Fun at the Winneshiek County Fair
WEDNESDAY,
(Decorah Leader photos by Seth Boyes, Denise Lana and Samantha Ludeking)
Trio of organizations to host local listening session
The public is invited to join the Iowa Environmental Council, the Harkin Institute and the Iowa Farmers Union during a Winneshiek County listening session from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at the Decorah Middle School — 405 Winnebago St. in Decorah. The session is free and open to the public. RSVPs are required. Learn more and register online at iaenvironment.org/cancerproject. Those affected by cancer or whose family has been affected by cancer are encouraged to share their stories and hear from others.
Kayak event to be held at Lake Meyer
Winneshiek County Conservation invites the public to kayak from 1-2 p.m. Friday, July 18 at Lake Meyer Park — 2654 Lake Meyer Rd. off Highway 24 between Calmar and Fort Atkinson. Staff will briefly cover basic kayaking safety, and participants will have free time to paddle around the lake. No experience is required, but attendees are asked to call 563534-7145 and reserve a spot, as kayaks are limited. The event is free and open to anyone age 10 or older. Vessels, paddles, and life jackets will be provided for registered participants. Participants are welcome to bring their own kayak or canoe. Participants should meet at the boat ramp on the east side of the lake. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be cancelled. For more information, call Winneshiek County Conservation at 563-534-7145 or visit www.winneshiekwild. com.
Summer Sing-Along features Dan Chouinard
Join Lanesboro Arts and Twin Cities-based accompanist, writer and vocalist Dan Chouinard for a free Lanesboro SingAlong at 6 p.m. Monday, July 28 at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Chouinard and special guests will shape this casual musical gathering with familiar songs and stories.
No tickets are required; this event is free and open to the public. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets.
About Dan Chouinard Pianist, accordionist, singer, songwriter, vocalist and wellknown contributor to Twin Cities performances, Dan Chouinard facilitates community singalongs and writes hit shows for public radio, concert halls and theatrical stages. Graduating from St. John’s University, Chouinard taught French and Italian at the University of Minnesota while establishing his career as a pianist and accompanist in the Twin Cities Area. He has contributed to many live programs for Minnesota Public
Radio, the MN Historical Society, Twin Cities Public Television and others. One of his most notable works is “Steerage Song”, a show playing in Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. He is best known locally for hosting Lanesboro Arts’ annual Holiday Sing-Along in Lanesboro. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Dan Chouinard hosts a Lanesboro Summer Sing-Along. (Photo submitted)
CEDI assists Arla’s Sewing Room with successful grant application
Arla’s Sewing Room in Lansing is a 2025 recipient of a Rural Energy for America Program grant to improve energy efficiency in the downtown storefront.
Owner-operator Arla Wagner worked with CEDI’s technical assistance to successfully apply for the USDA REAP program and recieved a $2,221 grant. The project involved installing two electric air-source heat pumps to improve the building’s heating and cooling efficiency. Work was completed the project in late June, and project
assessments estimate the new units will save Arla’s business 1,718 kWh or $240/year.
“I’m very happy with the whole process and the results. I love them!” Arla says of the heat pumps. “The CEDI team ironed out the details of my application and saw it through – not an easy feat in a year with so many changes to federal programming.”
For more information on CEDI technical assistance for REAP grants or loans, visit cleanenergydistricts.org/reap.
Public invited to tee up for a cause at the 23rd Annual United Way Golf Benefit
United Way of Winneshiek County invites residents, businesses and supporters across the county to participate in the 23rd Annual Golf Benefit on Thursday, Aug. 21 at Oneota Golf and Country Club. Teams and sponsors who support the tournament will help strengthen local services which support children, families and seniors in Winneshiek County. Team check-in and a lunch will begin at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon. In the event of inclement weather, the benefit will be
Service Notice
BETHANY SYVERSON, 34, of Harmony, Minnesota, died Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Gundersen Health Systems in LaCrosse, Wisconsin after a short battle with ALS. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 at Berean Community Church, 3157 Kenosha Dr. NW, Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.
held Monday, Aug. 25. Organizations interested in sponsoring a hole during the benefit may email info@unitedwaywinnco. org. For full event details, registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit unitedwaywinnco. org/events/golf-benefit.
Pictured are (left to right) Arla Wagner, owner-operator of Arla’s Sewing Room in Lansing, and CEDI REAP Program Manager Steve Hopkins. Wagner’s two new air-source heat pump units, also used to cool the storefront, are mounted high on the wall. (Photo submitted)
