March 6, 2025

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Vol. 160, Issue 10 www.decorahleader.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

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Lights go down on city’s second MEU proposal

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR Decorah residents voted down a referendum Tuesday, which would have authorized the city to establish a municipal electric utility. The ballot item required at least 50 percent support at the polls in order to pass, but unofficial election night results said the March 4 ballot item failed, with 1,351 voters casting ballots against it for 53.6 percent of the vote. Election officials counted 1,169 votes in favor of the city’s proposal, which totaled only 46.4 percent.

“There’s no uncertainty anymore,” Decorah City Administrator Travis Goedken said. “Unless there’s an act of legislation, Iowa Code dictates that it will be another four years before the public could take this up again.

And we have an existing franchise agreement, so there’s no need to talk about it for quite a while.”

Alliant Energy, which provides electricity to most of

MEU continued on page 6

Chart: Seth Boyes • Source: Winneshiek County Auditor • Created with Datawrapper

Governor signs bill repealing civil rights protections for gender identity Rep. Bergan and handful of GOP lawmakers opposed bill

BY ROBIN OPSAHL IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH & SETH BOYES, DECORAH LEADER Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law a measure Friday to remove protections from discrimination on the basis of gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The new law makes Iowa the first state in the nation to remove civil rights protections from a group of individuals designated with a protected status in state code.

The measure, Senate File

Hundreds gathered in the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol Feb. 27, 2025, protesting legislation to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act that lawmakers were expected to debate on the floor. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday. (Photo

by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

418, was the first bill sent to the governor’s desk in 2025 after the House and Senate worked concurrently to approve the measure Thursday, Feb. 28.

The law removes “gender identity” as a protected class in the state’s civil rights code against discrimination in areas like employment, housing, public accommodations and education.

The legislation also changes definitions in Iowa law on “sex” and “gender,” removes transgender people’s ability to change the sex designated on their birth certificate after receiving gender-affirming medical treatment, and changes language in Iowa law banning material related to gender identity for K-6 students to refer to “gender theory.”

The bill passed along party lines 33-15 in the Iowa Senate.

State Sen. Mike Klimesh, R - Spillville, said in a statement released following the bill’s passage that he feels the legislation “restores rights for every-

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one,” later adding last week’s vote “ensures that the voters get to decide on policy in this state and not the court.” “lowans have spoken, and 70 percent of Americans agree, they don’t want boys in girls’ bathrooms, and they don’t want boys in girls’ sports,” Klimesh said. “I have voted on both bills in the past years and, this last election cycle, the voters in my district sent me back to Des Moines to continue to represent their values, I would add, at a higher level of support than they did in 2020. My consistency on this stance carried through on my yes vote on SF-418.”

Klimesh went on to say he expects the change in Iowa’s Civil Rights Act will prevent continued use of taxpayer funds for gender reassignment surgeries through government services, such as Medicaid — Klimesh

Civil rights

‘Stunned, shocked and devastated’

The Decorah Tree Board’s $630,000 grant would have paid for multiple tree projects and maintenance tasks, such as trimming trees on the town’s boulevards. Some of those tasks may now become the property owners’ responsibilities. (Photo by Denise Lana)

Decorah’s $630K tree grant falls victim to federal spending freeze

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Decorah Tree Board was expecting more than half-a-million dollars in funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, but the $630,000 grant has fallen victim to a federal funding freeze which went into effect in late January.

The Jan. 28 spending freeze, enacted through an executive order by President Donald Trump, has halted funding for various federal programs. The

ripple effects reached the Decorah Tree Board late last week — officials said they learned on Thursday, Feb. 28 federal officials had cancelled the grant funds, which were part of the USDA’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. Decorah City Forester Sam Hogenson said “stunned, shocked and devastated barely begin to describe our reaction” to the decision.

“It is hard to pinpoint the most frustrating aspect of losing this funding,” said Decorah

City Forester Sam Hogenson.

“The extensive time invested in securing the grant, the hundreds of trees that were set to be planted and the economic boost that would have supported numerous local businesses all represent significant losses. This decision is not only a setback for the city of Decorah and the tree board but also for the entire community that would have benefited from the project.”

Trees

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2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

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Biodigester company surrenders conditional use permit, will reapply gestion systems or anaerobic digesters.

Iowa City attorney Jim Larew filed two petitions last fall on behalf of the Driftless Water Defenders, a regional nonprofit environmentalist group.

The group alleges the board of supervisors acted illegally during the summer of 2024, when it approved the rezoning of the property near Ridgeway where the biodigester was to be placed. Larew alleges in an Oct. 3 lawsuit that the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment also acted illegally earlier that year, when it approved a conditional use permit for the facility.

The Driftless Water Defenders also expressed concern regarding the biodigester’s potential environmental impacts — the Driftless Water Defenders also alleged in their petition against the county’s board of adjustment that officials “denied the

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER A renewable natural gas company building a biodigester near Ridgeway announced last week that it’s surrendering its conditional use permit previously granted by Winneshiek County officials, and the company will be applying for a new one in the next few months.

Novilla RNG, LLC, a Michigan-based renewable natural gas company, hopes to construct the facility on land owned

by Craig Bohr and Deb Storlie, near the intersection of 275th Street and Iowa Highway 9.

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public a full and fair opportunity to be heard at the public hearing on the (conditional use permit) application by failing to read written public comments into the record.”

The county board of adjustment updated its rules and procedures on Feb. 4 to be in compliance with specific portions of Iowa Code related to conducting public meetings and recording board actions. Novilla’s co-CEO Mark Hill said it was those amended rules which prompted his company and the landowners to surrender the conditional use permit.

“A Board considering whether to grant an application for a conditional use permit must be fair, making decisions that comply with the law,” Larew said. “By surrendering their CUP, the digester applicants, in effect, admit they could not have survived a judicial review

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of the Board’s decision-making process based on the concerns raised by DWD.” Hill said Novilla expects to begin the process anew within the next two to three months.

“For avoidance of doubt, we’re going to go back through and do exactly what we did before on the conditional use permit,” Hill said. “I’m (also) just kind of sick of the Driftless

Water Defenders wasting the taxpayer dollars of Winneshiek County on lawsuits.”

Novilla is confident in the eventual outcome, Hill said — so much so that construction of the facility began earlier this winter, including the installation of a foundation and a 25,000-gallon in-ground holding tank. Hill said the company is planning to go back to work

on the construction this summer.

“This isn’t enjoyable for either us or the (landowners),” he said. “I think there’s a lot of false information that comes out. These people are good, solid farmers trying to do the right thing, and it can certainly be upsetting when incorrect information is coming out on what they’re doing.”

West Union man drives through campus in attempt to avoid arrest area of High Street in Decorah — the street passes through the campus of Luther College. The vehicle sped away and went over a curb near a dormitory building, according to the complaint, at which point the deputy broke off the pursuit due to safety concerns. The SUV continued to drive through campus with what the complaint called wanton disregard for the safety of people and property, causing an estimated $300 of damage.

Officials with Luther College confirmed no one on campus was injured, and information from the sheriff’s office specified a sign was damaged — the curbside sign labeling the Olson Hall dormitory showed signs of damage and stood aslant the morning after the pursuit.

Law enforcement soon located the SUV near a different dormitory and observed a male subject running away from the vehicle.

“While Reisner was active-

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A West Union man faces multiple charges after attempting to evade law enforcement by driving across a local college campus.

Cody Richard Reisner, age 41, of West Union was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 2:05 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 on charges of reckless driving, eluding, possession of a controlled substance — third or subsequent offense — interference with official acts, fifth-degree criminal mischief, failure to affix a drug tax stamp and conspiracy with intent to manufacture/deliver methamphetamine.

Criminal complaints filed against Reisner said a Winneshiek County Sheriff’s deputy initially attempted to stop a 2013 GMC Terrain for a registration violation around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 in the

The curbside sign labeling the Olson Hall dormitory showed signs of damage and stood aslant the morning after a late-night pursuit Wednesday, Feb. 26 on the campus of Luther College. Court documents said 41-year-old Cody Richard Reisner drove over a curb after a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop his vehicle for a registration violation, and Reisner is accused of then driving through campus in a reckless manner. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Planned sports facility awarded $377K for infiltration basin, native plantings project Phase one of sports complex’s construction — which includes two ball fields, four pickle ball courts, and a parking lot — is also expected to include an 8-acre water quality project between the complex and the Upper Iowa River. The 8 acres will be transformed into a filtration system comprised of native plantings and an infiltration basin, which will work together to

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER The city of Decorah’s future sports complex was awarded $377,000 this week from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s water quality initiative. The project is due to begin construction this spring along Old Stage Road just past Walmart.

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ly running away from law enforcement, he fell down a hill, resulting in several bodily injuries,” a criminal complaint said.

The complaint went on to say “methamphetamine was scattered in plain view inside the vehicle,” along with a digital scale and empty ziplock bags. The complaint went on to indicate a K-9 unit helped locate Reisner, who was still on campus, and the 41-year-old allegedly confirmed “he had come from the vehicle and eluded law enforcement.” Reisner was arrested, and the resulting criminal complaint noted Reisner had previously been convicted in Fayette County of possession of a controlled substance and intent to manufacture/deliver methamphetamine. Bond was set at $35,000.

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NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

3

Supervisors discuss decreasing Public Health funds to support NEI3A

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors mulled the idea of reducing its spending on the county’s public health department in order to grant a $4,700 funding request from the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging.

The supervisors discussed the possibility during its regular meeting Monday morning, after Supervisor Mark Faldet had recommended granting NEI3A’s full funding request without considering Public Health’s FY2025-26 budget.

“I’ve had numerous comments from people on why we didn’t fund that … more so than usual,” he said. “So, people are watching what we do, obviously. So, I’d motion to fund what they’re asking for.”

Supervisors Co-Chair Mark Vick said he wasn’t in favor of granting NEI3A’s full request, saying the county hasn’t done so in years past. The supervisors initially denied the organization’s funding request on Jan. 13 for that same reason but began reconsidering the decision after a Feb. 17 meeting in which NEI3A CEO Mike Donohue corrected the supervisors, saying the county had helped fund the local nonprofit for many years — Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines later confirmed Donohue’s claim.

“Other area counties are sup-

porting their work,” said Supervisor Shirley Vermace. “And, their work is important for this region. It’s serving our elderly population, and they are partnered with other organizations in our area. I don’t see a reason why we wouldn’t.”

Supervisor Steve Kelsay and Supervisor Chair Dan Langreck confirmed the organization serves approximately 300 Winneshiek County residents, and Faldet suggested the number of county residents in need of NEI3A’s services will likely be increasing in the near future.

Langreck said he’d prefer to wait and hear what Winneshiek County Public Health Administrator Krista Vanden Brink reports during a future meeting before he makes a decision on whether to fund NEI3A. Vermance said during a meeting last month that she would like to see Public Health, NEI3A and officials from WinnMed attend a board meeting to compare programs and help determine where there may be overlapping services.

“We’re putting a lot of money toward the elderly there that no other counties do, too,” Vick said, referring to Winneshiek County Public Health. “It’s easy to say other counties are giving $4,700, when we’re giving hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Vermace indicated the county’s funding of one organization shouldn’t be contingent on the other not receiving county

funds.

“But, no other counties are supporting the elderly like we are,” Vick replied.

On the other hand, Langreck said, if the county doesn’t fully fund WCPH, it would potentially have funds to support NEI3A — possibly beyond the $4,700 requested.

“I think we need to look real hard at what we’re doing in our own Public Health,” Kelsay said.

The board subsequently decided to consider NEI3A’s funding request more closely after Vanden Brink returns with her report later this month.

In other business: • Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx reported the appointments of two new deputies: Trevor Thomas and Cody Imoehl. The sheriff also announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Deputy Jeff Berns, who has served the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office since 1992. Lt. Steve Nesvik will be promoted to chief deputy on March 15.

• The supervisors unanimously approved WinnMed’s annual audit.

• The county’s critical illness policy was unanimously approved.

• The supervisors discussed a new draft of the county’s compensation policy, in response to previously concerns regarding the county’s use of a pay matrix

for its employees.

• The board discussed the future sale of the former Health and Human Services building south of Decorah on Highway 52. The 7,200-square-foot building rests on 3.97 acres.

The supervisors agreed the property will be sold for a minimum bid amount which is yet to be determined.

• Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines reported that, by end of the day on Monday, about 1,000 votes were expected to have been cast in Decorah’s special election concerning the possible establishment of a municipal electric utility.

Approximately 6,000 people are eligible to vote on the issue,

Winneshiek County Supervisor Mark Faldet initially motioned to grant NEI3A’s full funding request in the amount of $4,700 during Monday’s board of supervisors meeting. The supervisors ultimately decided to wait to decide on NEI3A’s funding until the board receives a report from Winneshiek County Public Health Administrator Krista Vanden Brink later this month. (Photo by Zach Jensen) Steines said.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Su-

pervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, March 10, in the courthouse annex.

Pictured (from left to right) are Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx, Lt. Steve Nesvik, Chief Deputy Jeff Berns and new deputies Cody Imoehl and Trevor Thomas. The sheriff reported to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Monday morning that Berns is retiring, and Nesvik will subsequently be promoted to chief deputy. Marx also announced the appointments of new deputies Imoehl and Thomas. Imoehl won’t be sworn in with the sheriff’s office until March 31. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Bliven waives right to preliminary hearing in sexual exploitation case

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A teacher at Decorah Schools accused of inappropriate contact with a student has waived his right to a preliminary hearing in the case.

Dustin Harland Bliven, a high school band director who was placed on leave following the allegations, was charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee after allegedly engaging in what court records called a pattern of behavior with a student. The complaint accused the 48-year-old of physically touching a student last month in what was described as sexual nature while the teen was inside Bliven’s high school office.

A statement previously released by the Decorah Police

Dustin Harland Bliven Department said officers were informed of concerns involving Bliven on Saturday, Feb. 15, and an officer met with the student and her mother that Monday.

Investigators said the student

and Bliven had been communicating regularly as early as October of 2024 via text messages, FaceTime and the mobile app Snapchat — court records show police seized at least three mobile devices belonging to Bliven on Feb. 18 as part of the investigation. The teen told police Bliven regularly initiated conversations with her, claimed he “used to compliment her when she was wearing revealing clothing” and had talked with her for almost four hours during a video call on Valentine’s Day — which the teen described the call as “a good conversation.”

The student said she and Bliven at some point “made a plan to meet so she could get music for her solo contest, but Bliven told her he was just using it as an excuse to see her.”

Court documents allege Bliven and the student met in his office on Saturday, Feb. 15 — the day after their hours-long video call and less than a week after the student turned 18.

The student claimed Bliven commented on her appearance and initially locked the door to the office before approaching her from behind, grabbing her arms and holding her against himself for several seconds.

The teen told investigators she and Bliven had shared more full-frontal hugs than she could count during her time as his student. However, the teen claimed Bliven told her they could not hug in front of others, and she added they “always hugged in the privacy of his office.” The student also told police that Bliven sat beside her for 10-

20 minutes that Saturday, held her hand at times and repeatedly touched her upper arm and thighs. The teen told police she did not feel Bliven had done anything wrong, adding she thought he “was just really excited to see her and that was why he was so touchy that day,” but she also said the 48-yearold’s alleged behavior made her “afraid Bliven might start doing stuff, such as kissing her,” and “she was thinking about what she was going to do if he did try to do something.”

Police ultimately notified the school district of the concerns regarding Bliven, according to a statement released late last month, and investigators began working with school officials to “isolate the incident” and ensure student safety in order to

Sports facility native plantings,” Decorah Parks and Recreation Director Marc Holtey said.

The infiltration basin, he explained, will contain sand, and the sand will act as a filter which traps sediment while allowing clean water to flow through it.

Five acres of native prairie species, specifically selected to thrive in floodplains and floodways, will also filter water through their dense root systems before the water enters the infiltration basin.

Holtey began working on the project with design firm ISG

in late 2024 and applied for financial assistance to offset the nearly $900,000 cost of installing the infiltration system and native prairie plantings.

“This was a lot of work for everyone involved — collaboration with ISG, 13 letters of support across different agencies and organizations,” Holtey said. “I am very excited. I feel the things we are doing with this part of the project really align not only with IDALS but also with protecting the water quality and other initiatives in the city as well.”

