Annual studio tour to feature three dozen area artists
George Lowe in his studio north of Decorah. (Photo submitted)
Artist Rebecca Kobos in her home studio in Lansing.
(Photo submitted)
HANDS-FREE DRIVING
Hands free driving law goes into effect today
The Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa State Patrol and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau are collaborating to educate the public on Iowa’s new hands-free driving law. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed bill SF 22 into law on April 2, making Iowa the 31st state in the nation to enact hands-free legislation. The law will go into effect on July 1, with an initial warning period through Dec. 31, 2025.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes. A 2024 GTSB survey of more than 1,300 Iowans from nearly every county revealed that 90 percent of respondents considered using a cell phone while driving to be extremely dangerous, even though 50 percent admitted to driving with a phone in their hand.
“Iowa’s new hands-free law marks a pivotal moment in our fight against distracted driving; it’s an unprecedented opportunity to fundamentally change driver behavior,” said Brett Tjepkes with the GTSB. “By embracing this change, we can drastically reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads, making Iowa safer for everyone.”
The hands-free law prohibits drivers from using electronic devices while driving unless the device is in a hands-free setting. This means drivers cannot hold their phone, type, scroll, enter GPS coordinates, stream video, view content or make calls unless voice-activated. Drivers may use several options, such as phone mounts, auxiliary cables, speakerphone features, Bluetooth and other voice command systems, to stay hands-free.
With the implementation of the new law, the Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies will focus on both education and enforcement during the six-month warning period. Law enforcement across the
“HANDS-FREE” MEANS:
2 x 12.5
Please note that this will be the only ad scheduled for this holiday merchant movie program, unless previously agreed.
Please run this ad once between Monday, June 30 - Tuesday, July 8.
WHAT COUNTS AS AN “ELECTRONIC DEVICE”
Please email a proof to me and estimated cost at: allison.akright@fridleytheatres.com
Please give me a call at the number listed below if you have any questions.
Thank you!
Allison Akright Marketing Director Fridley Theatres 515-282-9287
state is distributing educational materials to raise awareness about the law and how drivers can comply with it. The Department of Transportation, cities, and various coalitions are also distributing information.
“Every life lost to distracted driving is a tragedy,” said Iowa
State Patrol Colonel Nathan Fulk. “By adopting Iowa’s new hands-free law, we are taking a major step toward safer roads in our state. Let’s all do our part — put down the phone, focus on the road, and help make Iowa’s roads safer for everyone.”
Iowans are encouraged to fa-
miliarize themselves with the new law and consider which hands-free options will work best for them and their vehicle. For more hands-free resources, visit https://dps.iowa.gov/ hands-free-law-materials or DriveSmartIowa.com.
La Crosse author to discuss ‘Until My Memory Fails Me’
La Crosse author and Buddhist chaplain Sharon Lukert will give an author presentation and Q&A session followed by a book signing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 at the Pulpit Rock Brewing events room at 207 College Dr. in Decorah. The public is invited to this free event, sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation and Decorah Zen Center, with support from Pulpit Rock Brewing and Dragonfly Books.
“We’re honored to co-host this special evening with Sharon Lukert, whose presence and teachings have long resonated with the Decorah Zen Center and the Ryumonji Communities,” Decorah Zen Center representatives Laura Demuth and Lee Zook said in a statement. “Her new book offers a compassionate and courageous
guide to navigating the complexities of cognitive decline through mindfulness — an approach deeply rooted in the Soto Zen tradition we practice.”
Lukert has been living with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease since her early diagnosis in 2021. When she was diagnosed, she turned to spiritual practice and community to help her adjust to a new and ever-shifting reality, viewing her diagnosis as an opportunity for personal growth and outreach. In “Until My Memory Fails Me,” she shares her experience as a guide for those standing at the gateway of cognitive decline, alongside practical advice on understanding diagnoses, communicating with medical providers, addressing bias and managing symptoms.
“The book is intended to be an affirming guide to enhance a positive approach toward the emotional and spiritual aspects of facing a neurodegenerative disease,” Lukert said.
This event is part of Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Val-
ley Literary Foundation’s author event series, which brings writers of all genres to northeast Iowa to lead in conversations about literature and writing, and is co-hosted by the Decorah Zen Center, a project of Ryumonji Zen Monastery.
Emplify Health: Light up the night, not the ER
Fireworks safety tips for a safe July 4 celebration
The kickoff to July usually includes plenty of backyard BBQs, community festivals, parades and an assortment of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Officials with Emplify Health by Gundersen said, as exciting as the big booms in the sky may be, it’s important to remember fireworks have the potential to be dangerous for both children and adults.
Trauma and injury prevention coordinator Megan Anderson with Emplify Health said the best way to prevent injuries from fireworks is to leave it to the professionals.
“Many communities coordi-
nate amazing fireworks displays with trained professionals. It’s by far the safest, and probably most entertaining, way to celebrate,” Anderson said. However, Anderson suggests those who do choose to light their own fireworks take several precautions:
• Find a sober, responsible adult to supervise all firework activities.
• Do not allow children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
• Keep plenty of water on hand and a hose for soaking used firework debris.
• Do not touch a firework in an attempt to relight it if it fails
to explode — leave it alone for 20 minutes and soak it in water overnight before throwing it away.
• Never place a firework, even used or dead, in a fire pit.
• Wear eye protection when setting off fireworks.
• Never look down the barrel of a firework or point them at another person — doing so is like looking down the barrel of a loaded gun, according to health officials.
People often believe sparklers are safe for children, but even those can be dangerous, as they burn at 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt
The Ted Schrandt Memorial Barrel Race will be held Saturday, July 12 at the Winneshiek County
some metals, cause burns and ignite clothing or hair. Anderson recommends families consider offering glow sticks for children rather than sparklers.
