A STEP BACK IN TIME
Laura Days to offer frontier experiences this weekend
BY ROZ WEIS
DECORAH LEADER STAFF WRITER
The public will once again have the chance to glimpse what early pioneer life was like for famed author Laura Ingalls Wilder during the 2025 Laura Days in Burr Oak. This year’s celebration is scheduled for June 27-29.
Tucked away in the northeast corner of Iowa, Burr Oak’s Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum boasts the Masters Hotel, the only childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder which remains on its original site. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Laura Ingalls was born in the winter of 1867, and her family lived in the Big Woods region of Wisconsin.
They traveled the Midwest for years before putting down solid roots. In 1876, when Laura was 9 years old, the Ingalls family left Walnut Grove, Minnesota, after enduring two years of grasshopper plagues. The family traveled to Burr Oak and managed the Masters Hotel.
Laura Days continued on page 4
Part horsing around, part serious bull, the 16th annual Winneshiek Firemen’s Bull Bash fundraiser burst out of the gate Friday June 13, as close to 2,000 spectators herded into the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds to enjoy a variety of events in the main ring. The evening’s offerings ranged from bull riding and barrel racing to a children’s boot race and inflatable musical chairs featuring local firemen. After competitions wrapped up, buckaroos and cowpokes took turns riding a mechanical bull and boot scooted during a dance with a DJ.
Funds raised from the event will benefit local fire departments. This year’s total amount was still being tallied as of press time, but the non-profit has donated more than $81,000 since its inception.
More photos from the Bull Bash can be found in the June 19 Decorah Leader. Find past editions of the newspaper at decorahleader.com
Eli Stammeyer, 9, withstood an 8-second
Friday night. Although Stammeyer
Stammeyer’s parents are Leah and Ross
Hammocks and Books to be held in Phelps Park
Decorah Public Library invites readers young and old to attend Hammocks and Books from 3:30-4:30 p.m. June 24, July 8 and July 22 in Phelps Park. Designed for participants ages 8 and up, Hammocks and Books is a bring-your-ownbook-style event which encourages readers to gather in the shade, unwind and spend time immersed in their favorite stories. Participants are encouraged to bring their current read and — if they have one — a
hammock or blanket for lounging. The library will provide a limited number of hammocks and blankets to borrow, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required. For more information, contact Sophie Nall at snall@decorahlibrary.org or visit decorahlibrary.org/events/ hammocks-and-books.
rollercoaster on his bull calf as he participated in the juniors bullriding competition
didn’t take the crown, the rising 4th grader from Waukon said he really enjoyed the event.
Stammeyer. (Decorah Leader photos by Denise Lana)
Joanne Schroeder will be turning 90 on July 7. Her family is having a card shower to celebrate this occasion. Cards can be mailed to: Joanne Schroeder, Box 269, Ossian, IA 52161.
Iowa DNR shares tips to stay safe on the water this summer
Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources expect the state’s lakes and rivers to soon be busy with paddlers, boaters, swimmers and people wading to search for fossils, rocks and driftwood or to clean up litter.
DNR officials said rivers are dynamic systems which change during high flows and can have obstacles hidden just beneath the water surface. Iowa rivers can also have sudden drop-offs, holes, submerged shelves, foot holds and rock ledges, according to the DNR, and the strength of a given river is often deceiving even for strong swimmers.
Some rivers in northwest, north-central and central Iowa have recently become swollen and swift amid recent consistent rainfall. The DNR advises staying on lakes and flat-water while the rivers are high.
State officials warned that, while water is refreshing and fun, it’s essential to know how to stay safe in and around water to prevent accidental drownings. The DNR said drowning is often swift and silent — there may be little splashing or cries for help — and it only takes half a cup of water for somebody to drown.
Officials recommend taking several precautions to stay safe while having fun on the water this summer.
Swimming safety
• Take a water bottle with and keep it nearby throughout the day. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly while active and sweating. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Early signs of dehydration can include dizziness, feeling lightheaded or nausea.
Paddling safety
• Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Children under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Paddle with a group, not by yourself.
• Share the intended paddling location, access points and estimated time of return with a friend or loved one. Doing so will make it easier for emergency personnel to respond if help is needed.
• Avoid swimming, wading, paddling or boating near lowhead dams. Low-head dams are often difficult to see from upstream and have deadly recirculating currents. Watch for warning signs, listen for rushing water and get out and scout
when in doubt.
