February 27, 2025

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Vol. 160, Issue 9 www.decorahleader.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

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Rude recounts 2019 accident -

credits recovery to speedy local responders

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

Iowa Senate File 347 and House File 558 target what its Republican sponsors consider obscene descriptions in public library materials. If the bills become law, staff at the Decorah Public Library believe they would be forced to remove countless books from the library’s shelves, including works by contemporary authors such as John Grisham, James Patterson, Christine Feehan, Danielle Steel and many more. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

State legislation could gravely impact Decorah Public Library

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Decorah Public Library could face major downsizing if two Republican-sponsored state bills become laws.

Senate File 347 and its companion bill, Iowa House File 558, prohibit public libraries from distributing obscene and pornographic materials to minors, and - DPL Director libraries in vioKristin Torresdal lation of the bills could face hefty fines and daily penalties.

“This legislation impinges upon First Amendment rights as well as

“Free people read freely.”

the rights of parents and caregivers to make choices for their own children,” said Decorah Public Library Director Kristin Torresdal. “It also impinges upon the ability of tax-paying adults to access the materials they want if we must purge our entire adult collection due to lack of resources to read/listen to/watch every item in our collection to ensure they contain no content that might conflict with the new legislation.”

Torresdal said Iowa law already prohibits libraries from distributing obscene or pornographic materials to minors. However, under the new legislation, if a parent or guardian believes

Library continued on page 11

It has been more than five years since a fall from a scaffold nearly claimed his life, but Iowa State Trooper Jared Rude shared his story at GundersenAir’s EMS Education Day in Decorah on Saturday.

Rude has no memory of what happened to him on Dec. 7, 2019, nor can he recall the 37 days following his fall, but he is certain of one thing — he very well might not have survived if it hadn’t been for what he called the flawless actions of Decorah’s emergency personnel and the rapid response of the GundersenAir helicopter based at the city’s airport.

On that fateful day, Rude had enlisted his father, Gregg Rude, to assist him while constructing a ceiling in a shed on his property in Decorah.

Rude slipped and fell while standing on a scaffold, and his father, a retired state trooper and member of Decorah’s Fire Department, called emergency services. Rude landed face down on a cement floor. He was unconscious, unresponsive and had blood streaming from his ear.

“The dispatcher recognized the severity of the situation —they knew it was probably going to be a trauma situation, and they immediately asked for a helicopter,” Rude said. “They were zeroing down the time it was going to take for the helicopter to get there.”

Ben Shockey, a critical care paramedic with WinnMed and a flight paramedic with GundersenAir, arrived with the ambulance minutes later and set about taking care of Rude’s immediate needs.

“We assessed him and tried to stabilize his vitals and get him sedated,” Shockey said. “He was combative because of the head injury he had suffered. Sedating him meant his brain

Jared Rude shows a picture of his physical therapy in the wake of his 2019 head injury. He was initially unable to speak, eat or move, and he underwent months of therapy relearning how to walk and talk. Rude spoke to a group of emergency responders as part of GundersenAir’s Education Day on Saturday, Feb. 22. (Photo by Denise Lana) could relax while the injury process was ongoing.”

Decorah Assistant Fire Chief and critical care paramedic Mike Ashbacher soon arrived and joined Shockey.

Together they vigilantly monitored Rude’s airway — head injuries, Shockey explained, are notorious for causing patients to vomit, and victims usually doesn’t have the capacity to clear their airway.

Outside, the fire department cleared the nearby highway and made a makeshift landing pad to expedite the helicopter’s arrival from its home base at Decorah’s airport.

Within minutes, the helicopter landed, and Rude was intubated, stabilized and loaded onto the aircraft, which quickly rose into the air and headed for Gundersen Health Systems in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The entire process

—starting with the initial 911 call and ending with Rude’s arrival at the hospital in LaCrosse — totaled 61 minutes.

“What’s amazing about this is, if I were to drive from my house to the Gundersen Trauma Center in LaCrosse, it would take about an hour and 10 minutes,” Rude said.

The GundersenAir helicopter resides in a dedicated hangar at the municipal airport in Decorah and is staffed around the clock by a rotating crew of on-call nurses, paramedics and pilots.

The aircraft’s interior was compared to a miniature intensive care unit, and the aircraft can cruise at a speed of more than 150 miles per hour. A second

Rude continued on page 10

State bill on drag shows could impact Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com annual pride festival Save for football, sports teams at Decorah High School are expected to compete independent of a state athletic conference next year. State lawmakers have proposed a bill which would address how conference affiliation changes are handled in Iowa, after hearing from multiple school districts experiencing difficulties across the state. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Decorah Schools optimistic state bill may help relieve athletic conference woes

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A bill being proposed by state lawmakers could help Iowa school districts, like Decorah Community Schools, which are struggling to change high school athletic conferences — something Iowa legislators say is becoming more challenging for schools across the state.

The Northeast Iowa Conference, of which Decorah Schools is a member, is expected to dissolve after the 2024-

25 school year. The NEIC is the oldest conference in the state, dating back to 1920. Decorah Schools had previously requested entry into the Upper Iowa Conference, but the request was denied — former NEIC schools like New Hampton, Waukon and Cresco are expected to be part of the UIC next school year.

Adam Riley, actives director with

Athletic conference continued on page 13

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A state bill being studied by lawmakers in the Iowa House could impact certain aspects of the annual Decorah Pride festival and other events the bill defines as drag shows.

House Study Bill 158 would make it a felony in Iowa for an adult to knowingly bring anyone under the age of 18 to a drag show or for a business to allow a minor to be present at such a show. The bill defines a drag show as entertainment in which a performer “sings, lip-syncs, dances, reads or otherwise performs,” regardless of whether they receive payment, and in which the main aspect of the event is “a performer who exhibits a gender identity that is different than the performer’s gender assigned at birth, through the use of clothing, makeup, accessories or other gender signifiers.”

Individuals who violate the proposed law could be charged with a Class D felony — which the bill notes would be punishable by up to five years in prison — and businesses which allow minors to attend such events could be fined $10,000 per minor present. The

The annual Decorah Pride festival parade and other events often feature individuals dressed in drag. Organizers with Decorah Pride may need to address questions of legal compliance and safety for participants if a bill that’s been introduced in the Iowa House becomes law. House Study Bill 158 would make it a felony for adults to bring minors to a drag show or allow a minor to attend such a show. Decorah Pride organizers indicated the annual parade along Water Street in Decorah might fall under the bill’s definition of a drag show. (File photo) bill would also allow parents or legal guardians of minors to seek legal damages between $10,000 and $50,000 for each violation of the proposed law.

Lobbyists with the Iowa chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the Des Moines Performing Arts, the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and the Interfaith Alli-

ance of Iowa Action Fund have registered in opposition to the bill. Groups like The Family Leader, Iowa Baptists for Biblical Values and Public Education Libraries and Legal Advocacy

Drag continued on page 5

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this Valentine’s Day!

Supervisors eye Public Health’s home care services

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Winneshiek County is considering how to care for a dozen residents who reportedly require home health services through Winneshiek County Public Health.

WCPH Administrator Krista Vanden Brink met with the county’s board of supervisors Monday morning to answer questions previously raised at the Feb. 17 supervisors’ meeting — during which board cochair Mark Vick said approximately $225,000 was being spent by WCPH on “about 14” home health clients.

Vanden Brink said Monday that 12 county residents need home health services not provided by other counties, agencies or hospitals. Supervisor Steve Kelsay asked if surround-

Winneshiek County Public Health Administrator Krista Vanden Brink spoke with the board of supervisors Monday about the needs of 12 county residents who require home health services. (Photo by Zach Jensen) ing counties classify homemaking services as public health services.

“Our surrounding counties

Winneshiek County Supervisor Steve Kelsay asked questions and shared concerns about Winneshiek County Public Health during Monday’s board of supervisors meeting. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

don’t have homemaking services,” Vanden Brink replied.

“But, I will tell you that other counties that have become decertified, like us, also provide some homemaking services, and they also do medication assistance. We don’t have those services in the surrounding counties, because they’re all certified.”

Kelsay said that, when WCPH provides services in private situations, it’s not considered public health, according to what he’s read in the Iowa Code.

“There has to be commensurate dollars that offset that,” he said.

Vanden Brink told the board the county can’t simply drop the individuals’ services.

“That’s abandonment,” she said. “There is not another agency that’s going to pick up these people. It doesn’t exist.

So, how do you take care of them? It’s going to cost us way more money in the long run if

they’re not being seen, then they get hospitalized and they end up in a long-term care facility. So, it will cost a lot more money (and) take a lot more resources … to provide services for these people.”

Kelsay said he feels the state law needs to change rather than leave Winneshiek County taxpayers paying to care for those 14 individuals at their homes.

“The justification has to come from the county taxpayer that, next month, takes out that checkbook and writes a check to pay their property tax,” he said. “And, they always ask us ‘Why is our property tax so high?’ So, give me an answer.”

Vanden Brink said, when looking at all the funding WCPH uses and the county’s population, her agency is only spending about $20 per capita.

“We only have these few people as an expense,” she said.

“Again, they need services. You can’t just abandon them. It’s minimal care that they’re getting, but it’s darn good care.”

Vanden Brink said it would cost more than $200 per visit by a private nurse to care for those individuals — as opposed to $180 per visit by WCPH. “Many agencies are pushing $250,” she said. “Because they’re also not going to be able to provide the home care services at the frequency that these people need. We do that.”

Kelsay said he found that difficult to believe.

“These are people,” Supervisor Shirley Vermace said, “and they’re some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Who are we? I’d like to believe we’re a community that cares for the most vulnerable.”

Faldet agreed the county’s

If you or a loved one suffer s from hearing loss, get a

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home health clients should Call (563) 275-7448 to be cared for, but he Or Book Your Appointment Online! wondered if they could be cared for by staff at WinnMed. Vanden Brink indicated that isn’t an option 911 S. Mill St., Suite 3 either.

Decorah, IA 52101 Calvin Trepp “They don’t have the Hearing Instrument Specialist NorthIowaHearing.com home care aide services or the homemaking services,” Vanden Brink said.

“One of the private-pay (cli- ty do need care,” he said. “If ents) transitioned to the hospi- there’s no other option for them, tal, and the family said the hos- I think it’s our obligation to see pital can’t provide the services, if we can get that care for them ‘and so we’re coming back to — whether it’s us providing it you.’” or finding an agency to provide Kelsay claimed other coun- it.” ties are providing home health Langreck said the county services and said families, if needs more information about they live nearby, should take what surrounding counties and care of their own.

WinnMed offer for home health “The state has mandated services and at what charge. through our code that certain Vanden Brink volunteered to things are to be provided,” he gather the information and resaid. “I understand that, but it port back to the supervisors. appears that these other counties are providing…they may In other business: not be providing the same ser• The supervisors unanivice level that you are, and I’m mously approved a contract for sure they have some of those service by Ricoh USA for its same people in that same boat. copier and printer needs.

That’s a family issue, and if • The supervisors unanimousthey don’t have family, I under- ly approved a memorandum of stand that. I don’t have family understanding for Crowdstrike either that lives in Winneshiek cybersecurity.

County or anywhere near it.”

• Upper Explorerland ReBoard chair Dan Langreck gional Planning Commission’s said it isn’t fair to assume that annual audit was accepted and other counties are providing filed. home health services and that • The supervisors agreed to the county should make sure ask Lynch Dallas of Cedar Rapthey’re providing the same ser- ids for assistance with the counvice. ty’s pay matrix.

Faldet compared the situation with having one resident living The next meeting of the Winat the end of a county road. He neshiek County Board of Supersaid it might cost taxpayers visors will be held at 9:30 a.m., $10,000 each year to maintain Monday, March 3, at the courtthat road, but it still needs to be house annex. done.

“The residents in the coun®

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BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Prosecutors have filed additional charges against a Winneshiek County Sheriff’s former deputy who was accused earlier this year of using his position to avoid sales tax charges.

The sheriff’s office previously said an internal investigation began immediately after receiving a report of possible misconduct regarding 33-yearold Makenz Allen Kriener of Fort Atkinson. The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to assist with the case. The investigation revealed Kriener had visited Norbys Farm Fleet in Decorah while

Makenz Allen Kriener on duty in early December of 2024 and used cash to pay for unauthorized purchases on the office’s tax-exempt account — court documents indicated the purchases totaled less than

$300. The complaints went on to say Kriener “admitted the use of (the) items is on a mostly personal basis and (he) had stored the items at his residence.”

Kriener began his law enforcement career in 2017, according to a staff profile previously posted to the sheriff’s website. He has since been terminated from his position with the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

Initial court filings dated Jan. 2, 2025, listed charges of fifth-degree theft — a simple misdemeanor — and sales tax evasion — a Class D felony.

However, trial information filed last week listed several more charges against the former deputy. In addition to sales tax evasion, Kriener faces four counts of third-degree fraudulent practice — each an aggravated misdemeanor — and two counts of non-felonious misconduct while in office — both serious misdemeanors. The original fifth-degree theft charge had been filed separately and is

expected to be held as a companion case, according to court filings.

The recently filed trial information indicated Kriener knowingly provided false information or concealed certain facts while applying for a vehicle registration or title. Prosecutors listed four separate offenses which allegedly took place between February and August of 2024 — court filings did not specify whether each offense involved a different vehicle. The charges of misconduct involved the alleged misuse of public property “for a private purpose and for personal gain,” according to court documents, but available filings did not provide further specifics. Prosecutors believe the first of those offenses took place on July 6, 2024, and the second occurred between Aug. 1 and Aug. 9, 2024.

Court filings have yet to show a formal plea from the former deputy. He is currently scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, March 4.

VOTE TUESDAY MARCH 4 Polls are open 7 AM to 8 PM

Municipal Electric Utility Referendum POLLING SITES: Decorah Wards 1 & 2 Courthouse Annex: 201 W Main St, Decorah

Decorah Wards 3A & 3B First Lutheran Church: 604 W Broadway, Decorah Decorah Wards 4 & 5 Good Shepherd Church: 701 Iowa Ave, Decorah

To find your ward, visit:

winneshiekcounty.iowa. gov/departments/auditor/ election-information

or call the Auditor's Office at 563-382-5085 or scan QR Code

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

3

Area voters to cast Decorah City Council continues to mull ballots next week municipal building’s future

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Voters in the city of Decorah will be heading to the polls next week to decide whether to authorize the city to establish a municipal electric utility. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 4. Voters in Decorah’s Ward 1 and 2 will vote at the Winneshiek County Courthouse Annex — 201 West Main St. in Decorah. Voters in Ward 3A and 3B can cast their ballots at First Lutheran Church — 604 W. Broadway St. in Decorah, and voters in Wards 4 and 5 can fill out a ballot at Good Shepherd Church — 701 Iowa Ave. in Decorah.

The March 4 referendum requires a simple majority in order to pass. Voters are reminded to bring an Iowa driver’s license, non-driver ID card, passport, military ID or voter ID card to the polls as proof of identity. Voters who have changed

addresses since they last registered to vote will also need to provide proof of residency.

Some Winneshiek County voters will also be eligible to cast ballots that same day in a Postville Community School District special election. The Postville School District is looking to fill an at-large seat on its board of education. Candidate Mary Huinker is the only candidate listed on the sample ballot posted by the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office. Voters within the Postville School District will also be asked to approve a public measure renewing the district’s revenue purpose statement.

Winneshiek County residents living within the Postville School District may fill out their ballots at the Ossian Community Center — 123 West Main St. in Ossian. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day.

Decorah band director accused of sexually exploiting student

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A staff member with Decorah Community Schools has been placed on leave after being accused of sexually exploiting a student over the course of several months.

A criminal complaint filed against 48-year-old Dustin Harland Bliven of Decorah, who had served as a high school band director, engaged in a pattern of physically touching a student in what court documents described as a sexual nature. A criminal complaint filed against Bliven indicated the alleged offenses took place at Decorah High School between Oct. 1, 2024, and Feb. 15, 2025 — the latter being the date on which Decorah Police became aware of the accusations, according to a statement released Friday.

“The reporting party provided some evidence that they felt substantiated their concerns,” the Decorah Police Department’s statement said. “Based on this evidence, contact was made with the student and additional corroborating evidence was discovered.”

The police statement went on to say law enforcement then notified the school district and began working with school officials to “isolate the incident” and ensure student safety in order to conduct a proper investigation, according to the police’s statement. Bliven has

Dustin Harland Bliven been charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee — a Class D felony — and was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:40 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. He faces up to five years in prison.

“We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are fully cooperating with law enforcement,” Decorah Schools said in a statement released Friday. “The staff member has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The safety and wellbeing of our students remain our top priority, and we will take appropriate action based on the findings.”

Court documents said a no contact order has been requested, prohibiting contact between Bliven and the student.

Investigators said anyone with any information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Decorah Police Department at 563-382-3667.

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER The Decorah City Council is still undecided on whether to remodel or raze and rebuild the facility which serves as Decorah’s Fire and Police Station as well as its city hall. City staff have said the building was constructed almost seven decades ago and is in need of numerous costly repairs and renovations to bring the facility up to code.

Brunton Engineering and Construction firm was hired by the city in late 2023 to perform a walkthrough and inspection of the building — a resulting 48-page evaluation outlined deficiencies, including foundation cracks in the fire station, asbestos and numerous ceiling and window leaks. City Manager Travis Goedken previously prioritized the listed deficiencies and estimated the total price tag for necessary work was around $2 million.

A new building design was submitted, but at a cost of $15 million, the council asked Brunton to see if they could come up with a new plan at a lesser cost.

