May 1, 2025

Decorah Citywide Garage Sale map inside!

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Vol. 160, Issue 18 www.decorahleader.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

One Section

phone: 563-382-4221

Representatives from multiple veterans affairs organizations in Iowa took part in Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony honoring Decorah’s new Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. Pictured are (from left) Heath Streck, associate director for operations of VA Iowa City Health Care; Steven Bryant, assistant director of VA Iowa City Health Care; Judith Johnson-Mekota, director of VA Iowa City Health Care; Robert McDivitt, executive director of VA Midwest Healthcare Network; Dr. Andrea Hayes, associate director for patient care services at the Iowa City VA Health Care System; Karla O’Connell, health system specialist with the Decorah VA Clinic; Dana Helton, coordinator of Decorah VA Clinic; Lorraine Borowski, mayor of Decorah; and Dr. Victoria Sharp, deputy chief of staff at the Iowa City VA Healthcare System. (Photos

by Denise Lana)

Officials cut ribbon outside Decorah’s new VA Clinic

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Dozens of veterans and community members of northeast Iowa gathered Monday afternoon in Decorah to cut a ceremonial ribbon during the grand opening of the city’s new Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, located just east of the intersection of Highways 9 and 52. Veterans presenting military flags flanked the entrance, welcoming swarms of people who flocked to celebrate the culmination of a project more than two decades in the making.

Nearly 18 months after a groundbreaking ceremony in November

of 2023, construction on the 17,000 square-foot facility is now complete. Equipment from the clinic’s former location on Short Street will be transferred to the facility next week, with staff ready to open doors for veterans soon afterward. In addition to standard services like primary care, pharmacy, immunizations and labs, the clinic will offer expanded services, such as a state-of-the-art physical therapy room, optometry, mental health care, audiology, radiology and social

VA Clinic continued on page 7

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER One of two lawsuits alleging Winneshiek County officials

acted improperly in approving zoning requests related to a proposed biodigester facility has been dismissed.

Iowa First Judicial District Court Judge John Bauercamper ordered a petition brought against the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment by the regional nonprofit Driftless Water

Some of the tree crops at Tent of Nations were in bloom while Breckbill was visiting the operation earlier this year. (Photo submitted)

Breckbill reflects on time farming at West Bank’s Tent of Nations

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

Edward Fontes, Vice Commander of the American Legion of Iowa and army veteran from Cresco, spoke at Monday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. Fontes explained that a veteran is more than someone who wears a uniform and protects the United States. He said, “They are the ones who give you the freedom to go to the library, to go to any church you want, to travel anywhere you want to, the freedom to speak, to learn. Without a veteran, you could not do any of those things.”

Lawsuit against county board of adjustment over proposed biodigester permit dismissed Driftless Water Defenders to pay court costs

Price $1.50

Defenders to be dismissed on April 15. Bauercamper ordered the petition to be dismissed “at (the) moving party’s costs” – court officials said, as of Tuesday, court reporter fees were to be assessed to the Driftless Water Defenders.

Iowa City attorney Jim Larew filed two petitions last fall

in Winneshiek County on behalf of the Driftless Water Defenders. The group’s initial case alleges the county board of supervisors acted illegally during the summer of 2024,

Lawsuit dismissed continued on page 6

Things weren’t entirely unfamiliar for Hannah Breckbill, even though she was about 6,200 miles from home.

Breckbill, who helps operate Humble Hands Harvest north of Decorah, travelled to the West Bank earlier this year, and spent several weeks working alongside Palestinian farmers on an operation called Tent of Nations. Breckbill had previously visited the West Bank in 2008, and she had the opportunity to return after her brother took a position in France as the director of the Paris Mennonite Center — officials with the German Mennonite Peace Committee were seeking volunteers willing to work at Tent of Nations during the winter as part of an ongoing effort to deter the encroachment on the farm by neighboring Israeli settlements, and word of the opportunity soon reached Breckbill. Breckbill left the U.S. on Jan. 28 and

Hannah Breckbill stood against the backdrop of Humble Hands Harvest in January, about two weeks before heading to the West Bank to work at a farm operation called Tent of Nations.

(File photo) arrived back in Iowa last month.

“The farm work basically kept us busy, but the point was — for us as international people — to be on the farmland itself

Breckbill continued on page 9

VisitPreparedness us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com County EMA: is key in responding to severe weather However, if a person doesn’t have a smart phone or access to the internet, he said people can also protect themselves by keeping a literal weather eye.

“If you do not have your phone on your person and find yourself outdoors, keep an eye to the sky,” he said. “Watch the cloud formations.

Large pillowing clouds which look to be building in height could signal thunderstorm development.

Also, cloud formations that look ‘shelf-like’ — stretching across the horizon — could signal severe weather approaching as well.”

Snyder said people outside should take shelter immediately if an early warning siren sounds, but he stressed that such sirens are only intended to warn people outside of impending severe weather.

“Each year, I receive many phone calls and social media messages pertaining to outdoor warning sirens,” Snyder said. “People say ‘The siren didn’t wake me up when I was sleeping in my bedroom,’ or ‘I cannot hear the outdoor waring

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER It’s storm season again in the Midwest United States, and Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Snyder said it’s prime time for area residents to keep their eyes on the skies and practice good storm sense. He said residents should take shelter immediately when a strong storm is known to be on its way.

“Protect yourself and your loved ones, remember that material items can be replaced, and try to fight urge to leave the safety of your house, go outdoors and look up at the sky,” Snyder said.

The county EMA coordinator said typical warm-weather storms can include strong winds, thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods and flash floods, but he said each storm is different.

“A flood in April may look different than a flood in the same location in August,” he said.

“There are lots of variables at play.”

In the event of bad weather, Snyder said one of the best tools available to Iowans is Alert Iowa, the state’s official emergency notification system, which can be accessed via the internet at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/programs/alert-iowa.

As storm season begins across the Midwest, local emergency personnel are encouraging area residents to be prepared for severe weather. Lightning illuminates storm clouds above Decorah Monday night. (Photo submitted)

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Severe weather continued on page 16

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STYLISH STUDENTS CROSS STAGE DURING TURKEY VALLEY PROM

Night in the spotlight

Cheers and applause echoed across the gymnasium Saturday night as Turkey Valley High School students took to a decorative stage ahead of the school’s spring formal. Students smiled and struck poses as the waiting crowd snapped photos, and a number of students took the opportunity to dance with parents or other family members before the 2025 prom celebration got fully underway. ABOVE- Addison Steinlage poses for her prom date Kinek Reicks as part of the grand march held before Turkey Valley’s prom. INSET RIGHT- JD Kruse and Bella Stika share a secret handshake in the spotlight during Turkey Valley’s grand march held Saturday night ahead of the school’s prom.

Leah Holland lifted Steven Munoz as the two stood under the spotlight during Saturday’s grand march.

(Photos by Becky Walz)

4/25 1643516064

LEFT- Sally Gowan (right) draws Jameson LaBelle in with an imaginary fishing line during Decorah High School’s grand march ahead of its spring formal Saturday night.

SMILES AND SPARKLES SHINE DURING DECORAH PROM Well-dressed students were easy to spot throughout the Decorah area Saturday, as groups took photos at scenic locations and visited area restaurants before heading to Decorah High School’s spring formal. Hundreds of students had their moment in the spotlight during the school’s grand march inside the high school gymnasium before heading to the Community Building at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds for the dance and afterprom festivities, which featured musical performances by student bands as well as a variety of activities and games. ABOVERyan Northup and Klaara Short smiled as they mirrored each other’s pose for the cameras. LEFT- Naomi Pedlar pretends to dodge her escort Will Doder under the spotlight, gaining some laughs from the crowd gathered for Saturday’s grand march at Decorah High School. INSET ABOVE-Gavin Knutson produced a small bottle of bubbles for Brynnah Hanson to blow into the air once the couple hit their second mark on the gymnasium floor.

Turkey Valley prom attendees Regan McKeeman and Adysen Wurzer pause for photos during the grand march.

(Photos by Seth Boyes and Denise Lana)

Friends Hazel Nieman and Hunter Kruse showcase some attitude on the spring formal’s center stage Saturday during the grand march at Turkey Valley.

Turkey Valley sophomore Jordan Kriener shares a dance with his mom Annette following Saturday’s grand march.

INSETEllaney Bodensteiner and her grandfather Melvin Bodensteiner took an opportunity to dance at Turkey Valley’s grand march Saturday.

LEFT- Turkey Valley senior Layni Schuchhardt (center) poses with sister Lydia Schuchhardt (left) and mother Michele Franzen before heading to the spring formal held in Waucoma Saturday night.

Saturday’s afterprom celebration included performances by student bands. Bassist Ezra Vorvick (left) and guitarist Oliver Brummel (right) were joined on stage by drummer Liam Chamberlain as they played familiar hits for their fellow students. LEFT- Jakob Maret laughed as he and Livia Dix practiced a dip during a photo session Saturday afternoon in Phelps Park. The two would replicate the pose during Decorah High School’s grand march later the same day.

INSETAyden Guevara and Adelia Gross grinned for the cameras as they stood back to back during the grand march.

LEFT- The scenic stream and spring near the Decorah Fish Hatchery was a popular place Saturday afternoon as Decorah’s prom-goers stopped and took photos. Pictured are (front to back) Natalie Goodner, Davis Coppola, Gwen Thompson, Jacob White, Annie Ondrashek, Tommy Hammel, Ari Albert, Hunter Lidtke, Elsa Johnson and Caleb Johnson.

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

3

Area timber company opposes change in language of ag zoning ordinance

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER An area family business feels it would be getting the short end of the stick if the county approves proposed changes in its zoning ordinances.

The Northern Timber Company, owned by James Ulring and his sons Ned and Caleb, presented their case against the rewording of a zoning ordinance during a public hearing on the issue during Monday’s Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting. The business is located near the intersection of Iowa Highway 52 and 223rd Avenue in northern Winneshiek County, and one of the proposed changes to the county’s zoning language could require the operation to apply for their land to be rezoned from an A1 agricultural zone to an A2 agriculture commercial zone — the other proposed change pertains to wineries, distilleries and breweries. The matter came to the county board of supervisors for final approval on Monday, but the board voted 4-1 to table the issue and discuss it again next week.

Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Administrator Tony Phillips said the Ulrings had contacted his office through a realtor in 2024 regarding a piece of property they were considering buying for their business.

The land was zoned as M2 Industrial, and Phillips claimed the company wanted to know if their business would be allowed in that zone. The county planning and zoning commission met in September of 2024 and voted 6-1 to recommend adding “forest products concentration yards with processing, not including sawmills” as an acceptable use in the county’s A2 zoning districts, according to meeting minutes. Phillips said, sometime after that meeting,

James Ulring, who owns Northern Timber Company with his sons Caleb and Ned, said during Monday’s public hearing he feels, “separating forest products and activities from the rest of ag is just plain wrong.” (Photo by Zach Jensen) the Ulrings purchased a different property — the company’s current location — which was not within an A2 district.

The Ulrings and Phillips agree changing the zoning designation of the land at this point won’t financially impact the company — Northern Timber Company, which Caleb Ulring described to the county commission as the “UPS of northeast Iowa hardwoods,” would only have to pay for the cost of a zoning application.

However, Phillips said the Ulrings were notified they were to halt operations on that land until the proper zoning was approved. James Ulring said they didn’t stop work at the site as instructed. Caleb Ulring said, if they would have ceased work at that site as instructed by the county, the company would have lost seven figures in revenue.

The Ulrings appeared before the planning and zoning commission again on April 8, 2025, during a public hearing Phillips said was held to update the county’s zoning ordinance as agreed upon during the September meeting. The Ulrings

claimed their business is considered agriculture — rather than agricultural business — and Caleb Ulring said the company’s concentration yard is not a sawmill or processing facility.

James Ulring later explained the business facilitates the export of wood by sorting logs according to size, length, grade and quality. Some trimming is required, but James said that’s a small portion of the work done at their site. The commission’s recommendation for the updated ordinance then progressed to the county board of supervisors, which heard the matter Monday.

Caleb Ulring told the supervisors the proposed change may be at odds with county regulations as well as state law.

“The harvest, production, transportation and stockpiling — also known as tree farming — of forest products has always been an established and protected use on A1 property throughout Winneshiek County and Iowa,” he said. “The activities that take place at timber harvest sites all across Winneshiek County are identical to the activities that take place

at any forest product concentration yard. Harvesting a raw commodity, stockpiling, transportation of that (commodity) is the same process as a grain farmer harvesting and storing grain in their bins or sending it to market — or a livestock farmer purchasing livestock at auction, transporting it home, processing them, storing them at their site and then taking it to auction. Any changes to these allowed uses in A-1 are unwanted, unnecessary and likely contrary to the Iowa Code.”

James echoed his son.

“Separating forest products and activities from the rest of ag is just plain wrong,” he said.

“Ultimately, this attempted separation of forest activities will be very expensive for Winneshiek County and totally unnecessary. It is a direct threat to every tree farm and tree farmer in Winneshiek County, of which there are hundreds, from 2 acres to 200, because there is no processing that takes place at that location.”

Austin Dodd, who serves on the county’s board of adjustment and lives near the Ulring site, said his constituents have been calling him with complaints about the company’s truck traffic.

“I’ve had a lot of calls on it, because that’s my district,” Dodd said Monday during the county board of supervisors meeting. “It’s been one thing after another. I’ve had multiple calls from people not real happy.”

Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Co-Chair Mark Vick, Dodd’s father-in-law, clarified that, while Northern Timber owns all the logs on its property, it didn’t raise all the trees which yielded those logs.

“I’m a farmer,” Vick said.

“They own the hogs. They own everything. They’re not buying.

You’re running a commercial

(business), basically, because you’re buying logs and bringing them to your place and reloading. To me, that’s considered commercial.”

Dodd agreed and said if a farmer bales hay and lines the bales at the end of a field, such activity would be appropriate for A1 zoning but, if a farmer sells the hay at market and the buyer loads the hay for distribution, that would be considered A2.

“This is very much a distribution center that we’re discussing,” Dodd said. “I’m in ag, and I think timber, lumber, cultivating, growing trees (is) agriculture. I think gathering and loading semis … this is a distribution center. If any farmer wants to harvest logs, that’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about a concentration yard. A1 — pull them to the end of your road, harvest them, get them out of there — just like we bale hay and haul corn out. I don’t think that part of this is under attack.

But, when we talk about A2 — concentration yard — those are the words used in this, and I think that’s the difference in what we’re talking about.”

James Ulring reiterated his objection, saying “Every other concentration yard in the state is A1, so good luck going down that road.”

“As far as the agricultural use thing goes, the notion that this is going to affect every wood lot owner is not correct,” Phillips said. “We are not talking about the harvest and production of logs.”

Supervisor Shirley Vermace motioned to suspend Monday’s public hearing on the ordinance amendments to allow the supervisors more time to discuss the issue. The motion was passed 4-1, with Vick casting the only dissenting vote. The continuation of the public hearing is ex-

pected be held the morning of May 12. A specific time will be announced at a later date.

In other business: • The supervisors unanimously approved the county’s FY2026 budget with one change: the county will provide Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging with $2,350 in funding.

The entire FY2026 budget can be viewed at winneshiekcounty. iowa.gov/departments/auditor/ additional-information.

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency has paid $79,000 to Winneshiek County for a 2024 flooding event. This brings the amount of FEMA-allotted funds owed to Winneshiek County for that event down to about $77,000 from a total of approximately $156,000.

• Kam Line Highway Markings of Gilbert won the bid for road striping projects scheduled for September. The company’s bid was $154,436 — about half the amount of the highest bid received.

• A bridge inspector downgraded the load capacity for Bridge 327 on Middle Hesper Road from 27 tons to 3 tons due to necessary repairs. Brennan Construction Company of Lansing is making the repairs this week.

• The county raised $270 through its sale of office furniture at the former location of Winneshiek County Health and Human Services on Iowa Highway 52. The board of supervisors will host an open house from 2-6 p.m. Friday, May 2 at the building, during which the public will have the chance to view the site as well as purchase office furniture.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 5 in the courthouse annex.

Decorah School District, teachers continue contract negotiations

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER The Decorah Community School District and the Decorah Education Association are close to reaching a bargaining agreement following the first round of negotiations last week.

Meeting in special session April 23, Decorah Education Association representatives Matt Kuempel and Jesse Halweg sat down with DCSD Board Members Ron Fadness and Aaron Zander and DCSD Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin to discuss key objectives.

Talking points included salaries, benefits, experience tracks, teacher retention and compensation gaps.

Kuempel and Halweg highlighted key staff proposals during the meeting. Kuempel said there are currently an estimated 137 full-time equivalent — or FTE — staff members in the Decorah district.

“We are in a unique situa-

tion,” said Kuempel, “in that we are not asking for any base increase (in salaries).”

The DEA is requesting a 4 percent increase in what were referred to as educational lanes — or educational levels or degrees — as well as a 1 percent increase in what officials called steps — or years of teaching experience.

The DEA representatives also proposed compensation advancement per diem payment of $50 per day for coaches and sponsors who continue their duties after the initial schedule is completed, and the DEA also requested an increase in earning additional personals days.

A Champions Day was also requested, during which school employees would be allowed to attend a state-level competition in which their dependent is participating, if that dependent attends Decorah schools. School officials were also asked to consider additional compensation for staff members who fill in or substitute for another staff

Contract negotiations began last week between the Decorah Community School District and the Decorah Education Association. Pictured are (from left) school board members Aaron Zander and Ron Fadness, DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin and DEA representatives Matt Kuempel and Jesse Halweg (Photo by Roz Weis) member during a prep period.

The DEA representatives also proposed providing one regular meal free for staff members per day, which officials said would allow staff members to stay on campus during the lunch period and potentially complete additional work.

Cronin outlined the board’s compensation considerations and indicated the district’s offer of approximately $406,000 for educators — an increase of approximately 3.65 percent — is

close to the DEA proposal of roughly $525,000.

Included in the board’s response was a $100 increase in generator base, an increase $50,000 for salary rates among starting teachers, an increase to $62,000 for 12-year teachers — per Iowa law — establishing a new sixth lane for supplemental salary based on individual degrees, a 0.008 percent increase in the index for pay based on years of experience, and an increase in insurance from $674

to $734 to match costs.

“I think it’s good news … that we aren’t light years apart,” Cronin said after the negotiating session.

Ongoing concerns about decreased state funding were also highlighted during the session.

“We have all been painted into a corner by a legislature that continues to offer only 2 percent (increase in state funding for public schools) every year when it costs over 3 percent to age a salary schedule,” said Fadness, who

serves as vice president of the school board. “I wish we had a little more generosity to pass around.”

A meeting to continue negotiations is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

The Decorah School Board held another special meeting Monday, April 29, setting a public hearing for school’s amended 2024-25 budget. That hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, prior to the board’s regular monthly board meeting.

Decorah Leader

City officials voice concerns to Bergan, Klimesh during Saturday work session

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BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER Property taxes were front and center Saturday morning as members of Decorah City Council sat down with State Sen. Mike Klimesh and State Rep. Michael Bergan. The meeting was held as a work session, with the goal of discussing constituent concerns over various topics, such as amendments to property tax regulations and other hot button issues currently being considered in the state legislature.

Outlined in a pair of study bills introduced last month, the state’s rollback — or method by which a city calculates residential property taxes based on only a portion of the property’s value — would be

Bergan/Klimesh continued on page 6

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State Sen. Mike Klimesh and State Rep. Michael Bergan listened as Decorah City Councilman Steve Zittergruen expressed concerns over how proposed changes to Iowa’s tax structure might prompt small cities to scale back or eliminate public services. (Photo by Denise Lana)

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The echo of a camera shutter

“Saving 1,237 files.”

That’s what it said above the progress bar on my computer Monday morning as I began to download photos I’d taken

BY SETH of Decorah’s prom-goers. BeBOYES lieve it or not, that’s probably News Editor not the highest total I’ve ever pulled off a camera card after covering a single event – but the fact remains, I sometimes can’t help but let my camera had a publisher who felt, at shutter fly when I’ve got the the end of the day, one of the chance to capture a milestone most valuable things any local or right of passage. newspaper could give a reader Annual celebrations like was a photo of their kid, their Nordic Fest are a blast, but friend or their neighbor to there’s also something spe- hang on the fridge or paste on cial about framing reality in a scrapbook page (and you’re the viewfinder while folks fill certainly encouraged to cut the bleachers during prom or out a clipping for yourself, (soon enough) high school dear reader). graduation. We all gather each I think there’s value in exyear to witness young peo- periencing such things as a ple fulfill what are essentially community, and I also think coming-of-age rituals. And for there’s value in placing a colsome in the audience, those lective fermata over a shared gatherings undoubtedly bring history. Because someday, a many of their own past memo- young journalist will sit down ries forward to mingle with the to comb through the archives perception of the present. of this paper, browsing for anMaybe that’s what I actually swers about the early life of a like best about covering that famous playwright, an engikind of thing – past, present neer, a lawmaker or just a genand future are somehow fro- erally well-regarded person zen as light passes through who once walked the floor of a lens and aperture. There’s high school gymnasium. And something universal yet unde- the sound of today’s camera niably individual and personal shutter may yet echo a time or about capturing a smile at the two as someone begins to tell spring formal or a hug after part of this community’s story a graduate crosses the stage anew. with their diploma in hand.

Yet, in what seems like no Agree with Seth? Think he’s time at all, those images of got it completely backwards or the present become history – he’s missed the point entirely? memories. Sometimes that’s Let your voice be heard. Letters the nature of community, and to the editor may be emailed to it’s certainly the nature of a editor@decorahleader.com or newspaper (for the two are not dropped off at 110 Washington unconnected). In fact, I once St. Suite 4 in Decorah.

100 days of destruction Dear Editor, There is nothing to celebrate about our current administration’s first 100 days in office.

Indeed, there is little more than shame, fear and distrust that many Americans are feeling.

The world, too, is wondering what is happening to us. A country that was the destination of many seeking freedom, education and a welcoming hand is now leaving the world behind.

Instead of a careful reorganization of the bureaucracy of government, we have witnessed a “bull in the china shop” approach, a random destruction of anything that personally offends the president or his DOGE collaborator.

Perhaps you are upset with all the money the United States contributes abroad to assist fighting poverty, disease and the suffering that climate refugees face. Maybe you think other nations should do more. But did you expect that the president would betray our allies of more than a century, would welcome Russia at the White House while humiliating Ukraine and would endanger our national security on a daily basis?

If you are more interested in things at home, maybe you should be worried about the unqualified and incompetent people that have been placed in positions of power in our government. With daily cuts to the programs that provide assistance to our young people, our elderly, our veterans and those with great need, we are beginning to see the damage.

The Trump playbook calls for all this. The goal is to throw so much at us that the chaos will confuse and distract us. Take away our right to due process, spew hate for anyone who challenges them, threaten anyone who speaks out to defend democracy — this is intentional.

But we will not play this game. We will not allow fear and hate to guide our decisions.

We will resist this race to authoritarianism. As we each find our own way to be involved, we must work together to defend democracy before it is too late.

If you love this country, stand up and be counted!

Sue and Lyle Otte Decorah

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

The truth about trails My name is Jesse Reyerson, and I love this community and our parks. I came to Decorah in 1999 to wrestle for Luther College. I live on River Street, I work from home, I’m a volunteer firefighter and I am currently serving as the vice president for Decorah Human Powered Trails.

Decorah Human Powered Trails is a volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization that is focused on providing access to the Decorah parks by building and maintaining trails for human powered user groups. Our membership includes runners, hikers, cross country skiers, dog walkers and mountain bikers among others. We work closely with the city of Decorah’s Parks and Recreation Department to plan, build, maintain and fund the pedestrian use trails in Van Peenen Park, Palisades Park, Twin Springs, Ice Cave and Dunning’s Springs. We have a $2 million liability insurance policy on file with the city of Decorah, along with a memorandum of understanding and liability waivers for the work that we do. On top of the roughly 1,000 hours of volunteer labor that we organize each year, we also pay the hourly wages for three to four trail maintenance staff each summer, and we groom single track in the winter. When the weather doesn’t allow for trail maintenance, we collaborate with park staff to organize invasive species removal.

The trails that horses rode in Van Peenen Park 50 years ago are still there. When DHPT was asked about creating a map for sustainable horse use in Van Peenen Park, we provided what we call the five of eight proposal, which allowed horse traffic on 5 of the 8 miles of trail. This includes the approximate 3.5 miles of trails that horses always had access to plus approximately 1.5 miles known as the Pines East and Pines West that was built and has been maintained by DHPT. We determined these trails can sustain horse traffic and are wide enough to allow horses to safely share the trail with other user groups and horses can have access if the Winneshiek Saddle Club would take over the cost and maintenance. Equestrian trails are outside the scope of DHPT’s mission statement and would require maintenance and costs above and beyond that of a human powered trail.

While individuals may have opinions, DHPT as an organization has not asked for horses to be banned. Horses were never kicked off of any trails that they’ve previously had access to. Technically, the park and rec rules and regulations state that horses are only allowed on trails where they are specifically designated for such use, but that appears to have been rarely enforced. The majority of single track in Van Peenen, Ice Cave and Dunning’s Springs has been built in the last 20 years by DHPT. These trails did not exist previously, and horse users were not kicked off these trails, because they were never allowed on them in the first place. These are pedestrian and bike specific trails that are not built to sustain horse traffic. A standard shared use horse trail must be 5 feet wider than a pedestrian trail, and the impact of a hiker’s boot or a bicycle tire is much more manageable than a 1,000-plus pound horse and rider’s hoof. The only knowledge I have of a request to ban a user group is when a Winneshiek Saddle Club representative included banning bikes from Van Peenen in their list of demands at the joint park and rec hearing sessions.

If there is confusion as to horse access being removed from certain trails, as a park board member pointed out, it is likely due to the Wellmark grant project to update wayfinding signage in the parks in 2021. All sign posts were replaced, and some did not in-

Ensuring access to food

clude the “No Horse” placards that were originally included on the previous sign posts. Those placards were added back sometime in 2023.

Dr. Van Peenen had no issue with bikes in Van Peenen park.

Mountain biking was not yet a thing when Dr. Van Peenen gifted the land to the city of Decorah in October of 1976. In November of 2005, as the sport of mountain biking was growing, the park board did their due diligence and asked the parks and rec director to reach out to Dr. Van Peenen to inquire how he felt about biking in Van Peenen Park. The director talked with him about this new thing “mountain biking” and asked if he had any issue with this user group being added to Van Peenen park. His response was that the city of Decorah is now the steward of the park and that he personally had no issue with mountain bikes as long as the trails could be built sustainably and responsibly.

DHPT has been building sustainable trails in all the park systems for over 20 years. We have members that are certified in trail design, planning and building. We consider user access, traffic flow, erosion, elevation and the surrounding vegetation in our projects. We work in close collaboration with the parks and rec director, the parks supervisor and trail supervisor on all of our projects. We develop and present plans to the board each time we have a new project or if we are requested to complete a project for the city. We also provide the tools, equipment, funding and perform the maintenance and upkeep of the trail once completed.

DHPT regularly leads efforts to clean up Decorah’s park lands including Ice Cave, Van Peenen and Palisades Park.

Thousands of pounds of trash have been collected, staged, recovered and disposed of properly, including junk appliances, multiple toilets, mattresses and televisions that are dumped off of Quarry Road each year into the ravines below. The trail named Iowa Public Television — IPTV — was named for the many old tube TV sets that were discarded along that trail. We hold clean up days regularly and have partnered with Decorah High School classes, other outdoor groups and Luther College service groups in the past to help us remove junk.

Finally, a Winneshiek Saddle Club representative has referred several times to standard rules for horse parks across the country, which are what you might expect in an equestrian specific county or state park, but not in a city park which is what Van Peenen is. There are no city parks in Iowa — or nearby surrounding states — that allow horses on their city trails. In city parks, patrons are expected to clean up after their animals, among other things.

Allowing equestrian access to Decorah’s single track trail system — built entirely on the volunteer hours of human powered trail users — would do irreparable damage to one of Decorah’s greatest assets for local taxpayers and visiting tourists.

Jesse Reyerson Decorah

At the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, we’re not just feeding people, we’re fighting for something bigger: a community where everyone has access to their most basic need, food.

Right now, that mission is becoming harder to fulfill. The number of food-insecure individuals in northeast Iowa increased by more than 10,000 people last year. And as our communities learn of changes being made at all government levels, we anticipate those numbers won’t go any lower. We need to be sure that we can meet the need as it rises and accept all the food we can. Which is why we just kicked off a major building expansion and renovation campaign, to ensure we can continue meeting the growing demand.

But we can’t do it alone.

We need our elected leaders to rise to the occasion and do the right thing. That’s why I’m urging Iowa Senators to oppose House File 970, which proposes harmful restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP. While the bill includes a $1 million appropriation to Double Up Food Bucks, it comes with unacceptable strings attached, contingent on receiving a federal waiver to restrict the types of food SNAP recipients can buy. Double up Food Bucks is a program that provides healthy nutritious food to people on SNAP and enables them to “double” the amount of SNAP benefits they receive.

