Carter Guse will make a return performance at the Ossian Educational and Performance Pavilion from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23. The performance is sponsored by Sundance Travel, Franzen GPS and the Ossian Crown Club.
Guse is returning from his time competing on a national television show, and he will share stories from his time visiting the West Coast. He is only making two performances in Iowa this summer. Guse wrote a song which was featured in Nashville during his performance at the historic Bluebird Café. He is expected to return to Nashville in the fall and continue his song-writing and performances in various Nashville venues. He will also continue his second year as the emcee for the Belmont Showcase Series. A screening of the movie
Gage Buddenberg participated in the Pee Wee Dairy Show at the Winneshiek County Fair earlier this month. Find photos from the Winneshiek County Fair in the July 17 Decorah Leader and photo galleries online at DecorahLeader.com
“Twister” will follow Carter’s live performance. The showing, sponsored by the city of Ossian and the Ossian Crown Club,. will run from 6:30-8:30 pm.
Performances continue
Sunday, July 27, 5 p.m.: Angela Meyer.
Wednesday, July 30, 7 p.m.: Driftless Duo: Bree and Kate.
Sunday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.: Woodshed Reboot.
Friday, Aug. 8: Bad Dog 20/20
Saturday, Aug. 9: 2 p.m., David Woods; 4 p.m. Steve Schroeder; 8 p.m. Corey Farley. Sunday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m.: Gary and Glenda Richards. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m.: Open Mic Night. Sunday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m.: Steve Angrisano. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 8:30 p.m.: Movie “Jumanji.”
Carter Guse
clock during
St. Lucas stop
Cecelia Rokusek, CEO of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, will give a presentation on the Czech Astronomical Clock and Tower, which is located in Cedar Rapids, from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 at the German American Museum in St. Lucas.
Rokusek was instrumental in the renovation of the clock tower and the installation of the new astronomical clock. She will be accompanied by Robert Petrik, former board member of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. This event is jointly sponsored by the Czech Heritage Partnership of Protivin and the German American Museum of St. Lu-
cas. Ken Zajicek, president of the Czech Heritage Partnership will introduce the speaker. The presentation will be followed by refreshments and pastries as well as discussions.
Located in the Czech Village by the Cedar River, North America’s only Orloj—a Prague-style astronomical clock—stands in front of the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library. Unveiled in 2024 for the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library’s 50th anniversary, the clocktower is modeled after the Prague astronomical clock built in 1410. The renovated clock tower includes an astrolabe with both astronomical and timekeeping functions.
All components were manufactured out of steel by the SPEL Company in Prague, and the symbols are gilded with 24-karat gold.
The tower houses 12 figurines sculpted by Andrej Harsany of Bratislava, Slovakia. Each is approximately 4 feet tall and is positioned on two carousels. Every hour, the figures rotate in sync with music written by Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana. The figurines represent various immigrant stories, including figures such as a farmer, coal miner and meatpacker, symbolizing groups which settled in Cedar Rapids from Czechia, Slovakia, Moravia and other regions.
Iowa, Wisconsin plan for existing Lansing bridge demolition this fall
The Iowa and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation are proceeding with a revised plan for the construction of the new Iowa 9/WIS 82 bridge over the Mississippi River between Lansing, Iowa, and Crawford County, Wisconsin. DOT officials said the revised plan requires closure and demolition of the existing bridge in the fall of 2025 to ensure that the new bridge can be safely constructed and opened as planned in 2027. Project engineers reached the decision after additional analyses and extensive discussions between both state DOTs as well as the project’s contractor. Officials with the DOTs said they recognize the impact the demolition of the bridge will have on area communities, and they said the plan is meant to ensure safety for motorists, construction workers, rail traffic and Mississippi River traffic.
new bridge.
Since construction began in late 2023, project engineers have temporarily closed the existing bridge twice. The first closure occurred in early 2024 due to observed displacement, and the bridge was then re-opened after limited stabilizing work was complete. The second closure occurred in May 2025 due to sensor-detected movement, and the bridge was reopened following a detailed inspection and engineering analysis.
The project team is investigating opportunities for alternative river crossings to support businesses, institutions and individuals in Iowa and Wisconsin. Options may include restoration of the water taxi service offered during previous closures or other options, and both states will maintain viable roadway detours. The nearest crossing is U.S. 18 connecting
McGregor, Iowa, to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
The exact closure date will be determined later this year.
