Dogs
B.A.R.K. participants are expected to bag their pet’s waste, keep
respect wildlife and know where they are allowed to go. The event is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. For more information, visit winneshiekwild.com/ bark-rangers.
BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER
Nitrate pollution in the Midwest is often more prevalent in areas featuring karst topography, according to Aaron Bishop a geologist with the Southeast Minnesota Nitrate Strategies Collaborative Work Group. But Bishop hopes those statistics will change as the public becomes more aware of agricultural practices which can reduce
nitrate runoff in karst regions.
“After the rains fall and the ground dries up, folks may forget about it,” Bishop said. “Not farmers. Not cavers. The story of water after it soaks into the ground is just the beginning. But, we also know there are opportunities to clean up the water from the top down with cover crops and other farming practices. It is my hope that more people begin to think about, put effort into, and take pride
in protecting Earth’s most valuable resource.”
Bishop, who holds a degree in geology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, said the word “karst” is the German form for the Slavic word “kras,” meaning “bleak waterless place.” He said, though karst often looks different from one location to the next, they usually feature joint systems, sinkholes, blind valleys, disappearing streams, caves and springs. Bishop went
Karst topography is the result of soluble rock, which is dissolved over time by naturally occurring carbonic acid, according to Aaron Bishop of the Southeast Minnesota Nitrate Strategies Collaborative Work Group. Porous limestone can sometimes be found in farm fields in the Decorah area. Bishop said many agricultural fertilizers contain concentrated nitrates, which can often penetrate the porous bedrock of karst regions and potentially enter aquifers, which he said can contribute to health concerns. (Photo by Seth Boyes)
on to explain karst topography results from soluble rock — usually carbonate rock such as limestone or dolostone — that is gradually dissolved over time by naturally occurring carbonic acid.
“Just like how carbonic acid in soda, or pop, can dissolve away your calcium-based teeth, so too can it dissolve away the calcium-based limestone bedrock in our region, usually along natural vertical fractures, Karst continued on page 3
Iowa’s Beef Cattle Industry Statistics
Total Cattle Inventory in Iowa (Jan. 1, 2025) 3,500,000
State Rank All Cattle and Calves (Jan. 1, 2025) Eighth Cattle on Feed in Iowa (Jan. 1, 2025) 1,210,000
State Rank Cattle and Calves on Feed (Jan. 1, 2025) Fourth
Yearly Fed Cattle Marketings (2023) 1,624,000
Number of Feedlots (2022 Census) 4,102
Number of Cattle Operations (2022 Census) 21,750
Number of Farms with Beef Cows (2022 Census) 17,214 Number of Beef Cows (Jan. 1, 2025) 825,000
State Rank Number of Beef Cows (Jan. 1, 2025) Twelfth
Sources: Department of Economics, Iowa State University; Iowa Agricultural Statistics, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 2024 Cattle Report and 2022 Census of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
comes from cropland for most of Minnesota. In the karst region, it’s closer to 89-95 percent,” Bishop said. “Now, if we look at it another way, we know the source of the pollution. That means we know the source of the solution. Corn and soybeans are leaky crops, and once nitrate goes below the root zone, it is lost to the crop and risks contaminating drinking water.”
Bishop noted nitrates are naturally-occurring inorganic compounds often found in some crops and soil. The problem, he said, is that fertilizers often contain a much more concentrated amount of nitrates, which he said have been linked to various forms of cancer and other health problems.
“We’ve learned so much in the past several decades, including the harmful health effects of contaminated water,” Bishop
The Allamakee County Cattlemen recently crowned Keira McCormick the 2025/2026 Allamakee County Beef Queen. (Photo submitted)
with Apricot Dipping Sauce
Bump up your meatball mojo. Gently form this tried-and-true blend into bite-sized balls, then broil and slather in a spicy, sweet and too-good-to-be-so-simple sauce.
Ingredients 1 pound ground beef (96% lean) 1/4 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs 2 egg whites or 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons water 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper
said. “More and more research is showing the long-term health effects (that) nitrate-contaminated water leads to thyroid disease, colorectal cancers and neural tube defects.”
District Conservationist Corey Brink with the Natural Resources Conservation Service said farming in a karst region is made more difficult by the prevalence of sinkholes, but he said certain soil practices can help keep nitrates on farmland and out of the area’s aquifers. Brink pointed to methods like cover crops, no-till, grassed waterways, field borders, filter strips and farming on the contour of a slope. Brink said cover crops are typically planted between two cash crops, such as corn and soybeans — mainstays in Iowa’s farm economy — after each has been harvested. Cover crops help reduce soil erosion
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg whites, water, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 18 to 20 minutes or until temperature reaches 160°F.