Putting a contingency on the funding only makes things more difficult and does not ensure that the funding will be appropriated. This is not how we help our community members.

Instead, I ask our Senators to support Senate File 232, which provides the same $1 million to Double Up Food Bucks, but without limitations. This version puts families first and allows more Iowans to access fresh, local food.

We are facing a perfect storm.

Inflation has driven food costs to historic highs, stretching the Food Bank’s budget and family budgets very thin. Everyone is paying more for food but receiving less. While about 15% of the Food Bank’s food is purchased, increasing costs to access donated products are also affecting our budgets.

Our federal programs are also being affected, including programs funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation.

This includes the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and a portion of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which help food banks like ours keep stock shelves. Because of the loss of the contract for the Local Food Purchase Program, we will have to look for other resources available to us to continue to purchase these items.

The loss of part of the funding for TEFAP will stretch not only the Food Bank, but our partners to find other sources of food.

We are committed to working with our federal, state and local governments, to find creative solutions to fight food insecurity in northeast Iowa. It takes all of us working together to be good advocates and tell the story of those facing hunger and why it is happening to them.

Iowa’s food banks are already under intense pressure. Now is not the time to impose barriers that make it harder for people to access the food they need. We need more support, not less.

I encourage everyone reading this to use their voice by calling or emailing your elected officials. Please reach out to your elected officials and talk with them about how important it is to ensure families have access to food. Food is not a privilege.

It’s a right. Let’s make sure everyone has a seat at the table.

Thank you for standing with us. Every Meal. Every Day. Everyone.

Barbara Prather Executive director Northeast Iowa Food Bank

Slimming government is an oxymoron Many state legal functions have been relegated to private concerns as a solution to reducing state government. Two cases in point: a private contractor manages the accounting for private school financing and student progress (I’m unable to recall any public report). And the massive work needed to account for the Medicaid program is accomplished at a sizable private expense. No doubt there are others as well. (private business requires a profit — not so with the government.)

A litany of legislation has reduced the ability of local governments to even function properly. The legislature only meets for part of the year and of course our local governments work 24/7 for their constituents.

No doubt there are instances where state mandates can benefit, but on the other hand, it’s

not always a cure.

The main concern for legislators is not being challenged with compromise. It’s only with compromise that both sides can finally come to a workable agreement on issues.

Money drifts from one side or the other and causes an imbalance. Regardless of party affiliation, it’s the duty of representative government to be representative. Not one-sided, not loaded up, not “out for bear,” but providing fair representation.

There was a time we accomplished this on our own without going outside. Slimming down government is an oxymoron.

The legislative power base is out of sync with the people.

John Carver Decorah

Curiosity aimed at simple truth We are curious because it helps us survive and cope with life. If curiosity is shut down, we turn to addiction and time-killing strategies or pretend there will be perfect permanent solutions to life. Life is an ongoing process, requiring daily participation and responsibility. The natural world — nature — has its own laws and can be our greatest teacher. Most religions are based on these understandings at their core. We humans often believe we can avoid natural consequences and entitle ourselves to perfect lives without regard for other people or natural laws. Guess what? The natural world and the people that are pushed out will give us consequences. Look around

you, let your curiosity explore deeper and farther. Open you minds long enough to see simple truths. Humans are created to work together in a rich and imperfect world. Observe your world. Ask good questions of your neighbor or enemy and listen to their responses. We have created polarized thinking with the aid of AI. AI is manipulated truth. We are trying to manipulate the earth without respect for natural laws. Survival is about learning to share. If you look, every day provides opportunities to share resources and loving acceptance.

Don Fish Decorah

OBITUARIES/NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Wanita Ruen

Amy Headington

Wanita Ardell Ruen (née Sweet), 82, of Brownsdale, Minnesota, died Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Wanita was born on Sept. 3, 1942 in Decorah.

She graduated from New Hampton High School with the class Wanita Ruen of 1960. Following her graduation, she began her first career as a medical secretary at the New Hampton Medical Associates. Her dedication and work ethic led her to a long and distinguished career with the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA), later becoming and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Decorah, where she served for an impressive 42 years.

During her tenure, Wanita also completed a special assignment in Washington, D.C., being specially selected to the role due to her knowledge, work ethic, commitment to excellence and service.

Wanita lived a full life filled with love for family activities and personal interests. She found immense joy in attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and dirttrack races. Traveling was one of Wanita’s greatest pleasures – whether it was daytrips with her husband or friends, bus tours across the United States, or overseas adventures exploring new cultures, history, cuisine and friendships.

Her green thumb was evident in her beautiful gardens filled with colorful flowers. Wanita also enjoyed trips to the casino where she delighted in the excitement of the games. A glass

of Chardonnay often accompanied her evening meals as she relaxed after a full day. In quieter moments at home, she loved playing Solitaire on her computer and sharing thoughtful morning and evening posts with family and friends through Facebook.

Family was at the heart of Wanita’s life. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Hale, and son-in-law, Troy Hale, of Grand Meadow, Minnesota; son, Robert Ruen of Falcon, Colorado; grandson, Parker Hale (wife Courtney) and great-granddaughter Myla of Winona, Minnesota; and grandson Jackson Hale (fiancée Courtney Schaefer) of Stewartville, Minnesota.

Wanita is also survived by her brother, Jay Clasen (Linda) of Kansas City, Missouri; sisters Sandy Meier of Atalissa, Iowa, and Kathy Thomas (John) of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Ruen; parents, Arlene and Robert Clasen and Walter and Thelma Sweet; sister, Susan Clasen; along with many cherished aunts, uncles and cousins.

Wanita will be remembered as a hardworking, independent woman who gave generously to those around her. Her caring spirit touched many lives through simple acts of kindness and steadfast support for those she loved.

May Wanita’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at the Hindt Funeral Home, 104 Grand Ave E., Grand Meadow, Minnesota.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service.

Gregory Hanson

July 31, 1956 - April 22, 2025 Following a brief illness, Gregory A. Hanson, 68, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at UI Health Care Medical Center, Iowa City.

Greg was born July 31, 1956, in Decorah, the son of Arlin and Virginia (Hal- Gregory Hanson vorson) Hanson. He graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1974. On April 20, 1985, Greg was united in marriage to Dianne Schwartz. They raised Brown Swiss dairy cattle as Nordic Farm until 2002.

He continued grain farming all his life but livestock was in his blood and soon the barn and pastures on the farm were full once again and Greg’s hands busy as they longed to be raising commercial lambs. In 2019, Greg and Dianne moved to Vinton to be close to son Ross and his growing family. What began as a joke eventually became reality as the farming operation also moved and restarted in Benton County. Greg adjusted to new ways of raising crops alongside his son and grandchildren daily. Soon livestock once again appeared in Greg’s life as lambing is due to start any day.

Greg had a passion for classic automobiles. He was proud of his 1971 Plymouth Roadrunner, a 1984 Pontiac Fiero and a 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T. Alongside other car enthusiasts, Greg was among the original members of the Bluff Country Cruisers charity car club from 1997 until they moved in 2019.

Greg passed his love of classic machines to his son as together they restored a 1947 Ford pickup Ross was given by his Grandpa Alfred. Greg was also incredibly proud of his Fendt tractors, owning three of the “prettier green tractors” in his lifetime and none of them going long between a good washing and waxing.

Greg loved a good time away from the farm, too, and he joined up with his lifelong

Sorenson pleads guilty to November drug charges

Nov. 6, 1969 - April 19, 2025

Sept. 3, 1942 - April 27, 2025

friends hosting hog roasts, motorcycle trips, fishing trips “up Nort”, road trips to buy something, and UTVing through their adult lives. One thing to note, however, is that over the years the trips got tamer and memories of past events seem to have “faded” – both probably for the better of all involved!

Left to cherish Greg’s memory are his wife of 40 years, Dianne, of Vinton, Iowa; son, Ross (Morgan) Hanson of Vinton; beloved grandchildren: Samuel, Sullivan and Sophia of Vinton; siblings: Wendy (Robert) Van Gorp of Cedar Falls, Sandra (Keith) Elsbernd of Calmar, Randy (Lisa) Hanson of Decorah and Brian (Rachel) Hanson of Decorah; sister-inlaw, Roxann Schwartz (Gary Rees) of Guthrie Center; and many other family members, including his spoiled dog, Peanut.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Alfred and Shirley Schwartz; and many loyal and beloved dogs over his lifetime.

Greg will be most missed for always answering the question, “Hey Pa want to come help me with something?” with a “yes” regardless the time of day, weather or distance involved.

He likely thought most of the projects were crazy, but he never revealed this and worked to see them through. Even though it was a great challenge physically, his last project was to build his beloved grandchildren a sandbox. He was blessed to see them enjoy it immensely during his last few days with us.

A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 24 at The Well, 417 1st Ave., Vinton, as Greg wouldn’t have wanted anyone to miss planting time on his account.

A memorial fund has been established for the family to direct as Greg would have desired.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Greg and his family.

Amy Lynn Headington, 55, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, April 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia.

Amy’s body was deeded to the Carver College of Medicine at the UniverAmy sity of Iowa Headington Hospitals and Clinics.

Amy was born on Nov. 6, 1969, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Curtis and Sharon Bergsrud Headington. She graduated from Prairie High School in 1991.

Amy was full of life and loved to dance. She also enjoyed dressing up and always looked her best. Amy was very active in the Special Olympics and participated in many different events. Thank you for sharing your life with us, Amy! Amy is survived by her parents, Curtis and Sharon of Mt. Vernon; brother, Jahn (Sandy) Headington of Green Bay, Wisconsin; nephew, Erik Headington of Blanchardville, Wisconsin; great-niece, Emma Rose Headington of Blanchardville; and close friends, Joby McGowan of Seattle, Washington, and Aaron Schantz of Marion.

Amy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Huns and Julia Bergsrud and Arthur and Claribel Headington.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at Discovery Living, 750 N. Center Point Road in Hiawatha.

Memorials may be directed to Discovery Living, 1015 Old Marion Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Amy and her family.

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR

The third of nine people charged with drug-related offenses late last year has entered a guilty plea.

An attorney for 31-year-old Zachary Alan Sorenson filed the plea last week as part of what court documents indicate was a plea agreement in the case.

Sorenson pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges — gathering where a controlled substance was being used and three counts of child endangerment — as well as a pair of Class D felonies — possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

Last week’s filing indicated prosecutors agreed to suspend Sorenson’s jail sentences, “assuming completion of probation” — the 31-year-old would otherwise have spent up to approximately five years in prison. Sorenson is to serve five years of probation for the two felony counts as well as two years of probation for the remaining misdemeanors, and both may be served simultaneously. Sorenson might have been responsible for paying more than $2,300 in fines, according to court documents, but prosecutors recommended suspending all but $1,455 of that total, if Sorenson successfully completes his probation. The court agreed to impose a fine of $1,025 for the two felony charges and ordered Sorenson to pay all court costs. The court also agreed to suspend fines associated with the drug tax stamp violation and the three child endangerment charges. A seventh criminal charge — misdemeanor possession of marijuana — was dismissed as part of the agreement.

Court records indicate the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office had been following a pattern of possible drug sales in the area dating back as early as February of 2023. Investigators claim 21-year-old Ckaiden Dean Nelson-Coonradt of Elmore, Minnesota, had travelled to the state of Oregon in April March 22, 1977 - April 12, 2025 of 2024 and messaged a numRobert Lee Anderson, 48, ber of Winneshiek County resiof Decorah died unexpectedly dents the next month to arrange Saturday, April 12 at his home. the sale of illegal substances.

Robert A sheriff’s deputy reported in was born on the resulting court documents March 22, that Nelson-Coonradt returned 1977, to Dale to Winneshiek County in OcAnderson and Rhonda Rees.

Robert graduated from Laughlin Robert Winneshiek County High School Anderson Sheriff’s Office in Laughlin, Matthew Henning, age 49, Nevada in 1996. was booked into the Winneshiek He was a professional County Jail at 6:35 p.m. Monday, bad***, a Harley-Davidson April 21 to serve seven conseculover, Los Angeles Angel’s fan tive days. and an avid carry-and-conceal The Winneshiek County Sheradvocate. Robert spent many iff’s Office said a single-vehicle years in Alaska and was a volcollision last week claimed the unteer firefighter and EMT. life of a Spillville man. A report Robert had a great sense of from the sheriff’s office said humor and enjoyed making his 21-year-old Collin Ryan Hagefamily and friends laugh. Robman was heading south along ert spent time on his Harley evCounty Road W14 in a 2008 Ponery chance he could. He will be tiac Grand Prix around 9:36 p.m. missed every day. He used his Wednesday, April 23. The report last gift as a donor and will help said Hageman’s vehicle entered a many. western ditch as the county road Robert is survived by his began to curve east near the inmother, Rhonda Rees; broth- tersection of 197th Street. The ers, Christopher and Shaun; vehicle collided with a culvert his add-on sister, Susie; aunt, and became airborne, accordTammi (Robert); cousins: Robert, Tracy, Aimee and Jessica; as well as his loving girlfriend, April, and their dog Odie.

Robert had many great friends that he would do any- DAVID KOCK, 75 of Calmar, thing for them. In the words of died Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Aase Haugen in Decorah.

Robert: “You’re gonna get it.”

A celebration of life will be Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3 held at a later date.

Mengis Funeral Home in at Calmar Lutheran Church, Mabel is assisting with ar- 200 East St., Calmar, with Pastor Darryl Thompson prerangements. siding. Burial will be in Rose EntErprisE MEdia Hill Cemetery, Lodge Ave., the Greene, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. the

Robert Anderson

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5

NIKKI BARTH, 55, of Decorah, died Sunday, April 6, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota following health complications. A

Zachary Alan Sorenson tober of 2024 and made several brief stops outside local businesses as well as area residences — including a home in the 2200 block of Highway 9 west of Decorah, which court documents listed as Sorenson’s residence — later filings indicate the 31-year-old has since relocated to West Union. Court documents show investigators believe Sorenson paid Nelson-Coonradt approximately $7,780 between November of 2023 and June of 2024.

The sheriff’s office learned Nelson-Coonradt was in Calmar the afternoon of Nov. 27, 2024, and law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the SUV Nelson-Coonradt was driving. A search of the vehicle revealed about 300 grams of bud marijuana, 200 grams of THC wax and more than 100 THC cartridges. Nelson-Coonradt was also found to be in possession of almost $1,200 in cash. Nelson-Coonradt was charged with two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, failure to affix a drug tax stamp and possession of a controlled substance. A passenger in the vehicle, 26-year-old Tyler James Westcott of West Union, was also charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, failure to affix a drug tax stamp and possession of a controlled substance. Court documents said investigators believe Westcott had accompanied Nelson-Coonradt to Oregon on at least four separate occasions.

Investigators executed a separate search several hours later at the rural residence west of Decorah. Law enforcement found approximately 2 pounds of marijuana as well as other THC products in the basement of the building, according to

court documents. Criminal complaints filed in the case said authorities found “a child’s sippy cup and children’s toys on the floor” near the drugs and “nine juvenile children were located in the residence at the time.” One resident was “located in the basement, holding one of his two children under the age of 3,” according to court documents, and another occupant’s wallet was found in the basement “with his identification out, which appeared to be used to cut the product.” Criminal complaints filed in the case said Sorenson admitted to purchasing the drugs and allowing other occupants to use drugs in the basement of the home.

“He stated he uses the product in addition to selling some of it,” a criminal complaint said.

In addition to Sorenson, six individuals at the home were charged with drug related offenses.

Court filings said 26-year-old Luke D. Price of Decorah was charged with possession of a controlled substance, failure to affix a drug tax stamp and child endangerment, while two other individuals — 29-yearold Ashleigh Ann Sorenson of Decorah and 25-year-old Tyler John Dozark of Decorah — were each charged with possession of a controlled substance.

In addition, 28-year-old Jacob Wayne Willitts of New Hampton and 26-year-old Devan Patrick Forbes of Manchester were both charged with possession of a controlled substance and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

Lexus Briann Six, age 26, of Decorah was also charged with possession of a controlled substance — first offense.

Six pleaded guilty in March to the charge against her, and she was ordered to serve two days in jail and one year of probation in addition to a $430 fine. Willitts pleaded guilty in February, after the court deemed him a habitual offender. He was ordered to serve five years on probation.

Zachary Sorenson’s case was most recently scheduled for a June 11 trial. The remaining defendants have so fair maintained pleas of not guilty, according to online court records, with trials currently scheduled to take place in June or July, save for Nelson-Coonradt’s case, which is scheduled for an Aug. 16 trial.

Law Enforcement ing to the report, and the driver was partially ejected before the car came to rest on top of the driver. The sheriff’s report said Hageman died on the scene and was transported by ambulance to WinnMed in Decorah.

Trent Jason Fitzpatrick, age 55, of Oelwien was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 on an arrest warrant. Court documents show the warrant was issued Oct. 25 after Fitzpatrick violated the terms of his probation — he had been sentenced to two years of probation for prostitution. The original criminal complaint filed in January of 2023 used the term pimping, and court filings at that time accused Fitzpatrick of receiving “a predetermined amount of cash for driving two female

prostitutes to a residence in Winneshiek County,” specifically an address in Fort Atkinson. Separate court filings said at least three other individuals were later found guilty of prostitution as a result of the 2023 investigation. More recent court filings said Fitzpatrick was considered to have absconded after he left a treatment facility in October of 2024 and failed to attend subsequent probation appointments. He was arrested on April 22 of this year in Fayette County for failure to appear before being transported to the Winneshiek County Jail the next day.

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

Service Notices celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at the Decorah Elks Club, 105 River St., Decorah.

Home – French Chapel, 202 South Washington St., Calmar, and from 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Monday at the church.

ERNEST “ERNIE” HEYING, 89, of Calmar, died Monday, April 28, 2025, at Ossian Care Center in Ossian surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 5 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 304 Maryville St., Calmar, with Pastor Neil Manternach presiding. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at Helms Funeral

DONALD BUHR, 85, of Cresco, died Sunday, April 27, 2025, at his farm in Cresco.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2 at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E Water St., Decorah, with Pastor Randy Kittelson presiding. Burial will be in Saint Peter Lutheran Cemetery, 28884 State St., West Union. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at Helms Funeral Home.

NEWS

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Law Enforcement

Approximately 50 minutes into the 90-minute event, Kent Nelson of Decorah was the first and only attendee to bring up the topic of tariffs. “There’s no thought — long-term thought — in Washington, D.C. as to the impact of tariffs on agriculture,” he said, questioning whether Iowa’s federal legislators had considered the investments American farmers have made and what the country’s agricultural producers are now receiving in return. “It’s worse than 30 percent. So, wake up, you people.” (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Indivisible’s town hall in Calmar attracts dozens, but no legislators About 100 area residents attended a Northeast Iowa Indivisible Town Hall meeting on April 24 at Pivo Brewery in Calmar.

On-site representatives of the political organization told last week’s crowd U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst, U.S. Rep. Ashley

Hinson and Iowa Sen. Mike Klimesh as well as Iowa Reps.

Michael Bergan and Jason Gearheart either declined invitations to participate in the day’s discussion or did not attend.

Kirsten Olson of Decorah served as emcee during the event. Attendees were encour-

aged to speak to the legislators’ empty chairs as if the legislators were seated in them.

Those in attendance talked about a wide range of topics — from environmental issues to concerns about President Donald Trump and various topics in between.

A row of chairs reserved for state and federal legislators ultimately remained empty as a town hall meeting hosted by Northeast Iowa Indivisible was held last week. Organizers said they extended invitations to all three of the region’s federal lawmakers as well as a trio of of state legislators from northeast Iowa to the town hall, which was held days before state lawmakers entered the final week of the current legislative session. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Lawsuit dismissed when it approved the rezoning of certain property northwest of Ridgeway, where the Michigan-based company Novilla RNG plans to create a biodigester project, which would be named Walnut Creek RNG LLC — information from the U.S. Environmental Protection

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June 21, 2025 Madison Sexton & Cole Tweten June 28, 2025 Lydia Hayes & Evan Meyer July 19, 2025 Rachel Grimstad & Ben Krutzfeldt ~ Keegan Steinlage & Ben Hageman August 9, 2025 Kaitlyn Rooney & Jake Muhlbauer August 16, 2025 Shelby Schroeder & Ryan Schmalen ~ Marai Schieber & Caden Harper September 6, 2025 Alyson Poepke & Logan Hahn September 20, 2025 Andrea Heins & Lyle Huinker October 4, 2025 Savannah Deters & Quentin Wildeman December 31, 2025 Margaret Earley & Caleb Scherf

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Agency describes biodigesters as facilities in which microorganisms break down manure in an oxygen-free environment to produce renewable natural gas.

The Driftless Water Defenders’ petition noted the Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended on a 4-2 vote that the board of supervisors deny the Novilla’s rezoning request.

The group’s petition also claims parameters for discussion set by board chair Dan Langreck ahead of an Aug. 5 public comment period were at odds with the county’s previous public notice, and the group argues those limits were enforced unevenly against members of the public who sought to express environmental concerns that morning.

Larew filed a second petition on behalf of the Driftless Water Defenders early that October, claiming the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment had also acted illegally earlier that year, when it approved a conditional use permit for the proposed facility — to produce renewable natural gas. The Driftless Water Defenders alleged the board of adjustment had “denied the 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.”

Novilla voluntarily surrendered the permit in late February, following a decision by the county board of adjustment to update its own rules related to public meetings. Attorneys for both the county and the Driftless Water Defenders soon asked the court to dismiss the nonprofit’s case against the board of adjustment.

continued from front

Attorneys for the Driftless Water Defenders said in their motion for dismissal that the group “has already obtained the relief it was requesting — to find the (conditional use permit) invalid and force Walnut Creek to start over.”

Novilla co-CEO Mark Hill previously said his company had suspended construction on the project over the winter but plans to resume construction sometime this year, adding that Novilla and its clients aim to apply for a new conditional use permit for the facility’s production of renewable natural gas.

The Driftless Water Defenders had requested the court grant a temporary injunction against Novilla in March — after the company had surrendered its conditional use permit — which might have halted construction of the facility. However, the court denied the request, noting the company’s conditional use permit had already been surrendered at that point, and agreeing with the defense’s argument that continued construction of the facility was still permitted under a separate valid state permit.

Last week’s decision from the court dismissed the nonprofit’s case against the Winneshiek County Board of Adjustment without prejudice, leaving the door open for the environmental group to potentially file a similar lawsuit in the future.

The Driftless Water Defenders’ lawsuit against the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors is ongoing. Larew’s most recent filing was dated April 1 and requests the court vacate the rezoning request previously approved by the board of supervisors.

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Friday, April 25 at a residence in the 1700 block of Old Stage Road near Decorah. Authorities located marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in a lower level common area. Two residents were located during the search. Thomas Martin Thompson, age 49, of Decorah and 44-year-old Jamie Sue Bockman of Decorah were each charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance. Thompson was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 7:25 a.m. the same day, and Bockman was booked approximately five minutes later.

Natassja Carroll, age 23, of West Union was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 4:05 p.m. Sun-

day, April 27 on an arrest warrant for failure to appear. Bond was set at $2,500. Information from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said Carroll was transported there from the Fayette County Jail.

Decorah Police Department Orianna Andrea Michelle Parr, age 27, of Decorah was charged with child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance — first offense — and possession of drug paraphernalia at approximately 9:21 p.m. Monday, April 21 in the 300 block of West Street in Decorah. Criminal complaints said police responded to the home that evening and discovered marijuana as well as drug paraphernalia in the bedroom Parr shared with her young child. Parr was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:20 p.m. the same day.

The Decorah Police Department said a Protivin man was killed after he lost control of his motorcycle last week. The police department said 35-year-old James Robert Gillen was traveling north on Locust Road on Wednesday, April 23 and lost control before he slid into the west ditch, south of Pine Crest Drive. The police, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, WinnMed ambulance service and Decorah first responders arrived on the scene shortly after the crash, according to a statement from the police department. Gillen was air-lifted to Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he succumbed to his injuries.

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

Bergan/Klimesh continued from page 3 revoked. The bill would also limit the amount of tax revenues a city could collect. A hard cap of 2 percent would be set on property tax rates each year, with exceptions made for new construction. Most property tax levy rates could increase each year by no more than 2 percent under the bill, with exceptions for new construction.

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken illustrated for Klimesh and Bergan how Decorah’s revenue streams can only keep up with inflationary costs if they are at or below 2 percent.

“We would have to see years of extremely low inflation to be able to catch up after years when we fall behind,” Goedken said.

Councilmember at large Emily Neal praised Bergan and Klimesh for their work in Des Moines, juggling a bounty of issues while making changes, but Neal also emphasized her concerns about taxpayers and what some of the state’s proposed changes could mean for them.

“While you are doing all this work on property tax, you’re also looking at constitutional amendment to limit income tax. If you put a cap on income tax and the property tax levy, something will have to be sacrificed,” Neal said. “We won’t have quality roads or libraries or parks or all those shared resources we currently have.”

Neal feels push for tax relief has been largely fueled by inflated housing assessments, but she said limiting property taxes isn’t the answer.

“If you limit property taxes, in some ways you’re trying to put a bandaid on a bigger problem, which is a housing shortage in Iowa,” Neal said. “As a result, our assessments are through the roof, which is great if you are going to sell your home, but a lot of Iowans build deep roots and they want to live in their homes. They don’t care their house is worth 125 percent more, they are just trying to pay the taxes on a house that is no longer within their means because the assessed values keep going up and up and up.”

Neal asked the state lawmakers to pause the proposed legislation until it can be fine-tuned.

Decorah City Councilman Steve Zittergruen echoed Neal’s appreciation to Klimesh and Bergan, thanking them for sitting down with their smalltown constituency.

“I take it in good faith that you are trying to accomplish what you say you are,” Zittergruen said. “People are asking for lower property taxes, and you’re trying to at least limit the growth in property taxes.”

Bergan explained that the bill — which has already seen two iterations and is now on its third — is the legislature’s attempt at rewriting a hodgepodge bill which is now five decades old.

“All they did was patch together pieces and throw bandaids on top of it without taking a holistic look at the system,” Bergan said of previous legislation.“We’ve built a system to relieve pressure over the years instead of looking at the real issues.”

Bergan said the legislature’s

goal is to break down the system and rebuild it from the ground up, with the final bill offering more predictability to taxpayers.

Zittergruen rebutted Bergan’s strategy to simplify the state’s tax code, saying that while he was happy to hear about a simpler approach and even encouraged it, he didn’t feel it was plausible for towns and cities.

“We’re not going to be able to run a city this way,” said Zittergruen. “Any of you who read a newspaper know that inflation is growing faster than the 2 percent being proposed and the legislature seems to depend on our tax collections not keeping pace with it.”

Zittergruen said cities with decreased revenue will likely reduce public services, such as libraries, public pools or regular road repairs, and he appealled to Klimesh, who previously served as mayor of Spillville.

“In Spillville, you were able to provide nice cultural amenities and parks as part of your normal budgetary process, but how will Spillville govern itself and provide those amenities with the bill shifting a huge percentage of the property tax base to residential?” Zittergruen asked. “They are going to have to cancel music in the park and let some roads go. When you were mayor, things worked pretty well, so why are you changing it?”

The conversation volleyed to Neal, who said cities depend on property taxes and argued a city’s own elected officials should be the ones who determine property tax rates. She said applying a generic tax structure across the state, disadvantages many smaller rural communities, while large cities like Des Moines an Iowa City could more easily absorb such changes.

“Communities look different.

The ways Decorah attracts business is different, and our housing is different as well,” Neal said. “You should let local government figure out taxes that work for them. They can elect new officials if they don’t like how it is working for them. So many state bills do this.”

Councilman Kirsten Olsen expressed support for Neal’s suggestion, asking if the lawmakers would support added autonomy for cities rather than mandated state approaches.

“I would think a Republican would agree that bringing local control back would make sense,” Olsen told the two GOP state lawmakers.

Klimesh noted Iowans were given local control in 2021 as part of the state’s Emergency Medical Services levy, through which towns were given the power to raise property taxes to support ambulance services.

Pending state legislation would also make changes to tax increment financing — or TIF — revenues, which are often used as an incentive for developers to build commercial and industrial properties by refunding or diverting property taxes over a period of years. The city recently established a TIF district at the intersection of Highway 9 and Millennium Road

to offset the cost of installing a traffic signal there in the future. The city had planned on the Iowa Department of Transportation financially contributing to the project, but Goedken explained, the state legislature’s proposal could throw a monkey wrench in the city’s plan for the intersection.

“The DOT has some funds to contribute, but nowhere near half the associated cost,” Goedken said. “As a result of this legislation, the amount we will be able to capture from the TIF will be much much less. We could end up way short financially of where we previously were, or we run the risk of not being able to capture the whole cost.”

He said he was recently contacted by a potential developer inquiring about TIF incentives in the business park, but Goedken said he wasn’t able to model what the developer could expect, saying the pending legislation could change the numbers.