Planned closures and alternative services will be announced through the project website, the project Facebook page, local media, on variable message signs on either end of the bridge and through 511 Iowa.
The Iowa DOT and WisDOT project teams say they are also communicating closely with government officials and other stakeholders in the affected communities.
For more information on the construction of the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing as well as updates on the existing bridge status, go to iowadot. gov/lansingbridge. Individuals may also sign up to receive e-mail updates via the Facebook pagefacebook.com/LansingBridge.
The public is invited to join Winneshiek County Conservation for the Friluftsliv Family Hike at 10 a.m. Friday, July 25 at Van Peenen Park. Participants will meet at the main entrance to Van Peenen Park off of Quarry Hill Road in Decorah and take a 1.7 mile round-trip hike along Huginn Trail loop to the Decorah Crater “point of impact” marker.
A dozen veterans to be honored with Quilts of Valor A group of 12 veterans will be awarded Quilts of Valor at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at the Carrie Lee Elementary School Auditorium. The program recognizes area veterans by gifting them quilts crafted by volunteers. Recipients at the upcoming event are to include Suzanne Boeke, Tyler Buck, Joe Bushman, Jay Courtney, Kyle Fischer, John Gipp, Richard Hammel, Roger Hammel, Justin Johnson, Leo Macal, Tim Moon and Todd Moon.
Along the walk, organizers will share information on the Decorah Impact Crater and its creatures. “Friluftsliv,” a Norwegian term meaning “outdoor life,” is a style of outdoor living which encourages harmony with nature and enjoyment of the outdoors in a responsible and respectful way. No registration is required for this event, and all ages are
welcome.
The trails are unpaved and may be muddy with slight inclines. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. In case of severe weather, the hike will be cancelled. Visit winneshiekwild.com for updates. To learn more about the Decorah Crater visit visitdecorah.com/ decorah-impact-crater.
The new bridge is being constructed alongside the existing bridge — also known as the Black Hawk Bridge. The Iowa DOT, WisDOT and the contractor have determined future construction stages may pose a risk to the safety of the existing bridge. This fall, the agencies will close the existing bridge to traffic. Crews will then demolish and remove the old structure so that full construction can continue to meet the planned 2027 opening for the
Annual Fish Days planned in Lansing
The town of Lansing sprawls south of the bridge known as the Black Hawk Bridge, pictured here prior to the start of construction on the replacement bridge. (File photo)
Photo submitted
Winneshiek Energy District says Iowans
should consider solar, heat pumps and EV’s before federal tax credits disappear
for consumers at the end of this calendar year or phase them out over subsequent years. Local energy advocates said those who may be inclined to move forward with a renewable or energy efficiency project, may want to start now.
Solar For many residential customers, the return on solar investment is as short as seven years. For businesses and agriculture producers who can take advantage of grants and business depreciation, the payback may be as short as a few years.
The payback period depends on the local situation – electric rates, installation costs, losses due to shading or panel orientation, and utility net metering rules. For most Iowans, the current environment offers a mix of low installation costs and extremely consumer-favorable net metering rules.
Net metering— the system which credits customers for ex-
cess electricity they produce— is set to change in 2027. Right now, Alliant and MidAmerican customers sell surplus power back to the grid at the full retail rate the utilities charge residential customers. In 2027, the Iowa Utilities Board will oversee a shift to what has been called a value of solar methodology, which may be less generous. By installing solar before the net metering change, property owners can be grandfathered into the existing system, potentially locking in a better deal and maximizing savings.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can claim the federal tax credit equal to 30 percent of their total investment. The credit directly reduces the amount of federal income tax owed, and if a homeowner doesn’t have sufficient tax liability for the year in which the system was built, the remaining unused portion can be carried forward and drawn down over future tax years.
Fang-stastic movie night planned at Robey Memorial Library
As the final month of summer begins, Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites adult community members to a free showing of the vampire cult classic “The Lost Boys.” Directed by Joel Schumacher and released in 1987, this fang-tastic movie features some of the most iconic actors of that era — such as Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland — as well as a soundtrack boasting the likes of INXS, Lou Gramm and more. The film is rated R
for moderately graphic violence and language. Snacks and drinks will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. The same goes for seating. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited on library property. Showing will take place on Friday, Aug. 1 at the library — 401 First Ave. NW in Waukon. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the movie will begin at 8 p.m. No registration is required. For more information call 563-568-4424.
