February 18, 2025 by Decorah Leader

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er were pleased to come away with almost two dozen awards during the annual Iowa Better Newspaper Contest, which was held Thursday, Feb. 6 in Des Moines. The Decorah Leader earned 23 separate honors, including nine first place awards, two Best of Class Advertising Awards and a second place General Excellence Award, which is awarded based on total points earned in each of the contest’s five newspaper classifications. The Decorah Leader competes in the state’s largest class of weekly publications. Though The Driftless is not a newspaper of record and is not eligible to compete in the annual state newspaper contest, some of The Decorah Leader’s award-winning advertising may appear in both publications. A

Decorah Leader ad designer Kayla Thompson was selected as Best Ad Designer in the Weekly Class III category. Thompson’s work also earned four ﬁrst place awards and one third place.

Every child who adopts a box will recieve a free hoodie from Friends of Pool 9.

Event highlights For the first time, a golden eagle will be featured alongside other raptors from River Valley Raptors of Buffalo City, Wisconsin, during the live raptor program at 10:30 a.m. Decorah Raptor Resource Project (12:00 PM) – John Howe and Amy Ries with the Decorah Raptor Resource Project will present “Eagles of the Mississippi River” at noon and shar insights into eagle families along the river.

A program entitled “Waterfowl Safari: A beginners guide to duck identification on the Upper Mississippi River,” will take place at 1 p.m., and visitors are invited to learn about local waterfowl with experts from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Visitors can also watch and participate as an eagle nest is built during a demonstration at 10:15 a.m., and attendees can also test their owl-calling skills at 11:30 a.m. as part of a hooting contest.

Student involvement and art awards

Middle school students from the cities of De Soto and Seneca will display their bald eagle-themed art and science projects, competing in categories such as creativity, most informative, judges’ choice and most artistic.

Awards will be presented at 11:45 a.m.

Prizes and giveaways

Attendees may fill out a comment card for a chance to win door prizes, including gift certificates from local businesses as well as other prizes. A special 16-by-20 metal print of a bald eagle in ﬂight, donated by local photographers Deb and Don Warren, will also be rafﬂed off. Proceeds will support the annual Eagle Day events and help keep the event free to the public for years to come.

A special 16-by-20 metal print of a bald eagle in ﬂight, donated by local photographers Deb and Don Warren, will be rafﬂed off during Eagle Day on March 1 in Ferryville, Wisconsin.

A member of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service helps local children build a bald eagle nest at last year’s event. (Photos courtesy of Deb Warren Photography)

Groups in Ukraine weave camouﬂage nets that help protect troops and equipment. (Photo submitted)

Event will raise funds to support Ukraine

Local Decorah businesses and others will partner to host a fundraiser Monday, Feb. 24 at The Landing Market in Decorah – the same date on which Russian forces began a fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Funds raised during the event will be put toward materials used in creating protective camouﬂage netting for Ukrainians on the frontlines.

The fundraiser will feature a traditional Ukrainian meal, a beer developed with locally grown Ukrainian wheat and a rafﬂe of Ukrainian cake and meat. Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until supplies run out.

The meal, prepared by Ukrainian native and Luther College Professor of Anthropology Maryna B. Nading, her husband Scott and close friends, will feature a Ukrainian smoked brat from Twin Cities-based Kramarczuk’s on a

bun; T-Bock’s potato salad; and homemade Ukrainian-style stewed sauerkraut. The meal will be available for $15 per person. A children’s meal of a hot dog on a bun and chips will also be available for $5. Ukrainian candy and small souvenirs will be available for donations. Participants may also enter a rafﬂe to win prizes, including a Kyiv Cake and a Kramarczuk’s Holiday Gift Box. Freewill donations will also be accepted. Reservations are not required.

All proceeds will help support Maskuty and Masknet, two volunteer groups in and around Nading’s hometown of Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. The two groups weave camouﬂage nets, which help protect troops and equipment, such as evacuation buses and supply trucks.

A small portion of funds will go to help Volunteers of Podillia, a group that repairs cars for units on the frontlines.

LifeServe to host two local blood drives

LifeServe Blood Center will be hosting two blood drives in Decorah next month. The first will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, March 24 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company in Decorah. The second will take place from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Mach 27 at Stone Ridge Community Church in Decorah. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800-287-4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter. org.

