May 29, 2025

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Vol. 160, Issue 22 www.decorahleader.com

Decorah, Iowa 52101 email: editor@decorahleader.com

Home of the free, because of the brave

Memorial Day in Decorah

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

911

continued on page 6

Price $1.50

phone: 563-382-4221

Iowa Senate bill could jeopardize local 911 operations A new Iowa law may force county 911 centers to reduce services or staff.

Iowa Senate File 659 recently passed with bipartisan support and is currently waiting to be signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds. If the bill does become law, Winneshiek County 911 Communications Coordinator Sean Snyder said it will be “like the state is writing itself a blank check” while forcing 911 services to potentially pay additional bills without additional funding.

A portion of the bill says the 911 program manager —the state of Iowa in this instance — may invoice the local public safety answering points a reasonable cost of doing business, which the PSAPs would be required to pay within 30 days of receipt. Snyder said he and many of his counterparts across the state are unsure what the state may consider a reasonable cost.

“When you dial 911, your call doesn’t just come to the communications center,” Snyder explained. “There’s a lot of technology and behind-thescenes work that goes into it.

The state covers a lot of those costs, and for the last several

One Section

A Decorah mother ties a yellow ribbon around a flagpole to honor her son, who is deploying with other U.S. National Guard troops from the Decorah area to the Middle East. The troops left Wednesday from Waterloo. Several mothers tied ribbons around other flagpoles Monday morning at the Veterans Memorial as part of the Memorial Day service at Mary Christopher Park in Decorah.

(Photo by Zach Jensen)

Judge declines to quash subpoena for Colvin’s full file Court finds review of confidential records necessary to settle defense’s assertions

BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR A judge ruled late last week that state officials with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services must provide the court with potentially confidential records related to a teenage girl law enforcement believes was murdered in 2017 by a former Decorah man.

James David Bachmurski, age 66, faces a charge of second-degree murder for the death of 15-year-old Jade Marie Colvin, whom investigators believe

James David Bachmurski

Jade Colvin

was at Bachmurski’s rural home south of Decorah in March of 2017. Colvin was report-

ed missing to the Des Moines Police Department on June 10, 2016, and information from

the U.S. Justice Department’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System listed her last known date of contact with her family occurred in March of 2017.

Bachmurski’s defense team had previously sought a subpoena for information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children related to a possible sighting of Colvin during August of 2021 in Harvey, Illinois — about 240 miles from Decorah — and a separate subpoena was requested in January, seeking what the defense

called “the alleged victim’s prior history of runaway behavior” and “specific tangible items of evidence regarding her methods and plans,” which Bachmurski’s attorneys believed to be in the possession of the Ames Police Department. Another defense subpoena requesting a complete file on Colvin — including any documents, correspondence and notes — was submitted to the Iowa Department of Health

Bachmurski continued on page 12

Local residents call for increased water monitoring State commission points to hundreds of sites statewide

Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER

Attorney and Decorah resident Melissa O’Rourke told the DNR’s Environmental Protection Commission 60 water monitoring sites wasn’t enough. The EPC responded by saying those 60 water monitoring sites were a small portion of monitoring sites in the state. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

Kasemeier found guilty

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER

A Waukon man charged with murdering his estranged wife early last year was found guilty by a jury Tuesday afternoon.

Brandon Kasemeier was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Jami Kasemeier.

Her body was found in Brandon Kasemeier’s home on Jan 22, 2024. The death of was determined to be a homicide.

Kelly Kruse with the Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office per-

formed an autopsy and testified Friday, saying evidence indicated Jami Kasemeier was shot twice in the head at close range.

She also documented abrasions and bruises on the woman’s face, arms and torso as well as

faint bruises on the backs of both hands.

“Although it can be difficult

Kasemeier continued on page 12

Brandon Kasemeier was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife Jami early last year. The 41-year-old testified during his recent trial, saying his drug use caused him to become paranoid before retrieving a revolver from a dresser drawer during an argument with his wife. Jami Kasemeier’s body was discovered in the home the next day. (Photo by Denise Lana)

Members of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Commission listened to about half-a-dozen environmental activists from the Decorah area during the commission’s monthly meeting on Wednesday inside the Hotel Winneshiek. Members of the public called for more widespread water monitoring across the state.

However, commission members informed the audience the

monitoring locations on last week’s agenda being cited by Wednesday’s attendees are only a small portion of the hundreds in place across Iowa and said funding increases for such efforts must come through the state legislature.

Several individuals pointed to an item on Wednesday’s agenda regarding a stream monitoring contract which encompassed 60 monitoring sites around the state — a number the local environmentalists didn’t feel was adequate, believing the figure represented less than one moni-

toring site per county.

“We need to do more for the children and grandchildren of Iowa,” said attorney and Decorah resident Melissa O’Rourke.

Joe Skoda of rural Winneshiek County told the commission he could drink from the streams he fished from 70 years ago, but he cannot safely do the same today.

“I think the people who are polluting our waters, if they do

Water monitoring

continued on page 3

PHOTOS

2 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Memorial Day in Decorah

This year’s Honor Guard was comprised of soldiers from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and represented multiple military conflicts.

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It was standing room only on the College Drive Bridge for Monday’s Memorial Day Parade — except for two young ladies who watched the parade from the front bumper of the Decorah Fire Department’s Engine No. 1. (Photos by Zach Jensen)

The Honor Guard fires a volley in salute during the Memorial Day program on the College Drive bridge.

The Juve brothers, all five of whom are military veterans, rode in a special set of wheels during this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

LEFT- A United States Marine salutes a wreath laid on a cross. As part Retired United States Marine Jim Bolson, the parade’s of the Memorial Day grand marshal, waves from a convertible during the parade.

Service at Mary Christopher Park, wreaths are placed on crosses commemorating fallen soldiers in each past military conflict.

RIGHT- Iowa State Sen. Mike Klimesh (R-Spillville) was the guest speaker during this year’s Memorial Day program in Mary Christopher Park. In his address, Klimesh spoke on the reliability, devotion and integrity of Iowa’s servicemen and women.

The Decorah High School Band presented an outdoor patriotic performance at noon May 22 in downtown Decorah. Led by directors Chris Hadley and Matt Cody, the annual concert features a selection of patriotic melodies celebrating the nation’s heritage. (Photos by Roz Weis)

Winneshiek County Veterans Affairs Winneshiek County Veterans and their family are invited to...

VETERAN APPRECIATION DAY & OPEN HOUSE A COME-AND-GO EVENT

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 • 4:30-6:30PM

Courthouse Annex Building, 201 W. Main, Decorah, IA Presentations begin at 5:30PM

VA Decorah Clinic, Winneshiek County Contracted Counselor, ICVA Suicide Prevention and a briefing on VA Federal, State, County Benefits

REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED • MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE

A patriotic display

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Luther graduates take first steps toward their next chapter

3

Row after row of 2025 graduates crossed the stage Sunday on Luther College’s campus to receive their diplomas. A number of international students officially received their degrees, and some students native to the Midwest plan to begin their next chapter abroad. The graduates heard from college officials during Sunday’s commencement, and Ine Eriksen Søreide, Norway’s first female foreign minister, was the guest speaker.

Pictured from left to right are Makenzie Dahlstrom, Kaitlyn Dailey and Erin Daniel move along in the queue to collect their diplomas.

2025 Luther Graduate Samuel Miller from McKinney Texas, replicates the iconic fist pump scene from the 1985 film “The Breakfast Club.” Fellow classmates who cheered him on and sang “Don’t You Forget About Me.” Miller graduated in mid-December and has spent the last few months working in Texas as a project manager for a construction company.

The guest speaker at Luther’s Commencement Sunday was Norway’s first female foreign minister, Ine Eriksen Søreide, who served as and Norway’s Minister of Defense from 2013-2017 prior to being elected to the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs 2017-2021.

Getruda Amos, a psychology major from Mwanza, Tanzania, waves to friends and family as she walks across the stage to be awarded her diploma.

Flanked by her parents, Esther Bitijula (center) is wrapped in strands of sparkly tinsel in celebration of her educational achievements. Bitijula’s family hails from the Republic of Congo, where necklaces and ribbons like these symbolize protection, good health and prosperity for the wearer.

Student Senate President Chloe Rozga (left) and 2025 Jenson Award recipient Madeline Kaasa were all smiles as they mingled with fellow graduates, family and friends after the ceremony. Each year, the recipient of the Jenson medal is selected by the graduating class and awarded to the student who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to fellow students and the college community. Kaasa represents the fifth generation of her family to have graduated from Luther College.

RIGHT- Luther Graduate Kellen DeKok (waving) was all smiles as he received his diploma. DeKok, an economics and Spanish major from Archer, plans to travel halfway around the globe to Spain, where he will work as a teacher.

Water monitoring get fined or a slap on the wrist, that’s the cost of doing business for them,” he said, “and I just want to make sure that monitoring all the streams continues.”

Decorah resident Tim Wagner called 60 monitoring cites a pittance and woefully inadequate compared to Iowa’s 10,000 miles of rivers and the amount of livestock raised in Iowa.

“The numbers paint a very critical picture,” Wagner said.

“The numbers I’m aware of right now — we have over 26 million head of hogs …, over 10 million head of cattle, over 50 million head of poultry across the state, and we’re only monitoring at 60 locations? What’s wrong with this picture?”

However, Environmental Protection Commission Water Quality Bureau Chief Lori McDaniel indicated Wednesday’s speakers had severely underestimated the number of monitoring sites in place across Iowa. She said the 60 water monitoring sites included on Wednesday’s agenda are part of a small contract, and the Iowa DNR has several hundred water quality monitoring sites around the state.

“It is not the entire monitoring program,” McDaniel said of the 60-site contract. “We get $2.9 million per year to do water quality monitoring for the whole monitoring program. So, this is one small contract.”

Commission members provided a map — available online at programs.iowadnr.gov/aquia — showing the various sites

continued from front

which monitor surface water in Iowa’s rivers, streams, lakes, wells, wetlands and springs.

More than 70 such sites are located in Winneshiek County alone, in addition to the county’s nine ground water monitoring sites and four sites which monitor fish tissues.

“I want to thank you for the sacrifice you made to be with us today and the passion you bring in your comments,” Commission Chairman Mark Stutsman told Wednesday’s audience.

“But, as a point of reference, the commission’s largest responsibility by far is to approve or deny the contracts that the DNR places before us. And, those contracts by and large, satisfy either state or federal code and are presented in a way that fits their budget. Your comments are helpful, as DNR staff and commissioners have a chance to advocate on behalf of the environment with our state and federal legislators, to give us some idea of what’s important, and I wish we could do more, but it starts with the legislature.”

