Euphoria Coffee aspires to connect coffee farmers with consumers
BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER
Euphoria Coffee owner Nick Yost knows his joe. He admits he can easily venture into the proverbial weeds when it comes to coffee — from growing and roasting to grinding and brewing — but he’s also capable of pouring a simple cup of black
A new coffee shop has opened in downtown Calmar. Euphoria Coffee opened on Black Friday – offering a variety of coffees, teas, breakfast breads, pastries and snacks. The shop has expanded from the original West Union location.
(Photos by Roz Weis)
coffee. Yet he and his business partner Trevin Jensen aim to provide their customers with something more.
“Our real push is to raise consumer awareness about quality coffee,” said Yost. “That’s our mission, and we hold ourselves to even a higher standard than our customers probably would. I’m in a pursuit of excellence,
when it comes to quality. We compete nationally in roasting competitions, and for me, closing that feedback loop between the producer and the consumer is the best way to make better quality coffee.”
Euphoria Coffee opened a new cafe on Nov. 29 at 110 Maryville St. in Calmar and, while Yost admitted many
small-town cafes across the country often claim to serve the best coffee, he feels Euphoria’s connection with its producers sets it apart.
“It’s one thing to say my coffee is good — something else
Euphoria continued on A-10
of 2025. (Photo by Seth Boyes)
‘You have to give back’
Schrandt recognized for
volunteer
role with Pony Express riders
BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR
A wall just off Edna Schrandt’s kitchen is covered with awards. The Decorah resident’s name is inscribed on certificates and plaques given to her by organizations ranging from local 4-H groups to the Iowa governor’s office.
But Schrandt said the accolades don’t mean all that much to her when compared with the volunteer work that’s behind each one.
“I don’t need that stuff,” she said of her awards. “It’s the people. They need some help.”
taking shape just off of Highland Drive, between Glen Barth Circle and Massman Drive in Decorah. The relocation of Aase Haugen’s campus will also place it within the same neighborhood as the organization’s other independent living communities of Vennehjem and Nabotunet north of the city. The 72,000-square-foot Aase Haugen building is expected to provide assisted living apartments, long-term nursing care
Aase Haugen continued on A-9
Still, Schrandt’s drive to support those in need recently resulted in another award for her wall. She received the Stub and Vi Johnson Volunteer of the Year award last month in Des Moines from Easterseals Iowa. The award, named for early members of Pony Express Riders of Iowa, recognized Schrandt for more than five decades of work volunteering and supporting the Winneshiek County chapter of the Pony Express. The nonprofit raises funds for disabled children and
adults, and members carry the money by horseback toward Camp Sunnyside — a summer camp which welcomes disabled individuals — near Des Moines on Good Friday each year. Locally, the Winneshiek County chapter holds fundraising events, such as dances and raffles, throughout the year before literally hoofing it south to complete their leg of the journey. Pony Express Rideres of Iowa was established in 1967 by organizers in and around the Clay County community of Spencer, according to Schrandt. The then-budding organization sent letters to saddle clubs in other regions of the state the following year, hoping to expand their efforts. Schrandt’s late husband Ted and a few friends met with representatives of the group in Elkader — Ted came home with plans to ride almost 30 miles from Decorah to West Union as part of the group. Schrandt indicated she initially had her doubts about her husband’s plans, but he became
Schrandt continued on A-6
Nick Yost does a pour-over for a cup of coffee at Euphoria Coffee’s new cafe in Calmar. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
Edna Schrandt sits in her kitchen near a wall on which numerous awards bearing her name are hung. The 92-year-old was awarded the Stub and Vi Johnson Volunteer of the Year award last month from the nonprofit Easterseals Iowa, but she said she keeps a strong focus on the importance of volunteerism over accolades. (Photo by Seth Boyes)
Fravel sentenced to life without parole
BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER
A man convicted last month of killing his ex-partner and the mother of his two young children was sentenced to life in prison without parole Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Winona County Courthouse in Winona, Minnesota. Adam Fravel, age 30, formerly of Winona and Mabel, Minnesota, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Madeline Kingsbury, who disappeared March 31, 2023, from the Winona residence she shared with Fravel. Her remains were found in culvert located between Choice and Mabel almost 70 days later. Fravel was arrested for Kingsbury’s death the same day her body was found. A history of domestic violence between Fravel and Kingsbury came to light during the investigation and subsequent trial, and prosecutors believe Fravel killed Kingsbury because she was leaving the relationship.
Thousands of volunteers helped during the first search for Kingsbury in early April — dozens of searches were conducted throughout Winona and Fillmore Counties over the subsequent months. A deputy with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office ultimately discovered Kingsbury’s body beneath brush and logs in a culvert near 198th Street south of Choice — about 5 miles from the Fravel family farm. The body was wrapped in a grey fitted bedsheet and secured with black tape. A medical examiner later noted a towel had been wrapped around her head and neck in a slipknot, and the death was determined to be a homicide, specifically asphyxiation. Investigators said the towel, sheet and tape were consistent with items that would have been in Kingsbury and Fravel’s home.
“Without law enforcement and the thousands of volunteers, Madeline would still be in that culvert — deep in a culvert — at the edge of the of a dead-end road,” Kingsbury’s father said.
Judge Nancy Buytendorp spoke on the topic of domestic violence before formally annoucing Fravel’s sentence.
“We mourn the loss of Maddi Kingsbury, a life taken too soon by an act of unimaginable cruelty,” Buytendorp said. “In this case, the greatest impact is on the two young children, who have lost both their mother and their father. Their suffering is a powerful reminder of the far-reaching effects of domestic violence.“
Buytendorp went on to tell Fravel he must deal with the consequences off his actions, having not only taken the life of his children’s mother but also his children’s sense of stability and of security.
“They will carry the burden of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. Their futures are forever changes by your actions,” said the judge. “Your sentence will reflect the seriousness of your crime — actions do have consequences.”
Kingsbury’s friends and family members were given the opportunity to make statements
on the record during last week’s sentencing hearing. Krista Hultgren, Kingsbury’s mother, was the first to do so. She faced Fravel as she spoke, referring to him only as the defendant, rather than by his name.
“The defendant didn’t own the right to end her life … he could have stopped, but he didn’t. He could have treated her like the extraordinary person she was, but he didn’t,” Hultgren said. “And their children — the only thing they will know is what kind of deplorable human being he turned out to be.”
Kingsbury’s stepsister, Holly Waterston, told the court her three young daughters loved their Aunt Maddi. She also said the young trio are now fearful each day that they could be hurt like their aunt was, and they often seek reassurance they are safe.
“I tell my daughters monsters aren’t real, they don’t live under our beds, but nothing prepared me to comfort my nephew — who will never be able to see, hear or hug his mommy — his monster and his father are one in the same,” Waterston said.
Kingsbury’s father David said he must remind himself each morning that his youngest daughter is still dead. He told the court he looked forward to text messages from her — he said Kingsbury was listed as “The World’s Greatest Kid” in his phone.
“She truly was,” he said. “I will always love you, the apple of my eye.”
Megan Hancock, Kingsbury’s older sister, was the last person Kingsbury texted before her phone went silent and she went missing in March of last year. Hancock had immediately reached out to anyone she could for assistance with finding her sister, posting daily updates online and serving as a sort of family spokesperson throughout the ordeal. She indicated to the court she and other family
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said ahead of Friday’s congressional recess that the federal Farm Bill would likely be extended for another year. The bill is typically, taken up by Congress every five years and encompasses not only national agriculture but supplemental nutrition programs, conservation practices and forestry policies. The 2018 Farm Bill was previously extended in November of 2023. (File photo)
Grassley voices frustration as federal Farm Bill heads toward another extension
BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR
Passing a new five-year Farm Bill will be one of many legislative priorities in Congress next year, according to Iowa’s U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley. Grassley estimated 85 percent of the Farm Bill, which is typically taken up by Congress every five years, doesn’t nec
essarily relate to agricultural. The bill also encompasses other federal efforts like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — as well as forestry policies and conservation practices. Congress did not pass a new Farm Bill continued on A-9
members wre at something of a loss for words as they attempted to explain to Kingsbury’s children that their mother was dead and that home will no longer be the same for them.
After investigators discovered Kingsbury’s body in the culvert, Hancock and her father arrived at the scene, and Hancock told the court they remained with Kingsbury’s body as it was transported to a funeral home.
“How could I say goodbye, watching my father collapse on her, singing ‘You are My Sunshine’ to her one last time?” Hancock asked during her statement last week. “How can I tell you how much of her was already gone as I was holding her hand through the body bag — holding her hand until the end, helping to guide her into the incinerator, because we refused to let her go it alone?”
Kingsbury’s stepmother, Kathy Kingsbury, said Kingsbury’s two children are doing well, despite the family’s loss. However, she did say the children have often awoken in the middle of the night crying and asking for mommy — she added “There are no pleas for daddy.”
“Her children are happy and thriving — they are young and resilient,” Kingsbury’s stepmother said. “But they belong in the arms of their mother. We can’t get her back and she can’t be with her precious children.”
While Fravel was found guilty of four charges at his trial, he was only sentenced on the most severe charge — murder in the first degree — and the three remaining charges were
vacated. The judge asked Fravel whether he had any questions or a statement to make before the hearing was complete. Fravel, who had been sitting back in his chair for a majority of the hearing, leaned into the nearby microphone, glanced at the cameras present in the courtroom and spoke three words.
“No, I’m good,” he said. Fravel was then remanded into custody and court was adjourned.
Kingsbury’s brother, Steven Kingsbury, was not able to attend the sentencing, but his prepared statement was shared with the court.
“The verdict in this case brings about some closure, but it’s a hollow term,” he wrote. “I submit in the end, all will be judged accordingly. Truth and right have prevailed regardless of obstacle.”
Thank You
Every year at this time our community shows what truly unites us here in America as we gather to thank God for the many Blessings which He has bestowed on us all, and because of the continued dedication and sacri ces of many individuals and businesses, a record number of individuals not only received a warm meal from the Decorah Community anksgiving Dinner but felt the Love and compassion which it inspires.
e centerpiece of all anksgiving dinners, the turkey, was once again donated by Fareway Meat Department Manager, Brett Robinson, and Perry Novak. Luther College Food Service Manager Leah McCrea agreed to do the cooking and Justin Scardina and his sta arose early to have them warm for us to debone on Wednesday. Our deepest gratitude to all of you.
Many anks also to Sabin’s Family Table owners, Cory and Amanda, for once again donating the stu ng; Fareway manager Harold Youngblood for donating the potatoes; Kwik Trip on Montgomery Street donating the pie containers; McDonalds for donating the butter; Twins Springs Supper Club for donating the gravy (everyone got plenty this year); and the kids at Northeast Iowa Montessori School who did a wonderful job decorating the placemats (pictures were actually being taken of them). You are a huge part of what make this day successful.
ank you as always to the great volunteers who helped peel potatoes, debone turkeys, set tables, cooked, served, made up and delivered meals, donated pies and cleaned it all up in the end. It could not happen without your commitment either.
Finally a special anks to St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and United Methodist Church for the use of their facilities; to Ellie, our rookie secretary, you did a great job answering all the phone calls, taking orders, and making out the lists; my partner in crime and master of everything cranberry, Judy Holthaus; Chris Fassbender for being kind-hearted enough (or maybe gullible enough) to join me in the early hours to start the cooking; to all who made monetary donations that keep this going and growing; and my wife, Jeanett, for the quarter century plus of allowing me to put o our anksgiving until my extended family is taken care of. It was a great time, hope to see all of you next year!
Hugs were exchanged Dec. 17 outside Minnesota’s Winona County Courthouse following the formal sentencing of Adam Fravel, who was convicted of murdering Madeline Kingsbury, his ex-partner and mother of his two children. Fravel is to serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole. (Photo by Denise Lana)
Adam Fravel spoke briefly during his sentencing hearing Dec. 17. Fravel was convicted last month of murdering his ex-partner and mother of his two children. (Photo by Denise Lana)
Madeline Kingsbury
First Lutheran Church avoids ‘Roofageddon’ via successful capital campaign
BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER
An iconic Decorah church was on the verge of ruin in 2019, but thanks to a devoted congregation and an award-winning construction company, First Lutheran Church’s steeple still blesses the community’s skyline and will likely continue to do so for generations to come.
“We still have a beautiful building, and we’re going to keep on making it more useful,” said the Rev. Michael Wilker, First Lutheran’s senior pastor since January 2022. “I’m really pleased with the builders that put it together.”
STABLE STEEPLES
Restoration work completed on Decorah’s First United Methodist Church
BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER
Decorah First United Methodist Church recently announced the completion of its “Solid Walls, Open Doors” capital campaign, during which parishioners raised $500,000 to pay for repairs to the church’s limestone windowsills, its limestone foundation and mortar — especially on the east exterior wall. If left unrepaired, the church’s board of trustees said the deteriorating areas of the building posed a long-term threat to the structural stability of the main building and sanctuary.
The church’s capital campaign was launched in 2023, and restoration work on the building was completed last month.
“Over the last 10 years, we were aware there was some damage to the roof,” said board of trustees member Drew Pellet. “Then, COVID came, and we didn’t think that was a good time for a fundraiser. And, then we had a change in ministers, so there were a number of different factors that prevented us from getting it done sooner.”
The church contracted with the award-win-
ning Building Restoration Corporation of Roseville, Minnesota, to perform the repairs. At the same time, Pellet said some parishioners suggested the church install solar panels to help offset some of its electricity costs. Because the church’s roof is slate, Pellet said the solar panels were installed on the building’s education wing.
“That was built in the 1960s,” he said. “That makes it much more conducive for mounting the solar panels.”