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mated to be $2.6 million, with $1.5 million outstanding, and the city’s and parks and rec staff have been meeting nearly each week to identify ways to raise the necessary funds to cover the debt. With the awarding of $377,000, the city’s balance has

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conduct a proper investigation.

Bliven was placed on leave as of Tuesday, Feb. 18 — the school had been closed that Monday in observance of President’s Day. Bliven was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:40 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 — four days after police initially met with the teen and her mother. Bliven was released after posting bond on Feb. 22, and a no contact order has since been put in place.

Court documents had yet to show a plea being entered in the case as of press time. Bliven faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Investigators said anyone with any information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Decorah Police Department at 563-382-3667.

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OPINION

4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Iowa’s new stance on discrimination brings to mind other civil protections Well, Iowa made history again. Not necessarily in a good way.

The Hawkeye state is now the first in the nation to remove protections for a group of peoBY SETH ple previously covered under BOYES the state’s Civil Rights Act. News Editor The term “gender identity” — which was added to the state’s civil rights code in 2007 — is to be removed after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File lunch counters across south418 on Friday. Among other ern states during the 1960s — things, opponents of the law which, all things considered, fear the change will open the is frighteningly recent. At that doors to discrimination against time, businesses had the right to transgender individuals seek- refuse to serve members of the ing employment and housing or public based on their skin color.

Those same racial lines applied even applying for credit.

As the bill was being debat- to drinking fountains, restrooms ed, I happened to be reading the — all sorts of things. Heck, up late John Lewis’ biography, as until 1968, mortgage lenders laid out in the three-part graph- were able to deny credit appliic novel “March” — I’m a few cations based on the applicant’s years behind in my recreation- address. The practice was called al reading, I know. At any rate, redlining, and it allowed crediI had civil rights on my mind, tors to avoid serving typically and the former Georgia con- black-populated urban neighgressman’s contributions to the borhoods, regardless of whether Civil Rights movement shone the applicants actually qualified with particular modern rele- for a loan.

Through a modern lens, that’s vance — that’s the thing about clearly unjust — which probaworthy actions I guess, they bly has something to do with tend to remain untarnished by why the Fair Housing Act outhistory. lawed the practice. I bring this Lewis was of course involved up because it seems to be one with the organized sit-ins at

Greetings

from the

of the least subjective aspects at play — evidently, folks do have a right to access credit without facing discrimination. Yet, many of Iowa’s lawmakers voted to strike language which provided people of various gender identities that same protection in Iowa — and, as usual, I’ll admit I’m no legal expert, but it would seem to be perfectly fine under the new state law if someone is denied credit or housing or employment because their gender matches the one they were assigned at birth.

Some proponents of Iowa’s new law have argued transgender folks (and assumably the rest of us) won’t lose any rights due to the change in the law, since we would all still be afforded protections under the U.S. Constitution.

Seems like a good point. I mean, the Constitution hasn’t seen a new amendment in more than 30 years. So, while we have to admit it does indeed need updating from time to time in order to protect the rights of citizens or to remove restrictions affecting them, it’s a pretty solid document overall.

That said, it’s not the only line of protection when it comes to protecting the public’s rights.

And I imagine a number of

Capital

state legislators would agree with me — at least I think they would have a few years ago, when they were proposing Iowa add Second Amendment protections to its state constitution (the amendment was ratified by Iowa voters in 2022, with about 65 percent support at the polls).

I may have a few white hairs in my beard these days, but I seem to recall some of the folks who advocated for that amendment making the claim that repeating federal language at the state level would serve to only strengthen the protections provided to Iowa’s residents.

One might assume the same would apply to anti-discrimination law.

Admittedly, the U.S. Constitution doesn’t outright name gender identity among the groups the federal government protects against discrimination.

However, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development decided in 2021 that enforcement of the Fair Housing Act (that same act from 1968 that ended redlining) meant housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity were prohibited.

And HUD’s decision came after a 2020 ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court which found “an

employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defied the law.”

So, if the goal is to bolster the public’s rights by aligning with federal protections, I’d say it’s pretty clear where Uncle Sam stands when it comes to discrimination based on gender identity.

That said, in a dissenting opinion to the Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the court’s decision might have effects beyond federal statutes — a possibility he said was illustrated by cases filed among the lower courts in which transgender individuals were challenging “a variety of federal, state and local laws and policies on constitutional grounds.”

Well, some have said Iowa’s new stance on discrimination might not hold up to legal challenges. So, I guess time will eventually tell us just how right Alito was.

Agree with Seth? Think he’s got it completely backwards or he’s missed the point entirely?

Let your voice be heard. Letters to the editor may be emailed to editor@decorahleader.com or dropped off at 110 Washington St. Suite 4 in Decorah.

Klimesh’s Corner:

Lawmakers heading toward unanimously passed three bills man Services Committee passed session’s first funnel

A productive and dedicated legislature

BY MICHAEL BERGAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE Greetings from the Statehouse, Things are getting done here at the Capitol, thanks to a productive and dedicated legislature. This week marked the end of week seven of the legislative session, and we are approaching the first funnel date of March 7 for policy bills that must be moved out of subcommittees and adopted by committee to be eligible for further consideration this session.

HF-331, a bill to establish implementing requirements related to organizations that sponsor or administer extracurricular or interscholastic athletics, including the creation of a conference realignment committee passed out of the House Education Committee. A companion bill, SF-265 passed through the Senate Education Committee earlier this week. The bill adopts a process used in Wisconsin, which will address some shortcomings and process delays experienced in our current system for changes to high school sports conferences. The House bill will be placed on the calendar, eligible for floor debate.

Recently, the Iowa House

related to expanding access to health care services through their insurance and to provide relief to providers and patients seeking approval for a health care service through their insurance. The bills below are now able to be considered by the Senate; House File 303 sets up timelines for response from health insurers on prior authorizations, requires insurers to review health care services that require prior authorization, requires a prior authorization exemption program with each health insurer and a report submitted to the Insurance Division on the effectiveness of their program. House File 330 strikes age and benefit limits from the autism coverage requirements of health plans in Iowa. House File 318 requires insurers to provide the same cost-sharing requirements for supplemental breast examinations and diagnostic breast examinations as they do for mammograms.

One of the caucus priorities we entered session with was to ensure Iowa laws are protecting our youth and setting them up for success in life. We must make sure that we are supporting kids born into tough situations. This week, the House Health and Hu-

Decorah Leader

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multiple bills to support children in foster care and to help foster parents support children in their care. House File 374 allows for DHHS and foster parents to consent to routine medical care for a child placed in their care. This will help ensure kids have access to the health care they need.

House Study Bill 146 appropriates $275,000 for additional Department of Health and Human Services employees focused on finding relatives for children placed in foster care and provides additional emphasis on foster parents that have cared for the child for at least nine months in determining custody. This will hopefully provide more stability for the child in foster care.

House Study Bill 215 allows for expedited kinship licensure.

The bill defines fictive kin as an adult who is not a relative of a child but who has an emotionally positive significant relationship with the child or the child’s family. This aims to use the child’s existing support system to provide the care they need and improve their wellbeing. Every child in Iowa deserves the opportunity for a bright future. We are taking a comprehensive look at improving our foster care system to get more kids born into tough situations more support.

Throughout the week, the Capitol was also visited by numerous groups including athletic training students from numerous schools, Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa Cattleman’s Association, Iowa Dental Hygienist Association, Early Childhood Iowa, Iowa Dairy Association and Luther College social work students.

I appreciate visits from constituents and learning about the issues that are of concern. Kindly contact me ahead of time if you are planning a trip to the Capitol. It helps me plan my schedule to meet with you. I am scheduled to attend town hall forums hosted by Farm Bureau at 9 a.m. March 8 in Arlington, Iowa. I can be reached at michael.bergan@legis.iowa.gov.

Very truly yours, Michael Bergan

BY MIKE KLIMESH STATE SENATOR We just finished up week seven in the legislature and are barreling toward the first funnel at the end of next week. Any bill that does not clear committee on either side is dead for the session, except for those in the Ways and Means Committee and the Appropriations Committee. It has been an extremely busy session, and I have been working on policy issues in several committees. I am also the new chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which has been a challenging and extremely interesting committee.

Some of the policy issues that I am working on this session include a bill regarding geologic hydrogen development in the state of Iowa. Based on both USGS and the Iowa State Geologist, Iowa sits poised on a potentially huge deposit of geologic hydrogen. It is anticipated to be of a high enough level of purity that it would require no further refining and would provide clean energy. It could be used to spur on ammonia development in the state and provide a huge impact on Iowa's economy.

The country right now imports roughly 60 percent of its ammonia from China and Russia, which is commonly applied

by Iowa's farmers as fertilizer.

The current process is very energy intensive and is currently produced in those countries using coal power plants. The earth has an estimated 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen deposits.

If 2 percent of that was tapped, it could provide power for the country for 200 years. This year, I introduced SF-268 in the Natural Resources Committee.

This bill provides the framework for geologic hydrogen development in the state and sets up regulations on underground pooling to ensure all Iowans have the potential for financial benefit from their mineral rights.

This week we also voted on SF-418. This bill concerned the words "gender identity"

in Chapter 216 of the Iowa Code. Many have said that this bill removes rights for some. I would say it restores rights for everyone. It restores the right of any city council to pass an ordinance without the fear of having that ordinance overturned in court due to the existing language in the Iowa Code, against the will of their residents. Iowans have spoken, and 70 percent of Americans agree, they don't want boys in girls' bathrooms, and they don't want boys in girls' sports. I have voted on both bills in the past years and, this last election cycle, the voters in my district sent me back to Des Moines to continue to represent their values, I would add, at a higher level of support than they did in 2020.

My consistency on this stance carried through on my yes vote on SF-418.

This vote ensures that the voters get to decide on policy in this state and not the court, especially when its hands are tied by the code. Within the last two weeks, there was a case filed against our law regarding biologic sex and bathroom use, once again setting the stage for the use of lawfare to overturn the will of the vast majority of Iowans. This bill also will prevent the continued expense of Iowans' tax dollars to fund sex changes for Iowa prisoners, which so far has already topped over $2 million because of the court ruling in Good vs. Iowa Department of Human Services.

To put that into perspective, the bill I introduced this year providing funding for the Double Up Food Bucks Program that incentivizes healthy eating for those Iowans on food assistance and would increase profitability for our farmers markets asked for $1 million. I would argue the latter is a much better use of Iowa's tax dollars.

To those who would say this change will lead to massive discrimination, I would point out that Iowa will now join 28 other states that never had these provisions in their code, and widespread discrimination does not exist in those states.

We must express our opposition When all our institutions of government are under attack, it is time to speak up as never before. The autocrat in office and his lapdog who is not are destroying the government as fast as they can, causing enormous pain and stress to a great swath of our populace. People are losing their jobs, being displaced, and institutions that connect us to the world and have for generations offered health and life and friendship to those in need are being torn apart. No longer do we support democracies, but the worst dictators in the world.

The worst thing we can do to address any of this is to lick our wounds and wait and see. At least we must express our opposition and dismay at the crumbling our democracy. It could be we look back on this time with regret that we didn’t resist enough in the way people in Nazi Germany did 90 years ago.

Write to your representatives, march in the streets, participate in discussions, find allies and, above all, continue to live full and joyful lives in the face of it.

Those oppressing us want us to give up and retreat. Do not do what they want.

Mary Lewis Decorah

Beware: hypocrisy abounds On Feb. 27 the Iowa Legislature passed SF-418 that strips transgender Iowans of civil rights. Others have well articulated the opposition to this bill.

But I share one part of the bill that highlights the legislative hypocrisy.

This bill rode in on the religious mantra of ‘God created male and female. Period.’ No exception on how human sexuality is viewed.

But incredulously, the legislature slipped in Subsection 5 that admits ‘Oops. Maybe God didn’t really do it that way.’

This section mandates that at birth a child must be defined as male or female — and, that if that cannot be physically defined at birth by physicians, the parents have six months to figure it out! What? Physicians or parents are forced into decisions — and possibly disastrous surgical procedures — to force a gender label when God didn’t see fit to make it clear.

Subsection 5 refers to intersex people, but notice they refused to use that term. Intersex is a natural variation in human biology. Intersex people have genitals, chromosomes or reproductive organs that do not fit into a male/female binary definition. It is estimated that 1-2 percent of the population is intersex, according to the Cleveland and Mayo Clinics.

Essentially, the Iowa Legislature says this group does not exist and must be forced into a binary definition of human sexuality. God screwed up. Our legislature fixed this by passing a bill that rewrites biological facts.

We should be concerned about what group is next targeted for dehumanization.

Robert Felde Decorah

OPINION

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

A dish of disappointment with a side of hypocrisy and dishwashing Have you read the latest PR from Joni Ernst? I was so disappointed that she has taken aim at the federal infrastructure program that creates jobs by putting public EV charging stations across the country. Smart Electric Power Alliance reports the need for about 13 million charging ports in switching off fossil fuels to save our grandchildren’s home planet from climate change. Already, 15,000 Iowans were driving EVs by end of 2024, per DOT numbers.

Often in rural areas, EVs are charged at home overnight.

This is great for a daily commute, but I have a bucket list to visit friends and relatives strung out from New York, to Kentucky, Texas, ending in Arizaon with no tailpipe emissions.

How many of you have looked up her bill S-3559 to find it was introduced in January last year, has no cosponsors and was sent to committee. Maybe she just needs to look good for DOGE. Closer to home, you can laugh at the IA legislators. A few years ago, they passed a not popular school voucher pro-

gram, saying that it gives parents who know what’s best for their kids a choice in education.

Now the Des Moines Register reports about a bill proposed by the same party that brought us school vouchers that would find parents guilty of a class ‘D’ felony if they brought a minor child to a drag show. From parents know what is best to can’t trust parents to know what is best. Well, I can find no new information, so maybe Skyler Wheeler’s idea has died of laughter at the hypocrisy.

What may really need your attention and support is our stellar local library. Please see the Decorah Leader’s Feb. 26 article for an explanation of the bills and call both your Iowa senator and representative, voicing your disapproval of SF347 and HF-558. Michael Bergen 515-281-3371 and Mike Klimesh 515-281-3371. Thank you, this is just a little dishwashing chore. Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Mary Hoffman Decorah

he and Sen. Ernst co-founded the bipartisan Inspector General Caucus to further support the act. So when Trump broke the act by not providing a 30 day notice of his intent and rationale to fire all Inspector Generals, without cause, what does Sen. Grassley do about it? He approves all of Trump’s cabinet nominees. Even those with expressed admiration for Putin, opposition to Ukraine and disdain for Europe.

If Sen. Grassley has a backbone, I don’t see it. It looks like party over country and principles to me. Congress needs to censure Trump for his embrace of Putin and his break with Europe and Ukraine. If Congress and our courts do not put a check upon Trump, our Democracy will have turned fascist.

Matthew Nahan Decorah

Iowa’s biggest issues

The news continues to be depressing. The cancer rate in Iowa leads the nation and is unacceptable. If anything, the legislature should be working 24/7 on this and known water issues.

There’s little doubt knee deep animal feces, over applied farm chemicals and affected water systems are contributors.

Big Ag has taken the farming reins, causing much of this suffering. No need to tell you how they have done it — just getting bigger will do. I would think

Echoes of the Past

Downtown Decorah circa 1960

A Water Street photo from the 1960s shows several different business fascades, including at the Hotel Winneshiek and Coffee Shop, at right. The hotel’s entrance looks much different today. The picture, from the newspaper archives, was taken from the 100 block of Water Street looking west.

‘If Sen. Grassley has a backbone, I don’t see it’

Sen. Grassley sent out a fine letter to constituents that rightly called-out the threat to Europe that Russia’s President Putin represents. In that context, he rightly called for American support of Ukraine. But then he supports anything and everything that Trump pukes onto the world stage. This includes Trump’s embrace of Russia, his taking a wrecking-ball to our alliance with Europe and attempting to force Ukraine’s surrender. This is what Grassley has facilitated. What is next? Will Trump formally align the USA with Russia? Is there any line that Grassley would not cross for his almighty party leader?

If Grassley had a legislative baby, it would be the Inspector General Act of 1978. From his perch on the Senate Judiciary Committee, he has helped to define it and its more recent modifications. In November of 2024,

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the legislators’ lives would be affected by all of this, spurring them to look for answers.

The time legislators spend getting rid of words like diversity, curtailing trans rights and endless control issues to solidify their way of government doesn’t solve the way to make Iowa healthy and strong. It’s time they paid attention to all of us.