According to the firm, a new building could take advantage of the land at the current location, whereas the current building isn’t arranged and designed to make the most of the property upon which it sits.

At Monday night’s city council meeting, representatives with Brunton presented two new concepts for a completely new build and renovation of the current building, both having a cost of roughly $10 million.

One of the designs would focus on the fire station, where many of the timeliest issues are located, according to several council members. The concept would add to the existing fire station’s bay, extend the middle and convert the current offices into bunk rooms and bathrooms.

According to several fire fighters who attended the meeting, lack of space in the station, specifically the bays where the fire trucks park, is the biggest issue for them. Firefighters must restock the firetrucks outside the station due to a lack of space inside the bays, and there isn’t enough room for firefighters to open doors on the firetrucks when they are parked side by side.

“When a truck is leaving the bay to respond to a call, there are people standing next to you, bending over, putting their gear on, that’s a safety hazard,” Decorah firefighter Jeff Ode said.

Brunton’s team then presented pictures of a recent project their company had completed for a Minnesota city— a government building with similar square footage and budget. Several council members liked the look of new construction, while several others stood firm with their position on remodeling the

Brunton Engineering and Construction firm was hired by the city in late 2023 to perform a walkthrough and inspection of the building — a resulting 48page evaluation outlined deficiencies, including foundation cracks in the fire station, asbestos and numerous ceiling and window leaks. TOP LEFT- The foundation is cracking and backfill is washing out in the fire station. TOP RIGHT- Floor slabs in the fire station bays have significant cracking and deterioration, raising concerns with drainage and proper reinforcement in the slab. (Photos submitted) LEFT- Mark Muggli, president of Decorah’s Historic Preservation Commission, was asked to share his thoughts about the city’s municipal building.

(Photo by Denise Lana)

existing building.

“I think what we are looking at is a decision that is ultimately not going to make anyone ultimately happy,” said Councilman Steven Zittergruen, who expressed opposition to a new building in favor of reviewing the numbers and seeing if the city could decrease the $2 million renovation costs to less than $1 million.

Councilman Kirsten Olsen felt the building would likely present more issues in the future.

“Two major issues — the roof and settling that caused major damage to the sides,” said Olsen said. “Even if you fixed those, you are going to have major issues down the road. I think we are going to end up with more problems down the road and spend a lot more money.”

Brunton officials said the firm makes more money on renovation jobs versus new builds. They suggested to the city council that, if they wanted to break the construction or renovation down into smaller jobs, it could be done in phases, which would be easier on taxpayers but, with every passing year, the project costs would be estimated to increase by 5-6 percent.

A hybrid concept was also discussed — part of the building could be remodeled alongside new construction, with historically significant parts of

the building potentially being incorporated or reproduced in the new build or remodel.

Councilman Randy Shissel said he didn’t feel the building’s current location was the proper place to have any sort of fire station or city hall building.

“We are sitting right on a riverbed — this building has lasted 70 years now, and I don’t want to tear the building down, but flat roofs are not a good idea for this area,” Schissel said. “But putting up a new structure here, it’s not going to last better — the riverbed used to run right through here.”

Brunton’s representatives reassured the council there were options to reinforce the buildings’ foundation down to the bedrock and prevent sinking.

Mark Muggli, president of Decorah’s Historic Preservation Commission, was asked to share his thoughts about the building, which was designed in 1959 by locally renowned architect Charles Altfillisch.

Muggli expressed a degree of frustration with what he saw as Brunton’s dismissive attitude toward old buildings earlier in the meeting.

“I do think this is his most striking, existing design. It’s his best-preserved design, and it’s a central building in Decorah’s history,” Muggli said. “That is the way many people across Decorah who have attachments to this building-and buildings like it-feel.”

NMP opens call for director proposals during 50th season

New Minowa Players is now accepting director proposals for the 2025-26 season, which marks the group’s 50th anniversary. Organizers expect the milestone season to include an exciting lineup of productions, offering diverse opportunities for prospective directors to bring their creative visions to life. Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 31. Directors can apply through NMP’s website: www.newminowaplayers. org. Alternatively, applications may be mailed to New Minowa Players, 906 S. Mill Street, PO Box 321, Decorah, IA 52101 or emailed to newminowaplayers@gmail.com.

The 2025-26 season will offer six production slots.

A young people’s production is slated for early August.

Organizers said the production may be an ideal opportunity for young directors to lead a team

of actors in junior high through college.

A children’s show is to take place in October, which organizers said will showcase the talents of younger actors — from age 5 up to eighth grade.

A creative venture is scheduled for early November. Past ventures for the production have included cabaret-style

performances, projects in distinct venues and what organizers called thought-provoking straight plays.

A family show is expected to be performed the last two weekend in January of 2026.

This winter production typically features roles for both adults and younger performers.

A spring show will take the

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stage in late March or early April of that year, and the production is expected to be open to all-adult performers. Organizers said the production can be either a musical or play.

The curtain will also go up on a summer musical the last full

weekend in June of 2026. Directors are encouraged to create a large-scale musical production, which will be performed at the Decorah High School Auditorium. Directors can collaborate with a full production team to stage the show.

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Muggli said he might have preferred an architect with greater interest in preserving historic buildings and knowledge of required repairs and updates, and he voiced support of a phased construction concept if it meant the current building could be preserved or revived while addressing the fire department’s numerous needs.

Turning his attention to the building’s historic architect, Muggli said that while not every building Altfillisch designed needed to be preserved, the municipal building should be restored and acknowledged in the city.

Hours of debate ended in limbo and the council took no action, but city council members agreed they wanted to see the best $10 million plan and the best $3 million plan as well as concepts for a hybrid model and a phased design focusing on the fire department first. Brunton is expected to submit concepts to the city in the near future, and city officials indicated a decision could be made by the end of August.

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Rage, rage at State legislation could lead to a dying of different kind of silence in the library the free choice

The last couple weeks were particularly dizzying for me as I glanced at the bills being introduced in Des Moines. It’s hard to keep up with every single idea that gets thrown out there

BY SETH under the capitol’s dome, and BOYES things will eventually get win- News Editor nowed down in the weeks to come.

But bills that affect public li- is found to be complete bunk.

That sends up a bit of a red braries often catch my attention. flag in my mind, having seen You see, as the son of a public some of my fellow journalists librarian and a high school sciget hit with what’s sometimes ence teacher, I know public emcalled a SLAPP lawsuit — or ployees are often overworked strategic lawsuit against puband underappreciated (so, of lic participation.

You see, peocourse, I went into journalism ple don’t file SLAPP lawsuits to experience both for myself because they’re convinced in the private sector). But all joking aside, when our local they’ve got a rock-solid case. library says it doesn’t have the They file them as a tactic to exstaff to ensure compliance with haust their target by effectively a new proposed state law, and forcing them to either agree to would have to scale things back a settlement and end the matto solely children’s materials if ter or be potentially be crushed under the weight of mounting it becomes law, I believe them.

As you’ll read elsewhere in legal costs before the case ever this week’s edition, a couple reaches a court.

It’s a favored tactic of inof bills have been introduced dividuals and organizations in the Iowa legislature which with plenty of money to throw would prohibit public libraries around. from purchasing materials that It’s a purchased victory when include descriptions or visual the system might’ve otherwise depictions of sex and would bar resulted in defeat. libraries from knowingly proAnd I think the legislation viding obscene material to micurrently being considered by nors — I’ll assume the authors state lawmakers could easily were genuinely attempting to expose public libraries in Iowa accomplish a worthwhile goal, to similar tactics by folks who even if Iowa law already prohave strong feelings about what hibits libraries from distributing such things to minors. Plus, I’ve other library patrons should and never met a librarian who was shouldn’t have access to.

But just for the sake of argusomehow consumed with the ment, let’s run through a differidea of putting adult material in ent scenario. a child’s hands.

Let’s assume for a moment But it’s the financial implicaour local librarians somehow tions of the legislation that drew have the time to leaf through most of my concern. every page of Veronica Roth’s It would also make way for “Divergent” trilogy, but they financial penalties and civoverlook a page in the third il litigation against the city or installment which reads “I am county which founded the lilike the blade and he is like brary, if a complaint filed by a the whetstone.”

Let’s assume parent – specific dollar figures they read Ole Rolvaag’s “Giwould vary depending on the ants in the Earth” — which was timeframe in question, but the at one point required reading penalties would start at a figure that’s more than 47 times for Luther College students, if the fine assessed in the state of it isn’t still — but the library Iowa for public intoxication. staff doesn’t quite read closely Now, I hear you — there’s no enough to catch the sentence need to worry about penalties “That night, Per Hansa was and fees, so long as libraries good to his wife.”

You might say those passagdon’t violate the law. es aren’t depictions of sex as But I don’t think that’s quite defined by the state of Iowa. true.

I’m not a legal scholar, but you I might have missed somemight be right. However, the thing, but it seems that, even proposed legislation doesn’t though the bill requires a court require a parent establish a vito award a parent or guardolation has occurred before a ian reasonable attorney fees if complaint is filed.

Admittedly, they’re civil case is successful, it doesn’t actually require the the bill does say those comcourt to do the same for the li- plaints are to be filed with the brary if the parent’s complaint appropriate local board first,

and the issue can advance to a civil court after 30 days if the library continues to commit the alleged violation.

But, again, the bill doesn’t actually say what would happen if the local board finds a complaint didn’t carry water in the first place (lord knows I’ve taken enough phone calls over the years from people who delivered scathing criticism of something they allegedly read on our pages, only to discover they themselves hadn’t even bothered to make sure they were calling the right newspaper). So, in my own humble estimation, public libraries and the cities which operate them could still be on the hook for legal expenses, even if they’re ultimately vindicated by a board or a court. Which leads me to wonder just how many complaints – valid or not – it would take before our local library would no longer be able to cover their operating costs.

Now, I’ll give our lawmakers the benefit of a doubt and assume the intent of these bills wasn’t to close community libraries. However, that such a result doesn’t seem entirely outside the realm of possibility. To paraphrase something a former county supervisor taught me a few years back, when it comes to government, it doesn’t matter what you intended when you wrote a law or policy, it matters what you actually put down on paper – that is to say, poorly written laws can have unintended consequences.

And what’s on paper at the moment in Des Moines could herald a different kind of silence in the library than I imagine our local librarians typically have in mind. It’s a silence which would leave many readers with only the materials of which our government approves – and that’s a frightening precedent, in my opinion.

“O, that way madness lies.”

That’s a line from Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” by the way. You might want to look it up before state law changes, because I don’t even want to try and count how many overly-frilly and cryptic descriptions of sex the bard worked into his plays.

Agree with Seth? Think he’s got it completely backwards or he’s missed the point entirely?

Let your voice be heard. Letters to the editor may be emailed to editor@decorahleader.com or dropped off at 110 Washington St. Suite 4 in Decorah.

Dear Editor, A very old adage says, “You can’t legislate morality.” Now some Iowa legislators posing as self-appointed thought police and morality judges are using House File 274 and Senate File 347 to curtail Iowa Public Library book inventories.

They claim it is not a book ban.

They are wrong. Using Merriam-Webster’s definition of “ban,” they lose the argument.

In the 2019 report, “Our Towns”

by James and Deborah Fallows, discovered that well-functioning public libraries are “bellwether institutions,” highly predictive of a town’s cultural, civic and economic success.

So…our crusading but unenlightened lawmakers’ plan will predictably handicap Iowa citizens’ access to material essential for literary appreciation and informed civic discourse, to the detriment of our precious communities. Paraphrasing Dylan Thomas, we all “should burn and rave at close of classic literature availability. Rage, rage at the dying of free choice.

Apathy is the antipode to democracy. We must all be engaged! Remember, in the 1930s, Germany learned that it is a short path from book banning to book burning. And an even shorter path from burning books to burning people.

David Bakken Decorah

Move over legislators

And somewhere out of the political wilderness comes the cry that our Iowa higher education facilities are “left leaning.”

And the voice continues to say that if it continues, it will be unsettling. Voting will be unduly influenced.

Excuuuuuuuse me, Republicans have been in power long enough to disprove that. As a matter of fact, their legislation has created enough laws — including amending the constitution — and to maintain sympathies, even if they lose an election.

Crushing DEI, crushing our history, crushing books, privatizing education with public money — by the way, private accountability on this needs to be heard — and with no end in sight. Who are they trying to kid? We’re not asleep at the switch.

We have learned, disciplined, state-certified educators whose job it is to teach. Move out of the way and let them lead.

John Carver Decorah

VAT tax and trade

The value added tax is just a scheme to help domestic manufacturers complete in global markets.

The way it works is you lower the taxes you should otherwise collect. Then you put on a VAT tax, you collect it on everything sold in your country, including imports, and say that you are just treating foreign and domestic goods the same. Are we that easily fooled?

Then besides this, most VAT tax countries refund back to exporters the VAT tax.

Bottom line, U.S. exports to a VAT tax country get charged around 20 percent more than they otherwise should, and their goods sold in the U.S. get charged 20 percent less than they otherwise should.

Under VAT tax rational, the U.S. could refund all the taxes they now collect. Then get it back by putting on a VAT tax, but now they would be able to spread that cost out onto everything sold in the U.S., including imports.

Dennis Kruse Cresco

It’s a drag I sent this letter to our state representative and senator. I share it with you as an open letter.

Gentlemen Rep. Mike Bergen and Sen. Mike Klimesh, I continue to be flummoxed by the Republican political obsession with sex – that is, with how other people express their sexual side because of who they are. Sex is nature, not ideology or religion – regardless of the ideology that now says otherwise. I don’t understand how our Iowa laws are increasingly reflecting this strange obsession by defining sex and gender topics as obscene, taboo or unmentionable and attempting to make it impossible to teach or find publicly available information about or mention the science or enjoyment of this complex biological imperative.

Do you remember when you hit puberty? I do. Was it evil?

Did you find your sudden new attraction driven by an ideology or religion? Neither did I. It just happened one day when I realized certain body parts on certain people resulted in a different reaction than the day before.

And nature did this to me, as it likely did to you, and to others who happened to have different reactions they didn’t fully understand. None of us picked our innate response.

Evidence suggests that both of you have had sex, and I hope you continue to have and enjoy sex. It is a gift, not a curse. And my guess is that you don’t want me and my wife figuratively peeking into your bedroom with a shaming tsk-tsk finger wag at how you do it. And nobody I can think of intends to ask you if they can do what they do, regardless of stupid laws.

Banning thoughts and information never works, even if it feels good and powerful to the enforcers. You can’t stop puberty, and hormones are not actually subject to ideology. I hope you can respect your constituents’ rights to both sexual privacy, expression and information in both schools and public libraries. Freedom of information is (was?) a core American value.

Cherish it while you have it. You too will miss it when it’s gone.

And now making it a felony for a minor to attend a drag show? Really? Do you have any grasp of the long history of drag? Are you old enough to remember Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Jackie Gleason? Them in drag was a staple of family television when I was young.

Look them up. Please read the Wikipedia listing of drag history as a plot element on stage and screen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-dressing_ in_film_and_television). And think of all the would-be felons who watched Shakespeare at the Globe in London through the years, when women weren’t allowed on the stage, so men played women. Oh, and how about dressing up as a witch or Barney or Sponge Bob Square Pants on Halloween. Yikes!

They’re not even human, and probably the Devil’s work.

Come on, guys, don’t participate in making us and our children stupid — and embarrassed to be Iowans — by banning access to words or mutually consenting actions just because the most conservative religions organizations find them offensive because of this sex obsession.

Knowledge prevention is not the way forward. Banning other peoples’ thoughts and access to valid human information is just a political over-compensation mechanism for those who think they have a right to rule and punish people who don’t share their obsession with all things sexual. And most people don’t!

As our lawmakers, we need you to 1.) recognize that this oppressive society will have to continually arrest and punish most Iowa citizens for their very private actions and thoughts about sex, and you’ll need big detention centers to house us all; and thus 2.) actively stand up, on the public record, against these travesties of personal freedom.

Thank you.

Lyle Luzum Decorah

Decorah Leader

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

This year’s band festival, scheduled for March 2 and 3

Dorian program teaches youth much more than music

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER In 1950, Luther College’s Music Director Weston Noble began inviting students from regional schools to participate in band-focused musical education and celebration at Luther. This was the genesis of Noble’s Dorian Band Festival. What started as a regional event has grown into a series of annual festivals which attract more than 1,500 high school students to campus each year.

More than 75 years later, Dorian Band Festivals at Luther College have evolved and expanded to include vocal, keyboard and orchestra festivals. The original format of the band festival has adapted and changed over time as well. This year’s band festival, scheduled for March 2 and 3, will include three different band ensembles of varying sizes.

Two week-long summer band camp programs were added, and most recently, alumni retreats were created, inviting past attendees and other musicians to relive some of their musical memories.

“Dorian is what got me to attend Luther College,” said Nicholas Drilling, assistant director of music outreach at Luther College. “I took one step onto campus, and I thought ‘I’m home.’ And I am still here.”

Drilling was nominated for Dorian when he was serving as president of his high school choir in Mound, Minnesota. He became a student worker with the Dorian program during his college years, and he currently serves as the coor-

Dorian Band Festival at Luther College (File photo)

dinator for the Dorian festivals — arranging the logistics and details with Luther’s staff and the hundreds of high school music teachers who bring their students to each event. Drilling called Noble an innovator with the vision to launch the Dorian program at a time when few colleges were providing similar youth programs.