• Stay clear of downed trees, bridge piers and scrap metal as well as clusters of rocks or concrete. Avoid wading in fast water. Bridge construction projects across Iowa could close some sections of rivers this summer. Look for known hazards which have been reported to the DNR by using an interactive river map at iowadnr.gov/thingsdo/paddling-river-recreation/ where-paddle.
• Always know the river conditions before you go paddling. For the latest river conditions, contact Iowa DNR Customer Service at 515-725-8200 or the local county conservation board for updates.
• Bring along a dry bag with a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio as well as an extra clothes.
• Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear light, loose fitting clothing which dries quickly. Wear a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
• Find individual water trail maps, including access points, by using iowadnr.gov/places-go/water-trails/trail-mapsguides.
Boating safety
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun, glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make sound decisions.
• Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Children under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is underway. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Check for open ramps or water hazards before heading out.
• Before leaving the house, check trailer lights, wheel bearings and the trailer hitch.
• Make sure there is a current fire extinguisher and horn or whistle, as well as a wearable life jacket for everyone and a U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable device onboard.
• File a float plan with a friend, including the intended destination, expected time of return and type of boat.
watercraft to successfully complete the education program.
Keep it clean, keep it fun for everyone
Iowa DNR encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to pick up litter as they go by using free reusable litter cleanup bags.
The quick drying mesh bags fit easily in a kayak hatch, bike bag, picnic basket, tacklebox, car trunk or backpack.
The public may pick up two
• Take a boater education course. Iowa law requires any person 12-17 years old who will operate either a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal
litter bags at sites across Iowa. Information from the Iowa DNR lists two such sites among Iowa’s four northeasternmost counties — Elgin City Hall, located at 212 Main Street in Elgin, and the Turkey Rive Recreational Corridor, located at 101 North Vine St. in West Union. DNR officials recommend calling ahead to make sure the offices are open and have bags available.
• Don’t dive in; ease into the water slowly.
• Don’t swim alone.
• Those who haven’t been swimming in some time should refresh their abilities. All children should learn to swim with formal lessons.
• Always wear a life jacket. Make sure children wear their life jackets before getting in the water.
• Keep a close eye on others, especially children. Assign a designated adult to watch over children, and never assume someone else is watching them. Be close enough to touch the child at all times. Even in ankle deep water, the current of a river can be strong enough to sweep someone off their feet and into deeper water.
• Know the early symptoms of hypothermia, including shivering, blue lips, slurred speech or mumbling, drowsiness or very low energy and confusion.
• Learn how to perform CPR. Those who are certified in CPR should learn the latest techniques and refresh their skills by recertifying. Local hospitals, employers or doctor’s offices may offer training opportunities.
Laura Days
The now famous author’s experiences as a young child became the basis for some of her popular children’s books, including “Little House in the Big
Woods,” “Little House on the Prairie” and “On the Banks of Plum Creek.” Her work eventually became the basis for a historical drama television series
in the mid-1970s. The popular network series, loosely based on the autobiographical “Little House” books, is still in syndication on television networks today.
Tours, tunes and treats expected
The first Laura Days celebration was organized in 1976, and committee members have continued efforts in years since by adding such activities as the popular pie auction — all in support of the non-profit organization.
The 2025 festival committee will host exhibits, a parade, children’s pioneer games, crafts, historical presentations and tours as well as a variety of vendors and entertainment.
The crowning of the 2025 Little Miss Laura and Young Almanzo is expected to be another highlight of this year’s festival.
Events will kick off with bingo from 6-8 p.m. Friday and music from 8 p.m. to midnight at Barney’s Bar & Grill in Burr Oak. The weekend celebration will continue Saturday, with tours of the Masters Hotel on the half-hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Food tents will open on the grounds at 10 a.m. with children’s pioneer games, crafts and activities in the park from 10-11:45 a.m. and again from 12:30-3:30 p.m. A parade is scheduled for noon. Cindy Wilson will share the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder, along with photographs as part of a presentation entitled “The Hard Winter of 1880-1881” in the property’s
country schoolhouse. Wilson will give her presentation at both 12:30 and 2 p.m. Saturday.
The annual pie auction will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the entertainment tent, along with the recognition of the 2025 Little Miss Laura and Young Almanzo as well as the coloring contest winner. Additional musical entertainment is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. at Barney’s Bar & Grill.
A gospel music service with Brad Boice is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. Sunday on the patio of Barney’s Bar & Grill — the service will be moved to the Burr Oak Methodist Church in the event of rain. Tours of the Masters Hotel are also scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. The museum visitor center and gift shop will be open during the weekend festivities.
