tieskoetter; and freshman Jordan Einck.

Season forecast Coach Taylor believes the size of his squad will make for an excellent defensive team, especially in Class 1A. “We also have scoring talent as we have guys that can create and finish all over the floor. The experience with the five starters playing big minutes last year and the hunger from losing a tough district final has put us in a great place to get back to and go further this season,” he said.

While the Warriors have much experience to rely on this season, the coaches are still Tying up the laces and donning the varsity jerseys for the South Winn boys’ basketball program are (front, l-r) Carver Wenthold, Matson Winings, Braiden Todd, Carson Streeter, Irving Flores, Cale Kleppe; (back) Brad Dahl, Kaden Barton-Franzen, Nolan Sabelka, Logan Tieskoetter and Jordan Einck. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Returning letter winners set to lead the 2024-25 South Winn boys’ basketball team are (l-r) Kaden Barton-Franzen, Matson Winings, Braiden Todd, Carson Streeter and Nolan Sabelka. (Photo by Becky Walz) looking to find those athletes who have the ability to consistently hit the deep ball to expand the outside shooting.

“I am also concerned about our depth,” noted coach Taylor.

“I have a lot of returning talent, but who is going to step up into the rotation to be the sixth, seventh and eighth guys off the bench?”

While Coach Taylor fully expects to see the Warriors competing for the conference title, he has his eye out for the talent held by North Fayette Valley and Kee as well. And that will depend on keeping the injury bug away.

“We never really played at full strength after the first two weeks of the season last year and this is one of the most talented groups of athletes South Winn has had in a long time.

He concluded, if we can stay healthy, I think there is a lot of potential if we work hard and stay the course.”

*Games are girls/boys and start at approximately 6:15 p.m., unless noted otherwise Dec. 12 vs. East Buchanan, 6 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Clayton Ridge Dec. 17 at North Fayette Valley Dec. 19 vs. Decorah, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. West Central Jan. 3 at Turkey Valley Jan. 7 at Central Elkader Jan. 10 at Kee Jan. 14 vs. Postville Jan. 20 vs. Crestwood Jan. 21 at MFL MarMac Jan. 23 vs. Charles City, 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 vs. Clayton Ridge Jan. 27 at Waukon Jan. 28 vs. North Fayette Valley Jan. 31 at West Central Feb. 3 at New Hampton, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 vs. Turkey Valley Feb. 7 vs. Central Elkader (girls) Feb. 11 vs. Kee (boys)

Winter

Good Luck Athletes!

South Winn varsity basketball schedules

Have a great season, athletes!

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Decorah, IA 563-419-6828

HAVE A GREAT SEASON

Athletes!

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW 24|25

B-6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Warrior grapplers ready to rise to occasion for 2024-25 season

Those on the 2024-25 wrestling roster for the South Winn boys’ wrestling team are (front, l-r) managers Alivia Kuennen, Delaney Steffans, Hayden Steffens, Ellie Knutson, Abby Wagner, Jule Sadler, Gracyn Humpal; (second row) John Donovan, Steven Andera, Gavin Thuente, Paxton Brincks, Clayton Kuboushek, Matthew Donovan, Cooper Huinker; (back) Gavin Feickert, Matthew Horstman, Eric Greve, Kolton Brummond, Ray Lienau, Landen Schnuelle, Kyle Kuboushek and Lukas Weiss. (Photos by Becky Walz)

The South Winn boys’ wrestling team members are either blessed with years of experience or are new to the program with few athletes in between as the Warriors take the mats for the 2024-25 season.

Leading the Warriors in his 14th season is head coach Jacob Elsbernd.

Headed to state With over 20 grapplers showing up in the wrestling room last year, coach Elsbernd had a strong core of athletes to look to. The team went 24-6 in dual meets.

It was an exciting night in Calmar in January for the Upper Iowa Conference meet with the Warriors claiming the title with 227 points with four athletes winning their respective weight divisions. Senior Aiden Feickert put an exclamation point on his season with his third UIC crown at 113 pounds, while Collin Holm (144) and Parker Timp (215) won their second conference titles. At 165 pounds, Kyle Kuboushek claimed the top spot.

Two weeks later, South Winn finished fourth at the District 1 meet in Denver, advancing five to the state meet. Feickert, Holm, Landen Schnuelle earned bids on a wrestle back opportunities, while Kuboushek and Timp took second outright.

Taking the mats at Wells Fargo Arena, Feickert won his first match, but ultimately fell to the consolation bracket and out of medal contention in the second round of consolations, ending his senior campaign with a 43-9

record. Holm, the 2023 state runner-up, rolled through the first couple rounds before he fell to Denver foe Boden White in the semifinals, eventually earning bronze at 144 pounds with a 46-3 record for the season. At 150 pounds, Schnuelle got a taste of the big stage, dropping his first two matches.

Kuboushek finished the season 44-10 at 165 pounds as he went 3-2 at state, while Timp was 2-2 at 215 pounds with a 39-9 record overall.