“Noble’s initiative to make music available for as many students as possible continues to spread deep into the roots of the Luther College Music,” Drilling said. “Luther College and the Dorian program have really kept Noble’s spirit alive.”

Dorian Festivals focus on providing focused classes and tutoring for musical students in high school, according to Nicholas Drilling, assistant director of music outreach at Luther College. Students from

the Midwest travel and stay at Luther’s campus for one night to study and receive instruction alongside fellow musicians under the tutelage of professors, special guest conductors and other instructors. According to Drilling, students attending Dorian Festivals who are interested in attending Luther College can also be given the opportunity to audition for a Weston Noble Music Scholarship, which may be earned by students from any field of academic study, not just music.

Drilling said Dorian students are taught to be comfortable putting down their instruments and closing their music books in order to open their minds to explore the music and sounds around them.

“Being a musical person often means you are artistic in different areas,” Drilling said.

“While you are studying mu-

sic even at summer camp, you can explore sound by listening to how the birds sing or how an organ works — or focus on the rhythm of a heartbeat when you are giving CPR and how music can help you with that.”

High school student musicians often report feeling a strong sense of belonging when participating in a Dorian festival, according to Drilling, and he feels organizers with the Dorian Festivals make a conscious effort to offer programming that is inclusive and creates a harmonious environment for every student.

“Dorian students often leave our events feeling very seen,” Drilling said. “Many of the students coming to these events are high-level musicians at their schools, and it can be hard to find community in their schools. We put a bunch of students just like them into the same space and encourage them to build connections through making music together.”

Dorian schedules also boast a variety of activities for the students from ballroom dancing and scene painting to digital photography, acting, and clay sculpting. If a Dorian student chooses to continue at Luther College after graduating high school, Drilling said Luther can offer a similar schedule in which the student may still enjoy music while studying and pursuing other fields of study.

“They are learning community and collaboration,” Drilling said. “To play the violin and love to draw or make ceramics or enjoy science —it’s a good quality to be a well-rounded human.”

5

Riehle Family Scholarship Fund established to honor South Winneshiek School bus driver The Winneshiek County Community Foundation recently announced the establishment of the Riehle Family Scholarship Fund, created to honor the memory of Phyllis Riehle, a devoted school bus driver for South Winneshiek Schools for 29 years and a cherished member of the Spillville community.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a South Winneshiek High School graduating senior who demonstrates financial need, maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher and shows a strong passion for STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — programs.

Organizers described Riehle as a caring and constant presence for the children who rode her bus, adding she loved every one of her 29 years behind the wheel and built meaningful connections with her riders and their families. Her collection of toy school buses—many gifted to her by her riders—was a testament to the special bond she shared with her community.

Riehle’s son Richard established the scholarship on behalf of the Riehle Family to honor his mother’s legacy of hard work, perseverance, and love for the people of Spillville and beyond. The fund was initially created using funds from Phyllis Riehle’s estate, ensuring her memory and values continue to inspire and support future generations.

“The Riehle Family Scholarship Fund is about more than academic achievement,” said Richard Riehle. “It’s a tribute to my mother’s unwavering dedication to the children and families of her community. We hope this scholarship reflects her spirit and helps students pursue their dreams while embracing the values she held dear.”

Phyllis Riehle The family aims to grow the fund to provide an annual scholarship of $4,000 through the South Winneshiek Dollars for Scholars program, ensuring lasting support for local students in their pursuit of higher education.

How to support the fund The Riehle Family Scholarship Fund accepts financial gifts of cash, checks or stock through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, located at 3117 Greenhill Circle in Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Checks should be made payable to the “Riehle Family Scholarship Fund.”

Contributions can also be made online through the Community Foundation’s secure website at www.cfneia.org/donations/riehlefamily.

Donors to the fund may be eligible to receive a 25 percent state tax credit through Iowa’s Endow Iowa program. Questions may be directed to Terry Gaumer, charitable advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-2431354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org.

For more details about the Winneshiek County Community Foundation and its work, visit www.cfneia.org/affiliate/ winneshiek.

Obituary

Roger Hamman Oct. 28, 1937 - Feb. 24, 2025

Drag continued from front Political Action Committee — or PELLA PAC — have registered their support for it.

“This bill is not harming those that have already drank from the poison cup, but protecting those that have not from ingesting the harmful lie of LGBTQ served up in the drag show myth,” Rick Phillips with PELLA PAC wrote in a Feb. 12 comment to lawmakers. “Protecting children not yet harmed by drag shows takes nothing from LGBTQ.” PELLA PAC’s website says the group expressly opposes “making obscene material available and allowing drag queens access to minor children” and supports removing gender identity and sexual orientation from the Iowa Civil Rights Code.

Mariann Fant, a committee member with the non-profit organization Decorah Pride, said state law already protects minors from specifically defined obscene material, which she indicated includes drag performances designed for adult audiences. She went on to call the House’s proposed bill absurd and poorly written legislation.

“House (Study) Bill 158 is a blatant attempt to criminalize diverse gender expression in public and, if it passes, trans people will ultimately bear the brunt of its impact,” Fant said.

A number of comments submitted to the House subcommittee earlier this month expressed opposition to the bill, arguing it included overly broad language which might apply to classical stage performances, like “Peter

Pan” or William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” as well as popular films, such as “Tootsie” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.”

Fant herself questioned whether HSB 158 would apply to events such as a woman wearing a bowtie during a speaking engagement or a male entertainment group wearing kilts.

“There are so many combinations and circumstances that could potentially be breaking the law if this Bill were to become law,” she said. “But of course, those are all hypothetical. What’s not hypothetical is transgender people existing in public. Trans people exist, and they have jobs and hobbies that may involve ‘dancing, reading, or otherwise performing’ in public spaces.”

The bill was introduced in the Iowa House on Feb. 11, and a House subcommittee on education recommended the bill for passage on Feb. 18. Neither of the state lawmakers representing Decorah have been involved with the proposed bill, and the bill had yet to progress any further than the House subcommittee as of press time Tuesday. If the bill fails to advance before March 7, it will be considered a “dead bill” by the legislature.

Context and intent Fant said she feels the very existence of HSB 158 incorrectly assumes all drag performances, as well as what she called diverse gender expressions, are inherently inappropriate for minors. She cited child-friendly drag performances organized

during the 2022 Decorah Pride festival, in which performers donned what she called “colorful clown-esque costumes” and “classy, black-tie-eque gowns” while lip-syncing songs like Aretha Franklin’s “Deeper Love” and “Stand Out” from the 1995 Disney film “A Goofy Movie.” She said those acts were followed by an intermission before more adult-themed performances began.

“While it’s true that many drag shows are geared towards adults, drag is as diverse as dance,” Fant said. “You wouldn’t call every dance performance ‘adult’ because burlesque shows exist. There are family-friendly drag shows that focus on humor, storytelling and artistic expression, much like a ballet or modern dance performance can be suitable for all ages. It’s about the context and intent of the performance, not the art form itself.”

Fant doubts HSB 158 will directly affect drag shows organized as part of the annual Decorah Pride festival, saying most of the shows are already limited to those age 18 and older and have been hosted at a private venue for the last two years.

She feels the larger issue would be the bill’s definition of drag performances, which she indicated might apply to festival’s annual parade.

The first Decorah Pride parade was held in May of 2018, according to archives of the Decorah Public Opinion, and they continue to be held as part of the broader Decorah Pride festival each fall. Fant said the

parade and other events are an opportunity for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community to be seen as more than the collective subject of distant state and national headlines.

“It’s also an opportunity for people in the community to see that there are real queer people here who may be their neighbors, their co-workers or their grocery clerks,” Fant said. “Unfortunately, a lot of queer-related news or gatherings are focused on fighting for our rights or protecting those who don’t have the rights they deserve. I think Pride is one of the special times where we get to move beyond fighting and surviving and just bask in the joy that is celebrating ourselves, our loves and our history.”

The Decorah Pride festival’s yearly parade typically runs along Water Street in downtown Decorah. Fants said a number of parade participants could potentially be dressed in drag, which she believes might subject attendees of the outdoor parade to the proposed law if it is approved.

“If the bill passes, I think we will definitely have to have a discussion about how the bill language impacts someone in drag or someone wearing clothing outside their assigned gender at birth at the Decorah Pride parade,” Fant said, later adding the non-profit would need to questions of how best to legal comply while providing safety for all participants.

Roger M. Hamman, 87, of Bettendorf passed away Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 at Mercy One Genesis, Davenport.

Roger was born Oct. 28, 1937 in rural Webster City, the son of Jonathan and Pearl (Shafer) H a m m a n . Roger M. Hamman Following his graduation from Webster City High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 -62.

On June 30, 1968, he was united in marriage to Charlene Crim in Boone, Iowa. Roger worked for Northwestern Bell for 33 years before retiring in 1995. He then worked for Enterprise Car Rental for 24 years until eventually retiring in 2020.

Roger was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa State Cyclones fan. He enjoyed traveling on bus trips with his wife and attending family reunions. He appreciated being outdoors, whether hiking, fishing, canoeing, or being out on the river with his family.

Spending time with his grandchildren was very important to Roger, especially celebrating their birthdays with them. Rog-

er was a devoted husband, dad and papa.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Charlene Hamman of Bettendorf; children, Beverly (Jeremy) Foley of Grimes, Iowa and John (Kira) Hamman of Smithsburg, Maryland; grandchildren, Lucia and Benjamin Hamman; siblings, Sharon (Richard) Wheeler of Webster City and Lyle Hamman of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his sisters, Gladys Waters and Ruby Hamman.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 3 at Asbury United Methodist Church, Bettendorf. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon at Cass Center Cemetery, Webster City. Memorials may be directed to Quad Cities Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with Roger’s family at www.McGinnis-Chambers. com.

McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Service Notices PHILIP BURG, 75 of Decorah, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 W. Main St., Decorah, with Rev Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church Friday.

TIMOTHY “DOGG” GERLEMAN, 53, of Fort Atkinson, died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. A celebration of life will be held from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at the Fort Atkinson Community Center, 300 3rd St. NW, Fort Atkinson.

COMMUNITY

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Luther announces Fulbright Program semi-finalists

Luther College recently announced four students have been selected as 2025-26 semi-finalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. All four students received nominations for English teaching assistantships.

The Luther College semi-finalists are: • Lydia Gruenwald, class of 2025, English teaching assistantship in Germany • Alexia Murano, class of 2025, English teaching assistantship in Spain • Cassandra Norton, class of 2024, English teaching assistantship in Germany • Mark Severtson, class of 2025, English teaching assis-

Luther College recently announced four students who have been selected as semi-finalists in the 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The Luther College semi-finalists are (from left to right) Lydia Gruenwald, Alexia Murano, Cassandra Norton and Mark Severtson. (Photos submitted)

tantship in Germany The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places recent college graduates and young professionals abroad as assistant English teachers in classrooms from primary through university level. Last year, two Luther graduates were selected as Fulbright teaching assistants in Germany. The finalists for 2025-26 will be announced this spring.

These students were approved by the National Steering Committee. The students were selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

Elks donate to Decorah Schools The Decorah Elks Lodge recently presented $2,500 to the Decorah School District.

The donation was made possible by the ENF Gratitude Grant. The Decorah School District will use these funds to purchase items for the backpack program, which is currently in place for families in need. They will also put a portion of the funds toward the Reading Literacy Program for children in kindergarten through second grade, as the school is in need of decodable readers for young readers. Decodable texts are a research-based tool for reinforcing a taught phonics skill or pattern necessary for fluency and application. Pictured (from left to right) are John Cline Elementary Principal Rick Varney, Annette Franzen, Joe Bouska, Lashelle Evans, Les Askelson, Sylvia Steine and Shanna Putnam-Dibble. (Photo submitted)

Chamber’s Networking Coffee Hour to feature new professionals, professionals in new roles The Decorah Area Chamber will host two Networking Coffee Hours in 2025, with the first scheduled from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 6 at The Landing Market. The event will be a casual coffee hour intended to foster connection and will focus on business professionals who are new to Decorah or new to their role. No RSVP is required, and no formal program is planned. A second Networking Coffee Hour featuring new businesses and new business owners is scheduled for Aug. 28.

“Decorah is a great place to live and work, and the chamber is pleased to host an event that features so many talented professionals. Taking time to welcome

and thank these individuals is a demonstration of hospitality and a meaningful way to inform and connect the business community,” said Chamber Director Jessica Rilling.

Many new professionals have relocated to Decorah in the last year, according to chamber officials, and many others have taken on new roles during that time period. All are encouraged to join for coffee and conversation. Professionals who know of someone new are encouraged to attend and bring them as a guest.

Attendees As of Feb. 19, confirmed attendees include:

Brad Chamberlain, new president at Luther College Attorney Jonathan Specht, new at Miller Law Office, P.L.C. Drew Schwartz, new optometrist with Oneota Valley Family Eye Care John Reynolds, new personal & commercial lines agent with Assured Partners Matt Beatty, newly-appointed vice president for enrollment at Luther College Patti Hetrick, newly-appointed vice president for finance and administration at Luther College Dr. Janet Boyes, new dentist at West Side Dental Tami Bohr, new designer

Here We Go Again?

When the taxpayers of Decorah defeated this idea a few years ago, most of us thought, let’s move on; but no, there is a hidden agenda that still has not been discovered? What is it? To save money on our monthly electrical bills? Hard to believe that, when after the last vote, the city of Decorah made Alliant add a tax to our bills, the revenue from this tax to be used to fund this new campaign against Alliant. Let us look forward, taxpayers of Decorah passed a forty million bond for our new school, an investment to enhance our young folk’s education. We do not have exact cost numbers, but what is the cost to buy Alliant’s infrastructure? We have seen eighty-five million, that sounds a bit over the top! But half of that, forty-two million? Whatever the number, it will be millions. Are we ready to put our future generations 70 to 80 million in debt? Forty from the school vote, and forty from the Alliant vote?

If we do vote yes, what is our savings? If the average house uses $200 a month of electricity, I have heard savings of 10% to 12% a month, that, $22 a month, multiple of 12 months is $260 a year.

The interest on the millions we spend to buy Alliant will

nullify any of these savings.

This is only to purchase, MEU, will still need trucks, employees, office staff, and upkeep on the poles, lines, and trucks. What are these costs?

A Direct Quote from Director Kom from Ames, “nothing should scare us about municipalization.”

Everything about this concept should scare us. First, where does it stop? Not sure if we have paid attention to our gas bills, water sewer bills, both entities have increased substantially, but for some reason we are only concerned with electric bills? Should we be voting to municipalization our Natural Gas Service? What about our banking needs?

City controlled bank? Destroying a privately held company that pays taxes, hiring employees that pay taxes, and replacing it with a city-controlled work force seems to be the opposite of what this great nation is all about. If it runs like most government departments, there will be a budget established, and every year this budget will be increased, and the folks asking for the increase will make sure their last budget was a little short, and the cycle will continue.

The argument used against Alliant is that they

have the highest rates in the area? The rates we are paying have been approved by the utility commission on the state level. This is an independent board, I am thinking they looked at all the rates charged in the state of Iowa and approve or disapprove these requests.

What I would like to ask is who is looking at our property tax rates in Decorah. We have the highest rates anywhere in our area. We just added a forty million bond referendum that already has increased our property taxes for years to come. Do we really want to add another forty plus million?

One last point, I understand the city of Decorah, with a yes vote, will be buying our power from Dairy Land Power. This is a Wisconsin based company. The Iowa utility’s Board has NO jurisdiction over a Wisconsin company. If they decide to raise our rates there will be nothing, we can do about it! There will be NO watchdog organization watching out for us.

Please vote NO! It is not fair to ask future generations to take on this large debt!

Thanks for listening, Greg A Bruening

with KL Design Kasey Nikkel, new facilitator of student support at Decorah High School Marc Holtey, new parks and recreation director for the city of Decorah Leah Lovstuen, new finance manager at Weis GMC Rex Nelson, new administrator at Aase Haugen Senior Services Brooklyn Larson, new co-director of nursing at Aase Haugen Senior Services Alicia Fink, new co-director of nursing at Aase Haugen Senior Services Sarah Krammen, new manager at Dragonfly Books Timothy Smock, newly appointed treasurer for Winneshiek County Bryan Panos, new partner with Hacker, Nelson & Co. CPAs Ella Sneltjes, new manager at Mill Street Mocha

Community briefs Fellowship follows the service – everyone is welcome

Cowboy Church will be held Sunday, March 2 at Cherry Grove United Methodist Church, located at 18183 160th St. in the small community of Cherry Grove, southeast of Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Music is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. that day with the service starting at 6 p.m. Cowboy Church is a nondenominational service, which organizers described as another way of spreading God’s message through music. The service will include a mix of country, Christian country, cowboy and southern gospel and bluegrass music. Musicians interested in performing are asked to contact Cindy Seabright at seabright. cindy@gmail.com or 507-2721682 one week prior to the first Sunday-of-the-month service. Cherry Grove Church is accessible for those with disabilities.

Decorah Public Library hosting additional tech workshops

Decorah Public Library invites community members to build their cybersecurity skills at a free presentation titled “Cybersecurity Basics” at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, March 12. The program will take place in the library’s lower level meeting room and is open to all who wish to better protect themselves in the digital world.

The interactive session will demonstrate how to identify secure and safe websites, recognize scams and create strong and memorable passwords. No registration is required for this session, and all are welcome to attend.

Library staff will also be hosting a hands-on workshop, “iPhone and iPad Basics,” at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 26.