Luther College to commemorate Black History Month with series of events

Luther College will host events to commemorate Black History Month in February. The events include a distinguished lecture, a film screening, a dance performance and several social gatherings at local businesses. The events are open to the public.

“Black History Month honors the resilience, brilliance and contributions of African Americans and others of the African diaspora who have shaped our nation and our world,” said Robert Clay, diversity, equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement at Luther. “We are called beyond Black History Month to uplift the profound legacies of African Americans who contributed to the fabric of

this country, fought for justice and equality that has benefited all, while inspiring us to take meaningful action in our communities and carry this legacy forward.”

Ailey II, the renowned second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, performed in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall this month.

Cameron C. Beatty, associate professor in the educational leadership and policy studies department at Florida State University, will give the Black History Month Keynote Address on Feb. 25. During his lecture, entitled “The Power of Belonging: Reimagining Equity and Leadership in Higher Education,” Beatty will examine the role of belonging in

shaping equitable and inclusive institutions. He will also offer actionable strategies to empower leaders and communities.

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, Luther College’s Black Student Union will host a screening of “Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 at Valders Hall of Science 206. Directed by Salima Koroma, this documentary highlights the Black cultural renaissance that existed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and investigates the 100-year-old race massacre’s stain on U.S. history.

Black History Month activities wrap up with a Cultural Community Connections event from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Landing Market.

Winneshiek County Dairy promoters seeking annual award nominations

VMH seeks SHIIP volunteers

Public invited to learn the basics of Android phone, tablet

at the Festina Parish Center in Festina. Following the banquet, awards will be presented and the 2025 Little Miss Squirt, Little Mr. Herdsman and the Winneshiek County Dairy Princess will be crowned. Tickets are available at the Winneshiek County Extension office, from members of the Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters Board or the evening of the event.

The board is also seeking help in nominating county dairymen, dairy women and youth for their hard work and accomplishments. Nominations are being sought for several award cat-

egories, such as Outstanding Young Dairy Producer, Distinguished Service, Distinguished Dairy Family, Pioneer Dairy Producer, Dairy Promoter of the Year and Outstanding Dairy Employee. College scholarships will also be awarded to eligible students pursuing an agriculture related career.

All nomination forms must be returned to the Winneshiek County ISU Extension Office or a member of the Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters board by March 5, 2025.

In addition, Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters are seeking candidates for fair royalty, such as Little Miss Squirt, Little Mr. Herdsman and Winneshiek County Dairy Princess. The deadline for candidates to apply is March 1, 2025. For scholarship applications, award nomination forms, royalty candidacy applications and more information, contact Jay Elsbernd by calling 563-4197363 or emailing winncodp@ gmail.com, or contact the Winneshiek County ISU Extension Office at 563-382-2949.

Thank You

Trained Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program volunteers can help answer questions about Medicare and related health insurance. SHIIP is a free health insurance counseling service of the state of Iowa’s insurance division and is sponsored locally by Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. The hospital is seeking more volunteer counselors.

Currently, more than 350 trained SHIIP volunteers assist thousands of Iowans across the country each year to understand their Medicare benefits and options through individual counseling sessions, community education, special projects and making connections in their communities.

SHIIP services are free, confidential and unbiased. SHIIP counselors provide one-on-one assistance to help Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers or representatives with questions and problems related to Medicare and related health insurances. Counselors also assist with awareness of SHIIP/SMP services with informal discussions with partners or group presentations.

SHIIP provides training and resources to assure SHIIP volunteers are prepared and have the tools they need for counseling and community education.

For more information visit SHIIP.iowa.gov or email SHIIP@iid.iowa.gov or call 1 800 351 4664. Interested parties may also call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-341.

The public is invited to join Decorah Public Library staff for a hands-on workshop, titled “Android Device Basics.” The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. Organizers said the interactive session is perfect for beginners looking for guidance on how to get the most out of their Android devices.

During the workshop, participants will learn to navigate their device, connect to Wi-Fi safely and securely, identify and use common apps, and

access and adjust helpful settings. Participants should bring their own devices to the workshop. Decorah Public Library staff will be on hand to provide personalized assistance and answer questions. Advance registration is required. For more information or to sign up, contact Decorah Public Library at 563-382-3717 or visit decorahlibrary.org. This program was made possible thanks to a grant from AT&T and the Public Library Association.