AUCTION
But that 30 percent is likely to disappear at the end of the calendar year. Homeowners may want to have their solar arreays completed and put into service before that time. As part of a solar installation, contractors file an interconnection application with the utility company on the homeowner’s behalf. This process takes time, and the Winneshiek Energy District recommends homeowners move forward on such projects as soon as possible.
Heat pumps and energy efficiency
Heat pumps have the potential to offer substantial operational cost savings, while increasing home resale values and home comfort. Heat pumps can be used for both space heating and cooling, as well as for water heating. The current tax credit for heat pumps is 30 percent up to $2,000. In addition, there’s a 30 percent tax credit up to $1,200 for insulation, ex-
cle purchase price. Tax credit availability varies by vehicle model and are pegged to manufacturing and battery sourcing rules, but many models qualify for between $3,750 and $7,500 in rebates. There’s also a $4,000 tax credit for used EVs which, like the
tive, like the solar tax credit, is likely on the chopping block. The organization recommends those interested in installing heat pumps move ahead soon and contact an HVAC contractor to be sure they’ve selected a model eligible for the tax credit.
cash-back incentives.
Nordic Fest volunteers still needed
Decorah’s annual Nordic Fest celebration is this week, and organizers are calling on community members to volunteer during the celebration. Organizers said, while many area non-profits organize their own volunteers for various food booths and activities, the Nordic Fest Board of Directors specifically seeks volunteers for key areas they oversee — The Lefse Booth, The Beverage Garden and Nordic Fest Headquarters - selling merchandise and wel-
coming visitors. The board is also seeking extra hands to help with physical management, moving various items during the fest’s activities and events.
Organizers said there are a wide variety of opportunities available to suit all ages, abilities and schedules.
“We truly rely on the generosity of volunteers to bring Nordic Fest to life,” said Cole Steffen, 2025 president of the Nordic Fest Board of Directors.
“It’s a great way to connect with
others, celebrate our community’s heritage, and have a lot of fun in the process.”
Volunteers may sign up for multiple time slots or roles, depending on their interests and availability. Community groups, families and individuals are all welcome to participate.
To view volunteer opportunities and sign up, visit nordicfest.com/volunteer or email nordicfestia@gmail.com.
Leaf casting workshop to be held at Lake Meyer
The public is invited to join Winneshiek County Conservation at 5:30 p.m. on both July 29 and Aug. 4 at the Lake Meyer Campground Shop to create a leaf cast birdbath or stepping stone. During the first session on Tuesday, July 29, participants will setup and pour castings. In the second session on Monday, Aug. 4, participants will reveal the castings and paint/seal them for to take home for outdoor use.
attend with an adult.
Materials are limited, and registration is required. The materials fee is $20 per person. Payment must be made at the first session.
To register, contact Winneshiek County Conservation at 563534-7145.
Participants must attend both sessions and should meet at the campground shop, wearing clothing which can get dirty. Attendees are also asked to bring a few leaves of their own to use — large, smooth leaves from hostas, cabbage, broccoli, elephant ear plants, monstera and catalpa trees work well. Burdock and rhubarb leaves also work, but are a bit more challenging to remove from the concrete cast. Organizers will have some leaves to choose from for those who don’t bring their own. This program is for ages 8 and older. Youth between the ages of 8-15 must
Decorah Chamber: Chamber Dollars keep money local
Chamber Dollars did expire but, as of 2019, Chamber Dollars issued no longer carry an expiration date. However, if they are damaged or won’t process for any reason, businesses or customers may bring them to the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce to be exchanged for new ones.
ble for issuing cash back. Businesses should not return Chamber Dollars to the customer. Businesses which have a policy on providing change on check transactions are encouraged to communicate that policy to customers before purchase.
Chamber Dollars are kept by the cashier/store. They are valid checks and should be deposited at the bank in the same way as personal checks from any customer.
Chamber Dollars do not expire. Some area business owners may remember a time when
Each envelope containing Chamber Dollars includes an insert listing the above information as well as a list of participating Chamber Dollar members. The list is also available online at decorahareachamber. com/community/chamber-dollars. Businesses interested in accepting Chamber Dollars may contact hannah@decorahareachamber.com.