Participants will learn to navigate their device, connect to wi-fi safely and securely, identify and use common apps 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 this session. For more information or to sign up, contact Decorah Public Library at 563-382-3717 or visit decorahlibrary.org.

Both programs were made possible thanks to a grant from AT&T and the Public Library

Association. DigitalLearn.org Workshops and Modules were created by the Public Library Association, with support from AT&T.

Rog selected for ASF program

The American-Scandinavian Foundation recently announced the winners of its Scandinavian Folk Arts and Cultural Traditions program. Introduced in 2017, the program helps to nurture Scandinavian folk art traditions in the upper Midwest — North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan — by deepening the skills of master artists, fostering long-term relationships among masters and apprentices, and enhancing the traditions’ visibility through public programs and community projects.

Among those selected for the 2024-2025 cohort was Sophia Rog of Decorah. During her apprenticeship with Beth Rotto, Sophia Rog will study a repertoire of Scandinavian American fiddle tunes from northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota.

To further expand her knowledge of Scandinavian American tunes, Rog will also study the history of the tunes and the stories of the local fiddlers who shaped these traditions. At the end of her apprenticeship, Rog will perform with Rotto’s band Foot-Notes for a community dance at the Highlandville School House.

Northeast Iowa Quilters Guild to meet

The Northeast Iowa Quilters’ Guild will meet at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 for its monthly meeting. The meeting will be held at the Decorah Lutheran Church’s Social Hall — 309 Winnebago St. in Decorah. New members are always welcome.

Koleene Herlocker, of Shop Hop Inc., will talk on the upcoming All Iowa Shop Hop or, as some call it, the Great Sewing Adventure. The All Iowa Shop Hop will run during the months of June and July. Participating shops will offer exclusive fabrics and magazines.

Many of the exclusive patterns in the magazine are designed

by Iowa quilters. There will also be opportunities to win prizes. This year, there will be 16 different Shop Hop events nationwide to choose from and the opportunity for even more adventures if you visit multiple state events. For more information, visit www.neiqg.com.

Academic New Minowa Players Achievements announces cast for ‘A Loras College announces fall 2024 Dean’s List Loras College recently announced the names of students who achieved Dean’s List status for the 2024 fall semester.

Among the honorees were August Witt of Decorah and Isabelle Kipp of Ft. Atkinson. A student must earn a 3.5 grade point average and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours to be recognized.

Decorah students named to fall Dean’s List by Luther College Luther College recently announced its fall 2024 Dean’s List. Among the 611 Luther students named to the dean’s list were Jessica Campos Arzate, Drew Chamberlain, Elizabeth Clement, Annika Franzen, Keely Hermanson, Gabriel Hiner, Elliora Hoehne, Rose Martinsen-Burrell, Dylan Mulbauer, Mara Pankow, Julia Severtson and Sebastian Zavala Brito — all of Decorah. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Midsummer Night’s Dream” The cast is set and rehearsals are now under way for the New Minowa Players performances of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

In this classic comedy, four young lovers – Lysander, played by Addison Cross, Hermia, played by Hailey Sickler, Demetrius, played by Phil Royer, and Helena, played by Elliana Brodbeck — pursue each other. The human world overlaps with a fairy world in which Oberon, played by David Gosch, is king, and Tatania, played by Alison Blake, is queen, and Robin (Puck) Goodfellow, played by Cydney Weitzel, create mischief. In addition, a group of amateur actors, referred to as the mechanicals, are preapring a play for the wedding day of Theseus, played

by Jim Tripp, and Hyppolyta, played by Miranda McGrath.

The mechanicals include Nick Bottom, played by Doug Nalean-Carlson, Peter Quince, played by Kay Cross, Robyn Starveling, played by Kristi-

na Burroughs, Francis Flute, played by Molly Holkesvik, Snug the Joiner, played by Lailyn McGrath, and Tom Snout, played by Violet Hatfield.

Rounding out the human world are Egeus, father of Hermia, played by Rick Scheffert, Philostrate, who is in charge of wedding festivities and is played

by Julia Wharton. In the fairy realm, Mote is played by Olivia Blake, Cobweb by Tabitha McGrath, Peaseblossom by Marlee Klimesh-Oblander and Mustardseed by Clara Garcie-Prats.

The show is directed by David Mendez.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed April 10-13 at the New Minowa Players Theatre, 906 South Mill St. in Decorah, with evening performances at 7 p.m. April 10-12 and a 2 p.m. matinnee on Sunday, April 13. Tickets are available at $15 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under at newminowaplayers.org/ tickets and locally at Oneota Community Food Co-op.

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

7

Protesters rally against move to remove gender identity from Iowa Civil Rights Act

BY ROBIN OPSAHL IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH Hundreds protested Monday in the halls of the Iowa State Capitol, as legislation to remove gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Act advanced through the House committee process.

House Study Bill 242 would remove “gender identity” as a class protected through the Iowa Civil Rights Act against discrimination in employment, wages, public accommodations, housing and education.

The state civil rights act offers similar protections on the basis of race, creed, sex and physical disability.

The bill, repealing the 2007 addition for gender identity protections, was passed with a 13-8 vote by the full House Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon.

Thursday is the earliest date for the legislation to be debated on the House floor.

Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, was the floor manager in 2007 for the bill which added gender identity and sexual orientation to the Civil Rights Act. At the House Judiciary Committee meeting, she said passing these protections for LGBTQ+ Iowans was her “proudest moment” as a state lawmaker.

Wessel-Kroeschell asked if Republicans could say the same as they passed this measure.

“Is this your proudest moment?”

Wessel-Kroeschell asked. “Is this what you want to be remembered for? Because if it is, if you want to be remembered for taking away the rights of our transgender citizens, I have to tell you, you make me very sad.”

As lawmakers heard from members of the public in a subcommittee meeting on the bill Monday morning, the room was full with a large group protesting outside. Chants of “trans rights are human rights” and “we won’t go quiet” were heard outside the meeting as supporters of the bill spoke; protesters shouted “shame” at Reps. Steven Holt and Samantha Fett as they entered the meeting.

Critics called the bill unnecessary and discriminatory, calling for lawmakers to focus on issues like housing, child care and environmental protections instead of passing legislation that would allow for discrimination against a minority group.

Diane Crookham-Johnson of Oskaloosa, the former finance chair for the Iowa Republican Party and former State Board of Education member under Govs.

Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds, said this bill will have a larger impact on Iowa communities than some may realize.

“I stand before you as a local attorney who has assisted in 2024 more than eight Mahaska County residents on legal processes and documents so that they can confirm their gender identity — folks who work in our businesses, attend our schools, attend our churches, folks who shop in our stores, rent our apartments and buy our homes, folks who pay property taxes to support all of our communities,” Crookham-Johnson said. “This bill doesn’t impact some unknown person over there. This bill impacts people in your districts, people in your states and even your most conservative counties of Iowa.”

Supporters argue bill would ‘protect women’ Nultiple speakers supporting the measure said removing “gender identity” from ICRA would “protect women,” by preventing transgender women from entering women’s spaces like restrooms. Evelyn Nikkel with the PELLA PAC, a conservative Pella-based organization that supports removing both gender identity and sexual orientation from the state civil rights code, told lawmakers that the measure provides elevated protections for transgender Iowans at the expense of others’ rights.

“Because these terms are cod-

Cy Nelson (center) is pictured with his wife Ramona (left) and Dr. Kevin Locke. (Photo submitted)

Hundreds gathered at the Iowa State Capitol Feb. 24 to protest legislation that would remove protections for gender identity under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) ified in our law, gender identity is magically elevated to a protected class with preferential and unfair advantage,” Nikkel said. “… Biological males with gender dysphoria steal biological women’s sports achievements, trespass on their privacy and accost them in women’s prisons, restrooms and locker rooms. We are being robbed of our dignity and respect, which is morally indefensible.”

Amber Williams with Inspired Life, a conservative religious organization, shared a story of encountering a person she identified as transgender in a women’s bathroom as an example for the need for sex-segregated spaces that can only be accessed by people designated as “female” at birth.

“Just two weeks ago, I walked into a women’s restroom in a public place and immediately felt uneasy when I saw a biological man coming out of a stall,” Williams said. “I couldn’t shake the sensation of discomfort and heightened awareness that many women would feel in these situations. I quickly left without using the restroom, because in that moment, my sense of safety and privacy had been compromised. This isn’t about hatred or exclusion. It’s about acknowledging that women have a right to feel secure in spaces meant for them.”

Opponents say ‘separate but equal’ language is troubling The bill contains language that “equal” accommodations do not mean “same” or “identical,” and that “separate accommodations are not inherently unequal.”

Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, said this provision in the bill “takes us back” to the time of Plessy v. Ferguson, the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case that upheld “separate but equal” accommodations on the basis of race.

Paden Sheumaker, a black queer Iowan with the LGBTQ+ advocacy group with One Iowa, said her ancestors had to fight for civil rights in the country and in Iowa — and that steps to strip civil rights from a group of people “would be to spit in the face of everyone who has fought tooth and nail for these rights.

“Have you ever been discriminated against just for being who you are, just for existing as yourself?” Sheumaker asked. “I have, and I can tell you, it is dehumanizing. It is demeaning, it is disheartening and it is terrifying. Many queer and transgender and gender nonconforming Iowans have felt this — and that is while our rights are protected, that’s with the laws and the power of the state behind us to protect us. I cannot imagine how much worse that discrimination would be if the state would then choose to abandon that protection. I do not want to live in a state where that is something you’re working toward.”

Similar legislation was introduced during the 2024 legislative session but failed to advance. In discussions on that bill, speakers said the measure may not hold up to legal challenges. Pete McRoberts with the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa said that Iowa, under Democratic control, chose to add gender identity and sexuality to ICRA in 2007 — and the fact that these rights were voluntarily extended “triggers an obligation on the state to preserve those rights.”

McRoberts pointed to U.S. Supreme Court precedent that found when a legislature grants protected status to a group when not constitutionally required to, removing those protections is a violation of the Equal Protections Clause.

There are currently 23 states that have protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in state law, according to the Human Rights Campaign. McRoberts said none of the states that have established these protections have repealed them.

“We should not be the first — not just on moral grounds, but on legal grounds,” he said.

“And that’s something which we hope legislators will think very thoroughly and thoughtfully about. Whether they would have voted to expand the Civil Rights Act or not, that’s a separate question. But that’s not the question in front of us. The question in front of us is, do you remove a specific person who is part of a group of identifiable people who’ve been protected under the Civil Rights Act?” Fett, R-Carlisle, that the measure was the “right move” for Iowans, and is a necessary step to allow Iowa to enact measures passed in previous years related to transgender people on issues like transgender women competing in women’s sports and preventing transgender people from using restrooms or locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.

“Those protections are at risk, which is why this bill is important,” Fett said. “This bill is not about discrimination and was carefully crafted, and I want to make sure people understand that. But we’re going to have activists that try to use subterfuge to create false narratives.”

At the committee meeting on the bill, multiple Democrats urged their colleagues in the majority to focus on issues like child care and housing to help Iowans rather than turning their attention to “culture war” topics.

Holt, R-Denison, said these discussions were an attempt by Democrats to distract from the fact that they did not support “women’s rights” for women to have separate accommodations and facilities from men and transgender women.

“Liberal Democrats who once championed women’s rights, who helped forge women’s sports, Title IX, all these

issues, are now perfectly okay with the erasing of women,” Holt said. “The discrimination is happening now, ladies and gentlemen. The discrimination is happening now — this attitude, this set of attitudes and ways and behaviors that support the belief that biological males should be allowed against biological females in sports in spite of physiological advantages, and that men should be allowed to invade the bathrooms and private spaces of biological females. … That’s the discrimination that’s happening right now.”

He said transgender Iowans will still be protected under the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and by Iowa law, but that current protections on the basis of gender identity have resulted in the “infringement” of rights for other Iowans.

Nelson family announces Dr. Kevin Locke EMS Provider Endowment Cy and Ramona Nelson of Decorah have established the Dr. Kevin Locke EMS Provider Endowment Fund with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.

The Nelson’s wish to recognize and sincerely thank Dr. Kevin Locke and the dedicated efforts of Winneshiek County EMS provider in saving Cy’s life during a cardiac arrest.

On Dec. 6, 2023, Cy and his friend Locke, were together at Cy’s home when he collapsed on the driveway. Locke called 911 and began chest compressions. The 911 call activated Winneshiek County emergency responders.

“This was a team effort that

led to saving Cy’s life,” Locke said. “The law enforcement, paramedics and emergency staff all knew their role, and it works best when everyone performs their role.”

The endowment will enable the WinnMed Foundation to continue providing essential EMS equipment, training and covering other expenses to support EMS services and staff. All gifts to the fund are tax-deductible and may qualify for the 25 percent Endow Iowa Tax Credit. WinnMed Foundation works with donors, like Cy and Ramona, in fulfilling their philanthropic wishes. For more information on the WinnMed Foundation, visit winnmed.org/donate.

Choose Alliant Energy If approved, the initial costs of Measure E are projected to cost Decorah residents

$85.6 million*

Vote NO on Measure E • March 4

No government takeover No higher taxes No more debt Learn more. alliantenergy.com/decorah

Paid for by the Committee for Decorah’s Energy Future *Projection of $85.6M is for initial municipalization costs and is based on Concentric Energy Advisors 2025 Preliminary Feasibility Study.

© 2025 Alliant Energy 1270500 2/25

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8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Photo submitted

Decorah High School wins the Sweepstakes Award during state large group festival Decorah High School won the E. Wayne Cooley Sweepstakes Award, during the IHSSA All-State Large Group Festival, which was held Feb. 22 at the Iowa State Center

in Ames. The award is given to the school with the most entries performing at the AllState Festival. Decorah previously earned this recognition in 2003 and 2005.

A total of 133 Iowa high schools had groups selected as “outstanding all-staters,” during the 50th anniversary of the All-State Large Group Festival.

Approximately

24,000 students representing 484 memberships started at the district level, and approximately 2,000 students earned the right to be named as outstanding all-state nom-

inees. Approximately 130 students from Decorah participated in the school’s large group speech this year DHS speech students are coached by Molly Holkesvik,

Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Lyra McKnight, Kristen Underwood and Johanna Bergan.

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Clancy to present on ‘The Snowbirds’ Christina Clancy, author of “The Snowbirds,” will give an author presentation, reading and Q&A session followed by a book signing at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3 in the Pulpit Rock Brewing events room at 207 College Dr. in Decorah. The public is invited to attend this free event, sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, with support from Pulpit Rock Brewing and Dragonfly Books.

The Snowbirds is described as a tender, honest story of what it takes to commit to someone for a lifetime.

Together for 30 years, Kim and Grant face the challenges of late middle age — loss, career changes and an empty nest. Seeking a fresh start, they escape a Midwestern winter for the sunny allure of Palm Springs and the quirky Le Desert condo community. While Kim embraces new friendships and self-discovery, Grant struggles to adjust, straining their relationship. When Grant goes missing on a hike, Kim con-

fronts the possibility of loss— or abandonment.

Clancy was born in Denver and raised in Milwaukee. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, worked at IBM and later earned a PhD in creative writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

She taught English at Beloit College for a decade before becoming a full-time writer. Her novels have been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, Travel and Leisure, and more, while her short stories and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and various literary journals.

This event is part of Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation’s author event series, which brings writers of all genres to northeast Iowa to lead in conversations about literature and writing. To learn more about this event and other events with Dragonfly Books, visit www.dragonflybooks.com.

9

Chamber to highlight National Dentist Day Editor’s note: Dr. Janet Boyes is married to Decorah Leader News Editor Seth Boyes.

National Dentist Day is March 6, and officials with the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce encouraged the public to show their appreciation for local dental professionals. The chamber also issued a reminder to schedule a dental checkup, saying oral health is integral to overall health.

More than 60 people are employed in dental services in Decorah, according to the chamber, with professionals located at Dental Associates of Decorah, Moellers and Moellers Family Dentistry, Northeast Iowa Pediatric Dentistry and West Side Dental.

Decorah’s newest dentist, Dr. Janet Boyes, joined the team at West Side Dental last summer. She is a 2009 alumnus of Luther College and a

Dr. Janet Boyes graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. Before moving to Decorah, Boyes spent nine years working as a dentist in Spirit Lake.

Chamber officials said area residents may see a few promotions for Boyes around town on National Dentist Day, adding that Boyes was the recipient of a Decorah Area Chamber Gala Live Auction

package which promised to “make someone famous.”

The package, purchased at the 2024 Gala by dentist Dr. Lana McDermott, included a radio interview, social media feature, acknowledgment at Pulpit Rock Brewery — West Side Dental’s neighbor — and recognition at three dining establishments. McDermott chose Boyes for the honor of being made famous, since she was a new resident and new colleague. Chamber officials feel Boyes’ story will resonate with many graduates of Luther who found their way back to work in Decorah as a professional.

“Being a dentist gave me the opportunity to master careful and intricate work that was also purposeful,” Boyes said. “People don’t always think of it that way, but for me, dentistry is a combination of art, science and service. I feel lucky to do this work, and it’s very rewarding to help pa-

tients achieve their oral health goals.”

Boyes has been a long-time fan of the Decorah community, and her family is pleased to now be residents. Boyes, her husband Seth, and their daughters, Gwen and Lena, were quick to appreciate what the Decorah Area has to offer.

“I have enjoyed coming to Decorah since I was a child,” Boyes said. “The time I spent in and around the area as a young person going hiking, fishing trout streams and enjoying the local businesses had a profound impact on me. I chose to attend Luther College in large part because of the community of Decorah. I was so excited when the opportunity to move back to Decorah presented itself. I love the culture, the landscape, the vibrant downtown and the good friends I have made here. Moving to Decorah felt like coming home.”