“If this proposal were to be adopted, this would lower the commercial property tax obligation from the city side,” said Goedken. “It’s going to make TIF much less of a usable tool, which is one of the last (tools) cities have for economic development.”

City officials inquired as to the state lawmakers’ support of the proposed bill, but Klimesh said there wasn’t anything to be in support of yet, adding that conversations about the bill in Des Moines are ongoing.

“We have some meetings scheduled next week, and I will take back what I have gathered from today,” Klimesh said.

“There is nothing set in stone, but I hear what you are saying.

The taxpayers are saying their taxes are too high, and we need to work to find ways to trim that down without cutting services.

That’s always the goal, isn’t it?

It’s a tough row to hoe sometimes.”

Klimesh said he felt the bill has a 50-50 chance of passing through the Iowa Senate, and Bergan was uncertain whether the legislature would ultimately get to it this year.

“It’s a complex system, and we need to make sure we do a good job instead of trying to do it in 12 weeks when 12 months would serve us better,” Bergan said. “There are other considerations to take in — from a small city perspective, a county perspective. I recognize there are some stark differences between small, medium and large cities.”

As the meeting wrapped, Bergan and Klimesh vowed to take all of the feedback, concerns, suggestions and consider them as they return to Des Moines.

The current legislative session is scheduled to end Friday.

“Please be cautious when you are contemplating major changes in reaction to legitimate concerns about tax bills and the raising of tax rates, and so forth,” Zittergruen told the pair of legislators. “If we fix this with a chainsaw and not a scalpel, we’re not really leading.

That’s not leadership. That’s butchery. I encourage you to be surgeons and not lumberjacks.”

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Decorah Chorale to present ‘We Shall Know’ The Decorah Chorale will present a spring concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 4 in the Decorah High School Auditorium.

Organizers said the concert, entitled “We Shall Know,” reflects on the universal journey toward understanding of one’s self, of each other and of the forces which shape each person’s life.

The chorale will perform music by Daniel Pinkham, Elaine Hagenberg, Jason Mraz, Rosep-

hanye Powell, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Sarah Quartel, Christopher Harris and Morten Lauridsen.

The Decorah Chorale is comprised of musicians from Decorah as well as surrounding Iowa and Minnesota communities, with the goal of fostering musical excellence and community. The group is under the direction of conductor Jason Rausch, with collaborative pia-

nist Nicholas Shaneyfelt. Guest percussionists for this concert will be Chris Hadley and Bryan Wendt. The concert is free and open to all.

The choir rehearses Sunday evenings beginning in late August and continuing through April, with several weeks off around the holidays. Email decorahchoraledirector@gmail. com or visit www.decorahchorale.org for more information.

South Winneshiek senior awarded Special Education Teacher Scholarship South Winneshiek High School senior Caylie Adam has been awarded the 2025 Special Education Teacher Scholarship of Iowa in recognition for her academic accomplishments and educational goals. Organizers said, during her time at South Winneshiek Schools, Adam has proven herself to be a leader both in and out of the classroom. For the past four years, she has participated in various activities and volunteer opportunities including softball, individual speech and 4-H County Council.

After graduation, Adam plans to attend Waldorf University in Forest City, where she will study special education.

In her scholarship application, she gave special thanks to her grandma Jan who worked as a

Caylie Adam

dedicated nurse for more than 40 years.

“Her empathetic approach to everyone she meets has inspired me to adopt a similar

mindset, especially in my goal to become a special education teacher,” she said.

After earning her degree from Waldorf University, Adam hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of children as a special education teacher with a reading endorsement.

“I hope to provide meaningful learning experiences and instill a sense of value and confidence in every child,” Adam said.

The Star Student Scholarship is awarded to a graduating student and is co-sponsored by ClaimAid Consulting Corporation and the Iowa Association of School Boards. The scholarship is awarded based on a number of requirements, including educational goals and academic accomplishments.

Military Veterans, families and friends from the tri-state area gathered in Decorah Monday afternoon for the ribbon cutting celebration of the city’s new 17,000 square-foot Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. More than twenty years in the making, Decorah’s clinic will treat more than 1,300 veterans from the extended area, and will offer advanced services including audiology, radiology, battlefield acupuncture and state of the art physical therapy. (Photo

by Denise Lana)

VA Clinic continued from front work in addition to providing access to dietitians and battlefield acupuncture.

Life-long Decorah resident and Army veteran Tade Kerndt said having a full-service medical facility in town is a godsend to many local veterans.

“Before we had a clinic, Winneshiek and Allamakee counties used to have to organize van rides for veterans to get down to Iowa City to receive the care they can get here today,” Kerndt said. “Sometimes those trips would last 12 or13 hours, but now they can come here and get the same thing done in less than an hour.”

Kerndt told the crowd which had packed into the front of the facility on Monday how the need for a local veterans clinic became paramount for Decorah residents in 2003. Local

VA commissioners petitioned congressmen and senators, and many letters and postcards were written by area veterans and residents.

“They were begging for something in our area so they didn’t have to make that trek,” said Kerndt. “Luckily after nine years of calls of petitioning, they granted us the clinic on Short Street. Today, they’ve almost doubled the size in this new expansion. There are so many more services now here in Decorah instead of people having to drive three hours away.”

According to Decorah’s VA Clinic Coordinator Dana Helton, the clinic serves more than 1,300 veterans from northeast Iowa counties and surrounding counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He expressed his thanks to the dedicated teams of people

and businesses who worked together to make the new facility a reality.

“We are so proud of our team and are honored to care for our veterans,” Helton said. “I am excited seeing the number of people from the communities here today.”

Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski echoed Helton’s sentiment, extending her thanks to everyone who helped put the dream into action and build a facility which greets people as they enter Decorah from the west.

“I appreciate the beauty of the building and where it’s located as you first come into town,” Borowski said. “For all the veterans who can take advantage of the services, I want to thank those people who made this happen.”

Chamber marks successful gala event The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed numerous community members to its annual gala fundraiser Friday night. This year’s event was held at Impact Coffee in Decorah and followed a theme based on the popular television sitcom “The Office.” Attendees were encouraged to dress as they’re favorite character, and games as well as live auction items and raffle prizes — such as a full-sized stapler suspended in jello — were based on iconic moments from the show. A number of the auction items and prize packages were sold for more than $1,000. Next year’s gala is scheduled for April 24, 2026, and organizers announced the theme of the black tie event will be centered around the well-known board game Clue, which was also adapted into a 1985 film. (Photo by Seth Boyes)

Decorah Public Library announces May book discussions Decorah Public Library staff will be hosting five book discussions in May. The groups are open to the public, and newcomers are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested should call the library at 382-3717 to learn more or to reserve a book.

Email ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org to be added to any of the groups’ email distribution lists. Funds for multiple copy sets are provided by the Friends of Decorah Public Library.

The Happy Hour Book Group will meet at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company to discuss “On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good”

by Elise Loehnen. In this book, journalist Elise Loehnen explains how impulses which are often lauded as unselfish and distinctly feminine instincts are often ingrained by a culture which reaps the benefits, via an extraordinarily effective collection of mores known as the Seven Deadly Sins.

The History Book Group will meet at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 15 on the second floor of the library to discuss “Surviving Wounded Knee: The Lakotas and the Politics of Memory”

by David W. Grua. The U.S. Seventh Cavalry killed more than 200 Lakota Ghost Dancers — including men, women, and children-at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota — on Dec. 29, 1890. Historian David Grua argues Wounded Knee serves as a window into larger debates over how the United States’ conquest of indigenous peoples should be remembered. During the five decades after Wounded

Knee, survivors pursued historical justice, which in turn laid the foundation for later activists who wished to promote indigenous sovereignty.

The Friday Book Group will meet at 2 p.m. Friday, May 16 on the second floor of the library to discuss “Looking for Smoke” by K.A. Cobell. When local girl Loren includes Mara in a traditional Blackfeet Giveaway to honor Loren’s missing sister, Mara thinks she’ll finally make some friends on the Blackfeet reservation. Instead, a girl from the Giveaway, Samantha White Tail, is found murdered. Because the four members of the Giveaway group were the last to see Samantha alive, each becomes a person of interest in the investigation, Aand all of them—Mara, Loren, Brody, and Eli—have a complicated history with Samantha.

The Speculative Fiction Book Group will meet at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 28 via Zoom to discuss “Rose/House” by Arkady Martine — a Zoom link for discussion is available on the library’s website. All of Basit Deniau’s houses were haunted.

Rose House, his final architectural triumph built in the remote Mojave desert, was perhaps the most haunted. When Detective Maritza Smith gets a call from Rose House, she’s shocked to learn that there is a dead body behind its sealed-up door. Answers await the detective within the labyrinthine halls of Rose

House but, even if Martiza can get inside, there is no guarantee she will ever be able to leave.

The group will then discuss C.M. Waggoner’s “The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society” beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. — the Zoom link is the same for both meetings. Librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle keeps finding bodies — and solving murders — but she’s concerned by just how many killers she’s had to track down in her quaint village.

None of her neighbors seem surprised by the rising body count, but Sherry is becoming convinced that whatever has been causing these deaths is unnatural. When someone close to Sherry ends up dead, and her cat — Lord Thomas Crowell — becomes possessed by what seems to be an ancient demon, Sherry begins to think she’s going to need to become an exorcist as well as an amateur sleuth.

For more information, call 563-382-3717 to speak with Tricia Crary about the Friday Book Group or to Kristin Torresdal about the Happy Hour, History and Speculative Fiction Book Groups.

Congratulations to the City of Decorah’s Decorah Parks and Recreation department on their newest amenity - an Archery Range at Will Baker Park. Pictured are Chamber Ambassadors Ray Rinkol and Adam Baker, Parks & Recreation Director Marc Holtey, Decorah Parks & Recreation Board Members Rich Gaard and Zach Kerndt, Mayor Lorraine Borowski, City Councilman Steve Zittegruen, Parks & Recreation Superintendent of Recreation and Business Mallory McArtor, and Chamber Director Jessica Rilling.

507 W. Water St., Decorah 563.382.3990 decorahareachamber.com

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Outdoor Community briefs since she was 14, will share her story time Vaccines for passion for the collectibles. As Adults program a member of the United Fedto be held in offered at eration of Doll Clubs, Inc. and zero cost vice president of the Iowa Kate Vaccines for Adults Shelley Doll Club, she has a Phelps Park —Theor Iowa VFA — program offers number of stories and insights Officials recognized Fair Housing Month Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski signed a proclamation last month in recognition of Fair Housing Month. Representatives of the National Association of Realtors said the organization commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 each year, and members consider themselves advocates against discrimination while promoting fair housing practices across the country. Those present during last month’s signing were (left to right) Ben Harman with Harman Realty, Tade Kerndt with Viking Realtors, Joanie Rollins with AJ Realty, Mayor Borowski, Michael Kelly with Kelly Real Estate and Sarah Zbornik with AJ Realty. (Photo by Denise Lana)

Dragonfly Books to welcome authors during pair of May events Organizers with Dragonfly Books in Decorah recently announced two author events scheduled for next month.

California author Liese Greensfelder will present her new memoir “Accidental Shepherd: How a California Girl Rescued an Ancient Mountain Farm in Norway” at 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 3 at Dragonfly Books — 112 W Water St. in Decorah.

In her memoir, a 21-old Greensfelder arrives in a rural Norwegian town for a summer job in May 1972 and receives the startling news that the farmer she’d planned to work for has suffered a serious stroke — further, the farmer asks if she can run the farm for him “for a month” while he recuper-

ates, as he fears the farm will be lost. The young Californian — with no agricultural experience — takes over the old, remote mountain farm, which is still tun in the old ways, and its animals high above the magnificent Hardanger Fjord.

And in a twist, midway during her year at the farm, a news personality learned about Greensfelder and writes a profile which turns her into a national celebrity. In 1975, she weny on to publish a bestselling book in Norway about her first six months at the farm, told in the form of letters back home.

But she felt she couldn’t tell the whole story then, and “Accidental Shepherd” presents the full story of her year high above the Norwegian fjord.

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Later the same month, Award-winning Minnesota author Peter Geye will celebrate the release of his new novel, “A Lesser Light” at 7 p.m. May 14 during an event hosted by Dragonfly Books at T-Bock’s Upstairs — located at 206 W Water St. in Decorah. Geye will be in conversation with local author and literary advocate Keith Lesmeister.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Superior in 1910, “A Lesser Light” tells the story of a newly commissioned lighthouse, its keeper and a marriage bound by duty rather than love.

Theodulf Sauer and his new wife Willa are polar opposites, yet they forge a life together as Willa finds solace in the cosmos and their neighbors across the cove. When Theodulf wrestles with his past and Willa begins to carve out her own path, tragedy strikes their remote beacon, casting their futures into uncertainty.

Both events are 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 these and other events with Dragonfly Books, visit dragonflybooks.com.

Academic Achievements Rankin, Schmidt named to the Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic

Taylor Rankin of Castalia was recently named to the 2024 fall trimester Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport. In addition, Karissa Schmidt of Waucoma was recently named to the 2024 fall trimester Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida.

Folkedahl awarded degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic

Micala Folkedahl of Decorah graduated with a doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport on Feb. 28, 2025.

Families are invited to attend an outdoor story time from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, May 5 at the Phelps Park Bandshell in celebration of Children’s Book Week. Young readers are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of imagination, adventure and discovery — with a real-life Wild Thing joining the fun.

The event will feature a lively reading of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” along with other beloved stories. Children may also enjoy activities, coloring pages and snacks, all while surrounded by the beauty of Phelps Park.

Every child in attendance will receive a free book, courtesy of the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation. The Decorah Public Library will also join the celebration, sharing information about their 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program — an initiative to inspire early literacy and foster a love of reading among young children.

This free community event is sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation with support from Dragonfly Books. It is ideal for children ages 2–8, but all are welcome. Parental supervision is recommended to ensure a safe and joyful experience for everyone.

Shively to debut ‘Fluorescent Pink, Golden Light’

Artist Ava Anthea Shively is set to debut their latest exhibit, “Fluorescent Pink, Golden Light,” with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. May 2 in the Doyle G Heyveld gallery at ArtHaus in Decorah. The collection will remain on display through May 31.

Shively’s oil paintings incorporate collage, saturated color palettes and other mixed styles. Shively aims to convey a celebration of joy in her work through isolated or repeated elements, while using fluorescent pink and golden yellow as central themes to express the concepts of love, belonging and peace.

“Fluorescent Pink is like knowing I am loved,” Shively said. “It’s the first realization of a shared friendship, the feeling of belonging while cooking a shared meal or the vibrancy of running fast to nowhere.

Yellow, by contrast, is a warm peace — the feeling of my soul spilling out, an overly tight hug or a sleepy afternoon sun.”

Shively is an oil painter and illustrator, who graduated from Luther College in 2024 with degrees in fine art and German. Shively has since lived in Decorah and Minneapolis, Minnesota, while working as a farmhand, framer and substitute teacher. In January of 2025, Shively was a resident artist at the Grünewald Guild. This year, Shively will also present solo shows at ArtHaus, The Root Note in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the Minneapolis Bouldering Project, among others.

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zero-cost vaccines to eligible adults 19 years of age and older through a network of providers across the state. The program aims to remove cost as a barrier to access vaccines and increase adult vaccine coverage in Iowa.

The program offers vaccines for several illnesses, such as COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, influenza, measles/mumps/ rubella, meningococcal, polio, pneumococcal, RSV, tetanus/ diphtheria/pertussis and varicella. Eligible adults include those 19 years of age and older who are uninsured or underinsured; as well as those who have insurance which does not cover vaccines, caps prevention services or does not provide first-dollar coverage for vaccines. For more information, including a list of participating providers, visit hhs.iowa.gov/immunization/vaccines-adults-program or contact Veterans Memorial Community and Home Care/ Allamakee County Public Health at 568-5660.

Volunteers invited to help restore natural area near Decorah

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation invites the public to join a volunteer stewardship event just outside Decorah on Saturday, May 3. Attendees will have opportunities to participate from 9 a.m. to noon and/or from 1-4:30 p.m.

This annual event, called “Into the Wild, Out with the Mustard,” provides a hands-on event to help protect and restore Heritage Valley — a 1,190acre landscape of oak-hickory woodlands, goat prairies, limestone outcrops and 3 miles of the scenic Upper Iowa River.

INHF has owned and cared for Heritage Valley since 2007, actively working to restore and steward its diverse habitats.

Volunteers will help remove garlic mustard, one of Iowa’s most aggressive invasive plants, by hand-pulling it from the woodland floor. The task is easy and family-friendly, making it an ideal activity for volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Youth and families can also enjoy additional nature-themed activities, including bird watching, sensory exploration and magnifying tools for up-close discovery. A bag lunch will be provided.

No prior experience is needed. Guidance and gloves will be provided. Volunteers may meet along Ellingson Bridge Drive and Red Bud Drive in Decorah.

Signs will be posted.

Registration is required and may be completed online at inhf.org/events/volunteer.

Questions may be directed to Senior Land Stewardship and Blufflands Director Brian Frankhauser at bfrankhauser@inhf.org.

TV FFA to hold Flower Fest

The public is invited to attend the Turkey Valley FFA’s Flower Fest. Various flowers and hanging baskets will be available from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 10 and from 1-5 p.m. Friday, May 16 at the Turkey Valley Greenhouse, located at Turkey Valley Community Schools — 3219 Highway 24 in Jackson Junction.

Rathje to present on doll collecting

The public is invited to learn about dolls with Amy Rathje at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 9 at the Senior Center in Decorah.

Rathje, who has collected dolls

to share about her cherished dolls – which many attendees may have loved as children.

Attendees are welcome to bring their beloved dolls for a showand-tell session following Rathje’s presentation.

Decorah Rotary to host book signing with Billerbeck

Decorah Rotary Club will host an evening with Erika Billerbeck, author of “Wildland Sentinel: Field Notes from an Iowa Conversation Officer,” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15.

Billerbeck graduated Luther College in 1997 and served as an Iowa Conservation officer for 25 years. Her book describes numerous experiences as she and her colleagues sift through poaching investigations, chase down sex offenders in state parks, search for fugitives in wildlife areas, haul drunk boaters to jail, perform body recoveries and face the chaos which comes with disaster response.

The public is invited to attend the event at no cost. Light refreshments will be provided, and books will be available for purchase for $20, with the opportunity for a personalized signature from the author. For more information about Decorah Rotary Club, contact brecka.putnam@gmail.com or visit decorahrotary.org.

Registration open for Parks and Rec activities, city pool passes available

Registration for Decorah Parks and Recreation summer activities and swimming lessons opened on Thursday, May 1. The public may be complete activity registration and purchase pool passes online at parks.decorahia.org or in the Parks and Rec Office. Online registration fees must be paid for using a credit or debit card.

Activities and swimming pool information can be viewed or downloaded from the website as well. The city’s swimming pool is scheduled to open for the season on Tuesday, May 27.

The first session of recreation programs is set to begin Monday, June 2.

Public invited to Open Hub Singing Club

The public is invited to join song leader Liz Rog for the Open Hub Singing Club summer series. No singing experience is necessary, and all voices are welcome. Songs will be taught orally. The group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays May through August at the Phelps Park bandstand. Participants may register at centerforbelonging.earth/ events.

‘The Art of Basic Beekeeping’ to be held at German American Museum

A presentation entitled “The Art of Basic Beekeeping,” will take place from 6:30-8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7 at the German American Museum, Library and Family History Center — 212 E Main St. in St. Lucas. Beekeepers Clair and Marilyn Pecinovsky discuss their motivation to become beekeepers and their many family experiences while beekeeping over the past decade. The public is invited to join the discussion, share their own beekeeping experiences and enjoy desserts and refreshments.

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David Kester with the Raptor Resource Project spoke on the topic if falcons, hawks and other predatory birds during Saturday’s festival. He was joined by a female gyrfalcon named Astrid.

Kester said the gyrfalcon is the world’s largest species of falcon. (Photos by Seth Boyes)

Plenty to touch and see at 2025 Earth Day Festival

Nature enthusiasts young and old meandered the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds on Saturday morning during the annual Earth Day Festival. Various organizations displayed items and invited visitors to partake in activities in an effort to learn and appreciate the natural world.

Many booths focused on plant and animal life, while others featured environmentally-conscience practices or products, and still others promoted specific environmental activism.

The 2025 festival was held from 9 a.m. to noon that day, and displays were housed in the Danan Lansing Building and the Community Building on the fairgrounds.

Visitors were able to craft flower crowns and learn to use stones to crack edible nuts with volunteers from the Red Oak Outdoor School during Saturday’s Earth Day Festival.

Wendy Stevens discussed plant bulbs with visitors while volunteering at the Winneshiek Energy District’s booth during the annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday morning in the Community Building of the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. The booth also featured a second display of bulbs — light bulbs — and allowed visitors to use a voltmeter to compare how much electricity was used by each of three different types of light bulbs.

Meg Storkamp greeted visitors who stopped by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office’s booth Saturday. Volunteers were able to answer questions about seeds and garden-related activity.

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Breckbill said the Tent of Nations operation is about 100 acres in size and produces olives, figs and almonds. (Photo submitted)

Breckbill continued from front 24/7 so that the surrounding Israeli settlements would not be emboldened to kind of appropriate pieces of the farm, destroy olive trees or beat up the Palestinian family,” Breckbill said, adding such behavior has previously been reported by those at Tent of Nations. “The presence of international people there is a pretty effective preventatives of that kind of bad behavior. The Tent of Nations family relies on international presence to maintain their land and be able to keep their land.”

Breckbill said, though she’s far from fluent in Arabic, she can pick out a number of words and phrases, and she could hear the excitement among the farmers at Tent of Nations when she told them she herself was a farmer.

“That felt good, and they entrusted me with a lot,” she said.

Breckbill said the Tent of Nations operation includes about 100 acres and produces olives, figs and almonds — all tree crops. She was part of a group of seven visiting volunteers who worked on the farm over the course of about 3.5 weeks — four of her fellow volunteers were from the Netherlands, one was from Germany and another was from Australia. She said most of her time was spent on the farm itself, save for a weekly trip to attend church in nearby Bethlehem.

“That was really interesting, because my life in northeast Iowa is not that still,” she said.

“I’m always — many times a week — going into town, going into Decorah or going out and about in my car, so to have that experience of just being in place with very little agenda other than to do some farm work really felt really kind of radical or beautiful. My purpose is to be human. I don’t have to be productive. I don’t have to be busy.

I can just be. And I’m definitely wanting to incorporate some of that into my life to just remember I don’t have to do anything other than be a person.”

She said being able to see the very lands Jesus used as part of the many agricultural metaphors recorded in the Bible was a memorable experience for her as well. Breckbill described the Middle Eastern landscape as hilly and at times reminiscent

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of her own home in the Driftless Region. She said farmers in the West Bank have constructed rock walls to create terraces for their farm operations for generations, and she called the ancient stair-step structures on the the steep slopes a beautiful sight.

“I certainly don’t know how ancient it is, but to think about how long agriculture has been practiced in that place is pretty incredible,” she said.

Tent of Nations was still in what are considered the region’s winter months during Breckbill’s stay — temperatures ranged from 40-60 degrees with occasional rainfall.

She said much of her work was geared toward preparations for the core growing season, and it wasn’t unfamiliar territory.

Breckbill began renting land in the Decorah area around 2013 for what became Humble Hands Harvest. The worker-owned cooperative farm continues to sell its produce locally, and Breckbill herself has spoken on topics such as regenerative agriculture, land justice and co-operative economics.

“The great thing about working with plants is that, once you learn how to do a thing, it’s pretty easy to transfer it over,” Breckbill said. “I know how to prune apple trees from being in Iowa, so that means I kind of have a fluency with tree crops.

Even though different kinds of trees fruit differently, I can still pick it up pretty easily.”

Breckbill was also entrusted with what she described as other basic farm work — cutting larger tree prunings for use as firewood and planting produce inside a greenhouse.

“Even though I’m not there now — which is when things are actually growing in terms of vegetables — it was fun to feel like I was part of the beginning of their growing season,” she said.

But she indicated the solidarity she and other volunteers provided to the Palestinian farmers at Tent of Nations was the more important aspect of her visit.

Tent of Nations’ website says the farmland was purchased

by Bishara Daher Nassar more than 100 years ago, while the country was still under Ottoman rule, and the family offered Palestinian Christians Bible study and prayer sessions during the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, according to the farm’s website.

Israel occupied both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 1967, according to information from the United Nations. The farm operation became what Breckbill called an agro-tour-

ism destination many years ago, and today it is surrounded by several Israeli settlements, which Tent of Nations says “are growing to become cities.” The farm’s website claims Israeli authorities declared the family’s farm and the surrounding area to be state land in 1991, and an estimated 1,100 trees were allegedly destroyed by outside parties between 2021 and 2022, while the family attempted to re-register its land with Israeli officials. Breckbill said one of the settlements being developed is located on nearby land which was believed to belong to Palestinians.

“The Tent of Nations isn’t allowed to have electricity and it doesn’t have water access, but those settlements nearby — including this place just over the fence from the farm — has those things supplied by Israel,” she said, adding she believes the settlement may be illegal under international law. “Everything was just so blatant.”

She estimated the settlement stood about 50 feet from the toilet she used during her stay, and she said it reminded her of the reason why Tent of Nations continues to be in need of volunteers like herself.

“If we weren’t there, this brazenness would probably extend over the fence and into this farm, which is a beautiful place and should not be destroyed,” Breckbill said.

But she also said the Palestinian people have displayed resilience and sought peace in the face of their difficulties — Tent of Nations uses the motto, “We refuse to be enemies.”

“The amount of harassment that Palestinians have to deal with and learn to be human through is staggering,” Breckbill said. “It was interesting for me to be there during the first weeks of the Trump Administration and kind of watch what was happening in the U.S. and to feel how that stuff which horrifies me was nothing new at all to the Palestinians.”

She went on to say the experience demonstrated to her that one does not necessarily need to give up their connection to the land and their community under such circumstances — a thought she indicated may serve as a personal guide for years to come.

“In fact, if I am able to make my connection to those things stronger, it can help me get through the terrible things that happen,” she said. “I was honored to be able to witness that and witness people that are really powerful in their steadfastness.”

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10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

THANK YOU

TEACHERS!

DECORAH COMMUNITY SCHO OL DISTRICT TEACHERS West Side Early Childhood Center Amanda Maki, Mika Petersen and Jessica Tangen

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221 | 11

TEACHER APPRECIATION WE EK M A Y 5 - 9, 2 0 2 5

John Cline Elementary School Beth Baumann, Sarah Brynsaas, Sarah Carlson, Kevin Carter, Katie Casterton, Ashley Darling, Johanna Delaney, Marcie Dodd, Clarissa Einck, Janet Falck, Amanda Hahn, John Hines, Carmen Johnson, Karen Klotzbach, Andrea Knaack, Karen Kuhn, Catherine Moeller, Carrie Nimrod, Bethany Noble, Meg Numedahl, Kari O’Hara, Shanna Putnam-Dibble, Kendall Reagan, Megan Reinhardt, Joyce Richert, Sarah Schacherer, Michaela Seeman, Megan Slessor, Krista Smith, Jessica Tangen, Shannon Tieskoetter, Gabriel Twedt, Stacy Williams and Katherine Woodhouse.

ALL PHOTOS SUBMITTED

TURKEY VALLEY SCHO OL DISTRICT Front row (l-r): Casey Rausch, Deone McMullen, Janice Brown, April Singewald, Junior Hackman, Anne Wemark, Dan Stepan, Mark Tillman, Alex Gisleson, Joe Pinter, Anthony Troyna, Lezley Johansen and Heidi Kriener. Second row: Kara Einck, Jeanine Wurzer, Cassy Nosbisch, Glenda Schmitt, Carol Winter, Christina Carlton, Kristen Hackman, Brenda Frana, Melissa Meyer, Susan Ourada, Maria Langreck, Gail Holmes, Tanya Scott and Michelle Hoy. Third row: Sara Meirick, Brittany Schmitt, Amanda Lawless, Kristie Brincks, Erin Schmitt, Jenae Kuennen, Hailey Gage, Susan Leibold, Maddie Steiner, Jessica Pullman, Caroline Scheidel, Judy Lechtenberg and Cameron Amos. Fourth row: Robyn Vsetecka, Marsha Jevne, Coleen Marvin, Amy Fencl, Jeree Svec, Carolyn Rausch, Diana Scott, Barb Smith, Courtney Koch, Angela Balk, Natalie Schneiter and Leslie Raymond. Back row: Jackie Novotny, Sara Converse, Jean Rosonke, Christy Klimesh, Ambriehl Boyer, Rhonda Drilling, Melissa Kruse, Tammy Vrzak, Ashley Walz, Jackie Hageman and Lolita Adams.