Graduating last year were A. Feickert, Bo Wangsness, Holm, Cody Meyer, Brady Ohrt, Quinn Huinker and Timp.

Big names back Coach Elsbernd has several athletes back with experience to lead the Warriors into the new season.

Leading the way are the state-qualifying junior duo of Schnuelle (175 lbs.) and Kuboushek (175 lbs.).

Also back with experience are Eric Greve (157 lbs., 8-12 last season), John Donovan (157, injured last season), Lukas Weiss (157 lbs., 25-12), Gavin Thuente (126 lbs., 3218), Kolton Brummond (285 lbs., 15-32) and Ray Lienau (285 lbs., 15-21).

Those rounding out the team are juniors Matthew Horstman (215) and Aydan Shultz (285); sophomores Cooper Huinker (138), Parker Dahl (157), Gavin Feickert; and freshmen Clayton Kuboushek (120), Steven Andera (132), Paxton Brincks (132), Matthew Donovan (144) and Earl Lienau (190).

Best of luck to the athletes for a great upcoming season!

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Monona 603 Hwy 18 West.

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Returning letter winners on the South Winn boys’ wrestling team this season are (front, l-r) Eric Greve, John Donovan, Lukas Weiss, Gavin Thuente; (back) Kolton Brummond, Ray Lienau, Landen Schnuelle and Kyle Kuboushek.

SW girls ready to rumble into 2024-25 With years of coaching experience, South Winn head girls’ wrestling head Coach Ethan Adams is looking forward to seeing his squad grow in competitive toughness and gaining quality competitions on the mats.

Coach Adams is back at the helm for his third season with Isabel Ihde and Tayton Bullerman taking the roles of assistant coaches.

A look back The 2023 squad showcased six letter winners, two of whom had qualified for state the year prior.

A season of highs and lows culminated at the Region 8 qualifier in Mason City. The Warriors garnered 59 points on the day, finishing 14th in the 25team field.

Highlighting the efforts, Kaydn Meyer not only won her 100th career match but was named the champion at 125 pounds. Battling a wrist injury, Maddy Jansen put on a gutsy display on the mats, finishing runner-up to punch her second ticket to the big show at 135 pounds.

In Coralville, Meyer earned a spot on the podium in eighth place and concluded her senior campaign with a 38-10 record, while Jansen went 1-2 at the tournament.

What lies ahead “We have a very young team

with our lone senior out due to injury,” noted coach Adams.

“We will look to our juniors to lead our team.”

While young, the veteran coach knows the team is balanced with girls who now have some wrestling experience, allowing them to become more accomplished on a daily basis.

Returning letter winner and senior Abby Wagner will be sidelined this season after suf-

fering a knee injury during softball, leaving Maddy Jansen, Sophia Dvorak, Izzy Goltz and McKenna Looby to lead the team.

Jansen, a two-time state qualifier, will wrestle at 135 pounds this season after she finished with a 24-11 record as a sophomore.

Joining the squad this season are Kenna Stanley, Violet Schmelzer, Gracie Walz, Grace Jansen, Jena Peters and Mack-

enzi Maxwell.

“With the new classes, it may open some doors for our younger girls, but many of the deepest teams in the state are still in Class 1A. It is on the state to effectively break up the powerhouse of eastern and northeast Iowa to get all of the best girls down to the state meet, but I feel we have a couple girls who are up to that challenge,” concluded coach Adams.

Filling out the South Winn girls wrestling roster for the 2024-25 season are (front, l-r) Kenna Stanley, Violet Schmelzer, Izzy Goltz, McKenna Looby, Sophia Dvorak; (back) Gracie Walz, Maddy Jansen, Grace Jansen, Jena Peters and Mackenzi Maxwell. (Photo by Becky Walz)

SW girls wrestling SW boys wrestling schedule schedule

Returning to the mat with letters for the South Winn girls wrestling team are (l-r) Maddy Jansen, Izzy Goltz, McKenna Looby and Sophia Dvorak.

Dec. 13 host invite (Luther) 4 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Waukon, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 at MFL MarMac, 5 p.m.

Jan. 2 at Osage tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 9 at Waukon, 5 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Central Elkader tnmt., 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 host quad, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Postville tnmt., 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 at SumnerFredericksburg tnmt., 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Regional tnmt., 11 a.m.

Feb. 6-7 at State tnmt.

(Coralville), TBD

Dec. 13 host invite (Luther), 4 p.m.

Dec. 17 hosts quad, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Starmont tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 7 at Waukon, 6 p.m.

Jan. 9 at UIC team dual tnmt.

(Elkader), 4 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Tripoli tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 16 at Tripoli, 6 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Lake Mills tnmt., 10 a.m.

Jan. 21 hosts quad, 6 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Alburnett tnmt., 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 30 at UIC tnmt. (Riceville), 4 p.m.

Feb. 15 at District tnmt., (TBD), 10 a.m.