The restoration project also included the replacement of the church’s capstones — 27 in all — around the building’s exterior. Crews also helped further protect the limestone foundation by installing a band of metal around the base of the church. Pellet said the congregation is still raising $20,000 to cover the cost of restoring the capstones.
The original bid for the restoration project was $440,000, but the congregation raised $500,000 to be safe. Pellet said that, with the recent work completed, the congregation expects the church to last another 150 years.
“The parishioners were real generous,” he said.
First Lutheran member Dale Goodman said the project to save the more-than 140-year-old church came together perfectly.
“I worked in commercial construction for about 16 years,” Goodman said. “So, I’ve had lots of contact with contractors, architects and engineers. I have never run into a more perfect construction situation than the one we had in this part of the project. They were amazing problem solvers, and Ron Stroup was just amazing at looking at things and saying ‘This is the best way to do it,’ and he was exactly right. There’s an old saying that no construction project is ever built on time or within budget, and this was both.”
Wilker said church ushers likely recognized the problem in 2019, when they noticed some cracks in the structure’s walls were growing — after which an engineer was brought in to survey the issue and immediately determined the building was an unsafe place to hold worship services. The 148-year-old church was on the edge of falling in upon itself — leaving still-visible cracks and crevices where the plaster in the sanctuary was pulling away from the building’s framework.
“Sometimes, we call it Roofageddon,” the pastor said. “This started in 2019, and then in 2020, COVID hit. The congregation was dealing with so much.”
But Wilker said that, when the building’s structural issues were revealed, the congregation didn’t beat around the bush.
“They made an affirmative decision they wanted to keep the sanctuary, because another option was to tear it down,” the pastor said. “Comparing the costs, it’s very expensive to have kept this building for Decorah. It could have been more efficient and less costly to build a new building, rather than to preserve this beautiful, historic building, but that’s what we decided to do, because keeping the building and this beautiful steeple is important to us, and it’s important to the whole community.”
The First Lutheran congregation not only met the financial challenge but surpassed it — raising approximately $1 million for the structural repairs and setting aside the remainder for future improvements.
“The congregation is so generous that, by December of last year, we raised $3.8 million for the whole project — including stabilizing the sanctuary and future remodeling,” Wilker said. “We call it the ‘For Generations to Come Campaign,’ because we want this ministry, in this building, to be here for generations to come.”
Goodman said he’s never seen so much money raised by a church in so little time.
“I’ve spent half my life in work that required fundraising, and I’ve never seen anything like it,” Goodman said. “I suspect there are few churches in the country who could raise more than $3 million in four months. I was the director of Camp Ewalu down at Strawberry Point, and our first capital campaign was just under $1 million, and that took us seven years.”
First Lutheran’s congregation totals about 1,000 members with an average of 200 attendees every weekend, according to church officials.
“It’s really a strong congregation,” Wilker said. “We have a critical mass of people from every decade — from the 2-year-olds to the 90-year-olds, and they have a strong heart for caring for the whole community. Our mission statement says that we gather for worship and witness and ecumenical service — meaning it’s not just for the Lutherans. It’s for everybody in the household of God. We’re not a congregation that thinks we’re doing it for ourselves. We’re doing it for the glory of God and for our neighbors. They’re a fantastic congregation.”
The “Roofageddon” project required steel girders to be installed from the roof, through the sanctuary and into the bedrock beneath the church. New steel rafters were installed to hold up the church’s roof as well as the sanctuary’s ceiling. As this was being done, First Lutheran’s congregation worshipped at Luther College and in a neighbor’s carriage house for a number of weeks while Joseph Company installed steel pillars inside the church’s sanctuary to hold the ceiling and roof up while the contractor worked on them.
“The ceiling is really secure now,” Wilker said, adding that the sanctuary project was completed this past April. “It’s kind of like we have a new skeleton, and that skeleton is holding the building up. It’s a 21st century skeleton for a 148-year-old building.”
Finholdt Construction of Decorah and Joseph Company, Inc. of Austin, Minnesota, worked on the project, and the latter received an Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors for Excellence in Construction.
“All the credit goes to our supervisory and frontline staff who creatively designed structural modifications to the roof trusses and concrete foundations to prepare this iconic church for another 150 years and beyond,” said The Joseph Company’s President Carter Wagner.
And now First Lutheran’s congregation is taking the opportunity to consider how to remodel the other portions of the building, such as the church offices and educational spaces — those areas are inaccessible via the church’s lone elevator, which transports individuals from an exterior sidewalk to the sanctuary.
“We’re in the process,” Wilker said of the possible future renovations. “We haven’t made any decisions yet. We’re still working with our contractor and architect to figure out exactly what we want to do. We might start on that in 2025.”
LEFT- A number of small stained-glass windows are set into the exterior wall of the bell tower of First Lutheran Church in Decorah.
BELOW- Steel beams can be seen from a wooden catwalk beneath the pitched roof of First Lutheran Church in Decorah. The beams were part of a sizeable project aimed at restoring the 148-year-old church’s structural integrity.
(Photo by Seth Boyes)
(Photo by Seth Boyes)
Part of the project at Decorah First United Methodist Church involved replacing all 27 capstones lining the exterior of the structure — as well as replacing the limestone windowsills.
(Photo by Zach Jensen)
OPINION
Snow days and shovels call important lessons to mind
As this column is being written, it looks like we might still get a white Christmas with a few days to spare — Iowa weather can be fickle though, so forgive me if I’m wrong.
I’ll admit I, like many other Iowans, have a love-hate relationship with snow. It’s impossible to say how many times I’ve heard the bit about how we’d prefer to have snow for a few weeks at the end of the year and then never again until the next Christmas comes around.
And I get it.
Snow is beautiful — it just is — but it also means work, and sometimes it means slippery roads or delayed trips to see family.
And, as the son of a public school teacher, it sometimes calls to mind the sound of a landline phone ringing. I would relish the bleating of our phone if it came in the early hours of a weekday morning. There was only one reason for someone to ring our house at that hour — it meant the superintendent had called for a two-hour delay at the least. This was before cell phones were widely used, so my dad and other school employees set up a calling tree to spread the news whenever needed. And if I heard that phone ring a second time before those two hours were up — oh, the joy of knowing with certainty that school was cancelled.
Of course, as I got older, that didn’t mean I didn’t have things to do. By the time I was finishing up junior high, my dad and I were doing basic lawn care and snow removal for about five houses around the neighborhood in addition to our own. So, eventually there came the possibility that the same early morning phone call would essentially serve as a wake up call for us to clear some driveways and sidewalks. I recall one particular morning when I thought dad was being overzealous when he woke me up to help clear things off early. It must not have been a big enough snow to call off school, because I remember walking home that afternoon (yes, I actually walked to school from fourth-grade until my graduation) and noticing other folks in our neighborhood straining to scrape their way through layers of crusty snow and ice that had built up on the concrete of their driveways. But as I neared home, I could see our driveway was clear — we’d done our work early, and the afternoon sun had taken
BY SETH BOYES News Editor
care of the rest while we were away.
It seems like such a small thing now, but it made a big enough impression on me back then that, when dad came home for dinner, I actually had to tell him how right he was about getting up early that morning.
And, I’d venture to say that was a pretty significant thing to hear from a young and often self-assured teen.
Believe it or not, I still think about that day pretty often when I go out to shovel my own driveway (which judging by the fluff falling outside the office window while I type this, I’ll be doing again in fairly short order). Frankly, that memory has probably led me to care a little too much about how well I clear my own driveway and sidewalks. But it’s not the only meaningful snow-removal memory that strolls into the forefront of my mind when I feel my shovel scuff against the rough concrete and thump to a stop against the grass at its edge.
I learned about perseverance while sliding on a slippery driveway. I learned about helping others while facing deep drifts. I learned to take pride in hard work while stomping the snow off my boots on the back porch.
Those are the kind of memories that help (at least a little) when the snow is especially deep, or it’s especially early for my back to be slinging snow.
And, where once I could just about rely on instinct to lift my shovel over every heave and skip across every seem in the sidewalks on my block, this winter I find myself adjusting the pitch of my shovel to meet some new and unfamiliar inclines — it’s not unlike life in general, I suppose.
And, like other things in life, familiarity will come with time. In many ways, I’m excited to meet the rises and falls of life’s paths during the coming months and years — though I’m still not entirely thrilled about the prospect of rising early to do so.
Like I said, there’s a bit of a lovehate relationship there.
If you’ve got
While there isn’t a formal document that lays out our policy for letters to the editor, there are plenty of guidelines we do our best to follow.
Obviously we don’t allow things like libelous claims or profanity. We also try our best not to print misinformation that may be included in letters to the editor. Letters can mention candidates’ names, which is fine (it’s pretty hard sometimes to make one’s point without being specific like that). They just can’t endorse candidates or businesses — if a letter sounds like a
Santa’s mailbag over the years
BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER
In honor of the holidays, I’ve included some vintage Letters to Santa from a bygone era in this week’s Echoes of the Past. The newspaper crew and I enjoyed reminiscing about the items making our own lists when we were kids. No doubt, recent years have seen a shift towards more technology-focused gift requests, compared to a simpler time of past generations. Gifts like dolls and toy trains have given way to more video game consoles and brand-name items. Enjoy the look at the past!
80
YEARS AGO – 1944:
From Santa’s Mailbag in 1944 – “Dear Santa. Claus, I am a little girl 8 years old. I am in 3rd grade. The thing I want to see most of all by my tree Christmas morning is my Daddy. He is a soldier. He told me he would come home for Christmas. If you can’t bring home my daddy, please bring me a piano. Thank you, Rosalyn-Rita”.
…A recreation center for Decorah young people of teen age years will be open soon in Haugen’s Hall in the downtown area.
…More than a train carload of milkweed floss gathered in the area was shipped out of Decorah the other day on the Milwaukee Railroad. It will make its way to Michigan where it will be processed.
YEARS AGO – 1954:
70
From Santa’s Mailbag in 1954: “Dear Santa Claus, My name is Elaine. I am in 3rd grade in school. I have two brothers and three sisters. I have tried to be a good girl all year. I am 8 years old. I want a cowgirl suit and a doll. I will leave milk and cookies on the table for you. Elaine Bergan, Route 1, Decorah, Iowa.”
… “Dear Santa, How are you coming along? I hope your fine because Christmas is coming soon, and you’ll have to work hard. For Christmas I’d like a semi-grain truck and a big game hunter’s cap – shooting rifle and a few boxes of caps. Thank you for the toys you brought me last year. The family would like a T.V. set this year. Your friend, Jimmy Wenthold, Ossian, Iowa.”
…Five local men are in the draft call for December: John Aaby. William Bernatz, Reginald Haney, Albert Anderson and Arlin Brynsaas, all of Decorah. They will receive their basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas.
YEARS AGO - 1964:
60Shop Fareway for these bargains from 1964: Ground chuck, 49 cents per pound. Ten rolls of bathroom tissue for 30 cents.
Gerber Baby Food: 10 jars for $1. …Decorah State Bank has its eye on the future by adding a new driveup location for convenient and speedy service. It will be closed to the local post office and city hall.
… From Santa’s Mailbag in 1964:
“Dear Santa Claus. I have been kind of good and I promise to be better. Would you please bring me a mounted corn picker like Grandpa Wilkens has? My tractor is getting kind of worn out too. I would also like a Ken Doll and some clothes. Mommy and I made some taffy suckers last night. I’ll leave one by my stocking for you. A Big Hug from Gary Lien, age 4.”
“Dear Santa, This is Paula. I want Tammy case. I want Pepper case. I want stuffed animal. I want troll doll.
I want pencil case. Paula Dwyer, Decorah”.
“Dear Santa, I am writing the letter for my brother and two sisters. Baby siter Martha wants a little doll. Keith wants a kitty with a yellow bow, a live kitty in a basket. A sand loader. And a wagon and two pins. And a corn sheller. Jolene wants time Thumbelina, and a kitty in a basket with a yellow bowa live kitty. I want a big Bride Doll, Silly Putty, a kitty in a basket with a pink bow. From Mary Hemesath, Route 2, Decorah”
YEARS AGO – 1974:
50
From Santa’s Mailbag in 1974: “Dear Santa, I want an Indian doll, a Barbie camper, a friendship plane and a Barbie sports car. I love Santa. Sincerely, Susan Usgaard. “Dear Santa, I want a baton, a Barbie doll and a puppy for Christmas, Love Jolene Hjerleid.” “Dear Santa, I would like a Down the Drain Game, a baton, a pant suit, a guitar and a doll that eats and drinks. Sincerely, Brenda Zuck.” “Dear Santa, I have been a good boy this year. I would like the game clue, and I would like gunfight at OK Corral. I would like air hockey. I would like sea diver. I would like put-put train set and walkie talkies and a Viking game of football. That’s all. Love Allen Weis.” “Dear Santa, I want a play Doll and a Doll House. I want a Jane West and Her Horse, and a stuffed kitten, and a surprise. I Love you. From Lori Eppens.”
…The grand opening of the Gibson’s Discount Center at the corner of Montgomery Street and Highway 9 is planned in a few weeks. More than 50 employees are ready to greet customers at the new 20,000 square-foot facility.
YEARS AGO - 1984:
40The Old Armory on Water Street is the site for a holiday art fair this season.
…From Santa’s Mailbag in 1984: “Dear Santa Claus, I want a Cabbage Patch Kid, and clothes and ice skates and My Little Pony and Kitt and Kaboodle, and a dollhouse with swimming pool. Love, Michele Clements, 110 East Water Street, Decorah, Iowa”
“Dear Santa, My name is Casey. I am 4 years old. I have been a pretty good boy this year. Please bring me a baler and a Touch and Tell. My brother has been pretty good, so would you bring him something to? P.S. I saw you fly over in your helicopter last Saturday. Love, Casey Quandahl.”
…Computer programming is a new course being offered to 8th grade students at St. Benedict’s School in Decorah.