Carrie Lee Elementary School Elise Bennett, Sara Blake, Beth Bodensteiner, Erika Bruess, Kirsten Burrett, Denise Cook, Jenn DeLaRosa, Julie Giese, Karen Klotzbach, Stacy Knight, Jonathon Koch, Annika Krieg, Steve Larson, Carol Lutkenhaus, Savanna Mosbach, Kari O’Hara, Alaina Otto, Jackie Panos, Sara Peterson, Carolin Remmen, Michaela Seeman, Matt Steven, Jessica Tangen, Katherine Woodhouse and Sarah Zbornik.

Decorah Middle School Gene Adams, Matt Amundson, Taylor Amundson, Dean Beckman, Casey Bouska, Mackynzi Bouska, Scott Boylen, Jonathan Carlson, Sarah Casterton, Matt Cody, Amy Courtney, Pamela Dambeck, Kelly Farley, Zach Fromm, Julie Giese, Chris Hadley, Alyssa Halweg, Jesse Halweg, Dana Hogan, Ryan Hogan, Shannon Horton, Danyce Jacobs, Wes Knaack, Sarah Kowitz, Danyelle Kruse, Matt Kuempel, Steve Larson, Jesse Lyon, Judy Moen, Sarah Nowack, Kathy Oftedahl, Amy Pipho, Grace Redenius, Carrie Reed, Heidi Rue, Bretta Schwartz, Heidi SnellAnderson, Lee Stock, Jessica Uhlenhake and Lisa Witzke.

SOUTH WINNESHIEK ELEMENTARY Front row (l-r): Carter Wenthold, Mike Wenthold, Brandi Wenthold, Brenna Ramstad, Donna Blong, Emily Kullen, Emily Feller, Luann Ward and Sara Bernhard. Middle row: Karin Ihde, Mary Kleve, Jess Peters, Kim Kuhn, Lori Luzum, Kari Straube, Jenny Larson, Sam Christophersen and Ana Olson Johnson. Back row: Todd Conway, Ed Wadsworth, Alex Smith, Cassidy Frana, Connie Formanek and Jake Elsbernd. Not pictured are Kathy Seitz, Gretchen Wenthold, Mollie Tjossem, Julie Nolte and Wendy Huinker.

DECORAH MIDD LE SCHO OL

Decorah High School Adam Bohach, Jill Boyd, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Joni Bruvold, Andy Carlson, Matt Cody, Nicole Cody, Marie Conway, Felecia DeJong, John Dunt, Erik Dutcher, Josh Fenske, Hans Finanger, Liz Fox, John Fretham, Doreen Fullhart, Kelli Gapinski, Megan Gates, Paige Hageman, Tim Hayes, Nick Hirka, Molly Holkesvik, Gina Holthaus, Shannon Horton, Amanda Huinker, Danyce Jacobs, Brad Johansen, Carrie Kauffman, Angela LaBelle, Allysen Lovstuen, Alyssa Marso, Michelle Monreal, Michelle Nesteby, Cristy Nimrod, Jason Rausch, Mark Rhodes, Addie Sadler, Cara Smith, Shannon Quandahl, Brigit Storhoff, Stephanie Steines, Karen Stock, Mike Tangen, Pat Trewin, Brian Waskow and Brett Wilker.

SOUTH WINNESHIEK HIGH SCHO OL Front row (l-r): Kurt Straube, Laurie Emery, Ethan Adams, Brooke Lodge and Rhonda Todd. Middle row: Jason Drucker, Scott Conway, Margie Holien, Connie Euans and Melissa Hageman. Back row: Jason Ohrt, Mike Wenthold and Kevin Kearney. Not pictured are Paul Bakewell, Julie Kipp, Nathan Miller, Glenna Munuswamy and Kathy Seitz.

DECORAH HIGH SCHO OL

DECORAH WEST SIDE ELEMENTARY

DECORAH JOHN CLINE ELEMENTARY Pictured left (clockwise from top): John Cline’s Amanda Hahn; Decorah Middle School’s Dean Beckman and Lisa Witzke; and Carrie Lee’s Jon Koch and Sara Blake.

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12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Organizers prepare for second annual Paddle Battle River enthusiasts from near and far are expected to converge on the region on June 7 for the second-annual Driftless Paddle Battle. The event will feature kayaks and canoes in a daylong adventure-float down the Upper Iowa River — event co-founder Scott Timm described the race

as “a fun run on the water.” Participants may choose between an 11-mile or 34-mile lengths, with both routes ending at Pine Bluff 4-H Camp, just east of Decorah.

“Some racers will be out there to win, of course,” Timm said, “but most participants are just

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excited to get out on the river with others who love the water and are happy to know that they’re supporting good causes.”

Event co-founder Steve Zittergruen said proceeds from this year’s Paddle Battle will be split between the Decorah Community Food Pantry and Pine Bluff 4-H Camp.

Last year’s inaugural Paddle Battle drew dozens of racers from as far away as South Dakota, and the Paddle Battle’s new race headquarters at Pine Bluff 4-H Camp will provide racers the opportunity to make a weekend out of the event — camping is included in the registration fee.

“We’re not just trying to grow a race here,” said event co-founder Steven Zittergruen.

“We’re trying to create community. We want this event to evolve into something folks look forward to year after year.”

Interested participants are encouraged to visit driftlesspaddlebattle.com, and registration may be completed online.

Decorah Farmers Market to open Saturday The Decorah Farmers Market will open for the 2025 season, its 50th year, on Saturday, May 3, and many local vendors will be present with vegetables, plants, baked goods, meat and more.

“Celebrating 50 years of the Decorah Farmers Market is a testament to our community’s dedication to supporting local agriculture,” said Decorah Farmers Market Board President Josh Dansdill. “A special thank you goes out to those who have helped make the market what it is today. A lot of hard work from dedicated producers and community members has grown the market into a cornerstone in the community.”

This year’s outdoor market dates will run through the end of October and will be followed by winter markets in November and December. The market will be open from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The Dec-

File photo orah Farmers Market is located in the lower Oneota Co-op parking lot.

The Decorah Farmers Market is proud to accept SNAP EBT and Double Up Food Bucks.

Shoppers wishing to use these payment methods may be as-

sisted at the information table.

Additionally, many vendors accept state-issued WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons.

To learn more about the Decorah Farmers Market, visit visitdecorah.org/farmers-market.

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Decorah Spring Citywide

GARAGE SALES 1. 902 River St. Gerry Weiand. Homemade coffee tables and pipe lamps of all sizes.

15. 910 Pineridge Ct. Friday 8a-5p, Saturday, 7a-2p. Bernina Serger, power washer, drapes, tools, outdoor clothing, hiking equipment, backpacks, crafts, doll clothes, misc. household.

2. 4 Ohio St. Lobby, Aase Haugen. MOVING SALE: 9a-3p Friday and Saturday. Freewill donation for everything.

16. 902 Maple Ave. Antique furniture, Schiller studio piano, vintage clothing, wooden boxes, copper basin and metal ware, games, snowblower, and bird feeding station.

3. 2605 Elm Drive Rd. Huge Sale: Thursday and Friday 7a-7p, Saturday 7a-12 noon; girls clothes 5T to med; girls shoes; women’s clothing L-2XL; misc. household items/decorations.

17. 2269 Middle Calmar Rd. Thursday 12-7p, Friday 9a6p, Saturday 7a-12. Multi-family sale: tons of kids clothing, shoes & toys (girls NB-size 7, boys NB-size 10) Adult clothing & shoes (women’s sm-lg, men’s med-XL) misc. kitchen & household items.

4. 301 Hillcrest Dr. Friday and Saturday 8a-2p. Household items, fishing tackle and sporting goods, furniture tools and commercial restaurant items.

18. 707 Park St. FRIDAY ONLY Noon – 6p. Furniture, child’s table and chairs, push lawnmower, utility wagon, tools and toys.

5. 1007 Ridge Rd. Downsizing Sale; books, puzzles, hand tools, kitchen paraphernalia, winter coats, decorative items, southwest Indian art, Delft items, unused stuffed animals, etc.

19. 310 1st St. Thursday 3-7p, Friday 9a-6p, Saturday 8a1p. Men’s/women’s clothing, home/holiday/wedding décor, baby clothes/items, furniture.

6. 508 Winneshiek Ave. Thursday 4-7p, Friday 8a-5p, Saturday 7a-12p. Vintage glassware, kitchenware, electronics, fishing, tools, guitar, jewelry, books, crafts, clothing. 60 years of stuff.

20. Under the overhang at Decorah Covenant Church, Washington St. Saturday, 7:30a -1p. 3 bikes, lots of misc. items, new toys and gifts. Asking for freewill donations which will be used for serving people in need. The Kids’ Kloset will also be open from 9-11a for anyone needing some free clothing for kids, sizes infant to adult.

7. 2555 St Hwy 9. Family Sale. Thursday/Friday 7:30a-5p, Saturday 7:30a-12. Adult clothing, name brands, shoes, jewelry, games, file cabinet, push mower, antiques, 24” bikes, African violets.

21. 1205 Skyline Dr. Friday 12-4p, Saturday 7a-2p.

Multi-family sale. Large selection of name-brand, adult women’s clothing – Nike, Under Armour, Patagonia, graphic tees and more. Boys shoes (size 1-2), bedroom furniture and home décor items.

8. 103 Vernon St. Large driveway sale. Bikes, furniture, antiques, sports cards, hand and power tools, pool table, many small items.

9. 1005 Walnut St. Friday 10a-5p, Saturday 8a-2p. Pet bike trailer, bike rack, coastal home decor, new La-Z-Boy loveseat side chairs, linens. Wall art, planters, snow blower.

22. 510 S. Mill St. FRIDAY ONLY 9a-4p. Clothes: Men’s, women’s, teen girls & boys, doors, bookcase, end table, kitchen items & mush misc. Something for everyone, come take a look.

10. 2502 170th Ave. Saturday 8a-3p. Inversion table, 30-gal crock, Princess House, vases, antiques & art, 44L motorcycle jacket, men’s and women’s clothing L & XL. 11. 329 N Mill St. Friday 11-6, Saturday 8-12. Multi-family, 7-12 boys, women’s XS-L, household items, lots of miscellaneous, baked goods.

23. 1734 252nd St. (across from the Freeport Park) Saturday 8a-5p. Vintage, antiques, collectables, lots of glass, vases, kitchenware, silver, trinkets, Fenton, Carnival, Milkglass and more.

12. 200 Highland Drive, #5. Four 245/65/17 tires, rear folding cargo carrier, fishing tackle (flies, lures, etc.), tools, bike carrier, boots shoes, water dispensers, much miscellaneous.

24. 111 Randall Dr. Friday 9a-1p, Saturday 9a-1p. First garage sale ever! Baby, gardening, camping, household, musical instruments, vintage clothing, much much more!!

13. 535 John St. Friday 9a-4p, Saturday 9a-4p. Large collection of tools, oil lamps, Beam decanter bottles, glass ware, furniture, lots of kitchen ware, numerous miscellaneous items.

25. 2519 River Rd. Thursday 2-6p, Friday 8a-6p, Saturday 8a-12p. Coffee table with 2 end tables, rocker, round table with chairs, clothes all ages, shoes for everyone, toys, Barbies, tractors, farm toys, home décor, lots of misc. housewares.

14. 910 Pineridge Ct. Friday 8a-5p, Saturday, 7a-2p. Camping gear, backpacking packs, outdoor clothing: Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Orvis, Marmot. Hiking poles, shoes and boots – high quality equipment.

26. 907 Vernon St. FREE yard sale. Everything (except the tables) is free. No toys or clothing, but lots of household items and misc. stuff.

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SATURDAY, MAY 3 7am - 2pm

(unless otherwise marked) 27. 503 Pine Crest Dr. Books, blankets, baby crib/mattress, adult clothing, TV stand, storage cubes, household items.

BAKE SALE: frozen homemade cheesecakes, frozen flourless chocolate torte and sourdough bread - while they last.

Park on the street and walk down the drive.

28. 2713 Locust Rd. (by water tower) Thursday 3-7p, Friday 8a-6p, Saturday 7-2. Group sale: girls 2-5T, boys 3-6, bunk, twin beds, women’s scrubs, household, home décor, shoes, Diaper Genie, Tike BB hoop, toys.

29. 1201 Michael Dr. Friday 8a-4p, Saturday 8a-12p. Home décor, lots of craft items, boutique items, toys, women’s and men’s clothes, misc.

30. 905 Maple Ave. Friday 8a-6p, Saturday 8a-12p. Kids clothes various sizes, books, toys, dressers, Pampered Chef, 10 pc. Stainless steel pots/pans, household, model cars, garage items.

31. 101 Ranchview Ct. Friday 11a-5p, Saturday 11a-5p.

Area rug, desk, kids clothes and sports gear, Squishmallows, Nerf guns, New Generation dolls, F.P. dollhouse, Stihl weedeater, Toro lawnmower, household misc.

32. 507 Sunrise Blvd. Twin bed/complete, golf clubs with bag, vintage Norwegian snow skis, metal detector, Eden Pure portable heater, Stihl weed whip model FS40C, much misc.

33. 211 Rural Ave. Thursday 12-6p, Friday 2-5p. Young families, THIS is your SALE. Baby stuff galore up through 5T. Epic finds for parents and hand free pumps.

34. 3425 Hwy 52. Chicken/rabbit cages, dog crate and fence, cat beds, carriers, litter boxes, bird cage, aquariums/ fish bowls, youth bed, children’s toys, kiddie pools.

35. 409 Center Ave. Thursday 4-7p, Friday 10a-6p. Girls 10-12, 14-16, juniors, books, toys, games, décor, Gnomes, Mother’s Day gift baskets, jewelry, tools, dog beds, swings and more.

36. 710 Washington St. Friday 12-6p, Saturday 8a-1p.

Women’s small-large clothing, baby/toddler boy clothes, toys, books, kitchen/household items.

37. 607 Washington St. (Toys Go Round) Saturday 8a-12p.

TOYS, TOYS, TOYS! TOYS GO ROUND Toy Lending Library is updating its collection. Over 100 great toys for sale.

38. 1303 Panorama Dr. Friday 10a-5p, Saturday 9a-1p.

Downsizing Sale! Furniture, kids & adult clothes, décor, sports and outdoor items and more. Great finds, great prices!

39. 201 4th St. Friday 9a-5p, Saturday 8a-2p. Kids clothes, toys, books, shoes, coats, sweatshirts, dresses, much misc.

34 out of City Limits

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HAUGEN HUMMEL

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41. 808 Ridge Rd. Thursday 4-8p, Friday 10a-6p, Saturday 7a-2p. Garden tiller, toys, kids clothes, life jackets, camping equipment, misc.

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42. 116 Sunset Dr. Friday 8a-4p, Saturday 8a-4p. Baby swing, bouncer, crib/new mattress, booster seat, stroller, gate, suitcases, laser printer, trailer jacks, women’s Alfred Dunner clothing, household items.

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DECORAH

MAP

43. 708 Winneshiek Ave. Friday Noon-4p, Saturday 8a-3p.

Moving sale. Tools, bikes, Ertl banks, lawn furniture, household, elliptical, misc.

FREEPORT AREA

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44. 710 Vernon St. Great deals on gently used clothing, home goods, furniture and more. Proceeds to 8th grade D.C. trip and church mission trip. Kid’s clothes: 5T-14/16 boys.

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45. 2354 Middle Calmar Rd. Thursday 8a-8p, Friday 8a-8p. MOVEING SALE! Kitchen table, buffet table, leather reclining sofa and loveseat, cloth sectional couch with ottoman, rocker recliner chair, outdoor patio set, baby highchairs, lots of baby and kids toys, clothing and shoes!

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46. 402 South Ave. Thursday 12-5p, Friday 9a-50, Saturday 9a-12p. Baby girl newborn clothes, baby items, Girl’s clothes 8-14, Small to xl lady’s clothes, shoes, books, toys, Boy’s clothes 6-18, Men’s clothes small -medium, household, decorations.

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47. 107 Ohio St. Vintage items: dolls & clothing, toys, games and Cherry Ames books. Some women’s clothing, misc. 4’x6’ shelving unit.

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48. 806 River St. Saturday 8a-2p. SIX sales inside the Decorah senior center building. Baby gear, pack-n-play, travel baby swing, girl’s clothes 4/5T, tutus, toys, household, craft items, antiques, signs, local advertising, books, misc. furniture, dolls some vintage, needle work fabrics and thread, baked products.

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Citywide Garage Sales Sponsored by the Decorah Leader

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49. 209 E. Water St. (in alley behind Nordic Chiropractic) Friday and Saturday 8a-12.

Remodel leftovers, interior doors, light fixtures, surround sound, household goods.

50. 2399 Shagbark Lane Rd. Friday 8a-4p. Multi family/daycare closing sale. Furniture, outdoor and indoor toys, clothes size infant-adult XL, home decor & more.

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SOUTH OFF HWY 9 (NEAR SLUMBERLAND)

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40. 503 Mound St. Friday 4-7p, Saturday 8a-2p. Fabric, card making supplies, baby and kids clothes, 2 strollers, 2 Pak’n Plays, tent, new t-shirts and aprons, household misc. and a LOT MORE!

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51. 806 River St. Friday 6-8p, Saturday 8a-4p. Hundreds of books!

PUBLIC NOTICES

14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

E-FILED 2025 MAR 28 3:24 PM WINNESHIEK - CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY DONNA M. BARTH, Plaintiff CASE NO. EQCV027133 v.

FRANK P. ADAMS, GEORGIA V. ROSENTHAL, CHARLOTTE ROSENTHAL, AND VIRGINIA ROSENTHAL, and ALL UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHTS, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO: ORIGINAL NOTICE Lot 1 of 1 of 14 in Block 2 of Townsley’s Addition to the City of Decorah, and the West Half of Lot “K” in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 16, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., all in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, per the plat of survey recorded May 18, 2009, as Document No. 2009-2473 of the Winneshiek County Records.

AND ALL HEIRS, SPOUSES, ASSIGNS, GRANTEES, LEGATEES, DEVISEES, AND BENEFICIARIES OF EACH AND ALL OF THE DEFENDANTS NAMED ABOVE, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS You are hereby notified that Plaintiff’s Petition to Quiet Title is now on file in the office of the clerk of the above court, stating in substance that Plaintiff own in fee simple the property described therein situated in Winneshiek County, Iowa, as described above.

Such ownership is claimed by reason of facts fully stated in the Petition, which also alleges Defendants claim some interest therein, but their claims are without right and constitute a cloud on the title, which Plaintiff desires to remove. The Petition prays Plaintiff’s title to the premises be established as an absolute title in fee simple, and quieted and confirmed against all Defendants, each of whom be forever barred and estopped from having or claiming any right, title, lien or interest in the property; and for costs and such other and further relief as the court deems just and equitable under the circumstances.

The names and address of the attorney for the plaintiff is John S. Anderson of Anderson, Wilmarth, Van Der Maaten, Fretheim, Evelsizer Olson, Noble, Lynch & Zahasky whose address is 212 Winnebago, P.O. Box 450, Decorah, IA 52101-0450. That attorney’s phone number is (563) 382-2959; facsimile number is (563) 382-3773.

You are further notified that the above case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. Unless, within 20 days after service of this original notice upon you, you serve, and within a reasonable time thereafter file a motion or answer, in the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, at the courthouse in Decorah, Iowa, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Please see Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 for information on electronic filing and Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, division VI regarding the protection of personal information in court filings. ...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) 833-3332. (If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942).

Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 17, 24 & May 1, 2025 Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust September 24, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m.

NICC — Wilder Business Center 1625 Hwy 150 South, Calmar, IA 52132 The September 24, 2024 Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust (NEISIT) board meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Board President Jay Mathis from Allamakee.

Members present: Allamakee-Jay Mathis, Kaia Piggott; Decorah-Tim Cronin, Darlene Woodhouse; New Hampton-Jay Jurrens; Howard Winneshiek-Kris Einck, Robyn Lane, Wendy Twait; North Fayette Valley- Joe Griffith, Kassie Stansbery; Postville-Brendan Knudtson; South Winneshiek-Kris Einck, Shira Streeter; Starmont-Rob Busch, Carmen Swales, Katie Taylor; Assured Partners-Brian Huinker, Justin Pieper, Mitch Marlett; Midwest Group Benefits-Rachel Narum, Kelly Elsbernd; Decorah Bank & Trust-Jason Soland.

Consent Agenda: A. Motion by New Hampton to approve minutes of previous meetings. Seconded by North Fayette Valley. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Motion by South Winneshiek to approve financial reports as presented. Seconded by Starmont. Motion carried unanimously. a. January 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $162,300.96 ii. Reliance Standard $10,824.54 iii, Wellness $3,355.00 b. February 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $134,505.03 ii. Reliance Standard $10,807.55 c. March 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $171,936.80 ii. Reliance Standard $10,816.00 iii. Wellness $1,180.00 iv. Driftless Media $67.91 d. April 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $358,845.78 ii. Reliance Standard $10,841.35 iii. Driftless Media $39.68 e. May 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $177,932.78 ii. Reliance Standard $10,816.00 iii. North Fayette Valley $3,210.00 f. June 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $202,772.38 ii. Reliance Standard $9,063.75 g. July 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $104,844.05 ii. Liability Insurance $5,597.00 iii. PCORI $3,904.50 h. August 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $193,987.97 ii. Reliance Standard $18,066.10 iii. Transfer to Claims Account $1,487.43 Old Business: New Business: A. Investment update presented by Jason Soland. a. Haven’t had the opportunity to reinvest when the bonds have matured as the matured funds have been needed for payment of claims. But we also haven’t lost money when we hold bonds until maturity. b. We may have to sell some bonds at a loss to cover costs in the future. c. Overall yield currently is 2.8%, we could get this closer to 4% is we sold everything and re-invested resulting in about $180,000 loss and 6-7 years to recoup that loss. d. Jason suggests waiting for the bonds to mature, to ride out the market and reinvest.

Our portfolio is small with not many options.

The market should hold steady even with the election this November.

B. Wellmark ID Card/MGD ID Card presented by Brian Huinker. a. There is still a lot of confusion with the tier 3 “out of network” procedures that are billed through Gundersen La Crosse. b. We have tried printing a second ID card from Midwest Group Benefits and it caused a lot of confusion and more issues. c. Discussed the option of removing the “POS” point of service plan all together, if the majority of employees were not on this plan. d. A quarterly “educational” email was discussed that could be disbursed to employees with helpful information. e. Brian Huinker/AP will create an educational video to share with the participants to explain the partial funding process and the Tier 3 issue of the Blue POS Plan.

C. Introduction to “Nice Healthcare” was presented by Justin Pieper. a. A direct primary care plan that offers on demand access to mid-level providers, either in your own home or at your place of employment. b. $45 per month, per employee for in person care for 2025 or $28 per month, per employee for virtual care in 2025. c. This is not yet available in our area, but the company has acquired a license in lowa and this could be an option in the future.

D. Reliance Hospital (pregnancy) Plan was presented by Brian Huinker. a. $30.90 per month (employee payroll deduction). No cost to NEISIT. b. $1,000 hospital benefit plus $200/day for mother & $1,000 hospital benefit plus $100/ day for newborn. Approximately $2,600 for a pregnancy benefit. c. Guaranteed issue when the plan is first rolled out to employees, but after initial open enrollment period is over pre-existing conditions would apply in subsequent years. d. Not all school districts have to offer this plan, but do have to meet a 10% participation minimum.

E. Blood draw and flu shot deadlines discussed by Justin Pieper. a. November 15th is the deadline for the Business Managers to send the data to Pam DePeuw for labs/flu shot clinics for the participants to receive the $100 incentive checks from Reliance Standard. b. Retirees (and spouses) can participate if they have the district insurance plan but they will not receive the $100 incentive payment.

F. ACA Exchange Update presented by Brian Huinker. a. Income changes will be made for 2025, expected to go down. b. It will be up to each district if they want to present this to employees. Contact Brian with questions directly related to the “spousal glitch”.

G. Dental CD maturity presented by Justin Pieper. a. Dental CD is maturing at the end of October 2024. b. Suggested that when the CD matures, put those funds into the claims account. c. Rachel Narum explained that there is no longer a checking account open to put these funds in.

Motion by New Hampton to place Dental CD funds into the claims account at maturity.

Seconded by Decorah. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Items: A. lowa 509A Early Retiree Letter presented by Justin Pieper. a. A sample letter for districts to communicate to early retirees is available. b. Each district is responsible for the communication and billing of retiree plans.

Adjourn: Motion by North Fayette Valley to adjourn at 11:20 a.m. Seconded by South Winneshiek.

Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted, Jay Mathis, Board President, Kaia Piggott, Board Secretary Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust December 17, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m.

JB Holland Construction 2191 US Hwy 52, Decorah, IA 52101 The December 17, 2024 Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust (NEISIT) board meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Board President Jay Mathis from Allamakee.

Members present: Allamakee-Jay Mathis, Kaia Piggott; Decorah-Tim Cronin, Darlene Woodhouse; New Hampton-Matt Manson, Emily Hemesath; Howard Winneshiek-Kris Einck, Robyn Lane, Wendy Twait; North Fayette Valley-Joe Griffith, Kassie Stansbery; South Winneshiek-Kris Einck, Kris Smith, Shira Streeter; Starmont-Rob Busch, Carmen Swales, Katie Taylor; Assured Partners-Brian Huinker, Justin Pieper; Midwest Group Benefits-Rachel Narum; Wellmark-Brandon Litton, Stephanie Abel, Saptaparni Ghosh.

Consent Agenda: A. Motion by South Winneshiek to approve minutes of previous meetings. Seconded by North Fayette Valley. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Motion by North Fayette Valley to approve financial reports as presented. Seconded by Starmont. Motion carried unanimously. a. September 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $174,440.72 ii. Reliance Standard $9,218.95 iii. Wellness $11,380.00 iv. Oelwein Claims $3,172.97 b. October 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $225,694.38 ii. Reliance Standard $9,202.05 iii. Wellness $10,255.00 iv. Oelwein Claims $468.58 v. Driftless Media $113.99 c. November 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $181,560.14 ii. Reliance Standard $9,235.85 iii. Wellness $11,870.00 iv. Oelwein Claims $2,000.00 Old Business: New Business: A. Presentation by Wellmark representatives Stephanie Abel and Saptaparni Ghosh. a. NEISIT had a good plan year and looks to be very balanced overall. b. Overall paid claims decreased $1.1 million (11%) since the previous period. c. High cost claimants decreased by 5 and contributed to $1.4 million decrease in claims paid. d. Neoplasms (cancer) was the top condition across the group with 16% of total paid. e. Overall decrease of 14% in pharmacy claims. f. The biosimilar savings for Humira has been $83,000 so far this plan period. The next biosimilar strategy will be for the drug Stelara in 2025. g. Topics for further education to our members include virtual care utilization, myWellmark online tools (find a provider, estimated health care costs and a new look to EOBs) and mental health support. h. Mental health continues to be an area of concern and Wellmark is launching new resources to support mental health. i. Renewals for the next plan period are expected to be available early January 2025.

B. Gundersen POS Update presented by Brian Huinker. a. Members are experiencing confusion & trouble scheduling Tier 3 benefits on the POS plan with out of state providers at Gundersen. b. Gundersen wasn’t allowing POS members to schedule surgeries due to confusion with our plan and another HMO plan that required $4 million in write offs. c. Gundersen is aware of this issue and is currently working to correct this and schedule surgeries for POS members.

C. Preview of educational videos for health plan members was presented by Justin Pieper. a. Two educational videos were played and these are expected to be made available to members very soon. Videos will be posted in Employee Navigator and a link shared to members.

Discussion Items: A. Pending acquisition of Assured Partners

by Arthur J Gallagher presented by Justin Pieper. a. Arthur J Gallagher is the 3 largest insurance broker in the country. b. Acquisition should happen in the 1st quarter of 2025. c. Justin and Brian expect a smooth transition with the acquisition and a probable name change for Assured Partners. d. No expected change in staffing and Employee Navigator function.

Adjourn: Motion by South Winneshiek to adjourn at 11:53 a.m. Seconded by North Fayette Valley.

Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted, Jay Mathis, Board President,12/18/2025 Kaia Piggott, Board Secretary, 12/18/2025 Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust January 28, 2025 @ 10:00 a.m.

Viking Bank & Trust 321 West Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101 The January 28, 2025 Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust (NEISIT) board meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m. by Board President Jay Mathis from Allamakee.

Members present: Allamakee-Jay Mathis, Kaia Piggott; Decorah-Tim Cronin, Darlene Woodhouse; New Hampton-Matt Manson, Emily Hemesath; Howard Winneshiek-Robyn Lane, Wendy Twait; North Fayette Valley-Kassie Stansbery; Postville-Brendan Knudtson, Melissa Fettkether; South Winneshiek- Kris Smith; Starmont-Carmen Swales, Katie Taylor; Assured Partners-Brian Huinker, Justin Pieper, Mitch Marlatt; Midwest Group Benefits-Rachel Narum.

Consent Agenda: A. Motion by South Winneshiek to approve minutes of previous meetings. Seconded by Postville. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Motion by South Winneshiek to approve financial reports as presented. Seconded by Postville. Motion carried unanimously. a. December 2024 i. Medical Claims Paid $161,592.75 ii. Reliance Standard $9,328.80 iii. Wellness $19,085.00 Old Business: New Business: A. Wellmark Renewal Discussion a. Review the renewal rates for all 6 plans.