Commissioner Roger Zylstra agreed with Stutsman and emphasized to the concerned local residents the importance of voicing their concerns to lawmakers.

“You need to be talking to your legislators,” Zylstra said. “They are the people that have the power to say ‘Yeah, more funding is needed here’ or whatever. You have a lot of questions about how the money is being spent, and why we’re

Members of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Commission displayed a map during Wednesday’s meeting. The map, which is available online at programs.iowadnr.gov/aquia displays the locations of several hundred surface monitoring sites across the state. Community members took issue with one of Wednesday’s agenda items, saying 60 monitoring sites were insufficient before commission members informed the audience the 60 sites listed on the meeting’s agenda were part of a single contract which made up a small portion of the state’s overall water monitoring efforts. (Image courtesy of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources) not spending as much as we were five years ago. Do you know what’s happened to the farm economy in the last two years? We’ve had a 30-40 percent cut in the last couple years.

Do you know how difficult it is to make things work in that kind of environment? My challenge to you is: you need to be talking to your legislators. We’re doing the best we can, too.”

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken told the commission local cities may be able to act as a resource for the DNR in the

event of fish kills or other water contamination. Goedken said the city of Decorah was never notified when the DNR began investigating a manure spill in March, which resulted in the deaths of more than 100,000 fish in the Dry Run Creek and the Upper Iowa River. Rather, he said city officials learned of the spill through area news reports after the fact.

“Our six well heads are in the Upper Iowa alluvial aquifer at 60 feet deep, along the Upper Iowa River, which is

what the Dry Run discharges into — right upstream from our wellheads,” Goedken told the commission. “We could have been routinely tested — with our karst topography — to make sure nothing was showing up more frequently than our monthly testing. We could have been working together to make sure it didn’t become a public safety issue. When we asked the DNR why we weren’t notified, the response we were given was our permit is ground-source water and, since we’re not surface

water, we weren’t directly notified as a public water system.”

Officials with the DNR said the department normally does send notifications if they believe a downstream water supply will be affected by a manure or chemical release. Officials said during Wednesday’s meeting that the city may not have been notified of the DNR’s investigation of the March fish kill in Dry Run Creek if DNR staff members didn’t believe the spill would impact Decorah’s water supply.

NEWS

4 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Community members offered first look inside new Aase Haugen facility November completion date possible

LEFT- Project Manager Joel Farley led the tour of the 75,000-square-foot building. ABOVE- Wide hallways and doorways lead to the patient rooms, which all boast en-suite bathrooms. Space is designed for various levels of care, including memory care, skilled care and specialized medical needs. The home-like design aims at emphasizing natural light. Aase Haugen residents will have access to shared community spaces, with a chapel, a barista station and more.

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER Construction of the new 75,000-square-foot Aase Haugen building project is on schedule and, according to nursing home, officials the building is expected to be largely complete by the end of November.

Aase Haugen Senior Services broke ground on the $22 million dollar facility’s site in April of 2024. The structure is situated just off of Highland Drive, between Glen Barth Circle and Massman Drive in Decorah.

Aase Haugen’s current senior care operations are located on Ohio Street, and the completion of the new structure in northern Decorah will bring all of the organizations within the same neighborhood as its current independent living communities of Vennehjem and Nabotunet.

Brickl Bros. of West Salem, Wisconsin, is acting as general contractor for the project.

The Aase Haugen leadership team recently conducted a guided walking tour of the interior

Friday’s tour highlighted some of the new construction plans as the Aase Haugen team expands its senior housing solutions. (Photos by Roz Weis) of the building.

Wearing hardhats and inquisitive gazes, tour participants were offered a first look at the facility’s design, vision and features, including private resident rooms, therapeutic spas, dining facilities and more. According to Aase Haugen Campus Development Director Joel Farley, the home will provide 78 nursing rooms with private bathrooms, and 12 assisted living apartments. There will also be an outpatient therapy unit in the building, which will be available to serve the entire community. Officials also said during last week’s tour they plan to preserve the stained glass windows from the current Aase Haugen Home’s chapel and in-

stall them in the new building’s chapel.

With the transition of residents looming, Aase Haugen Executive Director Sam Boeke said plans for what he called the big move have been underway for several months, and the Aase Haugen team will be reaching out to the community for support in relocating the residents to their new home.

According to business development director Patty Casterton, the $3 million capital campaign has garnered approximately $1 million through community participation. Donors may give online at aasehaugen.com or contact the development office at Aase Haugen.

Decorah’s Aase Haugen is

named after a Norwegian immigrant of the same name, who cared for her entire family through their final days and had no family of which to speak by age 42, according to information from the nursing facility.

She became a philanthropist and died in 1910 at the age of 69, bequeathing her large estate to the Norwegian Lutheran Church to “build a home for the aged in her name so that no one would ever die alone.” The first Aase Haugen home was complete in 1915, according to the facility’s website.

The organization is governed by 23 local churches and projects nearly $500,000 in expenses for charity care by the end of 2024.

Tour participants saw what was on paper turned out to be even more impressive in person. The nursing home is organized into four distinct neighborhoods, each designed to cater to specific needs and preferences of a group of residents.

Smaller, more living environments will be set up within the larger facility.

Students explore possibilities during STEM Day at DHS Decorah High School hosted a STEM Connect Day on May 21 in the high school gymnasium. Students explored science, technology, engineering and math — collectively STEM — through hands-on experiences with a variety of community partners, including JB Holland Construction, the Luther College Biology Department, Iowa Rotocast Plastics, WinnMed and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as well as others.

(Photos by Roz Weis) WinnMed had an ambulance on site for interested students to explore during the STEM program.

Adam Larson of Decorah shared information from JB Holland Construction.

Decorah Leader

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Decorah students (from left) Jerikah Dodd, Annika Schmelzer, Karlie Einck and Will Robinson participated in the STEM Connect Day.

Jack Holthe and Tanner Berns represented Iowa Rotocast Plastics during the informational gathering of students in the high school gymnasium.

OPINION

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Some blessings come in stillness and silence

I’ve been absent from the opinion page for a couple editions.

It’s been difficult for me to hold a cohesive thought on any meaningful matter of opinion as

BY SETH of late. I’ve been emotionally BOYES drained for several weeks — News Editor and honestly, I will likely continue to be this way for many more weeks to come.

Our family said goodbye to Years ago, just days after my father last week. my wife and I were married, I share this not only because we went on a whale watching it has now become the singular tour near Vancouver, Canada. thought which passes through The boat stopped near a pod of my mind with any consisten- orcas who were spyhopping — cy, but because I know that the term for when they briefly I’m not the first to walk this pop their heads above the wapath in life, and I’m certain not ter to check their surroundings to be the last. I’ve found it’s before slipping below the sura lonely road, no matter how face again (this was long before many people walk beside you, orcas began attacking boats in so my hope is that by putting southern Europe, so we had no some of my less-than organized reason to fear). thoughts down on paper the I was trying my best to snap road will seem less solitary for photos of the whales in what someone else. felt like a watery game of I’m told it’s not uncommon whack-a-mole. But soon I refor people crossing the moors in alized what I was giving up. I England to stack stones in small was trying so hard to capture piles to help others find their fleeting moments that I was way, and those who come that actually missing out on the way often add a stone of their whole of the spectacle right in own to each pile they pass. In front of us. My eyes had been some ways, that’s all this col- confined to the viewfinder of a umn really is – placing my own camera — I’d been limiting my stone on an already tall stack own experience by attempting somewhere in the moor we call to force something that’s temgrief. porary become just a bit more Loss often makes us real- permanent. It was then that I reize that time is indeed a valu- alized sometimes the only way able thing, and it’s all too easy to truly appreciate meaningful to believe that, by filling our moments in life is to sit in stilltime with activity, we are by ness and appreciate what is hapdefinition making memories. pening without trying to chase But that’s not necessarily true. them down like fireflies to keep Sometimes stillness is what in a jar. makes our time together meanMore than a decade later, ingful.

I sat by my dad’s bedside for

what I knew could very well be the last time — and in fact, it was. There was no conversation to be had. He may not have necessarily known I was even there that afternoon. Still, we shared the stillness for a time, and I’m glad we did. I think, when it comes right down to it, that stillness embodied the purpose of my visit. Knowing just how little was guaranteed made that time both meaningful and necessary. Had I tried to grasp at each passing moment – had I pressed my eye against the viewfinder and strained to somehow frame one last perfect photo in an attempt to hold the next tick of the clock captive – I would have forfeit the absolute feeling of love which silently filled the last moments I had with him.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m still feeling pretty shaky from an emotional standpoint, and I still start most of my days in tears thinking about how much I want to hug my dad one last time, yet knowing I never will again. Crossing this portion of the moor isn’t a pleasant journey, and I’ve only taken a few steps so far, but I’m glad I didn’t make it any longer of a trip by squinting through my own proverbial viewfinder and blinding myself to the blessings that came in that stillness.

I’m glad for the silence which will likely echo louder than any deed once I can finally look back on this valley I intend to cross.

Step by step.

Stacking stone upon stone.

Hopefully helping guide those who also come this way.

Echoes of the Past Mayor fails to wear his straw hat issued warrant and pays consequences

BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER A sweet story from the pages of the Decorah newspaper back on May 30, 1935, is shared in today’s column. It was frontpage news when the local mayor failed to wear his straw hat on the streets of Decorah. The story goes – Mayor George Baker appeared on the streets of town wearing a felt hat in late May. It was the cause of much concern, as His Honor had recently declared that particular day as Straw Hat Day, proclaiming the inauguration of the straw-hat season. A warrant for his “arrest” was placed in the hands of the local chief of police. The mayor was served said warrant, and he was transported immediately to the Ben Bear Clothing Company where he “stood trial” before the secretary of the Decorah Chamber of Commerce. After hearing the evidence presented, the mayor was found guilty and “sentenced” to purchasing a new straw hat of the 1935 spring vintage. The folks at Ben Bear Company helped him pick out a nifty looking straw hat – the jumbo variety, possibly crafted in Mexico. At any rate, the mayor upheld the Straw Hat Day Proclamation and was promptly vindicated. It’s always fun to look back in that early era when folks maintained a sense of humor, and the retail community found some particularly sweet forms of entertainment for all to savor. Now on to some other headlines…

100

YEARS AGO: 1925 - The county assessor, John Hargraves, has completed his work counting noses, and finds our population total is 3,995. The population of the city five years ago was

slightly higher than this year’s total. A revised count is in the works, however; and the total

Echoes continued on page 6

Change of season Fashionable straw hats for men were all the rage back in the 1920’s and 1930’s in Decorah and across the country. Penney’s straw chapeaus were priced at 98 cents in this Decorah Newspaper advertisement from that era.