Baldner to present on European history
Russell Baldner will give a presentation on European history at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at the German American Museum in St. Lucas. Baldner will provide an interpretive look at historical aspects of Central and Eastern Europe. He will also discuss the ethnic-linguistic divisions in those regions as well as the often-shifting borders and political arrangements in addition to the evolution of European states. Refreshments will be provided following the presentation.
County historical society to focus on feed sacks
The Winneshiek County Historical Society will be hosting an event on Saturday, June 28 to celebrate the history of feed sacks in the county. This free two-part evening will include a historical presentation by Linzee McCray at 6 p.m. at the Vesterheim Commons and the opening of an exhibit at the WCHS Historic House, located at 302 S. Mill St. in Decorah, which will contain items created out of feed sacks as well as an audiovisual installation by Rebecca Blumhagen highlighting the stories behind them. Those who may like to share feed sack items or memories with the project are asked to email Blumhagen at feedsackstories@gmail.com.
File photo
Parade route announced for Calmar's 175th celebration
The city of Calmar will be celebrating the 175th anniversary of its founding on Saturday, July 19. Businesses and organizations are invited to participate in a parade at 5 p.m. that day. Participants may line up at 4 p.. near the bus garage at the South Winneshiek Athletic Field, looping around the track and onto Elm Street. The parade will progress up Hilma Street before turning east on Clark Street and end near Calmar Manufacturing. Parade entries may register for the event by emailing parade. calmar175@gmail.com or by contacting organizers through the City of Calmar 175th Parade Facebook page. Organizers said the parade is centered on celebrating Calmar's historical pioneer legacy as well as today's community — its businesses, organizations and citizens.
6 benefits of spaying and neutering
Each year millions of dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters because of overpopulation. Just a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, shelters were emptied out as pet adoptions reached all-time highs. Now that offices have reopened and people have returned to work and other activities, pets increasingly are being surrendered to shelters again, once more leading to over taxed shelters and other facilities.
Overburdened shelters also are made worse by litters of animals born to unsterilized parents. The American Veterinary Med ical Association says spaying and neu tering are important tools for preventing unplanned or unwanted litters, and reducing pet overpopulation. Most experts agree there is little benefit to leaving pets’ reproductive systems intact. Even family pets can get loose and mate unintentionally. The following are six notable benefits to spaying or neutering a pet.
3
Neutering male animals prevents testicular cancer if done before six months of age.
4
Neutered animals are less likely to roam and become nuisances. Female cats can go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. While in heat they will yowl and urinate frequently. Males will be on the prowl for females and can get into fights. Spaying and neutering reduces these tendencies.
5
Neutering and spaying is a lot less costly than having and caring for a litter. It also prevents medical treatment from being needed in the event a pet gets into a fight over mating.
6
Although the surgery will reduce some undesirable behaviors, it is not a magic fix for all behavioral problems, including bad habits.
1 Prevent the conception and birth of unwanted animals.
2
The ASPCA says spaying prevents uterine infections and decreases the incidence of breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying a pet before the first heat offers the best measure of protection.
Service Notice
FRANCIS JAMES REICKS, 97, of Lawler, died Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at New Hampton Nursing & Rehab. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 26 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Little Turkey. Friends may greet the family from 3-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Little Turkey. A parish scripture service will follow the visitation. Visitation continues from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Thursday, June 26 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler.
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The ASPCA says the traditional age to sterilize dogs is between six and nine months. Healthy puppies as young as eight weeks can undergo a spaying or neutering surgery. For cats, it is generally considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old. To avoid the start of urine spraying, neuter or spay a cat before the animal reaches five months of age.
Spaying and neutering is important for animal health and helps to reduce pet overpopulation.
The measure of a mortal
A micrometer can measure the millimeter.
A ruler the length of a stud.
The gauge may monitor the gallons that flow. But what’s the measure of a man?
An altimeter can measure the height that we fly.
An odometer the pace of a care.
A graph can display the money we make.
But what’s the measure of a woman?
A merchant will ask, “How much will they spend?”
A banker, “How much dare I lend?”
A factory owner, “How much will remain in the end?”
But what’s the measure of a man?
The ad man considers how much we consume.
A preacher how often we commune.
The trustee how much we contribute each year.
But what’s the measure of a woman?
And so we ask, “What’s the measure of a mortal?” God answers, “Measure here. This one is an image of me!” Christ answers, “Measure here, if you can. Measure the love of the cross.”
The measure of a mortal? God says, “Measure there. Take a long, long look at yourself.