Rates have increased between 5.22-6.71% overall. b. Justin Pieper asked Wellmark to give options for renewal changes and Wellmark came back with the following options: i. Plan 2 prescription co-pays increase. ii. Employee deductibles & out of pocket maximums increase on select plans.

B. Review Options for Partial Funding for Plan Year 2025-2026 a. Discussed increasing funding of the side fund to $2.2 million.

C. Motion by South Winneshiek to increase the Wellmark deductible for Plans 1 & 3 (Blue Choice and PPO) from $6500 to $8300.

No change to Plan 2 Wellmark deductible (Blue Choice, HMO and PPO). Increase Plan 2 drug co-pays. Increase the desired funding to $2.2 million in the side fund. Round all renewal rate premiums to the nearest whole number. Seconded by Postville. Motion car-

ried unanimously.

Discussion Items: A. Pending acquisition of Assured Partners

by Arthur J Gallagher presented by Justin Pieper. a. Arthur J Gallagher Acquisition update. b. Schedule another meeting when the renewal rates for dental & vision come in. c. Brian noted that he is available to attend open enrollment meetings this spring. d. Members will be issued new ID cards for the renewal changes.

Adjourn: Motion by Decorah to adjourn at 11:09 a.m.

Seconded by New Hampton. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted, Jay Mathis, Board President, 1/30/2025 Kaia Piggott, Board Secretary, 1/30/2025 Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust April 4, 2025 @ 10:30 a.m.

Zoom Virtual Meeting The April 4, 2025 Northeast lowa School Insurance Trust (NEISIT) board meeting was called to order at 10:33 a.m. by Board President Jay Mathis from Allamakee.

Members present: Allamakee-Jay Mathis, Kaia Piggott; Decorah-Tim Cronin; New Hampton-Jay Jurrens; Howard Winneshiek-Kris Einck, Robyn Lane, Wendy Twait; North Fayette Valley-Joe Griffith; South Winneshiek-Kris Einck, Shira Streeter; Starmont-Carmen Swales, Katie Taylor; Assured Partners-Brian Huinker, Justin Pieper, Mitch Marlatt; Midwest Group Benefits-Rachel Narum; American Fidelity-Wayne Ryan.

Consent Agenda: A. Motion by Decorah to approve minutes of previous meetings. Seconded by Howard Winneshiek. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Motion by Decorah to approve financial reports as presented. Seconded by Howard Winneshiek. Motion carried unanimously. a. January 2025 i. Medical Claims Paid $166,929.10 ii. Reliance Standard $9,354.15 b. February 2025 i. Medical Claims Paid $192,993.38 ii. Wellness $7,605.00 Old Business: New Business: A. Wayne Ryan — American Fidelity a. At the recommendation of Postville, Wayne presented the ancillary benefits that American Fidelity can offer our employees.

Policies available include: accident, cancer, long term care, term life, whole life and 403b plans. These plans are in addition to what we already provide our employees, these are not meant to replace what “local” policies and relationships we have with trusted agents in our communities. b. American Fidelity has local account managers that would meet with our employees one on one to discuss financial wellness, retirement planning, medical/dental/vision plans, HSA plans, and go over EOB’s with employees. The goal of American Fidelity is to retain employees by helping them find value in their benefits. c. Each district can decide if they want to schedule a meeting with Wayne Ryan, please reach out to Brian Huinker with questions.

B. Delta Dental and Met Life Vision Renewal a. Delta Dental had a 5.5% increase in premiums for FY 25-26. Met Life Vision had no increase in premiums for FY 25-26. Motion

by South Winneshiek to approve the dental and vision renewals. Seconded by Decorah.

Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Items: Adjourn: Motion by Howard Winneshiek to adjourn at 11:04 a.m. Seconded by Decorah. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted, Jay Mathis, Board President, 4/7/2025 Kaia Piggott, Board President, 4/7/2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

April 21, 2025 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Randy Schissel at 5:45 PM. The meeting was held at the Decorah Council Chambers and electronically.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Randy Schissel, Kirsten Olson, Christopher Miculinich, Steve Zittergruen, Cody Whittle, Brent Parker, Emily Neal, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Absent: None Darrel Jensen of 803 Serenity Court Decorah addressed the Council regarding the construction that will be done on the College Drive Bridge. Jensen expressed how important it is to have the bridge remain open during this construction and not let the bridge shut down completely.

Thomas Johnson of 110 Winnebago St #301 Decorah spoke regarding the latest volunteer work of the Decorah Human Powered Trails.

Danielle Dotzenrod of 2136 Horn Hollow Road Decorah addressed the Council letting them know that the saddle club has a group of volunteers ready to go to work and is waiting for directions from the Park Department.

Mayor Pro Tem Randy Schissel read an Arbor Day Proclamation.

The consent agenda was presented. a............. Minutes of April 7, 2025, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Renewal Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service Winneshiek County Fair d. Amended Bylaws of the Decorah Firefighters Association e. .. Resolution 3549 Setting Public Hearing on Decorah 2025 Carlson Park Gateway Trail Project f. Resolution 3550 to Fix a Date for a Public Hearing on Proposal to Enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to Borrow Money Thereunder in a Principal Amount Not to Exceed $1,500,000.00 g. FYE 24 Audit h.... Resolution 3551 Establishing Holidays for the City of Decorah i. Uniform Reimbursement Policy for FullTime Non-Union Employees j. Archery Range Rules and Etiquette Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Mayor Pro Tem Schissel opened the public hearing at 6:08 PM on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. No public comment. The public hearing was closed at 6:09 PM. Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3552 approving Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

Ayes: Olson, Miculinich, Zittergruen, Whittle, Neal, Parker. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

Mayor Pro Tem Schissel opened the public hearing at 6:10PM on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the proposed Water Meter Replacement Project. Kyle Mracek of Mracek Plumbing and Heating of 816 S Mechanic Street, Decorah spoke regarding the bidding process. Mracek addressed the Council explaining that he attempted to provide a bid as a subcontractor and was told that he was not able to bid directly to Decorah. City Manager Travis Goedken explained that, by state law, Decorah can only deal with the primary contractor. Mracek also explained that he reached out to the primary contractor, but they would not accept his bid. The public hearing was closed at 6:12 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3553 approving and confirming plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the Water Meter Replacement Project. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

No council action was taken on agenda number 11, consideration of bids for the Water Meter Replacement Project.

Zittergruen made a motion to approve Resolution 3554 awarding the Water Meter Replacement Project to Metering and Technologies Solutions, Inc. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Mayor Pro Tem Schissel opened the public hearing at 6:44 PM on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, estimated cost, and award the Decorah Athletic Complex Project. No public comment. Public hearing closed at 6:45 PM. Neal made a motion to table the resolution on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, estimated cost, and award of the Decorah Athletic Complex Project. Miculinich seconded the motion. City Manager Goedken explained that the bid came in 9% over the engineer’s estimate. Staff will research options to bring the cost down and more in line with the engineers’ estimate and bring back to Council.

Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3555 authorizing Iowa Thriving Communities Designation Application being completed

by Stephanie Fromm, Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3556 setting a public hearing on considering vacation and conveyance of Lot 10 in Block 14 of Wheeler’s Addition (Dental Associates). Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1342 providing for the division of taxes levied on taxable property in the April 2025 addition to the 2022 Decorah Business Park Urban Renewal Area, pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa. Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to waive the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1342, Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Zittergruen, Neal, Whittle, Parker, Miculinich, Olson. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1343 amending Section 9.58.020 Throwing and Shooting. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Schissel made a motion to waive the third reading and adopt Ordinance 1343 amending Section 9.58.020, Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

Ayes: Schissel, Miculinich, Olson, Parker, Whittle, Zittergruen, Neal. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 9.54.030 of the Decorah Municipal Code regarding curfew exemptions. Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Zittergruen made a motion to approve the professional service agreement with WHKS Engineering for the College Drive Bridge, Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Mayor Pro Tem Schissel announced that there are two openings on the Decorah Human Rights Commission and one opening on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Applications will be taken until April 25, 2025.

Mayor Pro Tem Schissel also announced Mayor Borowski’s intention of reappointing Steve Runde to the Civil Service Commission.

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025 PAYROLL FOR 04/11/2025........ 200781.17 CHILL, NICK, REIMBURSEMENT META ADS...................................... 26.25 PETTY CASH, SUPPLIES............... 320.00 UPS, POSTAGE.................................. 13.87 VANDEKROL,SCOTT, REIMBURSEMENT......................153.61 CARD SERVICE CENTER, SUPPLIES.................................... 4577.24 ACE HARDWARE , SUPPLIES........ 96.44 AGVANTAGE , LP...........................995.67 AIRESPRING, SERVICES............... 277.71 ALBERT, JEFF, REIMBURSEMENT......................534.99 ALLIANT , ELEC BILLS............. 10856.58 AMAZON, SUPPLIES................... 1825.29 BLACK HILLS, GAS BILLS......... 4120.41 BREMER, LOUANN, SERVICES................................... 1000.00 BURRETT, DAVID, REIMBURSEMENT . ................... 177.00 CAPITAL ONE, SUPPLIES............. 602.26 CARRICO AQUATIC , AGREEMENT.............................. 4275.00 CHRISTOPHER MICULINICH, REIMBURSEMENT......................257.38 DALCO, SUPPLIES........................... 81.41 DECORAH CHAMBER, COURSES...................................... 500.00 DECORAH CLEANERS, DEC CLEANERS-UNIFORM COA........ 80.05 DECORAH SCHOOL, INTERNET.................................... 140.77 DECORAH ELECTRIC, SUPPLIES...................................... 125.00 DECORAH TIRE SERVICE INC, REPAIR.......................................... 182.99 DOG WASTE DEPOT, SUPPLIES...................................... 559.96 DONLON, CALE, REIMBURSEMENT......................256.68 ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, EMS PRODUCTS..........................337.50 FASTENAL COMPANY, SUPPLIES........................................ 26.69 FIRE SAFETY USA, FIRE HOSE... 639.80 FISK FARM AND HOME DECORAH, SUPPLIES...................................... 415.11 FORTRESS FLOORS, SERVICES................................... 5661.00 FREEPORT WATER DIST, WATER . ...................................... 1817.50 GOEDKEN, TRAVIS, IMMI HOTEL & MEAL REIMBURSEMENT.......... 302.36 HAAN, MARK, MARK HAAN- SERVICES........ 6037.50 HAGEMAN, DEANA, REIMBURSEMENT......................282.80 HENDERSON PRODUCTS , PARTS............................................ 484.52 HJELLE, JOHN, REIMBURSEMENT......................145.60 HOVEY REPAIR, PARTS/LABOR............................. 240.00 ICIT, TRAINING.............................. 425.00 IMPACT, COFFEE.............................. 14.50 INGRAM, BOOKS........................... 372.98 ISG, DAHLEN PROPERTY......... 17483.75 JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, SUPPLIES...................................... 710.49 KIRKEBY WELDING, REPAIRS.... 271.00 KRISTIN ALBERTSON, PROGRAMMING......................... 100.00 KWIK TRIP, FUEL......................... 3996.07 LEON’S AUTO, REPAIRS............... 111.50 LET’S CAMP, FEES......................... 236.00 LIVINGSTON, LAMP...................... 790.82 LULU & BB’S, DOG FOOD............ 160.91 MCARTOR, MALLORY, REIMBURSEMENT...................... 476.83 MCDONALD SUPPLY, SUPPLIES...................................... 458.57 MID-STATES ORG. CR. CENTER, MEMBERSHIP.............................. 150.00 MIDWEST PATCH/HI-VIZ SAFETY, SUPPLIES.................................... 1122.50 MINUTEMAN, SUPPLIES................ 57.11 MISSISSIPPI WELDERS, RENEWAL..................................... 290.00 MPH INDUSTRIES, EQUIP.......... 2387.31 MVTL LAB, SAMPLES..................... 55.00 NAPA AUTO PARTS INC, PARTS............................................ 193.50 NBS CALIBRATIONS, CALIBSCALE............................... 204.00 NELSON, KEVIN, REIMBURSEMENT........................ 29.00 NINA SMOCK, PROGRAM.............. 75.00 OLSGARD AUTO, REPAIRS.......... 342.20 OUTDOOR RECREATION, PARTS............................................ 744.49 PATRICIA THEIN, REIMBURSEMENT......................497.28 PERRY NOVAK ELECTRIC, SERVICES..................................... 260.29 PITNEY BOWES, POSTAGE.......... 201.00 PRAIRIE MOON NURSERY, PLANTS........................................... 74.34 QUESTCDN.COM, HEIVLY STREET ......................... 418.00 RANDY’S AUTO PARTS, PARTS............................................ 229.03 REISER IMPLEMENT, BUCKET ..................................... 2833.50 RELIANCE STANDARD , INSURANCE................................. 425.40 RICOH, PRINTING.......................... 250.49 SAMUELSON, RILEY, DESIGN..... 451.00 SKYLINE CONST, SERVICES...22792.55 SMI CO, FIBER.............................. 1421.00 SOPHIA NALL, REIMBURSEMENT.................... 1347.89 STEVE’S CAR CARE, WASHES...... 22.50 SUTTONS CAR WASH, WASHES........................................ 307.65 CTK GROUP, TRAINING................500.00 THORNTON’S, SUPPLIES............. 500.00 TOLLEFSON, JIM, SERVICES....... 160.00 TOTAL TREE CARE, SERVICES..................................... 150.00 TRANSUNION RISK, SERVICES.... 75.00 TRUCK EQUIPMENT, BUSHING .....................................149.79 UPS, POSTAGE..................................15.14 USA BLUE BOOK, SUPPLIES....... 880.36 WEATHER TAP.COM, SUBSCRIPTION............................. 99.95 WINDRIDGE, PARTS ..................... 348.98 YANEFF, NICK, REIBURSEMENT......................... 364.48 ZARNOTH BRUSH WORKS, BROOMS....................................... 136.00 ZIEGLER, PARTS.......................... 1098.18 REVENUE TO DATE - APRIL 21, 2025....

General Fund...........................4,282,827.43 Street Electric Franchise Fee......147,187.22 Road Use Fund........................... 716,203.83 Employee Benefits...................1,193,652.07 Hotel/Motel................................253,588.15 Emergency Fund........................... 83,348.27 Local Option Sales Tax.............. 936,775.82 TIFF............................................ 121,047.54 SSMID.......................................... 14,488.24 Park Special Gifts......................... 22,279.74 Library Special Gifts.................... 45,144.12 Street Equip Fund........................... 6,798.96

Debt Service Fund...................... 922,446.86 Special Projects Water Utility Fund...................... 882,485.72 Sewer Utility Fund..................... 933,180.57 Enterprise Project Interest............ 11,842.78 Metronet....................................... 67,130.00 Forest Utility.............................. 118,469.53 Storm Sewer Utility.................... 443,475.21 Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY EQUITY NO: EQCV027116 ORIGINAL NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust Plaintiff, vs.

Rhonda A. Lettington; Kevin E. Port; Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank; Parties in Possession; Casper Plumbing & Heating Inc.; HSBC Bank Nevada, NA; LVNV Funding; Midland Credit Management, et al.

Defendants.

You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of this court naming you as a defendant in this action. The petition was filed on February 11, 2025, and prays for foreclosure of Plaintiffs Mortgage in favor of the Plaintiff on the property described in this notice and judgment for the unpaid principal amount of $89,217.96, with 4.625% per annum interest thereon from August 1, 2024, together with late charges, advances and the costs of the action including (but not limited to) title costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, as well as a request that said sums be declared a lien upon the following described premises from May 28, 2014, located in Winneshiek county, Iowa: Lot 1 of the West 25 acres of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and Lot 2 of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter in Section 22, Township 98 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M., Winneshiek County, Iowa.

More Correctly Known As: Lot 1 of the West 25 acres of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and Lot 2 of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter in Section 22, Township 98 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M., commonly known as 1340 250th St, Decorah, IA 52101 (the “Property”) The petition further prays that the Mortgage on the above described real estate be foreclosed, that a special execution issue for the sale of as much of the mortgaged premises as is necessary to satisfy the judgment and for other relief as the Court deems just and equitable. For further details, please review the petition on file in the clerk’s office. The Plaintiffs attorney is Richard Reinblatt, of SouthLaw, P.C.; whose address is 10855 W Dodge Road, Suite 250, Omaha, NE 68154.

NOTICE The plaintiff has elected foreclosure without redemption. This means that the sale of the mortgaged property will occur promptly after entry of judgment unless you file a written demand with the court to delay the sale.

If you file a written demand, the sale will be delayed until six months (or three months if the petition includes a waiver of deficiency judgment) from the entry of judgment if the mortgaged property is your residence and is a one-family or two-family dwelling or until two months from entry of judgment if the mortgaged property is not your residence or is your residence but not a one-family or two-family dwelling. You will have no right of redemption after the sale. The purchaser at the sale will be entitled to immediate possession of the mortgaged property. You may purchase at the sale.

You must serve a motion or answer on or before June 4, 2025, and within a reasonable time thereafter, you must file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Winneshiek County, at the county courthouse in Decorah, Iowa. If you fail to respond, 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 a court action because of a disability, immediately call your District ADA Coordinator at 319-833-3332.

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

This case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. You may find more information and general rules governing electronic filing in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16.

You may find information concerning protection of personal information in court filings in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, Division VI. BY: CLERK OF THE ABOVE COURT Winneshiek County Courthouse 201 West Main Street, Decorah, IA 52101 IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS. Decorah (Iowa) Leader April 24 & May 1 & 8, 2025

NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF SPILLVILLE, IOWA WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS 2024 CONTRACT B MAIN STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT REBID (2025) Time and Place for Filing Sealed Proposals Sealed Bids for the construction of City of the Spillville, Iowa, Water System Improvements 2024 Contract B Main Street Water Main Replacement Rebid (2025) project will be received by the City of Spillville, at the office of the City Clerk, P.O. Box 276, 438 S. Main Street, Spillville, Iowa 52168 until 1:00 p.m. local time on May 15, 2025, at which time and place the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud. The City Council will accept and consider the Bids received at 6:00 p.m. local time on May 20, 2025 at City Hall, 438 S. Main Street, Spillville, Iowa.

The Contract B Main Street Water Main Replacement Rebid (2025) project consists of the replacement of approximately 840 lineal feet of 6” water main and 1,700 lineal feet of 8” water main along with water main appurtenances. Also included will be water service replacement with associated appurtenances.

Surface restoration for the project includes approximately 1,800 lineal feet of PCC curb and gutter, approximately 320 square yards of PCC pavement patching, and approximately 640 tons of HMA pavement replacement along with miscellaneous driveway and sidewalk replacements and areas of seeding.

Time for Commencement and Completion of Work Work on the improvement shall commence on or before the date specified in the written “Notice to Proceed” and the project shall be fully completed and ready for acceptance by November 15, 2025. Liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000.00 per calendar day will be assessed for each day that the work shall remain uncompleted after the final completion date, with due allowance for extension of contract period due to conditions beyond the control of the Contractor, as approved by the City Council.

Bid Security Each bidder shall accompany its bid with bid security as defined in Iowa Code Section 26.8 and as specified by the City of Spillville, Iowa. The bid security shall be 10% of the total amount of the bid.

Contract Documents Bidders proposals, plans, specifications and contract documents prepared by Origin Design may be obtained at no cost to interested parties. To obtain copies (electronic or paper) click on the “Bids” tab on the Origin website at https://origindesign.com/.

Pre-Bid Conference A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at City Hall, 438 South Main Street, Spillville, Iowa. Attendance by prospective bidders is not mandatory but highly recommended.

Preference for Iowa Products By virtue of statutory authority, preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa to the extent lawfully required under Iowa statutes.

Sales Tax The bidder should not include sales tax in the bid. Sales tax exemption certificates will be issued in accordance with Iowa Code 423.3, subsection 80, and provided to the contractor and subcontractors for all material purchased for incorporation in the project.

Bidder Status Form Under Iowa law, Bidders are required to submit the Bidder Status Form that follows the Bid Form in the specifications. Failure to provide the form with the bid may result in the bid being deemed nonresponsive. This

may result in the bid being rejected by the Owner.

Warranty Period The improvements shall be kept and maintained in good repair for a period of two (2) years after final acceptance of the project by the Owner.

Bid Tabulation The bid totals will be available at and after the public bid opening. However, an itemized bid tabulation will not be publicly available until after the Owner awards the contract.

Funding Agency Requirements This project has been awarded funds from the Iowa State Revolving Fund program. Any bidder or equipment supplier whose firm or affiliate is listed on the U.S. General Services Administration Excluded Parties List System website will be prohibited from the bidding process. Anyone submitting a bid who is listed in this website will be determined to be a nonresponsive bidder in accordance with 40 CFR Part 31. Contractors shall fully comply with the requirements, terms and conditions of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements. Said requirements are implemented into the Bidding Requirements and Contract Documents. DBEs are encouraged to participate in this project. SRF certification forms required to be signed and submitted with the Bid are included in the bid packet.

Per SRF funding requirements, American Iron and Steel (AIS) provisions apply to this project. Iron and steel products for this project must be produced in the United States in accordance with the H.R. 3547 - Consolidated Appropriations Act 2014.

Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates will apply to this project and are included in this specification or will be provided in an addendum.

This project will be partially funded with Federal funds in the form of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) issued by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and therefore is subject to the Federal laws and regulations associated with that program. The program has special requirements and certifications that are implemented into the Bidding Requirements and Contract Documents.

SECTION 3 OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1965 (AS AMENDED) A. The work to be performed under this contract is subject to the requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1701u (Section 3). The purpose of Section 3 is to ensure that employment and other economic opportunities generated by HUD assistance or HUD-assisted projects covered by Section 3, shall, to the greatest extent feasible, be directed to low- and very low-income persons, particularly persons who are recipients of HUD assistance for housing.

B. The parties to this contract agree to comply with HUD’s regulations in 24 CFR part 75, which implement Section 3. As evidenced by their execution of this contract, the parties to this contract certify that they are under no contractual or other impediment that would prevent them from complying with the part 75 regulations.

C... The contractor agrees to post copies of a notice advising workers of the Contractor’s commitments under Section 3 in conspicuous places at the work site where both employees and applicants for training and employment positions can see the notice. The notice shall describe the Section 3 preference, shall set forth minimum number and job titles subject to hire, availability of apprenticeship and training positions, the qualifications for each; and the name and location of the person(s) taking applications for each of the positions; and the anticipated date the work shall begin.

D. The contractor agrees to provide written notice of employment and contracting opportunities to all known Section 3 Workers and Section 3 Businesses E. The contractor agrees to employ, to the greatest extent feasible, Section 3 workers or provide written justification to the recipient that is consistent with 24 CFR Part 75, describing why it was unable to meet minimum numerical Section 3 worker-hours goals, despite its efforts to comply with the provisions of this clause.

F. The contractor agrees to maintain records documenting Section 3 Workers that were hired to work on previous Section 3 covered projects or activities that were retained by the contractor for subsequent Section 3 covered projects or activities.

G. The contractor agrees to post contract and job opportunities to the Opportunity Portal and will check the Business Registry for businesses located in the project area.

H. The contractor agrees to include compliance with Section 3 requirements in every subcontract for Section 3 projects as defined in 24 CFR part 75, and agrees to take appropriate action, as provided in an applicable provision of the subcontract upon a finding that the subcontractor is in violation of the regulations in 24 CFR part 75. The contractor will not subcontract with any subcontractor where the contractor has notice or knowledge that the subcontractor has been found in violation of the regulations in 24 CFR part 75.

I. The contractor will certify that any vacant employment positions, including training positions, that are filled (1) after the contractor is selected but before the contract is executed, and (2) with persons other than those to whom the regulations of 24 CFR part 75 require employment opportunities to be directed, were not filled to circumvent the contractor’s obligations under 24 CFR part 75.

J. The contractor will certify that they have followed prioritization of effort in 24 CFR part 75.19 for all employment and training opportunities. The contractor will further certify that it meets or exceeds the applicable Section 3 benchmarks, defined in 24 CFR Part 75.23, and if not, shall describe in detail the qualitative efforts it has taken to pursue low- and very low-income persons for economic opportunities.

K. Noncompliance with HUD’s regulations in 24 CFR part 75 may result in sanctions, termination of this contract for default, and debarment or suspension from future HUD assisted contracts.

SECTION 3 BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RESPOND TO THIS PROPOSAL. A Section 3 business is one that satisfies one of the following requirements: 1. It is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by low- or very low-income persons.

2. Over 75 percent of the labor hours performed for the business over the prior threemonth period are performed by Section 3 Workers,* or 3. It is a business at least 51 percent owned and controlled by current public housing residents or residents who currently live in Section 8-assisted housing. * A Section 3 Worker is defined as any worker who currently fits or when hired within the past five years fit at least one of the following categories, as documented: 1. The worker’s income for the previous or annualized calendar year is below the applicable income limit established by HUD. 2.. The worker is employed by a Section 3 business concern: or 3..The worker is a Youth Build participant.

Businesses that believe they meet the Section 3 criteria are encouraged to register as a Section 3 Business through HUD’s website: https://hudapps.hud.gov/OpportunityPortal/ The City of Spillville, Iowa, hereby reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities and irregularities and award a contract as deemed to be in the best interest of the city.

This Notice is given by authority of the City of Spillville, Iowa.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Meeting Date/Time: 5/13/2025 05:45 PM

Contact: Sharla Berns

Phone: (563) 379-0964

Meeting Location: Ridgeway Community Center, 690 County Street, Ridgeway, Iowa 52165

There will be no increase in taxes. Any residents or taxpayers will be heard for or against the proposed amendment at the time and place specified above. A detailed statement of: additional receipts, cash balances on hand at the close of the preceding fiscal year, and proposed disbursements, both past and anticipated, will be available at the hearing. Budget amendments are subject to protest. If protest petition requirements are met, the State Appeal Board will hold a local hearing. For more information, consult https://dom.iowa.gov/local-gov-appeals.

Total Budget Current Total Budget After REVENUES & OTHER FINANCING SOURCES as Certified Amendment Current Amendment or Last Amended Taxes Levied on Property Less: Uncollected Delinquent Taxes - Levy Year

1 2

148,972 0

0 0

148,972 0

Delinquent Property Tax Revenue TIF Revenues

4 5

0 0

0 0

0 0

1,050

0

Net Current Property Tax

Other City Taxes

Licenses & Permits

Use of Money & Property Intergovernmental

3

148,972

6

44,136

8 9

22,000 654,258

11

0

7

0

0

44,136

0 0

22,000 654,258

0

0

1,050

Charges for Service

10

Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources

12 13

0 625,521

0 452,155

0 1,077,676

Total Revenues & Other Sources

15

1,715,337

452,155

2,167,492

EXPENDITURES & OTHER FINANCING USES Public Safety

16

Health and Social Services Culture and Recreation

18 19

Special Assessments

Transfers In

Public Works

Community and Economic Development General Government Debt Service

Capital Projects Total Government Activities Expenditures Business Type/Enterprise

14

17

20

219,400

148,972

0

0

0

6,001

219,400

0

0

124,900

6,001

6,050

0 18,960

130,950

0 7,555

2,000

0 26,515

0

2,000

21

84,896

32,399

117,295

23 24

0 260,196

0 46,004

0 306,200

22

23,439

0

23,439

25

1,648,016

202,300

1,850,316

Total Expenditures/Transfers Out

28

1,908,212

248,304

2,156,516

Excess Revenues & Other Sources Over (Under) Expenditures/Transfers Out

29

-192,875

203,851

10,976

30 31

314,666 121,791

0 203,851

314,666 325,642

Total Gov Activities & Business Expenditures Transfers Out

Beginning Fund Balance July 1, 2024 Ending Fund Balance June 30, 2025

26 27

1,908,212 0

248,304 0

2,156,516 0

Explanation of Changes: Due to the wastewater improvement project additional work and additional costs - the City will have to withdraw more of the remaining amount of the loan funds. A loan was taken out for a new water meter system and new software to replace the very old meters. A loan was taken out for required water tower updates and to refinance a street repair loan and obtain a lower interest rate.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT OF CURRENT BUDGET City of SPILLVILLE Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 The City of SPILLVILLE will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of amending the current budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025

Meeting Date/Time: 5/20/2025 06:00 PM Contact: Lynette Andera Phone: (563) 380-1379 Meeting Location: City Hall 438 South Main Street Spillville IA 52168 There will be no increase in taxes. Any residents or taxpayers will be heard for or against the proposed amendment at the time and place specified above. A detailed statement of: additional receipts, cash balances on hand at the close of the preceding fiscal year, and proposed disbursements, both past and anticipated, will be available at the hearing. Budget amendments are subject to protest. If protest petition requirements are met, the State Appeal Board will hold a local hearing. For more information, consult https://dom.iowa.gov/local-gov-appeals.