…Decorah City Council approved free downtown parking for shoppers this holiday season.
…Several thousand people signed up for door prizes at the grand opening
something to say, let us know
resume or the speech someone would give before an awards banquet, chances are we’ll decline it. We recommend folks stick to discussing issues rather than promoting people. That line can get a little blurry when authors want to express their views on the actions or behavior of a particular party or person, but we try to do our best so that both sides have the chance to voice their opinions. Some authors may have a proverbial axe to grind, but that alone shouldn’t preclude anyone from contributing to the local opinion page.
Even if you have something critical to say about the paper, let us have it. Criticism is often just as important as praise. Other than that, we don’t accept anonymous letters or letters which use pen names, and authors need to include their street address, though we’ll only publish their city of residency. We also don’t accept form letters, which are basically templates that campaigns and other groups send to their supporters in hopes they’ll sign a copy and submit it to their local paper as if it was locally
of Sims T.V. and Electronics in Decorah this winter. Jim Sims has gone into business on Winnebago Street, having purchased the former Young’s Electronic Village. A complete line of television, video and radio equipment is available. Car stereos too!
YEARS AGO – 1994: A public hearing is scheduled next week on the proposed repeal of the county’s first zoning ordinance. The ordinance was approved by the county back in 1992, and a lawsuit has challenged the ordinance.
…The “Million Pennies Day” will be held Dec. 8 at Luther College. Luther’s Alpha Phi Omega fraternity is sponsoring the fundraiser to help develop a riverside recreation trail along the Dug Road section of the Upper Iowa River.
…Winneshiek County Public Health Nurses Marlene Fenstermann, Maureen Tekippe, Helen Zbornik, Sarah Wanless, Joan Rulon, Nancy Sacquitne, Jackie Meyer, Karen Kerndt, Alice Hageman and Eunice Veeder were recently recognized during National Home Care Week.
…Returning letterwinners on the Decorah boys basketball team are Justin Quaas, Andy Blegan, Ben Sessions, Aaron Hanson and Jason Skoda.
…For Sale: A new four-bedroom 3-bath, two-story home in Decorah. Priced at $170,000.
…From Santa’s Mailbag in 1994: “Dear Santa, I have been a pretty good girl and I would like just a few toys – cat, easel, Barbie things. My sister, Leah, would like Baby doll and a baby stroller. We also would like a little Talking Scholar. We will leave you milk and Santa cookies. We love you, Mallory (4 ½) and Leah (2) Broderick, Freeport, Iowa”.
… “Dear Santa, Big Fran is the only toy I want. I have been a good boy. Lars Ellingson, Decorah (P.S. Also the great adventure castle.” “Dear Santa, I have been a good boy. I want what Lars is getting. Also another Mighty Max. Also that castle thing, and I also want a car too (one like Lars). Your friend, Tyler Ellingson, Decorah.”
…Gundersen Clinic is entering into an agreement with the local hospital to allow the clinic to expand its medical offices and parking areas on the hospital campus.
YEARS AGO - 2004:
20A site plan for the $13.2 million project at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital has been approved.
…Returning letter winners on the Decorah Viking wrestling squad are Andrew Klotzbach, Derek Bohr, Nate Anderson, Lars Ellingson, Wes Gregg, Brett Schultz, Nate Walker, Andy Vick, Juel Teslow, Jared Bohr, Jesse Lyon, Taylor Mansfield, Jesse Halweg and Luke Leidahl.
…Five Decorah homes are featured on this season’s Festival of Trees homes tours sponsored by the hospital foundation. Tours of the following homes will be available: Larry and Deanna Stevenson, Wanda Gardner, Dr. William Remington, Bob and Marianne Stalberger and Erv and Maureen Yahr.
…From Santa’s Mailbag in 2004: “Dear Santa, Merry Christmas. I would like some magic crystal rocks, a groovy girl unicorn, arts and crafts case, playmobile grocery store and a
Echoes of the Past continued on A-6
produced (admittedly, it’s hard to catch those all the time). I’m not opposed to printing legislative columns on the opinion page in order to allow readers to hear from their state and federal lawmakers, but so far we’ve had enough letters to keep the opinion page full without that — again, I imagine plenty of editors in communities our size would envy the level of participation you’ve displayed on the opinion page, dear reader. I may be forgetting some particulars off the top of my head, but I’d say
that’s our opinion page policy in a nutshell. So remember, if you’ve got something to say let us know. Letters to the editor can be emailed to editor@decorahleader.com, or they can be mailed to our office at 110 Washington Street - Suite 4 here in Decorah (you’re also welcome to drop them off in person if you’re in the neighborhood). — Seth Boyes News Editor - Decorah Leader
YEARS AGO
– 2014: From Santa’s Mailbag:
“Dear
continued
Express
Tinkerbell back to
this
Love, Aiden Whalen, age 5. … “Dear Santa, I have been a good boy this year. I’d really like a phone, headphones and a Star Wars advent calendar that goes all the way to Easter. Can you please bring my dog, Jakey, some bones and a toy for him? I will leave you some cookies and milk. Not chocolate milk, just regular milk, because I want you to be healthy! Love, Bennett, age 4.”
Service Notice
Lawrence “Larry” Ehler, 70, of Calmar, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at Accura Healthcare in Cresco following a gradual decline from advanced hydrocephalus. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 23 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Parish in Festina with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial Service + Celebration of Life
Janet Elaine Lynes Gall
Saturday, December 28 • 2:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Decorah Reception with refreshments to follow service
Janet Elaine Lynes Gall, 95, passed away peacefully July 20, 2024, at Barthell
Eastern Star Home in Decorah, leaving a legacy of kindness, generosity, and faith. Janet is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Fritz (James) of Decorah, and Suzanne Arabshahi (Cal) of Redondo Beach, CA, and her grandchildren, Nate Jordan of Oakland, CA, Ruth Balgley (Eric) of New York City, NY, Reuben Hollander of Los Angeles, Deanna Fritz Gazlay (Jacob) of Chicago, IL, and one greatgrandchild, Margot Pedersen Jordan of Oakland, CA. Other relatives include sister-in-law Nancy Gall of Pheonix, AZ, nephew Cameron Gall (Karolina) of Long Beach, CA, niece Carrie Gall Donahue (Scott) of Eureka, CA, niece Frances Gall Williams of AZ, many grand nieces and nephews, and many more Lynes and Cowlishaw
Decorah looks back on decade of tax abatement going into budget season
BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER
It’s been more than a decade since the Decorah City Council approved a program aimed at improving the availability of local housing, and the topic remains a major discussion point today.
In 2013, city officials designed and approved a tax abatement allowing a fiveyear, 100 percent property tax abatement on new residential construction and remodeling projects, as well as commercial residential properties anywhere within the city limits. The program was revisited in 2022, when the city limited the tax abatements to the first $75,000 of a property’s valuation.
Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said some people might not realize that limitation exists.
“If they build a home valued at $500,000 and still end up with a tax bill, they might get upset because they think they are supposed to get their property taxes abated,” he said.
Goedken explained the goal behind the city’s tax abatements was to promote commercial and industrial projects in Decorah by making them more affordable through the forgoing of property taxes for a set number of years.
“If I have a $2 million project, and my cash flow is in the red, I’m not moving forward with my project,” Goedken said, using a hypothetical situation. “But an abatement can be structured in a way it reduces the project’s expense for the first five to 10 years and might push the project into the black, so the project happens. The re-
sult is a business that adds tax dollars to the city, employees working and people purchasing items — all contributing to our tax base and lowering existing residents’ taxes.”
Property tax relief has been a major talking point among state legislators in recent years, but Goedken challenged area residents to compare their bills and personal incomes to what they were 10 to 20 years ago.
“On a statewide average, the percentage of property taxes in Iowa is the lowest in my lifetime,” Goedken said. “Property tax is the highest it has ever been, but so are the prices of everything else. Relative to personal income, property taxes are the lowest they have been in at least four decades.”
Assessed values rise and drop based on market trends and, in Decorah, assessed valuations have jumped considerably since the city’s tax abatements were approved in 2013, according to the city’s numbers.
“It’s because people want to live here and people are paying crazy prices for houses here,”
Goedken said. “If you are in a community that didn’t see growth, or you’ve seen a decline in your valuation, you are hit twice as hard because your rollback reduces the amount of growth you can observe.”
Over the past decade, statewide tax law changes have resulted in some changes to the city’s property tax incentives, and some have been altered to accommodate specific projects. In 2022, an apartment complex called Briar Grove began construction near Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in eastern Decorah, and the revitalization plan for Decorah was amended to change the abatement schedule for that project. The apartments received $1 million in state tax breaks from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, which was applied towards a second 48-unit complex developed in 2023. Goedken said the amended property tax schedule didn’t change anything for any other residential properties at the time, but the amendment did apply to the entire area where the apartments
were being constructed.
Earlier this summer, the developers of the Briar Grove complex made a request to change plans for its pending third and fourth apartment buildings to allow for the creation of townhouses instead. The Iowa Department of Economic Development agreed to continue providing the tax credit, with the caveat a certain percentage of the development be set aside for low to moderate income families.
Iowa law dictates the limit which can be assessed on residential and commercial properties, which Goedken said is commonly called the rollback. And, in 2013, state legislation was adopted to remove a portion of Iowa’s commercial property classifications and create a new tax classification for multi-family residential properties. Under that bill, multi-residential property taxes were to step down year after year until they arrived at the same rollback amount as residential properties, at which point all the classifications would simply be considered residential — Goedken said there is no longer a multi-family classification at this point.
In 2023, legislation deemed the residential rollback also applies to the first $150,000 of commercial and industrial properties. Values exceeding $150,000 are then taxed at 90 percent.
Goedken and city staff will begin Decorah’s budget discussions in January, and he doesn’t anticipate legislation this session will impact the city’s financial planning.
the longest running director of the Winneshiek County chapter, riding his portion of the annual route each year until 2010, when he stopped due to issues with his eyesight — though Schrandt did recall one year in which the ride had to be called off due to potentially hazardous snow.
Schrandt said she and other volunteers would often gather groups of youngsters to help collect additional funds while standing near intersections in various towns along the route.
“That’s how I’ve made a million friends between here and Des Moines — out standing along the road in towns, shaking those cans,” Schrandt said.
In fact, Schrandt recalled riding alongside former Iowa Govs. Terry Branstad and Robert Ray as part of Camp Sunnyside’s annual parade from Ankeny to the campgrounds. Schrandt said she herself was chosen to carry the American flag, and she was able to chat with Ray during the event.
Schrandt took a year off from volunteering with the Pony Express Riders after her husband passed away in 2013, but she said the group was soon asking for her assistance organizing events and keeping the yearly effort going strong. The 92-year-old said she still rides a horse when she gets the chance, and she still feels she can do plenty to help others in her community, even if her walker must come along — whether its playing euchre with residents at the local Aase Haugen care facilities or finding buyers for the pile of raffle tickets on her kitchen counter.
“I enjoy doing that stuff — you have to give back,” Schrandt said. “There are people out there that really need help. They just really do.” And her contributions as a volunteer haven’t gone unnoticed.
Schrandt said her family informed her they were planning a trip to Des Moines in November, which Schrandt assumed would simply be a family get together for a meal. She learned on the way that she was to receive a volunteer award from Easterseals Iowa, a nonprofit organization which supports Camp Sunnyside — she admitted the surprise brought on a few tears.
Numerous awards were pre-
sented during the nonprofit’s Nov. 14 banquet, but Schrandt was the only individual named Volunteer of the Year. She said, while most of the banquet’s more senior attendees were familiar to her, she was also pleased to see many young people ready to contribute and support the nonprofit’s cause.
“It’s what you do — that’s what you’re supposed to do — take care of those that need to be helped,” Schrandt said.
continued from A-2
BELOW- Edna Schrandt keeps a scrap book of news clippings and other items from the many Pony Express events in which she and other area volunteers have participated over the years. The April 21, 1998, Decorah Public Opinion published a photo of Schrandt (left) and her late husband Ted (right) as they rode through Calmar in support of children with disabilities.
Schrandt
Schrandt received the Stub and Vi Johnson Volunteer of the Year award last month in Des Moines from the nonprofit Easterseals Iowa. She was joined by family members and other individuals involved with the nonprofit’s efforts. (Photo submitted)
Community briefs
County conservation planning several annual events
Winneshiek County Conservation plans to host several annual events again in 2025. The Ice Fishing Derby will be held Feb. 2 at Lake Meyer. The Earth Day Festival will be held April 26 at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. The Stan Chevik Family Fishing Clinic will be held June 7 at Lake Meyer. County conservation officials will be available at a booth during the Winneshiek County Fair July 8-12, and a campground trunk-or-treat will be held Oct. 11 at Lake Meyer. Find the details on these and other upcoming events at www. winneshiekwild.com.
Absentee voting is now available for special Decorah City Council runoff election
The special Decorah City Council run-off election to fill an open at-large seat will be held Jan. 7, 2025. Polls will be open form 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day, and absentee voting began Dec. 18. Requests for an absentee ballot were due at the county auditor’s office by Dec. 23. Absentee voting in person will be available in the auditor’s office during normal business hours through Jan. 6, 2025. A sample ballot and other election Information is available at www.winneshiekcounty.iowa.
gov. Questions about this or any election related matter may be directed to auditor@co.winneshiek.ia.us or 563-382-5085.
Keystone AEA audit available
TrustPoint, LLP, certified public accountants and consultants, recently released an audit report on Keystone Area Education Agency 1 in Elkader. The AEA’s revenues totaled $26,524,313 for the year ended June 30, 2024, a 1.32 percent increase from the prior year. Expenses for the AEA operations for the year ended June 30, 2024 totaled $26,059,683, a 0.68 percent decrease from the prior year. The increase in revenues is due primarily to property tax revenue and federal revenue, while the decrease in expenses is attributed to the AEA not providing juvenile home services in 2024. A copy of the audit report is available for review on the Auditor of State’s website at auditor.iowa. gov/audit-reports.