2. Meanwhile, heat preserves, barbecue sauce and mustard in medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
or until sauce thickens slightly.
Cook’s Tip: Red or black raspberry, fig, peach, current or pineapple preserves and orange marmalade may be substituted for apricot preserves.
3. Add cooked meatballs and continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve warm. Cook’s Tip: To keep meatballs warm, place in 2-1/2-quart slow cooker set on LOW. Keep covered to maintain heat. Meatballs can be held up to 2-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com
as they grow, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which can in turn reduce the nitrates carried to waterways through runoff. The USDA said cover crops can also be incorporated into the soil later in the season to enrich farm fields.
“The most common cover crop is Winter Rye, which can start growth before winter sets in and continues to grow overwinter, scavenging nutrients and contaminants until it is typically terminated prior (to) the cash crop in the spring,” Brink said. “Cover crops also help suppress weeds and improve soil health at a relatively low cost.”
Brink went on to say other practices, like no-till farming, can be a challenge early on but can yield benefits. Farmers who opt for no-till practic-
es create narrow channels just wide enough to plant seeds, rather than till their entirety of their crop fields, according to information from the USDA. Brink said soil can essentially seem “addicted” to tillage when farmers first make the change to a no-till operation.
“After a couple years however, many farmers find that it saves them on fertilizer costs, pesticides, fuel, equipment costs and labor,” he said. “Combine all of this with the benefit of increasing your soil health, and you discover the reason so many farmers never go back to tillage after adopting this practice.”
Producers can also use grassed waterways to reduce the level of nitrates entering local water sources — the USDA described grassed waterways as either natural or constructed
continued from page 2 channels lined with vegetation, which can be used to convey farm field runoff without causing soil erosion. Brink said, farmers who don’t allow grass to grow in areas where water tends to collect are typically left with gullies during major storm events — sending soil and everything it contains downstream or into sinkholes. He indicated grassy areas can also be beneficial on the edges of farm fields.
He also said grassy filter strips can also help capture nutrients and sediment from fields where cash crops are grown. Similarly, he said planting crops perpendicular to the slope of the land — a practice he referred to as “farming on the contour” — can slow field runoff with each furrow of the crop.
“This is an incredibly important practice in karst country,” Brink said.
“Field borders, often called ‘headlands,’ are areas planted to grass where farmers oftentimes feel it necessary to plant up and downhill for ease of farming,” Brink said. “When planting a field border, this area is planted to grass so the farmer can turn their equipment around on this protected area and prevent severe erosion that tends to follow the planting tracks downhill.”
Waucoma
A series of summer events are underway in Waucoma as part of the new Mill Pond Music and More events hosted by the Waucoma Booster Club. The monthly events include live music, food, children’s activities and more.
From 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 13, attendees may participate in the first-ever fishing derby at Waucoma’s Mill Pond. “Band Practice” will entertain visitors with live music while attendees can enjoy food from M&S Vending and see the crowning of Miss Waucoma.
From 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 11, “Patsy and the Plum Street Band” will entertain and food from STRKR BBQ will be available. This all-ages event will feature bingo, carnival games and bouncy houses. Additional Mill Pond Madness events are planned for Aug. 8 and 9.
Winneshiek County Conservation will host the annual Stan Shevik Family Fishing Clinic from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 7 at Lake Meyer Park and Campground. An optional fishing time will take place from noon to 1 p.m. that day.
June 7-9 is Free Fishing Weekend, during which all Iowa residents may fish without a license. The free annual family fishing clinic is open to all ages. All
registered youth will be eligible for a door prize. Youth under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the program. Participants may register online at winneshiekwild. com/events/stan-shevik-family-fishing-clinic-2025. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will also be assisting with the clinic. For more information, contact Winneshiek County Conservation at 563534-7145.
’19
Durango R/T, Gray, Heated Seats/ Wheel, Backup Cam $28,995
’13 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD, 201k Miles .$9,995
’11 Dodge Durango, Black, 290k Miles, DVD Player $6,995 TRUCKS
’24 Ford Maverick XLT 4x4, Blue, 19k Miles, Backup Camera $29,995
’23 Toyota Tacoma SR5 V6 4x4, Red, 30k Miles, Bed Liner, Lane Keeping $36,995
’21 Chevy Colorado Z71 CrewCab 4x4, White, 57K Miles, Heated Seats/Wheel, Bedliner $29,995 ’21 Chevy 1500 LT Trail Boss Crew, Black, 4x4, 44k Miles, Leather Seats $41,995 ’21 Chevy 1500 LTZ Duramax Crew, Silver, 4x4, 43k Miles, Heated/Cooled Leather Seats $43,995
’21 Ford Ranger XLT Crew, Black, 60k Miles, 4x4, New Tires $28,995
’20 Ford Ranger XLT Crew, Red, 58k Miles,
The city of Decorah’s yard waste site will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. A key will not be needed to access the site during these hours. Those wishing to access the site outside of open hours must check out a key from staff at Decorah City Hall. No garbage in any form is allowed to be deposited at the yard waste site and only yard waste which originates from within Decorah city limits may be deposited. However, residents and non-residents are welcome to take wood chips, compost and/ or firewood from the site. Questions may be directed to city hall at 563-382-3651.