Total Budget Current Total Budget After REVENUES & OTHER FINANCING SOURCES as Certified Amendment Current Amendment or Last Amended 04/28/2025 04:47 PM Page 1 of 1 Taxes Levied on Property 1 134,849 0 134,849 Less: Uncollected Delinquent Taxes - Levy Year 2 0 0 0 Net Current Property Tax 3 134,849 0 134,849 Delinquent Property Tax Revenue 4 0 0 0 TIF Revenues 5 0 0 0 Other City Taxes 6 61,013 0 61,013 Licenses & Permits 7 800 0 800 Use of Money & Property 8 27,950 2,050 30,000 Intergovernmental 9 588,085 0 588,085 Charges for Service 10 212,000 0 212,000 Special Assessments 11 0 0 0 Miscellaneous 12 70,600 -20,000 50,600 Other Financing Sources 13 1,194,000 0 1,194,000 Transfers In 14 48,726 0 48,726 Total Revenues & Other Sources 15 2,338,023 -17,950 2,320,073 EXPENDITURES & OTHER FINANCING USES Public Safety 16 11,601 0 11,601 Public Works 17 153,098 -20,000 133,098 Health and Social Services 18 700 100 800 Culture and Recreation 19 205,605 -15,000 190,605 Community and Economic Development 20 9,200 2,000 11,200 General Government 21 67,261 25,000 92,261 Debt Service 22 16,738 0 16,738 Capital Projects 23 0 0 0 Total Government Activities Expenditures 24 464,203 -7,900 456,303 Business Type/Enterprise 25 1,893,893 -50,000 1,843,893 Total Gov Activities & Business Expenditures 26 2,358,096 -57,900 2,300,196 Transfers Out 27 48,726 0 48,726 Total Expenditures/Transfers Out 28 2,406,822 -57,900 2,348,922 Excess Revenues & Other Sources Over 29 -68,799 39,950 -28,849 (Under) Expenditures/Transfers Out Beginning Fund Balance July 1, 2024 30 473,369 56,636 530,005 Ending Fund Balance June 30, 2025 31 404,570 96,586 501,156 Explanation of Changes: We had less grant money than anticipated and higher general fund expenses than we had planned .

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT OF CURRENT BUDGET DECORAH School District Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 The DECORAH School District will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of amending the current budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025

Meeting Date/Time: 5/12/2025 05:30 PM Contact: Cathy Dietzenbach Meeting Location: Central Administrative Office, 1732 Old Stage Road, Decorah

Phone: (563) 382-4208 ext: 1504

There will be no increase in taxes. Any residents or taxpayers will be heard for or against the proposed amendment at the time and place specified above. A detailed statement of: additional receipts, cash balances on hand at the close of the preceding fiscal year, and proposed disbursements, both past and anticipated, will be available at the hearing. Budget amendments are subject to protest. If protest petition requirements are met, the State Appeal Board will hold a local hearing. For more information, consult https://dom.iowa.gov/local-gov-appeals.

Total Budget Total Budget After Amendment EXPENDITURES as Certified Current Reason Increase or Last Amended Amendment Instruction 16,738,780 951,220 17,690,000 Additional salaries

Total Support Services 04/28/2025 09:16 AM Noninstructional Programs Total Other Expenditures Total

5,142,283 1,078,983 3,551,938 26,511,984

5,802,787 262,357 1,480,039 8,496,403

RIDGEWAY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 23, 2025 The Ridgeway City Council met in special session April 23, 2025, at the Ridgeway Community Center, at 5:45 p.m. with Mayor Schnur calling the meeting to order. Council persons present were: Linderbaum, Engelhardt, Novotny and Schnur. Absent: Hauber.

Engelhardt made a Motion to approve the consent agenda, minutes, and claims, seconded by Novotny. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

This being the date and time for a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 20252026 City Budget, the public hearing was called to order by Mayor Schnur.

A discussion was held. There were no written or oral objectors or public comments. The discussion was closed. The Mayor declared the public hearing closed.

A Motion was made by Linderbaum, seconded by Schnur to approve and adopt Resolution #04-23-2025-1, a Resolution approving the 2024 Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024. A roll call vote was taken: Linderbaum-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Novotny-yes, and Schnur-yes. Motion carried.

Resolution No. 04-23-2025-2, a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City Budget was read aloud. A Motion to approve and adopt Resolution 04-23-2025-2, was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Schnur. A Roll call vote was taken: Linderbaum-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Novotny-yes and Schnuryes. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Schnur, seconded by Novotny to set the date for a public hearing on the FY 2024-2025 Amended City Budget for May 13, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center, 690 County Street, Ridgeway, Iowa. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Novotny to approve the Special Class C Retail Alcohol License (BW) for the City of Ridgeway for the June 14, 2025 City event.

All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Linderbaum, seconded by Engelhardt to approve the fund accounting journal entries. All aye. Nay: none.

Motion carried.

04/28/2025 01:51 PM The progress of the wastewater improvement project was discussed. A Motion to approve the additional work of the cell sealing

by JB Holland with the cost being $14,895.00 was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Linderbaum. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

The bids for the street repair work for Railroad Street in the City of Ridgeway were reviewed and discussed. A Motion to hire Driveway Specialists with their bid of $24,865.00 for the repair work was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Schnur. All aye.

Nay: none. Motion carried.

The next City Council meeting will be May

13, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center.

Novotny made a Motion to adjourn, seconded by Linderbaum. All aye. Nay: none.

Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Sharla Berns City Clerk THERE IS INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC ON CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT. City of Ridgeway, PWSID #9680085, consumer Awareness/ public Right to Know 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act. Any consumer wanting to know information on sampling results of water, contact Dan Pitz at the City Maintenance Building, 705 County St., Box 42, Ridgeway, IA 52165, or call 563-737-2457-shop, 563379-0712-cell.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT LANGUAGE As the agency responsible for conducting drinking water programs in the State of Iowa, IDNR must provide each public water supply with language to be included in their Consumer Confidence Report regarding source water protection. The following language, at a minimum, must be included in each Consumer Confidence Report you produce from now on: The Ridgeway water supply obtains a portion of its water from the Ordovician aquifer. The Ordovician aquifer was determined to be susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials allow contaminants to move through the aquifer fairly quickly. The Ridgeway Ordovician well will be somewhat susceptible to activities such as permitted pesticide applicators, pesticide manufacturers, leaking underground storage tanks, and risk management plan sites. A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and is available from Dan Pitz at the City Maintenance Building, 705 County St, Box 42, Ridgeway, IA 52165 or call 563-737-2457shop, or 563-379-0712-cell.

Contact Information: For questions regarding this information, please contact Dan Pitz at: 563-737-2457shop, 563-379-0712-cell during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Decisions regarding the water system are made at the City council meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center, 690 County Street, Ridgeway, Iowa, and are open to the public.

WARRANTS FOR CITY OF RIDGEWAY – April 23, 2025 Alliant Energy, Utilities................ $2,375.73 CIA Insurance,Tort Liability...... $33,994.00 City Laundering Co., Com. Cen.& park supplies........... $191.07 Department of Treasury, Quarterly report tax...................$2,083.87

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

10,945,070 Error in last year's budget Page 1 of 1 1,341,340 Increased food costs 5,031,977 MS roof and 1-1 device payment 35,008,387

Engen Express, Shop fuel ...............$153.05 Enterprise Media, Publishing .........$319.42 Hi-Viz Safety, Street repair ..............$79.00 Mabel Telephone, Shop$109.04, Office$104.96,Hall$35.76............$249.76 Microbac, Lab tests...........................$17.50 Midwest Patch, Street repair ..........$625.00 Ruppert, Shop Paint/bolts..................$22.75 Treasurer-State of Iowa, Withholding Quarterly tax............$949.12 Upper Explorerland, Wastewater Improvement Project.................$2,321.63 Winneshiek County Engineer, Salt and sand..........................$ 2,292.64 Winneshiek County Recorder, Boat registration renewal............... $30.15 Expenditure Accounts Summary to date: General Fund..............................$42,094.12 Community Center.......................$1,773.63 Cemetery.........................................$129.23 Road Use...................................... $2,967.66 Water Fund...................................$1,938.80 Sewer Fund................................... $4,405.16 Revenue Accounts Summary to date: General Fund..............................$59,392.31 Community Center..........................$350.00 Cemetery Road Use Tax...............................$1,443.34 Local Option Sales Tax Water Fund...................................$3,664.19 Sewer Fund................................... $7,196.79 Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

Decorah Community School Board Special School Board Minutes Central Administration Office Monday, April 28, 2025 4:30 p.m.

Present: President Cindy Goodner, Directors: Brad Darling, Ron Fadness, Carole Sand, and Aaron Zander. Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin, Director of Business Services Cathy Dietzenbach, Board Secretary Darlene Woodhouse, Staff, and Guests. Directors Darling, Fadness, and Sand participated via Zoom.

President Goodner called to order the special school board meeting at 4:30 p.m. DirecPage 1 of 1 tor Zander read the mission statement.

Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded

by Director Darling to set a public hearing for the amended 2024-2025 school budget for Monday, May 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried by all voting aye.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:32 p.m.

Cindy Goodner, Board President Darlene Woodhouse, Board Secretary Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

City Of Spillville Meeting Minutes for 4-22-2025 The Spillville City Council held the special meeting at the Spillville City Hall at 6:00 PM. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Mayor Wermers called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with the following councilmen present Kelsay, Taylor, Straube, Schmitt, and Backes and Marc Ruden from Origin Design.

Motion by Straube, second by Backes to approve the consent agenda. Voice vote, Ayes; unanimous, Nayes; none. Motion carried.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Straube to approve Resolution 25-4-5 Resolution to provide plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Water System Improvements 2024 Project (Contract B Rebid), and the taking of bids therefor. Roll call vote, Schmitt, Straube, Taylor, Kelsay, and Backes unanimous, Nayes; none. Motion carried.

Public Hearing open at 6:15. No oral or written comments received from the public.

Motion by Straube, second by Backes to close the public hearing at 6:17. Voice vote, Ayes; unanimous, Nayes; none. Motion carried.

Motion by Taylor, second by Straube to approve Resolution 25-4-2 Approve Adoption of Budget and Certification of City Taxes for Fiscal Year 2025 – 2026. Roll call vote, Schmitt, Straube, Taylor, Kelsay, and Backes, unanimous, Nayes; none. Motion carried.

Motion by Backes, second by Kelsay to approve Resolution 25-4-3 Authorizing Signatories on Bank Accounts. Roll call vote, Schmitt, Straube, Taylor, Kelsay, and Backes unanimous, Nayes; none. Motion carried.

Motion by Straube, second by Schmitt to approve Resolution 25-4-4 Approve the Employee Handbook. Roll call vote, Schmitt, Straube, Taylor, Kelsay, and Backes unanimous, Nayes; none. Motion carried.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Backes to approve Lawn Care Quote from Turkey River Lawn Care. Voice Vote, Ayes; Schmitt, Kelsay, Taylor, and Backes, Nayes; none, Abstained; Straube. Motion carried.

Motion by Straube, second by Taylor to approve Council Committee Appointments.

Voice vote, Ayes; unanimous, Nayes; none.

Motion carried.

Motion by Straube, second by Taylor to close the meeting and adjourn. Voice vote, Ayes; unanimous, Nayes; none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned 7:08 pm. Motion carried.

Attest: Lynette Andera, City Clerk Claims April 22, 2025 Type, Date, Num, Name, Memo.....Amount Check, 04/07/2025, IPERS, IPERS.........................................-1,692.32 Check, 04/07/2025, .United States Treasury, Federal Taxes..............................-2,187.68 Check, 04/07/2025, .IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, State Withholding..-589.37 Check, 04/22/2025., Microbac Laboratories, Inc, Water & Sewer Testing...........-153.25 Check, 04/22/2025, US CELLULAR, Alarm Autodialer/Cell Phone........-178.63 Check, 04/22/2025, DRIFTLESS SECURITY, Library Alarm.............-70.00 Check, 04/22/2025, WINNESHIEK COUNTY ENGINEERS OFFICE, Replace Stop Sign.........................-165.23 Check, 04/22/2025, ............. Origin Design, Water Engineering....................-18,967.35 Check, 04/02/2025, 22579, SHIMEK SANITATION, Shimek Sanitation Contract......................................-3,010.45 Check, 04/07/2025, 22580, ADAMS, ETHAN, Water Repair..................-291.25 Check, 04/07/2025, EFile.. IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax..........-655.98 Check, 04/07/2025, Efile, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sales Tax.........-70.13 Check, 04/07/2025, 22581, UPPER IOWA INSURANCE SERVICES CORP., City Insurance..........................-47,935.00 Check, 04/16/2025, EFT, JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, Shop Supplies........-390.50 Check, 04/22/2025, CENTURYLINK, City Telephones.............................-143.31 Check, 04/22/2025, IROC WEB DESIGN SERVICES, Change phone number on Website..........................................-110.00 Check, 04/22/2025, SPALLA, LARRY, Flag - Bandstand..............................-47.52 Check, 04/22/2025, FENCL OIL & LP CO., Fuel................................................-946.47 Check, 04/22/2025, .........HAWKINS, INC, Water-Supplies...............................-396.82 Check, 04/22/2025, Willis, Darcy, Clocks Maintenance......................-875.00 Check, 04/22/2025, DORSEY & WHITNEY LLP, Water Project legal service.........................................-1,906.00 Check, 04/22/2025, ALLIANT, Electricity...................................-2,727.31 Check, 04/22/2025, ZARNOTH BRUSH WORKS INC, Street Cleaning......-432.75 Check, 04/22/2025, IA DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION, Road Signs..-30.00 Check, 04/22/2025, WINNESHIEK COUNTY ENGINEERS OFFICE Sand, Salt Mix...............................-890.00 Check, 04/22/2025, USA BLUEBOOK, Water Supplies...............................-532.54 Check, 04/22/2025, MEDIACOM, Clocks Internet Access..................-106.04 Total.............................................-85,500.90 Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

City of Decorah Council Monday, April 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM Decorah City Council Chambers The City of Decorah Council Work Session was held Monday, April 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Decorah City Council Chambers.

Present: Kirsten Olson, Steve Zittergruen, Randy Schissel, Cody Whittle, Emily Neal, Christopher Miculinich, City Manager Travis Goedken, City Clerk Keri Sand. Also in attendance was Neil Schraeder with Hacker Nelson & Co. Neil Schraeder with Hacker Nelson & Co. reviewed the Fiscal Year 2024 Audit with the Council and provided answers to the Council regarding any questions.

Meeting adjourned at 5:31 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1 , 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION To change the use of the land at the following described property: The East 300 feet of the North 500 feet of lot 2 in the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, in Section 28, of Township 98 North, Range 9 West of the 5th P.M. Winneshiek County, Iowa.

The Parcel is located at 2601 State Hwy 9, Decorah. Parcel will encompass approx. 3.6 acres.

The application is made by: Joshua Adams The following change in the zoning ordinance is to permit the operation of a seed sales business.

From the present zoning classification of: A-1 Agricultural District To the proposed zoning classification of: A2, Agricultural District.

A public hearing will be held by the Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 at 7:00pm. in the Board of Supervisors Office, Courthouse Annex Building, 201 West Main St. Decorah, Iowa, at which time you may appear, if you so desire, either in person or by agent or attorney in opposition to or support of the proposed request. If you are unable to attend in person please contact the Zoning office at 563-387-4080 for remote log in information and link.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION To change the use of the land at the following described property: A Southerly portion of Lot 1-1 in the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, and a Southeasterly portion of lot 2 in the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter in Section 4, of Township 98 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M. Winneshiek County, Iowa.

The Parcel is located on the South side of Hidden Falls Road across from 2744 Hidden Falls Rd, Decorah. Parcel will encompass approx. 5 acres.

The application is made by: Licia Hewitt, Hannah & Elsa McCargar The following change in the zoning ordinance is to permit the construction of a single-family residence.

From the present zoning classification of: A-1 Agricultural District To the proposed zoning classification of: AR, Agricultural Residential District.

A public hearing will be held by the Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 at 7:00pm. in the Board of Supervisors Office, Courthouse Annex Building, 201 West Main St. Decorah, Iowa, at which time you may appear, if you so desire, either in person or by agent or attorney in opposition to or support of the proposed request. If you are unable to attend in person please contact the Zoning office at 563-387-4080 for remote log in information and link.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

FOR SALE For Sale: Outdoor firepit firewood. Pickup load delivered $80. You pick up $60, 1/2 load $40. Call or text Dan 940-7450895. 14-6-L-pd-1

GARAGE SALE Garage Sale: 404 Decorah Ave Fri May 2 2p-6p & Sat May 3 8a-1p. Men’s, women’s, misc & jewelry. 18-1-L-PD-2 Garage Sale: 505 River St Fri May 2 1p-6p & Sat May 3 7:30a-2p. Dishes, puzzles, sleeping bag, women’s clothing, scrubs 2XL, men’s jeans 38-44s, craft yarns & books, NASCAR & collector items & more.

18-1-L-PD-2 Garage Sale: 1725 255th St. Fri & Sat 6a-5p & Sun noon-5p. Women’s & men’s clothing, tools, dishes. 181-L-PD-2 Garage Sale: Saturday 8-3. Twin beds, lots of miscellaneous. 1670 Old Stage Rd. 18-1-L-2

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT For Rent: 2-bedroom apartment.

Garage and laundry. West Side location. NP/NS. 563-380-6712.

18-tf-LD-9

A & M PREFERRED PROPERTIES

240 170th St., Calmar.

STORAGE UNITS AVAILABLE

563-380-4648 REGIONAL ADVERTISING Class Action Lawsuit Extra word fee Class Action Lawsuit IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY and suffered an infection between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727 Miscellaneous Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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Board Minutes April 21, 2025 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am April 21, 2025 with Kelsay, Vick, Langreck, Vermace, and Faldet present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Julie Fischer met with the Board to discuss water safety management concerns.

Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to give road projects updates.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, April 28, 2025.

Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D. Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

Public Notice Due to failure to storage fees, the following units will be offered at auctionWEDNESDAY MAY 14TH at 5:31 pm At: Viking Safe Storage 2518 172nd Ave Decorah, IA 52101 Unit # 65 & 77: Joe Gallagher, motor parts, household , misc Unit #82 : Catherine Lazinbat, household, misc Unit #621 & #647 : Vickie Holmes, commercial refrigerators,shelves, misc Unit #656: Bethany Daniel, household & misc Unit #39: Beth Matteson, household, misc Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 1, 2025

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT OF CURRENT BUDGET City of RIDGEWAY Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 The City of RIDGEWAY will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of amending the current budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025

15

INVESTING IN YOUR

CLASSIFIEDS/COMMUNITY 16 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM | 563-382-4221

Decorah High School’s FBLA members excel at State Leadership Conference 10 qualify for nationals, including five state champions A group of 23 Decorah High School Future Business Leaders of America state qualifiers attended and competed at the Iowa FBLA State Leadership Conference hosted March 30 through April 1 at the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. The conference included competitive events, seminars, workshops and many networking opportunities. The team came home with 10 national qualifiers and five state champions. The DHS national qualifiers hope to represent the state of Iowa and compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference, which will be held June 29 to July 2 in Anaheim, California.

At the state-level competition, first-place winners include Hunter Quandahl in client service; Oliver Bollinger and Ian Giddings in digital video production; Mitchell Stemper in both financial statement analysis and organizational leadership; and Austin Helgerson in supply chain management.

Others earning a national

qualifying spot in events include third place finishers Oliver Bollinger, Ian Giddings and Mitchell Stemper in data analysis; and Jaidyn Duvel, Savannah O’Reilly, and Sophia Fahey in website design. Fourth place winners were Cashton Riehle in client service, Kelby Kerndt in entrepreneurship, and Jackson Pipho in financial statement analysis.

The top 10 place winners in each competitive event were recognized during the awards ceremony, and DHS was well-represented. Earning a fifth-place finish were Kelby Kerndt, Addy Lukes-Smith and McKenzie Tollefson in broadcast journalism. Seventh place finishers include Hunter Quandahl in agribusiness; and Jenna Leuenberger, Kahri Oberbroeckling and Keaton Riehle in introduction to social media strategies. Eighth place awards went to Erika Valdez in introduction to event planning and Austin Helgerson and Cashton Riehle in sports and entertainment management. Earning

Severe weather

ninth place were Keaton Riehle in both introduction to business presentation and introduction to business communication, Dak Sabin in personal finance, and Jackson Pipho in securities and investments. Tenth place winners were Austin Helgerson in accounting II and Jaidyn Duvel in personal finance.

Other students who attended the State Leadership Conference included Bryan Ajzac, Gavin Luzum, Brynnah Hanson, Grant Remington, Sara Johanningmeier and Kennadi Schuman.

Decorah’s FBLA State Champions included (left to right) Hunter Quandahl in client service, Ian Giddings and Oliver Bollinger in digital video production, Mitchell Stemper in both financial statement analysis and organizational leadership, and Austin Helgerson in supply chain management. (Photo submitted)

FBLA national qualifiers included (left to right) Hunter Quandahl, Austin Helgerson, Jaidyn Duvel, Savannah O’Reilly, Kelby Kerndt, Jackson Pipho, Cashton Riehle, Ian Giddings, Oliver Bollinger and Mitchell Stemper. (Photo submitted)

DuTrac en’t as frightened if and when may be needed after the storm Community most part.”

The emergency management their family suddenly needs to passes — especially if the home has sustained significant dam- Credit Union coordinator also said, to the take shelter.

“Practice your emergency age. best of his knowledge, rumors “The more prepared you can hosting second of early warning systems not plans and openly discuss with functioning due to federal staff everyone living in your house- be, the better,” he said. “I would hold,” he said. “How did school recommend you have a flash- annual diaper and budget cuts aren’t true.

“I have had extensive conver- aged kids get good at fire drills? light or two with extra batteries, sations with our local National They practiced and discussed food and water for three days, drive continued on page

siren from inside my place of employment.’ The outdoor warning sirens were never intended for that application — outdoors only.”

Snyder went on to say that, in Winneshiek County, the outdoor warning sirens are sounded under three circumstances: a funnel cloud or tornado has been spotted by a trained weather spotter, hail 1.75 inches in diameter or larger has been detected, or sustained winds of 70-plus mph are detected.

“The measured winds of 70plus mph is a tricky one, as we utilize the anemometer located at the Decorah Municipal Airport,” Snyder said. “Most

Sean Snyder storms travel southwest to northeast — meaning by the time the wind gusts are measured, the winds are through Winneshiek County for the

Seasonal Yard Waste HELP WANTED Attendant

accepting applications for t. This is a part-time position mmer/fall 2025 season. Good s required. Valid driver’s license ound check and MVR check.

Weather Service partners,” he said. “Budgets are tight, but local services for the public are not changing — at least for right now.”

Snyder recommended families practice what to do and where to go when a storm hits — not only so adults know how to respond but so children ar-

Seasonal HELP WANTED Laborer (2025 Summer)

Full or Part-time

cook

The City of Decorah Wastewater Treatment Plant is accepting applications for Seasonal Laborer. This is a temporary (seasonal) position during the 2025 summer season. Duties include mowing, trimming, edging, painting and assisting with maintenance on equipment. Valid driver’s license required.

Position subject to background check and MVR check.

Seasonal Yard Waste Attendant

or chef

are available at City Hall, 563-382-3651. Applications The City of Decorah is currently accepting applications for filled. EEO/AA Employer DisApplication and complete Seasonal Yard Waste Site Attendant.

This is a part-time positionjob description may be obtained pplications can be dropped at the City2025 Clerk’s office, Decorah Municipal Center, 400 Clai(up to 8-12 hrs./week) during the summer/fall season.

Good hours or emailed to Public borne Drive or online at interpersonal and organizational skills required. Valid driver’s licensewww.decorahia.org. For more inmohara@decorah.iowa.gov formation call 382-3651. Return city application to: required. Position subject to background check and(563) MVR check.

City of Decorah, Attn: Michael O’Hara, Public Works Direc-CODEApplications and job descriptiontor, arePOavailable City Hall, Box 138, at Decorah, IA, 52101 or mohara@decorah.iowa. www.decorahia.org, or by callinggov.

563-382-3651.

ApplicationsApplications will be received until the position is filled. are accepted until the position is filled. EEO/AA Employer DisEEO/AA Employer,can M/F Disabled and Veteran. abled and Veteran. Completed applications be dropped 18-3-LD-12 off at City Hall during business hours or emailed to Public 15-8-LD-12 Works Director, Michael O’Hara, at mohara@decorah.iowa.gov

Mail resume to: Cook c/o Decorah Leader PO Box 350 Decorah, IA 52101

EEO/AA Employer, M/F Disabled and Veteran.

the plans. The more the child knows the plan and the expectations of the plan, the less frightening the moment will be for them in the event of an actual emergency.”

Residents living in apartments and trailers should also practice their responses, Snyder said, adding that, in his opinion, all landlords should make storm shelters available to their tenants.

“If you find yourself in a situation where adequate shelter is not possible, find the lowest part of the home and lay as flat as you can — covering yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets,” he said. “Oftentimes, the tub is that spot. The key is to lay flat and stay covered due to flying debris. Also, remember there are public stores open, which may offer you more protection.”

Snyder indicated the public would be wise to stock storm shelters with extra items which

17-2-L-12

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS

POSITIONS Attendant

The City of Decorah Street Department is currently accepting applications Street Worker. This for is EnjoySeasonal working and Department looking The City of for Decorah is outside currently accepting applications a temporary position 2025 summer for a change? provide onduring the is athe Seasonal Yard (seasonal) Waste Site We Attendant.

This part-time position season.

Knowledge of Class equipment job training!

A or B CDL operation/maintenance, (up to 8-12 hrs./week) during the summer/fall 2025 season. Good tree maintenance, and any no other knowledge required in the desirable.

No CDL, problem, we interpersonal and organizational skills required.

Valid driver’s license respective job description preferred.

Valid will help to youbackground get one. required. Position subject check driver’s and MVRlicense check. required. Position subject to background check and MVR check.

Applications and job description are available at City Hall, Decorah, IA • 563-382-2953 www.decorahia.org, or by calling 563-382-3651. Applications www.olsonexplosives.com Application and complete job description may be obtained are accepted until info@olsonexp.com the position is filled. EEO/AA Employer Disat the City Clerk’s office, Decorah Municipal Center, 400 Claiabled and Veteran. Completed applications can be dropped borne Drive or online at www.decorahia.org.

For more inforEqual Opportunity Employer off at City Hall during business hours or emailed to Public mation call (563) 382-3651.

-code- Return city application to: City Works Director, Michael O’Hara, at mohara@decorah.iowa.gov of Decorah, Attn: Michael O’Hara, Public Works Director, PO EEO/AA138, Employer, M/F Disabled Veteran.

-CODEBox Decorah, IA,and52101 or mohara@decorah.iowa.gov.

EEO/AA Employer, M/F Disabled and Veteran.

FULL TIME POSITIONS

Decorah, IA • 563-382-2953 www.olsonexplosives.com info@olsonexp.com Equal Opportunity Employer

18-3-LD-12

Seasonal Laborer (2025 Summer)

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS

MECHANICS

Enjoy working outside and looking for a change? We provide on the job training! Class A or B CDL desirable. No CDL, no problem, we will help you get one.

9-8-DL-12

NOW HIRING

Driveway Specialist of Decorah is seeking motivated individuals to join our team.

AUCTION CALENDAR

Bookkeeper/Secretary Operator/Laborer To apply, contact Mike at 563-380-7066 or e-mail drivewayspecialistllc@gmail.com

1805 Heritage Rd., Decorah drivewayspecialistllc.com

NOWCDL HIRING OTR

DEDICATED RUN SIGNMAN

17-8-DL-12

Seasonal Street $1,000 SIGNING BONUS Department Seasonal Yard FULL TIME Worker Waste

The City of Decorah Wastewater Treatment Plant is accepting applications for Seasonal Laborer. This is a temporary (seasonal) position during the 2025 summer season. Duties Seeking applicants for Tired of losing miles and money include mowing, trimming, edging, painting and assisting with SECONDARY ROAD DEPARTMENT by waiting to load and unload?

Full Time Mechanic position. maintenance on equipment. Valid driver’s license required.

This dedicatedRoads run is what youaccepting applications for Winneshiek County Secondary will be IA • 563-382-2953 Position subject to background check and Decorah, MVR check. are looking waitRoad Department until the position of “Signman” forfor! the Minimal Secondary www.olsonexplosives.com times and high miles await you.

4:00 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2025 or until the position is filled at the office Application and complete job description may be info@olsonexp.com obtained HomeEngineer, every weekend. of the Winneshiek County 201 W. Main, Decorah, IA 52101. at the City Clerk’s office, Decorah Municipal Center, 400 ClaiEqual Opportunity Employer Apply at Olson Explosives, Inc. borne Drive or online at www.decorahia.org. For more inRun Rd, Decorah Applications and1837 job Trout description are available at the Engineers formation call (563) 382-3651. Return city application -codeto: www.olsonexp.com Office and www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs.html City of Decorah, Attn: Michael O’Hara, Public Works Direcinfo@olsonexp.com EOE tor, PO Box 138, Decorah, IA, 52101 or mohara@decorah.iowa.