5

What to do about pollution in Iowa

Looking for the enemy? It is us!

In front of our very eyes, we have created a hateful polarized view of the world. We are not entitled to a world free from conflict and fear. Coping with life, coping with fear of losing our homes, our traditions and our lives may feel overwhelming. We can choose to become hateful, polarized and warlike to avoid the hard work of listening to and working cooperatively with those with whom we disagree. It may seem easier to find a scapegoat, someone or some group to blame, rather than taking responsibility for doing our part in civil life. Life and the natural world are chaotic enough that equal opportunity and fairness only improve when we listen to and help each other. Polarization, revenge and war don’t work. We are out of balance with the natural world and each other, there are opportunities every day to be helpful.

Polarized politicians are addicted to power and money. They won’t solve our problems. If we work together, they will finally listen or be pushed out.

Don Fish Decorah

‘Cuts to RSVP will hurt our community’ Dear friends, If you knew that you, your loved ones, seniors, children, parents, patients, taxpayers, hungry people and indeed every person in Winneshiek, Howard and Allamakee County were receiving critical services at a cost that’s only a small fraction of their value, would you want to support that?

Of course you would. That’s the benefit of RSVP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program right here in our neighborhood. Our own local RSVP is one of the top in the country in terms of both volunteer strength per resident and financial value. With our RSVP, nearly 600 volunteers provide over 42,000 hours a year in services to people and communities across Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek Counties. And RSVP is such an efficient and cost-effective effort that the program has a budget of $100,000 yet produces over $1,200,000 of value for our community.

When money is tight like it is, volunteer effort is more important to our own community than ever.

RSVP operates with a tiny and hardworking staff boosted by the work of volunteers. A small amount of funding for RSVP comes from local funders, which is wonderful. The large portion of RSVP funds come from AmeriCorps, which is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.

Any cuts to RSVP will hurt our community and will place a greater burden on local governments, state government and our people. We can’t afford that now.

Please contact U.S. Sens.

Grassley (202) 224-3744 and Ernst (202) 224-3254 and Congresswoman Hinson (202) 224-3254 to show your support for volunteers in our neighborhood. Thank you.

From the local RSVP Advisory Council Pam Kranzler - Howard County Cheryl Martins - Allamakee Judy Mowry - Winneshiek Val Reinke - Allamakee Cindy Simpson -Winneshiek Luther Snow - Winneshiek Cindy Yslas - Howard Kristie Wiltgen - Allamakee

“Our soil is dead. Our water is shitty. Our children are sick.

Prove me wrong.”

This statement by respected local teacher Brigitta Meade put the question to the nine member Environmental Protection Commission of the DNR. No one attempted to prove her wrong. We spend millions on environmental testing. Why do the test results fail to shape policy changes that can reverse the damages? We know that nitrates and phosphates from farming and animal feeding operations are polluting our streams. We know that more Iowans have asthma due to the CAFO ammonia cloud we live under. We know that Iowa cancer rates are high and rising. We know that the Dead Zone is still dead.

What to do?

We do not have to resign ourselves to victimhood. We need to organize behind the leadership of The Driftless Water Defenders and focus on reducing farm-related water pollution, which is causing threats to our public health. We can change public policy through advoca-

cy, education and litigation. As attorney James Larew states, we are engaged in a civil rights movement.

I was grateful to the EPC for meeting in Decorah and listening to the informed concerns of our citizens. I hope they took them to heart. I did. Ten years after the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, our waters have not improved. What works? We know this too: “Conservation Compliance Requirements,” i.e. when you make the changes in your farming practices known to clean up the run off, then you get the subsidies. When it costs too much to pollute, you make sure you don’t.

Sitting Bull of the Hunkpapa Lakota said this: “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” I have joined the DWD to educate myself and help.

Won’t it be great when our kids can swim in our lakes and rivers again? When the fish will thrive? It will take a force.

Julie Fischer Decorah

Trump’s plans will make political minefield of federal workforce There are so many items to address with the current administration — subverting due process, yo-yo tariffs with resulting stock market plunges, trying to eradicate PBS, using the government to go after perceived enemies, trying to cut cancer research, etc. But in this letter, I want to focus on treatment of federal employees and plans to make our federal workforce a political minefield. I am a retired federal employee —and happy to be retired in today’s world.

As everyone has seen during the Trump Administration, DOGE has been cutting the federal workforce. Some cuts have been through retirement options, but the bulk of the cuts have been for probationary employees. From what I can find out, in 2023, 42 percent of the federal workforce was over 50 and 29 percent over 55. This was compared to 33 percent of the general US labor workforce being over 50. Only 7.4 percent of the federal workforce was under 30 compared to nearly 20 percent of the general workforce. About a third of the federal workforce is — or was — veterans. All those probationary people that were let go were the future for the federal government. There was never a plan for who or where to cut — just a slash and burn approach.

Everyone, but especially those at the local level, will feel the effects of these cuts.

Meanwhile, Trump has spent an estimated $26 million of government funds on golf during his second term, spent $10-20 million going to the Super Bowl, is planning a parade

for his birthday that will cost anywhere from $25-45 million and the taxpayers will now get to spend up to $1 billion on revamping the free Qatari jet. But we can’t keep our parks and agencies fully staffed — too much money.

The Trump Administration is also trying to shove through a plan that would remove the civil service system, which has been in place over 140 years, and replace it with “schedule policy/career.” Trump tried to get this through during his first term but called it Schedule F then. After the Civil War, the government created the civil service as unqualified people were getting jobs via political favors. The Civil Service Act removed the majority of the government employees from the political agendas. In fact, as per the Hatch Act, government employees were restricted from using their job or titles for any political agendas. This new plan would wipe that out. Any employee, instead of being removed for specific acts — such as poor performance — could then be fired at will — no reason given and no appeals allowed. Instead, the government would be allowed to fire people based on political allegiance rather than merit. Is that what you, the public, want in a government employee? A political hack who cares more about his/ her politics than the job they are supposed to do? If you do not agree with this new plan, please contact your representatives.

Vicky Hinsenbrock Decorah

Congress, don’t gut the credits that help small towns save big I’m proud to live in Decorah for lots of reasons. One of those is that we punch well above our weight when it comes to producing our own energy. One reason? Our utility, Alliant Energy, has some of the highest residential electricity rates in the state and throughout the Midwest. That’s why so many of us have turned to efficiency and solar — to take control of our energy costs and keep more dollars circulating in our local economy.

In my own home, I’ve used the federal 25C tax credit to install insulation, replace leaky windows and install a cold-climate air-source heat pump. I also used the 25D credit to install rooftop solar. Over time, these upgrades have helped cut my electric bills from over $120 to just $13 a month. That’s money I can now spend locally, not send out of town to a Wall Street-backed utility.

But this isn’t just about homeowners. At Luther College, where I worked for 28 years, energy upgrades made possible by similar tax credits have helped stabilize one of the school’s largest operating expenses. Local churches in our area are now using direct pay to do the same. Why would Congress pull the rug out from under them?

Unfortunately, the House just introduced a tax bill that would eliminate both the 25C and 25D credits, as well as the commercial versions used by schools and churches. Sen. Grassley, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, has the chance to stop it. I urge him to defend these credits and keep our energy dollars working for Iowans.

Jim Martin-Schramm Decorah

NEWS/OBITUARIES

6 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

City mulling start date for College Drive bridge improvements Council agrees to maintain bridge traffic during project

BY DENISE LANA STAFF WRITER With the first phase of Decorah’s Heivly Street Improvement Project underway, the Decorah City Council met May 19 to discuss a start date for improvements to the bridge along College Drive and allay residents’ concerns that the bridge will be closed during the project — potentially cutting off direct downtown access for residents on the west side of the city.

According to Chase Holien, roadway engineer with WHKS engineering and planning company, a staggered construction schedule will allow crews to perform the necessary repairs and keep traffic flowing

through town.

“With 9,500 vehicles a day using the bridge, it’s a lot of traffic,” Holien said.

Keeping the bridge open might extend the construction window by two or three weeks, Holien said, but if the bridge were to be closed completely, traffic would need to be detoured nearly 4 miles just to get from one side of town to the other.

“That’s a bit of an indirect route, and there is no good ‘Just go one block down’ detour,” Holien said, “For that reason, we recommend stage construction over detoured construction.”

Councilmember at Large Emily Neal emphatically sug-

gested detouring traffic not be considered, and all of her fellow council members agreed.

City Engineer John Hjelle said completing work on the bridge in segments shouldn’t pose any safety issues and will allow officials to keep a lane open for traffic. He added that doing so would be the safer option for vehicles, noting a detour would take traffic onto either U.S Highway 52 or Iowa Highway 9.

Although there was no formal vote, the council agreed the bridge will be kept open during repairs, and city officials said local emergency responses aren’t expected to be an issue during the project.

Holien said bridge construc-

tion will likely span about three months, and construction along Heivly Street, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed by the middle of November.

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken said the project’s current schedule would result in a construction start date some time in August, but he questioned whether the month of August would be an ideal time of year to restrict lanes on the bridge — he noted local schools and Luther College will begin the 2025-2026 school year that month, and motorists would need to juggle a double-whammy of traffic restrictions on both the bridge and Heivly Street. He indicated the city could alterna-

tively put the project out for bid in December or January, which might yield a completion date in the summer of 2026, and he told the council putting the project out to bid mid-way through the construction season may also result in higher costs from contractors during the bid process.

“We want this project completed by the end of construction season,” Goedken said. “We are working on a pretty quick timeline.”

He went on to say costs could potentially be kept low if contractors take the job in order to keep their workers busy.

“If they do the project this year, it will have to be buttoned up by winter time,” Holien said.

“There would be start-finish

limitations.”

Goedken suggested putting the project out to bid with a deadline for completion but a flexible start date. “Giving them flexibility typically drives the bid cost down,” Goedken said.

“That’s how I would recommend moving forward.”

Hjelle volunteered to contact Skyline Construction — the company performing the current Heivly Street work — to be sure the city’s plan will be effective.

“It wouldn’t be wise to have Heivly Street complete but not be accessible by the bridge,” Hjelle said.

911 years, the state has been saying it’s been running out of money to continue to fund those costs.”

This legislative session, state and local 911 service boards attempted to find common ground, according to Snyder with the goal of finding solutions for the state to continue fulfilling its current role without taking money from the local answering points.

“It’s kind of like a handshake,” Snyder said. “When the state does their end of it, they hand it off to me and the 911 service board, and we have costs associated with making that handshake work on our end.”