Robey Memorial Library in Waukon is inviting community members to delve into the world of time management and organization during “Bullet Journaling and Beyond,” part of the library’s Live and Learn series. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29 in the lower level Community Room. Bullet journaling is a organization system which allows individuals to create personalized planners and journals. During this session, participants will learn the basics of bullet journaling, discover essential supplies, explore sample
WinnMed will host a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 3. This in-person, twohour seminar, offered by the WinnMed Senior Health Insurance Information Program — or SHIIP — counselors, will be held in WinnMed’s lower level conference rooms. The free seminar will cover Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the prescription drug benefit — Part D — Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare fraud, er-
pages and have the opportunity to start their own journals.
“We’re excited to share this creative and effective organizational tool with our community,” said Chris Kerndt, adult programming coordinator at Robey Memorial Library.
“Whether you’re new to journaling or looking to enhance your skills, this event promises something for everyone.”
Registration for the class is recommended but not required. To register or for more information, contact Robey Memorial Library at 563-568-4424 or visit www.waukon.lib.ia.us.
rors and abuse. Participants are asked to park in Lot E and enter through the E-1 door on the WinnMed campus. Registration is required by Friday, May 23 and may be completed online at WinnMed.org/events or by calling 563-387-3036. SHIIP is a service of the State of Iowa.
SHIIP counselors are trained by the state and do not sell or promote any insurance companies, policies or agents. WinnMed is a local sponsor for SHIIP in Winneshiek County.
Kids Lunch Club is returning for the summer of 2025. All area children and youth — age 18 and under — are invited to pick up a free “grab and go” style lunch on weekdays throughout the summer, starting Monday, June 2.
Meals will be available from 12:10-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Freeport Park, as well as from 12:45-1 p.m. Monday through Friday at John Cline Elementary School. The Decorah United Church of Christ will also be distributing meals from 6-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the church — 209 West Broadway Street in Decorah.
This summer, the Kids Lunch Club is expanding and will not only be providing lunches, but will also provide a variety of activities for student and family engagement. Financial donations to the Kids Lunch Club may be made online at decorahucc.org/kidslunchclub/ as well as dropped off or mailed to the Decorah UCC — Kids Lunch Club should be listed in the memo line on checks. For more information or to inquire about volunteering, contact Kids Lunch Club Director Shanna Putnam Dibble at decorahkidslunchclub@gmail. com.
ArtHaus in Decorah recently announced “The Leaf Has a Song In It,” a solo exhibition of new botanical prints and mixed-media works by Minnesota artist and educator Stephanie Hunder. The show will open with a public reception at 6 p.m. Friday, June 6 and will remain on view in the Doyle G Heyveld Gallery at ArtHaus through June 28. Hunder’s workd combines collagraphic printmaking, cyanotype photography and digital imaging. Leaves, branches and other organic textures are physically pressed into the print surface, creating tactile impressions. These traces are then layered with scientific diagrams, en-
couraging viewers to reflect on ways empirical knowledge and lived experience intertwine.
“Spending time in nature engages all the senses,” says Hunder. “I want my prints to evoke that immersive feeling while also acknowledging the diagrams and data that shape our understanding of ecology today.”
Hunder holds a BFA and MA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MFA from Arizona State University. She teaches at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Minnesota, and she was recently honored with the 2025 McKnight Fellowship in Printmaking.
Can you name these movies, tv shows, music, games, and/or books from these poorly-phrased descriptions?
1. Group spends 9 hours returning jewelry
2. A t nage girl beats the government system by dating her rival
3. They don’t know where they are, what’s happening and neither does the audience
4. Animal reincarnation cult with cringey puns, but the dancing
5. A slow-motion parade of li le gingerbread guys
6. Friend zoned for 3 decades, girl fina y likes him, she dies
7. A sma ape low-key takes over a man’s life
8. Rough seas vs co ercial fishing boat
9. Life is plastic, it’s fantastic.
10. A fight for survival against a swarm of relentle crabs
Find answers posted on the Decorah Leader Facebook page.