VMH’s Waukon, Postville clinics to close early over holidays
Veterans Memorial Hospital’s medical clinics in both Waukon and Postville will close at noon on Christmas Eve and will be closed for Christmas Day as well as New Year’s Day. The Waukon Clinic will also close at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will not hold extended clinic hours that night. Both clinics will hold regular hours all other days during the holidays. The Postville clinic’s regular hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Waukon clinic’s regular hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. For more information or to make an appointment, please call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Waukon Clinic at 5685530 or the Postville Medical Clinic at 563-864-7221.
Vesterheim Museum reaccredited by American Alliance of Museums
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Vesterheim has been accredited since 1970. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.
“Achieving reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums is a rigorous process that involves the work of both Vesterheim’s staff and its board of trustees,” Vesterheim President and CEO Chris Johnson said. “It serves as an important learning tool, helping identify areas where Vesterheim
can continue to improve and excel on a national level. The importance of being an AAM accredited museum cannot be understated. It proclaims to our visitors, members and supporters that Vesterheim is an organization that follows the museum field’s best practices and professional standards in our day-today work.”
Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over fifty years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices which enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely and remain fi-
nancially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.
Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. Vesterheim is one of only 33 accredited museums in Iowa.
To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers.
“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President and CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”
Academic Achievements
Area students named to Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic Palmer College of Chiropractic recently released its Dean’s List for the summer trimester.
Micala Folkedahl of Decorah and Taylor Rankin of Castalia were listed among the honorees enrolled at the college’s main campus in Davenport. Karissa Schmidt of Waucoma was listed among the honorees attending Palmer’s campus in Port Orange, Florida.
Marso graduates from Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University recently announced Alyssa Marso of Decorah graduated in August with a master’s degree in
business administration and an emphasis in organizational development.
Bakken inducted into Kappa Delta Pi Koryn Bakken of Decorah was inducted into the Iota Chapter of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education on Nov. 21 at Wartburg College.
Kappa Delta Pi was founded by William Bagley, Truman Kelly and Thomas Edgar Musselman in 1911 at the University of Illinois to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching. The founders chose the name from the Greek words knowledge, duty and power. Al-
would like to send a shout out to the parents, co unity and busine es for helping to make our Pancake Breakfast fundraiser a su e ! Ni e Presch l is extremely grateful for the continuous su ort from our co unity.
Sincerely, The Ni e Presch l Sch l & Kid’s Place Board of Directors & Sta 311 College Drive, Decorah
New Minowa Players bringing Doctor Dolittle to town
New Minowa Players plans to perform the musical “Doctor Dolittle,” for audiences in Decorah. The production will be shown at the New Minowa Players’ theater during the last two weekends in January at 906 S. Mill St. Evening shows will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 16-18 as well as Jan. 24 and 25. There will be two matinees — one at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 and another at 2 p.m. Jan. 25. Tickets are already available and can be purchased online at www.newminowaplayers.ludus.com or in person at Oneota Community Co-op.
With music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, “Doctor Dolittle” is based on the 1967 movie of the same name and the children’s stories by Hugh Lofting, which tell the adventures of a medical doctor who has exceptional empathy for others and a deep love for animals. Instead of treating human patients, he learns to speak the language of animals and treats them as his patients.
The story starts in the small English village of Puddlebyon-the-Marsh and takes the audience on a journey to the far corners of the world. Doctor Dolittle is falsely accused of murder, but is found innocent. He and his animal friends travel across the world and have some exciting adventures along the way. Their ultimate goal is to find the Great Pink Sea Snail, who is the oldest and wisest creature on Earth and holds the secret of life.
Rehearsals for the show are already underway.
ley; Shiela: Tabitha McGrath; Toggle: Bobbi Jo Molokken; Mildred: Autumn Wagner; Jip: Olivia Blake; Gub-Gub: Oliver Bailey; Dymme-Witt: Clara Garcia-Prats; Person in a Bear Costume: Tabitha McGrath; Pushmi-Pullyu: Taylor Vick and Amerra Carver; Police Officers: Taylor Vick and Amerra Carver; Dodo: Autumn Wagner; Baby Mammoth: Tabitha McGrath; Unicorn: Clara Garcia-Prats; Seagulls: Tabitha McGrath and Bobbi Jo Molokken; Mr. Millard: Tabitha McGrath; Jean-Claude: Care McCartney-Vincent; Giant Lunar Moth: to be determined.
Making sure everything runs smoothly on stage and behind the scenes are: Stage Manager: Stella Witt; Stage Crew: Lula McAbee; and Sound Board: Theo Raabe.
bert Einstein, George Washington Carver, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Mead are just a few of the 1.2 million initiated members KDP members who have made outstanding contributions to the development of professional education. The mission of Kappa Delta Pi is to sustain an honored community of diverse educators by promoting excellence and advancing scholarship, leadership and service.
The cast includes Doctor Dolittle: Lailyn McGrath; Polynesia: Rick Scheffert; Matthew Mugg: Eva Kriemelmeyer; Tommy Stubbins: Marlee Klimesh-Oblander; General Bellowes: Care McCartney-Vincent; Emma Fairfax: Violet Martinsen-Burrell; Albert Blossom: Miranda McGrath; Gertie Blossom: Olivia Blake; Straight Arrow: Miranda McGrath; Bailiff: Taylor Vick; Court Clerk: Amerra Carver; Chee-Chee: Aubriana Molokken; Dab-Dab: Clara Garcia-Prats; Rufus: Oliver Bai-
Photo submitted
Plantpeddler marks National Poinsettia Day by delivering to Iowa leaders
Plantpeddler observed National Poinsettia Day on Dec. 12 by presenting poinsettias to notable figures in Iowa. The recipients included Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa State University’s President Wendy Wintersteen, as well as ISU’s Dean of the College of Agriculture Daniel Robison and other Iowa dignitaries and influencers. Organizers said the gesture aimed to not only spread holiday cheer but highlight the economic impact of horticultural within the state.
“This was a great chance to showcase the horticulture industry, our products and shed light on the diversity within our agricultural sector,” said Mike Gooder, owner of Plantpeddler.
Staff at Plantpeddler said the initiative aligns with their ongoing commitment to contribute positively to the industry and promote understanding of horticulture’s varied facets.
Participants sought for EMT class
The number of Emergency Medical Technicians in the area has dwindled over the years as licensed EMT’s have retired, according to officials with Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Allamakee and northern Clayton Counties both have emergency response services, but officials said nearly all of those services are in need of more EMT’s to share the call time and ensure local emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Northeast Iowa Community
the local training session may be one of the most convenient opportunities for area residents interested in the course. Registration for the class must be completed prior to orientation the night of Jan. 13, and the 138-hour course will conclude in May. The class will meet from 6-10 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and clinicals will be held in person. Students who successfully complete this class and the certification examination will be able to volunteer with their own community’s
DINING GUIDE
assessment and care for patients of all ages who may be experiencing a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. Areas of study include an introduction to emergency medical services systems, roles and responsibilities of EMTs, anatomy and physiology, medical emergencies, trauma, special considerations for working in the pre-hospital setting and providing patient transportation. For more information, please contact EMS manager Jacob Dougherty or class instructor Cheryl Livingston at Veterans Memorial Hospital by calling 563-568-3411. Registration information can be found online at www.nicc.edu/solutions/100915.
Wilkerson publishes memoir bridging astronomy and bird hunting
Jeff Wilkerson, professor of physics at Luther College, recently published “23 Woodcock in 22 Years: Reflections on Hunting, the Night Sky, and Our Place in the Universe,” a memoir interweaving Wilkerson’s thoughts on the relationship between astronomy and bird hunting as well as how Wilkerson’s two passions shape his identity.
“In hunting, I feel a deep connection to the world around me. In astronomy, I feel a deep connection to the universe,” Wilkerson said. “In each of these, I feel connected to the people who have undertaken these activities before me and are doing so now elsewhere in the world and to the people who are yet to come, but will partake in observing the sky, modeling the universe and living off the land as much as possible.”
Wilkerson is a professor at Luther College focusing on the topics of x-ray and gamma-ray detector development as well as the study of variable stars in clusters. His journey from physics professor to published author began in 2021, when he wrote a short story titled “The Lure of a Single Woodcock,” and the story was shared by the Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society, and his modicum of success led him to continue writing.
Woodcock in 22 Years: Reflections on Hunting, the Night Sky, and Our Place in the Universe. (Photo
“I had no intention of writing a book,” Wilkerson said of his latest publication. “I was simply telling stories that my brain suggested I needed to tell.”
The 234-page book includes several black and white sketches drawn by Luther student L’Engle Charis-Carlson, a junior majoring in art and visual communication, from Iowa City. Ava Shively, who graduated from Luther in 2024, produced the cover art.
“It is a strange little book that
DHS graduate receives American FFA Degree
Morgan Moen recently received the distinguished American FFA Degree at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo. Moen is a 2023 graduate of Decorah High School and was an active member of the Decorah FFA.
connects, sometimes obliquely, a lot of different things,” Wilkerson said. “Maybe those who like stories in general and stories of place and family will appreciate the book, even without a particular affinity for astronomy or bird hunting.”
“23 Woodcock in 22 Years” was published by University of Iowa Press and released on Nov. 19, and autographed first editions are available for sale through Luther College’s Book Shop.
The National FFA Organization recognizes members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the organization by striving to achieve premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The American FFA Degree is awarded to a select group of members each year, representing less than 1 percent of the total FFA membership. This honor celebrates the recipients’ dedication to academic achievement and professional excellence. This year, more than 4,800 American Degrees were awarded.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agricultural enterprise or earned and productively invested $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service, demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement, and maintain a good academic record.
“Earning the American FFA
Degree is a significant accomplishment, and I couldn’t be prouder of Morgan for this incredible honor,” Decorah FFA Advisor Joni Bruvold said.
“This achievement reflects on her hard work, passion for agriculture, exceptional leadership and strong communication skills. Her active involvement in FFA and dedication to making a positive impact in the community make this recognition truly well-deserved.”
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree is presented with a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate to commemorate their accomplishment. Moen is the 23rd Decorah FFA member to earn an American FFA Degree.
Morgan Moen
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds with Mike Gooder, owner of Plantpeddler. (Photo submitted)
Luther College professor of physics Jeff Wilkerson recently published a memoir, “23
submitted)
Euphoria
to say we have personal relationships with all our farmers, and we work together to make a superior product,” Yost said.
“Those are the conversations that I find are way more beneficial than to focus on certification and fair trade. Our commitment to quality is second to none.”
In addition to coffee drinks and other beverages, the Euphoria cafe also offers acai bowls, parfaits, frozen yogurt from Country View Dairy and breakfast burritos. Yost said much of the cafe’s ingredients are purchased from local producers. The granola in Euphoria’s parfaits is from 275th Bakery in Clermont, the cafe’s honey is from Fassbinder Apiaries in Elgin, its maple syrup from Turkey River Farm near Elkader, and its yogurt, frozen yogurt and milk are from Country View Dairy in Hawkeye.
‘Calmar just seemed like a natural spot’
Prior to starting Euphoria, Yost and his father owned a West Union trucking company, where Yost worked as a dispatcher. He eventually began roasting coffee between radio calls in order to fill time.
“Most people start out by roasting some coffee on their stovetop, and getting into it that way,” Yost said. “I just went out and bought a commercial roaster with money from my savings, because after doing the math, I figured that with the amount of coffee my family and I drink, that roaster would pay for itself after four years, so it was worth the investment. That was my only motivation at first.”
However, once he started roasting his own coffee, it took less than two years for Yost to decide he wanted to go into the coffee business. He and his wife, Jacey, founded Euphoria Coffee in 2018 in West Union — working with coffee growers, primarily in Guatemala, to roast and produce what Yost called one of the most award-winning coffees in the United States — the business’ flagship location sold its coffee both locally and nationwide.
Yost and Jensen considered opening a second cafe in a larger town, like Rochester, Minnesota, but they decided to focus on perfecting their tiny town market instead.
“We want to build what we can here,” Yost said, “and Calmar just seemed like a natural spot for us.”
And the company’s global
Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office
continued
connections carry through to their new location.
“My real passion lies in green coffee purchasing, working with farmers and bringing coffee from all over the world into our warehouse,” said Yost. “We work with farmers as much as we possibly can. Building those relationships and connecting those producers to our customers and vice versa is my mission.”
Making percolation personal
For example, Yost said he’s worked with a grower named Don Santiago in Guatemala for the last four years. Yost and Santiago met through a mutual friend, who connects Guatemalan growers with buyers in the United States. Yost began purchasing two types of coffee beans from Santiago, and they developed a friendship, which is important to Yost — he said he’s not merely interested in buying coffee but also in building relationships and improving peoples’ lives.
“When I buy from someone, I don’t want to just click ‘add to cart,’” Yost explained. “I want to ask questions and get to know the farmer.”
A year after Yost began buying from him, Santiago purchased his own machine to wash coffee cherries — the fruit of a coffee tree — and he was so excited about his purchase that he invited Yost and his family to a celebration in Guatemala to see the growing operation.
“That was a shift for me, because I was interested in these relationships, because that’s just who I am, and I enjoy it,” Yost said. “But, actually going and visiting him and seeing what he’s passionate about — that was a real mental shift for me, because now that we’ve met, I want to sell his coffee even more. He’s my friend, and I care about how he’s doing.”
Yost said he and Santiago work better together because of that relationship, and they continue improving Santiago’s coffee crops. Yost believes farmers like Santiago can both see and reap the benefits of working with Euphoria through a longterm relationship. He noted producers in Guatemala can also sell their coffee crop to local markets there for immediate cash, but likely at a lesser price than Euphoria would offer.