John Carver Decorah

Keep those comics “clean”

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER Among the most publicized worries facing young children in the 1950s (at least according to their parents) was comic books. It was deemed a national concern in that era. Interest and sales of comic books had increased so quickly in America, that an anti-comic movement began. Some said the comics were harming children’s abilities to read and appreciate fine literature. Some even went so far as claiming the comics contributed to juvenile crime, violence and promiscuity. Comic book “burnings” were also reported in the country. A Comic Book Cleanup Program was established in Decorah in the winter of 1955, with the goal of establishing moral standards and regulating the comic book magazines in circulation in town. The editorial pages back in the 1950s were filled with comments from public-spirited citizens unified in the goal of cleaning up the comic book “situation” in town. According to one editorial in the local paper, “Because so much filth, crime and other unfit material is offered the children, without restriction, a growing spirit of protest has arisen.” It was hoped that parents in the area would adhere to the new suggestions of limiting the buying of comic books to only those bearing the black-and-white seal of the Comics Magazine Association of America.

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Visit decorahleader.com to read all past Letters to the Editor

YEARS AGO: 1945 – Decorah’s famous whistler, Roy Woldum, is be heard on Kay Kyser’s College of Musical Knowledge radio program at 9 o’clock over WHO. Roy, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Woldum of Decorah, telephoned his parents the other night from Massachusetts to tell them he would be on the program. …Sgt. Phillip Cronin, who is stationed in the Philippines, recently wrote to his mother, Mrs. Mae Cronin, and shared an interesting thing happen to him. He had purchased some cigars and a can of sardines from a native on the island. When he unwrapped the cigar, he found it was wrapped in a piece of the November issue of the Decorah Journal newspaper. He asked the peddler if he had more of

the wrapping paper. Cronin ended up trading the cigar-merchant his recently-purchased can of sardines for the whole cigar wrapping supply. Then he pieced the papers together and read all his hometown news. …HELP WANTED: Man wanted to work on a poultry farm and hatchery. This job is steady work, and it pays more than $1,600 per year! Contact L.C. Bolson of Decorah about the details. …Members of the local hospital auxiliary units are busy these last few weeks doing community work, which has included everything from folding surgical dressings, making surgical gowns, folding gauze and making hot water bottles to sewing abdominal binders and making all of the operating room sheets.

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YEARS AGO: 1955 – Decorah’s three drug stores (Darling’s Walgreen Drugs, Donlon’s Rexall Drugs and Rosel’s Pharmacy) are all quite busy filling the needs of local residents this winter. …The Decorah Comic Book Evaluation Committee held its first meeting last week. The committee announced it will secure a list of the comic books that are desirable, and place that list in the hands of local dealers. It is hoped that parents in Decorah will do all they can to help in ridding local newsstands of trashy comic books in the future. …Egg Days will be celebrated in Decorah this spring.

Farmers will be paid for their eggs with $2 bills the week prior to the Egg Days observance.

The Decorah Commercial Club has designed the special observance to remind farmers and merchants about the value of the egg money in this county. …The Decorah High School Junior Class is hosting a sockhop after the big basketball game in town next week. Dancing will be on the program, and students will be judged on the most original and decorative socks.

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YEARS AGO: 1965 – Lower telephone rates for station-to-station long distance telephone calls are now in effect. The new, lowrate calls are during nighttime hours (after 8 at night). As an

example, cost of a 3-minute call for an interstate call (to communities more than 220 miles away), is 90 cents. …A Decorah man is being jailed for nine months for making beer available to minors. …Now showing at The Lyric Theatre: “Viva Las Vegas” with Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret.

Adult tickets are 75 cents and children’s tickets are 25 cents. …The Decorah Vikings captured the league wrestling championship for the first time in school history. Individual champions at the recent meet were Chuck Gipp, Phil Henning and John Dinger. …The typing class at Decorah High School helped address the envelopes to be mailed to Winneshiek County residents as part of the Easter Seal Campaign. It is reported nearly 6,000 envelopes were handled.

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YEARS AGO: 1975 – A hind quarter of beef is he grand prize in a Girl Scout fundraiser in town. Local fathers of the senior scouts are sponsoring the fund drive to help finance a trip to Florida for their daughters next summer. …Paul Simonson, Robyn Sand, Pat Parker, Scott Iverson, Kent Thompson and Sita Strand all earned Division I ratings at the State Speech Contest. …Decorah FFA Queen candidates this winter are Jackie Larson, Nancy McClintock, Karen Westby, Lynn Bakken and Carlene Fisher.

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YEARS AGO: 1985 – One of the hottest issues in the Iowa Legislature this year (for the past two years) has been the Iowa Lottery.

Twice it has been passed by the House and Senate, and twice it has been vetoed by the Iowa Governor. It is back again this year, and now Governor Terry Branstad has indicated he will sign it into law. …Nor-Ski Run will be open this week if the winter weather cooperates. Park-Rec Director Spence McKinney said he hopes skiers will get a chance to hit the slopes in the coming weekends. …Turkey Valley’s popular vocal jazz ensemble “Junction 24” brought home the first prize at the recent Winterfest Jazz and Choir Festival held in La Crosse.

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YEARS AGO: 1995 – A “sophisticated” drug bust in Winneshiek County has resulted in confiscation of plants valued at up to $175,000.

Some of those arrested in the “bust” had hastily dumped about 25 marijuana plants over a bridge in western Winneshiek County. …The Oneota Recreational Trail will be lighted, according to project organizers. The City of Decorah received a grant of $98,797 last fall, and the funds will be used for “aesthetically pleasing” lighting fixtures. …Gundersen Clinic is beginning a remodeling project at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital. A lease agreement for office and parking for the clinic has been approved by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. The lease calls for Gundersen to pay the county-owned hospital $74,850 per year.

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YEARS AGO: 2005 – After considerable debate during an emotional two-hour meeting, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors have voted 3-2 to pay all expenses for the Sheriff’s Department from the general fund.

No exact figures are available on how the shift will impact property taxes. …RAGBRAI (The Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) will go through Fort Atkinson this summer. …A case of Whooping Cough has been confirmed in Winneshiek County. The Winneshiek County Public Health Office has sent out letters to nearly 50 people notifying them they had been in close contact with someone with whooping cough.

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YEARS AGO: 2015 – Marilyn (Haugen) Roverud of Decorah has been presented with the Luther College Spirit of Luther Award in ceremonies recently. …Good Times Grill is open at Pyramid Plaza in the site formerly occupied by Americana Grill and Willis’ Brew Pub. …Sally Stromseth, children’s librarian at the Decorah Library, recently retired after 20 years of service to children of the area. Friends of the DPL recently hosted a community reception to celebrate Stromseth’s retirement.

OBITUARIES/NEWS

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Obituary Deborah Sickles

June 30, 1948 - Feb. 24, 2025 Deborah “Deb” Sickles, 76, of Dorchester, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 at the University of Iowa City Hospitals in Iowa City. She passed a w a y peacefully surDeborah Sickles rounded by her family.

Deborah Sue Johnson was born to Harlan and Elinor Kannenberg-Johnson on June 30, 1948 in Waukon. Deb graduated from Waukon High School in 1966. She worked at the Lansing Button Factory while going to school at Northeast Iowa Community College to become a beautician; she graduated in 1969. She worked at Althea’s beauty shop in Waukon for over 30 years, later owning and operating until she retired in 2004.

In 1989 she married the love of her life, Rodney Sickles.

They made their home near Dorchester. She spent countless hours outside working in the garden, tending to flowers and perhaps alleviating some ditches of their flowers. She enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, cooking and baking goodies, especially during the holidays.

She loved canning and taught the younger generations how to can. Deb was an avid reader of mystery books. She loved surfing the internet and commenting on all of her loved ones’ posts on Facebook. You could find her puttering around the yard in the company of chickens, and teaching old dogs new tricks, such as pulling weeds.

Deborah was a breast cancer survivor for 17 years.

Survivors include her husband, Rod Sickles; children: Heidi (Rory) Tegtmeier, Jake Bresnahan (Chasity May) and Jodie Bresnahan (Tyler Hemesath); brother, Dave Johnson; sister-in-law, Becky (Curtis) See; brother-in-law, Bubba (Bev) Sickles; grandchildren: Madi Hugen, Alex Hugen, Chloe Hughes (Kory Schwan) and Nick Farley; great-grandchild, Dean Schwan; and many nieces and nephews.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dianne Johnson; mother and father-inlaw, Alivina and Art Sickles; sister-in-law, Ruth Sunkle; and brother-in-law, Rich Sickles.

There are no funeral services planned. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Iowa Cremation Services are handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the family at 2484 Balsam Road, Dorchester, IA 52140.

Service Notices EDWARD GEHLING, 95, of Decorah, died Monday, March 3, 2025, at Evans Senior Living Community in Cresco. A private family service will be held at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding.

Burial will be in the St. Aloysius Church cemetery.

CARRIE DUNCAN NEWMAN, 50, of Decorah and formerly of Sioux City, died unexpectedly on Feb. 14, 2025 at her home. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Sioux City.

JERRY JOE HEMESATH, 69, of Ossian died Sunday, March 2, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian with Rev. Donald Hertges as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. Rosary on Friday, March 7 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian.

Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday.

Decorah City Council specifies funding sources for proposed MEU

Resolution put to a vote one day before March 4 referendum

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER The Decorah City Council voted 4-3 Monday that funds for the potential development of a municipal electric utility in Decorah will be limited solely to franchise fee revenues collected by the city and general obligation bonds.

Voters in Decorah headed to the polls Tuesday to decide whether the city would be authorized to establish an MEU. The city council met the day before the March 4 referendum and debated a resolution regarding the funding of the city’s proposed MEU. Decorah City Councilwoman at large Emily Neal said numerous residents had asked if she could assure them their tax dollars wouldn’t go up if residents voted in favor of Tuesday’s referendum, and she felt the passage of a resolution would reassure the public.

If the referendum passes, Neal said, the city would need to cover a feasibility study, a business plan and legal fees.

“We do things all the time, really cool things, that don’t raise taxes,” Neal said during Monday’s meeting. “Let’s just reassure the people we aren’t going to do that.”

Neal went on to say the city could seek alternative funding

sources, such as donations and grants, to help cover the potential costs.

“I think people forget,” Neal said, “The endeavor to learn about an MEU is honestly an endeavor to save money — not about increasing spending, but decreasing it.”

Councilman Kirsten Olsen wasn’t convinced by Neal’s arguments and said voting on what funds would be used to fund an MEU was a bit like putting the cart before the horse.

He said bringing the resolution to the council one day prior to the city’s special election was too late to provide the reassurance Neal sought.

“Maybe we should have done this back in December when we were putting the information out to the people,” Olsen said.

“Coming in at the last minute .. at the eleventh hour … looks a little shady.”

Councilman Steven Zittergruen counteracted, saying that, while the council should have considered the matter sooner, specifying expected funding sources for the proposed MEU conveyed a commitment to the community, no matter the result of Tuesday’s vote.

“We know we all have some work to do to strengthen trust between us and the community, and this resolution is an attempt to demonstrate that they

can trust us to do what what I know we will do, which is act wisely and proceed cautiously if the public chooses to pass the referendum,” Zittergruen said.

Zittergruen went on to say he wanted the public to trust that an affirmative vote would not be interpreted by the city council as a mandate to move forward at any cost.

“The public trusts were are not going to spend an endless amount of money,” Zittergruen said. “We are going to be measured, facts-based and thoughtful about how we proceed. We won’t be stupid. We aren’t going to raise taxes. We are not going to spend an endless amount of money — we are going to be measured, fact-based and thoughtful about how we are going to proceed. That’s what this resolution says to me.”

Councilman Randy Schissel expressed opposition to Monday’s resolution, saying it did not address whether or not local option sales tax funds could be used to pay for costs associated with pursuing an MEU. Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken noted the state legislature is currently considering a bill which could eliminate a city’s ability to collect franchise fees — Decorah currently imposes a franchise fee of about 4 percent on local electric bills, which is collected by Alliant

continued from front

City claimed inaccurate data may have swayed 2018 voters The question of establishing a municipal electric utility was previously proposed to Decorah voters in 2018. At that time, Concentric Energy Advisors estimated the city’s potential cost of acquiring infrastructure owned by Alliant Energy to be about $38.7 million, with another $12.3 million in other expenses. An updated feasibility study released by Concentric last month estimated the city of Decorah could now expect to spend more than $72 million to acquire Alliant’s infrastructure in addition to about $13.5 million in startup costs and other costs.

The 2018 referendum failed by three votes, and the city of Decorah argued in a petition it filed with the Iowa Utilities Commission in December of 2024 that inaccurate information provided to the public at that time by Alliant and Interstate Power and Light Company — the division of Alliant Energy which serves Iowa — may have affected the outcome of the 2018 special election. Specifically, the city argued Alliant did not include planned rate increases as part of the feasibility

Energy and used by the city to fund sustainability efforts and other projects.

Neal said, if the bill is passed by state lawmakers, the city would need to reconsider various projects and funds — for example, she said sidewalks and street projects are, in part, funded by the franchise fees.

“I am not comfortable raising taxes in order to fund this MEU. I never have been,” Neal said.

“It’s important in the time we live in — when they get a post card in the mail every day saying (the) city council is trying to raise their taxes, and we are not — to reassure people we are not up here trying to raise people’s taxes, and that’s frustrating.”

Mayor Lorraine Borowski proposed the council table the discussion on potential funding sources and vote on the matter

after Tuesday’s election. Neal felt Monday’s resolution was information voters deserved and needed before casting their votes.

“This isn’t telling people how to vote,” Neal said. “It’s one more tool we are giving them — the commitment on our part that we will use franchise fee dollars and not tax dollars. If you vote yes, you can be confident your council has just committed to not raising your taxes to do it,” Neal said.

The matter was put to a vote Monday, which passed by a vote of 4-3, with Neal and Zittergruen as well as fellow council members Brent Parker and Cody Whittle voting in support.

Schissel, Olsen and council member Christopher Miculinich voted against the resolution.

Kriener pleads not guilty to sales tax evasion, other charges

MEU Decorah, is expected to continue providing service to Decorah residents.

“On behalf of the entire Alliant Energy team, thank you for choosing to keep Alliant Energy working for you,” said Dustin Mohs, manager of customer operations with Alliant Energy. “We appreciate your vote and the trust you’ve shown in us to continue providing safe, cost-effective and reliable electric service. For more than 100 years, we’ve proudly served Decorah’s families and businesses. We look forward to moving ahead together, fostering a partnership that helps make Decorah an even stronger and more vibrant community.”

There are 5,567 registered voters in the city of Decorah, according to the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office, and election night totals showed voter turnout to be at a little more than 45 percent.

Decorah City Councilwoman Emily Neal said Monday’s resolution specifying which funding sources the city would use if authorized to establish a municipal electric utility would be a tool for voters as they headed to the polls Tuesday. Other members of the council felt passing Monday’s resolution the night before voters would decide whether the city could move forward with establishing an MEU would read as suspect to some. (Photo by Denise Lana)

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Elaine St. Clair of Decorah was one of 17 volunteer poll workers who served Tuesday during Decorah’s special election to determine whether the city should be authorized to establish a municipal electric utility. St. Clair and three other volunteers counted absentee ballots in the Winneshiek County Auditor’s office Tuesday night. The public ultimately voted down the referendum with a vote of 1,351 to 1,169. (Photo by Zach Jensen) study and cost projections at that time. The company pursued multiple increases in the years which followed Decorah’s failed referendum, and the state utilities commission said in a 2019 decision that it found the company’s opposition to Decorah’s 2018 municipalization effort had demonstrated “a lack of management efficiency by withholding from and not providing to the citizens of Decorah accurate information about anticipated rate increases.”

Alliant’s average residential rate in 2023 was higher than all but two of Iowa’s 136 municipal electric utilities, according to information compiled by the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa — a group which state docket filings indicate the city of Decorah joined. Alliant officials previously said the company’s rates are the same across the state, and other factors, such as franchise fees imposed by local municipalities, can affect the total customers in specific areas ultimately pay. Officials with the city of Decorah previously indicated they aimed to explore alternatives for providing electricity to Decorah residents, should rates under Alliant Energy become cost prohibitive for locals.

Tuesday’s rejection more pronounced than 2018 tallies While the 2018 referendum was within three votes of ap-

proval, opponents of Tuesday’s referendum outnumbered supporters by more than 180 votes.