Please join us in voting YES on March 4th to authorize the City of Decorah to establish a Municipal Electric Utility (MEU).

By voting YES, our community will gain access to the information we need to definitively determine who can provide Decorah with the most affordable power while maintaining the same reliable service we already receive. Information released up to this point is based on estimations and assumptions, not facts.

A YES vote will expose the facts through required documentation as compelled by the Iowa Utilities Commission.

Additionally, voting YES simply gives Decorah more opportunities. Even if we don’t proceed with full municipalization, the legal standing as a utility gives us access to funding and opportunities only available to electric utilities. The MEU gives us access to determine our own community power potential whether Alliant is the most affordable option or not. A vote YES allows Decorah to be responsive as a community, right now and in our future.

Join us in voting YES for opportunity, information, and Decorah!

Paid for by Citizens for Decorah Power.

Patsy Martinson • Sue and Lyle Otte • Jon Lund • Lyle & Sue Luzum • Germano Streese & Wanda Deifelt Georgie Klevar • Spencer Martin • Annette Laitinen • Amy Chicos • Jonathon Struve • Elisabeth Maurland Meg Storkamp • James and Elizabeth Fritz • Mark Ruen • Alan Zaring • Nancy Ruen Jim and Barbara Dale • Liz Happ • Anne Clausen • Mike & Melody Coffey • Steven Zittergruen Mark Z. Muggli • David J Wadsworth • Larry & Jeri Wilson • Ruth Berger • Carol Hemesath Nathan Dietzenbach • Nate Preus • Chris Frantsvog • Jane Hawley • Johanna Bergan Dick Janson • Martin Refsal • Steph Tomlin • Sarah Krammen • JoAn and Steven Nelson Margaret and Brian Betteridge • Carly Hayden Foster • Andrea M Becker • Toby Cain Laurie Zaring • Charlie Langton • Carol Birkland • Jenny Werner • Reg Laursen • Liz Rog David & Gail Judisch • Rick Brown • Lisa Zittergruen • Thomas C Johnson • Melissa Brown Karen Martin-Schramm • Lyle Otte • Laura Peterson • Hannah Breckbill • Ruth M. Jenkins • Martin Klammer Matthew Nahan • Hannah Garry • Ruth Caldwell • Carol Gilbertson • Karen Worden Tjossem The Rev Owen Christianson • Darrel and Mary Jensen • Ann & Dan Mansfield Mariann Fant • Brenda Burke • Ellen Macdonald • Rev. Dr. Guy D. Nave, Jr • Shawna Wagner Jeff Foster • Harvey Klevar • Patricia Edde • Kevin Rockwell • Joel Zook • Norma Refsal Lor Miller • Tiphanie Keefe • Carol and Dennis Tack • Sue Otte • Melissa Koch • Peter Kraus Helen & Tom Laitinen • Andy Nelson • Piper Wood • Mackenzie Miller Cody Whittle • Heidi Swets and Steve McCargar • Brennan Allsworth • Greg Tjossem Craig Cutting • Lisbeth Peirce • Ketel Paulsen • Judy Kittleson • Mo Valko • Larry Grimstad Ida Rotto • Michelle L Barness • Heidi Betz • Steve Peterson, retired Decorah teacher Emily and Todd Neal • Kaia Neal • Ellen Cutting • Kate Narveson • Grace Neal Karen Misseldine • Ted and Nancy Sojka • Nancy K Barry • Dennis Pottratz • Mark Faldet Victoria Christman • Kristin Propson • Jan Heikes • Linda S. Watson • Bob Watson • Holly Moore Pat J Johnson • Kristen Underwood • Shannon Horton • Ann Aspenes Ulring Doug Nelson • Carl Haakenstad • Joshua Ratel-Khan • Sylvia Clisham • Maggie Hayden Jean • David Grouws • Mike and Sue Ellingsen • Katie Prochaska • Mike Bollinger Kendra Marable • Yarrow Pasche • Scott Bassford • Jeri Wilson • Larry Wilson Jim Tripp • Laura Olson • Sarah Brandt • Eric Sovern • Nate Furler • Alice Runde Bryce Durbin • Steve Runde • Matt & Denise Tapscott • Claire Martin • Ellen Rockne Emily Shannon Timm • Nikki Battle • Keith Lesmeister • Allie Scott • Jacob Hrdlicka Sue Zbornik • Marcella Meza • Bill Kalishek • Gabriel Eide • Marty Steele • Liza Hicken Jim Martin-Schramm • Mike Steuck • Paul Cutting • Becky Ohrtman • Barrett Kepfield Norah Hummel • Hailey Abbey • Kayla Will • Tim Wagner • Valerie Hershfield • Kristin Erickson • Lucy Elliott M. Elliott • Matthew Alexander • Elyse Hawthorn • Brittany Grendler • David S. Scott Hawthorn • Emily Fagan • LeRoy Smith • Asher Smith • Meg Wachholz • Klaus DeBoer Meron Abebe • Ava Shively • Alan Macdonald • Dale Goodman • Parker Deen • Susan Goodman Emily Young Johnson • Jim Beeghly • Elaine StClair • Tom StClair • Court Brink • Sylvia Clisham •Kelsey V.

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Luther cheer and dance competes in Storm Lake The Luther College cheer and dance team recently competed in the American Rivers Conference Championship in Storm Lake, placing third in the conference, just seven points away from first place.

Team member Lilly Timm’s solo performance earned scores of 18.5, 18.6, and 19.5 out of 25 — scores which would have landed her on the All-Conference Second Team if the dance team were officially part of athletics at Luther College.

This is coach Maia Harvey’s first year as head coach, and she said the team has big goals ahead, which include working toward becoming an official athletic program at Luther.

She said the team also plans on attending more camps, getting the Norse mascot involved and increasing their presence in the community.

Photos submitted

Rude continued from front helicopter is based at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport, which is 25 miles east of Onalaska, Wisconsin. The two aircraft complete an average of 700 flights each year.

Rude’s head had taken the brunt of his fall and, as a result, he had a traumatic head injury and bleeding on both sides of his brain. He had a fracture on the right front side of his skull, fractures in his vertebrae and his orbital bone was broken.

Rude spent five days on a ventilator in intensive care. Although word from the neurosurgeon was bleak at first, the doctor decided not to remove a portion of Rude’s skull to release pressure on the brain — he thought Rude could make it without the procedure, since it

would create added complications with healing.

Rude was in a coma for almost six days before emerging, and once he did, he discovered he couldn’t move, talk or eat.

He stayed in the hospital for four months and underwent numerous therapy regimens to regain the use of his body.

“I was finally able to return to work 435 days after my accident,” Rude said. “I don’t remember what happened to me, but I am sure what the emergency staff did on the scene saved my life.”

Steven Vanden Brink, ambulance director for WinnMed, praised the quality of immediate care Rude received, emphasizing the emergency system worked like a finely tuned ma-

Group photo: Center is Jared Rude, who is flanked by some of the emergency responders who came together — via ambulance, fire truck, police cruiser and medical helicopter — to help save his life and provide him with expedient medical care following an accident in December of 2019. (Photo courtesy of GundersenAir) chine that day, from the first call to the arrival of the helicopter.

“The EMS goal was met — the system worked here like it was designed to work, where someone calls 911 and the dispatcher determined it was a critical call and immediately called for the proper services,” Vanden Brink said.

Rude thinks his situation might have been different if he

had to wait for a helicopter to arrive from somewhere farther away than Decorah.

“That might have taken 45 more minutes for one to arrive from Rochester or LaCrosse,” said Rude. “Who knows what would have happened then?”

Vanden Brink echoed Rude’s sentiments, saying the benefits of having a helicopter in the Decorah community is invalu-

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tient off while the helicopter is preparing for liftoff, according to Vanden Brink.

“It’s truly a benefit for Decorah and the entire area,” he said. “It really reduces the patient’s out of hospital time, and we want to keep that as short as possible — this helicopter does it for us.”

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able for the entire area.

“It has benefited Decorah and Winneshiek County residents time and time again, “ Vanden Brinkn sadi. “We don’t have to wait for that helicopter to spool up, get ready, fly over from Lacrosse or Rochester,” Vanden Brink said.

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Library a public library has breached the law, the library could face a fine of up to $15,000 per violation and a $500 penalty for every day the violation isn’t resolved. To be sure the DPL is in compliance with SF 347 and HF 558, Torresdal said staff would need to read every page of every book and periodical currently on its shelves, which she said simply isn’t possible.

“No library in the state has the means to do this,” she said.

“We have nearly 29,000 print books, 103,000 e-books, 51,000 audio-books and over 2,500 DVDs in our collection. We add hundreds of new materials every month across all formats.

There is absolutely no way staff could possibly review every page of every book, or every minute of each audio or video material to ensure there are no descriptions of sex acts.”

Staff said, if the bills become law, the Decorah Public Library could become strictly a children’s library.

“The only way we envision being able to comply with this legislation would be to limit library materials to those for children, since those materials don’t contain this content to begin with,” Torresdal said. “It is unclear whether this would also require us to remove all computers and any internet access because of the possibility that users could come across content that violates this bill.”

Torresdal said that if DPL continues to be a full-service public library, and the new bills do become law, they would greatly decrease the library’s collection. Works like the Holy Bible, “Ulysses” by James Joyce, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and “Gone with the Wind” are just a few titles of which readers would be deprived under the new legislation, and that would constitute an erosion of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, Torresdal said.

“One of the cornerstones of public libraries is the First Amendment,” said Torresdal.

“Additionally, public libraries are founded on local control — serving the local community, responding to community needs/wants, being overseen by a board appointed by the mayor and city council — and the belief that parents and caregivers are the people best positioned to make decisions about what a child should/shouldn’t read. For all of these reasons, we work hard to make sure there are materials available across a variety of viewpoints so that everyone who comes to the library can find something they might want to read. The choice of what to check out is in the hands of library users. In the case of minors, parents and caregivers should be the ones who are making decisions for their families that align with their needs and values, whatever those

continued from front

might be. I believe that everyone is hurt by the erosion of First Amendment rights, which are so foundational to who we are as Americans.”

DPL’s director said she isn’t surprised by the anti-obscenity bills.

“There was a time when I might’ve been surprised by something like this, but there have been many signs that this was coming more recently — here and elsewhere around the country — in schools and libraries,” she said. “We faced legislation aimed at limiting library services last legislative session as well. So no, I’m sorry to say that I am not surprised. My biggest concern about the pending legislation is the impact on our local community and what it means for Winneshiek County residents if they cannot access the materials that they want and need.”

Torresdal emphasized that what happens to the DPL is up to the public.

“Free people read freely,” she said. “We live in a democracy where voters and civically-engaged citizens can make their wishes known. If you have an opinion about this or any topic, make your voice heard.”

Torresdal recommended the public contact state legislators to voice opinions regarding this or any other proposed legislation.

11

Republican-sponsored bills take aim at public library funding funding eligibility,” said Decorah Public Library Director Kristin Torresdal. “In the last few months, we have received $15,000 in grant funding that has helped improve building accessibility — automatic door openers at entrances and lower level restrooms — and expand technology training opportunities. We’re currently hosting workshops on a variety of tech basics that have been funded by a $5,000 grant for digital literacy.”

The bills stipulate that if a library maintains memberships with either the ALA or ILA, they would be ineligible for state funding meant to support the lending of materials to Iowa residents outside a library’s immediate service area. Torresdal said that state funding “offsets the costs of providing services to folks who live outside of the local tax base that supports the local library.”

Some Iowa taxpayers voiced their opinions Monday in Des Moines, during a subcommittee meeting on HF 284. Dara Schmidt of the Cedar Rapids Public Library said she’s against the bills, saying they would place limits on community education opportunities such as classes on dementia

care and mental health crisis de-escalation.

“Librarians are very careful not to be political,” said Ankeny Public Library Trustee Nancy Medema.

The library trustee is opposed to the bills and said librarians need to keep open minds in order to help patrons find what they need. She said the new legislation would hinder those efforts.

Jeff Pitts of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition said his organization supports the bills, arguing they will limit what he called “the liberal agenda” inside public libraries across the state. He claimed 91 percent of public libraries are liberal and that they should be a safe place for young people. Pitts said that, in 2024, the East Des Moines Public Library displayed six books containing homosexuality, which he called “politically-charged books not relevant to the majority of the population.”

Anita Fischer of Protect My Innocence agreed with Pitts, adding that the bills will help prevent libraries from turning into “social justice centers” promoting concepts like diversity, equity and inclusion as well as critical race theory.

Saturday, Feb. 15 when a vehicle order had been issued against Stein’s phone number — which intersection of Pine Crest Drive in front of him braked suddenly as Stein after a previous assault, but caused the officer concern for the and Locust Road in Decorah. Stein a snowplow passed by in the op- Stein had yet to be served with victim’s well being, according to initially identified himself as Saun posite lane. Bye also braked sud- the order at that point. Separate a criminal complaint. The officer Cole before admitting his identity. denly, as did the vehicle behind criminal complaints said a Dec- began searching for the victim and He was booked into the Winneshhim — a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado orah Police Officer later attempt- eventually noticed the victim’s ve- iek County Jail at 5:15 p.m. the driven by 38-year-old Elim Nahun ed to call the victim’s phone on hicle with a man matching Stein’s same day on charges of violation Flores Padilla of Lime Springs, but Wednesday, Feb. 19 to discuss a description in the passenger seat. of a protective order and providthe Silverado collided with the rear case involving Stein, and the of- The officer stopped the vehicle at ing false identification informaof the Grand Cherokee, pushing it ficer received a call back from approximately 4:53 p.m. near the tion. He was also served a warrant into the south ditch — the sheriff’s report indicated Padilla had been following too closely, and he was later cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability. The Silverado then crossed into the opPart-Time posite lane behind the plow, where $1,000 SIGNING BONUS ADMINISTRATIVE a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica driven by 39-year-old Kerbie Renae Dahlen ASSISTANT of Decorah attempted to avoid a Part-time with the potential collision but was struck on the $1,000 SIGNING BONUS front passenger side. Dahlen and of full-time.

Enjoy working outside and looking Bye were both uninjured, accordDecorah, IA • 563-382-2953 for a change? We provide on the ing to the sheriff’s report. Padilla Duties include answering www.olsonexplosives.com sustained possible injuries. Damjob training! Class A or B CDL phones, assisting clients, info@olsonexp.com age to the Grand Enjoy Cherokee was esdesirable.

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Steven Theobald, age 65, of Caledonia, Minnesota, turned himself in at approximately 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Winneshiek County Jail, where he was arrested and booked on an arrest warrant for contempt of court.

NOW HIRING Court records show the warrant $1,000 SIGNING BONUS was issued on Feb. 5 after Theobald failed to provide fingerprints as ordered. A judge’s order said he WINNESHIEK COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE Seeking applicants for Tired of losing miles and money was to be fingerprinted immediateby waiting to load and unload?

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which had previously been issued in the harassment case against him.

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Two additional state bills aim to more-strictly control funding for the state’s public libraries through the Enrich Iowa program.

The program’s website says Enrich Iowa consists of three programs to aid libraries in offering improved service to Iowans by enabling Iowans to check out physical materials at participating libraries, providing them with direct access to more materials and information resources, providing Iowans with equal access to library resources by supporting loans of materials among all types of libraries and improving library services through direct state aid.

Iowa House File 284 and Senate File 238, both Republican-sponsored bills, prohibit “a library from being a member of the American Library Association or the Iowa Library Association to be eligible to receive funds from the Enrich Iowa program.”

“Membership in professional organizations is crucial for access to continuing education, mentorship and the implementation of best practices — not to mention grant

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Decorah Police Department Kyle Anthony Stein, age 35, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, was charged with third-degree harassment at approximately 8:20 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 in the area of Thomas Avenue in Decorah. A criminal complaint said Stein’s ex-girlfriend reported Stein was had been calling her as well as her family and coworkers numerous times in an attempt to contact the victim.

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Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office Quentin Tyme Hafner, age 28, of Ridgeway was charged with public intoxication at approximately 7:50 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 in the 600 block of North Street in Ridgeway. A criminal complaint indicated Hafner entered the Engen Express “after being kicked out of his apartment” and said he “was not wearing shoes or a shirt and appeared intoxicated.” The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to the convenience store. The criminal complaint said Hafner had “brought an open bottle of alcohol with him” and a preliminary test indicated he was intoxicated. Hafner was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail.

Jacob Erickson, age 33, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 and held for another agency.

Matthew Jay Zweibohmer, age 49, of Castalia was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 for intimidation with a dangerous weapon, reckless use of a firearm and domestic abuse/assault while displaying/using a weapon. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a disturbance around 11 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 along 134th Avenue near Castalia. Criminal complaints filed against Zweibohmer said, as deputies “began attempting to calm the situation down” they were made aware of an alleged incident of domestic abuse which was said to have occurred seven to nine days prior. The victim claimed she and Zweibohmer had been arguing inside a garage before Zweibohmer went inside the house and allegedly “fired a round from his handgun into the wall, approximately 15 feet from where (the victim) was standing.”

The criminal complaints said investigators observed a bullet hole in the garage wall. Zweibohmer was arrested at approximately 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, according to the sheriff’s office.

A Lime Springs man was cited after multiple vehicles collided along Highway 9 East during a snow storm. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 51-year-old Jason Richard Bye of Cresco was driving a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee east along the highway around 10 a.m.

PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

12 | DECORAH LEADER & THE DRIFTLESS | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

February 17, 2025 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Lorraine Borowski at 5:45 PM. The meeting was held at the Decorah Council Chambers and electronically.

The Board of Directors of NORTHEAST IOWA CC in the counties of ALLAMAKEE , BREMER , BUCHANAN , CHICKASAW , CLAYTON , DELAWARE , The meeting was opened with the Pledge of DUBUQUE , FAYETTE , HOWARD , JACKSON , JONES , MITCHELL , WINNESHIEK in Iowa will conduct a PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed budget as follows: Allegiance.

Meeting Date: 3/17/2025 Meeting Time: 01:00 PM Meeting Location: Peosta Campus, Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta Iowa Members present: Randy Schissel, Kirsten At the public hearing, any resident or taxpayer may present their objections to, or arguments in favor of, any part of the proposed budget. This notice represents a Olson, Christopher Miculinich, Steve Zittersummary of the supporting detail of budget receipts and expenditures on file with the Board Secretary. Copies of the Supplemental Detail will be furnished to any gruen, Cody Whittle, Brent Parker, Mayor taxpayer upon their request.

Lorraine Borowski, City Manager Travis Bonds & Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Absent: General Funds Plant Funds Total of All Funds FY 2024/2025 FY 2023/2024 Interest Funds Emily Neal Resources: FY 2025/2026 FY 2025/2026 FY 2025/2026 Re-Estimated Audited FY 2025/2026 Julie Olson of 1006 Woodside Court spoke Budget Budget Budget Budget Actual Budget regarding the MEU. Olson expressed that she 1 6,333,282 2,844,541 4,378,931 13,556,754 13,120,346 12,525,073 Taxes Levied on Property felt the Alliant Feasibility Study should be 255,613 2 101,001 45,347 64,510 210,858 245,114 Utility Replacement Tax displayed on the City of Decorah’s website.

3 1,682,951 0 0 1,682,951 1,663,712 1,645,758 Student Fees Olson pointed out that many cities have atTuition 4 14,444,323 0 0 14,444,323 13,872,511 12,897,689 tempted to have a MEU but gave up because of it being too expensive. Olson is not willing State Aid 5 11,531,458 0 0 11,531,458 11,417,285 11,245,307 to vote yes.

Other State Aid 6 3,127,160 22,145 34,050 3,183,355 3,256,876 2,423,480 Haley Jackson from Decorah Historic PresFederal Aid 7 2,507,000 0 0 2,507,000 3,507,000 1,877,996 ervation Commission gave the annual report.

Sales-Service 8 23,000 0 0 23,000 23,000 95,323 The consent agenda was presented.

Other 9 18,891,086 2,871,766 0 21,762,852 21,383,053 14,869,764 a. Minutes of February 3, 2025 Proceeds from Certificates 10 3,000,000 0 0 3,000,000 3,000,000 0 b. Claims Total Resources 11 61,641,261 5,783,799 4,477,491 71,902,551 71,488,897 57,836,003 c. Cops and Rodders Special Event ApplicaExpenditures: tion May 17, 2025 Liberal Arts and Sciences 12 6,029,759 0 0 6,029,759 4,637,100 4,341,899 d. Resolution 3529 Setting Public Hearing Vocational and Technical 13 16,439,236 0 0 16,439,236 12,823,248 11,535,872 for the Decorah 2025 Heivly Street Adult Education 14 5,487,668 0 0 5,487,668 5,380,654 4,347,153 Improvements Project Cooperative Programs/Services 15 11,114,879 0 0 11,114,879 12,932,882 11,465,055 e. C-3 Design/Site Plan for 421 West Water Street Administration 16 861,394 0 0 861,394 2,107,773 688,381 f. Integrated Roadside Vegetation ManageStudent Services 17 3,876,274 0 0 3,876,274 3,272,882 2,987,652 ment Application Learning Resources 18 1,461,394 0 0 1,461,394 1,165,109 1,284,727 Schissel made a motion to approve the conPhysical Plant 19 9,064,729 5,783,799 4,477,491 19,326,019 12,142,468 14,622,669 sent agenda as presented, Miculinich secondGeneral Institution 20 7,739,153 0 0 7,739,153 17,024,182 5,964,260 ed the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Total Expenditures 21 62,074,486 5,783,799 4,477,491 72,335,776 71,486,298 57,237,668 Miculinich, Parker, Olson, Whittle, ZittergruNet Resources minus Expenditures 22 -433,225 0 0 -433,225 2,599 598,335 en. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Beginning Fund Balance 23 17,350,853 6,997,395 773,797 25,122,045 25,119,446 24,521,111 Schissel made a motion to approve putting Ending Fund Balance 24 16,917,628 6,997,395 773,797 24,688,820 25,122,045 25,119,446 the Alliant Feasibility Study on the City of Estimated Total Tax Rate per $1000 Valuation 0.94143 Decorah’s website, Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, MicDecorah (Iowa) Leader ulinich. Nays: Zittergruen, Parker, Olson, February 27, 2025 Whittle. Motion failed.

The Council discussed making a change to the residency restrictions for the Decorah Police Department. With Winneshiek County being a border county, general consensus was that Decorah should allow individuals to apply and live out of state. These individuals would have the same expectations of any other police officer. Lawyer, John Anderson, will move forward with developing language Save the Date, May 4, for Dec- The Meadow-A rural outdoor setting with shelter and electricity available to be included in the ordinance. orah's Citywide Garage Sale. to rent for all events. Contact TheMeadowBBI@outlook.com for pricing Meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Watch for details in the Decorah and availability. 9-4-DL-14 Monday, February 17, 2025 Authnet, Credit Card Fees .................. 27.00 Leader.

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Lynch Dallas, P.C. Attorneys At Law, Professional Services..................... 302.50 Malcom Enterprises , Garbage ......... 635.00 Mcclure Engineering, Airport Corporate Hangar And Attached Terminal ..1,073.04 Mcdonald Supply, Supplies ................81.88 Mi Energy Cooperative, Electric Bills ............................... 2,862.14 www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Know-How Midwest Group Benefits, 2025 Flex .................................... 1,114.00 www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Know-How Mississippi Welders, Supplies ..........200.00 Mower Power, Supplies....................315.80 Napa Auto Parts, Parts ......................607.27 North East Iowa Regoinal League, Membership .....................................25.00 Novak, Perry, Light Pole Removel .. 560.00 Olson Explosives, Fuel ..................1,468.98 Opg-3, Lsap Sys Renewal ................ 475.70 Overdrive, E Book & Audio Books.. 657.06 Patricia Thein, Fbinaa National Dues And Spring Retainer .............................. 275.00 Perry Novak Electric, Light RepairMontgomery/Locates .......1,802.43 Prairie Moon Nursery, Plants ........... 101.50 Quadient Finance Usa, Postage ........ 500.00 Randy’S Auto Parts, Parts ..................15.04 Relentless, Services .......................... 699.00 Ricoh Usa, Printer Use .....................655.78 Skyline Const, Pine Street Water Leak ...............4,557.77 Skyline Landscaping, Plow & Sand Tamarack Dr ............ 160.00 Storey Kenworthy, Building Supplies 35.66 Streicher’S, Uniform ........................209.98 Sunset Law Enforcement, Ammunition ...................................864.00 Time Clock Plus , Services ............... 963.00 Transunion Risk & Alternative Data, Services ...........................................75.00 Upper Explorerland, Ecbg January 25 Admin ................ 183.71 Ups, Postage ....................................... 14.12 Usa Blue Book, Lab Supplies........... 318.58 Verizon Wireless , Dec-Jan 25....... 1,196.23 Welter Storage, Storage Equipment .................... 1,720.00 Winn Co Recorder, Canoe Reg ........109.90 Winn Co. San. Landfill, HouseholdWaste ...............................2.00 Revenue To Date - February 14, 2025 General Fund ..........................3,613,925.54 Street Electric Franchise Fee .....102,006.35 Road Use Fund ..........................639,210.79 Employee Benefits.....................961,698.40 Hotel/Motel ...............................231,606.92 Emergency Fund.......................... 67,093.19 Local Option Sales Tax .............839,231.58 Tiff ............................................. 108,904.20 Ssmid ........................................... 13,148.26 Park Special Gifts ........................ 14,818.54 Library Special Gifts ................... 32,569.12 Street Equip Fund .......................... 6,655.42 2/7/25, 3:24 PM

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Debt Service Fund ..................... 738,607.43 Special Projects Water Utility Fund ..................... 821,303.49 Sewer Utility Fund .................... 863,560.13 Enterprise Project Interest ........... 10,484.05 Metronet ......................................61,827.50 Forest Utility.............................. 105,974.36 Storm Sewer Utility ...................435,446.01 Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT, IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY (JUVENILE DIVISION) IN THE INTEREST OF JUVENILE NO. JVJV002015 A Child.

TO: ANY AND ALL PUTATIVE FATHERS YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the above court, a petition in the above-entitled action, a copy of which is attached hereto, which prays for a termination of your parent-child relationship with the above-named child pursuant to Subchapter IV of Iowa Code Chapter 232.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a hearing to determine whether your parental rights should be terminated to the child in interest pursuant to Iowa Code Section 232.117 shall be held before the Juvenile Court on the 9th day of April, 2025, at 9:00 AM, in the Juvenile Courtroom of the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa. If you fail to appear and defend at said time and place, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: The attorney who is expected to represent the child’s parent should be promptly advised by the parent of the service of this notice.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 20, 27 & March 6, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LILLIAN R. CHIPERA DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016370 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of LILLIAN R. CHIPERA, Deceased, who died on or about December 30, 2024: You are hereby notified that on February 11, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of LILLIAN R. CHIPERA, deceased, bearing date of November 23, 2019 , was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that JOYCE M WALKER was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated February 13, 2025.

Joyce M Walker, Executor of Estate 132 N YORKTOWN PIKE MASON CITY, IA 50401Andrew P. Beth A Becker, ICIS#: AT0011045 Attorney for Executor Tremaine & Becker 110 E. 1st Street Sumner, IA 50674 Date of second publication: February 27, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 20 & 27, 2025 Board Minutes February 17, 2025 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am February 17, 2025 with Kelsay, Vick, Langreck, Vermace, and Faldet present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Tony Phillips presented to the Board information about the salary matrix system.

Tony Phillips, Planning, Zoning, and Flood Plain Administrator, met with the Board to present the final plat for Cedar Height Third Addition. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to adopt resolution 25-21 approving the final plat as presented. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

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

Motion carried unanimously.

Mike Donohue and Kristie Wiltgen, NEI3A, met with the Board to give more details on the services they provide and the funding request they submitted earlier in the budget season.

Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to review road projects.

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

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to approve the MHDS Data Release requested

by HHS. Motion carried with Kelsay, Vick, Langreck, and Faldet voting aye; and Vermace voting nay.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vick to direct John Halverson to coordinate the closing of the exterior stairway on the south side of the Old Jail. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Vermace to adopt resolution 25-22, setting a public hearing on the proposed FY26 Tax Levies for March 31 at 9:30. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Public notice will be published and mailed as required.

Vick and Kelsay reported on their meeting with the Sheriff to set salaries and reimbursement rates for deputies and staff. Moved by Vick and seconded by Vermace to approve the agreement for those rates as presented.

Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, February 24, 2025. Motion carried unanimously.

Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27, 2025 NORTHEAST IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND INVITATION FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the Northeast Iowa Community College (“NICC”) Board of Trustees is inviting bids on the following five groups of learning system equipment and property: Bid Group 1 – Avionics Trainer – AeroTrain Corp AT-01-STD Bid Group 2 – Safety Wire Trainer – AeroTrain Corp AS-70-1 Bid Group 3 – Wire Harness Trainer – AeroTrain Corp AS-70-2 Bid Group 4 – Pitot Static Lines & Fittings Installation - AeroTrain Corp AS-70-5 Bid Group 5 – Precision Electrical Termination Certification Kit - Snap On Industrial https://www.nicc.edu/about/consumer-information/bid-projects/ Items may be inspected prior to the bid deadline by making prior arrangements. All items

reside at Northeast Iowa Community College Peosta Campus at 8342 Peosta Drive, Peosta, IA 52068. Any person wishing to schedule an inspection of the equipment and or that has questions about the bidding process may contact Greg Moklestad, moklestadg@nicc.edu, 844-642-2338 ext. 2168 Bids must indicate the specific group being bid on, the amount of the bid for that group, and include a phone number and address of the bidder, as well as an email address (if available). A person may bid on any or all of the groups, but the groups will be sold individually. All bids must be submitted and received by March 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the following address: 1625 Hwy 150 S. Calmar, IA. 52132. An open to the public bid opening will be held in the Calmar campus board room immediately after 1:00 PM on March 3, 2025.

The Board of Trustees shall hold a public hearing on March, 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., in the Peosta campus board room on the proposed sale of the above listed items and on any bids or comments made in writing or orally at said hearing. At the public hearing, any person interested may appear and file objections to the sale of the equipment or comment in favor thereof. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, and to waive any irregularities in the bidding process. Sale of any of the above listed items is subject to approval of the Board of Trustees.

Winning bidders must make payment in cash or certified check at time of pickup of equipment. Location of equipment for pickup is 8342 Peosta Drive, Peosta, IA 52068. All sales are final, no refunds or returns will be available. Items sold as is. If a winning bidder fails to pay for and pick up an item within seven days of the award of the bid, NICC may sell the item to the next highest bidder without any further public notice or will remain the property of NICC. By order of the Northeast Iowa Community College Board of Trustees.

Dated February 17, 2025.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EULALIA PATRICIA MADRIGUERA, DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR 016361 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Eulalia Patricia Madriguera, Deceased, who died on or about December 1, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 23rd day of January, 2025, the undersigned was appointed Administrator of the estate.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 6th day of February, 2025.

Michael J. Sagnella, Administrator 366 Washington St. Decorah IA 52101 Miller Law Office, P.L.C. Jon Specht AT0012576 Attorney for Executor 301 West Broadway, P. O. Box 28 Decorah, IA 52101 Telephone: (563) 382-4226 Facsimile: (563) 382-3783 Date of second publication: March 6, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27 & March 6, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALLEN F. KRUMME DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016348 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To Johnathan M. Krumme YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 20th day of November, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Allen F. Krumme, deceased, bearing date of January 19, 2017, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Jacqueline V. Jessen was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 21st day of February, 2025.

Jacqueline V. Jessen Executor of Estate 182 Church Street Elmhurst, IL 60126 Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dan.fretheim@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of third publication: March 13, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27 & March 6 & 13, 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE High Point East, LLC plans to submit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to be covered under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit No. 2 Storm Water Discharge Associated with Industrial Activity for Construction Activities.

The storm water discharge will be from construction of reidential development infrastructure including street and utilities construction located in NW 1/4 Section 25, Township 98 North, Range 8 West, Winneshiek County.

Storm water will be discharged from one point source and will be discharged to the following streams: unnamed drainage to Upper Iowa River.

Comments may be submitted to the Storm Water Discharge Coordinator, IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Environmental Protection Division, 502 E 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. The public may review the Notice of Intent from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the above address after is has been received by the Department.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27, 2025

SPORTS/NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

I-PLEDGE training available

Luther renovations continued from page 16

Decorah Police prepare to conduct local compliance checks The Decorah Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in Decorah.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with Iowa Department of Revenue to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91 percent.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course, then pass an exam, will become I-PLEDGE-certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against a civil penalty, if the

certified clerk makes an illegal sale.

“I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales,” Decorah Police Sergeant Adam Ytzen said. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.”

Decorah Police Officers will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling

tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $135 fine for a first offense, a $325 fine for a second offense and a $645 fine for third or subsequent offense. However, authorities said handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program.

“By partnering with the Iowa Department of Revenue, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community,” Ytzen said. “Moreover, we pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of underage persons in Iowa.”

To take the I-PLEDGE training, or search for certification records, go to revenue.iowa. gov.

Athletic conference continued from front Decorah Schools, indicated the situation is particularly difficult to navigate for communities like Decorah and Waverly, the latter of which has sought a conference change three times without success. While Decorah could potentially apply to join the WaMaC Conference — named for an amalgam of the region’s Wapsipinicon, Maquoketa and Cedar Rivers — school officials previously noted membership in that conference would result in Decorah’s student athletes traveling an average of 112 miles one-way for competitions.

Decorah had unsuccessfully appealed to Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow last year, after mediations between the district and the Upper Iowa Conference failed to result in a conference assignment for the upcoming school year. Riley said Decorah is expected to compete as an independent school district during the 2025-2026 school year — the change is not expected to affect Decorah’s football program.

In documents dated Nov. 17, 2024, the district noted Decorah’s situation was not due to the school having willingly left an athletic conference, nor was the district aware of any complaints regarding Decorah’s sportsmanship or its work with other school districts. Rather, Riley indicated the school’s shift to an independent competitor is part of a larger puzzle.

“You’ve got changing demographics,” he said. “You’ve got some growing metropolitan areas. You have some rural areas that are getting small, and you have some schools that their community sizes are still doing OK, and then the next thing you know, they’re completely left without any schedule relief.”

Riley explained affiliation with a state athletic conference provides each participating school’s athletes with a certain number of contests each year, usually culminating in a championship event.