Snyder said the 911 system isn’t a typical governmental agency in that property taxes aren’t used to pay for 911 services. Instead, each local

Sean Snyder, Winneshiek County 911 Communications Coordinator 911 service is funded through surcharges found in monthly phone bills. For example, out of each monthly cell phone bill, the state of Iowa receives 40 percent of a $1 surcharge, and

it issues PSAPs the remaining 60 percent. However, Snyder noted that surcharge hasn’t changed since 2013.

“Our goal in the most recent legislative session was to raise that surcharge to $1.25,” he said. “Why has that surcharge stayed the same for 15 years?

On my end, the cost of equipment rises 5 percent or more every year. But, my revenue has been stagnant since 2013. If an additional quarter was added to your cell phone bill, would that cause you a lot of heartburn?”

Snyder said his department has a certain number of bills to pay every month, and the department also has a loan payment that is made once each year for the 300-foot 911 tower near from Bodensteiner Implement Company — the tower was completed in 2017 at a cost

of $1.7 million.

Snyder indicated, if the state were to potentially reverse the surcharge and give itself 60 percent of the current surcharge and leave PSAPs with 40 percent, or if Winneshiek County 911 is suddenly required to pay a substantial bill within 30 days, that could force his department and the local 911 board to choose between reducing local services or reducing staff.

“Taxpayers will start to feel that, because I’ll either need to increase my revenue or decrease my expenses,” he said.

“I can’t decrease my annual expenses, so that means I’d need to decrease staff. If you have a medical emergency, and you dial 911, you expect someone to answer the phone and send the EMS agencies your way. If funding dries up, I don’t know

Echoes continued from page 5 may be a bit over 4,000 once some additional residents are listed. Hargraves reports there are a few that he was unable to interview for his report. …A Singer Sewing Machine Agency has opened at 214 Washington Street. …The well-publicized trial of a Waukon attorney is progressing. The question at issue is the attorney’s sanity. The prosecution contends he is sane and responsible; while the defense says he is insane and irresponsible. His irrational actions began after he had operations on his nose and forehead. An expert on mental diseases has been retained for testimony. …Game Warden Bucknell has distributed 10,000 young trout in the gurgling streams of Winneshiek County. …Within a span of two days there was some spirited and variegated climate reports for those in Winneshiek County.

On a recent Friday morning the thermometers registered 96 degrees, and on Sunday morning, there was a blanket of snow reported over near the Decorah Greenhouses. Mark it down in a record book, because the snow did indeed fall in Decorah early Sunday morning. Many folks revived their coal fires due to the cold weather. All evidence of the snow was gone by the time church goers were getting out for services. …Joe Lower is at the hospital having suffered a broken hip.

He had been out in his garden and fell while stepping up onto his back porch. It is a serious injury, and it will lay him up for

EM EntErprisE MEdia

some time. …The graduates at Calmar Public School will receive their diplomas this week at the Frana Opera House. …The stores in town will close at noon on Saturday, May 30, in observance of Decoration Day, a Patriotic Holiday. …The Decorah High School commencement exercises are May 28, a Thursday night, at 8 o’clock in the auditorium.

The Decorah Commercial Club has officially changed its name to the Decorah Chamber of Commerce. The change will go into effect January 1, 1926. …There are 250 rural pupils to finish grades during exercises at the city park later this month.

Bring a lunch, cream and pial to carry the hot coffee served at the park kitchen. A spelling contest will begin at 9 a.m. sharp in the high school auditorium, followed by a horseshoe tournament at the tennis court at the park. Teachers will bring banners to the courthouse lawn before noon, so the committee can hoist them alphabetically on the lawn and children can easily fall in line behind his or her respective school banner. A march will commence from the courthouse to the park. …The Decorah post office had a big business in the sale of Norse-American Commemorative stamps last week. More than $400 in stamps were sold in the first day. The stamps are in 2-cent and 5-cent denominations and are very attractive. …A fine invention had been introduced by Deputy Sheriff Melvin Allison. An athletic

field marker is fashioned on rubber tires and can be used for making out baseball diamonds, football grounds and more. The marker will retail for between $25 and $30. Luther College recently purchased one of the markers and reports are that it is preferred more than any other seen in the past.

90

YEARS AGO: 1935 – There will be nearly 300 Winneshiek County young people graduating from eighth grade during an all-day program May 29 at the Luther College gymnasium. Pupils, their teachers and parents will assemble for a picnic dinner on the campus, followed by an afternoon program. …Water Street has been given its annual bath. The Decorah Fire Department poured gallons of water on the pavement in the business district and along the side streets. …Corn planting it about 50 percent finished in the county. …The headlines from late May of 1935 celebrated the news of a new banking institution for Decorah – the Security Trust and Savings Bank, which was set to open for business

by June 10, 1935, in the former National Bank Building in the downtown business center.

Words from the story which ran in the May 30, 1935, issue of the Decorah paper continue …

“It is the conviction of the men behind the new venture that Decorah and the surrounding community can nicely support another bank. While they make

the

no secret of their high regard for the Decorah State Bank, they feel that there will be a definite place for the new institution they are sponsoring, and that it will mean more banking and general business activity. They state their determination to run a high-class bank and point with pride to the experience and reputation of the men who will be concerned with its operation.” …Two local drunks were arrested by local police Saturday night after attempting to drive their automobiles in the city.

The authorities repeat their determination to show no mercy to intoxicated motorists. Fine: $25 and costs. …The Luther College commencement will celebrate 46 graduates. There are two women graduating from the College for Women this spring. Among the local Luther graduates are Martin Elstad of Prosper, Minn., Harold Hoff of Decorah, Gerhard Jacobsen of Decorah, Olin Larson of Decorah, Ray Lee of Decorah, Norman Owen of Decorah, Ruben Rogness of Ossian. The two local women earning their degrees at the College for Women were Esther Hanson and Doris Erickson, both of Decorah. …A young man was arrested here the other Sunday night by Chief of Police Eli Ellickson on a charge of carrying a concealed and dangerous weapon.

The man apparently shot out the tires of a car driven by a young lady and her escort. Fine was $500 - and he also was provided with a stay in the city jail.

CONTACT US! 563-382-4221 110 Washington St., Suite 4 Decorah

what will happen.”

Snyder said he and other county emergency management coordinators have asked state legislators for clarification on the pending bill, but he said their questions have gone unanswered. He said he and his counterparts across Iowa are now asking the governor for a line item veto before signing the bill into law. Specifically, they are requesting she strike

continued from front

the portion of the bill which would allow the state to invoice the local answering points for the undefined reasonable fee.

“I would ask people who feel passionate about it to email the governor and let her know,” Snyder said. “The last thing I’d ever want to do is cut staff, so that would be a last ditch effort, but it’s an equal concern, because we don’t know what the state thinks is a reasonable cost.”

Obituary Victor Pinckney

June 29, 1944 - May 19, 2025 Victor Pinckney, 80, of Decorah, died Monday, May 19, 2025, at WinnMed in Decorah surrounded by family.

Vi c t o r “Vic” Donald Pinckney was born on June 29, 1944, to Leslie and Vivian (Forbord) Pinck- Victor Pinckney ney in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He attended various schools throughout Minnesota and graduated from West High School in Waterloo in 1962. He began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Waterloo shortly after graduation.

He was drafted in 1965 into the U.S. Army where he served two years in Vietnam in the 1st Calvary as a helicopter gunner.

After an honorable discharge, he returned to work for the telephone company, and on Feb. 11, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart Peggy Smith at Blessed Sacrament in Waterloo.

In 1974, Vic and Peggy relocated with the telephone company to Decorah where he continued to work as regional manager until his retirement in 1990. For the next 30 years, they owned and operated Sundance Travel, which allowed them the opportunity to lead group trips all over the world.

Some of Vic’s favorite memories included growing up on his family’s resort on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota, owning the Miss McGregor barge

restaurant on the Mississippi, get-togethers at their party barn and the countless car shows and car cruises with great friends.

Vic served on the Board of Trustees for the Decorah Elks Lodge B. P. O. # 443, and was instrumental in establishing the Elks Charitable Foundation, whose mission was to meet the needs of foster children, along with other community needs. In addition, he was the co-founder of the Cops and Rodders car show, supporting the Decorah Police Department and K-9 program.

Vic is survived by his wife, Peggy; brothers, Dr. Thomas Pinckney of Des Moines, Timothy (Susie) Pinckney of Adel, and half-brother, David (Sandy) Pinckney of Newbury Park, California; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Gene) Cunningham of Wellsburg and Pat (Dick) Horne of Spillville.

He is preceded in death by his parents; father and motherin-law, Alfred and Doris Smith; sister, Pamela Cole; brother, Terry Pinckney; and brother-inlaw, James Smith.

Vic will forever be remembered for his kindness and his love of life.

A private service will be held at St. Bridget’s Church in Bluffton. Burial with military honors will follow at the cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a charitable donation to the organization of your choice.

Service Notices DOROTHY HENNING, 90, of Ossian, died Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Ossian Care Center in Ossian. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 24 at Ossian Lutheran Church in Ossian with Pastor David Lenth presiding. Burial was in Salem UCC Cemetery.

SHERRY HENRY, 67, of Cresco, died Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Regional Health Systems in Cresco. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 29 at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water Street, Decorah, with Father Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will follow at St. Benedict Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at Helms Funeral Home in Decorah.

NEWS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

7

County conservation director fields questions on Neste Valley project

BY ZACH JENSEN STAFF WRITER Construction of the Neste Valley Recreational Area and campground southwest of Decorah is progressing, but one county official voiced some concerns about the project during this week’s regular meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors — held Tuesday because of the Memorial Day holiday.

The recreational area was previously owned by Ingrid and Mary Neste — from whom the Neste Valley Recreational Area takes its name — and Michele Stefanick. The landowners previously collaborated with Winneshiek County Conservation and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to donate a portion of the value of their family’s farm for recreation. The donation took place in 2016 — the property was initially purchased by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and then transferred to Winneshiek County Conservation — and a plan for the property was developed in 2017. Winneshiek County Conservation Director Barb Schroeder told the supervisors on Tuesday the property has come a long way since then as officials aim to establish a campground on the land.

County Supervisor Steve

Winneshiek County Conservation Director Barb Schroeder fielded multiple questions Tuesday morning from Winneshiek County Supervisor Steve Kelsay. (Photo by Zach Jensen) Kelsay shared multiple concerns about the county’s campgrounds during this week’s board meeting, including the cost of the Neste project, how county campsite fees compare to a privately-owned campground fees, citizen complaints regarding maintenance shortfalls in the campgrounds, whether the county’s campgrounds’ septic systems use chlorine and reports he’s received of potholes in some bike trails.