And though the city of Decorah was home to about 190 fewer registered voters during the 2018 referendum, approximately 250 more ballots were cast that year than were recorded by election officials this week.

Tuesday night’s initial tallies were reported by voting location and showed the strongest opposition to the 2025 referendum came from absentee voters, with more than 61 percent of them voting against the referendum. Unofficial totals showed about 70 more absentee voters opposed this year’s referendum compared to results from 2018, and support for the ballot item among absentee voters dropped by 58 votes. In-person voting among residents of Wards 1 and 2 was the closest contest listed on the Tuesday night’s result sheets, with 284 ballots cast against the referendum and 264 in support — a difference of 20 votes. In-person voting among residents of Wards 4 and 5 was divided by a gap of nearly twice the size, with supporters casting 270 ballots in favor of establishing a local MEU and 231 opposing the proposal. Unofficial results showed support for the referendum was popular in Wards 3A and 3B, where in -person voters cast 196 ballots in favor of the MEU proposal to stay ahead of the 144 ballots cast against it.

A former sheriff’s deputy has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges filed against him as part of at least two separate investigations.

Makenz Allen Kriener, age 33, of Fort Atkinson was initially charged with sales tax evasion and fifth-degree theft after it was discovered he had made unauthorized purchases at a Decorah business using an account associated with the sheriff’s office. Kriener has since been terminated from his position — he began his career in law enforcement in 2017, according to a staff profile previously posted on the sheriff’s website.

The sheriff’s office previously said an internal investigation began immediately after receiving a report of possible misconduct regarding Kriener. The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to assist with the case. The investigation revealed Kriener had visited Norbys Farm Fleet in Decorah while on duty in early December of 2024 and used cash to pay for unauthorized purchases on the office’s tax-exempt account — court documents indicated the purchases totaled less than $300. The complaints went on to say Kriener “admitted the use of (the) items is on a mostly personal basis and (he) had stored the items at his residence.”

Trial information filed Feb. 19 listed a total of seven counts against the 33-year-old. Law enforcement said the new charges stem from a separate investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Transportation, which authorities became aware of around the same time the sheriff’s office was launching its internal investigation. In addition to sales tax evasion, Kriener now faces four

Makenz Allen Kriener counts of third-degree fraudulent practice — each an aggravated misdemeanor — and two counts of non-felonious misconduct while in office — both serious misdemeanors. He has pleaded not guilty to each of the seven charges, and the original fifth-degree theft charge — which was filed separately — is expected to be held as a companion case, according to court filings.

The recently filed trial information indicated Kriener knowingly provided false information or concealed certain facts while applying for a vehicle registration or title. Prosecutors listed four separate offenses which allegedly took place between February and August of 2024 — court filings did not specify whether each offense involved a different vehicle. The charges of misconduct involved the alleged misuse of public property “for a private purpose and for personal gain,” according to court documents, but available filings did not provide further specifics. Prosecutors believe the first of those offenses took place on July 6, 2024, and the second occurred between Aug. 1 and Aug. 9, 2024.

A jury trial is currently scheduled for July 9.

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Community briefs 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.

Sixth annual Daddy Daughter Dance deemed success

Local organizers dubbed Decorah’s sixth annual Daddy Daughter Dance, sponsored by St. Benedict School, a success.

“It was a beautiful evening filled with flowers, balloons, games, dancing, crafts, food, twinkle lights and more,” said Kelly Coppola of Decorah.

This year, more than 200 fathers, grandfathers and daughters danced the night away at Decorah’s Elks Lodge. The night was sponsored by a number of area businesses, and several Decorah High School students helped with the event.

Decorah Public Library and ArtHaus announce Coffee and Creativity programs

(Photos submitted)

Pictured are Sumner Matteson, Edward Holway and Bert Porter. (Photo submitted)

Porter House to host lecture on local explorers To mark the 100th anniversary of Bert and Grace Porter’s expedition to collect butterflies and moths in South America, David Faldet will lecture on two local explorers who inspired the Porters. The lecture will be given at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday March 13 at the Porter House Museum — 401 W. Broadway. The event is free and open to the public.

Bert Porter was a cousin to Sumner Matteson — a photographer, bicycle sales representative and traveling correspondent whose photographs chronicled the social life of indigenous peoples between 1888 and 1920 in the American West,

Mexico and Cuba. He also photographed workers up and down the Pacific Coast as well as everyday experiences in Decorah and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Matteson died while climbing a Mexican volcano, five years before Porter’s South American trip.

Porter’s second local inspiration was Edward Holway, a banker from the same social group as Porter’s grandparents. The year Porter was married, Holway retired from banking and moved to Minneapolis, where he became a professor of botany at the University of Minnesota. Holway was

well-known for his collecting expeditions and his skill as a mountaineer, and his early love of plants led to his becoming a world expert on rust fungi.

Holway’s mountaineering skills allowed him to collect plants and fungi in remote reaches of Canada, the U.S. and regions of both Central and South America. A peak in Canada is named after him. He died in 1923, two years before Porter’s trip.

Faldet has previously lectured on Porter’s local photography, notable women of early Decorah and spiritualism in the era of the Porters.

Caravan planned for Lutheran Day on the Hill

Lutherans across Winneshiek County plan to join together for a day of advocacy and service on March 11 at the Iowa State Capitol for the annual Lutheran Day on the Hill event.

This year, Winneshiek County Lutherans are organizing a caravan of vehicles departing at 5:30 a.m. that day from First Lutheran Church in Decorah.

The caravan is expected to return by 6 p.m. that day. Organizers hope to bring 50 Lutherans and friends to Des Moines to advocate for what they called Iowa’s most vulnerable populations.

“As Lutherans, we are called to care for all our neighbors and to be a voice for those who may not be heard,” said the Rev. Michael Wilker, senior pastor of First Lutheran Church. “Lutheran Day on the Hill provides a meaningful opportunity to put our faith into action through respectful civic engagement.”

The 2025 event will bring together all three Iowa Lutheran

bishops and hundreds of Lutheran leaders from across the state. This gathering also marks the 160th anniversary of Lutheran Services in Iowa’s founding.

Gov. Reynolds is invited to join in the commemoration.

This year’s advocacy is expected to focus on subjects, such as food security, agriculture, Iowa’s mental health care system and supporting refugee resettlement efforts throughout the state. Participants may learn about the challenges facing children, adults and families in Iowa, gain practical advocacy skills, meet directly with state legislators of both parties and demonstrate commitment alongside fellow Lutherans.

The day’s activities will include hymns, prayer, scripture reading and discussion about service to neighbors throughout Iowa.

Those interested in participating may request a sign up for the Winneshiek County caravan by contacting First Lu-

theran Church in Decorah at 563-382-2638. Participants are also asked to register with Lutheran Services in Iowa directly at https://lsiowa.org/ldh.

health

Decorah Public Library and ArtHaus will be holding two Coffee and Creativity programs next month. This series is designed to help build community while being creative. Participants may create simple craft projects while chatting over coffee from 10-11:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the mezzanine of the Decorah Public Library. The sessions will be led by ArtHaus instructors. Members of the public are welcome to come make something, regardless of previous experience or artistic ability. On March 4, the group will be painting watercolor landscapes. On March 18, they will try their hand at paper marbling. The program is free, and all materials are provided. For more information, contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library by emailing zrowheyveld@decorahlibrary.org or by calling 563-382-3717.

County conservation to host birdhouse building workshop

Winneshiek County Conservation will host a birdhouse building workshop at 5 p.m.

Monday, March 10 at the shop building in Lake Meyer Campground. All materials and tools will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring a hammer if they have one. The workshop will also include information on how to properly install the birdhouses, and organizers will discuss the types of birds which may take up residence there, especially the eastern bluebird.

The event is free and open to all ages. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Registration is required to reserve materials. Call Winne-

shiek County Conservation at 563-534-7145 to register. There is a suggested $10 donation per household. Visit www.winneshiekwild.com for more information.

Decorah Chorale to host ‘Chorale Cabaret’ fundraiser

The Decorah Chorale will host “Chorale Cabaret,” an annual fundraiser event and concert, on March 9 at Pivo Brewery — 101 Huber Dr. in Calmar.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well as a cash bar. Entertainment will begin at 6:30 p.m. The program includes a variety of music, from pop to folk and musical theater, performed by the choir and its individual members.

Tickets can be purchased for $20 in advance at the Oneota Co-op or online at decorahchorale.ludus.com. Tickets will also be available for $25 at the door the night of the event.

Decorah 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-and-tell 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 507602-0322, or Jarret Johnson at 563-419-6952.

Registration open for Decorah United Soccer Club

Decorah United Soccer Club recently announced registration for the upcoming spring recreational soccer season is open.

Youth players of all skill levels are invited to join. Programs are available for players born between 2010 and 2020. Organizers said the Decorah United Soccer Club focuses on skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship. The spring season will kick off on March 31 and run through May 29, with weekly practices and competitive games starting as soon as April 5.

“We are thrilled to welcome new and returning players for another exciting season,” said Teo Jube, the club’s director

of coaching. “Our goal is to provide an enjoyable and educational soccer experience for all participants, fostering both athletic and personal growth.”

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register early, as spots are limited. Registration can be completed online by visiting www.decorahunitedsoccer.com/club-progam. The deadline to sign up is 10 p.m.

March 8. For more information about the spring season, including schedules, fees and volunteer opportunities, visit www.decorahunitedsoccer.com or contact Jube by emailing teojube@decorahunitedsoccer. com.

DNR to host meeting on Volga River timber harvests

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting at 6 p.m. March 20 in Room 101 of the Baker Hebron building on the campus of Upper Iowa University to discuss upcoming timber harvests in the Volga River State Recreation Area. Public parking is located just to the east of the Baker Hebron building, off of Union Street. Information on woodland management and associated impacts on the Volga River State Rec Area will be presented. Local DNR parks management, DNR wildlife representatives and the DNR district forester will be available to address comments, questions or concerns. Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about forest resources, forestry techniques and wildlife habitat/recreational impacts.

For more information, contact Maison Hubrig, Iowa DNR district forester, at 563-608-0086 or email at Maison.Hubrig@ dnr.iowa.gov

Melcher to speak at senior center

The Senior Citizens Hospitality Center will hold its monthly event at 1:30 p.m. March 14 at 806 River St. in Decorah.

The program will feature Jeni Melcher from Greens Sugar Bush at Castalia. Melcher, her husband Tom and four sisters are the sixth generation to operate the Sugar Bush, making it a family affair. The family has been making maple syrup every year since 1851. The maple farm is 60 acres in size. They tap the trees every spring to begin making a deep and thick maple syrup. Melcher will discuss the history of the operation and explain the process of making the maple syrup. They hold the Green’s Sugar Bush Pancake Breakfast the last weekend of March and the first weekend of April every year. Melcher will answer questions after the program, which will be followed by refreshments and fellowship. The public is welcome to attend.

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Davis to present ‘Bringing them home: The search for American MIAs in underwater environments’ Dan Davis, associate professor of classics at Luther College, will discuss the mission of Project Recover at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6 at the Pulpit Rock Brewery Meeting Room. Davis will explain how the nonprofit organization works closely with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to search for and recover the remains of American service members classified as missing in action. Davis’ presentation, entitled “Bringing Them Home: The Search for American MIAs in Underwater Environments,” will highlight Project Recover’s work to recover the remains of missing air crew members from underwater environments such as the Chuuk Lagoon near Micronesia, along with the Marshall Islands, Denmark and Croatia. The effort requires historical and archival research, ocean mapping instruments and forensic archaeological fieldwork which is conducted underwater. Davis serves as the team’s forensic underwater archaeologist. The event is free and open to the public.

FEC dance welcomes hundreds The Decorah Family, Educator and Community Organization — or FEC — hosted its annual dance party for students in preschool through fourth grade and their families on Friday, Feb. 21, at Carrie Lee Elementary school.

A DJ entertained nearly 500 attendees while the Luther College football team and FEC volunteers kept the fun going with limbo and snacks. For more information about the FEC, its mission and volunteer opportunities email shanna.putnamdibble@decorah. school. (Photos submitted)

Photo submitted “People may be surprised to hear that an estimated 81,000 Americans are still missing in action from World War II. But for the grieving families, they have been waiting for answers about their loved ones for 80 years and their pain and

suffering hasn’t diminished through the decades,” Davis said. “When we recover the remains of service members, we are providing closure for their families and honoring our nation’s promise never to forget our MIAs.”

Decorah Human Rights Commission, Decorah Public Library to host panel discussion on immigration

The Decorah Human Rights Commission, in partnership with Decorah Public Library, will be hosting an educational panel discussion focused on immigration and individual rights. The discussion will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. March 18 at the Pulpit Rock Brewing Company’s event room.

Organizers aim to inform and empower the community by addressing key issues surrounding immigration, including changing regulations, legislation and the resulting impacts.

Panelists Marty Steele, Ruth Palmer, Kathi Mitchell and Margaret Betteridge have spent

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Iowa Utilities Board designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes.

CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $34.50 per month and business services are $54.50 per month.

Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles.

Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.

A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/commu nity/community-development/lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

years working alongside immigrants in northeast Iowa, advocating for justice, equality and opportunities for all. Their collective work spans local organizations and programs, such as the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center’s Immigration Action Network, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Path to Citizenship, Catholic Charities and many more.

The panel will explore topics, such as the identity and origins of immigrants in northeast Iowa, the pathways to citizenship, legal documentation and the DACA program. The panel will cover the history of immigration in the United States and provide valuable information about individual rights. Attendees will also be able to ask questions they may have.

For more information, contact Decorah Public Library at 563-382-3717 or visit decorahlibrary.org.

Next performance is Sunday Decorah Chorale donates to Habitat for Humanity and Decorah Community Food Pantry The Decorah Chorale, led by director Jason Rausch, presented their annual “Home for the Holidays” concert on Dec. 14 at Decorah Lutheran Church. A freewill offering was taken during the concert’s intermission, and a portion of the proceeds were awarded to the Winneshiek County chapter of Habitat for Humanity as well as the Decorah Community Food Pantry. Each organization was awarded $1,675. Checks were presented to each organization by the Decorah Chorale Board Treasurer Kari Iverson and vice president Chami DeLong. The next performance for Decorah Chorale will be their annual benefit fundraiser on Sunday, March 9 at PIVO Brewery in Calmar. (Photos submitted)

Woody Stauffer’s ‘Sculpted Strides’ featured at ArtHaus through March 29 “Sculpted Strides,” an exhibition of cast metal and assemblage works by artist Woody Stauffer, will open as an exhibit on March 7 at ArtHaus in Decorah. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. that day in the Doyle G Heyveld Gallery. The collection will be on display through March 29.

In “Sculpted Strides,” Stauffer brings together ancient, fossilized forms and sci-fi-inspired digital aesthetics. Organizers said the work blends earthy, expressive forms with experimental mold-making techniques, which contrast against the precision of 3D printing and digital sculpting.

A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Stauffer graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2014 and spent several years traveling the Midwest, refining his craft under the mentorship of notable artists like Tamsie Ringer, James Brenner

and Kelly Ludeking. In 2017, Stauffer moved to Hays, Kansas, where he pursued and completed an MFA in sculpture in 2020. During that time, he began incorporating digital elements into his practice, evolving his work to reflect both the organic and the futuristic.

“My work is about reconciling grit and grace,” Stauffer said. “I aim to create pieces that feel at home in restful gardens, vibrant art centers and everyday spaces—where contrasts in form and material spark thought and revelation.”

Today, Stauffer runs his own sculpture and design business, WSSG Designs, and continues to explore the possibilities of blending ancient and modern forms. Stauffer will be teaching a cast aluminum bowl class at ArtHaus on March 29. Registration is limited. For more information, visit arthausdecorah. org.

Koch to discuss book ‘Midwest Bedrock’ Iowa author and Loras College professor Kevin Koch will give an author presentation and Q&A session followed by a book signing starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at the Pulpit Rock Brewing events room. This is a free event sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, with support from Pulpit Rock Brewing and Dragonfly Books.

Koch’s book “Midwest Bedrock: The Search for Nature’s Soul in America’s Heartland,” takes readers on a journey across all 12 Midwest states to natural settings which defy stereotypes of the Midwest landscape. Each chapter focuses on one region or locality within each state, often seeking out lesser-known landscapes. Koch’s personal narrative details locations such as Wisconsin’s 1,100-mile Ice Age Trail, which follows the furthest reach of the last gla-

cier; Minnesota’s Lake Itasca, headwaters of the Mississippi River; and Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest, which still cradles hidden graveyards from long-abandoned farm communities.