Applications open for 15th annual Adam J. Bohr Scholarship

The family of Adam J. Bohr and McClure Engineering Company recently announced scholarship applications are now available for Decorah High School seniors who plan to attend college to pursue a career in the field of engineering. The scholarship applications are available at the Decorah High School guidance office.

This scholarship is given in memory of Adam J. Bohr, a 1993 Decorah High School graduate. Bohr received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University, going on to become regional manager of McClure Engineering Company in North Liberty. Bohr passed away Dec. 1, 2010.

This scholarship will be awarded based on scholastic standing, community involve-

ment, extracurricular activities and a short essay on why the individual wants to study engineering. All applications must be post marked by April 14, 2025, to qualify for consideration. The selection committee consists of members of Bohr’s family and McClure Engineering Company.

Youth invited to learn embroidery with Decorah Library

Children ages 8 and up are invited learn the basics of embroidery from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Decorah Public Library. Registration is required for this program. No experience is necessary.

Adam J. Bohr

What to know about seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

There’s much to look for-

ward to when winter begins.

Outdoor enthusiasts may relish a return to the slopes to ski or snowboard each winter, while others praise the crisp fresh air and lack of insects as more conducive to activities like hiking. Winter indeed has plenty to offer, but some people find that less daylight has an adverse effect on their mood. The National Institutes of Mental Health notes that shifts in mood and behavior that align with changes in the seasons could be indicative of seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD.

What is SAD?

Johns Hopkins Medicine characterizes SAD as a form of depression in which individuals’ mood and behavior changes when the seasons change. The NIMH notes SAD is sometimes referred to as the “winter blues.”

Is SAD exclusive to winter?

Though SAD can affect people at any time of year, the NIMH reports that most cases of SAD start to affect people in late fall or early winter before symptoms begin to subside during the spring and summer.

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes researchers believe the shorter days and thus fewer hours of daylight that occur each win-

ter set off a chemical change in the brain that leads to a person experiencing symptoms of depression.

What are the symptoms of SAD?

The NIMH points out that, since SAD is a type of depression, symptoms of the condition include those associated with depression. Such symptoms include:

• A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood most of the day. This occurs every day for at least two weeks.

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

• Feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

• Loss of energy or feelings

AUCTIONS

of fatigue. Some also feel as if they have slowed down.

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

• Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes

• Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that have no explanation and do not subside even after treatment

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts or thoughts about death

It’s important to note that the above are symptoms of depression that people with SAD may experience. Additional symptoms of winter-pattern SAD

include:

• Hypersomnia, or oversleeping

• Overeating that leads to weight gain. The NIMH notes people with SAD may have a particular craving for carbohydrates.

• Social withdrawal

How is SAD treated?

People who suspect they have SAD are urged to speak with their physicians. Various treatments, including light therapy, psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, can help to treat SAD. Individuals may also be prescribed vitamin D supplements.

Can I prevent SAD?

The NIMH notes that since SAD is tied to seasonal changes, people can take steps in an effort to prevent it. Starting treatments prior to a change in seasons may help.

Many people experience difficulty when fall transitions to winter, and such troubles may be attributable to SAD. More information about SAD is available at www.nimh.nih.gov.

needed to know Everything I ever

By Ole Winter

(Retired Lutheran Pastor Ole Winter reminisces on his 90-plus years of life, sharing past experiences and life lessons with Driftless readers.)

Where are all the Fences?

In the summer of 1971 we moved to Forest City, Iowa from Santa Ana, California. As we drove to the new parsonage to meet the moving van our elementary school age daughter Kathy said, “Hey Dad ... where are all the fences?”

Our previous home, about 10 minutes from Disney Land, was surrounded on three sides by a 6-foot-tall cement block wall. As were nearly all other private homes in that greater Los Angeles region.

Now Kathy, and the rest of our children, were suddenly aware of what seemed strange to them. The neatly mowed lawns between homes in this new town simply met each other at the lot line with no separation. There were no fences! It seemed to her that they were not fully “clothed.” We had lived for six years in our previous home and had no idea who lived immediately behind us. I do recall my wife Naomi wondering how it would be to live in a small town where “everyone knew her name.” And could and would be a critic of her preacher husband and family! And our children would be known as “PKs,” “preacher’s kids.”