18-4-DL-12 Equal Opportunity Employer gov. Applications will be received until the position is filled.

Winneshiek County Courthouse, -code201 W. Main St., Decorah • 563-382-5085 EEO/AA Employer, M/F Disabled and Veteran.

18-3-LD-12

www.winneshiekcounty.org

and extra clothes. An additional item to add is a battery bank for your cell phones. This may seem like a lot, but I promise it can be easily placed into a duffel bag and grabbed quickly as you move to shelter. It is always better to have the supplies than to wish you did. Also, let family and friends not living with you know your plan just in case of the worst case scenario.”

Snyder said he’d like to see more homeowners and business owners communicating with each other to ensure the best possible responses during severe weather and other emergencies.

“Remember, it’s always the assumptions that derail the plan,” he said. “If everyone assumes they would go one place for shelter, and that place isn’t open on the day you need it, then what? Wouldn’t it be more efficient if all the businesses got together, formed a workable plan and then practiced it once a year? What about the public during severe weather? Do they have an expectation for safety when shopping? Wouldn’t a unified message during severe weather be handy to have?”

Snyder stressed that, in the event of an emergency, residents shouldn’t hesitate to call 911. However, to report damages in a non-emergency situation, those within Decorah city limits should call 563-382-3667, and those outside Decorah city limits may call 563-382-4268.

SATURDAY, MAY 10 12:00 p.m. Storage Unit #14.

240 170th St., Calmar. $150 starting bid. 16-2-LD-2 WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 - Live Virtual Auction being broadcasted using Proxibid.com and Equipmentfacts.com. RETIREMENT CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Kamm Excavating Corporation.

Equipment.

Marketers and Appraisers 3826 Cedar Heights Drive, Suite 7, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. www.equipmentmarketers.com, office 319 266 3578, mobile 319-415-9850.

DuTrac Community Credit Union recently announced its second annual diaper drive, which will provide diapers to families in need. The drive will run throughout the month of May, and organizers aim to collect 7,500 diapers across all DuTrac branch locations to support families through distribution partnerships with United Way Dubuque Area Tri-States and Hiney Helpers of the Quad Cities.

“These resources are incredibly valuable to our local communities,” said Danielle Leibfried, president/CEO of United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States. “This will help many young families with already tight budgets meet their basic needs. Thank you to DuTrac for recognizing and stepping up to fill a gap within our community.”

Last year’s inaugural drive resulted in the collection of more than 3,700 diapers. With increased awareness and participation, DuTrac aims to double that total in 2025.

“We know that many hardworking families in our communities struggle to afford basic necessities, and no parent should have to choose between buying diapers and other essentials,” said Andy Hawkinson, DuTrac president and CEO. “Through the generosity of our members and the power of community partnerships, we can help ease this burden and make a real difference in the lives of local families.”

Members of the public are encouraged to donate diapers of any size or make monetary donations at any DuTrac branch, including in Platteville, Wisconsin, where donations can be dropped off at the DuTrac Mobile Branch — located at 151 Millennium Drive — between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, or inside Millennium Cinema on alternate days. All donations will remain local. Contributions made at each DuTrac branch will be distributed to partner organizations serving that specific community.

For more information on how to contribute, visit DuTrac.org or contact Sherrie Keating at 563-585-8415 or skeating@ dutrac.org.

SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

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Trojan boys run well at Lansing, finish as runner-up

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com The Turkey Valley Trojans just keep on trucking along as the boys track and field team placed runner-up at the Gary Bottorff Invite, hosted by Kee High Thursday in Lansing.

Clayton Ridge won the meet with 110 points and TV tallied 99 points for its second-place finish.

TV sophomore Kaden Schmidt notched career PRs in both his sprint events. He crossed the tape first in the 200 dash with an all-time best mark of 24.78 seconds. He collected a silver medal with another lifetime best in the 400 dash in 54.82 seconds.

Hugo Busta, another sophomore for the Trojans, won the 800 run in 2:15.78.

The Trojans also took first in the shuttle hurdle (1:26), the 4x800 relay (9:56), the sprint medley (1:42) and the 4x100 in a time of 47.78, which was another PR.

TV junior Dairean Keyes recorded a career PR in the 100-meter dash with a fourthplace time of 12.52 seconds and Trojan sophomore Jayden Rausch also engineered a lifetime best run in the mile (1,600-meter run) running event with a fourth-place time of 5:17.

Tucker Reicks, a TV junior, tossed a lifetime-best throw of 92 feet, 3 inches in the discus, good for third place.

400m hurdles – 3. Kriener 1:10.46 Shuttle hurdle – 1. Wurzer, Tucker Tlusty, Levin Kruse, Kriener 1:26.16 4x100 – 1. Schmidt, JD Kruse, Wheeler, Keyes 47.78 4x200 – 2. Wurzer, L. Kruse, Tyler Forbes, Tlusty 1:54.51

4x400 – 2. Busta, D. Reicks, JD Kruse, Wheeler 3:50.67 4x800 – 1. D. Reicks, Rausch, Hoffert, Busta 9:56.79 Sprint medley – 1. Wheeler, Schmidt, Keyes, JD Kruse 1:42.44 Distance medley – 4. T. Forbes, Tlusty, Humpal, John Forbes 5:13.74

Kee boys’ team scores 1. Clayton Ridge 110; 2. Turkey Valley 99; 3. Kee 32; 3. Postville 32; 4. West Central 18; 5. De Soto 0 Race results Long jump – 4. Dawson Humpal 11’10” Shot put – 6. Tucker Reicks 28’10.5”; 8. Cole Fencl 28’1.75” Discus – 3. T. Reicks 92’3”; 6.

Jacob Wurzer 58’4” 100m – 4. Dairean Keyes 12.52; 5. Isaiah Wheeler 12.68 200m – 1. Kaden Schmidt 24.78; 3. Keyes 25.10 400m – 2. Schmidt 54.82; 3. JD Kruse 55.37 800m – 1. Hugo Busta 2:15.78; 3.

Domminick Reicks 2:20.50 1600m – 4. Jayden Rausch 5:17.51; 8. Brayden Hoffert 5:50.40 110m hurdles – 3. Caleb Kriener 21.33

Turkey Valley teammates Hazel Nieman (left) and Kendall Kuennen sprint down the front stretch at New Hampton at a meet held earlier this season. (Photo courtesy of Leah Kruse)

TV races to snare team title at Gary Bottorf Invite

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com Trojans JD Kruse (left) and Kaden Schmidt swap the baton during a relay at New Hampton earlier this season. (Photo courtesy of Leah Kruse)

Decorah High School to host Cool School Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and Unified Champions

Decorah High School’s Special Olympics and Unified Champions groups, in partnership with Special Olympics Iowa, will host a Cool School Polar Plunge fundraising event to raise awareness for individuals with intellectual disabilities and support the Decorah Special Olympics and Unified Champions programs. This event will take place between 11 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at Decorah High School. Special Olympics Iowa will bring a 2,500-gallon tank to Decorah for the event. Participants will take the plunge into icy waters to raise funds for local Special Olympics programs.

“The Polar Plunge represents so much more than a spirited event — it embodies the heart of who we are at Decorah High School,” said Decorah High School Principal Brad Hurst.

“As a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion, empathy and authentic connections among students of all abilities. The plunge provides a meaningful opportunity for our students, staff and community members to unite behind a shared purpose: celebrating the dignity of every individual and demonstrating that we are willing to go to great lengths — yes, even into freezing water — to support one another. It’s a joyful and courageous expression of school spirit, but even more, it’s a testament to the culture of compassion and community we strive to build daily at DHS.” The Decorah Schools Special Olympics program has traditionally competed in bowling and track at the regional level, with some athletes advancing to the state competition in bowling. Additionally, students have participated in Unified Sports Days at Luther College and Wartburg College. School officials said the local program has expanded over the past year to offer a variety of activities and events which allow Decorah students with intellectual disabilities to compete in athletics while promoting social inclusion. DHS Unified Champions,

A flag football game between Decorah’s varsity football players and Special Olympians was a highlight of the school’s Homecoming Week festivities. (Photo submitted)

a new group launched last year with the encouragement of Special Olympics Iowa, pairs Special Olympic athletes with their peers. The group meets monthly to plan inclusive activities and leadership opportunities. The program has grown to feature Inclusion Week and a Unified Basketball game with varsity players last spring. Organizers have plans for expanding the school’s offering to include a Unified Football game during Homecoming Week, a second Inclusion Week, a Unified Basketball game in Des Moines during the Boys State Tournament and upcoming events such as Unified Relays during a home track meet and a Unified Sports Day for elementary-age special education students.

“When Special Olympics Iowa contacted me about DHS becoming a Unified Champion School, I thought it would be a great opportunity for my athletes to become more involved,” said John Dunt, co-

ordinator of Decorah Schools Special Olympics and Unified Champions programs. “With the support of our administration and our entire school community, it has grown into something I cannot even believe. The entire school, students and staff alike get excited when we are doing something, and so many want to get involved. The levels of student involvement during our Inclusion Weeks and Unified games have exceeded my expectations. It goes to show the character of Decorah High School and the entire Decorah community.”

Decorah High School Teacher Andy Carlson applauded Dunt and other school officials whom he said have pushed to make the school district more inclusive and celebrate all student athletes.

“This is about giving everyone an opportunity to compete, especially our students with special needs,” Carlson said. “I believe that supporting our own chapter of the Special Olympics through fundraising is important because it provides our athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, build confidence and experience the joy of competition just like everyone else. Hopefully this fundraising drive will ensure that these athletes will have access to more additional opportunities to compete in the future — all at no additional cost to them or their families. It also promotes

inclusivity, raises awareness about the abilities of individuals with disabilities and fosters a more accepting and supportive community. My hope is that by contributing, we can help to create life-changing experiences that further empower our athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

Felecia DeJong, a special education teacher at Decorah High School, said she will be participating in the Cool School Polar Plunge out of a sense of pride for the school’s inclusive efforts.

“It’s amazing to watch the work our staff and students have been putting into working toward becoming an official Unified Champions School,” DeJong said. “I want to do my part in helping drive this goal forward. I believe it’s important for all of our students to have the kind of opportunities that make them feel like they have a moment to shine.” Currently, there are four teams participating in the upcoming plunge — School Staff, Students, Community and Luther College. To donate or register for the plunge, visit the classy. org/campaign/2025-decorahcool-school-plunge/c657915.

Participants may also register by calling DHS Special Olympics and Unified Champions at 563-382-3643. The public may donate to a specific participant by visiting the event’s website and entering their name int the designated box when prompted.

Bella Stika was back out on the track for the Turkey Valley Trojans after a brief hiatus this spring.

She’s healed from shin splints and reeling in gold medals.

“Overall, she had great performances. They weren’t her best, but that was expected based on two weeks of not racing,” said TV Sarah Bakula, who acts as co-coach along with Dalton Hackman.

Stika’s return helped propel the Trojans to the team title last Thursday at the Gary Bottorff Invite in Lansing.

Bakula said it’s the first time the TV girls track team has won a team championship since she’s been a part of the Trojan track program, which has been eight years.

“They were pretty happy with that. It was a well-rounded effort by the team to score those points and to put those performances on the board,” said Bakula.

The meet hosted by the Kee High Hawks saw Turkey Valley rise to the top of the team standings with 93 points, 21 better than DeSoto (72), a school which hales from Wisconsin.

Stika took home four blue ribbons and three of those came in individual events. She won the 400-meter dash with a career PR of 1:03.29, took first in the open 800-meter run in a time of 2:38 and the 1,500-meter run (5:38). Stika, a sophomore, also anchored the winning 4x400 relay, which posted a season PR as well in 4:29.

Trojan sophomore Hazel Nieman won the 200-meter dash in 28.39 seconds and was second in the 100-meter dash in 13.96 seconds. Nieman posted a career PR last Tuesday at the Crestwood Invite in the open 400-meter dash with a clip of 1:03.2. Nieman was victorious in that event as well as the 800-meter run, where she crossed the finish line in 2:40.

“That was Hazel’s first open

800 that she’s ever run, and she did that on low rest in between the 400 open and the 800 open,” said Bakula. “She did phenomenal with that.”

The Trojans’ 4x200 also PR’d at Cresco with a time of 1:57.89. The team was made up of Kendall Kuennen, Addison Steinlage, Brynlee Hayek and Alexis Gruenberg.

Turkey Valley managed 32 points at Cresco, which saw them finish in seventh place in the team standings.

Kee girls’ team scores 1. Turkey Valley 93; 2. De Soto 72; 3. Kee 65; 4. Waukon 63; 5.

West Central 35; 5. Postville 35 Race results Shot put – 3.

Ellaney Bodensteiner 29’9.5”; 6. Nora Chicken 28’1.5”; 8. Courtney Ball 24’0.75” Discus – 1. Bodensteiner 94’1”; 7. Chicken 64’8.5” 100m – 2. Hazel Nieman 13.96; 5. Brynlee Hayek 14.33 200m – 1. Nieman 28.39; 7.

Jenna Throndson 31.13 400m – 1. Bella Stika 1:03.29 800m – 1. Stika 2:39.49; 2.

Kendall Kuennen 2:45.52 1500m – 1. Stika 5:38.66 100m hurdles – 7. Jocelyn DeSloover 22.59 Shuttle hurdle – 2. Hayek, Kuennen, Alexis Gruenberg, DeSloover 1:24.51 4x100 – 3. Emersyn Hoffert, Gruenberg, Chicken, Throndson 57.94 4x200 – 3. DeSloover, Chicken, Bodensteiner, Ball 2:24.11 4x400 – 1. Gruenberg, Nieman, Hayek, Stika 4:29.14 4x800 – 2. Addison Steinlage, Hoffert, DeSloover, Ball 13:12.25 Crestwood girls’ team scores 1. Crestwood 162; 2. Saint Ansgar 140; 3. Waukon 97; 4. North Fayette Valley 69; 5. Decorah 46; 6.

Kee 36; 7. Turkey Valley 32; 8. MFL MarMac 2 Race results Shot put – 11. Bodensteiner 30’9.5”; 14. Chicken 28’5.5” Discus – 7. Bodensteiner 92’1”; 13. Chicken 75’5” 100m – 4. Nieman 13.90; 10.

Gruenberg 14.71 200m – 10. Hayek 30.20; 16.

DeSloover 36.27 400m – 1. Nieman 1:03.21; 14.

DeSloover 1:24.06 800m – 1. Nieman 2:40.54 100m hurdles – 13. Jocelyn DeSloover 23.82 4x100 – 5. Kuennen, Hayek, Nieman, Gruenberg 55.46 4x200 – 4. Kuennen, Steinlage, Hayek, Gruenberg 1:57.89 Sprint medley – 5. Kuennen, Steinlage, Hayek, Gruenberg 2:04.73

DHPT, Decorah Parks and Rec plant 110 trees for Earth Day A group of 14 adult and youth volunteers from Decorah Human Powered Trails and the community worked alongside Decorah’s Parks and Recreation staff to plant trees in Palisades and Van Peenen parks.

On Saturday, April 26, Decorah Human Powered Trails volunteers and community members met Decorah Parks and Recreation staff at the edge of Palisades Park for a briefing on tree planting. After learning how and where to plant trees, the group headed up the hillside

to plant the trees.

Each team of two carried stakes, tubes, zip ties, shovels, five-gallon buckets filled with water and four young red oak, burr oak or swamp white oak trees. When the buckets were empty, they trekked back down the hill to pick up more supplies and start again.

The teams focused on an area of Palisades which had recently been cleared of invasive species on a DHPT “Buckthorn Blitz” work day. The group then moved to Van Peenen Park

and started again, working on another area which had been cleared of invasive species by DHPT volunteers.

The Decorah Parks and Recreation Department had previously reached out to DHPT about planting trees for Earth Day. In all, four parks and recreation staff, 14 adult volunteers from DHPT and the community as well as five youth volunteers participated. Together they planted 110 trees between the two parks.

“I appreciate all the teamwork with DHPT and taking the next step in restoring some of the areas where we’ve teamed up to remove invasives,” said Decorah Parks and Recreation Director Marc Hotley. “We’re excited to do things for the next generation. It’s fun to see them out here.”

Decorah Human Powered Trails is a volunteer organization that builds, maintains, promotes and enhances trail experiences in Decorah.

The Schlapp family were among the many volunteers who helped plant trees in Decorah’s public parks in recognition of Earth Day. (Photo submitted)

SPORTS

18 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Season winding down for Warriors

South Winn’s Brennan Franzen (left) and Kaden Barton-Franzen swap the baton in recent relay event at Decorah. (Photo by Becky Walz) With just a handful of meets remaining before the postseason begins with the Upper Iowa Conference meet Thursday, May 8, the South Winn boys’ track and field team continues to build on the progress made so far with a runner-up finish at North Fayette Valley Friday night. The Warriors also competed at Osage Tuesday, picking up a fifth-place finish in the team race.

in 16.63 seconds for the silver.

Bronze finishes went to Camden Bullerman in the 200-meter dash, Conway in the 800-meter run and the 4x400 relay of Barton-Franzen, Jordan Einck, Livingood and Gavin Feickert.

NFV Invite boys’ team scores 1. Oelwein 137; 2. South Winn 112; 3. Sumner-Fredericksburg 104; 4. Starmont 96; 5. MFL MarMac 85; 6. North Fayette Valley 43 Race results High jump – 1. Kaden BartonFranzen 5’10” Long jump – 7. Gavin Feickert 17’8”; 10. Levi Feickert 15’6.5”; 11.

Jordan Einck 15’6” Shot put – 11.

Tristen Bodensteiner 32’8”; 12. Shayde Wermers 30’11”; 13. Ethan Oyloe 30’9”; 15. Cody Bodensteiner 28’5.5” Discus – 6. Landen Schnuelle 111’6”; 9. T. Bodensteiner 107’7.25”; 17. Henry Willey 76’10.25”; 18.

Mason Cox 71’2” 100m – 2. Eric Greve 11.62; 5.

Lukas Weiss 11.76; 7. Irving Flores 12.09; 15. Landon Humpal 13.13 200m – 1. Greve 24.18; 3.

Camden Bullerman 24.84; 12.

Humpal 27.59 400m – 5. Brad Dahl 58.88; 9.

Yahir Macario 1:06.74 800m – 3. Hugh Conway 2:17.07; 5. Cameron Einck 2:23.41 1600m – 11. Clayton Kuboushek 5:54.33; 12. Caden Tieskoetter 6:04.69; 13. L. Feickert 6:08.71 3200m – 1. Conway 10:11.05; 3.

C. Einck 10:52.21 110m hurdles – 2. BartonFranzen 16.63 400m hurdles – 7. J. Einck 1:06.23; 12. Andy Acahua 1:12.37; 13. G. Feickert 1:14.10 Shuttle hurdle – 4. BartonFranzen, J. Einck, Livingood, G. Feickert 1:15.12 4x100 – 2. Greve, Flores, Weiss, Brennan Franzen 46.32 4x200 – 2. Greve, Weiss, Franzen, Landon Livingood 1:38.71 4x400 – 3. Barton-Franzen, Livingood, Dahl, Schnuelle 3:58.63 4x800 – 2. Franzen, Dahl, Acahua, Tieskoetter 9:46.77 Sprint medley – 8. Brendon Riehle, Tyler Fells, Macario, L. Feickert 2:08.29 Distance medley – 5. Bullerman, Adam Schmitt, C. Kuboushek, L. Feickert 4:52.49

Trio of golds The effort was there for the Warriors Friday as they finished as the team runner-up at North Fayette Valley in West Union with three event wins as well as numerous second and third place finishes. Oelwein won the meet with 137 points ahead of South Winn’s 112 with Sumner-Fredericksburg, rounding out the top three teams with 104.

Kaden Barton-Franzen won the high jump once again, this time at a height of 5 feet, 10 inches. Taking the top spot in the 200-meter dash in 24.18 seconds was Eric Greve, while Hugh Conway ran away from the 3200-meter field for the win in 10:11.05.

Greve added a trio of silvers to his night as he went 100-meters in 11.62 seconds and joined the 4x100 and 4x200 relays. In the 4x100 relay, the junior led off the quartet with Irving Flores, Lukas Weiss and Brennan Franzen to stop the clock in 46.32 seconds. In the 4x200, it was Greve, Weiss and Franzen picking up Landon Livingood as the anchor, taking second in 1:38.71. The 4x800 relay crossed the finish line in 9:46.77. Members of the runner-up relay were Franzen, Brad Dahl, Adny Acahua and Caden Tieskoetter.

Barton-Franzen traversed the 110-meter hurdles

Just one gold Finishing Tuesday with 29 points, the Warrior boys finished in fifth place, posting just one golden performance. Clear

Lake took home the team title with 105 points, well ahead of Charles City’s 76. Crestwood rounded out the top three with 61 points.

Cameron Einck took the win in the 1600-meter run. The freshman had the best time of the field in 4:57.63.

Fellow freshman Hugh Conway took silver in the 800-meter run as he stopped the clock at 2:09.28.

Two events won bronze including Barton-Franzen in the high jump. The senior cleared 5 feet, 10 inches. The 4x100 relay of Greve, Flores, Weiss and Franzen also earned a thirdplace finish. The quartet blazed around the track in 45.84 seconds.

Osage boys team scores 1. Clear Lake 105; 2. Charles City 76; 3. Crestwood 61; 4. Osage 59; 5.

South Winn 29; 6. Saint Ansgar 26; 7. Newman Catholic 0; 7. NashuaPlainfield 0 Race results High jump – 3. Barton-Franzen 5’10”; 9. J. Einck 5’4” Long jump – 8. G. Feickert 17’0.5”; 10. L. Feickert 15’9” Shot put – 11. Kyle Kuboushek 34’1”; 13. Wermers 30’10.25” Discus – 10. T. Bodensteiner 102’9”; 11. Schnuelle 101’4” 100m – 4. Weiss 11.63; 6. Greve 11.96 200m – 11. G. Feickert 25.99; 13.

Tyler Fels 32.75 400m – 6. Franzen 56.01; 9. Dahl 57.96 800m – 2. Conway 2:09.28 1600m – 1. C. Einck 4:57.63 3200m – 7. C. Kuboushek 13:04.91; 8. L. Feickert 13:15.30 110m hurdles – 6. BartonFranzen 17.30 400m hurdles – 9. Landon Livingood 1:06.15; 10. J. Einck 1:06.66 Shuttle hurdle – 4. BartonFranzen, J. Einck, Livingood, G. Feickert 1:13.68 4x100 – 3. Greve, Flores, Weiss, Franzen 45.84 4x200 – 5. Livingood, J. Einck, Greve, Landon Humpal 1:41.69 4x400 – 6. Conway, K. Kuboushek, Schnuelle, Dahl 4:02.64 4x800 – 4. Dahl, Conway, C. Einck, Tieskoetter 9:08.69 Distance medley – 7. Bullerman, Schnuelle, K. Kuboushek, Acahua 4:19.95

Heart breaker The Lady Vikes had a chance to pick up their first win at home against Clear Lake (6-2-1) Friday but fell short 2-1.

Decorah dominated the ball for much of the game, allowing just a few shots on the Viking goal to go with seven corner kicks and a penalty shot. In spite of controlling much of the game, Decorah gave up the go-ahead goal with only about three minutes left in the game.

“This really was a heartbreaker. Beside the penalty, there were several chances for us to put the game away. We have to be better fin-

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Area athletes will soon have postseason action underway, and the action will be fast and furious throughout the month of May. First on deck are the Decorah tennis programs, along with the area track teams. Postseason information for golf and soccer will be published in the Decorah Leader when it becomes available.

Tennis The Decorah girls tennis team will be at Waverly-Shell Rock Saturday, May 3, for the North Central Tennis Conference tournament. The meet is set to begin at 9 a.m.

The Class 1A girls individual regional competition will be held Monday, May 12, followed by the team regional tournament action Friday, May 16, 20, 24 and 27. The state individual tournament will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, at Byrnes Park in Waterloo, while the state team tournament will be Mary 24, 27 and June 2 in Pella.

The Vikings boys will not have a conference tournament this season and will begin the trail to state as a host of the Class 1A district tournament for singles and doubles action. That meet will be held at 9 a.m Wednesday, May 14. The team substate matches will take place Saturday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 21, at locations still to be released. The state singles and doubles championships will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, May 27-28 at Byrnes Park in Waterloo while the team championships will be played Tuesday and Wednesday, June 3-4 at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Center in Iowa City.

hit the oval at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 8 in Waukon, with other schools in the Northeast Iowa Conference.

Upper Iowa Conference teams, including South Winn and Turkey Valley will converge on Monona at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 8, to compete for titles.

Decorah will host one of the eight Class 3A meets and will compete against Center Point-Urbana, Charles City, Clear Lake, Hampton-Dumont-CAL, Independence, Marion and Waverly-Shell Rock.

South Winn and Turkey Valley will be at Edgewood-Colesburg for the Class 1A action.

Other teams competing with the Warriors, Trojans and host Vikings include Central Elkader, Clayton Ridge, Dunkerton, Kee, Maquoketa Valley, Marquette Catholic, North Linn, Starmont, Wapsie Valley and West Central.

State-qualifying meets for all schools will start with field events at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15.

Running events will begin at 4:45 p.m. In Class 3A and Class 2A, the top two place winners in each event, plus the next eight performances statewide from qualifying meet place winners (first through eighth) will advance to the state meet. In Class 1A, the top place winner in each event, plus the next 14 best performances statewide from qualifying meet place winners, will advance to the state meet.

The state track championships will be held Thursday-Saturday, May 22-24 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Classes 2A and 3A (Decorah) will compete in the morning/early afternoon sessions, while Class 1A (South Winn and Turkey Valley) and Class 4A will compete late afternoon/evenings on Thursday and Friday.

Lukes, Bernhard medalists against WC

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com

South Winn’s Landen Schnuelle glances at the clock at an earlier Decorah meet as he closes in on the finish line in the 400-meter dash. (Photo by Becky Walz)

ishers when we get those chances. That will be our focus moving forward,” noted coach Loren Hendrickson.

The Vikes had eight shots on the goal with senior Sara Johanningmeier putting up three of them. Regine Hougen provided a pair, while Nora Lesmeister, Vivian Searcy and Leah Garcia-Prats all had one.

Taylor Sloan-Dahl had one save in the goal.

The Turkey Valley golf teams not only took the UIC wins over West Central last Thursday but also swept the top medalist spots.

Monday’s TV meet at home at Jackson Heights Golf Course versus Clayton Ridge was postponed due to inclement weather.

Girls action Turkey Valley junior Karstyn Lukes carded a 51, which was good for medalist honors last week Thursday in an Upper Iowa Conference dual girls golf

meet at Big Rock Country Club in Fayette.

Turkey Valley’s team score was a 225, while the Blue Devils of West Central posted no team score as they only have three golfers.

“Karstyn played exceptionally well,” said TV head coach Steve Hoffert.

Annika Bodensteiner was next up on the leaderboard for the Trojans with a 57 and Miyah Byrne carded a 58. Brooklyn Kuennen and Morgan Vsetecka fired 59s.

“It was another cool, wet muddy day on the course, but I thought the girls once again handled it really well,” Hoffert

added.

Bernhard wins Nicholas Bernhard, just a sophomore, fired a 37 last Thursday to claim medalist honors in the West Central conference meet.

That two-over par score by Bernhard helped lead the way for his Trojans, who bested the Blue Devils by 32 strokes – 167 to 199.

Next in line for TV was sophomore Brady Blong’s 41 and junior Logan Busta’s 42.

Others on the course for the Trojans were Colton Kurtenbach (47), Calen Franzen (49) and Wyatt Maklenburg (52).

Tough road match Decorah was no match for top-ranked Waverly-Shell Rock (7-0) Tuesday night as the GoHawks won 10-0 on their home pitch, scoring five times in each half.

The Vikings were unable to even put a shot on the goal, while Sloan-Dahl stood in the goal and came up with 11 saves.

Live Healthy Iowa Kids track meet May 20 in Decorah PRSRT.STD CAR-RT SORT U.S. POSTAGE PD CHARLES CITY, IA PERMIT #144

A look at the tennis and track postseasons

Track The Decorah girls and boys track teams will

First win eludes Decorah girls on home pitch Having come close several times the Decorah girls soccer team (0-8-1) continues to search for a way to pick up its first win of the season after falling to Clear Lake in a heart breaker Friday and Waverly-Shell Rock Tuesday.

Members of the Decorah boys junior varsity squad for the 2025 season are (front row, l-r) Grady Sabelka, Jorge Moya Castillo, Jay Jensen, Lawrence Christman, Tinashe Mtisi, Caleb Johnson, Dawson Irons, Pranav Caton, Leo Waskow; (back row) Lucas Weigle, Hector Vargas Escobar, Van Bassford, Max Goodner, Connor Root, Mack McElree, Chase Vick and Coach Brayden Reiser. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr)

The Live Healthy Iowa Kids track meet is a free event which will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Decorah High School Track. Preregistration is strongly encouraged, but late registration will be taken beginning at 4 p.m. near the track entrance on the day of the event. Online registration opens Monday, April 7 at app.racereach.com/ campaign/px_MRrBRXxw-

Jhig1742821924305426436 The only participation restriction is age, and participants should list their age as of Dec. 31, 2025.

