Local land investment cooperative hopes to promote sustainable ag
Humble Hands Harvest north of Decorah raises sheep as well as vegetables, and the operation also incorporates beneficial native plantings, which officials said seem to have aided the return of several species to the farm. (Photo by Seth Boyes)
(The complete version of this article originally published in the February 20 Decorah Leader, find it in full at decorahleader.com)
A budding local land investment cooperative hopes to foster greater community awareness of area land practices and sustainable agriculture as organizers work to replicate a purchasing model they said has seen success locally in years past.
The Farmers Land Investment Cooperative – or FLIC –was created in 2023, and board member Klaus De Boer said he and other coop members have spent the past year discussing the nuts and bolts of how the cooperative’s shareholders might provide financial support to area farm operations practicing sustainable agriculture – and now they’re beginning to look for their first official project.
Building off a past model
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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
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Fellow FLIC Board member Steve McCargar said the use of a similar model was central to procuring land which is now occupied by Humble Hands Harvest – a worker-owned cooperative farm operation north of Decorah led by Hannah Breckbill and Emily Fagan. McCargar said, when about 22 acres of land near his own home was expected to be put up for auction a number of years ago, he and a number of neighbors as well as community members from the Decorah area were concerned a large confined animal feeding operation or similar business might secure the land, which McCargar felt would be environmentally devastating to the local ecosystem. He said about 15 families were able to generate more than $122,000 in about three weeks to purchase the land after forming Hidden Falls LLC.
The group then began hashing out their vision for the use of the newly-acquired land, choosing to emphasize alternatives to not only confined animal operations but chemical pesticides and other traditional applications. Gradually, the group began transferring their individual shares of the land to Humble Hands Harvest – McCargar said many members sold their shares at the same price they were initially purchased for, and some even discounted their sales to ensure Humble Hands could afford the purchase.
De Boer said, though that type of funding model might not result in monetary returns, it does yield what he called cultural returns for the community. And it’s a model FLIC aims to replicate in years to come.
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. “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,” Decorah Public Library Director Kristin Torresdal. (Photo by Zach Jensen) Find the article in the February 27 Decorah Leader available in print and online at decorahleader. com.
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 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.
(Retired Lutheran Pastor Ole Winter reminisces on his 90-plus years of life, sharing past experiences and life lessons with Driftless readers.)
Oh,
again needed to know Everything I ever By Ole Winter
to be eighty
Years back I was driving home from a couple of hours with the “McGood Old Boys,” as someone had named our afternoon Koffee Klatch. On this particular Friday, despite the rather busy post school day traffic, I noticed two young girls. They were having a great time. They were skipping. I hadn't see anyone skip for a while. They skipped, they jumped, they twirled while giggling and laughing the whole time. All this while totally oblivious to the traffic around them. Their long hair was flying, and back packs were sailing like moons orbiting a planet. Of course it was Friday.
I was smiling, I might have even laughed out loud. What a joy to see so much energy and happiness in two persons on Water Street. I was so distracted it's fortunate I didn't get into a fender bender. It made my day.
But then came the thought, "Oh, to be able to do that just
one more time." It's been quite a few years since I skipped and jumped. If I tried one of those moves, I would soon be on the concrete with some EMTs hovering over me ready to take me to the emergency room to fix my broken hip.
I once read the story of a very elderly Justice of the U.S. supreme court who was sitting with a friend on a park bench. When a beautiful woman walked by his companion asked, “Judge, what do you think when you see a beautiful woman walk by?”
The judge replied with shaky voice, “Oh, to be 80 again!”
Or younger! But of course, it will not happen. But it would be so great to once again put a light weight canoe on my shoulders and portage in the BWCA. Or walk the St. Olaf Campus and see the love of my life one more time as we met. No, that will not happen.
“Oh, to be 80 again.” Out of the question.
It hasn't always been easy, but I have found the contentment of acceptance. I now join the Apostle Paul who wrote, “I have learned that in whatever situation I am, there to be content.”