“There’s a lot of trust between my growers and I,” Yost said. “I pay a little later in the year, and I pay for quality, so
on average, I’m paying double what their local markets offer, which is lucrative for everyone involved. Coffee is the second-most traded commodity in the world, so we’re not running out of coffee — just trying to find good coffee.”
And part of meeting that challenge is fostering grower awareness, according to Yost. He said he visited a co-op during his trip to Guatemala, and he was able to taste coffees from different producers — at least one of whom had never tasted coffee made from his own coffee cherry.
“It was very obvious that the farmer who cared the most about their crop produced the best-tasting coffee,” Yost said, adding that he also asked the farmers to taste each other’s coffee as well. “The whole group picked the coffee that was more manually-processed and less mechanically-processed as the best coffee.”
Yost said Euphoria mainly roasts its coffee on the light-to-medium end of the spectrum — and with good cause.
“We roast however we find highlights the best natural characteristics of the coffee,” he said “It’s a little bit like a steak. If you char a steak, you’re actually tasting the carbon buildup on the outside of the steak — not meat. With coffee, if you roast it too much, you’re losing the taste of the fruit — coffee is a fruit — so, we tend to keep our roast light to medium to retain that flavor.”
Lucas Sass, who’s worked
for Euphoria for four months, said he wasn’t a coffee drinker before working for Yost — the only coffee he’d ever known was a mass-produced commercial brand. That has since changed, Sass said.
“Nick has had me attend a couple of his tasting sessions, and I’ve definitely noticed higher flavor notes, and I’ve become more of a coffee snob — a connoisseur.”
The Euphoria café also adds calcium and potassium to distilled water, which is then used in all its pour-overs.
“There is chemistry involved.
Law Enforcement
There are minerals that matter,” Yost said. “It’s the same thing as putting salt on your mashed potatoes. No salt; and mashed potatoes aren’t that good. Salt those mashed potatoes, and they’re pretty yummy.”
Yost said Euphoria wants to be “sophisticated yet unpretentious” when talking with customers about coffee.
“It’s actually kind of ironic — the level of nonchalance some consumers have toward the producer, when it comes to coffee,” he said. “We think about it as a commodity — two scoops in the automatic coffee pot every
morning, ‘I need to get this fluid in me, so I can start my day.’ I get it. It’s cultural. But, in reality, there are humans on the other side of the world making that possible for you. And, yes, there’s humans on the other side of the world making all kinds of stuff, but if we can connect the consumer to the producer, then it’s not just a commodity anymore — it’s a product that becomes more appreciated by everyone involved.”
Euphoria’s café in Calmar is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Harley Deruyter, age 40, of Mason City was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 on three arrest/bench warrants for violation of probation, harassment and violation of a no contact order. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said Deruyter was transported from the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River, Minnesota.
— resist order or process of a district court.
Jennifer Rounds-Reenalda, age 21, of New Hampton was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 on two arrest/ bench warrants for contempt
Theresa Sherman, age 65, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:05 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 to serve two consecutive days.
Judith Tague, age 63, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:48 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 to serve two consecutive days.
Quentin Tyme Hafner, age 28, of Ridgeway was charged with public intoxication at approximately 9:42 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 in the 2700 block of 290th Street in Ridgeway Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office
said deputies responded to a report that night of a vehicle in a ditch along 290th Street near Pole Line Road. Haftner was located at the scene, and his blood alcohol concentration was found to be over the legal limit to operate a vehicle in Iowa. He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:35 p.m. the same day.
Decorah Police Department
The Decorah Police Department said officers were notified at approximately 11:25 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 of a burglary at a dormitory on Luther College’s campus. The caller told police Isaiah Corde Singleton, age 18, of Houston, Texas, had entered the victim’s room on the ground floor of Brandt Hall and had stolen what was described as a gaming PC — additional court documents showed Singleton identified himself as a college student and provided a Luther College address. Police said an investigation showed Singleton “had disguised himself with a mask and entered the occupied dorm room,” with the intention of
robbing the victim — whom court documents showed was a resident of Sweeny, Texas, south of Houston. Criminal complaints filed in the case said Singleton was accompanied by two other unidentified males during the incident. The owner of the computer was not at the college at the time, according to court filings, but “the room was occupied by multiple people who did not know what was happening.” Witnesses were able to identify Singleton, according to criminal complaints, and the stolen computer was later retrieved from Singleton’s room by the same witnesses. Singleton was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary — a Class C felony — and third-degree theft — and aggravated misdemeanor. He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18.
All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal process.
Nick and Jacey Yost with their oldest daughter, 5-year-old Eliza. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
Yost’s youngest daughter, 2-yearold Lilia, takes a bite of a pastry in Calmar’s new cafe, which was opened by Euphoria Coffee. (Photo submitted)
Assisting customers on a busy Black Friday morning were (from left): Nick Yost, Bailee Frana, Lucas Sass and Meghan Koehn. (Photo by Roz Weis)
VMH still offering flu vaccines
Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health offers flu shots every Wednesday afternoon. Appointments can be made by calling 5685660. The Community and
HELP WANTED
Home Care Immunization Clinic is located on the upper level of Veterans Memorial Hospital. For more information, please call Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care at 568-5660.
Decorah Community Schools for the 2025-2026 School Year:
Certified Special Education Teacher (Instructional Strategist I - Mathematics Co-Teacher)
POSITION OVERVIEW
Decorah High School seeks a dedicated and collaborative Special Education Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. This position offers a unique opportunity to join one of Iowa’s top-ranked schools, where inclusivity, academic rigor, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all learners are foundational to student success.
As a Special Education Teacher, you will be vital in supporting students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in co-taught high school mathematics courses. Partnering with general education teachers, you will provide targeted instruction and accommodations to ensure students access rigorous, grade-level math content. Your work will emphasize developing foundational math skills, problem-solving strategies, and confidence in mathematics. Using evidence-based practices, personalized interventions, and a student centered approach, you will help students overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals.
WHY DECORAH HIGH SCHOOL?
• Educational Excellence: Ranked consistently among Iowa’s top five high schools by U.S. News &World Report, we earned our second National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2024, reflecting our dedication to academic achievement and equity.
• Inclusive Practices: We embrace a non-categorical approach to special education, focusing on each student’s strengths and unique needs. Our inclusive classrooms ensure all students receive the support and opportunities to thrive academically and socially.
• Holistic Support: Beyond academics, we prioritize the social-emotional wellbeing of every student. Our counselors and teaching staff collaborate to foster a safe and supportive learning environment that nurtures the whole child.
• Extracurricular Excellence: With over 85% of students participating in sports, clubs, or activities—including Special Olympics and Unified Champion programs—Decorah High School offers a vibrant community where every student feels connected and valued.
At Decorah High School, our commitment to inclusivity is deeply ingrained in our policies, practices, and culture. By collaborating with colleagues, leveraging technology, and implementing data-driven interventions, you will play an integral role in ensuring all students with IEPs succeed in mathematics and beyond. This dedication to individualized support and high expectations sets Decorah High School apart as an exceptional place to teach, learn, and grow.
POSITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Support
• Co-teach mathematics courses aligned with Iowa Core standards and grade-level expectations.
Develop and implement accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies to support students with IEPs.
• Provide small-group and one-on-one interventions for students needing additional support in math.
Collaborate with general education teachers to deliver engaging, inclusive, and differentiated instruction.
Student Growth
• Monitor and assess student progress toward IEP goals, adjusting strategies and supports as needed.
Foster positive relationships with students to build confidence, motivation, and engagement.
• Communicate regularly with families to ensure consistency and alignment between home and school support.
Collaboration and Professionalism
Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to align teaching practices and interventions.
• Work collaboratively with paraprofessionals, counselors, and administrators to support student success.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all student, family, and staff interactions.
Professional Development
• Engage in ongoing training to enhance knowledge of special education practices, co-teaching strategies, and evidence-based math interventions.
Contribute to the school’s culture of continuous improvement by sharing successful strategies with colleagues.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
• Valid lowa teaching license (or willingness to obtain).
5-12 Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate (261) Endorsement (or willingness to obtain). Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and collaboration. Preferred: Prior co-teaching experience, ideally in mathematics
5-12 Mathematics (143) Endorsement (or willingness to obtain). Familiarity with technology integration to enhance math instruction and interventions
HOW TO APPLY
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 January 6, 2025, or until the position is filled as provided for 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. 52-2-D-12
An elderly couple in Winneshiek County recently fell victim to what law enforcement referred to as the “grandparent scam” and lost $15,000. The scammers drove to the couple’s residence under the guise of a courier and took possession of $15,000 in cash. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office has taken several additional reports of similar happenings in which the victims detected the scam and no money was lost. Authorities suspect it is likely that more households have fallen victim to the scams but have not yet reported it to law enforcement. The sheriff’s office said scammers attempting the “grandpar-
ent scan” have been known to pose as law enforcement, an attorney or the target’s grandchild. The scammers often create an elaborate story about an adult grandchild or other loved one being involved in a vehicle accident with a pregnant woman. The scammers claim the target’s grandchild had been texting and driving when the accident occurred and was subsequently charged and taken to jail. In some cases, the scammer posing as a grandchild claims to have been mistreated by law enforcement and makes an urgent plea for the target of the scam to send bond money to secure their release from jail. The sheriff’s office said the scam-
Artistry in Cabinetry
mers are often very persistent and demanding. Furthermore, the scammers insist the targets of the scam are under a gag order and cannot report or discuss the situation with anyone.
The sheriff’s office said it has warned Winneshiek County residents of the “grandparent scam” in the past, but some continue to fall victim and lose money. The most recent scam
seems to target landline phones, according to the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement encourages the public to share the details of the scam with others in an effort to prevent future scams from succeeding.
The most recent local case remains under investigation, and the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to pursue leads.
Nisse Preschool held its annual pancake breakfast earlier this month in Decorah. Nisse staff served up pancakes while Santa shared hugs and heard Christmas wishes. Guests enjoyed balloon art by Amelia Pankow. (Photos by Samantha Ludeking)
Community makes merry
There was plenty of holiday spirit Dec. 14 at The Landing Market in Decorah, during the annual Breakfast with Santa event. Families gathered around tables while enjoying special Christmasthemed food and drinks, and many of the children took part in some holiday crafts. A number of little ones also made their way to a photo station to visit with St. Nick and have their photos taken with the jolly old elf. Organizers at The Landing also debuted a new offering this year, inviting seniors to join in the fun during a new Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas event from noon to 1 p.m. that day. A handful of seniors also stopped by to chat with Santa Claus.
(Photos by Seth Boyes)
Luann Schmitt contributed a tree in memory of Wayne “Big T” Tieskoetter of rural Ossian. The tree is adorned with more than two dozen unique ornaments hand-painted by Thomas Kinkade, which Tieskoetter reportedly collected prior to his passing earlier this year.
Musician Charlie Warner performed a number of upbeat Christmas classics inside The Landing Market during the new Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas event.
Some of the many volunteers for Ossian’s annual Magic of Christmas event at Silver Springs Golf and Country Club in Ossian were (from left) Dennis “Red” Hageman, Clark Goltz, Shelly Goltz, Circle Project Leader Mae Becker, Linda Hageman and Brandi Hemesath. (Photos by Zach Jensen)
Ossian’s annual Magic of Christmas event included more than 30 decorated trees and displays from local school classes, community members, churches and businesses.
Lennox and Landon Teslow of Decorah created some colorful crafts as their mother Katie looked on during Breakfast with Santa.
Lois and Dean Humpal of Decorah smiled for the camera as they had their picture taken with Santa during the Everyone’s
Warriors nab two victories at home
The South Winn wrestling team picked up two big wins Tuesday night, competing on the mats in Calmar.
The Warriors defeated East Buchanan 48-21 and Oelwein 47-16; however, SW couldn’t match up against Class 2A No. 6 Anamosa, falling 63-10.
Against East Buchanan, the Warriors had three wins and five forfeits. Ray Lienau got things started for South Winn at 215 pounds with a pin in 2:58 against Tucker Berns. Paxton Brincks (126) continued the night with a 1:05 fall over Kaden Hepke. At 165 pounds, Class 1A No. 5 Kyle Kuboushek won as injury time ran out on Class 1A No. 3 Clay Wilgenbusch.
Battling Oelwein, South Winn another three victories and five forfeits. This time it was Landen Schnuelle (157) who got the Warriors on the board as he threw Seth Latham in 5:03. At 175 pounds K. Kuboushek threw Landon Rechkemmer in 3:29 to add to the win column. It was a 15-0 tech fall for Ray Liena at 215 pounds over Joseph Ohl. That same Warrior trio of Schnuelle, Kuboushek and Lienau were the winners in
the Anamosa dual. Schnuelle (157) earned the 4-0 decision over Miken Wheeler, while K. Kuboushek (165) took the 13-3 major decision from Cayden Rushford. In the first tie-breaker period, Lienau got the 4-2 win over Logan Bell at 215 pounds.