Things to know when buying Chamber Dollars Chamber Dollars can only be purchased at the Decorah Area Chamber, located at 507 W. Water St. in Decorah. The chamber accepts cash, check or card. Purchases with a credit card will be charged a credit card fee on top of the face value of the purchase. Smaller denominations, such as $5, $10, $20 or $25, often work better for both the store and the customer. Such amounts often allow stores to more easily provide cash back, and they allow customers to more easily patronize multiple businesses.
GARAGE SALES
Outdoor gear including backpacks, travel bags, and hiking poles. Clothing brands: Patagonia, Columbia, North Face, REI, Marmot, Spyder and many more. 217 Hilltop Dr. Decorah. Fri. July 25, 8am-5pm. Sat. July 26, 8am-5pm. Sun. July 27, 9am-noon. 30-2-DL-2
Moving Sale: Friday and Saturday of Nordic Fest (July 25 and 26). 10:00-2:00 both days. 621 North Street in Decorah. Woodcarving tools, books, assorted items. Cash sales. 30-2-DL-2
at: 2337 Shagbark Lane Rd, Decorah or email resumes to: info@seeelectric.com
Benefits Include: Health Insurance, Retirement Package, Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off. For more information call 563-382-6116.
29-2-LD-12
WITH FETA AND COUSCOUS
Yield: 4 servings
2 small eggplants (about 1 pound each), each cut into 4 lengthwise slices
2. Drizzle eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill 6 minutes on each side or until tender. Sprinkle eggplant with cheese; grill 2 minutes or until cheese melts.
3. While eggplant grills, prepare Greek Couscous.
4. Place 2 eggplant slices on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 1 cup couscous. Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.
GREEK COUSCOUS
Makes 4 1-cup servings
2 cups hot cooked wholewheat couscous
1⁄4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil 20 grape tomatoes, quartered 1 15-ounce can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 10 minutes.
REAL ESTATE driftless
Audacious Raw Theater enters 9th year of devised theater with special Fillmore
County-centric cast
Lanesboro Arts in Lanesboro, Minnesota is proudly hosting another year of devised theater from Audacious Raw Theater (A.R.T.) at Lanesboro’s Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center’s North Campfire Ring at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. Under the theme of “The Future Has An Ancient Heart”, core artists Catherine Glynn and Jerome Yorke are providing a fresh new perspective in the production’s ninth year by casting a net on a new demographic of creators: they are aiming for a Minnesota-based, primarily Fillmore County-centric cast.
From July 31 through Aug. 6, A.R.T. is offering theater workshops both online and in Lanesboro, centered on this year’s theme. These workshops lead up to the culmination of the one and only 70-minute performance on Wednesday, Aug. 6 featuring core ensemble members Catherine Glynn, Jerome Yorke and futurist Jack Uldrich along with the few local brave souls who join them.
In the event of rain, the performance will move inside to the lower lobby of Eagle Bluff’s dormitories. Tickets are available for purchase now through the Lanesboro Arts website for $20 General Admission; $15 for Lanesboro Arts Members.
About Audacious
Raw Theater
Audacious Raw Theater is a southeastern Minnesota based organization founded by Lanesboro-based Catherine Glynn in 2016 with the intention of gathering artists from all walks of life, paying them a livable wage, and teaching devised theatre-making. In devised theatre, the performers build original theatrical performances through
a series of conversations, writing exercises, movement exploration, and more, teasing out the stories and performances they want to share with live audiences. A.R.T. is strongly rooted in values of creativity, diversity and collaboration.
Interested in participating?
Audacious Raw Theater is looking for curious individuals of all backgrounds – no previous theatre experience required. This is an invitation to all storytellers, visual artists, musicians, or individuals who love to create with others to come explore performance art and create something unique. If interested, reach out to Catherine Glynn at catieglynn@gmail.com.
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.
“The Future Has An Ancient Heart” (Photo courtesy of Marek Piwnicki)
NORDIC FEST
July 24-26
Founding Nordic Fest Board member looks back on
festival
1986 Decorah Journal article.
(The complete version of this article by Decorah Leader staff writer Zach Jensen, can be found the July 24 Decorah Leader)
Longtime Decorah resident Jerry Aulwes hasn’t merely enjoyed Nordic Fest for the last 58 years — he, along with a handful of other Decorah Jaycees, founded the tradition which has attracted thousands of visitors every year in celebration of Scandinavian culture and traditions.