Koch is also author of “Skiing At Midnight: A Nature Journal from Dubuque County, Iowa;” “The Driftless Land: Spirit of Place in the Upper Mississippi Valley;” and “The Thin Places: A Celtic Landscape from Ireland to the Driftless.”

This event is part of Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation’s author event series, which brings writers of all genres to northeast Iowa to lead in conversations about literature and writing. To learn more about this event and other events with Dragonfly Books, visit www.dragonflybooks.com.

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Tree pruning, grafting workshops to be held

Sheriff’s Office welcomes Deputy Thomas The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office recently hired Deputy Trevor Thomas. Thomas grew up on a cattle farm in Winneshiek County and graduated from Howard-Winneshiek/Crestwood High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman from 2006 to 2010, was deployed to Iraq and served on board the USS Nassau. Since serving in the military, Thomas worked in construction and farming until he was hired as a police officer for the Decorah Police Department in 2021. In his free time, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife and three children as well as activities like boating, fishing, hunting and golf. Pictured are (left to right) Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Steve Nesvik, Thomas, Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx and Winneshiek County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Berns. (Photo submitted)

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering two fruit tree management workshops on fruit tree pruning and grafting.

A fruit tree pruning workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19 at Dan and Mary Burkhart’s orchard, located at 28500 Granite Rd. in Ossian. Participants will hear from ISU Extension and Outreach Commercial Horticulture Specialist Patrick O’Malley as he explains both why and how to prune fruit trees.

O’Malley will also present during a fruit tree grafting

workshop on Tuesday, March 25 at Jim and Sue Updegraff’s home, located at 20315 Lincoln Rd. in West Union. Check in will start at 5 p.m. and the program will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Each participant will watch a grafting demonstration and then practice a whip and tongue graft with apple rootstocks, taking home two grafted trees.

“We will also provide information on how to care for grafted trees in your landscape.”

O’Malley said.

The grafting workshop’s $50 registration fee includes rootstocks, scions and equipment

needed to self-graft two apple trees to take home. Limited amounts of additional apple rootstock will be available for an additional cost.

Space is limited and preregistration is required before March 18. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair if they would like to sit.

To register, contact Deb Kahler at dkahler@iastate.edu or call 563-425-3331. For more information or questions about the workshops, contact O’Malley at omall@iastate.edu or call 319-337-2145.

Iowa DNR to conduct prescribed fires The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Upper Iowa Wildlife Unit plans to conduct prescribed burns this spring in the region. Locally, burns will occur throughout four of the counties managed by the DNR Upper Iowa Wildlife Unit. This will include burns in Winneshiek County’s Bluffton Fir Stand, Chimney Rocks, Cardinal Marsh, Coldwater Creek, Falcon Springs, Kendallville Complex, South Bear Creek, South Pine Creek and Upper Iowa River Seegmiller. Burns will also take place in Alla-

makee County’s Black Hawk Point, Canoe Creek, Clear Creek, French Creek, Iverson Bottoms, Pine Creek and Waterloo Creek as well as Fayette County’s Shinbone Valley. Additional burns are expected in Howard County’s Crossman Prairie, Hayden Prairie and Turkey River wildlife areas. Most prescribed burns will take place between the months of April and May. Burns will be conducted on a day that meets the objectives and weather prescription defined in the burn plan.

Prescribed burn units are typ-

ically burned every one to five years and vary in size from 1 to 100 acres or more. Prescribed burns are used to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, restore and maintain native plant communities and reduce wildfire potential. DNR officials said ground nesting birds such as pheasants, mallards, bobolinks, dickcissels and many others will benefit from habitat improved with periodic prescribed fire.

Questions may be directed to DNR Wildlife Biologist Troy Anderson at 563-546-7960.

Law Enforcement U.S. Attorney’s Office

A man with 15 prior felony convictions who used a stolen motorcycle to drive from Minnesota to Iowa and broke into a Winneshiek County home to steal firearms and other items was sentenced on Feb. 24 to more than seven years in federal prison.

Steven Michael Current, age 58, of Canton, Minnesota, received the prison term after entering a guilty plea on Oct. 15, 2024, to one count of possession of firearms as a felon and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle.

In a plea agreement, Current admitted he had 15 prior felony convictions, and on Sept. 26, 2022, he broke into a rural Winneshiek County home and stole eight firearms.

Current also admitted that he drove a stolen 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle from Canton, Minnesota, to the burglary scene in Iowa on that day. This motorcycle was stolen from a home in Rochester, Minnesota, on June 9, 2022. Current admitted that, during the burglary, he dropped two unscratched Minnesota lottery tickets from his pocket. Current was identified by images captured on a home camera system, and by images from the Minnesota store where Current purchased the lottery tickets.

Current was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Current was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to make $500 in restitution to the original owner of the motorcycle and $6,031.31 to the insurance company which paid for the loss of the vehicle. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program which brings together all levels of law enforcement and the com-

munities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make neighborhoods safer. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office referred and assisted with the case.

Current is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

Iowa State Patrol

Victor Manuel Vega, age 21, of St. Charles, Minnesota, was charged with possession of a controlled substance — first offense — and carrying a dangerous weapon by an ineligible person at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 near the intersection of Highway 9 and Winnmakee Road east of Decorah. A criminal complaint said Vega was initially stopped for speeding by a member of the Iowa State Patrol, who then reported an odor of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle and Vega’s person. The complaint said Vega admitted the marijuana was located in the vehicle’s glove box, and the state trooper also discovered a Glock 45 handgun in front of the driver’s seat — the gun was found to contain nine rounds. Vega was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 10:50 a.m. the same day.

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office

Ryan Gould, age 30, of Oelwein was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at approximately 8:50 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 on an arrest warrant for forgery — identity theft under $1,500. A criminal complaint said Gould used another individual’s credit card information in early January to have a package containing more than $340 of property mailed to his home in Oelwein. Law enforcement was able to intercept the package with the help of the U.S. Postal Service, and worked with the postal inspec-

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tor to identify Gould as the suspect.

Elizabeth Lesser, age 40, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 to serve two consecutive days.

A Waukon woman was cited for failure to maintain control following an accident last week in Allamakee County — an incident report said the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office was asked to assist on scene due to a potential conflict of interest, noting the vehicle collided with another which was driven by a member of the Waukon Police Department. Information from the sheriff’s office said 19-year-old Mataya Claire Sommer of Waukon was driving a 2012 Dodge Journey westward along West Main Street in Waukon, and a passenger in the vehicle told investigators Sommer lost consciousness. Sommer allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the accident, but her blood alcohol concentration had not been determined by the time the sheriff’s report was filed. The passenger attempted to take the wheel and avoid a collision, according to the sheriff’s report, but she was unsuccessful. The Journey crossed the center line and entered the south ditch before returning to the roadway and striking an oncoming 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 24-yearold Alyssa McLayne Rostad of Ossian — information from the city of Waukon listed Rostad among the members of the Waukon Police Department. No injuries were reported, and both vehicles were towed from the scene by Danny Mac’s Towing. Damage to the Tahoe was estimated at $8,000, and damage to the Journey was estimated at $5,000. Sommer was also issued a written warning for driving on the wrong side of the road.

All people listed may face charges and should be presumed innocent until their case is reviewed through the legal process.

Luther College Woman’s Club raises funds for student scholarships Luther College Woman’s Club members (left to right) Lindy Borske-Hubbard, Amy Carlson, Elise Mullen, Joy Bahnemann, Deborah Bishop and Mary Jane Maly helped distribute homemade chocolate chip cookies to Luther College students on Valentine’s Day. LCWC members collectively baked 142 dozen chocolate chip cookies for 71 students. All proceeds raised from the baking project directly fund scholarships which are awarded annually to Luther students. To date, the club has awarded more than $325,000 in student scholarships. (Photo submitted)

Decorah receives $5,000 grant to plant trees Alliant Energy named Decorah one of 32 Iowa communities to receive grants this year through the company’s Community Tree Planting program, part of its One Million Trees initiative.

The city of Decorah applied for the grant and will receive $5,000 to plant 35 trees in 2025. The Decorah Tree Board will lead the planting and support volunteers. The city plans to plant trees of eight different species on two residential boulevards currently lacking tree canopy to reduce the heat island effect in these areas.

“We are committed to serving our customers and building stronger communities,” said May Farlinger, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company and vice president of energy delivery. “Beyond the reliable and cost-effective energy services we provide, the Community Tree Planting program advances environmental stewardship and helps Decorah achieve tree restoration goals, improve energy efficiency and enjoy environmental benefits for generations to come.”

During the past three decades, Alliant Energy, in partnership with Trees Forever, has awarded nearly $44,000 to Decorah for 19 tree-planting projects around the city through the Community Tree Planting program.

In addition, Alliant Energy has partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to plant trees in Decorah through both the Residential Tree Planting Program and the Reforestation Program.

The Residential Tree Planting Program will be coming

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to Decorah on Tuesday, April 22. Landscaping trees will be available for Decorah residents for a $25 per tree fee. The trees generally retail at $75 and are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Order forms must be submitted with purchase in advance.

In total over the years, Alliant Energy and its partners have helped plant nearly 7,000 trees in Decorah.

Trees Forever partners with Alliant Energy on the One Mil-

lion Trees initiative and helps communities develop, select and plant a diverse mix of trees for the Community Tree Planting program. Since 1990, Trees Forever and Alliant Energy have awarded more than $8 million in grants and planted more than 1.1 million trees through their partnership and programs in both Iowa and Wisconsin.

To learn more about Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting program, visit alliantenergy.com/onemilliontrees.

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10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Registration open for Decorah United Soccer Club

Photos submitted

Good Shepherd Lenten Recital Series begins March 12

This year’s Lenten Recital Series at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah will feature a variety of music on three Wednesdays during Lent.

Performances will take place from 12:15-12:45 p.m. in the church sanctuary. All recitals are free and open to the public.

The series will kick off on March 12, featuring students in the organ studio of Luther College organist Alexander Meszler. Members of the organ

studio include Olivia Williams, Tara Rajanesan, Cam Moll and Aaron Claxton.On March 19, Anishka Vogel, Luther College senior music major and current Good Shepherd music intern, will perform a solo violin recital. On March 26, attendees may enjoy meditative music featuring Craig Hultgren on cello and Brooke Joyce on the piano and organ. Their program will include work by Johann Sebastian Bach, Camille Saint-

Saëns, Daniel Swilley, Craig Phillips and Brooke Joyce, who is a composer-in-residence at Luther College and cirector of music at Good Shepherd.

Hultgren is principal cellist of the Oneota Valley Community Orchestra and President of OVCO’s Board of Directors. He also serves as secretary for the Iowa Composers Forum after completing three years as chair.

WinnMed calls for community participation in health survey WinnMed is seeking community input on the health environment of northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota through an online survey.

The survey, called a Community Health Needs Assessment, is designed to gather information from the community to help guide and direct health planning activities. The data can help communities map out a course for health improve-

ment by creating strategies to make positive and sustainable changes locally.

“Hearing from you will assure we are addressing the most pressing health concerns in our region,” said Karen McLean, vice-chair of the WinnMed Board of Trustees and chair of the Quality and Patient Safety committee says. “Your responses will help shape our future plans. Let your voice be heard

so we can address the areas that are most important to you.”

The public is invited to complete the online survey March 1-31. A link to the survey can be found on the WinnMed homepage — WinnMed.org.

WinnMed officials estimated survey can be completed in approximately 10 minutes, and questions are offered in English and Spanish.

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Decorah United Soccer Club recently announced registration for the upcoming spring recreational soccer season is open.

Youth players of all skill levels are invited to join. Programs are available for players born between 2010 and 2020.

Organizers said the Decorah United Soccer Club focuses on skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship.

The spring season will kick off on March 31 and run through

May 29, with weekly practices and competitive games starting as soon as April 5.

“We are thrilled to welcome new and returning players for another exciting season,” said Teo Jube, the club’s director of coaching. “Our goal is to provide an enjoyable and educational soccer experience for all participants, fostering both athletic and personal growth.”

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register early, as

spots are limited. Registration can be completed online by visiting www.decorahunitedsoccer.com/club-progam.

The deadline to sign up is 10 p.m. March 8.

For more information about the spring season, including schedules, fees and volunteer opportunities, visit www.decorahunitedsoccer.com or contact Jube by emailing teojube@ decorahunitedsoccer.com.

Trees continued from front City officials announced in October of 2023 that Decorah had been selected to receive the grant, and Decorah Tree Board Chair Scott Timm said the funding would be used for trimming and pruning as well as planting new trees and other efforts.

“It’s pretty upsetting,” Timm said. “We were really excited and honored, because Decorah was one of the smaller communities to receive this grant, and it was really competitive. We were awarded the grant back in 2023, and we were excited, because this grant would have allowed us to get a ton of work done. Decorah is very blessed to have such a fantastic resource, and that requires maintenance.”

The tree board hired a company to create an inventory of all the trees in Decorah’s rightof-way after learning the city had been selected for the grant funding.

“Now, we might be stuck with that bill,” Timm said. “That was a $30,000 project, and to be able to see every species and every tree’s relative health was really going to set the city up for being able to create an accurate plan for the next five years as far as where we focus our efforts and how we get the maintenance

done. A lot of that maintenance work is now going to fall back on residents.”

Trees are important for communities, Timm said, because they naturally reduce heating and cooling costs in addition to filtering air and water. But, the grant wasn’t only going to support trees. Timm said the loss of the grant means local people and contractors cannot be hired to do the work which needs done around town.

“It was going to provide a lot of economic development — hiring local people to do the work and outside contractors to get stuff done,” he said.

“It’s just a huge loss for the city.

That’s $630,000 of economic development that’s not going to happen.”

City Manager Travis Goedken said losing the grant was disheartening in light of how the city and tree board were planning to use the funds.

“It is extremely unfortunate, especially given how we structured this multiyear award to make efficient use of the grant dollars,” Goedken said.

In addition to losing the tree grant, Goedken is concerned about other grants for which the city has applied — such as

a $238,286 Iowa Department of Transportation grant intended to provide permanent safety improvements around town and a Federal Aviation Administration grant for the city airport’s terminal and hangar project.

Although the city has been told these grants shouldn’t be impacted, Goedken said it’s still worrisome, noting the city’s $2 million airport project is relying on 11 different grants, which total about $1.8 million.

Hogenson said the tree board’s grant hasn’t merely been paused but officially terminated.

The Decorah Tree Board will continue its work moving forward, according to Timm, but he said the grant would have help complete their work much sooner.

“It’s tedious work — removing trees, grinding stumps, planting trees, maintaining those trees, watering them,” he said. “All of that is work that the volunteer tree board does because we love it, and we’re grateful that the city sees this as a priority. We’ve done a lot of good work, and we should be very proud of what we’ve done.

This is just a big setback.”

Civil rights continued from front said the current total cost of such surgeries sits at more than twice the $1 million funding request he himself submitted this year as part of a bill to incentivize healthy eating for Iowans on food assistance programs.

The measure was decried by Democrats and hundreds of protesters who gathered at the state Capitol last week, who said the proposal will legalize discrimination against transgender Iowans. Klimesh pointed out most U.S. states don’t specifically list transgender individuals as a protected group.

“To those who would say this change will lead to massive discrimination, I would point out that lowa will now join 28 other states that never had these provisions in their code, and widespread discrimination does not exist in those states,” Klimesh said.

Republicans in the Iowa House weren’t quite as united in their support of SF-418 as their counterparts in the state Senate were. The House passed the bill 60-36, with five Republicans joining House Democrats in their opposition. State Rep. Michael Bergan, R - Dorchester, whose district includes Decorah, was among the GOP lawmakers who voted against the bill — Bergan was unable to return comment ahead of press time Tuesday. He was joined by fellow Republican Reps. Austin Harris, Brian Lohse, Norlin Mommsen and David Sieck.

Reynolds says the bill protects women In a statement Friday, Reynolds said she signed the bill into law because it “safeguards the rights of women and girls.” She said it is “common sense to acknowledge the obvious biological differences between men and women.”

“It is why we have men and women’s bathrooms, but not men and women’s conference rooms; girls’ and boys’ sports, but not girls’ math and boys’ math; separate men and women’s prisons, but not different laws for men and women,” the

governor said in a statement.