South Winn 10, Anamosa 63 106 – SW lost by forfeit; 113 –Gavin Thuente (SW) LBF in 5:22 to Hunter Campion (A); 120 – Clayton Kuboushek (SW) lost 8-1 dec. to Garrett Ladue (A); 126 – Paxton Brincks (SW) LBF in 1:18 to Hudson Welton (A); 132 – Matthew Donovan
(SW) LBF to Dan Owen (A); 138 –Steven Andera (SW) LBF in 0:35 to Gavin Weitz (A); 144 – SW lost by forfeit; 150 – SW lost by forfeit; 157 – Landen Schnuelle (SW) won 4-0 dec. over Miken Wheeler (A); 165 –Kyle Kuboushek (SW) won 13-3 maj. dec. over Cayden Rushford (A); 175 – SW lost by forfeit; 190 – SW lost by forfeit; 215 – Ray Lienau (SW) won 4-2 tie breaker over Logan Bell (A); 285 – Kolton Brummond (SW) LBF in 3:37 to Coy Braden (A) South Winn 48, E. Buchanan 21 106 – Double forfeit; 113 –Thuente (SW) won by forfeit; 120 –C. Kuboushek (SW) won by forfeit; 126 – Brincks (SW) WBF in 1:05 over Kaden Hepke (EB); 132 – Donovan (SW) won by forfeit; 138 – Andera (SW) LBF in 1:14 to Brody McGrath (EB); 144 – SW lost by forfeit; 150 –Double forfeit; 157 – Schnuelle (SW) lost 9-4 dec. to Carter Wilgenbusch (EB); 165 – K. Kuboushek (SW) won by injury time over Clay Wilgenbusch (EB); 175 – SW lost by forfeit; 190 –Earl Lienau (SW) won by forfeit; 215 – R. Lienau (SW) WBF in 2:58 over Tucker Berns (EB); 285 – Brummond (SW) won by forfeit
South Winn 47, Oelwein 16 106 – Double forfeit; 113 –Thuente (SW) won by forfeit; 120 –C. Kuboushek (SW) won by forfeit; 126 – Brincks (SW) won by forfeit; 132 – Donovan (SW) won by forfeit; 138 – Andera (SW) won by forfeit; 144 – Double forfeit; 150 – SW lost by forfeit; 157 – Schnuelle (SW) WBF in 5:03 over Seth Latham (Oel); 165 – Double forfeit; 175 – K. Kuboushek (SW) WBF in 3:29 over Landon Rechkemmer (Oel); 190 – E. Lienau (SW) LBF in 0:44 to Hunter Johnson (Oel); 215 – R. Lienau (SW) won 15-0 tech fall over Joseph Ohl (Oel); 285 – Brummond (SW) lost 8-0 maj. dec. to Spencer Michels (Oel)
Warrior boys fall short in OT to NFV
It was a close night in West Union Tuesday as the South Winn boys’ basketball team (42, 2-2 UIC) suffered its second overtime loss in a week. This time it was to North Fayette Valley (6-0, 5-0 UIC) who came out on top 61-55. The Warriors struggled in the first quarter, allowing the TigerHawks to pull out to a 17-6 lead. The second quarter saw South Winn have an offen-
sive surge, scoring 19 points to shrink the margin to 29-25 in favor of NFV. With eight minutes remaining, the Warriors continued to trail 41-36.
Less than a minute into the final frame, Nolan Sabelka drained a three-pointer from the wing, pulling South Winn to within two. Not to be outdone, NFV skirted back out to a seven-point advantage, 47-40, just under the six-minute mark.
Decorah girls finish 2024 portion of the season
The Decorah girls’ wrestling team wrapped up the first half of its season last week at a dual in Waukon and as one of the 16 teams invited to compete in the Dan Gable Museum Battle of Waterloo Thursday.
Dual wins
The Vikes had a fairly easy night on the mats Tuesday in Waukon as they defeated Riceville 66-9 and Waukon 60-15.
In the Riceville battle, three grapplers picked up falls to go with eight forfeits. Pinning their opponents were Ellie Adams (120), Bristol Parker (130) and Lauren Luzum (155).
Facing the host Indians, the Vikings recorded eight wins and received three forfeits.
Chloe Sheffield (100), Audrey Feuerhelm (110), Parker (130) Isabelle Alley (170) and Kamryn Steines (170) threw their opponents while Liv Anderson (105) and Simone Downing (125) won by decision.
Decorah 66, Riceville 9
won by forfeit; 155 – Luzum (Dec) won by forfeit; 170 – Alley (Dec) WBF in 0:18 over Jada Protsman (Wau); 190 – Steines (Dec) WBF in 0:31 over Allia Ericson (Wau); 235 –Lippe (Dec) won by forfeit
Battle of Waterloo
While it was cold and snowy outside, the competition in Young Arena was fiery Thursday as 16 girls teams competed in the Dan Gable Museum Battle of Waterloo. In the dual-style tournament, teams were initially broken into three separate brackets with final placings moving teams into various three-team pools.
For the third year in a row, Cedar Falls won the title, while Decorah finished second in Bracket 2 and went on to finish third in Pool 2, going 2-2 for the day. The Vikes started the day in Bracket 2 strong with a 66-18 win over Aplington-Parkersburg/Grundy Center, picking up six victories and five forfeits.
A fade-away jumper by Matson Winings, combined with a Braiden Todd deuce and trey with 4:00 remaining got the Warriors back into the battle with a 47-all knot. The fastpaced game rolled on with the two UIC squads matching basket for basket in the next minutes with Carson Streeter tying the game 51-all just with under two minutes as he went coast to coast for a layup. NFV were swindled out of two shots from falling in the final 15 seconds pushing the game into overtime. The extra four minutes didn’t fall in the Warriors’ favor, as NFV sank 10 points.
Four Warriors hit double figures with Winings having the hot hand for 16 points and six rebounds. Streeter put up 13 points to go with seven boards, five assists and two steals. Todd and Sabelka contributed 10 points apiece, while Kaden Barton-Franzen added six points, nine rebounds and three steals.
Through the first half of Tuesday’s conference contest, the South Winn girls’ basketball team (3-4, 2-3 UIC) managed to keep pace with North Fayette Valley (4-3, 3-3 UIC); however, the TigerHawks’ 26-point third quarter propelled NFV to the 53-36 win. Tied 8-8 after the first eight minutes, the Warriors trailed at half by a slim 15-14 margin. The TigerHawks’ drained 26 points in the third, holding the visitors to eight to carry a 41-22 advantage with eight minutes remaining. While South Winn outscored NFV 14-12 in the final period it wasn’t enough to curtail the damage that had been done.
Individual stats were unavailable at press time.
100 – Chloe Sheffield (Dec) won by forfeit; 105 – Liv Anderson (Dec) won by forfeit; 110 – Audrey Feuerhelm (Dec) won by forfeit; 115 – Izabella Kos (Dec) won by forfeit; 120 – Ellie Adams (Dec) WBF in 0:35 over Alexa Wolthoff (Rice); 125 – Simone Downing (Dec) lost 11-6 dec. to Tori Keonigs (Rice); 130 –Bristol Parker (Dec) WBF in 1:36 over Mally Linkenmeyer (Rice); 135 – Double forfeit; 140 – McKenzie Tollefson (Dec) won by forfeit; 145 – Ana Simon (Dec) won by forfeit; 155 – Lauren Luzum (Dec) WBF in 0:34 over Payton Becker (Rice); 170 – Isabelle Alley (Dec) LBF in 1:36 to Kennedy Linkenmeyer (Rice); 190 – Kamryn Steines (Dec) won by forfeit; 235 – Madysen Lippe (Dec) won by forfeit
Decorah 60, Waukon 15 100 – Sheffield (Dec) WBF in 0:59 over Sophia Stone (Wau); 105 – Anderson (Dec) won 9-8 dec. over Dever Mezera (Wau); 110 –Feuerhelm (Dec) WBF in 3:32 over Addison Donahue (Wau); 115 – Kos (Dec) LBF in 1:19 to Harper Winter (Wau); 120 – Adams (Dec) lost 6-4 dec. to Harper Winter (Wau); 125 –Downing (Dec) won 1-0 dec. over Jaelyn Johanningmeier (Wau); 130 – Parker (Dec) WBF in 0:58 over Mari Delaney (Wau); 135 – Dec lost by forfeit; 140 – Tollefson (Dec) won by forfeit; 145 – Simon (Dec)
Decorah followed it was a 4836 win over Linn-Mar. Seven Vikes threw their opponents to go with one forfeit. The top spot came down to a battle with Osage, which saw the Green Devils edge Decorah 43-36. The Vikes recorded five falls and received one forfeit in their effort.
Finishing second in the bracket, Decorah moved into Pool 2 to battle Waverly-Shell Rock and Cedar Rapids Prairie. Three Vikes earned wins with three others receiving forfeits against the Go-Hawks as Decorah fell 45-33. Facing Cedar Rapids Prairie, the Vikes dropped the match 54-30. Decorah had four grapplers throw their opposition with one receiving a forfeit.
to turn her oppenent during her 140-pound quarterfinal match against Hannah Crane of West Delaware at the South Winn invitational last week.
(Photos
Streeter
Freshman Matthew Donovan works over a fellow 132-grappler during a junior varsity match at the South Winn invite recently. The freshman received two forfeits Tuesday and dropped a match in the Anamosa dual. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Ray Lienau went 3-0 for the Warriors Tuesday at 215 pounds with a fall and a pair of decisions. (Photo by Becky Walz)
South Winn senior Nolan Sabelka looks inside the paint as a North Fayette Valley defender trails him during Tuesday’s UIC contest. (Photo courtesy of Zak Kriener/Fayette County Union)
Bringing the ball inside the arch is Warrior Karissa Wenthold. (Photo courtesy of Zak Kriener/Fayette County Union)
ABOVE: Isabella Kos (115) works herself loose from GMLOS’ Brandy Christensen during last week’s South Winn invitational.
RIGHT: McKenzie Tollefson prepares
by Becky Walz)
Bristol Parker looks to take control of the 135-pound match versus Gracie Kuhn of North Fayette Valley in the recent South Winn invite held at Luther College. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Decorah grapplers pick up dual wins
The Decorah boys’ wrestling team got two more dual wins Tuesday night, competing at Waukon.
The Vikes defeated Riceville 63-18 and Waukon 57-21.
In the battle with Riceville, Decorah got seven victories and four forfeits. Starting the dual at 215 pounds, Ethan Kuennen put the Vikes’ on the board with a fall over Caleb Marr in 2:55.
Class 2A No. 8 Gavin Knutson also got a pin at 126 pounds, putting Henry Schroeder on his back in 50 seconds. Gavin Carolan kept the pin streak going at 138 pounds by throwing Class 1A No. 7 Chance Christensen in 2:00. Kasen Tyler pinned Riley O’Donnell in 3:34 at 144 pounds. Will Larson (150), who is ranked 12th in Class 2A, bested Hayden Ries by an 11-1 major decision. Recording a 21-4 tech fall was Class 2A No. 5 Willam Fullhart defeated Burke Shane at 157 pounds. Competing at 190, Tommy Sexton, who is ranked fourth in Class 2A, threw Marco Avila in 2:32. Dual two against Waukon, the Vikings earned 10 victories. Kicking things off at 190 pounds, Sexton defeated Brandon Teslow by a 19-4 tech
fall. At 215 pounds, Kuennen put McKyan Egan’s shoulders on the mat in 4:26 for the pin. Meison Tollefson also picked up a fall at 106 pounds, throwing Garner Lange in 23 seconds. Kelton Casterton had Decorah’s second tech fall of the night, 18-3, over Kolton Grotegut at 113 pounds. Competing against Kaden Mitchell at 126 pounds, Gavin Knutson got the fall in 1:22. Michael Clement got in on the pin action against Jaxon Regan in 2:40 at 132 pounds. In the Vikes’ third tech fall of the night it was Carolan winning 18-1 at 138 pounds over Cayden Kruger. Freshman Kasen Tyler (144) pinned Garrison Byrnes in 3:07. In a first period fall, Larson (150) defeated Silas Keeling in 1:54. Fullhart rounded out the wins with a fall in 58 seconds over Owen Regan at 157 pounds.
Decorah 63, Riceville 18 106 – Meison Tollefson (Dec) won by forfeit; 113 – Kelton Casterton (Dec) won by forfeit; 120 – Dec lost by forfeit; 126 – Gavin Knutson (Dec) WBF in 0:50 over Henry Schroeder (Rice); 132 – Michael Clement (Dec) won by forfeit; 138 – Gavin Carolan (Dec) WBF in 2:00 over Chance Christensen (Rice); 144 – Kasen Tyler (Dec) WBF in 3:34 over Riley O’Donnell (Rice); 150 – Will Larson (Dec) won 11-1 maj. dec. over Hayden Ries (Rice); 157 –William Fullhart (Dec) won 21-4 tech fall over Burke Shane (Rice); 165 –Steven Munoz (Dec) won by forfeit; 175 – Bradan Darling (Dec) LBF in 3:36 to Reagan Richardson (Rice); 190 – Tommy Sexton (Dec) WBF in 2:32 over Marco Avila (Rice); 215 –Ethan Kuennen (Dec) WBF in 2:44 over Caleb Marr (Rice); 285 – Dec lost by forfeit; Exh. – Kash Turner (Dec) LBF in 3:28 to Asher Ebert (Rice); Exh. – Jacob Kulish (Dec) WBF in 4:33 over Freddy Losee (Rice); Exh. – Owen Larson (Dec) won 7-1 dec. over Nacy Evans (Rice); Exh. – Adrian Smith (Dec) WBF in 2:24 over Patrick Boyle (Rice); Exh. – Justin Fortman (Dec) WBF in 2:41 over Asher Ebert (Rice) Decorah 57, Waukon 21 106 – Tollefson (Dec) WBF in 0:23 over Garner Lange (Wau); 113 – Casterton (Dec) won 18-3 tech fall over Kolton Grotegut (Wau); 120 –Dec lost by forfeit; 126 – Knutson (Dec) WBF in 1:22 over Kaden Mitchell (Wau); 132 – Clement (Dec) WBF in 2:40 over Jaxon Regan (Wau); 138 – Carolan (Dec) won 18-1 tech fall over Cayden Kruger (Wau); 144 – Tyler (Dec) WBF in 3:07 over Garrison Byrnes (Wau); 150 – Larson (Dec) WBF in 1:54 over Silas Keeling (Wau); 157 – Fullhart (Dec) WBF in 0:58 over Owen Regan (Wau); 165 – Munoz (Dec) lost 11-8 sudden victory to Gabe McCormick (Wau); 175 –Darling (Dec) LBF in 0:51 to Ethan Gibbs (Wau); 190 – Sexton (Dec) won 19-4 tech fall over Brandon Teslow (Wau); 215 – Kuennen (Dec) WBF in 4:26 over McKyan Egan (Wau); 285 – Dec lost by forfeit; Exh. – Kulish (Dec) LBF in 0:50 to McKyan Egan (Wau); Exh. – Hunter Jirak-Selden (Dec) LBF in 3:21 to Jacob Baxter (Wau); Exh. – JirakSelden (Dec) LBF in 1:04 to Cayl Christensen (Wau); Exh. – Justin Fortman (Dec) won 7-1 dec. over Memphis Miller (Wau); Exh. – Logan Fortman (Dec) won 10-7 sudden victory over Adam Wheeler (Wau); Exh. – Ryan Sibley (Dec) LBF in 0:16 to Cayden Rasmussen (Wau); Exh. – Isaac Quandahl (Dec) WBF in 3:20 over Ethan Whalen (Wau); Exh. – Lucas Wymer (Dec) WBF in 1:06 over Drake Hankes (Wau); Exh. – Andrew Bjork (Dec) lost 8-7 dec. to Raymond Sweeney (Wau); Exh. – Kellen O’Gara (Dec) WBF in 3:37 over Trevor Block (Wau)
Cigrand comes back to win the Hearthstone National Championship
Cougar esports student-ath-
lete Mason Cigrand had already achieved the most successful season in program history, but on Wednesday, Dec. 11, he put himself in the record books by winning the first National Championship in Northeast Iowa Community College history.