Nordic Fest’s 1967 founding fathers included Jaycees Aulwes, Harry Olson Jr., Joe Pettit, Mike Dahly, Darrell Pierce and Gary Svenson.
“The Jaycees started a lot of things from the tap room inside the old Hotel Winneshiek,” Aulwes, who will turn
90 years old at the end of August, said with a laugh. “We did a lot of thinking at the tap room, and fortunately, some of the thinking never got out the door.
But, Nordic Fest did.”
“Our goal is to turn the Nordic Fest into a project supported by all community organizations and by all civic-minded Decorah and Minowa area people in the ensuing years,” the fest’s steering committee told the Decorah Journal in December of 1966.
Decorah’s annual celebration has successfully continued for nearly six decades. Past organizers said they couldn’t have succeeded without the Luther College Women’s Club and especially then-president Phyllis Leseth.
“Without Phyllis, it would have crumbled long ago,” said Joe Pettit in a
An estimated 37,000 people attended for the inaugural Nordic Fest in 1967, according to a report in the Decorah Journal. That first fest, which lasted four days, featured Norwegian food and Scandinavian artistry, a parade and performances by the Luren Singers, Nordic Dancers and Decorah’s own drum and bugle corps as well as the Decorah Kilties. The Decorah Fire Department was also involved in the first fests, hosting tug of war and water fights, the Decorah Journal reported.
Jerry Aulwes, age 89, was one of six original Nordic Fest founders in 1967. (Photo by Zach Jensen)
Locals among those who witnessed launch of replica Restauration
viduals
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah led a group of 50 indi-
Nordic Fest Board of Directors
tions
the
and ongoing
of
traditions have made a lasting
The 2025 honorees will be celebrated throughout Nordic Fest weekend, including during the opening ceremonies and the Grand Parade.
2025 Nordic Fest Skål recipient - Dave Smutzler
The Nordic Fest Skål recipient is an individual or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and continuing support of the festival.
For more than three decades, Dave Smutzler has been a steadfast presence in Decorah, dedicating himself to both public service and the vibrant traditions of Nordic Fest. A native of Rushford, Minnesota, Smutzler arrived in Decorah in 1991,
beginning a long and distinguished career with the Decorah Police Department. He served in various capacities over 32 years, concluding with four years as Decorah’s chief of police and as the city’s liaison to the Nordic Fest Board of Directors before retiring in 2023.
Smutzler first experienced Nordic Fest in 1991 as a rookie police officer assigned to the overnight shift. One of his earliest responsibilities was placing no parking signs in the thick summer heat — an exhausting but essential task. Despite the challenges, Smutzler quickly grew to love the festival, volunteering for as many extra shifts as possible. Even early on, he noted how Nordic Fest transformed the town, bringing an influx of visitors, lively energy and a feast of flavors to enjoy.
Smutzler is an avid canoer, a passion which blends seamlessly with one of his favorite Nordic Fest events - the Kanoløpet. He has not only participated in the canoe race but claimed victories in 2008, 2010 and 2011. The weekend’s other sporting events are among his fest favorites too, along with the diverse entertainment lineup. When Smutzler became Decorah Police Chief, he was invited to join the Nordic Fest Board of Directors. The opportunity provided a vital, new avenue for collaboration between law enforcement and event organizers, especially in areas such as traffic control, public safety and the restructuring of the beverage garden.
A true Nordic Fest enthusiast, Smutzler has attended nearly every Nordic Fest since 1991. He said lefse is his favorite Nordic Fest treat — hands down — with butter and sugar, and he always gets two rolls to enjoy both sugar variations. Smutzler said Nordic Fest has always been “the great reunion,” a time when families gather, old classmates reconnect and the streets fill with familiar faces. Now retired, he experiences the festival from a new perspective — enjoying concerts with his family, dining downtown and watching the parade with his grandson Pax.
2025 Nordic Fest Grand Marshal - Diane Ott Whealy
The Nordic Fest Grand Marshal is an individual or individuals who have provided outstanding services to Fest honors