Schroeder thanked Kelsay for some of his recommendations, adding that the county conservation board has already made progress on others. One specific suggestion Kelsay made was that the county campgrounds should use a mobile application for reservations.

“Most (campgrounds) have online reservation systems,” he said. “You don’t. I suggest that you look into putting in an online reservation system. Dif-

ferent groups at different campsites are using different reservation systems. One (for) a small campground the size conservation has is called ‘PitchCamp.’

They’re very reasonable. They handle fee processing. They handle credit card access and everything else so that you don’t have to deal with that, and it (reduces) staff time. That’s what’s used at Riverside Park and Campground in Spillville.

I set up the one in Spillville in

less than a day. It’s not difficult.”

Schroeder said the Winneshiek County Conservation Board had taken Kelsay’s suggestion and was already looking into an online reservation system.

“The staff takes time to go out and mark those spots, because you actually have to make sure someone doesn’t pull in, because they’ve been reserved,” Schroeder said. “We’re working through that. We’ll get that figured out. We did take your recommendation and are working through some of the bugs on that.”

Kelsay also took issue with weed management on the Kendallville campground.

“You have one of the most abundant dandelion fields in the county at Kendallville,” Kelsay said. “There’s hardly any grass. It’s mostly dandelions. I was coming back from church and stopped in there recently, and it’s just dandelions everywhere.”

Schroeder rebutted, emphasizing her position and the position of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board is that dandelions are good for pollinators.

“We actually have some pollinator areas where the septic fields were that we don’t mow,” she said. “We have to be careful that we’re not putting a lot of chemicals down, because we

2025 Carlson Park Gateway Trail Project bid awarded to local company Pine Creek Trail Builders The Decorah City Council voted unanimously on Monday, May 19 to award local company Pine Creek Trail Builders the bid for the 2025 Carlson Park Gateway Trail Project. The project includes an entrance feature trail and more than 4 miles of additional trails for beginners and intermediate riders.

This projected was largely supported by local donations and a State Recreational Trails Grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

“I’m extremely excited about the plan,” said Decorah Mayor Loraine Borowski, “I’m excited about the fact that we had a local person who bid on it and got it. I’m looking forward to the completion, and they had stated that they can start on it right away.”

In 2018, volunteers Brian Fuhrmann — who now serves on the city’s parks and rec board — Steve Pasche and Richard “Deke” Gosen approached the city of Decorah about constructing a 2-mile

core loop through Carlson Park after the Decorah City Council and the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department determined improving Carlson Park was a priority. With the city’s blessing, Decorah Human Powered Trails volunteers created what is now a multi-use trail through the park, which organizers said attracts bikers, runners, hikers and skiers. The Decorah Parks and Recreation Department held an open house in October of 2020 at Carlson Park, asking the public to vote on what should be added to the park and to explore the new trails.

Organizers said, based on that feedback, Fuhrmann and Benji Nichols — the current vice chair of the city’s parks and recreation board — determined trail development was the best place to start. The Decorah Rotary Club also chose to support the Carlson Park project through the creation of the Decorah Rotary Club Binzebo Trail Hub. Local rotarians joined forces with DHPT volunteers

Milestone Vang to celebrate 90th birthday

90 Birthday

CELEBRATION honoring

Mary Ellingson

y r t s i g e R

June 21, 2025 Madison Sexton & Cole Tweten June 28, 2025 Lydia Hayes & Evan Meyer

August 16, 2025 Shelby Schroeder & Ryan Schmalen ~ Marai Schieber & Caden Harper August 30, 2025 Shelby Gogonas & Matthew Hotvedt September 6, 2025 Alyson Poepke & Logan Hahn September 20, 2025 Andrea Heins & Lyle Huinker October 4, 2025 Savannah Deters & Quentin Wildeman

Local rotarians joined forces with DHPT volunteers and Decorah Parks and Recreation staff to construct the binzebo in February and March of 2024. (Photo submitted) and Decorah Parks and Recreation staff to construct the binzebo in February and March of 2024.

Individuals and local businesses made donations from $1 to $50,000 with the goal of funding construction costs during the first phase of trail development. Those donations, combined with a $298,795 State Recreational Trails grant

from the Iowa Department of Transportation, have provided funds for the what organizers called Phases 1A and 1B. Bids for the work went out last week, according to organizers. “On behalf of Carlson Park Trails Coalition, we want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped us get to this point, especially city of Decorah staff members, Decorah

Parks and Recreation board members and staff, Decorah City Council, DHPT, Decorah Rotary Club, and all of our donors,” said Carlson Park Trails Coalition member Marla Klocke. “We are looking forward to watching it come to fruition.” Initial work on the Carlson Park site is expected to begin as early as June.

Celebration!

Congratulations KD Refillery!

CELEBRATING

4

The Inwood Ballroom, 116 Bridge Street, Spillville 507 W. Water St., Decorah 563.382.3990 | decorahareachamber.com

December 31, 2025 Margaret Earley & Caleb Scherf

ACE

KITCHEN PLACE 101 E. Water St., Decorah 563-382-3544

Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm Sunday 10am-2pm

AUCTION CALENDAR SUNDAY, JUNE 1 - 10:00 a.m.

Coin Auction. Community Center, Protivin. Shindelar Auction Service, LLC. Protivin, Ia 563-5698235. www.auctionsgo.com WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 - ONLINE 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. 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. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563-568-2464.

MONTHS

Sunday, June 8 • 1-4pm

Music by: Ryan Karl & Jerry Open to the public • No gifts

Ace Bridal

August 9, 2025 Kaitlyn Rooney & Jake Muhlbauer

Ribbon Cutting

th

In other business: • Following a brief public hearing, the supervisors approved amendments to the county’s Fiscal Year 2026, which were presented in a previous meeting.

• A public hearing for the recodification of county ordinances was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 9 in the courthouse annex.

• The county engineer reported the county is working with the city of Decorah to cut into Quarry Hill Road across from Van Peenen Park to make the drive safer.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, June 2, in the courthouse annex.

July 19, 2025 Rachel Grimstad & Ben Krutzfeldt ~ Keegan Steinlage & Ben Hageman

An open house will be hosted by family in honor of Arden Vang’s 90th birthday Sunday, June 8. Join him in celebrating from 2-4 p.m. at the Hesper-Mabel Area Historical Society Barn in Mabel. No gifts please.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A

do have a lot of children in the parks.”

Kelsay clarified that he felt the Kendallville campground’s “appearance is also important.”

“You’re not attracting someone for the camping fee amount,” he said. “You’re attracting, because you’re near a water source, and you have other amenities there, in a natural aspect, that are important. So, use it to build up your fund so that you’re self-sustaining.”

Congrats to KD Refillery on four months of business!

Pictured are co-owners Desiree Baumler and Kylene Ellis with chamber ambassadors Dallas Steffen, Tade Kerndt, Marcia Madrigal, Tara McConnell, Amanda McIntosh, Joanie Rollins, Nicholas Wilz, Heather Benzing and David Robinson.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17 - 8:30 a.m.

Machinery Consignment Auction.

Sale held at Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-568-2464.

COMMUNITY

8 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Community briefs

Driftless Wind Ensemble preparing to perform

The Driftless Wind Ensemble, previously known as the Decorah Municipal Band, will be kicking off the season with a concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at Pivo Brewery in Calmar. The group will give a second concert at Vesterheim on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at a starting time yet to be determined.

The ensemble will be extending its season and performing at 7 p.m. on both Nov. 21 and Dec. 12 in the Decorah High School Auditorium. The ensemble is also welcoming new and returning musicians. Those who would like to play with the band are asked to email decorahmunicipalband@gmail.com or call 712-541-8923 to receive the rehearsal schedule.

Huber-Gaertner Reunion to be held next month

The annual Mass and Huber-Gaertner Reunion will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 15 at St. Anthony’s Smallest Church near Festina and will be followed by Mass at noon. Rev. Ivan Nienhaus is to be the celebrant. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs. In case of rain, Mass will be held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Festina. A potluck picnic will take place in the Parish Hall in Festina, following Mass. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to pass, tableware and their own beverage.

Copies of this year’s newsletter will be available at the reunion for $1.50 each — copies of the 2025 newsletter as well as previous newsletters are available by mail for $3 each. Reunion participants are asked to send family news items — births, weddings, deaths, anniversaries — which have occurred between June of 2024 and June of 2025 for inclusion in the newsletter. Newsletter items may be forwarded to Victoria Lansing by calling 602-943-4782, emailing viclansing@outlook. com or sent by mail to the Saint Anthony Chapel Reunion Committee at 833 E. Cochise Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85020. Items for the newsletter must be received before June 3.

Senior center to host fraud, scam prevention presentation

Roger Huinker, a Northeast RSVP volunteer trained by the Iowa Insurance Division, will be presenting an Iowa Fraud Fighters seminar at 1:30 p.m.

June 13 at the Senior Citizen Hospitality Center — 806 River St. in Decorah. He will be joined by local law enforcement, staff from Wright Way Computers and/or local bank employees.

According to the FBI, scams targeting individuals age 60 and older caused more than $3.4 billion in losses during 2023 — an increase of approximately 11 percent from 2022. The average victim of elder fraud in 2023 lost $33,915.

The hour-long seminar will teach consumers how to shield their savings from scammers and fraudulent investment offers. Presenters will share tips on recognizing the different ways people are scammed, how to report fraud and share stories of people who have lost their life savings to fraud or scams.

Iowa Fraud Fighter seminars are being presented by Northeast Iowa RSVP volunteers with assistance from local sponsors.

Northeast Iowa RSVP matches volunteers age 55 and older with opportunities to serve at non-profits in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek counties.

Businesses and organizations interested in hosting a Fraud Fighters seminar may contact Deana Hageman at 563-2775181 or rsvp@decorahlibrary. org.

Howard County Hospice, Helms Funeral Home to host grief support group

Howard County Community Hospice and Helms Funeral Home in Decorah will host a “Making Meaning and Finding Hope” grief support program from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 for people in the area who are grieving the death of a loved one. This program is part of a quarterly “Conversation and Community” grief series held at Helms and sponsored by the two organizations. Each program will feature 45 minutes of educational content followed by 45 minutes of discussion, optional sharing and questions.

The program is free and open to all adults who are grieving.

Light snacks will be provided. “We’ve received a number of requests for more grief support programs, especially in Decorah. We know that people never truly ‘get over’ the death of someone special, but there are many ways to make grieving less hard,” said Kerrie Rogne, director of nursing at HCCH. “We have many patients and families in Decorah and a certified grief support specialist our team. Helms Funeral Home has a sincere interest in meeting the grief support needs in this community, making them the perfect partner for us.”