Schools with no affiliation, as Decorah expects to be next year, are left to arrange games with affiliated schools whose schedules are largely full with conference events. Riley said trying to work around various conference schedule can result in a less than steady competition calendar for independent districts — at times requiring teams to travel to games several times in a single week yet, at other times, having no competitions for multiple consecutive weeks. Riley said, while he’s doing his best to schedule next year’s competitions for Decorah, he feels inconsistent sports schedules aren’t necessarily fair to student athletes in the long-term.

“The whole purpose is to support and enhance their academic experience,” Riley said. “If it doesn’t support or enhance their academic experience, I’m really not interested.”

Lawmakers step up to the plate State Rep. Michael Bergan, R - Dorchester, and Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley, R - New Hartford, introduced a bill in early February, aimed at amending how changes among Iowa’s high school sports conferences are handled. Bergan, whose legislative district includes Decorah, said he submitted a bill request in November, adding he and other lawmakers had heard from several districts experiencing difficulties with conference realignment, including Decorah and Waverly — which falls within Grassley’s district — as well as districts in northwest Iowa.

“This is a statewide issue,” Bergan said. “Various schools are going through demographic changes. This is an issue for Des Moines Public School South.

They’ve lost close to 1,000 students in the last three years, so they’re looking at potential realignment of their activities, and it certainly affects some of the smaller schools across the state as well.”

House File 331 would prompt the establishment of a conference realignment committee, which Bergan said is similar to a model used in the state of Wisconsin. The committee would consist of 18 members — nine school superintendents and nine activities directors from different regions of the state — who would be responsible for approving or denying requests from schools seeking to change their conference affiliation. The bill says the 18-member committee would be required to consider conference changes at least once every two years and consider factors, such as enrollment among member schools, travel distances, compatibility of athletic programs, traditional rivalries and the number of schools in a conference, when reviewing proposals. Under the bill, schools which withdraw from a conference without the committee’s approval would be prohibited from competing in a given sport or activity for a period of two years.

Bergan went on to say the state’s current system for addressing conference affiliation isn’t conducive to realignment in some cases, and he expects the proposed bill will result in an overall improvement.

“This bill certainly isn’t a specific fix for Decorah or for Waverly,” Bergan said. “We’re just recognizing that we want to adjust the process so, as schools go through that realignment process, there’s a little more substance and opportunity for interactive involvement.”

Riley expressed his optimism for the bill, saying the inclusion of activities directors in the process will be key. He predicted officials across Iowa’s school districts will likely coordinate with one another to discuss possible realignment before submitting proposals to the state committee.

“It takes care of things on the

front side and, on the back side, it prevents anybody from being exactly where Waverly and Decorah are at,” Riley said of the state’s proposed approach.

Team effort may put bill ahead of funnel deadline Lawmakers on the other side of the rotunda are already working to help ensure the legislation’s success. A companion bill was introduced in the Iowa Senate earlier this month by State Sen. Sandy Salmon, R - Janesville, and State Sen. Mike Klimesh, R - Spillville. Klimesh said, knowing the situation in Decorah, he was glad to co-sponsor the bill when Salmon brought it to his attention.

“I was more than happy to sign on, just to give some support in the Senate and to draw some more attention to it,” Klimesh said, reiterating other districts in the state are experiencing similar difficulties.

Both versions of the bill have been approved by subcommittees in their respective chambers. Bergan and Klimesh noted the duel approach gives the proposed bill a greater chance of advancing beyond this session’s first legislative deadline — often known as the funnel — which falls on March 7. Bergan explained all policy bills, such as HF-331, must be voted out of committee by that date in order to remain an eligible bill, and the bill must do the same in the opposite chamber four weeks later.

“Typically, when we have companion bills like this in both chambers, they’ll try to perfect any changes to it simultaneously, which makes the process of getting the bill finished and across both chambers quicker and easier,” Klimesh said.

The state senator went on to say he is receiving updates on the bills from both Bergan and Salmon, but he doesn’t serve on any committees which will handle the issue. He expects the next time he has the opportunity to personally act on the legislation again will be when he votes to support its passage on the Senate floor.

Bergan said the new law would potentially take effect July 1, but he estimated it may take six months for officials to make necessary updates to administrative rules following the bill’s potential passage. He and others pointed out a change in Iowa’s administrative rules would also require the approval of Gov. Kim Reynolds. But Bergan expressed hope that having legislative momentum behind the change may help move the process along.

“It’ll be up to the (Iowa High School Athletic) Association and the (Iowa High School Girls Athletic) Union whether they feel they need to get the rules in place before they can actually implement it, or they may feel that there’s enough substance in the law that they can implement the process as they’re developing the rules,” Bergan said.

13

Norse defenders (l-r) Jeremy Andera, Will Bockenstedet, Mikkel Schutte and Matthew Franzen collapse into the lane against a Central player during the season finale. INSET: Dave Blanchard, Luther College’s longest-serving sports information director, recognized a number of former student athletes in the stands Saturday and was able to recall their records and other athletic achievements. (Photos by Seth Boyes) Brian Solberg, an associate professor of health and exercise science at Luther, said he considered the Regents Center gymnasium home for many years, and he was among the many students who performed the “Messiah” on the courts over the years — an experience he called a right of passage for many alumni. Solberg said he is looking forward to seeing the new face of the familiar gym.

Luther alumnus Tyler Wedemeier, whose total blocks during his time on the Norse basketball team surpass the next record holder by at least 100, said it was difficult to select a favorite memory from his years on the court — though he said raising two conference trophies before crowded stands were likely toward the top of his list. He and others said that, while the gym has always hosted competition, the heart of Luther’s athletic programs has always been the people — both staff and fans.

“Whether we were up, whether we were down, the hustle never stopped,” said Luther College President Emerita Jenifer K. Ward. “But just as important, the way that these student athletes supported each other was so inspirational to me.”

Dave Blanchard, Luther’s longest-serving sports information director, took the mic Saturday between the men’s and women’s games, highlighting alumni seated in the stands and rat-

tling off their notable records and achievements.

He also recalled tear-filled goodbyes as Luther’s student athletes said goodbye to special needs students with whom they’d bonded during unified sporting events.

“The way this facility currently looks will be gone, but the memories will remain,” he said.

For 2007 alum and Luther Hall of Fame inductee Christina Gaard Baumgart, those memories span many years.

She recalled watching Luther students she considered role models play basketball on the very court where she herself would eventually tread during what she called the quiet times. She said she would repeatedly practice jump shots and free throw shots when she was upset over failures, and her husband eventually proposed to her on the half-court line.

“This court was my place of refuge, and I know it has been that for others as well,” she said. “It has also brought so many people together, and we’re so lucky to see this court transformed into a new place for our community and our students to continue to come together.”

Luther officials estimate work on the new gymnasium floor may be complete by the late fall if crews can avoid potential construction delays.

The fourth and final phase of the overall building project is expected to focus on the addition of a wrestling wing.

ABOVE: Senior guard Aidan Bailey (left) and fifth-year forward Mikkel Schutte embraced each other following Saturday’s defeat by visiting Central College 78-69. LEFT: Senior forward Kailey Jones battled against a defender from Central College beneath the hoop during Saturday’s game. The Norse defeated Central 65-48. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

SAVE THE DATE Decorah’s Spring

CITYWIDE

GARAGE SALE MAY 3 [ BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DECORAH LEADER ]

Watch for details & registration at: DecorahLeader.com

SPORTS

14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

No. 2 Vikes roll into semifinal

Noah Milburn drives in for a layup as Cael LaFrentz prepares for a possible rebound during Thursday’s regular season finale. (Photo courtesy of Sam Zoulek) After defeating Mason City in its final regular season contest, the Class 3A No. 2 Decorah boys basketball team (211) took the first step toward a return trip to the state tournament Monday night, for as the Vikes defeated Clinton in the Substate quarterfinal, X-X. The Vikings now host Independence (10-13) tonight at 7 p.m. (Thursday, Feb. 27). A win in the semifinal round will push Decorah into the substate final against either Xavier (13-9) and Wahlert Catholic (13-9) at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3 at home.

The finale The Vikings closed out the regular portion of the season with a win Thursday night, de-

feating Mason City (9-12) at home 88-69.

Decorah put up three big quarters that began with a 2611 lead after the first period.

Rolling out the punches, the Vikes dropped in 25 points in the second and carried a 51-29 lead at the break. Mason City picked up the pace in the third, attempting to scratch into the deficit, narrowing it only by two as Decorah picked up the win.

Zachary Driscoll and Cael LaFrentz accounted for over half of the Vikings’ points with Driscoll putting in 31 and LaFrentz adding 29 to go with 16 rebounds. Driscoll dished out 10 assists for his double-double to go with five steals and four boards. Noah Milburn was also in double figures with 12 points, along with six rebounds, six assists, three blocked shots and two steals. Putting up nine was Peyton Webb.

Mason City 11 18 26 13 69 Decorah 26 25 24 13 88 Scoring – Zachary Driscoll 31; Cael LaFrentz 29; Noah Milburn 12; Peyton Webb 9; Louie Bucksa 3; Carter Dlhy 3; Gavin Groux 1 Rebounds – LaFrentz 16; Milburn 6; Driscoll 4; Trevor Kuenen 3; Dlhy 3; Webb 2; Groux 1; Bucksa 1; Jackson Pipho 1; Assists – Driscoll 10; Milburn 6; Dlhy 2; Groux 1; Kuennen 1; Webb 1; Tanner Caddell 1; Pipho 1; Steals – Driscoll 5; Milburn 2; Bucksa 2; Groux 1; Blocks – Milburn 3; Kuennen 1; LaFrentz 1

Kicking off postseason Clinton (1-21) may have controlled Monday’s tip and got the first bucket but that was the only time the River Kings were in control in the Class 3A substate quarterfinal as the Vi-

kings wrapped up a 77-52 win a home.

It was a cold start for Decorah going the first two minutes without a basket, but when the fire got started, it roared to life with a 16-8 lead after the first eight minutes. Clinton managed to get the score back within three with 2:37 left in the second at 24-21; however, some hot shooting by junior Cael LaFrentz and Zach Driscoll pushed Decorah ahead. The two Vikings combined to go on a 12-0 run in the final 2:37, with a last second shot by Noah giving Decorah a 37-21 halftime advantage.

Decorah knocked down the first four points of the third period before the River Kings ended the scoring drought that plagued them. While Clinton clawed at the deficit, the Vikings continued to pull away, doubling up the visitors 52-25 by the 3:31 mark in the third and held on to a 60-32 lead with eight minutes remaining. Although the River Kings dug into the deficit in the fourth Decorah rolled into the substate semifinal 77-52.

Unofficial stats had LaFrentz as the overall leader in points with 26 while Driscoll put up 17 and Milburn posted 16. Trevor Kuennen added five with Gavin Groux contributing four. Peyton Webb put up three while Tanner Caddell, Jackson Pipho and Louie Bucksa all had two.

Clinton Decorah

8 13 11 20 52 16 21 23 17 77

Following Thursday’s 88-69 win over Mason City, Viking junior Cael LaFrentz was recognized for surpassing 1,000 career points. (Photo courtesy of Sam Zoulek)

Nolan Sabelka dribbles by the Warrior bench including head coach Derek Taylor and Logan Tieskoetter (waiting to enter the game) as he races toward the hoop with a Wildcat defender in pursuit. (Photo courtesy of Cathy Sabelka)

South Winn ends season 18-6 with Wildcats

Full court pressure from Maquoketa Valley put the South Winn boys basketball team on the defensive throughout Thursday’s district semifinal contest as the Warriors fell to the Wildcats 52-30 at home.

The Warriors end the season 18-6, while Maquoketa Valley improves to 16-6 and faced Don Bosco (18-6) Tuesday night in Gilbertville in the district final.

Both teams were a little cool to kick off the Class 1A District 6 semifinal with it taking nearly two minutes before the Wildcats dropped in the first basket.

In transition, SW’s Braiden Todd couldn’t get the ball to fall; however, trailing the shot was Nolan Sabelka who got the bucket near the halfway point of the first frame. Then, Carver Wenthold lit up the scoreboard, firing a shot off from behind the arc to give the Warriors a 5-4 lead. The advantage didn’t last long as Maquoketa Valley closed out the quarter on a 6-1 run to lead 10-6.

After sitting for nearly half of the first period with two fouls, Matson Winings made a difference early in the second with a pair of buckets and a charity toss to trail 15-11. A layup by Jordan Einck put the Warriors within two early in the frame.

With the Wildcats maintaining

the lead, an old-fashioned three point play by Logan Tieskoetter closed within one, 17-16. The long ball was falling for the visitors while none of the Warrior shots found the bottom of the net, leaving SW trailing 28-18.

Following the break in the locker room, SW’s Braiden Todd found the hoop first; however, the shots continued to fall for the Wildcats as they answered with a trey, eventually pulling ahead 38-24 with eight

minutes remaining. The fourth quarter fell much like the others for the Warriors, without much success in getting the ball to fall through the rim.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

South Winn will see three seniors graduate off the squad come May including Nolan Sabelka, Kaden Barton-Franzen and Irving Flores.

Maq Valley South Winn

10 18 10 14 52 6 12 6 6 30

SW’s Braiden Todd stares down the Maquoketa Valley player at the top of the key as teammate Matson Winings waits under the hoop to defend. (Photo courtesy of Cathy Sabelka)

Viking girls end year 11-12 at Xavier Saturday The season came to an end for the Decorah girls basketball team Saturday as the Vikings fell to Xavier 86-35 in the Class 4A Region 8 semifinals.

Decorah ends the year 11-12 overall as the final team to win the Northeast Iowa Conference title as the long-standing league gets set to dissolve later this year.

Xavier (18-4) met Waverly Shell-Rock (19-2) in the regional finals Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Close one Having finished out the reg-

ular season on the road at Waterloo East, the Vikings knew what to look for in Wednesday’s regional contest against the Trojans (8-13) and came out on top 48-42.

Decorah got out to a good start in Wednesday’s contest, going up 17-8 after the first eight minutes over Waterloo East.

The visiting Trojans picked up some momentum in the second, cutting the Vikes’ lead to 19-16.

However, Decorah managed to outscore Waterloo East 7-2 in the final 3 minutes and extended the lead back to 26-18.

Waterloo East made a push in the third quarter to move within two, 37-35. The Tigers kept clawing back as Decorah carried a six-point lead with just over a minute remaining and hung on as time ticked off the clock for the win.

“We had a really good start to the game, and I told the team at the end of the day, you win and move on in the playoffs. I give Waterloo East a lot of credit as they did not back down and continued to challenge us all game. I was really pleased how the girls stuck together and

battled through the second half to close it out and secure the win,” said coach Blake Moen.

“Beating the same team twice in a week is difficult, especially in the playoffs, but it’s another excellent learning experience for our team and I think shows the growth we’ve continued to show this season.”

Sydney Thompson led the Vikings with 11 points, four rebounds. Renae Wilson had nine points and five boards while Liz Bucksa had eight points, 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Grace Tangen also put up eight points to go with three boards as Brooklyn Fromm contributed five points, five rebounds, five steals and six assists.

Waterloo East 8 10 17 7 42 Decorah 17 9 11 11 48 Scoring – Sydney Thompson 11; Renae Wilson 9; Liz Bucksa 8; Grace Tangen 8; Brooklyn Fromm 5; Kelby Kerndt 4; Clara Hjelle 3 Rebounds – Bucksa 11; Wilson 5; Fromm 5; Hjelle 4; Thompson 4; Tangen 3; Kerndt 2; Assists – Bucksa 6; Fromm 6; Hjelle 1; Tangen 1; Steals – Fromm 5; Bucksa 3; Tangen 1

Decorah’s Liz Bucksa looks to retain control of the basketball against the Waterloo East defense in last week’s regional opener. Also pictured are Clara Hjelle (left) and Grace Tangen (43). (Photo courtesy of Sam Zoulek)

EM EntErprisE MEdia

Finishing the season Making the long trip to Cedar Rapids, Decorah’s season was stopped in the regional semifinal by No. 8 Xavier (18-4) 8635.

The Vikes fell behind early 22-5 after the first eight minutes. By halftime, the Saints advantage extended to 50-14 and kept it going in the second half, outscoring Decorah 36-21.

the

Viking Brooklyn Fromm is off to the races ahead of the Trojan defense during last week’s regional contest. (Photo courtesy of Sam Zoulek) “Xavier is one of the best teams in the state and they played exceptionally well against us. It’s always hard to see a season come to an end, but I cannot express how proud I am of our girls and coaches. We battled injuries and ups/downs throughout the season, but the girls stuck together and grew as a group. The enthusiasm they showed every day in practices and games was contagious, and I know that will trickle into the off season,” said coach Moen.

“Our seniors Kera Walter, Ella Carlson and Elizabeth Bjork will be greatly missed next season and I cannot thank those three seniors enough for what

they have done from an organization, leadership, and commitment standpoint. They have set the bar for the girls basketball program to our returning players and youth. Those three will be excellent in whatever they decide to do in life after highschool and I cannot wait to follow their accomplishments down the road.”

Tangen led the charge with 17 points while Bucksa contributed 11. Providing two points apiece were Natalie Stevens, Wilson and Fromm while Thompson added one.

Decorah Xavier

5 9 10 11 35 22 28 19 17 86

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15

State wrestling

Will Larson trips up Ballard’s Jacob Harrison in the Viking’s first match at state. (Photo by Becky Walz) in the second to lead 7-5. He put an exclamation point on the match with an escape and takedown in the third to win 11-5 over Drew Wheater (396) of East Marshall/GMG and advance in the championship bracket.

In the quarterfinal round Sexton saw the score tied 4-4 after the first period against Broedy Hendricks (45-5) of Humboldt.