“It is about the biological differences, and that is all. It is also why Iowa has enacted laws protecting girls’ sports for girls and women’s private spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.”

But Reynolds said laws passed in the state prohibiting transgender women from competing in women’s school sports and banning transgender people from using school locker rooms and restrooms that conflict with their sex assigned at birth are at risk because of the presence of “gender identity” as a protected class in Iowa’s civil rights code. She also referenced a court decision stating that a state law denying Medicaid coverage for gender-confirming surgeries violates the Iowa Constitution and the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The governor said some Iowans may be uninformed about what the law will do.

“I know this is a sensitive issue for some, many of whom have heard misinformation about what this bill does,” Reynolds said. “The truth is that it simply brings Iowa in line with the federal Civil Rights Code, as well as most states.”

Reynolds did not hold a public bill signing event or allow media coverage of the signing.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, there are currently 23 states that provide protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in state law.

Max Mowitz, executive director of the LGBTQ advocacy group One Iowa, said Reynolds “has chosen to put Iowa on the wrong side of history.”

“By signing this bill into law, she has made it legal to discriminate against transgender Iowans in nearly every aspect of life — where they live, where they work, and where they go to school,” Mowitz said. “This law sends a devastating message: that transgender Iowans are not worthy of the same rights, dignity, and protections as their neighbors.”

Reynolds said she believes all

Iowans “without exception, deserves respect and dignity.”

“We are all children of God, and no law changes that,” the governor said. “What this bill does accomplish is to strengthen protections for women and girls, and I believe that is the right thing to do.”

But Mowitz said the legislation will have substantial impacts on transgender Iowans’ ability to live life and participate in society free from fears about being denied housing, employment or service at businesses because of their gender.

“No one should have to live in fear of being denied housing, fired from their job, or excluded from public life simply because of who they are,” Mowitz said.

“Transgender Iowans are part of every community in this state — our families, our workplaces, our schools, our places of worship. They deserve the same safety, stability, and opportunity as anyone else. This law will cause real harm, making daily life harder and more uncertain for countless Iowans who simply want to live openly and authentically. History will not look kindly on this moment.”

Legal challenges to the law are expected.

Editor’s note: This report was written using information from an earlier article authored by Robin Opsahl of the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Opsahl’s original article included coverage of the bill’s language and progress through the legislature as well statements released by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Max Mowitz with One Iowa. The Decorah Leader chose to seek additional comment from area legislators, specifically State Rep. Michael Bergan and State Sen. Michael Klimesh, before local publication. The original article can be viewed by visiting iowacapitaldispatch. com/2025/02/28/gov-kim-reynolds-signs-bill-repealing-civilrights-protections-for-genderidentity.

PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING -PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Proposed DECORAH Property Tax Levy Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 Location of Public Hearing: Central Administrative Office, 1732 Old Stage Road, Decorah

Date of Public Hearing: 3/24/2025

Time of Public Hearing: 12:00 PM

Location of Notice on School Website: www.decorah.k12.ia.us At the public hearing any resident or taxpayer may present oral or written objections to, or arguments in favor of the proposed tax levy.

After the hearing of the proposed tax levy, the Board will publish notice and hold a hearing on the proposed budget.

Budget Year Current Year Budget Year Effective Property Tax Dollar Levy Final Property Tax Dollar Levy Proposed Property Tax Dollar Levy (No change in Property Tax Dollars Levied) FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2026 General Fund Levy 1 7,891,485 7,891,485 8,300,850 Instructional Support Levy 2 39,480 39,480 14,668 Management 3 1,040,037 1,040,037 691,821 Amana Library 4 0 0 0 Voted Physical Plant and Equipment 5 1,187,242 1,187,242 1,224,640 Regular Physical Plant and Equipment 6 292,380 292,380 301,591 Reorganization Equalization 7 0 0 0 Public Education/Recreation (Playground) 8 0 0 0 Debt Service 9 390,789 390,789 1,779,732 10 10,841,413 10,841,413 12,313,302 Grand Total Budget Year Effective Property Tax Rate (No change in Property Tax Dollars Levied) FY 2026 12.31290 11.94478

Current Year Final Property Tax Rate FY 2025 Grand Total Levy Rate

Budget Year Proposed Property Tax Rate FY 2026 13.55588

Current Year Proposed Percent Change Property Taxes Property Taxes Residential property with an 571 707 23.82 Actual/Assessed Value of $100,000/$110,000 Commercial property with an 2,518 3,160 25.50 Actual/Assessed Value of $300,000/$330,000 Note: Actual/Assessed Valuation is multiplied by a Rollback Percentage to get to the Taxable Valuation to calculate Property Taxes. Residential and Commercial properties have the same Rollback Percentage at $150,000 Actual/Assessed Valuation. The Proposed Property taxes assume a 10% increase in property values for the year as a comparison to the current year.

Reasons for tax increase if proposed exceeds the current: Property Tax is based on 0% State Supplemental Aid and a proposed bond issue principal and interest payment for a new elementary building.

Property Tax Comparison

Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT, IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY (JUVENILE DIVISION) IN THE INTEREST OF JUVENILE NO. JVJV002015 A Child.

TO: ANY AND ALL PUTATIVE FATHERS YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the above court, a petition in the above-entitled action, a copy of which is attached hereto, which prays for a termination of your parent-child relationship with the above-named child pursuant to Subchapter IV of Iowa Code Chapter 232.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a hearing to determine whether your parental rights should be terminated to the child in interest pursuant to Iowa Code Section 232.117 shall be held before the Juvenile Court on the 9th day of April, 2025, at 9:00 AM, in the Juvenile Courtroom of the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa. If you fail to appear and defend at said time and place, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

If you need assistance to participate in Court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator at (319)833-3332. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800- 735-2942). Disability Coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

THIS CASE HAS BEEN FILED IN A COUNTY THAT USES ELECTRONIC FILING. You must register to eFile through the Iowa Judicial Branch website at https://www. iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile and obtain a log in and password for filing and viewing documents in your case and for receiving service and notices from the court.

• For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 Pertaining to the Use of the Electronic Document Management System, available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.

• For court rules on the Protection of Personal Privacy in court filings, refer to Division VI of the Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16.

• If you are unable to proceed electronically, you must receive permission from the court to file in paper. Contact the clerk of court in the county where the petition was filed for more information on being excused from electronic filing.

NOTE: The attorney who is expected to represent the child’s parent should be promptly advised by the parent of the service of this notice.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 20, 27 & March 6, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALLEN F. KRUMME DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016348 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To Johnathan M. Krumme YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 20th day of November, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Allen F. Krumme, deceased, bearing date of January 19, 2017, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Jacqueline V. Jessen was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 21st day of February, 2025.

Jacqueline V. Jessen Executor of Estate 182 Church Street Elmhurst, IL 60126 Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dan.fretheim@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of third publication: March 13, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27 & March 6 & 13, 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JURISDICTION OF CITY OF DECORAH Decorah 2025 Heivly Street Improvements TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: You are hereby given notice that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Decorah on the proposed contract documents and proposed improvements for the Decorah 2025 Heivly Street Improvements at its meeting at 5:45 P.M. on March 17, 2025, at City Hall in Decorah, Iowa.

The public hearing may be attended virtually using the meeting information provided in this notice and as posted in the City of Decorah City Council agenda.

The meeting can be joined virtually by computer or smartphone at: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/84798302398?pwd=GcIeqXQCDFfO6Iijs6WvG2rzrmqTdi.1 Meeting ID: 847 9830 2398 Passcode: 141930 The scope of the project includes pavement removal, replacement of sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer utilities, concrete paving, hot mix asphalt paving, and sidewalk removal and replacement.

The project location(s) is as follows: Heivly Street from Julian Street to River Street; all in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa.

At the meeting the City Council will consider the plans, specifications, cost estimate, and contract proposals. The City Council will also act upon the contract proposals and decide whether to enter into a contract for the project improvements.

Any person(s) interested may attend the meeting for the purpose of expressing their opinion regarding the plans, specifications, cost estimate, or the contract proposals.

This Notice is given by authority of the City of Decorah.

Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6, 2025

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EULALIA PATRICIA MADRIGUERA, DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR 016361 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Eulalia Patricia Madriguera, Deceased, who died on or about December 1, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 23rd day of January, 2025, the undersigned was appointed Administrator of the estate.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 6th day of February, 2025.

Michael J. Sagnella, Administrator 366 Washington St. Decorah IA 52101 Miller Law Office, P.L.C. Jon Specht AT0012576 Attorney for Executor 301 West Broadway, P. O. Box 28 Decorah, IA 52101 Telephone: (563) 382-4226 Facsimile: (563) 382-3783 Date of second publication: March 6, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader February 27 & March 6, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN C. FRANZEN, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016377 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of John C. Franzen, Deceased, who died on or about February 4, 2025: You are hereby notified that on February 24, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of John C. Franzen, deceased, bearing date of August 16, 2023 , was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Mae M. Schmitt was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Mae M. Schmitt, Executor of Estate 3165 Highway 24 Waucoma, IA 52171 Andrew J. Casper, ICIS#: AT0013035 Attorney for Executor Putnam, Thompson & Casper, P.L.L.C. 801 Commerce Drive, Suite 1 P. O. Box 70 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: March 13, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6 & 13, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Jillian Teresa Garcia, Petitioner, vs.

Waleska Paola Pastor Junech and Luis Wilfredo Zamora Sitan, or any interested party, Respondent.

No. JGJV002017, ORIGINAL NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENTS: You are notified that a petition was filed in the office of the clerk of this court naming you as a respondent in this action.

This action is a petition to establish a guardianship for minor child Luis Abimael Zamora Pastor, and prays for the following relief: an order granting the Petitioner a guardianship of Luis Abimael Zamora Pastor, a finding that it is not in Luis Abimael Zamora Pastor’s best interest to return to Guatemala; a finding that Luis Abimael Zamora Pastor cannot be reunited with the Respondent due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar reason under state law.

The attorney for the Petitioner is Isaac Medina, whose address is Malott Law PLC, 1934 Boyrum Street, Iowa City, Iowa. The attorney’s telephone number is 319-358-1900; facsimile number 319-358-1902.

This matter is set for hearing on April 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Winneshiek County Courthouse, 201 W Main Street, Decorah, IA 52101. You must serve a motion or answer on or that date, and, within a reasonable time thereafter, file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Winneshiek County, at the courthouse in Decorah, Iowa. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call your district ADA coordinator at 319-398-3920, ext.1105.

If you are hearing impaired, please call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942.

IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS. Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6, 13 & 20, 2025 Spillville Special Meeting Minutes The Spillville City Council held a special meeting at the Spillville City Hall at 6:00 PM. on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Mayor Wermers called the meeting to order at 6:00 with the following councilmen present Backes, Kelsay, Straube and Schmitt. Absent, Taylor.

Motion by Straube. second by Backes to approve the consent agenda which only included the minutes of the previous meeting.

Voice vote, Ayes unanimous, Nayes none.

Motion carried.

Lori Shatek and Matt Frana discussed projects in the community that include wild flower plantings to see if the council had any objections to these projects. There were no objections.

Discussed the progress of the water project and including legal fees in the loan. Motion

by Straube, second by Kelsay to submit legal fees for reimbursement to be added to the SRF loan as needed. Voice vote, Ayes unanimous, Nayes none. Motion carried.

Received an annexation update.

Tom Straube and Darrell Schmitt were appointed to the Finance Committee.

City Clerk interviews will be conducted Monday, March 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

The Turkey River Corridor Map located at the Cresco Nature Center will include the Spillville river accesses.

Discussed the 2026 budget.

Motion by Backes, second by Schmitt to adopt Resolution 25-2-1 setting the public hearing for the Max Tax Levy for April 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Voice vote, Ayes unanimous, Nayes none. Motion carried.

Motion by Backes, second by Schmitt to hold the regular April council meeting April 1, 2025 at 6:10 p.m. Voice vote, Ayes unanimous, Nayes none. Motion carried.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Straube to adjourn. Roll call vote: unanimous. Motion Carried.

Meeting adjourned 7:23 pm.

Attest: Joane Kulish, Interim City Clerk Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6, 2025

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID ALAN RYAN, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016365 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DAVID ALAN RYAN, Deceased, who died on or about April 19, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 29th day of January, 2025, the undersigned was appointed as Executor of the estate.

Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 5th day of February, 2025.

Tracy Ryan, Executor 3566 236th Ave. Decorah, IA 52101 MILLER LAW OFFICE, P.L.C. Jon Specht AT0012576 ATTORNEY FOR EXECUTOR 301 West Broadway, P.O. Box 28 Decorah, Iowa 52101 Telephone: (563) 382-4226 Facsimile: (563) 382-3783 Email: jspecht@millerlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: March 13, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6 & 13, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE Echo Development plans to submit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to be covered under the NPDES General Permit Number 2 “Storm Water Discharge Associated with Residential Activity for Construction Activities.”

The Storm Water discharged from the proposed Commercial Subdivision is located in the SW ¼ of Section 30, Township 98 N, Range 7 W in Winneshiek County, Iowa.

Storm Water will be discharged from a single point source south through unnamed creeks toward Trout Creek.

Comments may be submitted to the Storm Water Discharge Coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034.The public may review the Notice of Intent from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at the above address after it has been received by the department.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6, 2025

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH WAYNE KRAMME DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016374 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Kenneth Wayne Kramme, Deceased, who died on or about February 10, 2025: You are hereby notified that on February 21, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of Kenneth Wayne Kramme, deceased, bearing date of September 25, 2000, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Roger Kramme and Becky Monroe were appointed Co-Executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated March 3, 2025.

Roger Kramme, Co-Executor 119 Mill St. Spilville, IA 52168 Becky Monroe, Co-Executor 1363 135th St. Castalia, IA 52133 Andrew P. Nelson, ICIS# AT0005669 Attorney for Co-Executors Meyer, Lorentzen & Nelson 101 1/2 E. Water Street, P.O. Box 126 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: March 13, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader March 6 & 13, 2025

11

Contact us: ecora

563-382-4221 110 Washington Street, Suite 4, Decorah, IA 52101 Seth Boyes Editor...........................................................................................editor@decorahleader.com Denise Lana Staff Writer ..............................................................denise.lana@decorahleader.com Roz Weis Staff Writer ............................................................................... roz.weis@decorahleader.com Zach Jensen Staff Writer ............................................................... zach.jensen@decorahleader.com Becky Walz Sports Editor ..............................................................becky.walz@decorahleader.com Megan Warner Advertising Representative ............megan.warner@decorahleader.com Lynn Ninos Subscriptions & Classified Advertising..............lynn.ninos@decorahleader.com Olivia Martinez Accounting ...............................................olivia.martinez@decorahleader.com Samantha Ludeking Production Manager .. samantha.ludeking@decorahleader.com Kayla Thompson Production..........................................kayla.thompson@decorahleader.com Crystal Busch Production ............................................................crystal.busch@decorahleader.com

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Academic Achievements Moonen named to University of Alabama fall 2024 Deans List

The University of Alabama recently named Maxwell Moonen of Ossian to its Deans List for fall semester of 2024.

A total of 14,631 students were named to either the university’s dean’s list, with an academic record of 3.5 or above, or to its president’s list, with an academic record of 4.0. The dean’s and president’s lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.

Nius named to Augustana College’s fall Dean’s List

Decorah’s Michael Njus was recently named to Augustana College’s fall semester Dean’s List. Nius is majoring in history and political science. The college named more than 1,200 to the Dean’s List for the 20242025 fall semester. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.

Luther College’s leadership announced the promotion of Matt Beatty ’03 to the permanent position of vice president for enrollment, effective Feb. 1, and the return of current vice president Karen Hunt to a new role at Luther as senior consultant for admissions and financial aid.

Both Luther’s President Pavlovec named to Jenifer K. Ward and PresiRipon College dent-elect Brad Chamberlain Dean’s List Upper Iowa University informed Luther’s campus of Ripon College recently anthe changes on Friday morning. Matt Beatty has served as announces Fall 2024 nounced its Dean’s List for the “I am deeply honored and Luther College’s vice pres- Dean’s List fall 2024 semester. Among the excited for the opportunity to ident for enrollment as of Upper Iowa University re- honorees was Allison Pavlovec serve Luther College as its next Feb. 1. (Photo submitted) cently announced its Dean’s of Decorah, a junior majoring vice president for enrollment,” List for the 2024 fall semester. in history and political science.