Cigrand started his Hearthstone - Tier 1 championship match against Heartland Community College by dropping game one in the best-of-five series.
“It was definitely stressful,”
Cigrand said. “I could feel my hands get clammy and my back was sweating a little bit. But I had lost a few games before that, so I wasn’t too worried. I knew what decks this guy was playing and what was ahead of me.”
He fought back in games two and three to take a 2-1 lead, but like many great championships, Heartland answered with a game-four win. The National Championship came down to one final, winner-take-all game,
but Cigrand kept his nerves in check.
“I was just nervous, but still confident,” he said. The hard-fought battle revealed that the two opponents were unquestionably the best this year. The back and forth had anxiety levels high, even for Head NICC Esports Coach Verrick Foust. However, he knew that Mason was prepared for that exact moment.
“Even when he’s down,”
Viking boys take care of business
ABOVE: Head coach Jonathan Carlson talks strategy during a time out in a recent home basketball contest. RIGHT: Senior Gavin Groux squares up for a shot on the baseline. Tuesday, the senior provided five points, a rebounds and a steal.
Nothing could stop the Decorah boys’ basketball team (50, 3-0 NEIC) as it took care of Waukon (2-3, 1-1 NEIC) at home Tuesday night 80-41.
As snow blanketed the area Thursday, the Vikings’ game versus Prairie du Chicken was postponed until Saturday, Jan. 18.
The Vikings were never in danger of falling in the conference contest, holding Waukon to five points in the first period. The Indians’ 18-point second quarter did nothing to carve into Decorah’s lead as the Vikings carried a 47-23 lead into the locker room at the half. It was another big night on the hardwood for Cael LaFrentz with 35 points, 11 rebounds
and three blocked shots. Zach Driscoll also did some damage for the Vikes with 20 points, seven assists, six steals and five boards. Noah Milburn posted five points, five rebounds and three assists.
Bucksa battled the boards Tuesday and led the Vikes with eight rebounds in their win over Waukon. (Photo by Becky Walz)
A solid first half gave the Decorah girls’ basketball team (4-2, 3-0 NEIC) its third conference win of the season, besting Waukon (4-5, 1-1 NEIC) at home Tuesday night 58-45. Out of the gate, the Vikings
were hitting the basket, racking up a 19-6 lead after the opening eight minutes. The Indian offense picked up the pace in the second; however, Decorah’s players continued to drain their shots to lead 36-19 at halftime.
The NEIC squads dropped in 11 points in the third, leaving the Vikes to maintain a comfortable lead.
“The girls came ready to play and we played our best first half of the season. I loved seeing the confidence in our shooting, offense, and getting up and down the floor. I also thought we did an excellent job of hustling and playing hard all night. We still have plenty to clean up and improve on, but this was a big conference win for us to head into Christmas break,” said coach Blake Moen.
Brooklyn Fromm was nearly unstoppable, scoring 18 points and bringing down six rebounds. Sydney Thompson was also in double figures with 15 points, hitting 4-of-9 from behind the arc, along with five boards, four assists and three steals. Claire Storhoff also hit doubles digits with 12 points to go with five steals. Liz Bucksa had a big night under the basket with eight rebounds as well as handing out four assists and
Foust said, “he’s still able to go through it. I say this at the beginning of each game, but I try to make sure he’s aware that it was just like any other game. I wanted to make sure it felt the same to him.”
The NICC esports program was established in 2022 but had never seen an athlete achieve this type of success. Not only did Cigrand bring esports their first championship, but he will also forever be known as the Cougar’s first national championship-winning athlete.
“It’s exciting,” Cigrand said, “but I don’t know what to say. I just have a smile on my face. It feels good.”
Cigrand’s time at NICC is about to come to an end. After the fall semester, he plans to transfer to Loras College to continue his education.
The legacy he built this season is one that the Cougar esports team will remember forever, and Mason Cigrand will always be able to call himself a National Champion.
Decorah students compete at Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament
Four Decorah High School students and two Decorah Middle School students competed in the State Special Olympics Bowling tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Waterloo. Competing and placing for Decorah High School were Donnie Hrdlicka (second), Paxton Remick (second), Kamryn Leuenberger (fourth), and Wyatt Pleggenkuhle (fourth). Competing for Decorah Middle School were Sky Pasche (first), and Aiden Farley (second).
Special Olympics Coach John Dunt stated, “Our athletes worked really hard for this opportunity and competed well against some very tough competition. They are very appreciative of all the school has done to allow them to have this experience and are now looking forward to their Track and Field competition in the spring.”
ABOVE LEFT: Competing in the State Special Olympics State bowling tournament in November from the Decorah High School were (front, l-r) Kamryn Leuenberger and Paxton Remick; (back) Donnie Hrdlicka and Wyatt Pleggenkuhle.
ABOVE RIGHT: Decorah Middle School students in the State Special Olympics bowling tournament were (l-r) Aiden Farley and Sky Pasche. (submitted photos)
(Photos by Becky Walz)
Viking senior Steven Munoz works on his offense during a 165-pound match at the recent South Winn invite. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Freshman Ethan Kuennen gets into position for a Viking pin as he wrestled at 215 pounds for Decorah during the South Winn invitational recently (Photo by Becky Walz)
Liz
Hitting four three-pointers, Sydney Thompson collected 15 points against Waukon Tuesday night. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Mason Cigrand
Holiday Chex Mix
2024 holiday
2 cups brown sugar 1
Shake
Greetings
“Enjoy this treat… my customers love it.”
- Joan Tupy
For cake
festive
of Decorah.
Combine and fold all ingredients, will be lumpy. Pour into a 9x13 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. You can test with a toothpick also.
For Frosting
Combine and bring to a boil stirring constantly and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and add 1 pkg (6oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted. Spread over cake.
Pictured are John (8), Jenna (6) and Joey (3), children of John and Joann Svendsen of St. Lucas, grandchildren of Denny and the late Maxine Boyer, David and Vicky Svendsen, and great-grandchildren of Victor Szabo
Clara and Emma Chargo enjoying donuts with extra sprinkles. They are the children of John and Danielle Chargo of Lisbon and grandchildren of Dave and Dianne Ameling of Ossian.
Bennett (6) and Blaire (3), children of Brent and Jamie Freilinger and grandchildren of Jim and Diana Morrow and Brian and Brenda Freilinger, all of Decorah.
Marin (2.5 years) and Vienna (11 months), children of Katie and Ethan Adams of Spillville.
This
Cavachon pup is Rylee Brink (15)
Cherry Chocolate Cake
Submitted by Donna Farley
Healthy Holidays!
Vinny Hackman, child of Neil and Kristen of Calmar.
Summer and Vincent, children of Hunter and Morgan Thompson of Verona, Wisconsin, grandchildren of Jeff and Mary Weis of Decorah and Scott and Kelly Thompson of Cedar Rapids, and great-grandchildren of Lorraine Weis of Decorah.
Blaire (4) and Layla (2), children of Kevin and Bobbi Jo Vierow of Ossian and grandchildren of Dennis and Rosie Ney and Rick and Kathy Vierow.
Dear Santa,
I would like new pajamas, toys and a new bow.
Love, Blakely
Dear Santa,
I am 10 years old. I have been good and on best this year. My Christmas wish list is: Hyper Stunt Drifteer, Mega Cyborg Hand, a make your own snow globe and a whiteboard/cork board.
With love, Sam
Dear Santa, My name is Tate. I am 4 years old. I have been very good this year. My CHristmas list is: Hess truck and a John Deere Tractor and combine.
With Love, Tate A.
Dear Santa, My name is Tiffany, I am 56 years old. I have been very nice this year. My Christmas wish list is: 1. I wish all of my loved ones happiness. 2. I wish all of my daughters and their families have a wonderful holiday and most blessed new year.
Hi Santa, I am 5 years old and have been a good girl. All I want for Christmas is to be a ballerina and a gymnastics cheese wedge. I hope you have a good time with your reindeer. Love, Everly
WARMES WISHES
Talia (9), Charity (12) and Vivian (6), children of Brent and Katie Lechten- berg of Holland and grandchildren of Leon and Laura Lechtenberg.
Aven Meyer (1) of Calmar. Parents are Anessa Fjelstul and Carter Meyer.
Mason (3) and Jackson (7) in Santa’s sleigh with his reindeer nearby at Valley West Mall in Des Moines. They are the children of Denny and Melissa Kuennen of Grimes, and the grandchildren of Adrian and Marilyn Kuennen of Fort Atkinson and Jerry and Brenda Little of Altoona.
Front row (l-r): Jayme Folkedahl, Gina Smith, Keegan Steinlage, Mike Kelly & Marcia Madrigal.
Back row (l-r): Trent Ostby, Janice Numedahl, Jeanne Gullekson, Billy Connor & Ron Juve.
HOLIDAY 2024
2.
3. Pour custard
Pictured (l-r): Jenny Harman, Ben Harman,
Skellenger, Mike Harman and Katie
(l-r): Jessica Denk, Judy Adams, Rosemary Phillips, Bette Schmitt, David Riha. Back left to right: Doris Anderson, Sharon Hackman, Daniel Kuboushek, Lori Gebel, Jan Cutsforth. Absent from photo: Harley McCabe, Katie Polashek, Rochelle Bushman.
Grace (8) and Everly (5), children of Evan and Samantha Ludeking of Decorah, grandchildren of Al and Linda Ludeking of Decorah, Cheryl Murray of Decorah and John and Nancy Murray of Lansing. Great-grandmother is Lela Murray of Ossian. Adalyn (4)
Carson(7)
the children
Donald and Kayla Brown of Decorah. Grandchildren of Dan and Wanda Brown and Mark and Tammy Knudtson.
and Mack are the children of Ryan and Krista Petersburg of Denver, grandchildren of Wayne and Diane Petersburg and great-grandchildren of Les Branhagen all of Decorah.
Landry (8) and Quinn (7), children of Samantha and Lucas Thornton of Decorah and grandchildren of Tammy and Al Thornton of Decorah and Rita and Neal Elsbernd of Calmar.
Hadley and Lincoln Hackman of Decorah.
Submitted by Joanna Downing, Waukon
Submitted by Luann Schmitt
“My
best brisket recipe from Brooklyn NY. Yom Tov Hanukkah!” - Linda Rose, Calmar
Ribbon Salad
Directions
Submitted
Front row (l-r): Lashelle Evans, Gail Prestemon, Rick Burras, Mark Jensen and Rhonda Schnitzler. Middle row (l-r): Issac Luzum, Lori Elwood, Tina Hovden, Kenzie Hovden, Allison Gehling, Ava Syverson, Olivia Dixon, Rory Kuennen and Gabe Atkins. Back row (l-r): Maureen Duncklee, Rachel Palmer, Shawn Young, Hannah Pearch, Makenzie Schnitzler, Deb O’Shea, Cora Syverson, Mary Conway and Blake Courtney.
Nora and Hazel White of West Des Monies. Grandparents Rick and Donna Hackman.
Twins Jackson and Colton (5), children of Carl and Kendra Smorstad of Decorah and grandchildren of Gary and Deb Smorstad and Betty Berendzen. Quinton (3) and Leighton (1) are the sons of Eric and Taylor Smorstad of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and grandchildren of Gary and Deb Smorstad and Ryan and Richelle Daniels.
Peyton (3), child of Brandi and Zak Hoste, pic- tured with stray cat, Sheldon.
Hanukkah Brisket
MADELINE’S DIP
Submitted by Denise Buddenberg, Decorah
Submitted by Janice Dougherty, Waukon
Directions Combine first three ingredients. Add
Dear Santa, My name is Kade, I am 2 years old. I have been very good this year. My list includes a monster truck, Mickey Mouse Club House and a tractor. With love, Kade A.
Dear Santa, I am 9 years old and I have been very good and nice this year. My Christmas wish list is: an iphone 16, V-bucks, Robux, squishie and toys. With love, Brooklyn G.
Dear Santa, My name is Maeve. I am 2 years old. I have been very very good this year. My Christmas wish list is for a baby doll, flowers, books, Nana “Banana” and a horse. With love, Maeve R.