Decorah Public Library announces upcoming summer reading program events

Decorah Public Library recently announced the return of The Amazing Martika at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, June 4 in Decorah Public Library’s Mezzanine.

Registration for the free event opened on the library’s website as of May 21. This is the first in a series of visiting performers and educators scheduled as part of DPL’s 2025 Summer Reading Program: Read All About It. Martika’s circus variety show offers a range of tricks, stunts and spectacles — from hula hooping with barbed wire to eating fire. This variety show was crafted with children and families in mind, as Martika performs in schools and public libraries across the country.

The library recently also announced the return of the Mikayla Oz Magic Show at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12 on the third floor of the library. Mikayla Oz’s all-new 40-minute family magic show will be packed with magic, interactive moments and laugh-out-loud comedy. Space is limited, and registration for this program will go live on Decorah Public Library’s website on May 29. The program is the first in DPL’s lineup of Summer Reading family programs.

“The lineup of performers and events this summer is so exciting,” said Sophie Nall, children’s and young adult librarian at DPL. “We definitely have a little something for everyone, and it is such a great way to get kids and families to visit the library and just have some fun together.”

For more information, visit decorahlibrary.org or send an email to snall@deccorahlibrary. org.

Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital to hold garage sale

The members of the Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital will be holding their third annual garage sale at Freedom Bank in Waukon in conjunction with the Waukon City-Wide Garage Sales. The Auxiliary garage sale will be open from 8 a.m .to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, June 7. This auxiliary garage sale will feature clean, usable household items in good working condition. No clothing will be offered.

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital provides the hospital, its patients and visitors

with many services. The auxiliary also holds annual fundraisers, such as the Women’s Health Day Luncheon, the Pillow-Perk in mid-October, the Gift Case at the hospital and their annual membership drive each July.

All the money the auxiliary receives goes back to the hospital for equipment, which has included an obstetrics birthing bed, an emergency room cart, an EKG machine, a mammography viewbox and have helped fund the new 3D digital mammography machine and surgery sterilizer. This year, the funds will be used to purchase a new stove/oven for the nutrition department at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

This is the auxiliary’s third annual garage sale, which was coordinated as a new fundraiser in order to replace the Masquerade sales, which are no longer held.

For more information, call Auxiliary President Bev Larson-Needham at 568-4287.

Robey Memorial Library offering Pinterest Projects Class

The public is invited to join Robey Memorial Library in Waukon for an evening of crafting during its Pinterest Projects Class. The class will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 12 in the library’s community room. This month’s project will be hammered botanical art cards — participants will pound leaves and flowers to release their natural dyes onto paper to create vibrant botanical prints.

Supplies will be provided, and registration is limited. For more information, contact the library at 563-568-4424.

Hongxiao Yu, assistant professor of marketing and management at Luther College, talks to students during one of her classes. (Photo submitted)

Luther College adds marketing major to meet student demand The Luther College Board of Regents recently voted to unanimously approve marketing as the newest major in the college’s curriculum. Starting in the fall of 2025, the new program will provide coursework for students to understand consumer behavior, analyze market trends and develop creative strategies fostered through an incubator atmosphere.

“Our students don’t just learn how to market a product — they learn how to think critically, communicate clearly and explore the ethical impact of business decisions,” said Alexandra White, associate professor of management and head of the Department of Economics, Accounting and Management.

“This combination prepares them for success in both profit-bearing and non-profit organizations.”

Luther officials said the college is launching the marketing program to meet growing demand among current and prospective students. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an 8 percent increase in the employment of marketing managers between now and 2033.

“As we meet with prospective students, we have encountered an increasing number of students who cite an interest in pursuing marketing as a course of study and they prefer to study marketing at an institution like Luther,” a proposal for the news major said.

The Luther admissions team described marketing as a program of high interest, with students inquiring about studying marketing, advertising, social media, digital marketing and sports marketing.

College officials said, in addition to the classwork, marketing students will be encouraged to develop connections through the Luther Business Club, network with alumni and complete internships. Hongxiao Yu, assistant professor of marketing and management, believes these experiences will be the cornerstone of the program’s success.

“Luther students have incredible support from our alumni, their engaged peers and the Decorah community in extending their learning both in and outside of the classroom through special lectures, field trip visits and more,” she said.

“Our alumni have such a strong sense of mission and giving back—it creates a wonderful experience for our students.”

Robey Memorial Library announces Summer Explorers series

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon invites children and families to take part in the Summer Explorers program series—a lineup of activities held on select Wednesdays this summer. Each event will run from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and offers educational experiences for all ages. A cardboard construction session will be held June 11, for participants to create structures by hand using cardboard.

Duffy Does Seuss is scheduled for June 25 and will feature performances by actor Duffy Hudson as she brings beloved children’s stories to life. USDA Soil Conservationist Sara Berges will visit on July 9 during Survive the Dust Bowl, an interactive session exploring the Dust Bowl through games and activities. Life-size Game Day will take place July 23, and visitors may enjoy oversized fun with games such as Candy Land, Checkers, sidewalk chalk art and bubbles. Registration is only required for large groups.

For more information, contact the library at 563-568-4424 or visit www.waukon.lib.ia.us.

Northeast Iowa Quilters Guild to hold monthly meeting

The Northeast Iowa Quilters’ Guild will meet at 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3 for its monthly meeting. The meeting will be held at the Robey Memorial Library — 401 Firsyt Ave. Northwest in Waukon. The guild will kick off its program year with the introduction of the 2026 quilt challenge. Guild member Carol Maki of Decorah will do a demonstration on the disappearing log cabin and disappearing strips technique. The guild will also hold a Trash to Cash event, during which members to bring in fabric, projects or tools which they no longer use and allow other members to take the items home for a cash donation. Proceeds will go towards the October 2026 quilt show.The meeting may also be viewed virtually via Zoom, and a link will be sent out to members closer to the meeting date.

For more information, visit neiqg.com.

(Photos submitted)

Church congregations help families around the world through Lutheran World Relief Volunteers from area churches in Calmer, Decorah, McGregor and Postville recently met in Decorah to load boxes containing quilts, school kits, personal kits, baby kits, fabric kits and blankets into a semi-trailer furnished by Olson’s Explosives. The items were to be transported to the Lutheran World Relief headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. Olson’s Explosives has been providing a truck and trailer for the effort twice a year for more than 30 years.

Youth and adult volunteers helped load 594 boxes from 34 area churches. The boxes were filled with 1,423 quilts, 174 school kits, 673 personal kits, 409 baby kits, 23 fabric kits and five blankets.

Lutheran World Relief was

established 80 years ago in 1945 as a way to help European Lutheran families impacted

by World War II. Their records show the first shipments in-

cluded food, quilts and clothing. According to Lutheran World Relief officials, an average 300,000 quilts are now given each year worldwide.

DOT seeking public comment ahead of roadwork in Decorah

The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking public comment regarding a proposed pavement replacement project on Iowa Highway 9 from U.S. Highway 52 to an area east of Pleasant Avenue in Decorah. Proposed improvements include the removal and replacement of existing pavement, overlay work on the bridge over Division Street, and blasting a portion of a rock bluff to ac-

commodate future trail extension. During construction, the roadway will remain open to through traffic. Construction will be phased to allow one lane of traffic in each direction. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2026 and end in the fall of 2026.

Project plans may be viewed online at iowadot. g o v / m e d i a / 11 8 0 9 / d o w n load?inline=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=go-

vdelivery. Comments may be submitted online at pima.iowadotpi.com/public/event-registration/search?project_id=34957&pe_ guid=c5ff8386-bf6d-451fa74c-276709a98626.

The Iowa DOT is requesting public comments be submitted by June 2. Questions may be directed to DOT Field Services Coordinator Pete Hjelmstad at pete.hjelmstad@iowadot.us.

COMMUNITY

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

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DAISY Award presented to Nordschow WinnMed recently awarded Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse Scott Nordschow, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Nordschow was nominated by the family of a patient for his ability to provide personalized and empathetic care. The family praised Nordschow for his patience, understanding and clear communication, ensuring the patient felt comfortable and informed throughout his stay.

Nordschow’s skillful use of techniques to provide pain-free care was particularly noted, showcasing his expertise and gentle approach.

“Overall, the compassion, empathy and care that Scott provided was exceptional,” the patient’s family said. “He deserves recognition for his outstanding nursing care.”

Nordschow has served as a registered nurse at WinnMed since 2022.

The DAISY — Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem — Award is an international recognition program which honors

(Photo submitted)

WinnMed Registered Nurse Scott Norschow (center) recently received the DAISY Award. He is pictured with WinnMed nursing leaders Bev Rustad (left) and Michele Dickson. (Photo submitted) and celebrates the skillful care nurses provide. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. Barnes’ family deeply appreciated the care

and compassion shown during his hospitalization, and they felt compelled to thank nurses in a public way following his death.

To nominate an extraordinary WinnMed nurse, visit winnmed. org/daisy-award.

Wenthold honored as ‘Best of the Class’ Karissa Wenthold of South Winneshiek High School was honored as a member of the 2025 Best of the Class.

KWWL and the University of Northern Iowa recognized valedictorians or top graduat-

ing seniors from across eastern Iowa at a celebration on Saturday, May 3 at Maucker Union on the UNI campus.

Best of the Class students had the opportunity to be photographed with KWWL news

personalities. During its 41 years of recognizing academic excellence, KWWL’s Best of the Class has honored more than 5,000 top graduating seniors.

Law Enforcement Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office

William George Hruska Jr., age 44, of Lawler was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 20 on an arrest warrant, and bond was set at $10,000.

Court records show the warrant was issued for Hruska on May 7 for violation of pre-trial supervision.

Filings said Hruska was previously charged with third-degree burglary and was released on April 12, pending trial. A report in the court record said Hruska was arrested again on May 4 and was charged with possession of methamphetamine and third-degree burglary.

A former candidate for Howard County Sheriff has been cited with fourth-degree theft for allegedly using a printer in the sheriff’s office to print materials related to his bid for office in 2024. A criminal complaint filed in Howard County said the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office was asked to look into a complaint regarding 48-year-old Richard Keith Hollenbeck of Cresco, who was then a deputy with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, printed copies of a word document and what a criminal complaint referred to as a Howard County Sheriff’s Office uniform picture while Hollenbeck was on duty on Oct. 19 and Oct. 24. Electronic records showed Hollenbeck printed a total of 778 documents, which — at 50 cents each — totaled a cost of $389, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint went on to say Hollenbeck “admitted to printing the personal documents with Howard County property,” and “admitted that the printed documents were used on a personal basis and for the 2024 sheriff election.” Hollenbeck lost the election to fellow candidate Rick Busch, according to information from the Iowa State Association of Counties. A criminal complaint was filed against Hollenbeck on May 20, and Howard County Attorney Kevin Schoeberl has requested Winneshiek County Attorney Andy Van Der Maaten prosecute the case in light of a potential conflict of interest in trying Hollenbeck. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Howard County Sheriff’s Office and Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office.