Beatty said. “This is a special Among the honorees were: To qualify for the Dean’s List at institution and means a great missions and, in partnership Calmar: Chance Adam and Ripon College, students must deal to so many people. My with Hunt and greater campus Brooke Steffans. Decorah: achieve a 3.4 grade point averheartfelt gratitude goes to Pres- collaboration, has played what Jade Frye, Kylah Quandahl and age or higher on a 4.0 scale and ident Ward and President-elect college officials called an im- Jackson Rolfs. Ft. Atkinson: complete at least 12 credits of Chamberlain for their trust and portant role in achieving Lu- Eryn Sabelka. Ossian: Luke regular letter-graded works. Riconfidence in me, as well as to ther’s increase in first-year en- Knutson, Trey Kriener and John pon College is a private liberal VP Hunt and campus partners rollment for the fall of 2024.

Monroe. Postville: Vanessa arts and science institution nesfor their unwavering support In the late spring of 2024, Becerra. Waucoma: Christian tled in Ripon, Wisconsin. and collaboration over the past Ward and Hunt began working Cutsforth and Rolin Schmitt. two years. I look forward to on a succession plan, including Waukon: Mandy O’Neill.

Area students among building on our shared commit- talks with Beatty. In August, To be honored, a student must ment to this incredible institu- Hunt’s unexpected medical have earned a minimum 3.50 Iowa State’s fall tion and its future.” leave led to Beatty’s elevation grade point average and be en- graduates More than 1,600 graduates Hunt came to Luther in 2021– as acting vice president. rolled as a full-time student. received degrees from Iowa 22 as interim enrollment chief “His performance has conof staff, then agreed to work firmed the original succession with Luther for two enrollment plan, and through his work this HELP WANTED cycles. College officials said fall, he has earned this new role her progress in rebuilding and by experience and example,” stabilizing the enrollment di- Ward said. “We are delighted vision has begun to yield div- that he has accepted the call $1,000 SIGNING BONUS idends. Hunt agreed to extend as the next vice president. We her role into a third recruiting are equally heartened that VP cycle last year and, along with Hunt has agreed to stay on in a President Ward, began work to phased consulting role through $1,000 SIGNING BONUS identify a successor for Hunt.

October to continue working Enjoy working outside and looking “I have the utmost confidence with Dr. Beatty and provide Decorah, IA • 563-382-2953 for a change? We provide on the in Dr. Beatty’s ability to build support for ongoing initiatives www.olsonexplosives.com job training! Class A or B CDL

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Enjoy working outside and looking we’ve laid,” Hunt said. “Matt’s throughout the transition.” will help you get one.

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employer resume to Athletic Director Adam Riley and this exceptional team, I am

at adam.riley@decorah.school, by the confident that we will continend of the day March 12, 2025. ue to enhance our institution’s The Decorah Community School District commitment to student sucis an EEO/AA employer 10-2-DL-12 cess.”

To apply send a resume and cover Beatty joined the college’s letter to Athletic Director Adam Decorah Community send a letter of application and Riley at.adam.riley@decorah.school Enrollment Division in Please the fall Schools 2024-2025 $1,000 SIGNING BONUS resume to Athletic Director Adam Riley or apply at Teach lowa https:// of 2022 as the directorat of adadam.riley@decorah.school, by the tinyurl.com/HSABGWC.Application

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State University this fall. Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held Dec. 20-21 at Hilton Coliseum. Among the recent graduates were: Calmar: Gina Marie Mashek: Bachelor of Science, dairy science. Celia Judith Neuzil: Bachelor of Science, animal ecology, environmental science summa cum laude, University Honors Program. Decorah: Austin Bulman: Bachelor of Science, agricultural systems technology. Conner Ray Cook: Bachelor of Science, software engineering, summa cum laud.

Abby Rachel Frieden: Bachelor of Science, elementary education, magna cum laude. Seth Richard Shindelar: Bachelor of Science, construction engineering. Katie Mary Ann Valkosky: Bachelor of Arts, biological/ pre-medical illustration

U of I announces 2024 fall semester President’s List

the University of Iowa were named to the dean’s list for the 2024 fall semester. Among the honorees were: Calmar: Shaun Klimesh.

Cresco: Macie Mashek, Nicole Pecinovsky, Hayden Rempfer and Parker Rice.

Decorah: Hannah Abbey, Annaleissa Arnold, Kody Bodensteiner, Chloe Dixon, Amanda Kavan, Jenna Lundtvedt, Olivia Mettille, Sami Mount, Emma Nierengarten, Hannah Schnitzler, Naomi Simon, Brynn Storhoff, Marquelle Stoskopf, Emma Wold and Kaiden Youngblood. Fort Atkinson: Russell Nieman. Ossian: Rachel Meyer. Waukon: Hailey Fahey, Ryan Kolsrud, Katerina Kovarik, Berlin Troendle and Betsy Anderson.

CARDS OF THANKS

Thank You

More than 1,000 students at the University of Iowa were named to the President’s List for the 2024 fall semester. Among the honorees were Kendra Bigler of Decorah and Marisa Mueterthies of Waucoma.

U of I announces 2024 fall semester Dean’s List

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More than 8,700 students at

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The Decorah Public Library is accepting applications for a parttime, approximately 32 hours a week, Circulation Assistant position. The ideal candidate will be an empathetic, detail-oriented, proactive individual who can provide exceptional hospitality and customer service to library users.

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and at least three years of relevant professional experience, as well as the ability to work weekday hours between 8:00am-5:00pm. Position subject to post-offer physical examination including drug testing, background check, and motor vehicle records check.

For more information and a complete job description see www.decorahia.org or call 563-382-3717. Send application, resume, cover letter, and a minimum of three professional, work-related references to: Tricia Gunderson, Circulation Manager, Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St., Decorah IA 52101 or tgunderson@decorahlibrary.org. Applications accepted until 5:00 p.m. March 19, 2025. Desired start date April 7, 2025. Starting wage $17.43/hr. Prorated benefit package offered. M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer.

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| THURSDAY, | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221 LEADER MARCH 6, 2025 6DECORAH Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, October 5, 2023

13

MARCH 9-15, 2025

Celebrate Girl Scout Week Sunday, March 9

Girl Scout Week honors a legacy of making the world a better place

4-8PM at Culvers in Decorah

Girl Scouts to celebrate organization’s 113th birthday this month

Girl Scout Sunday & Winneshiek County Troops Fundraiser 10% of all proceeds benefit Winneshiek County Girl Scouts

Wednesday, March 12 Girl Scouts’ Birthday

Friday, March 14 Girl Scout Jummah & Girl Scout Sabbath

Girl Scout Cookies available til March 23

The 113th anniversary of the Girl Scouts’ founding will be recognized on March 12.

The celebration will commemorate the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization’s first 18 members in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scout Week is a birthday celebration for the organization, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath on a Saturday.

2025 Girl Scout Week: • March 9: Girl Scout Sunday • March 12: Girl Scouts’ Birthday • March 14: Girl Scout Jummah and Girl Scout Sabbath Girl Scouts Celebrate Faith events give Girl Scouts an opportunity to be recognized at their places of worship during Girl Scout Week, share their legacy of service to others and deepen their connection to their

faith and Girl Scouting.

For 112 years, Girl Scouts have found a way to dream big and do good. At a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote and were expected to stick to strict social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game-changing. Over the past century, that small circle of girls has grown to include millions of Girl Scout alumnae. Today’s Girl Scouts are still focused on empowering their futures. From tackling mental health challenges faced by youth to encouraging screen-free outdoor education to preparing girls for career fields underrepresented by women, Girl Scouts as a movement continues to evolve.

Supporters of Girl Scouts are invited to celebrate Girl Scouts’ 113th Birthday.

However, organizers noted there is no need

to make a cake. Girl Scout Cookies are still available for purchase through March 23.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges — whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike, advocate for climate justice or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit www.GirlScoutsToday.org.

Clockwise from top left:

Troop 1165 and Troop 4225 cookie booth; Troop 1165 skiing at Sun Down Mountain; #1 Daisy Troop; Lizzy Snitker (Troop 1165) with her blue LEGO flower; Marylu Spragg (Troop 1165) with her pink LEGO Flower; Amerra Carver (Troop 1165) working on a badge; Taylor Vick with a panda at the cookie rally.

Photos submitted

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14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Quilters’ Guild show headed to Branson

A quilt exhibit created by members of the Northeast Iowa Quilters’ Guild will be going on the road again.

The show, inspired by the 2022 Seed Savers Exchange catalog, appeared at the NEIQG Quilt Show in October of 2022 and travelled to a number of locations during 2023 — the Seed Savers Visitors Center in April, the Minnesota Quilters State Show in St. Cloud in June, and at the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show in Madison that September.

A special exhibit of 22 of

the quilts has now been selected to appear at the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek in Branson, Missouri. The show will run March 12-15. The show is open to the public for a fee.

Local quilters who created quilts for the display are Marilyn Bassford, Margie DeBower, Mike Ellingsen, Cathy Evelsizer, Mary Glock, Jarret Johnson, Beth Landas, Carol Maki, Roxanne Schnitzler, Nancy Sojka, Karen Tjossem and Sweet Young from Decorah; Marty Berda from Elgin; Roberta Hass from McGregor; Elaine Kipp

Photos submitted from Fort Atkinson; Arlene Klatt from Fayette; Peg Lerch from West Union; Connie Putnam from Monona; and Julie Rotach from Waukon.

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stalling the exhibit at the Branson Convention Center, and Nancy Sojka will dismantle the exhibit. The quilts will then be returned to their owners after almost three years of touring.

Kubiaczyk-Adler to perform at 2025 Luther College Benefactor’s Organ Recital

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Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler, an expert on the modern and historical organ repertoire of central and eastern Europe, will perform during Luther College’s annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 in the main hall of Luther College’s Center for Faith and Life. The recital is free and open to the public.

Kubiaczyk-Adler is a concert organist, pianist, conductor, artistic director and educator. Currently, she is director of ministries in music and arts and organist at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Her performances engage audiences with their bold interpretations, refreshing rhythmic vigor and deep sense of musical style,” said Alexander Meszler, assistant professor of music at Luther College. “We are thrilled to welcome her for what is sure

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Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler is an expert on the modern and historical organ repertoire of central and eastern Europe. She will perform a program titled “Organ Music of Eastern Europe and the Americas” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 in the main hall of Luther College’s Center for Faith and Life. (Photo submitted) to be an inspiring recital and for our students to have the opportunity to work with her.”

In her March 9 program, titled “Organ Music of Eastern Europe and the Americas,”

Kubiaczyk-Adler will explore early music from eastern Europe, American composers influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach, and works by 20th and 21st century women composers

from both regions. The program will include music by Johann Gottfried Müthel, Johannes Fischer of Morąg, Adam of Wągrowiec, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Ramon Noble, Brenda Portman, Florence Beatrice Price and Lesia Vasylivna Dychko. The recital will also feature a partially improvised piece by Jacob Adler, which was influenced by the jazz movement.

The annual Benefactor’s Organ Recital features artists of international caliber on Luther’s 42-stop Robert Sipe Organ in the Center for Faith and Life.

The concert is meant to provide an inspirational role model for current and prospective students who wish to pursue organ or church music study at Luther, as well as offer the community a high-quality concert.

The recital is made possible through the Kathryn Ulvilden Moen ‘41 Organ Fund and the William B. Kuhlman Endowment.

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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 line cast 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.”

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Kegler duo honored

Viking quartet garners NEIC honors Claiming the final Northeast Iowa Conference crown, the Decorah girls basketball team has more to celebrate as four of its own received nods from the league on the league teams recently.

Claire Storhoff and Brooklyn Fromm earned first team honors while Renae Wilson and Sydney Thompson were recognized for their efforts on the second team.

For Storhoff it’s the second time she’s been named to the first team despite a season-ending injury midseason. Through the 14 games the sophomore competed in, Storhoff was third in steals with 49, averaging 3.5 steals a night. In addition she was fifth in points in the NEIC and topped the Viking chart with 209, averaging 14.9 points a game. She also had 37 assists and 66 rebounds (51 defensive, 15 offensive).

Second in scoring for Decorah was Fromm with 201 total points scored, an average of 8.7 per game, finishing with a 41.1 field goal percentage in the NEIC which was fifth best.

Fromm reigned in a total of

Claire Storhoff Sophomore First Team All-NEIC

Brooklyn Fromm Junior First Team All-NEIC

98 rebounds (79 defensive, 19 offensive) and took over as a point guard when Storhoff was injured. The junior provided 42 assists, 33 steals and 10 blocked shots.

It’s first time accolades for the junior duo of Wilson and Thompson.

Wilson stepped into a starting position late in the season after providing profitable minutes off the bench earlier. She compiled 14 blocked shots, the fourth

Sydney Thompson Junior Second Team All-NEIC

most in the NEIC and was sixth in the league (second for the Vikings) in total boards with 124 which including 70 defensive and 54 offensive rebounds. Wilson put up 6.1 points per game (140 total) to go with 21 assists and 16 steals.

Hitting 25.2 percent from behind the arc, Thompson led the league in three pointers made with 36, scoring a total of 187 points (8.9 points per game) during the season. She

15

Renae Wilson Junior Second Team All-NEIC

also pulled in 78 rebounds (63 defensive, 15 offensive), dished out 32 assists and had 23 steals.

All-NEIC Girls Basketball Team First team - Charlie Curtis, Jr., Crestwood; Kira McCormick, Sr., Waukon; Ava Leichtman, So., New Hampton; Claire Storhoff, So., Decorah; Brooklyn Fromm, Jr., Decorah Second team - Lydia Williams, Sr., Crestwood; Mea Shelton, So., Crestwood; Reese McCormick, Sr., Waukon; Elle Wilkins, Jr., Waukon; Cora Schwickerath, Sr., New Hampton; Renae Wilson, Jr., Decorah; Sydney Thompson, Jr., Decorah

Decorah high school juniors Cain Monreal-Rice and Karlie Einck have been named to the IGCA and Iowa High School Bowling Karlie Einck Coaches As- Cain Monreal-Rice Junior Junior sociation’s First All-District First All-District All-District Second Team All-State First Team All-State and AllState teams.

Monreal-Rice, who was a member of the Class 2A state runner-up team finished the 2024-25 season with Decorah’s highest game (279) and highest series (502), averaging 219.44 per game for the Vikes, earning first team all-district in the east division and a second team all-state nod.

Einck, received first team honors in both the east district and all state after finishing fourth in the Class 2A individual bowling tournament and helping the Vikings to a third place team finish at state. She averaged 195.50 pins per game with a high game of 237 and a 426 high series for the season.

Class 2A Boys All-District Team (East) First team – Trey VanWyk, Sr., Oskaloosa; Brycen Lawrence, Sr., Clinton; Charlie Pelham, Sr., Clinton; Ethan Potter, Sr., Western Dubuque; Cain Monreal-Rice, Jr., Decorah; Zach Lyness, Sr., Central DeWitt Class 2A Girls All-District Team (East) First team – Jaelynn Ketterer, Jr., Keokuk; Sophia Rule, Sr., Keokuk; Karlie Einck, Jr., Decorah; Monica Coppa, Sr., Marion; Sidney Thompson, Jr., Oskaloosa; Lindy Dhuse, Jr., North Scott

Area girls tagged with All-UIC honors

Addison Steinlage Turkey Valley, Junior First Team All-UIC

Bella Stika Turkey Valley, Soph.

First Team All-UIC

Five Turkey Valley and three South Winn girls were recently named to the All-Upper Iowa Conference girls basketball teams for the work on the court during the 2024-25 season.

Two for the Trojans Turkey Valley’s Addison Steinlage and Bella Stika reigned in unanimous first team honors having led the Trojans to a share of the Upper Iowa Conference crown.

Steinlage, the Trojans’ junior point guard, finished fourth in the league in total points with 276, averaging 12.5 per game.

She was second on the squad in steals with 56 and handed out 47 assists while pulling down 85 total rebounds (47 defensive,

Karissa Wenthold Ellaney Bodensteiner South Winn, Senior Turkey Valley, Soph.

Second Team All-UIC Second Team All-UIC

38 offensive).

A force under the basket, Stika led all UIC rebounders by over 100, hauling in 324 boards during her sophomore campaign. She had 174 offensive and 150 defensive rebounds, averaging 14.1 a game. In addition, she was third in steals in the league with 76 and was seventh in scoring with 236 total points (10.3 ppg). Stika also had 43 assists and nine blocked shots.