“Short arms cannot hold sparklers far enough away to prevent burns to the face and body,” she said. “Plus, glow sticks will provide longer-lasting entertainment.”
Health officials at Emplify also recommend the public be aware of possible legal restrictions when using fireworks and check with local law enforcement or city officials regarding ordinances related to the usage of fireworks.
VMH to offer free sport physicals at Waukon Clinic
Free sport physicals will be offered at the Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinic in Waukon next month for all junior high and high school students who need a physical for participating in school athletic events. Physical examinations will be available from 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 9 and 23. Students should have recieved an email with information to sign up for a specific time slot. These clinics will include all necessary documentation, such as a concussion screening. Physicals are scheduled in one-hour segments, and clinic staff will not be administering vaccines during those times. Those in need of updating their vaccination may call the clinic at 563-568-5530 to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact middle school or high school administrative assistants for assistance.
needed to know Everything I ever By Ole Winter
(Retired Lutheran Pastor Ole Winter reminisces on his 90plus years of life, sharing past experiences and life lessons with Driftless readers.)
Ah…what a relief
I was more than a bit anxious. The reason? The telephone part of my cell phone worked well, but I could not exchange text messages with my family. Finally, Hunter from Aase Haugen offices came to my rescue. In a minute or less, he discovered the problem, and I was once again back online. Not having grown up in this world of electronic technology, I was not able to fix this otherwise simple problem.
I could have taken my phone to students in the fifth grade and they too would have known what to do. When I was in the fifth grade, we still had a hand crank telephone on the wall and an icon was something I heard on in a Russian church.
Remember the ad for Alka Seltzer — “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, Oh, what a relief it is.” I was much relieved when he said “All fixed.” However, for a few hours I was anxious about this electronic error.
In this incident, my anxiety was a “tempest in a thimble” compared to some anxiety I have known. Such as when our son David, yet in his 20s, was diagnosed a victim of multiple sclerosis or when my wife needed bypass heart surgery. Some reasons for anxiety are not fixed with the pushing of a cell phone key. My intention is not to make this writing a “Dear Abbey” column.
Nevertheless this was fresh on my mind, so I decided to
share it. So please, read this as from a fellow worrier and a Christian pastor. By all means, “tell it to the Lord in prayer.” Christ made it very clear that he cares for you and about you. Then I would suggest you talk to someone “with skin on.” A friend helped me! Be it a family member, a trusted friend, a member of the clergy or a therapist — it is not only OK but well to talk about it. Then, there are some anxieties that we learn to live with. Peace be with you.
Fairgrounds, during
Ted Schrandt Memorial Barrel Race July 12
P ZZLE driftless
Did you know?
Some people argue that August 2 should actually be America’s birthday
July 4, 1776, is an important date in American history that is widely considered the birthday of the United States of America. But some people argue that August 2 should actually be America’s birthday, since that was when the Declaration of Independence was signed. The National Archives says that the Second Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of independence on July 4, 1776, formally severing ties with Britain.
The approved Declaration was printed on July 5. On July 19, Congress ordered that the document be engrossed on parchment, which is a process of copying an official document in large hand. It is surmised that the engrosser was Timothy Matlock, an assistant to Charles Thomson, secretary to the Congress. It was nearly a month after the Declaration was adopted before the document began to be signed by delegates. The signing of the Declaration of Independence occurred primarily on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, a building later renamed Independence Hall. John Hancock, who was the President of the Congress, was the first to sign the engrossed copy. Signatures were arranged by states from northernmost to southernmost. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although not all were present to sign on August 2. Some delegates never managed to sign the Declaration, including Robert R. Livingston of New York, who was a member of the Declaration’s drafting committee.
Answers will be posted on the Decorah Leader’s Facebook page.
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 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.
Free family “People’s Park” event at Effigy Mounds
“The People’s Park,” is a community-sourced event celebrating natural ecosystems, the honest history of Iowa and the community Effigy Mounds National Monument brings together. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. Effigy Mounds National Monument is located at 151 Highway 76, Harpers Ferry, IA, three miles north of Marquette, Iowa. In addition to the park’s usual amenities, there will be live music by Mike McAbee, kid and family-friendly activities such as face painting, block printing (bring a blank clothing item to have printed), button making, educational materials, sign-making, and more.
Alliant Energy says they are prepared to deliver the reliable energy customers need as temperatures begin to heat up. According to Alliant Energy, preparation and a balanced energy mix are essential to ensuring the company has sufficient resources to meet demand, especially when warmer than normal temperatures are predicted.
REAL ESTATE
As a member of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Alliant Energy communicates its projected supply of capacity. In turn, MISO monitors and manages the generation and transmission of electricity within a multi-state region, which includes Iowa and Wisconsin. Customers can voluntarily begin to reduce their energy use, which can help with their overall energy bills. Alliant Energy offers five tips to help customers reduce their energy consumption while staying cool during the upcoming heat:
Alliant Energy offers tips to manage energy use during high temps
setting to 120 degrees.
• Close shades – This will keep the sun from warming rooms which then causes your AC to kick in, and it will keep the space cooler.
• Use cold water – Take cooler showers, wash clothes in cold water and adjust water heater
• Turn up your thermostat –Talk with family members about adjusting the thermostat; for example, consider setting it to 78 degrees during the day, higher in the overnight hours while the family is sleeping and turning it off when the family is away.
• Take care of AC and vents – Clean or change AC air filters and clear space around air vents so the AC unit can move air through easier while also using less energy.
• Get an AC tune-up – Have a professional contractor tune up the AC unit to keep it performing its best. By taking these measures, customers can reduce their energy use, which will have a positive impact on their bills. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com/ways-to-save/summer-bills.