For the measure of a mortal is the measure one cares for the neighbor who stands in need.
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 8:30 a.m.
Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, IA
Antique, Collectibles & Household Furnishings & Small, Sleep Number King Size Adjustable Bed Table & Chairs, Dressers, Leather Sofa, Loveseat, Recliners, Buffets,
Pencil
Swashbuckling fun
“The Pirates of Penzance” opens Thursday
The New Minowa Players will present "The Pirates of Penzance" as the finale to the 2024-25 performance season. The classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical is full of catchy tunes, witty banter and swashbuckling fun. The production features a group of bumbling pirates, a hero stuck in a contract, a group of loyal daughters and many more characters. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. June 26-28 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29 in the Decorah High School Auditorium. Tickets are available online at newminowaplayers.org/tickets and at the Decorah High School Box Office from 4-7 p.m. the week of the show. The musical is directed by Sheryl Scheffert. (Decorah Leader photo by Roz Weis)
When you take a trip to your local grocery store and explore the dairy aisle now, there are so many different types of yogurt available. Everything from regular yogurt to Greek yogurt, Australian yogurt, French yogurt, Skyr/Icelandic yogurt, lactose-free yogurt, drinkable yogurt, kefir and more!
What are the differences?
Regular yogurt, also known as conventional yogurt, is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with live bacterial cultures. Regular yogurt is not strained after fermentation, which gives it a lighter, more liquid consistency.
Greek yogurt is probably best known for its tangy flavor and smooth, velvety texture that sets it apart from the taste and texture of regular yogurt. The difference of taste and texture is a result of the unique straining process. It is strained to remove most of the whey, which results in a thicker and creamier texture.
and has a lighter, more liquid consistency compared to Greek yogurt.
Texture
ural milk sugars. It’s often lower in fat unless you specifically choose a full-fat version.
Usage in recipes
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This straining process also removes some of the lactose content, meaning that Greek yogurt is higher in protein than regular yogurt, making it an ideal substitute for a variety of recipes.
Key differences between greek yogurt and regular yogurt
When it comes to choosing yogurt, the debate between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt often comes up. Both types have their unique qualities, but understanding their differences can help you make a more informed choice based on your dietary needs and preferences.
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Straining process
Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication and the Association of Community Publishers
Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication and the Association of Community Publishers
Greek yogurt is strained multiple times to remove a significant amount of its whey, the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. This process results in a thicker, creamier texture and a more concentrated flavor. Regular yogurt is typically strained only once or not at all. As a result, it retains more whey
Greek yogurt tends to have a thicker, creamier texture compared to regular yogurt. The texture of Greek yogurt is notably thicker and creamier due to the extra straining. Its flavor can be tangier and more robust compared to regular yogurt, which can be a matter of personal preference.
With a more fluid consistency, regular yogurt has a lighter texture. Its flavor is usually milder and less tangy than Greek yogurt, making it a good option for those who prefer a softer taste.
Taste
Greek yogurt often has a tangier taste compared to regular yogurt. Regular yogurt is milder and less tangy, with a more balanced sweetness and tartness. The flavor is more subtle, which might appeal to those who prefer a less intense taste.
Nutritional content
Due to the straining process, Greek yogurt has a higher protein content per serving than regular yogurt. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. It also tends to have lower sugar content, as some of the lactose (milk sugar) is removed with the whey. However, it can have slightly higher fat content, depending on which variety and brand you choose.
Regular yogurt generally has less protein and more sugar because it retains more of the nat-
Because of its thickness, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for a variety of ingredients in recipes, like sour cream or mayonnaise. It can be used as a base for smoothies, dressings, and dips and more. Providing a creamy texture with different nutritional benefits.
The lighter texture of regular yogurt makes it a versatile ingredient for baking and cooking. It blends well into recipes where a less dense consistency is desire such as in sauces, marinades, and as a topping for dishes.
Nutritional benefits
Greek yogurt has gained popularity worldwide for its nutritional benefits, including its high protein content, lower sugar content and probiotic properties, which can contribute to a healthy digestive system.
Each serving of Greek yogurt has approximately the following based on a 3/4 c. serving size:
• Greek yogurt: 15 grams protein and 7 grams lactose
• Regular yogurt: 6 grams protein and 8 grams lactose
The amount of protein and lactose will differ slightly depending on which brand of Greek yogurt you choose.
Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are nutritious dairy products, but Greek yogurt’s distinctive characteristics make it a popular choice for those looking for a thicker, creamier texture with higher protein content.