In most metropolitan suburbs it may seem as if those who live there are like animals that come home from the “hunt” and crawl into their dens in the evening. It’s as though they need a place of refuge from the hordes around. Maybe that’s not quite fair. We really enjoyed our years in California. We did not leave there because of the fences. But it was a big change. It was not long before we discovered we liked the “no fence” way of living. Our neighbors were not so much “nosey” as they did seem to care about us. And as far as our kids were concerned there were so many other preachers in town, what’s one more “PK.” We did have to buy a riding mower (and snow blower) because the parsonage lawn was extensive, but we always enjoyed waving at our neighbors while at that task. My wife, Naomi, even rode the mower to get a tan.

When we retired in Decorah, sure enough, no fences on Day Street and none around Vennehjem or in the private homes just across the street. We like it that way.

ers insist Queen Mary Tudor of England is its namesake. A Bloody Mary gets its “bloody” moniker from the vibrant red color of the tomato juice in the drink. Try this recipe, courtesy of “How to Drink Like a Writer: Recipes for the Cocktails and Libations that Inspired 100 Literary Greats” (Apollo Publishers) by Margaret Kaplan.

CARVER’S “HEART STARTER” BLOODY MARY

RAYMOND

4 cups tomato juice 1⁄2 cup dill pickle juice

1⁄4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1 tablespoon grated horseradish 2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 cups vodka Celery stalks for garnishing Lemon wedges for garnishing

In a large pitcher, mix together tomato juice, pickle juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, celery seeds, and cayenne pepper. Cover and chill in refrigerator overnight.

In the morning (or whenever it is you wake up), locate your phone, keys, dignity, and pants. Next, ﬁnd the vodka (if you have any left), and pour it into the tomato juice mixture. Stir. Pour into a highball or collins glass ﬁlled with ice and garnish with celery, a lemon wedge, and a cocktail shrimp. (Serves 8)

Applications open for Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour

Applications are now available for the 28th annual Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour. Applications for tour entry are juried, and participants are selected based on their artistic technique, quality and vision. Studios must be located within 40 miles of Decorah. All work must be original in concept and design and must have been executed by the applicant — works from molds or kits, commercial or manufactured items are not permitted. Works which will be considered for the tour is limited to ﬁne art and ﬁne craft media,

CLOSES FRIDAY, FEB-

RUARY 21 - Guns

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY

22 - 9:30 a.m. John E Hanson Viroqua Farm Retirement Auction Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15Guns & Sporting Good Auction Located at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon IA Call to Consign Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25 - Sweeney Machinery Consignment Auction Located at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon IA Call To Consign Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon, Ia 563-5682464.

such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay/ ceramics, wood, glass, metal, printmaking, mixed media, handmade paper, and ﬁber. Applications must be submitted by March 1. The 2025 Tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 10-12. Applications are available online at www.iowaarttour.com under the events/news tab. Interested parties may also contact Darla Ellickson by emailing darla@earloops.com or calling 563-382-2295. Brochures for the 2025 tour will be available in July.

ArtHaus seeks emerging area artists for exhibition

ArtHaus in

The exhibition will run from April 4-26 and is open to residents and students of the Driftless Region of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin and those living within a 200 mile radius of Decorah.

Applicants interested in this juried show are asked

to submit artworks completed within the last two years. Each applicant may submit up to three artworks, and all forms of media are welcome, including but not limited to painting, drawing, ceramic, fiber arts, jewelry, printmaking and photography.

Applicants must send digital images with an application form, brief artist statement and entry fee of $25 to ArtHaus — 107

West Broadway, Decorah, IA 52101. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 7. Instructions for submitting materials electronically are outlined at arthausdecorah. org/emerging-artist-2025-application/. Artists will be notified by Friday, March 21 if their work has been selected. Works must be delivered to the gallery by 5 p.m. Monday, March 31. The recipient of the Jurors’

Choice Award, as chosen by three jurors, will receive a $200 cash prize and a solo exhibition in December of the 2025, as part of the ArtHaus exhibition cycle. The People’s Choice winner will receive a cash prize at the end of the show. The public is invited to a reception for the artists of the selected works from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 4.

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Decorah Leader staff earn nearly two dozen newpaper awards at annual contest

Staff at the Decorah Leader earned almost two dozen awards during the annual Iowa Better Newspaper Contest Feb. 6. The Decorah Leader earned 23 separate awards, including nine ﬁrst place awards, two Best In Class Advertising Awards and a second place General Excellence Award.