Categories are as follows: Born in 2017-2018 (7 and 8 y/o); Born in 2015-2016 (9 and10 y/o); Born in 2013-2014 (11 and 12 y/o); Born in 20112012 (13 & 14 y/o); 6 and unders can participate, but do not attend the state meet.

ABOVE: Swinging the clubs on the area golf courses for the Turkey Valley boys are (front row, l-r) Caleb Kriener, Graham Schmitt, Jacob Wurzer, Brady Blong, Nicholas Bernhard, Coach Nick Bernhard; (back row) Calen Franzen, Colton Kurtenbach, Logan Busta and Wyatt Maklenburg. Not pictured is Lucas Jackson. (Photos courtesy of Tammy Vrzak) On the links for the Turkey Valley girls golf team this season are (l-r) Annika Bodensteiner, Karstyn Lukes, Morgan Vsetecka, Brooklyn Kuennen and Miyah Byrne.

SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Viking linksters finish sixth

Ruling the oval; Decorah boys top if Indian Relays

Even with several members of the Decorah boys track and field team missing due to their participation at the Drake Relays, the Vikings governed the Indian Relays held in Waukon Thursday.

Easy win Decorah won the meet with 164 points, well ahead of Osage in second with 119 points and Waukon in third with 118.

Monday’s meet at Mason City was postponed due to severe weather expected in the region.

Nine events won gold for Decorah. Clearing 5 feet, 6 inches in the high jump for the title was Parker Low. In the individual running events, Ashton Saltou was the first winner. He sprinted down the track in 11.59 seconds to win the 100-meter dash. Grant Remington produced a time of 23.63 in the 200-meter dash to win gold, and Mitchell Stemper took home the title in the 400-meter dash in 51.90 seconds. In 4:47.06, Garrett See was the first to cross the finish line in the 1600-meter run.

Four relays also posted the best times. Trevor Kuennen, Remington, Saltou and Kyle Pattison joined forces in the opening event, the sprint medley relay. The quartet won in 1:41.90. In the 4x200 relay it was Max Grimstad, Pattison, Mason Avila and Kuennen picking up the win in 1:37.20.

Decorah capped off the night

with back-to-back wins in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. In the 4x100 it was Pattison, Saltou, Dakota VanGundy and Remington stopping the clock first in 46.82 seconds. Grimstad, Stemper, Avila and Kuennen took the 4x400 gold in 3:37.99.

A quartet of events won silver for the Vikings, including Derek Hrdlicka in the 800-meter run, Thomas Hammel in both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs as well as the distance medley relay of Kaden Tarwater, Archer Sims, Karter Orris and Landyn Hook.

Clarence Nimrod, the shuttle hurdle relay and the 4x800 relay took home bronze for the Vikes.

Indian Relays team scores 1. Decorah 164; 2. Osage 119; 3. Waukon 118; 4. Crestwood 77; 5. New Hampton 59; 6. Central Elkader Varsity results High jump – 1. Parker Low 5’6”; 4. Thomas Davis 5’2”; 7. Kyan Oftedahl 4’10” Long jump – 4. Dakota VanGundy 16’11.5”; 6. Ashton Saltou 16’7” Shot put – 5. Luke Franzen 40’11”; 8. Thatcher Brown 38’5.5” Discus – 5. Carter Riley 116’2”; 6. Franzen 111’3” 100m – 1. Saltou 11.59; 9.

Matthew Burkholder 12.84 200m – 1. Grant Remington 23.63; 4. Archer Sims 24.71 400m – 1. Mitchell Stemper 51.90; 4. Bennett Coppola 53.53 800m – 2. Derek Hrdlicka 2:08.33; 5. Davis Coppola 2:17.16; 8. Jayven Neubauer 2:20.31; 13. Weston Cote 2:31.50; 18. Wyatt Birdsell 2:57.28; 19. Dylan Brincks 2:59.78 1600m – 1. Garrett See 4:47.06; 2. Thomas Hammel 4:48.93; 3. Clarence Nimrod 4:57.31; 5.

Esteban Fernandez 5:28.45

Carter Riley goes for a spin before releasing the discus in a Viking home meet earlier this season. Last week he finished fifth at Waukon with a throw of 116 feet, 2 inches. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Pin Oaks Pub and Links were not kind to the Decorah boys Friday as the Vikings finished in the middle of the 10-team field in sixth place with a tally of 328.

West Delaware won their own tournament with a 304 over Solon (315), Waverly-Shell Rock (318) and Pella (319). Independence finished just ahead of the Vikes with a 321. Benton (360), Vinton-Shellsburg (366), Clear Creek-Amana (370) and Center Point-Urbana (391) were also on the course.

Carding a 78, Carter Dlhy finished in the top 10 individually. Jackson Pipho and Jacob Stevens were close behind with

Leaving little doubt in fans minds, the Decorah girls track and field team darted to the top of the six-team field at Waukon

Tuesday night for the win with 185 points. Crestwood was next best with 136 with Waukon rounding out the top three with 105 points.

The Viking girls dominated most of the events, winning 10 of the 19 events.

In the field events it was Re-

Kennady Riehle (above) teamed up with Kelby Kerndt, Addisyn Ivy and Renae Wilson to win the shuttle hurdle relay in Waukon Tuesday in 1:08.15. (Photo by Becky Walz)

an 80 and 81. Completing the Viking scorecard with an 88 was Andrew Olson. Tommy Sexton (89) and Caden Hubka (92) also competed for Decorah.

“Carter played a great round of golf and was impressive as he was steady and consistent,” said coach Casey Bouska. “We played some of the best teams in the state and were within 10 strokes of some of them. A little more consistency and we could keep climbing up the leaderboard.”

Tuesday, the Vikes were edged by Waverly-Shell Rock 317 to 296. Individual results were unavailable at press time.

Brayden Miculinch ran the second leg of the shuttle hurdle relay which finished third at Waukon last week. (Photo by Becky Walz)

3200m – 2. Hammel 10:19.00; 4.

D’Mitry Lesser 10:46.00 110m hurdles – 5. Riley 18.03; 6.

Oftedahl 19.38 400m hurdles – 4. Ray Hayek 1:02.60 Shuttle hurdle – 3. Riley, Brayden Miculinich, Oftedahl, VanGundy 1:13.84 4x100 – 1. Kyle Pattison, Saltou, VanGundy, Grant Remington 46.82 4x200 – 1. Max Grimstad, Pattison, Mason Avila, Trevor Kuennen 1:37.20 4x400 – 1. Grimstad, Stemper, Avila, Kuennen 3:37.99 4x800 – 3. Cote, Brincks, Birdsell, Camden Kerner 11:34.12 Sprint medley – 1. Kuennen, Remington, Saltou, Pattison 1:41.90 Distance medley – 2. Kaden Tarwater, Sims, Karter Orris, Landyn Hook 4:07.24

ning relay were Landon Quandahl, Josh Adam, Peyton Webb and Trevor Kuennen. In the 4x800 relay it was Fullhart, Zilka, See and Hammell putting up the best time in the field. They had a winning time of 8:24.00.

The distance medley also won a title. Quandahl, Adam, Stemper and Bennett Coppola combined their talents for the win in 3:41.43.

Other Vikings winning silver included Webb in the high jump, Adam in the 200-meter dash, the 4x100 relay and the 4x400 relay.

Still going strong No team scores were kept during Tuesday’s meet at Waverly-Shell Rock; however, the Vikings had quite a successful evening with seven titles won.

William Hahn out-threw his shot put competitors for the win.

The second place throw was nearly six feet shorter than the senior’s 50 feet, 4 inch heave.

In the 800-meter run Thomas Hammel and Bill Fullhart went 1-2 with Hammel breaking the tape in 2:01.11, just ahead of Fullhart’s time of 2:02.14.

Grant Zilka and See took the top two spots in the 1600-meter run. Zilka stopped the clock first in 4:36.82, while See put up a time of 4:39.32. Another win in the distance events came in the 3200-meter run by Nimrod. The sophomore had the best time of 10:17.75 while teammate Davis Coppola crossed the finish line second in 10:25.23.

Three relays also took home gold. The sprint medley had the initial top relay performance in 1:37.29. Members of the win-

Varsity results High jump – 2. Peyton Webb 5’10”; 12. Oftedahl 5’0” Long jump – 4. VanGundy 19’0”; 6. Trevor Kuennen 18’10” Shot put – 1. William Hahn 50’4”; 4. Franzen 44’1”; 7. Brown 40’10.4”; 8. Henry Brynsaas 40’3” Discus – 4. Hahn 131’4”; 4.

Riley 129’0”; 6. Brynsaas 126’2”; 8.

Franzen 122’3” 100m – 8. Kade O’Hara 11.74 200m – 2. Josh Adam 23.13; 4.

Kuennen 23.85 400m – 3. Hayek 55.54; 6.

Tarwater 57.31 800m – 1. Hammel 2:01.11; 2. Bill Fullhart 2:02.14 1600m – 1. Grant Zilka 4:36.82; 2. See 4:39.32 3200m – 1. Nimrod 10:17.75; 2.

Davis Coppola 10:25.23 110m hurdles – 7. Riley 18.76; 9.

Miculinich 19.25 400m hurdles – 4. Pattison 1:02.39 Shuttle hurdle – 4. Riley, Miculinich, Oftedahl, VanGundy 1:12.93 4x100 – 2. Landon Quandahl, Adam, Zachary Driscoll, Webb 42.85 4x200 – 3. Driscoll, Saltou, O’Hara, Grant Remington 1:35.32 4x400 – 2. Bennett Coppola, Grimstad, Avila, Stemper 3:33.78 4x800 – 1. Fullhart, Zilka, See, Hammell 8:24.00 Sprint medley – 1. Quandahl, Adam, Webb, Kuennen 1:37.29 Distance medley – 1. Quandahl, Adam, Stemper, B. Coppola 3:41.43

Viking girls run away with Waukon title Tuesday Indian Relays team scores 1. Decorah 185; 2. Crestwood 136; 3. Waukon 105; 4. New Hampton 88; 5. Osage 47; 6.

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nae Wilson, Lauren Luzum and Grace Tangen winning titles.

Wilson dove over the high jump bar at 5 feet, 2 inches to win. In the shot put, Luzum won with a throw of 39 feet, 3.5 inches, while Tangen took the discus gold with a throw of 121 feet, 3 inches.

Audrey Essa was a two-time individual champion, winning both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. The sophomore crossed the finish line during the shorter race in 12.61 seconds and later went the 200-meters in 25.92 seconds to win.

In the 100-meter hurdles it was Addisyn Ivy with the top time of 16.88 seconds, winning over teammate Kelby Kerndt who posted a time of 17.19 seconds.

Four relays also came out on top.

The shuttle hurdle relay stopped the clock first in 1:08.15. Members of the winning hurdle event were Kelby Kerndt, Addisyn Ivy, Kennady Riehle and Wilson.

The distance medley quartet of Ava Holthaus, Ella Stille, McKenzie Riley and Lily Sandhorst followed it up a short time later with the win in 4:29.21.

Then it was the 4x200 relay’s turn to win gold. Cassandra Stammeyer, Wilson, Caylee Malanaphy and Eden Northup picked up the win in 1:49.37.

The night ended with the 4x100 winning the title. In 50.33 seconds it was Ivy, Stella Pole, Stammeyer and Essa breaking the tape.

Varsity results High jump – 1. Renae Wilson 5’2”; 5. Brylee Hanson 4’4”; 7. Ava Steine 4’0” Long jump – 4. Camryn Elster 14’4”; 6. Steine 14’2”; 14. Laylah Schissel 12’1.5” Shot put – 1. Lauren Luzum 39’3.5”; 4. Grace Tangen 35’4” Discus – 1. Tangen 121’3”; 3.

Annika Schmelzer 106’0” 100m – 1. Audrey Essa 12.61; 2.

Cassandra Stammeyer 12.87 200m – 1. Essa 25.92 400m – 3. Jerikah Dodd 1:07.51; 5. Natalie Goodner 1:09.84 800m – 3. Brinlee Courtney 2:39.90; 6. Liz Bucksa 2:54.36; 10. Natalie Stevens 2:57.48; 14.

Schmelzer 3:03.69 1500m – 4. Olivia Volkmann 5:29.45; 6. Lily Sandhorst 5:31.77; 8. Raelyn Newhouse 5:50.61; 13.

Riley Christopher 5:58.61; 14. Olivia Rissman 6:01.10 3000m – 3. Christopher 12:20.03; 4. Courtney 12:26.05; 5. Deborah Hougen 12:31.70; 8. Grace Blikre 13:11.81 100m hurdles – 1. Addisyn Ivy 16.88; 2. Kelby Kerndt 17.19 400m hurdles – 2. Lauren Holthaus 1:18.64 Shuttle hurdle – 1. Kerndt, Ivy, Kennady Riehle, Wilson 1:08.15 4x100 – 1. Ivy, Stella Pola, Cassandra Stammeyer, Essa 50.33 4x200 – 1. Stammeyer, Wilson, Caylee Malanaphy, Eden Northup 1:49.37 4x400 – 2. McKenzie Riley, Northup, Lillian Olson, L. Holthaus 4:15.47 4x800 – 3. Olson, Newhouse, Simone Downing, Camryn Quandahl 10:38.94 Sprint medley – 3. Kerndt, Ava Holthaus, Ella Stille, Dodd 2:00.14 Distance medley – 1. A. Holthaus, Stille, Riley, Sandhorst 4:29.21

Bradan Darling eyes the his ball in line with the hole at Jackson Heights last week. (Photo by Becky Walz)

No. 3 Decorah girls top A-P Put two more tallies in the win column for the Class 1A No. 3 Decorah girls tennis team (6-0) as the Vikes defeated Osage Friday and No. 10 Aplington-Parkersburg Tuesday.

Thursday’s dual meet versus Union was cancelled.

Sweep over Osage Friday the Vikes picked up their fourth sweep of the season as hosts to Osage (1-3) in a make-up dual meet from earlier in April.

Olivia Huinker (No. 1), Kaitlyn Bjork (No. 2), Klaara Short (No. 5) and Myla Leitz (No. 6) all won in 6-0 sweeps over their singles opponents. At No. 3 Leah Holland won 6-1 and 6-0 over Mylie Havig while Jaidyn Duvel defeated Ella Sparrow 6-4 and 6-0 over Ella Sparrow in the No. 4 spot.

In doubles, Grace Huinker and Camryn Holland won in 6-1 sets at No. 1. Playing at No. 2 Addison Maki and Dylin Thompson defeated Sophia Ketelson and Paige Mehmen in 6-1 and 6-3 sets. Winning 6-0 and 6-3 at No. 3 were Short and Alynne Brandel.

Versus Osage Singles: No. 1 Olivia Huinker (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Marley Kerrick (O); No 2 Kaitlyn Bjork (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Sophia Ketelsen (O); No. 3 Leah Holland (Dec) won 6-1, 6-0 over Mylie Havig (O); No. 4 Jaidyn Duvel (Dec) won 6-4, 6-0 over Ella Sparrow (O); No. 5 Klaara Short (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Paige Mehmen (O); No. 6 Myla Leitz (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Addie Sayer (O) Doubles: No. 1 Grace Huinker/ Camryn Holland (Dec) won 6-1, 6-1; No. 2 Addison Maki/Dylin Thompson (Dec) won 6-1, 6-3 over Ketelsen/Mehmen (O); No. 3 Short/ Alynne Brandel (Dec) won 6-0, 6-3 over Havig/Sparrow (O)

Almost another shutout Tuesday, the third-ranked Vikes defeated the No. 10 Aplington-Parkersburg (6-3) Falcons 8-1 at home.

At No. 3 singles, Grace Huinker closed out the Vikings first victory with a quick 6-0, 6-0 win, and Leah Holland fol-

lowed shortly after at No. 4 singles, winning 6-1, 6-0.

Kaitlyn Bjork fell to ninthranked singles player, Peyton Klooster, 6-0, 6-3, making the match score 2-1 at No. 2. Playing at No. 6 Camryn Holland secured the next victory for the Vikes, winning a third set match tiebreaker 10-5. Jaidyn Duvel secured the fourth team point for the Vikings at No. 5 singles.

The biggest win of the evening came from Olivia Huinker at No. 1 singles. After securing a first set 7-5 win over the fifthranked singles player, Adria Neymeyer, Huinker lost the second set 6-2 but then fought back from behind to win 10-8 in a third set match tiebreaker. The win secured a victory for the Vikes, making the match score 5-1.

In doubles, each team played strongly. All three doubles teams came out ahead resulting in a final match score of 8-1.

“Smart shot selection, patience, and varied doubles strategies helped each of our doubles teams secure a victory,” said coach Amanda Huinker. “In singles, our girls demonstrated grit and mental toughness. I’m so pleased with how the entire team played today — we were ready for a challenging meet, and Aplington-Parkersburg made us work for our victories — what a great way to grow as individuals and as a team.”

Varsity match results Singles: No. 1 O. Huinker (Dec) won 7-5, 2-6, (10-8) over Adria Neymeyer (A-P); No. 2 Bjork (Dec) lost 6-0, 6-3 over Peyton Klooster (A-P); No. 3 G. Huinker (Dec) won 6-0, 6-0 over Megan Bruns (A-P); No. 4 L. Holland (Dec) won 6-1, 6-0 over Holly Haugstad (A-P); No. 5 Duvel (Dec) won 7-6(7-4), 6-2 over Bella Buseman (A-P); No. 6 C. Holland (Dec) won 6-2, 2-6, (10-5) over Jayden Krausman (A-P) Doubles: No. 1 O. Huinker/G. Huinker (Dec) won 6-2, 6-4 over Neymeyer/Klooster (A-P); No. 2 Bjork/L. Holland (Dec) won 6-2, 6-2 over Bruns/Buseman (A-P); No. 3 Duvel/C. Holland (Dec) won 6-4, 6-0 over Haugstad/Krausman (A-P)

Kaitlyn Bjork catches the ball on the run for a return volley during a recent home Viking tennis match. (Photo by Becky Walz)

SPORTS 20

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DECORAH LEADER

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THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025

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WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM

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SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ

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BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Viking 4x200 relay eighth at Drake

Viking junior Renae Wilson competed in the 100-meter hurdles as well as the high jump at the Drake Relays.

It was a 13th place finish for Lauren Luzum in the shot put at the Drake Relays last week.

It was a successful trip to Des Moines for the Decorah girls and boys track and field teams last week.

The Vikings had eight total events at the Drake Relays, held Thursday through Saturday in the same venue where the state track meet will be held in less than a month.

The best finish was posted by the 4x200 relay quartet. Stella Pole, McKenzie Riley, Cassandra Stammeyer and Audrey Essa finished eighth Friday in 1:43.55.

The 4x100 relay team missed out on a top 10 finish with 49.70 seconds. Addisyn Ivy, Pole, Stammeyer and Essa finished 12th in the prelims.

Individually, Lauren Luzum sent the shot put 37 feet, 6.50 inches to earn 13th place.

Renae Wilson competed in two individual events. The Viking junior was one of five high jumpers to finish in a tie for 14th, clearing the opening height of 5 feet, 2 inches.

Wilson also competed in the 100-meter hurdle prelims, crossing the finish line in 15.39 seconds for 20th place.

In the boys field events, a throw of 48 feet, 5.25 inches gave William Hahn 19th in the shot put and Peyton Webb was one of seven jumpers unable to complete the opening height of 6 feet, 2 inches in the high jump.

Landon Quandahl, Josh Adam, Zach Driscoll and Webb teamed up in the 4x100 relay to circle the Blue Oval in 43.79 seconds, earning 37th place.

Getting on the course Thursday, the Vikes finished sixth with 428 strokes at the New Hampton invite. Monday’s dual at Crestwood was postponed.

The Chickasaws fired the low combined score of the day to win their home tournament with a 325 over Oelwein in second with 339. With a 350 Grundy Center took third as Forest City (401) and Don Bosco (419) earned fourth and fifth. Waukon rounded out the field with a 443.

Oelwein’s Grace Lewis was the medalist of the 18-hole tournament with a 74 with Lauren Nuss of New Hampton firing a 76 as the runner-up.

Olivia Brynsaas was the lone Viking to shoot under 100, coming through with a 98. Lulu Bellrichard carded a 104. Touring the course to a 110 was Shelby Hageman as Drew Zwart concluded Decorah’s scoring with a 116. Anna Knaack (118) and Clair Smedsrud (132) also were on the links for the Vikings.

Netters move to 10-0 with back-to-back wins The Class 2A No. 7 Decorah boys’ tennis team earned two more wins recently to keep their perfect season alive at 10-0.

sota rules, singles and doubles players are all exclusive with four athletes playing singles and three doubles teams.

Liam Chamberlain won 6-3 and 6-1 at No. 1, while No. 2 Keaton Nalean-Carlson and Caleb Krieg (No. 3) swept the wins in a pair of 6-0 sets. Playing at No. 4 was Aitor Cuevas

who won 6-1 and 6-2.

In doubles action the No. 1 duo of Tristan Hunter and Elliot Berland won 2-1 (6-3, 3-6, 107). Teaming up at No. 2 were Steven Munoz and Beau Newhouse to win a pair of 6-4 sets.

At No. 3 it was Andrew Kruger and Ansel Kowitz won 6-3, 2-6 and 10-4.

Aitor Cuevas won 6-1 and 6-2 last Friday in the No. 4 spot for the Vikings who defeated Winona Senior 4-3 on the road.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Road win Tuesday Hitting the pavement to Oelwein (0-6) Tuesday, the Vikings swept the Huskies 9-0.

No. 3 through No. 6 athletes Logan Nalean-Carlson, Berland, Krieg and Cuevas dominated their opponents to win in a pair of 6-0 set. At No. 1 Chamberlain defeated Cooper Reisner 6-2, 6-0, while Hunter gave up just one game to Landon Rechkemmer to win 6-1, 6-0.

Playing No. 1 doubles Chamberlain and K. Nalean-Carlson took a duet of 6-3 sets from Reisner and Rechkemmer.

The sophomore duo of Hunter and Berland stopped Kyson Kral and Chase Edmonds 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2. At No. 3 it was Krieg/Cuevas winning 6-0, 6-1 over Jackson Hoveland and Wesleigh Harger.

Moving to 9-0 The Decorah netters narrowly kept their perfect season going Friday by edging Winona Senior 4-3. Playing by Minne-

ABOVE: William Hahn notched a 19th place finish in the shot put at last week’s Drake Relays. BELOW: Stella Pole (left) reaches back for the baton from Cassandra Stammeyer during the 4x100 relay prelims. (All photos courtesy of CJ Eilers/Dickinson County News)

Zach Driscoll takes off for the third leg of Decorah’s 4x100 relay after taking the baton from Josh Adam.

Decorah girls compete in 18-hole tourney

Decorah’s Lulu Bellrichard intently studies the lay of a green during last week’s triangular with South Winn and Turkey Valley at the South Winn Golf Course and Country Club. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

Audrey Essa takes off in a sprint as the anchor of Decorah’s 4x200 relay which finished eighth Friday. The sophomore combined with Cassandra Stammeyer (shown with Essa), Stella Pole and McKenzie Riley for a time of 1:43.55. It was the best finish of the Drake Relays weekend for a Viking event.

Lady Warrior medley relays reign at NFV

Maddy Jansen (left) and Cloey Zweibohmer were among the members of South Winn’s winning medley relays at North Fayette Valley Friday night. (Photo by Becky Walz) The medley relays ran by the South Winn girls track team were the cream of the crop in West Union Friday as the same quartet picked up wins in the sprint and distance medley relays. In spite of the wins, the Lady Warriors finished third in the team standings with 86 points at the North Fayette Valley invite, which was won by Crestwood with 124. Saint Ansgar was a close second with 121 points.

Katie Shimek, Cloey Zweibohmer, Adele Conway and Maddy Jansen started the meet golden with 1:57.84 in the sprint medley relay. Later the same four posted the winning time of 4:36.81 in the distance medley relay as the only two events to take the top spot.

Five events took silver with freshman Jena Peters claiming two individual runner-up finishes. Peters’ jump of 14 feet, 7 inches gave her second in the

long jump and she later went 100 meters in 13.92 seconds for another silver. Zweibohmer was second in the 200-meter dash in 27.93 seconds, while Izzy Kuboushek took silver in the 400-meter hurdles in 1:19.51. The 4x400 quartet of Jansen, Alexis Johanningmeier, Conway and Shimek also had a solid run. The four finished the race in second in 4:20.98.

Annie Hageman, Karissa Wenthold, Ava Franzen and Kuboushek were the lone bronze finishers as the quartet finished the 4x800 relay in 11:12.68.

Discus – 5. Kelsey Timp 100’4.25”; 6. Looby 98’5”; 11. Hovden 78’2.5”; 12. J. Timp 77’1” 100m – 2. Peters 13.92; 8. Alyssa Holthaus 14.4”; 9. Emmy Gehling 14.45; 15. Charlotte Moonen 15.41 200m – 2. Cloey Zweibohmer 27.93; 8. Peters 30.12; 14. Hayden Steffans 31.17; 16. Vanessa Bullerman 31.28 400m – 4. Tessa Phillips 1:09.78; 6. Bullerman 1:10.93 800m – 7. Annie Hageman 2:47.77; 8. Karissa Wenthold 2:49.14 1500m – 5. Ava Franzen 5:42.34 3000m – 5. Phillips 12:43.32 100m hurdles – 8. Izzy Kuboushek 19.20 400m hurdles – 2. Kuboushek 1:19.51 4x100 – 5. Zweibohmer, Holthaus, Allison Hageman, Britney Hageman 54.92; 7. Gehling, Steffans, Lia Vsetecka, Jenna Schissel 59.34 4x200 – 4. Peters, Alexis Johanningmeier, B. Hageman, Al. Hageman 1:59.25; 7. Steffans, Moonen, Vsetecka, Schissel 2:11.32 4x400 – 2. Maddy Jansen, Johanningmeier, Adele Conway, Katie Shimek 4:20.98 4x800 – 3. An. Hageman, Wenthold, Franzen, Kuboushek 11:12.68 Sprint medley – 1. Shimek, Zweibohmer, Conway, Jansen 1:57.84; 7. Gehling, Al. Hageman, B. Hageman, Bullerman 2:12.46 Distance medley – 1. Shimek, Zweibohmer, Conway, Jansen 4:36.81

NFV Invite girls’ team scores 1. Crestwood 124; 2. Saint Ansgar 121; 3. South Winn 86; 4.

North Fayette Valley 84; 5. SumnerFredericksburg 76; 6. Oelwein 47; 7.

Starmont 39; 8. MFL MarMac 1 Race results Long jump – 2. Jena Peters 14’7” Shot put – 5. Emily Hovden 33’4.5”; 9. Jayden Timp 29’4.75”; 12.

McKenna Looby 26’11”; 16. Gracie Walz 24’8”

Coming up in area varsity sports

May 1 – SW golf vs. West Central (Ossian), 4 p.m.; TV golf at MFL MarMac (Luana), 4 p.m.; TV b tr at Clayton Ridge, 4 p.m.; SW g/b tr at Crestwood, 4:30 p.m.

May 2 – Dec b ten vs. Clear Lake, 4:30 p.m.; SW golf at Clayton Ridge 4 p.m.; TV b tr at Starmont, 4:30 p.m.

May 3 – Dec g golf hosts quad (Oneota), 9 a.m.; Dec g ten at conf. (Waverly), 9 a.m.; Dec g/b soc at North Fayette Valley, 10 a.m.

May 5 – Dec b golf at Lake City tnmt., 2 p.m.; Dec g golf at Waverly-Shell Rock 4 p.m.; SW golf vs. North Fayette Valley (Calmar), 4 p.m.; Dec b soc at Wahlert Catholic, 4:15 p.m.; Dec g ten at Osage, 4:30 p.m.; SW/

Jayden Timp took ninth at NFV Friday in the shot put with a throw of 29 feet, 4.75 inches.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Dec/TV g/b tr at South Winn, 4:30 p.m.; Dec b tr at MFL MarMac, 4:30 p.m.

May 6 – Dec g ten at Dubuque Senior, 12 p.m.; SW g golf vs. Charles City (Calmar), 4 p.m.; TV golf at Central Elkader, 4 p.m.; Dec g soc vs. New Hampton, 5 p.m.

May 8 – Dec g golf vs. Caledonia (Oneota), 4 p.m.; Dec g ten at Mason City, 4 p.m.; Dec b ten vs. Columbus Catholic, 4 p.m.; SW/TV golf vs. Waukon (Jackson Junction), 4 p.m.; SW/TV g/b tr at UIC (Monona), 4 p.m.; Dec g/b tr at NEIC (Waukon), 4:30 p.m.; Dec g soc at Union, 5 p.m.