No, I will not skip, jump, twirl and giggle my way down the halls. But I can still enjoy others doing it! And thank God I can do that.
First round of voting is March 3-6
A hidden gem: Decorah selected to participate in annual Strongest Town contest
Among dozens of applicants nation-wide, Decorah has been given the opportunity to show the country what makes it stronger and better. The public can vote for Decorah as the 2025 Strongest Town champion in a series of rounds beginning March 3.
The annual Strongest Town contest kicked off this week, giving communities a chance to showcase their strength and resilience. A nonprofit media advocacy organization, Strong Towns works with communities across the country to help them get the resources and knowledge to take action and make their communities stronger for the long-term.
Community members are invited to support Decorah by voting in each round of the contest at www.strongesttown.com.
The winning town will be honored at the Strong Towns National Gathering June 9-11.
How to vote
Round one voting will be held March 3-6. Decorah will go up
against three other communities, and the public can vote on who they want to win. Round one is an honorary title, but the community with the most votes also wins a plaque and other goodies.
Round two voting will be held March 10-13. Decorah, along with the 15 competing towns, will be matched up bracket-style in this “Sweet Sixteen” event. Decorah will compete head-to-head with one other town, and the public will vote on their favorite town based on the applications submitted for the contest. The final eight will move on to round three.
Round three voting will be held March 17-20. If Decorah advances from round two, each town will be matched against
Area Quilters to meet
The Decorah Area Quilters will hold their seventh meeting of the year at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at ArtHaus in Decorah. After a welcome and introductions, members will share their new projects during show and tell. The program for the evening will be “Environmental Considerations in Quilting,” presented by local artist Ivy Riggs. She will focus on quilting as a textile art and how to make craftwork more sustainable. The Decorah Area Quilters meet at ArtHaus at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Each meeting consists of a brief welcome and introductions, show-andtell a question and answer session, with a few minutes to talk to other quilters. The cost is $2 per meeting or $5 for the entire year. For more information, contact Mike Ellingsen at 507-602-0322, or Jarret Johnson at 563-419-6952. FISH FRY FRIDAY, MARCH 7
another town, bracket style, for four total match-ups. The public will vote on the strongest town in each match-up, basing their votes on a photo tour of each town.
Round four voting will be held March 31-April 3. In the “Final Four” match-up, the public can vote on the strongest town based on an essay about the town by Strong Towns staff writers. Two towns will advance to the championship round.
The final two towns will compete in a live championship webinar April 8-14 where the public can vote for the strongest town. The Strongest Town champion will be announced April 16.
Two representatives from the winning town will then be flown to the 2025 Strong Towns Na-
tional Gathering in Providence, Rhode Island to be presented with their award certificate. A Strong Towns video creator will also visit the winning town later this year to make a short film documentary about the community.
To vote visit strongesttown.com or scan this QR code:
Prepared by Mike Reicks
P ZZLE driftless
Answers will be posted on the
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Fun Fact
Dr. Seuss was voted “Least Likely to Succeed” by his classmates at Dartmouth College (1921–25).
across:
1: The ___ in the Hat Comes Back 3: ______ Hears a Who!
7: Dr. Seuss' first name 9: Yertle the ____ and Other Stories 11: Green Eggs and ___ 12: There's a ____ in my Pocket 14: Fox in ____ 15: The Cat in the ___
down:
2: One Fish, ___ Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish 3: Horton ______ the Egg
www.edu-games.org
4: Mr. ____ can Moo! Can you? 5: ____ and the Oobleck 6: The phrase that encourages people to take action for the environment 8: How the ______ Stole Christmas! 10: Oh, the ____ You'll Go! 13: The _____
WILLIAM R. MILLER
ROOFING IOWA
SATURDAY, MARCH 15 - Guns & Sporting Good Auction at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon. www.sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25 - Sweeney Machinery Consignment Auction at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon. Call to consign Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29 - 10 a.m. McMillan Bros Farm Machinery Auction, 6113 Golden Road, Elgin at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.