(Seated l-r): Stephanie Gallagher, Lisa Nelson, Renae Wedeking, Brenda Oberbroeckling, Mike Drees, Brian McConnell, Deb Novak, Angie Quam, Jay Johnston, Tasha Hart, Joann Mrachek, Holly Losen.
(Second Row l-r): Sarah Holthaus, Kristie Curtis, Jodi Rosendahl, Emily Dohlman-Govern, Lexi Foote, Dawn Mensink, Rielynn Thompson, Brenda Mashek, Jessica Langreck, Ashley Fencl, Jeanne Voyna, Stephanie Sovereign, Nichole Havlik, Emily Novotny, Amanda Lievano, Carrie Leff, Sheila Reicks, Katie Ferrie. (Back Row l-r): Kevin Janssen, Doug McCabe, Jackie Rubendall, Amy Roberts, Sally Peter, Amanda Johnson, Rachel Johnston, Marsha Headington, Chayse Merritt, Tim Courtney, Austin McConnell, Evan Kimber, Holly Manske, Dan Ollendick, Dean Lickteig, Laura Miller.
(Not pictured: Drew Block, Lori Bronner, Kristen Burke, Matt Frana, Austin Hrdlicka, Beth Huber, Ronda Hughes, Kari Schlecht, Tammy Stevenson, Scott Thomson, Jessica Wall, Mary Weigert, Hope Balk, Jessa Birdd, Audrey Ferrie, Emma Godman, Cloey Horns, Nicole Pecinovsky, Jace Pedretti.)
(l-r): Levi Meier, Cassie Bangasser, Nic Murray, Levi Epley, Patches Toebe, Lexi Erdmann, Ally McCue.
(l-r): Shelly Geweke, Kim Stewart, Jamie Jordan, Laurie Buhrow, Lori Bronner, Laurie Parcher.
(l-r): Stacy Dohlman, Adam Munkel, Jamie Niewoehner, Jordan Guyer, Jane Schumann, Amy Henry.
(Front Row l-r): Shannon Cordes, Katie Clark, Deanna Halbach, Tracy Williams, Megan Breon. (Back Row l-r): Kevin Janssen, Kalyn Jensen, Derek Weitzenkamp, Josh Dodd, John Thomson, Michele Johnson, Madison Roll, Ashley Deberry. (Not Pictured: Doug Krabbe, Sara Ramker, Tommy Stice.)
(l-r): Alex McCabe, Brenda Blaess, Tammy Henderson, Cody Carolan, Diane Schick, Kim Schmelzer. (Not Pictured: Molly Tweten.)
Scott Thomson, Mike Drees, Ronda Hughes, Doug Krabbe, Dean Schwade, Chuck Malek, Charley Perry, and Barb Schwamman.
CHARLES CITY BRANCH
LIME SPRINGS BRANCH
With offices also in Cresco, Lime Springs, Osage, Charles City, Waverly, and Shell Rock.
1. For filling, in a food processor* combine cranberries, pecans, and brown sugar. Cover and process until cranberries and pecans are finely chopped. Set filling aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium high speed for 30 seconds. All granulated sugar, baking powder, and slat. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Add eggs and orange peel; beat until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour. Divide dough in half; cover and chill about 1 hour or until easy to handle.
3. Between wax paper, roll half of dough into a 10-inch square. Spread half of the filling over dough to within 1/2 inch of edges; roll up dough. Moisten edges; pinch to seal. Wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Chill for 4 to 24 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut rolls into 1/4-inch slices. Place slices 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are light brown. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
*Note: If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the cranberries and pecans; stir in brown sugar. Continue as directed.
to come, it is because of you – our loyal customers and friends – that this year has been full of many blessings. We thank you for your loyalty and support, and we wish you many blessings this Christmas season.
Front Row: Tyler Gjere, Erin Gjere, Dustin Kerns, Brenden Kerns, Carter Benzing, Jarrett Holthaus, Owen Underbakke, Cole Butikofer, Ronnie Mauzey, Brendan Lovstuen. Back Row: Jim Casper, Jon Elsbernd, Andrew Ott, Josh Meyer, George Smith, Dave O’Connell, Andrew Voigt, Bill Fullhart, Troy Moser, Randy Voigt, Morgan Gjere. Office dogs are Bear & Cash.
Greyson, Maryse and Joslyn, children of Lauryn and Logan Breitsprecher of Calmar.
Bryson (15 months), child of Tim and Morgan Fechner of Decorah and grandchildren of Fred and Patty Marlow of Bluffton and Diane Fechner of LeRoy, Minnesota.
Luka and Raylyn Rausch, children of Brian and Sarah Rausch, grandchildren of William and Janice Baker, Carol Boyer and Rick Rausch, and great-grandchildren of Dennis and Diane Baker, Annette Bigham and Kenneth Culpepper.
Willow (6) and Matilda (5), children of Ben and Liz Pfile of Decorah, grandchildren of Albert and Karen Kuhn of Cresco and Randy and Nancy Pfile of Decorah, and great-grandchildren of Colette Kuhn of Decorah, Darlene Gebel of New Hampton and Mary Jane Boyer of Lena, Illinois.
Holton Schacherer (1-and-a-half), child of Ted and Sarah Schacherer of Decorah.
Hilton (12), Lynston (10), Preston (12), children of
Pictured (l-r) are the grandchildren of Steve and Kim Haluska of Decorah: Liam Haluska (1) of Solon; Jerzey Haluska (16) of Solon; Jace Haluska (13) of Solon; Collyns Haluska (4) of Solon; Teagan Haluska (7) of Carroll; Tenley Haluska (10) or Carroll; Jordi Haluska (5) of Solon; Jett Haluska (10) of Solon; Tristyn Haluska (5) of Carroll.
Clover, the five-month-old puppy of Lori Cahoon of Waukon.
Donald (5), Hannah (6), Katelyn (18 months) and Elijah (3), children of Eric and Rebecca Rausch and grandchildren of Gary and Nancy Cuvelier and Dennis and Carolyn Rausch.
Carter (13), Miles (11) and Leyton (6), children of Brittany and Nathan Todd of Decorah.
Quinton (3) and Leighton (18 months), children of Eric and Taylor Smorstad of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and grandchildren of Deborah and Gary Smorstad of Decorah and Ryan and Richelle Daniels of Reedsburg.
Levi (1) and Rhett (3), children of Jared and Courtney Blodgett of Decorah.
Grayson (12) and Greta Hackman (6) and Hayden Hackman (13). Grayson and Greta are the children of Andy and Trista Hackman of New Hampton, and grandchildren of Mel and Mary Lou Hackman of Fort Atkinson and Ed and Julie Shimek of Spillville. Hayden is the child of Brian and Tiffany Hackman of Cedar Falls and grandchild of Mel and Mary Lou Hackman and Jo Knief of Cedar Falls.
Kendall (12) and Kenna (9), children of Marcus and Emily Henning of Solon, grandchildren of Dan and Sharon Henning of Calmar, and great-grandchildren of Arlene Huinker of Calmar and Bob and Dorothy Henning of Ossian.
Lechtenberg of Calmar and grandchildren of Al Lechtenberg of Calmar, LeRoy and Deanna McClintock of Decorah, and the late Virlis McClintock.
Helping Services
from the Sugar Bowl was a popular treat during the Holiday Lights walk-through. Eleanor, daughter of Dietrich and Brittany Laue of Elma, enjoyed her favorite flavor while viewing the lighted displays.
spring 2024 photo of Brinley, Eloise, Lewis and William, children of Justin and Karla
Directions Combine
Malcolm (4) and Lauren (2-and-a-half), children of Matt and Theresa Elsbernd of Decorah and grandchildren of Neal and Rita Elsbernd and Paul and Jeannie Frana.
Lizzie (11) and Levi (9), children of Munch and Megan Sherman, grandchildren of Isaac Sherman, Linda Arneson and Kathy Sherman, and great-grandchildren of Edgar and Rita Schmitt.
Evelyn (2), child of Mollie and Tanner Tjossem of Decorah.
Pictured with their furry friends are Drew (3) and Nova (2), children of Andrew and Monica Peterson of Decorah.
Great with ham!”
-Nancy Lerdall, Decorah
Brielle and Norah (2) of Waukon.
ABOVE- Olivia and Ali Harman pictured with parents William Harman and Kimberly Sanders Harman of Decorah.
BELOW- Jack (5), Samuel (10 months) and Frances (3), children of Paul and Angie Pellett of Decorah, grandchildren of John and Karen Kerndt of Decorah and Drew and Cheryl Pellett of Decorah, and great-grandchildren of John and Lorna Kerndt of Waukon.
Delilah Liza Henry (4 months), child of Beau and Lydia Henry of
LEFT- Emma (7) and Gunner (5), children of Joe and Louann Rilling of rural Bluffton and grandchildren of John and Cindy Rilling, Mark and Louann Ptacek and the late Charles Halvorson.
West Union and grandchild of Kyle and Lynnette Henry of West Union and Dana and Sara Hotvedt of Decorah.
LEFT- Joeie, the 15-yearold mini doxie friend of Kellie Houselog.
Fudge Puddles
Broszeit (9
of
Broszeit
Reed of Winona, Minnesota, grandchildren of Scott and Christina Symmonds of Ossian, Darcy and Kim Broszeit of Wellman, and Tim Reed and Dee Dee Brinkman of Winona, and great-grandchildren of Gary and Ingrid Lansing of Ossian and Elaine Broszeit of Frankville.
“Something
fun to make on a cold snowy day!”
-
Nancy
Dietzenbach, Decorah
Directions
1. In large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill for 1 hour.
2. Shape into 48 balls, 1 inch each. Place in lightly greased mini-muffin tins. Bake at 325°F for 14-16 minutes or until lightly browned. Using the end of a wooden soon handle, make a threeeighth-to-half-inch-deep indentation in the center of each. Cool in pans for five minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
3. For filling, in a microwave, melt chocolate chips. Stir in milk
and vanilla until smooth. Fill each shell with filling. Sprinkle with peanuts. (Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator and served warm over ice cream.)
Dear Santa,
My name is Peyton, I am 3 years old. I have been very good this year. My Christmas wish list is Bluey toys, Paw Patrol toys, Bluey and Paw Patrol clothes, tons of different slime, candy, fruit snacks and broccoli.
With love, Peyton
Dear Santa, I would like a candy cane, unicorn, gingerbreadman and lots of make-up.
Merry Christmas, love, Etta
Dear Santa,
My name is Braxton. I am 3 years old. I have been very good this year, here is my wish list: cowboy hat, cowboy boots, race cars, binoculars and a tape measure. With love, Braxton W.
Dear Santa, I would love a Bluey, Micky, and all the snacks!
Love, Hannah
Dear Santa, I would like a truck and trailer, a big truck, a little truck and a big semi. Merry Christmas, Slade
Pictured
Rozlyn (6), Mackay (3) and Mason (6), children of Cody and Chelsea Moody of Robins, and grandchildren of Jeff and Judy Adams of Spillville and Mike and Jackie Moody of Harpers Ferry.
Tate (4) and Kade (2), children of Justin and Lindsey Albers of Decorah and grandchildren of Mark and Cindy Albers of Decorah and Bernie and Jolene Keeney of Anamosa.
Oreo Balls
Directions
1.
2. In a large bowl, mix the Oreo crumbs and cream cheese with an electric mixer.
3. Using a small cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the baking sheet. Roll into a ball with your hands. Freeze 10 to 15 minutes, or until slightly firm. You don’t want them too cold.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in-between each, until smooth.
5. Use a fork to dip the Oreo balls into the chocolate. Tap on the edge of the bowl to get a smooth finish. Use a toothpick to help slide the ball onto the baking sheet. Before the chocolate hardens, add sprinkles. Let harden completely.
6. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Dear Santa, I am 7 years old and I have been very very good this year. My Christmas wish list is: Apple watch, roller skates, I want my family to be happy and healthy, Robux, and another calm dog like Ella. With love, Olivia
Dear Santa, I would like a dollhouse, my own xmas tree, a basketball and make-up. Merry Christmas, love, Lennyn
“These are my favorite rollout Christmas cookies. The recipe is from a dear friend that I used to work with, Karen Melcher.”
-Mary Lou Hackman
1/4
3 1/2 cups flour
of
Directions Cream together 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of butter. Add one well-beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of soda mixed into five generous tablespoons of thick sour cream, 1.4 teaspoons of salt and 1 generous tsp. of the best vanilla you can find. Mix with not more than 3.5 cups of flour to make a moderately stiff dough. You cannot really double the recipe successfully. Chill dough, roll thin, bake in moderate 350°F oven and watch closely so they wont burn. These cookies can be decorated before baking with colored or plain sugar, a raisin, cinnamon, red hot or half nut meat or they can be plain and unadorned.
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Pictured (l-r): Brian Peterson, Dawn Maroushek, Bruce Peterson, Mia Langreck, Chris Hackley, Kayla Malven, Sasha Peterson, Stephanie Langreck, Becky Peterson, Brad Peterson & Jerry McConnell.
Hudson Helle (5), Olivia Helle (3) and Lucy Helle (1) from Austin, Min- nesota, children of Drew and Mallory Helle pictured with James Bea Niedermann (10 months), daughter of Jake and Leah Niedermann from Holly Ridge, North Carolina. They are the grandchildren of Sue Broderick (pictured) and the late Tim Broderick of Decorah.
Annika and Phoebe Quandahl. Parents are Cory and Selina Quandahl.
Kenley (9), Rylen (5) and Hayes (2), children of Dan and Keegan Luzum of Decorah and grandchildren of Dennis and Jeanne Luzum, Anne Kriener, and Darryl and Karen Frana.
Mary Lou Hackman is pictured with her granddaughter, Hayden Hackman (13), decorating cookies.