Center Waukon IA Sweeney Auction Service Waukon IA 563-5682464 www.sweeneyauctionservice.com
CLOSING THURSDAY, MAY 29 - 9:00 a.m. “Mini-Premier” Gun Auction. Kramer Auction Service. Prairie du Chien, WI. 608-326-8108. www.kramersales.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 1 - 10:00 a.m. Coin Auction. Community Center, Protivin, IA. Shindelar Auction Service, LLC. Protivin, Ia 563-569-8235. www.auctionsgo.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4ONLINE ONLY. Real Estate Closing at 1 p.m. and All Other Items Closing at 4 p.m. Roy Piper Estate. Tim Piper, Executor 1503 380th St, Decorah, IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.
SATURDAY JUNE 7 - 9:30
a.m. Country Tractor, Toys & Misc Auction. Ron & Norma Bullerman 1647 227th Ave Calmar IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563568-2464.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17 - 8:30 a.m. Machinery Consignment Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Service Waukon IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.
New Minowa Players recently announced the cast of its upcoming production of “The Pirates of Penzance,” the beloved comic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. The witty, fast-paced classic will set sail June 26-29.
“The Pirates of Penzance” tells the story of Frederic — played by Jesse Reese — a young man who, through a comical twist of fate, has been apprenticed to a band of well-meaning but bumbling pirates, led by the formidable Pirate King — played by Matt Cody. Upon reaching his 21st birthday, Frederic resolves to leave piracy behind and dedicate himself to wiping them out, only to discover a technicality that throws his plans into chaos. Accompanied by his well-meaning former nursemaid Ruth — played by Karen Esterl — Frederic makes his way into the world. Along the way, he falls in love with the endearing Mabel — played by Emily Schmidt — daughter of the famously verbose Major-General Stanley — played by Jonathon Struve — while navigating a madcap world of mistaken identities, lively choruses and rapid-fire patter.
Included in the principal cast are Alex Rosenow as Samuel, the Pirate King’s loyal lieutenant; Dan Mrakovich as the Sergeant of Police, leading his comically timid troupe; as well as Sarah Brandt, Mikayla Hiner and Gwen Thompson as General Stanley’s effervescent wards Kate, Edith and Isabel.
The merry band of Pirates includes Cameron Berges, Paul Fadness, Esteban Fernandez, Lorenzo Fernandez, Violet Hatfield, Caleb Johnson, JJ Johnson, Kelly Johnson, Eva Kriemelmeyer, Rose Martinsen-Burrell, Doug Nalean-Carlson, Rick Scheffert and Colin Thompson. General Stanley’s wards include Eva Fassbinder-Brummel, Lilly Hemesath, Kaya Johnson, Karin Mar-
tin-Hiner, Melody Reese and Lieba Louisa Schwalbe.
The police troupe includes Cameron Berges, Paul Fadness, Caleb Johnson, JJ Johnson, Kelly Johnson, Doug Nalean-Carlson, Rick Scheffert and Colin Thompson.
“The Pirates of Penzance” is directed by Sheryl Scheffert, with musical direction by Mike Ellingsen and costume design by Tanya O’Connor.
Performances will be held next month at the Decorah High School Auditorium — 100 Claiborne Dr. Show times are 7 p.m. June 26-28 and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29.
Tickets are available from 4-7 p.m. the week of the show at the Decorah High School Box Office as well as online at newminowaplayers.org/tickets.
The Winneshiek Energy District recently announced a new program offering free comprehensive home energy audits to income-qualifying households in Decorah and Winneshiek County. This initiative is designed to help residents reduce their energy bills, improve home comfort and identify practical steps toward energy efficiency and home upgrade opportunities.
“An energy audit can identify cost savings that aren’t always apparent,” said Paul Cutting, energy auditor for Winneshiek Energy District. “Reducing air infiltration and increasing insulation levels can lower energy costs by upwards of 25 percent, resulting in real savings.”
To be eligible for a free energy audit, households must have incomes less than 150 percent of the area’s median income — or about $112,000 for household of two. Full details, including eligibility requirements and application information, are available at energydistrict.org/ services/comprehensive-energy-assessment. For more information, contact Paul Cutting at 563-3340538 or paul@energydistrict. org.
Homeowners and renters can receive a detailed home energy audit at no cost, thanks to recent grant funding. The assessment includes a thorough inspection of the home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, lighting and appliances. It also includes a blower door test to assess air leakage. Participants will receive a personalized report outlining recommended improvements, potential savings and opportunities to make their homes healthier, more comfortable and more energy-efficient.