Possible injuries were reported following a collision around 5:18 p.m. Monday, May 19 near Freeport. A report from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 65-year-old Michael Kent Nordheim of Decorah was driving a 1989 Toyota Short Bed Deluxe north along Old Stage Road, when a 2010 Dodge Ram driven by 59-year-old Ronnie Dean Schnuelle of Decorah pulled in front of the Toyota near the intersection of River Road. The sheriff’s report said Nordheim “locked up his brakes but was not able to stop in time and the two units made contact.” Schnuelle was cited for failure to yield, but reported no injuries. Nordheim reported possible injuries to his ankle and was later transported to the emergency room for examination, according to the report. Both vehicles sustained approximately $5,000 in damage.

Possible minor injuries were reported after a golf cart was struck by an SUV around 3:17 p.m. Saturday, May 10 in Fort Atkinson. A report from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office said 76-year-old Larian Glenn Riha of Fort Atkinson was attempting to cross Highway 24 in a 1999 Yamaha golf cart near the intersection of Second Street and failed to stop at a stop sign.

The sheriff’s report said 53-yearold Valerie Joan Horner of New Hampton was headed west along the highway in a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse and struck the gold cart.

Neither driver reported any injuries, but 76-year-old Margaret Ann Riha of Fort Atkinson, a passenger in the golf cart, was listed as having suspected minor injuries and was transported from the scene by ambulance to WinnMed. Larian Riha was cited for failure to yield. Damage to the golf cart was estimated at $500. Damage to the Chevrolet was estimated at $2,000.

Cody John Hageman, age 22, of Castalia was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 10:05 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, an arrest warrant for violation of probation.

Criminal complaints filed against Hageman said the 22-year-old created a Facebook account under the name John Cemo without properly reporting the account to authorities.

Court records also said Hageman provided false information regarding his internet identifiers to law enforcement during a previous registration with a sheriff’s deputy on March 29. Hageman was charged with violating sex offender registration requirements — second or subsequent offense — and providing false information as a sex offender — first offense.

Erin Elizabeth Chambers, age 42, of Decorah was charged with violation of a no contact order following an altercation at approximately 1:14 a.m. Saturday, May 24 in the 2400 block of Dogwood Road in the Freeport area. A criminal complaint noted Chambers’ vehicle was parked in the victim’s driveway. Chambers was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 4 a.m. the same day.

Lauren Poye, age 41, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 5:55 p.m. Friday, May 23 to serve two consecutive days.

Owen Leo Bruening, age 23, of Decorah was charged with possession of a controlled substance — first offense — possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to affix a drug tax stamp and conspiracy with intent to distribute marijuana at approximately 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24 near the intersection of US Highway 52 and 355th Street south of Burr Oak. A criminal complaint said a state trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding and a cracked windshield and reported smelling marijuana. The trooper ultimately discovered approximately 131 grams of bud marijuana and 6 grams of finely ground marijuana in addition to a marijuana grinder and a disposable THC vape — the complaint said Bruening allegedly admitted “he intended to share the marijuana with friends at a campfire.” Bruening was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 5:35

p.m. the same day.

Jeremy Snell, age 42, was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 11:40 p.m. Saturday, May 24 to serve 30 consecutive days.

Kylie Faye Dahl, age 27, of Cresco was charged with operating while intoxicated — first offense — at approximately 11:40 p.m.

Sunday, May 25 in the area of Locust Road in Decorah. A criminal complaint indicated Dahl’s blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit to operate a vehicle in Iowa. Dahl was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:50 a.m. Monday, May 26.

Lucy Anna Gehling, age 49, of Decorah was charged with domestic abuse/assault — first offense — at approximately 11:46 p.m. in the 1600 block of 190th Street in Decorah. Deputies with the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office were shown a video of an altercation between Gehling and her husband, who reported a small cut to his lip.

Gehling was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 12:50 a.m.

Tuesday, May 27.

Decorah Police Department

Owen Wilson Matzek, age 22, of Hastings, Minnesota, was charged with invasion of privacy at approximately 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 in the 600 block of Center Street in Decorah — county property records show the home is owned by Luther College. A criminal complaint said Matzek “set his own personal phone up under a heating-type vent” in order to capture a video of a female in the shower at that location. The female discovered the phone in the vent. A criminal complaint filed against Matzek said he told a Decorah Police officer “he has done this before, but states he has never done this on the Luther Campus.” Matzek was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 and held on a $2,500 bond.

Information from the Decorah Police Department said a search was conducted at an address in the 600 block of Ridge Road the following day as part of a continuing investigation. Law enforcement asks that anyone with further information related to the incident contact the Decorah Police Department.

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

Decorah High School Concert Band. (Photo submitted)

DHS musicians excel at State Large Group Music Festival

The Decorah High School Music Department participated in the annual State Large Group Music Festival on Friday, May 9 at Decorah High School. The event was an adjudicated festival in which music ensembles performed for a panel of three

judges, and performances received one of five divisional ratings based on a point scale.

The DHS Concert Band, Concert Choir, Orchestra and Viking Chorus all received division I ratings from the three judges, including one perfect

score for the concert band. The ninth grade choir received an overall II rating, with II, II and I ratings.

The band is conducted by Matt Cody and Chris Hadley, the choirs by Jason Rausch and the orchestra by Nicole Cody.

CEDI offering assistance to farms, small businesses energy grants Clean Energy Districts of Iowa, a nonprofit consortium of energy districts based in 13 counties in Iowa, is offering free energy coaching to assist farms and small businesses in applying for USDA grant funding for renewable energy or energy efficiency improvement projects. The Winneshiek Energy District is a member of CEDI. USDA’s Rural Energy in America Program — or REAP — is accepting grant applications which, if approved, would fund 25 percent of the cost of renewable energy or energy efficiency improvement projects.

Eligible projects for REAP renewable energy system grants include biomass, geothermal, small and large scale wind generation as well as small and large scale solar generation.

Eligible projects for REAP energy efficiency improvements include high efficiency heating, cooling and ventilation systems, insulation, lighting, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows as well as replacement of energy-inefficient equipment. The funds are not available for any residential use, tractors or implements, new construction or upgrades to buildings which do not currently consume energy.

CEDI provides priority assistance to customers and communities that are traditionally

underserved by the REAP program, including areas defined

by USDA as disadvantaged communities and distressed communities. CEDI also offers priority assistance to applicants with small grants — $20,000 or less — or grants for underutilized technologies.

For more information or to apply for CEDI REAP coaching, please fill out the inquiry form at www.cleanenergydistricts.org/reap or contact Steve Hopkins at steve.hopkins@ cleanenergydistricts.org or at 641-831-3552.

ONLINE ONLY REAL ESTATE & PERSONAL PROPERTY

AUCTION

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PROPERTY INSPECTION: SATURDAY, MAY 31 • 10AM-1PM ALL OTHER ITEMS CLOSING AT 4PM: 2018 Ford Focus; 1993 Ford Ranger XLT; Tractors: 2 Farmall B’s, AC WD 45, IH 240, MH 33; Case 1816 Skid Loader; 2 LP Tanks; Asst. Imps.; Tools & More For more information, visit www.sweeneyauctionservice.com

SWEENEY AUCTION SERVICE

Waukon, IA • Phone: 563-568-2464 • www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Real Estate Brokerage & Closing Agent: Attorney John S. Anderson, Anderson Law Office, Decorah & Sweeney Auction Realty Services, Waukon

PUBLIC NOTICES

10 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT, IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY (JUVENILE DIVISION) IN THE INTEREST OF B.S. and B.S. A Child.

JUVENILE NO. JVJV002023 and JVJV002024 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING [CHILD IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE] TO: Robie Eugene Shindelar YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition alleging that the child named above is a child in need of assistance has been filed in the office of the clerk of juvenile court for the above-captioned county. A true copy of the Petition is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the Court has entered an Order setting an ADJUDICATORY HEARING (CINA) on the merits of the Petition on June 18, 2025, at 9:00 am, in the designated Juvenile Courtroom of the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the child must be represented by an attorney and guardian ad litem, which may be the same person. The Court has appointed an attorney and guardian ad litem to represent the child.

If the parent has or will retain an attorney to represent the child as attorney and guardian ad litem, that attorney should be notified immediately. If the child is then represented by counsel retained by the parents and the Court determines there is a conflict of interest between the child and her parent, guardian or custodian and that retained counsel could not properly represent the child as a result of the conflict, the Court shall appoint other counsel to represent the child and set a hearing to determine payment for attorney fees to be assessed to the parent.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a parent, guardian or custodian in a child in need of assistance proceeding has the right to be represented by counsel at all hearings subsequent to the filing of a Petition. Attorney Gregory Schiller has been appointed to you and may be contacted at 563-539-2175. If you wish to privately retain counsel, you should immediately notify the attorney of these proceedings. If you desire representation but you cannot afford to hire and attorney, you should immediately contact the Clerk of the abovenamed Court and request from and file with the Clerk an Application for Appointment of Counsel and Financial Statement. If you are determined to be indigent, the Court may appoint counsel for you at minimal or no cost to you.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that upon your request, the Clerk shall issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers at the adjudicatory hearing.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the adjudicatory hearing may take place without your presence if you fail to appear after reasonable notification. If you wish to state your views to the Court, you must appear in person or by attorney or the Court may rule against you.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that in the event the Court places a child in foster care, the child’s parent or guardian may be liable for all or a portion of the cost of foster care. Foster care includes all out-of-home placements except the State Training School at Eldora, the State Juvenile Home at Toledo, or the Mental Health Institute at Independence. The Iowa Department of Human Services will notify you of the amount of any recommended parental liability for the cost of foster care and there exists an administrative procedure if you object.

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

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

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

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

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

Iowa Judicial Branch Case No. JVJV002023 County Winneshiek You must file your Appearance and Answer on the Iowa Judicial Branch eFile System, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless the court has excused you from filing electronically (see Iowa Court Rule 16.302).

Register for the eFile System at www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile to file and view documents in your case and to receive notices from the court.

For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure in chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules a www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ ACO/CourtRulesChapter/16.pdf.

Court filings are public documents and may contain personal information that should always be kept confidential. For the rules on protecting personal information, refer to Division VI of chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules and to the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ representing-yourself/protect-personal-information/.

If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability access coordinator at (319)833-3332.

Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942).