Nods on second team South Winn senior Karissa Wenthold and Trojan sophomore Ellaney Bodensteiner were named to the second team this season.

For Wenthold it’s her second

time on the UIC second team as she became the Warriors’ all-time leader in three pointers with 107 during her career in the South Winn uniform, hitting 29 this season – fifth best in the league. Wenthold led all Warriors in scoring with a total of 183 points (8.0 ppg) and had the most steals with 57 and assists with 40 for SW in addition to handling 73 total rebounds (49 defensive, 24 offensive).

Stepping into a varsity position, Bodensteiner made an impact for the Trojans as the third-leading rebounder with 99 total boards (51 offensive, 48 defensive) and 20 blocked shots. Offensively, Bodensteiner put up 128 points, fourth best on the TV squad to go with 11

Allison Hageman Vanessa Bullerman Delaney Busta South Winn, Senior South Winn, Fresh. Turkey Valley, Senior Hon. Mention All-UIC Hon. Mention All-UIC Hon. Mention All-UIC steals and eight assists.

Honorable mentions Two members of each team in the Upper Iowa Conference are recognized on the honorable mention list, and this year it was South Winn’s Allison Hageman and Vanessa Bullerman, along with TV’s Delaney Busta and Emersyn Hoffert getting the nods – all are first time honorees.

Hageman, a senior, provided sound defensive support for the Warriors, coming away with 35 steals and 58 total rebounds (40 defensive, 18 offensive), along with contributing 48 points and 20 assists.

With her freshman season under her feet, Bullerman fin-

Warrior, Trojan boys earn UIC nods

Matson Winings South Winn, Junior First Team All-UIC

Braiden Todd Carson Streeter Logan Busta South Winn, Junior South Winn, Junior Turkey Valley, Junior Second Team All-UIC Second Team All-UIC Second Team All-UIC

Five South Winn and three Turkey Valley athletes were recently named to the All-Upper Iowa Conference boys basketball teams for their efforts during the 2024-25 season.

First team accolade For the second time, Matson Winings was placed on the first team in the Upper Iowa Conference. The junior finished the season second in scoring for the Warriors with 265 total, averaging 17.7 points a game with a 55 percent field goal percentage.

He also averaged 6.5 rebounds a night, pulling down 98 total boards (59 defensive, 39 offensive) to go with 21 blocked shots, 23 assists and 20 steals.

Second team awards Two Warriors — Braiden Todd and Carson Streeter — and one Trojan, Logan Busta, were named to the UIC second team.

Todd, an honorable mention selection a year ago, moves up to the second team as No. 4 on the assist chart in the league with 118. The junior also claimed 62 steals which was fifth best in the conference while being the Warriors’ leading scorer with 307 total points (13.3 ppg). He was second in rebounding for South Winn with 72 defensive and 39 offensive boards.

Through the 16 games played

by Streeter before an injury, the junior scored 262 total points

and averaged 16.4 points a night, to finish third on the Warrior stat sheet. He also contributed 82 total rebounds (69 defensive, 13 offensive), 67 assists and 36 steals.

Busta finished his junior campaign in a tie for third in steals in the UIC with 64 as he moved up from an honorable mention nod a year ago. Draining 48 three point shots, the Trojan was second in the league and had a 49.6 effective field goal percentage. Busta completed the season with 370 total points, averaging 16.1 an outing with a 5.5 rebound per game average (126 total). Additionally he dished out 90 assists and came up with 20 blocked shots.

Honorable mention Two athletes from each UIC team were named to the honorable mention list, including South Winn seniors Nolan Sabelka and Kaden Barton-Franzen. For Turkey Valley, JD Kruse and Jordan Kriener notched their inaugural awards.

Sabelka received his second straight honorable mention nod as a guard on the Warrior squad, finishing second to Todd in assists with 73 and steals with 43.

The senior put in a total of 164 points and grabbed 76 total rebounds.

Earning his first All-UIC honor, Barton-Franzen finished in a tie for fourth in the league in blocked shots, accumulating 32. During his senior campaign he notched the top field goal percentage at 67.2 percent, putting in 198 points (8.6 ppg)

Nolan Sabelka South Winn, Senior Hon. Mention All-UIC

ished second in scoring for South Winn with 172 points to accompany 42 steals, 69 total rebounds and 24 assists.

Wrapping up her senior campaign with 113 total rebounds (61 defensive, 52 offensive), Busta was second in the category for Turkey Valley. She ended the season with 121 total points, 24 steals, 16 assists and eight blocked shots.

Hoffert concluded the year averaging 5.0 points (116 total) and 2.8 rebounds (65 total) per game to align with 20 steals, 15 blocked shots and 14 assists.

All-UIC Girls Teams First team – Emme Wikner, So., MFL MarMac; Addison Steinlage, Jr., Turkey Valley; Isabella Stika, So., Turkey Valley; Addison Winters, Jr., Kee; Rylee Mudderman, So.,

while pulling down a team-high 159 rebounds (99 defensive, 60 offensive). He also contributed 31 steals and 25 assists.

Kruse was second in the conference in total rebounds, handling 194 total boards (112 defensive, 82 offensive) and was second on the Trojan squad in scoring with 255 points, averaging 11.1 per game. The junior also came up with 45 assists and 37 steals.

Kriener, a sophomore, racked up 219 total points in his first varsity season, averaging 9.5 points per game, along with a 6.1 rebounds per game (140 total). He was also second best for the Trojans in steals with 40 to go with 20 assists.

All-UIC Boys Teams First team - Dalton Mudderman, Sr., Kee; Jordan Cota, Sr., Kee; Parker Kuehl, Sr., MFL MarMac; Cael Reichter, Sr., North Fayette

Emersyn Hoffert Turkey Valley, Soph.

Hon. Mention All-UIC

Kee; Kaelyn Elsbernd, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Amyra Millard, Sr., Clayton Ridge Second team – Ava Kishman, Sr., MFL MarMac; Emma Driscoll, So., MFL MarMac; Ellaney Bodensteiner, So., Turkey Valley; Lillian Kolsrud, Jr., Kee; Lexi McGowan, So., North Fayette Valley; Karissa Wenthold, Sr., South Winn; Blair Scherf, Fr., Central Elkader Honorable Mention – Delaney Busta, Sr., Turkey Valley; Emersyn Hoffert, So., Turkey Valley; Kacie Picha, Jr., MFL MarMac; Autumn Shaw, Sr., MFL MarMac; Elana Schulte, Jr., Kee; Morgan Mohn, Fr., Kee; Hannah Schroeder, Jr., North Fayette Valley; Maddie Loftsgard, So., North Fayette Valley; Allison Hageman, Sr., South Winn; Vanessa Bullerman, Fr., South Winn; Brylee Erickson, So., Central Elkader; Katie Royer, Jr., Central Elkader; Alyssa Wille, Sr., Clayton Ridge; Lola Reimer, Sr., Clayton Ridge; Faith Steinbronn, Sr., West Central; Sam Steinbronn, So., West Central; Meluni Mejia, Sr., Postville; Delia Acevedo, Jr., Postville

Valley; Decklyn Heins, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Matson Winings, Jr., South Winn; Josiah Miniku, Sr., Postville Second team Owen Hammersland, So., Central; Carter Lightfoot, Jr., MFL MarMac; Landyn Miene, Sr., MFL MarMac; Kyler White, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Braiden Todd, Jr., South Winn; Carson Streeter, Jr., South Winn; Logan Busta, Jr., Turkey Valley Honorable Mention - Lincoln Aeschliman, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Gavin Grove, Sr., North Fayette Valley; Brock Hackett, Sr., MFL MarMac; Eli Hanson, Jr., MFL MarMac; Nolan Sabelka, Sr., South Winn; Kaden Barton-Franzen, Sr., South Winn; Brayden Darling, Sr., Kee; Karsen Strong, Sr., Kee; JD Kruse, Jr., Turkey Valley; Jordan Kriener, So., Turkey Valley; Vaughn Zittergruen, Sr., Central; Issac Loan, Jr., Central; Xander Martinez, Jr., Postville; Cedric Navarro, So., Postville; Colton Hoeger, Jr., Clayton Ridge; Seth Kregel, Jr., Clayton Ridge; Milton Cushion, So., West Central; Brody Wolff, So., West Central

Kaden Barton-Franzen JD Kruse South Winn, Senior Turkey Valley, Junior Hon. Mention All-UIC Hon. Mention All-UIC

Jordan Kriener Turkey Valley, Soph.

Hon. Mention All-UIC

SPORTS

16 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

State bid wrenched away by Xavier

Decorah fans streamed into the gym early Monday night full of excitement and left in eerie silence after Xavier bounced back from a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat the Viking boys’ basketball team in the substate final in overtime.

It marks the eighth time the Saints have qualified for the Class 3A state tournament, leaving Viking fans with discontent.

Standing room only No one should have been fooled by Xavier’s 14-9 record entering Monday’s substate final in Decorah with a trip to state on the line as the Saints primarily play in a Class 4A Mississippi Valley Conference and entered the contest 7-0 against Class 3 A opponents.

Just seconds after the tip-off, Noah Milburn put up Decorah’s first two points of the game before Xavier took the reins with a 13-6 lead with 2:38 remaining in the opening frame. Draining a pair of free throws and a long three-pointer, Zach Driscoll sandwiched a Milburn basket to even the score 13-all when the buzzer sang. The Vikings scored the first 11 points of the second period, pulling ahead to a 24-13 lead before giving up a charity toss to the Saints to carry a 31-17 lead into the locker room.

A Gavin Groux three pointer doubled up Xavier 34-17 less than a minute into the third quarter as the Saints began to scratch their way back into the game with a 7-0 run in the middle portion of the frame. Milburn’s third and fourth fouls in the third sent the junior to the bench for some time, giving up some size, speed and scoring for Decorah. When the quarter ended, the Saints were back to within six, 43-37, and they

weren’t done yet.

Despite the Vikes’ best efforts in the fourth, Xavier pulled within on, 48-47, with 3:18 remaining. With a Saints player off to the races for what looked like an easy layup, Gavin Groux hit the jets to bat the ball out of bounds. Milburn soon countered with a deep three pointer to lift Decorah ahead 51-47. A decisive moment came with 1:54 left to play as Cael LaFrentz left the lane to attempt to block a Xavier three pointer. In the process the Saints’ player nailed the three and LaFrentz was hit with his fifth foul, sending him to the bench. Peyton Webb stepped up to the challenge next, hitting a three a n d putting t h e Vikes o u t front 5 4 5 1 .

Xavie r drove r i g h t back to its basket and hit for an and-one threepoint play to tie the score 54-54. After Milburn took a charge with eight ticks on the clock, Decorah had the final look at the basket; however, Driscoll’s shot came up short.

Set to play another four minutes, the two teams stepped back onto the hardwood with the Saints winning the tip and getting the first basket. Milburn’s pair of free throws kept the score even 56-56 as did Driscoll’s layup nearly a minute later after Xavier hit another shot. A Saint bucket with 41 seconds remaining forced Decorah to foul to stop the clock, with Xavier connecting on 2-of-6 from the charity stripe, just enough to leave the Vikings in dismay 62-59.

Xavier 13 4 20 17 8 62 Decorah 13 18 12 11 5 59 Scoring – Zachary Driscoll 18; Peyton Webb 15; Cael LaFrentz 12; Noah Milburn 11; Gavin Groux 5; Carter Dlhy 2

Getting to the final Thursday, the Vikings had a bundle of energy and momentum as they rolled over Independence (9-14) in the substate semifinal at home 93-46.

Decorah shot out of a cannon with a 12-0 run before a Mustang player hit a trey with 3:30 left in the first period. Viking junior Peyton Webb stepped onto the court, hitting back to back threes and helping push the Vikings to a 29-9 lead with eight minutes complete. Webb then ignited the Decorah offense with the first bucket of the second frame before the teams began to trade baskets that led to a 46-26 halftime lead.

Seconds into the third period, Zach Driscoll lobbed the ball into Noah Milburn under the basket for a shot. Driscoll zeroed in on Milburn a second time a little while later before Driscoll hit the long shot behind the arc, pulling the Vikings further ahead. A flush by Milburn put an exclamation point on the frame to make it 62-30 at the midpoint. Before time drained in the quarter, LaFrentz stuffed a pair of shots into the net leading to continuous clock with a 35-point differential and a 7636 advantage. Decorah kept the shots falling in the fourth with the bench cleared, outscoring the Mustangs 17-10.

LaFrentz posted a school record 44 points to go with 14 rebounds and two blocked shots.

Driscoll contributed 13 points, 16 assists, eight boards and two steals. Milburn and Webb finished with 10 points apiece.

Carter Dlhy pulled down eight rebounds with six points.

Independence 9 17 10 10 46 Decorah 29 17 30 17 93 Scoring – LaFrentz 44; Driscoll 13; Milburn 10; Webb 10; Dlhy 6; Louie Bucksa 3; Tanner Caddell 3; Groux 2; Jackson Pipho 2 Rebounds – LaFrentz 14; Driscoll 8; Dlhy 8; Milburn 4; Caddell 3; Trevor Kuennen 2; Bucksa 2; Pipho 2; Groux 1; Webb 1; Keaton Nalean-Carlson 1; Assists – Driscoll 16; Groux 3; Kuennen 3; Milburn 3; Dlhy 3; Webb 2; Nalean-Carlson 2; LaFrentz 1; Pipho 1; Steals – Driscoll 2; Milburn 2; Kuennen 1; Webb 1; Caddell 1; Nalean-Carlson 1; Blocks – LaFrentz 2

Viking junior Cael LaFrentz (left) threw it down not just once, but twice in the third quarter last week against Independence. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Monday the student section (above) was a sea of white in the substate final against Xavier. Noah Milburn (right) took an opportunity to flush the ball once against Independence last week. Trevor Kuennen (below right) puts up a reverse layup, catching the Mustang defenders flat-footed in the Class 3A substate semifinal last Thursday. Zach Driscoll (inset left) fires off a shot against stiff Xavier defense Monday in the substate final.

(Photos by Becky Walz)

Gavin Groux (above left) eyes under the basket as he protects the ball from a Saints defender. Peyton Webb (above right) gets a hand in the face of a Xavier player late in Monday’s substate final. (Photo by Becky Walz)

First team nods for Driscoll, LaFrentz, Milburn

Leading most categories as a team and/or individuals, the Decorah boys basketball team had three members named to the Northeast Iowa Conference first team in addition to winning the final league crown.

For Zach Driscoll and Cael LaFrentz it’s a second honor while Noah Milburn springboards to the first team with the pair.

Driscoll, who was a second team honoree last season, led the league in assists with 174, average 7.6 per game to go with a scoring average of 20.8 points (478 total) a night. From the charity stripe, the senior was 92.2 percent, connecting on 95-of-103 free throws. With 55 steals, he led not only the Vikings but the conference and finished fifth in the NEIC in rebounding with 136 total caroms (114 defensive, 22 offensive).

Hitting more than 1,000 career points this season, LaFrentz topped the charts with 689 total points (30.0 ppg), including a record-setting 44 points in a single game this

Spring Program 2025

Zachary Driscoll Senior First Team All-NEIC

Cael LaFrentz Junior First Team All-NEIC

Noah Milburn Junior First Team All-NEIC

season. He finished his junior campaign with a 65.4 effective field goal percentage – the best in the league. Averaging 12.7 rebounds a night, he had 293 total boards (189 defensive, 104 offensive) and led the NEIC in blocked shots with 84.

Third in scoring and fourth in rebounds, Milburn gets his first all-NEIC nod. The junior

knocked down 225 points this season and grabbed 126 rebounds, along with handing out 71 assists. He came away with 27 steals and 18 blocked shots as well.

Jr., Decorah; Noah Milburn, Jr., Decorah; Jordin Ritter, Sr., Charles City; Victor Ward, Jr., Charles City

All-NEIC Boys Basketball Team First team – Alex Berg, Jr., Crestwood; Zachary Driscoll, Sr., Decorah; Talin Hemann, Fr., Waukon; Cael LaFrentz,

Second team – Richie McKusker, Jr., Crestwood; Colton O’Neill, Jr., Waukon; Riley Perez, Sr., Charles City; Caden Rochford, Jr., New Hampton; Henry Ruzicka, So., Charles City; Drake Sir, Fr., Crestwood; Vaughn Stegen, So., Waukon