Trailing 5-4 entering the third period, the Viking chose the bottom and picked up an escape to tie the match and sent it into sudden victory. Hendricks man-

In the fourth round of consolations, the Decorah grappler topped Tanner Paustian (38-13) of Woodward-Granger by a 17-2 tech fall before dropping a 15-0 tech fall match to Washington’s Aaron Boone (50-4). Left to battle in the match for seventh, Avila dominated Cain Rodgers (42-9) of North Fayette Valley to win the 16-6 major decision and finish seventh. Avila’s short season compiled a 14-4 record.

More Vikings compete Three other Decorah grapplers took the mats in Des

Viking Gavin Knutson (above) begins to work on turning Owen Nepple to his back in the first round match at 126 pounds while Decorah freshman Kasen Tyler leans into Winterset’s Gavin Day for points in the 21-9 major decision win in the opening round last Wednesday. (Photos by Becky Walz)

Moines coming up short of a medal position.

Wrestling at 126 pounds, 10th-ranked Gavin Knutson had no trouble in his first match defeating Owen Nepple of Kuemper Catholic 11-2. It was just the reverse in round two against No. 5 Adrian Phetxoumphone of Clarion-Goldfield-Dow) who sent the Viking to the consolation bracket with a 17-2 tech fall.

Knutson won his next two matches over Brody Olson (37-13) of Estherville Lincoln

Kuboushek finishes third After sitting for the first round of the 165-pound bracket, fifthranked Kuboushek dominated Mason Allen (50-11) of Central Decatur in the 17-2 tech fall to advance to the quarterfinal.

It was a battle between two of the best wrestlers in the Upper Iowa Conference in the Class 1A quarterfinal at 165 pounds between fifth-ranked Kyle Kuboushek and No. 4 Quinn McGeough (42-5) of MFL MarMac Thursday afternoon. The Bulldog held the advantage throughout as the Warrior junior picked up a pair of escapes in the second period and a takedown in the third, coming up short 8-5.

That put Kuboushek in the consolation bracket Friday, where he needed to win in order to medal. He faced Cody Cox (27-7) of Lake Mills. Scoreless after the first two periods, the SW junior took bottom to start the third, earning an escape and a late take down to win 4-0. Next up was Cooper Gates (38-6) of West Branch.

With no score after one period, Kuboushek scored first on escape in the second. He took Gates down with just under a minute remaining but Gates got the escape with 30 seconds remaining as Kuboushek led 4-1 into the third period. Giving up an escape to Gates early, the Warrior finished the match with a takedown, winning 7-2.

Kuboushek entered the consolation semifinals facing Clay Wilgenbusch (34-7) of East Buchanan and got his offense going in the second period with an early escape and take down

At 215 pounds, Ray Lienau gets Denver’s Donovan Farrell to his belly during the Warriors’ inaugural trip to state. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

Decorah’s Mason Avila (above) works his way out of the clutches of Algona’s CJ McGregor in the second round Wednesday night (Feb. 19).

Competing at 190 pounds, Viking junior Tommy Sexton (right) gets the takedown of Drew Wheater of East Marshall/GMG and opened his state tournament with an 11-5 decision victory over Wheater. (Photos by Becky Walz) as time was about expire to lead 4-0. In the third period, Wilgenbusch even the score 4-4 with an escape and take down of his own; however, a reversal by Kuboushek with 10 seconds left in the match handed the Warrior the 6-4 victory to put him in the match for third.

It was a high-scoring affair for the bronze Saturday between Kuboushek and Jackson Kounkel (42-5) of Hinton. The SW grappler led throughout the match that began with a take down, nearfall and escape 8-2 in the first period. Kounkel outscored Kuboushek in the second period 4-3 leaving the Warrior with an 11-6 cushion.

A five-point third period led to Kuboushek earning bronze 1610 and revenge on last year’s match that knocked the Warrior off the medal stand. He ends his season 47-3 overall.

“Kyle has been one of the top kids at his weight all year and our conversations have always revolved around him being at the top of the podium. He didn’t reach his ultimate goal of being a state champion, but he was very close and had some unbelievable matches throughout the week. Three weeks ago, Kyle broke his hand, and for him to battle through that injury and still wrestle and beat some of the best kids in the state shows how tough of a kid he is,” said SW coach Jake Elsbernd.

SW’s other wrestlers In his second trip to the state tournament, Landen Schnuelle’s first action of the tournament ended with a 1-0 decision over Leren Fernandez (39-9) of Iowa City Regina with a second period escape. Fight as he may in the quarterfinal versus No. 2 Creighton Kelly (26-2) of West Hancock, Schnuelle couldn’t get points on the board, falling into the consolation bracket by a 13-0 major decision.

After dropping his second-round match Wednesday, Landen Schnuelle battled his way through the back side of the bracket Thursday, winning an 11-0 major decision over Jackson Pfrang (25-12) of AC/ GC in the second round of consolations. Later in Thursday’s session, the junior trailed No. 11 A.C. Roller (39-10) of Riverside (Oakland) 5-3 into the third period and got a takedown in the final 45 seconds to skid by Roller 6-5 and keep his season alive and earning his 100th career win.

Zach Robins (45-6) of Treynor ended Schnuelle’s season on Friday by a 14-3 major decision. Schnuelle finished his season 45-17 overall.

“Last year Landen came up short of winning any matches, but this year he wouldn’t be denied and ended up winning three matches,” said coach Elsbernd. Landen had some incredibly gutsy performances to win some big matches. He was one win shy of earning a medal as he got beat out of the tournament in what we call the blood round.”

First time state qualifier Ray

Lienau had a rematch of the district final in his first round against 214-pound Donavon Farrell (34-12) of Denver with the same result – a loss. Lienau earned his four points on a trio of escapes and a stalling call against Farrell, falling 15-4.

Finishing his junior campaign with more victories than his freshman and sophomore seasons combined at 36-18 and a state berth, Ray Lienau saw his season end in the second round of the consolation bracket Thursday with a 16-0 tech fall to seventh-ranked Carson Edney (26-2) of Logan-Mag-

nolia.

“What makes this special is the fact that Ray just started the sport of wrestling as a freshman and has made some incredible progress in the last few years,” said coach Elsbernd. “The best part of the entire week was seeing three kids who are best friends with each other on and off the mat get to be with each other through the ups and downs of this tournament. They made a lot of great memories together and it was a lot of fun.

We can’t wait to have all three of them back for their senior season.”

Landen Schnuelle works on turning Jackson Pfrang of AC/ GC on his way to an 11-0 major decision in the second round consolation match. (Photo by Becky Walz)

First rate season continued from page 16 ing for the individual portion of the tournament.

Contending for medals in the girls’ competition were juniors Karlie Einck and Marri Feuerhelm. After the three-game preliminary round, each earned a spot into the eight-person bracket play. Einck was the top qualifier with a score of 693 (266, 203, 224), while Feuerhelm was eighth with a 601 (226, 152, 223).

That set up the two facing each other in the first round of the medal round. Einck got the better of her teammate 248 to 210 to advance to the semifinals against Lindy Dhuse of North Scott who edged the Viking by seven pins, 200 to 193, sending Einck to the third-place match. One pin separated Einck from the bronze as Clinton’s Emily Whitehead won 212 to 211.

Feuerhelm had dropped to the consolation bracket, falling to Natalie Alberts of Keokuk 207-174 and eventually the seventh place match versus LeMars’ Jenna Fisher. Feuerhelm came out on top of that match 201-170 to earn seventh.

Representing Decorah in the boys’ individual competition were senior Jordan Sims and junior Jace Buddenberg. Sims missed the bracket play by 11 pins, finishing the three-game prelims with a 700 (193, 270, 237) in 11th. Buddenberg capped off his day and tournament in 20th place with a 640 (192, 203, 189).

Pre-Owned

aged the takedown and pushed Sexton into the consolation bracket by an 8-5 decision.

Moving into the fourth round of the consolation bracket, Sexton secured a 4-2 win over Brian Snyder (46-7) of Centerville. It was an overtime battle with Ballard’s Rhett Hedrick (38-6) that secured a medal for Sexton and fell in the Viking’s favor 16-13.

However, an injury forced the Decorah grappler to medically forfeit his next two matches to finish sixth. Sexton finished the season with a 41-6 mark.

Mason Avila’s trip to the medal stand at 132 pounds began with a bye before facing Algona’s CJ McGregor (25-11) in round two, winning by fall in 5:20.

The junior’s quarterfinal match didn’t go his way as he trailed 5-6 after the first period, tying the match 6-6 with an escape in the second against Cyler Cirks (34-11) of Humboldt. In the third, Cirks picked up another five points to defeat Avila 11-8 to drop the Viking into the back side of the bracket.

continued from page 16 Central by fall in 2:52 and secured an 11-5 decision over Carter Liston of AP-GC. On the fourth round of the consolations, Knutson got his offense going late to fall 10-6, just short of the medal rounds. Knutson knocked off a 29-19 record this season.

Opening his inaugural state meet, 144-pound Kasen Tyler, ranked No. 12, overwhelmed Winterset’s Gavin Day (2918) by a 21-9 major decision, picking up four takedowns in the first period alone. Tyler struggled to get control of his second-round match against Aiden Smith (47-4) of Atlantic, dropping to the backside of the brackets on a 16-6 decision.

Day two of the tournament on the mat began with a fall over Jaymes Stevens (25-20) of Hampton-Dumont-CAL in 3:49, followed by the Viking throwing Andrew Tjaden (3018) of Anamosa in 58 seconds.

Ben Walsh (48-12) bounced Tyler from the medal round in the fourth round of the consolations by a 12-8 decision. Tyler finished his first high school season with a 37-14 mark.

Junior Will Larson also had a first-round bye before stepping up to battle No. 9 Jacob Harrison (40-9) of Ballard. Trailing 3-2 after the first period, the eighth-ranked Viking battle back in the second to lead 5-4 heading into the third but gave up a nearfall to drop the match 8-5.

In 3:25, Larson threw Jordan Meling (30-15) of East Marshall/GMG Thursday in the consolation second round and picked up a 12-3 major decision over Charlie Karam (39-19) of Solon before falling by an 11-5 decision to Cadyn Wild (33-6) of Davenport Assumption to finish the tournament. Larson finished the season 32-15.

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A half-court farewell

Luther College looks back on gymnasium history ahead of renovations

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

ABOVE: Luther fans, alumni and staff were invited to gather at center court following the college’s final basketball games this season. The Regents Center gymnasium will undergo a major renovation as part of a $24 million building update. Lights in the gymnasium were shut off in recognition of the final regular season games to be played on 60-year-old hardwood, and the Luther cheer echoed through the space. INSET: Betty Hoff, a Luther alum, coach, and professor emeritus credited with co-creating the womens athletic program at Luther, told Saturday’s crowd that the reconstruction of a gymnasium following a fire in 1961 was key in establishing a necessary communal student space on campus. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

The Luther College cheer echoed across the darkened hardwood of the Regents Center gymnasium Saturday night. Fans, alumni and staff gathered on the historic court, following the final basketball games of the regular season to hear from former coaches and former student athletes before crews begin renovating the gym as part of a $24 million building update. The renovated complex is to be named the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness.

The college’s current gymnasium dates back to the 1960s, according to information from the college, and staff previously said the gym’s configuration has remained largely the same since its construction. Renovation work on the Regents Center’s lobby began in the fall of 2024, and work on the gymnasium was expected to begin this week. Plans call for the basketball court to be rotated 90 degrees with new seating installed in what Luther’s staff called an arena-style arrangement.

Betty Hoff, a Luther alum, coach and professor emeritus credited with co-creating the women’s athletic program at Luther, noted the Regents Center was constructed a few years after the former Preus Gymnasium was destroyed by a fire in 1961. She said the loss of the gym at that

time meant the loss of a common gathering place for Luther’s student, noting the gymnasium had hosted not only athletic competitions but had also housed chapel services and other events. Hoff helped design what became the Regents Center, which was completed in 1964 — she said Luther began offering women’s athletics the next year, with basketball among the original sports.

Jane Hildebrand, a Luther alum and former Luther womens basketball coach, recalled the days of flip-card scoring and said her team had no official uniforms her freshman year. But she also recalled sweet sixteen matches during NCAA competitions and halfcourt buzzer-beaters in front of bleachers packed with Norse fans.

Hoff noted the completion of the Regents Center gym allowed the college’s traditional performances of Handel’s “Messiah” to return to campus, and the new space also welcomed well-known musical groups — she said the first to perform in the Regents Center was the band Peter, Paul and Mary.

Luther renovations

continued on page 13

First-rate season for keglers wraps up at state

In the nine seasons since their introduction, the Decorah bowling teams have continued to grow and prove the Vikings are a solid program as was apparent this week at the state bowling tournament in Waterloo at Cadillac XBC.

Sophomore William Fullhart rolled to a 19-4 tech fall over Blake Wilson in his opening match at state last week at 165 pounds and went on to finish third on the podium. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Runner-up boys The boys team left it all on the lanes during the team competition Monday, finishing second to Lewis Central.

In the pre-bracket 15 baker game round, the Vikings were seeded second with a 3,229 tally behind Waterloo East who had 3,254. Baker game scores for Decorah were 243, 199, 213, 150, 246, 192, 234, 216, 223, 177, 233, 203, 246, 243 and 211.

With the brackets set, the Vikings contended with Council Bluffs-St. Alberts in the semifinals, winning 3-2. Decorah dropped the first baker game

161-183 and bounced back to win the next two 224-217 and 264-188. Dropping the fourth 156-257 forced a fifth tie breaker game which the Vikes took 200-172 to put Decorah in the championship match with Lewis Central.

Lewis Central was hot out of the gate, winning 258-182 and 256-225 over the Vikings.

Decorah bounced back in game three to win 200-171 but tied with Lewis Central at 182s in

Decorah’s Fullhart, SW’s Kuboushek earn bronze

There was excitement on the mats last week for the 100th Annual boys state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines as nine area wrestlers competed for titles.

Representing Decorah, six grapplers faced the fierce competition with a trio climbing the podium while South Winn had one matman on the stand Saturday night.

Finishing 15th in the Class 2A portion of the individual tournament, Decorah claimed 62 points, while the Warriors finished the Class 1A tournament with 22.5 points in 34th place.

Trio of Viking medalists When the final match was wrestled, three Vikings stood on the podium. Sophomore William Fullhart took third, while Tommy Sexton finished sixth and Mason Avila took seventh.

At 165 pounds, Ethan Prior of Williamsburg proved to be no obstacle for No. 7 Viking William Fullhart who advanced to the quarterfinal round with a 19-4 tech fall to open his quest for a medal last Wednesday.

Taking on Blake Wilson (44-7) of Burlington Notre Dame in the quarterfinal, Fullhart came

away with a 17-4 major decision win before Bo Koedam (53-2) of Sergeant Bluff-Luton stopped the Viking sophomore’s trip to the top of the podium in the semifinal round by a 17-2 tech fall.

Moving directly into the consolation semifinals, Fullhart rebounded against Ryker Dengler (42-7) of West Liberty. The Viking led 3-2 after the first period and extended his lead to 5-2 in the second with a reversal. After a pair of takedowns by Fullhart in the third, he turned Dengler to pick up the fall in 5:26 to advance to the third-place match.

For the second time in the tournament, Fullhart squared off with Wilson of Burlington Notre Dame with the same result – an overwhelming 16-10 major decision to win bronze and finish the season with a 43-8 record.

Decorah junior Tommy Sexton, ranked fifth, not only received the first-round bye and second round win – which was also his 100th career win. Trailing 3-1 after the opening two minutes, Sexton stepped up his game with a pair of takedowns

State wrestling continued on page 15

South Winn’s Kyle Kuboushek gets bent in half by MFL MarMac’s Quinn McGeough in the 165-pound quarterfinal in Class 1A. The junior battled his way through the consolation bracket to finish third. (Photo by Becky Walz)

The Decorah boys and girls bowling teams were proud to showcase their second and third place trophies Monday after the Class 2A state bowling tournament in Waterloo. Pictured are (front, l-r) alternates Gavin Luzum, Kennady Riehle, Kaelyn Kuhn, Beau Newhouse; (middle) Marri Feuerhelm, Jasera Tweten, Addison Wicklund, Asmere Jensen, Rylee Averhoff, Karlie Einck; (back) assistant coach Michael Bruening, Cain Monreal-Rice, Tyler Novak, Bryce Elsbernd, Jordan Sims, Alex Maki, Jace Buddenberg and head coach Keith Bruening. (Photo courtesy of Amy Averhoff)

game four to drop the match 3-1 and finish as the Class 2A runner-up team, one spot ahead of where the Vikings placed a year ago.

Bronze for girls The Viking girls were looking to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish and that they did as they took third in Class 2A Monday.

In the qualifying baker rounds, Decorah finished with 2,766 pins for the No. 3 seed behind LeMars (2,931) and Keokuk (2,869). Baker games were 159, 196, 194, 150, 182, 168, 235, 210, 163, 200, 187, 157, 204, 191 and 170.

In the semifinal, the Vikes opened bracket play against Keokuk, one the first baker match 189-173 before falling in the next three, 155-159, 165-188 and 139-166. From there it was on to the match for third place against Clinton, which Decorah won 3-2. The two squads went back and forth as Clinton took game one 201-184 and three 213-167, while the Vikes won games two (213-141) and four (237-174) to force a game five and come away with the 190162 victory.

Individuals After the long day of competition, four Vikings returned to Cadillac XBC Tuesday morn

First rate season continued on page 15