Antler hunt event
re-’shed’-uled for March 8
Winneshiek County Conservation will hold a Shed Antler Hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Lake Meyer Campground Shelter. Participants will start from the campground shelter and go looking for shed deer antlers hidden by park staff ahead of the event. Participants who bring an antler back to the shelter will win a prize. The free outdoor event is open to the public. No registration is required. Lake Meyer Park and Campground is located at 2546 Lake Meyer Rd., off Highway 24 between Calmar and Fort Atkinson. Visit www.winneshiekwild.com or call 563-534-7145 for more information.
REAL ESTATE
Move over crab; shrimp cakes are crisp and tasty
Seafood is a healthy addition to any diet. Seafood, whether it’s fish, mollusks or crustaceans, tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat than meator poultry-based protein sources, and it may be rich in hearthealthy omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp, in particular, is a type of seafood that many people enjoy because it’s not as fishy as other offerings. Shrimp can be cooked in various ways, but grounding shrimp into pat-
be able to squeeze a small amount of the mixture and it will hold its shape.
2. Form the mixture into four patties, each about 1-inch thick.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp patties, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. To make the aioli, whisk together all the ingredients until blended. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
5. Spoon the lemon aioli over the shrimp cakes, and top with fresh chives.
Note: The shrimp cakes can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. The aioli can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
George
J.
Bucheit
Passed from this world Valentine Eve
With a Big Red Kiss 93 years, 4 months, 2 weeks. Married 65 years.
Those who knew him knew a kind, loving, Caring human being. I hope some will miss him. I know I will. – Wyonne
The 15th annual Oneota Film Festival will take place this weekend, March 6-9 in downtown Decorah. The weekend will provide many opportunities to make connections with filmmakers, friends and other members of the broader-Decorah community during special events, filmmaker Q&A discussions and film screenings. This year, the Oneota Film Festival
Help Linda celebrate these milestone a
board has selected more than 60 new, independent films, including documentaries, dramas, family-friendly animated and short films as well as student films.
Films will be screened at Hotel Winneshiek, Drift: Strength and Yoga Center, T-Bocks Upstairs, ArtHaus, Vesterheim Commons, Pulpit Rock Brewery and the All Vet’s Club.
Dozens of filmmakers will be screening their films and hosting Q&A discussions after the screenings, including students from local middle and high schools. Filmmakers will be honored at the Meet the Filmmakers Reception at 7 p.m.
Gemini! After 36 years with local manufacturer Gemini, Jim McKone is retiring.
Oneota Film Festival this weekend in Decorah
Saturday, March 8 at Upstairs T-Bocks. The Oneota Film Festival events are free and open to all. The festival schedule and film descriptions are now available online at www.oneotafilmfestival.org, and festival guides are available now at sponsor locations throughout Decorah.
Jim McKone, Extrusion Specialist, is retiring on March 7th after 36 years at Gemini. Jim’s journey with Gemini began in 1989, during a period of expansion into the cast metal letter product line in the second building addition in Decorah. As demand increased, Jim became instrumental in molding and casting letters. He worked at the forefront of the production line, collaborating closely with a skilled pattern shop to develop an efficient runner and gating system. Over the years, Jim was impactful in the expansion of the cast metal letters line and the launch of another new product linecast plaques. Later, he transitioned to Plastic Extrusion, continuing to focus on producing quality products for the team. Jim credits some of his success to the support of management and his fellow team members, who helped Gemini become an industry leader in bronze cast plaques and cast metal letters. In Jim’s tenure at Gemini, he witnessed the company grow from 1.5 buildings to 5, and the introduction of multiple different product lines.
Jim’s colleagues describe him as authentic, patient, and detailed. Raven Battle, Production Supervisor, said, “Jim has been one of the most genuine people I have had a chance to work with. He is a very detailed and patient teacher. He works endlessly and is always in a good mood. He will be greatly missed by all.”