For more information, see www.iowacourts. gov/for-the-public/ada/. Disability access coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

Date Issued 05/09/2025 03:47:59 PM District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk’s Designee of Winneshiek County /s/ Sarah Trimble Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 15, 22 & 29, 2025 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WANITA A. RUEN, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016396 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Wanita A. Ruen, Deceased, who died on or about April 27, 2025: You are hereby notified that on May 7, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of Wanita A. Ruen, deceased, bearing date of October 4, 2018, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Julie Hale and Robert B. Ruen have been appointed Executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated May 16, 2025.

Julie Hale, Co-Executor of Estate 72563 200th Street Grand Meadow, IA 55936 Robert B. Ruen, Co-Executor of Estate 7943 Buschborn Road Peyton, CO 80831 Sandra Benzschawel, ICIS#: AT0013038 Attorney for Co-Executors Meyer, Lorentzen & Nelson 101 1/2 E. Water Street, P.O. Box 126 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: May 29, 2025 Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 22 & 29, 2025

May 19, 2025 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Borowski 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 Borowski, Randy Schissel, Kirsten Olson, Cody Whittle, Brent Parker, Emily Neal, City Manager Travis Goedken, and City Clerk Keri Sand Absent: Christopher Miculinich, Steve Zittergruen Chase Holien with WHKS Engineering spoke regarding the College Drive Bridge Improvements. Holien updated the Council on the estimated costs and design of the College Drive Bridge. The council gave feedback regarding the bridge design and discussed the timing of when the improvements should take place for the least amount of disruption to the City.

The consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of May 5, 2025, Council Meeting b. Claims c. Tobacco License Alternative NicotineNapor Store-Bright Brothers (Decorah Vape & Smoke) d. Device Retailer Permit-Bright Brothers (Decorah Vape & Smoke) e. Tobacco License Cigarette, Tobacco, Nicotine/vapor Hy-Vee Inc f. Renewal of Class C Retail Alcohol License-Magpie Cafe & Coffeehouse g. Amendment of Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-Winneshiek County Fair h. C-3 Design Permit for DROCK, LLC at 109 E Water Street Contingent on DHPC Endorsement i. Change Order #1 Decorah 2024 Quarry Street Improvements -Final Project Quantity Adjustments j. Final Pay Application #2 Decorah 2024 Quarry Street Improvements k. Resolution 3561 Accepting Decorah 2024 Quarry Street Improvement Project as Complete l. Change Order #1 Decorah 2025 Heivly Street Improvements Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Schissel seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Schissel, Parker, Neal, Whittle. Nays: None.

Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing at 6:22 PM on the proposal to enter into a water revenue loan and disbursement agreement.

No public comment. The public hearing was closed at 6:23 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3562 taking additional action on the proposal to enter into a water revenue loan and disbursement agreement with the State Revolving Loan Fund in the amount of $1,500,000.00 associated with the meter replacement project. Neal seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Neal, Parker, Whittle, Olson. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public meeting at 6:24 PM on proposed plans and specifications, estimate of cost, and proposed form of contract for the construction of the Decorah 2025 Carlson Park Gateway Trail Project.

Benji Nichols of 412 Oak Street, Decorah spoke in favor of the project. Nichols stated that this is the first park that will have a comprehensive plan. Nichols also stated that there have been one hundred plus donors supporting this project that equals over six figures.

Nichols asked Council to support this project.

Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 6:27 PM. Neal made a motion to approve the resolution on proposed plans and specifications, estimate of cost and proposed form of contract for the construction of the Decorah 2025 Carlson Park Gateway Trail Project and award the contract. Whittle seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Whittle, Schissel, Parker, Olson. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowksi opened the public hearing at 6:31 PM on the vacation and conveyance of Lot 10, Block 14 of Wheeler’s Addition.

No public comment. The public hearing was closed at 6:32 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3563 approving the vacation and conveyance of Lot 10, block 14 of Wheeler’s Addition to Dental Associates at 501 Sanford Street. Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Olson, Whittle, Parker, Neal. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Amendment at 6:34 PM. No public comment. The public hearing was closed at 6:35 PM. Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3564 approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Amendment, Schissel seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Schissel, Parker, Whittle, Neal. Nays: None.

Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3565 authorizing a letter of support to Iowa Economic Development Authority for Decorah Ventures extension request. Schissel seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Schissel, Parker, Whittle, Neal. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3566 supporting the submission of an Iowa Economic Development Authority Workforce Housing Tax Credit Application for Allison Rentals, LLC with a rebate, at the Building Supply site. Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Neal, Olson, Parker, Whittle. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3567 approving the Winneshiek County Landfill Comprehensive Plan. Schissel seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Schissel, Whittle, Parker, Neal. Nays: None.

Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3568 establishing Rank of Statement of Qualifications for the Heivly Street Intersection Improvements as 1. MSA 2. ISG 3. Shive-Hatter.

Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

Ayes; Neal, Olson, Parker, Schissel, Whittle.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve the site plan for Dental Associates at 501 Sanford Street contingent on 1. Site plan should reflect all lots of record included in overall site and make sure correct, also need to show all existing structures for reference, 3. Off street parking does not meet setback requirements of 15’ from city right of way, and 8. 20’ rear setback is not met (if alley vacated and conveyed, will correct). Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Parker, Olson, Whittle, Schissel. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve the site plan for Bruening Rock Products at 1656 Highway 9 contingent on 1. Property is currently serviced by septic system and should be connected to the City sanitary sewer main, 2. Site plan should show all easements that exist for the property, 5. All parking stalls should be striped on the site plan, 8. Water main utility easement needs to be identified, as well as private utilities and right-of-way, and 9. Height of proposed addition needs to be submitted to FAA for approval. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Olson, Whittle, Neal, Parker. Nays: None.

Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve the site plan and C-3 Design approval for SKJ Properties at 302 Washington Street contingent on 2. Legal description in project notes appears to be missing two lots of record and should be corrected. Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, Neal, Whittle, Parker, Schissel. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve an Issuance of Request for qualifications for the Decorah Municipal Building potential renovation with addition or new construction with responses due June 20, 2025. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Olson, Whittle, Parker, Schissel. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski announced that there are two vacancies on the Decorah Human Rights Commission.

Meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 POST OFFICE, POSTAGE ........... $342.35 PETTY CASH, POSTAGE ............. $28.00 RELIANCE, INSURANCE .......... $425.40 SKYLINE, SERVICES ............ $94,598.91 UPS, POSTEGE .............................. $51.50 A.M. LEONARD, SUPPLIES ........ $64.37 ACE HARDWARE, SUPPLIES ..... $99.51 ACENTEK, FEES ......................... $270.00 AIA SERVICES, TOTES .............. $407.50 AIRESPRING, SERVICES ........... $284.36 ALBERT, JEFF, REIMBURSEMENT ............... $161.66 ALLIANT, UTILITIES ............ $20,685.16 AMAZON, SUPPLIES .............. $1,802.13 ARTHAUS, PROGRAMS ......... $1,900.00 AUNT FLOW, SUPPLIES ............ $324.00 BIBLIONIX, SOFTWARE ........ $4,130.00 BLACK HILLS ENERGY, UTILITIES .............................. $2,763.85 BODENSTEINER, EQUIPMENT .......................... $8,412.78 BREMER, LOUANN, SERVICES .............................. $1,000.00 BRUENING ROCK, SUPPLIES .. $173.08 BRYNSAAS, PARTS ................. $3,071.00

CAMACHO’S CONCRETE, SERVICES ............................ $10,285.00 CAPITAL ONE, SUPPLIES ......... $109.08 CARRICO, PARTS ....................... $336.78 CASPER’S, SERVICES ................ $209.17 CDW GOVERNMENT, EQUIPMENT .......................... $2,793.58 CELLEBRITE, SERVICES ....... $2,500.00 CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT, BOOKS ........................................ $99.00 COUNTRY GARDEN, SERVICES ................................... $12.95 CREATIVE PRODUCT SOURCING, SUPPLIES .................................... $61.07 CROELL, SERVICES ................... $788.00 CROSS NURSERIES, TREES ..... $675.70 DALCO, SUPPLIES ..................... $187.25 DECORAH SCHOOL, INTERNET................................. $140.77 DECORAH LEADER, PUBLICATION ............................ $61.82 MOBILE GLASS INC, PARTS .... $330.00 DECORAH VET, EXAM ............. $366.93 DELL, EQUIPMENT................. $3,292.72 ERDMAN, SERVICES ............ $19,408.40 FALCK CONCRETE, SERVICES .............................. $4,484.00 FAREWAY, SUPPLIES ................. $200.23 FIRE CATT, TESTING .............. $3,897.60 FIRST SUPPLY, PARTS ............ $1,394.58 FISK’S, SUPPLIES ....................... $604.49 GRINNELL MUTUAL, PREMUIM ................................. $250.00 HEXOM GARDENS, SERVICES .. $53.00 HOME FACTOTUM, SUPPLIES. $826.06 HUBEXO, CHIP SEAL ................ $176.00 IMPACT COFFEE, COFFEE.......... $83.00 INGRAM, BOOKS .................... $1,729.17 IOWA ONE CALL, SERVICES ..... $53.30 IROC, WEBSITE ............................ $55.00 JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, SUPPLIES .................................. $479.74 KANOPY, DATABASE ................ $178.00 KEYSTONE LAB, ANALYSIS ................................. $247.25 KRISTIN, ALBERTSON, PROGRAMMING...................... $100.00 KWIK TRIP, FUEL .................... $3,128.08 LEON’S, SERVICES .................... $756.50 LET’S CAMP, FEES ..................... $529.00 LULU & BB’S, SUPPLIES ............ $44.00 MALCOM, GARBAGE................ $266.00 MI ENERG, UTILITIES ............ $2,375.15 MIDLAND SCIENTIFIC, SUPPLIES .................................. $356.56 MISSISSIPPI WELDERS, SUPPLIES .................................. $297.47 NBS CALIBRATIONS, SERVICES ................................. $403.46 NINA SMOCK, PROGRAM ........ $100.00 OLSON EXPLOSIVES, FUEL.. $1,953.55 OVERDRIVE, BOOKS ................ $447.13 RACOM, SUBSCRIPTION .......... $381.60 CAR QUEST, PARTS ..................... $33.61 RICOH, PRINTING ...................... $632.55 ROCKART, SUPPLIES .................. $89.86 ROW-HEYVELD, ZACH, REIMBURSEMENT .................. $446.04 SAMUELSON, RILEY, SERVICES ................................. $737.00 SATTRE SERVICES, SERVICES ................................. $280.00 SPAHN & ROSE, SUPPLES .......... $78.50 STAR EQUIPMENT, RENTAL . $3,367.80 STEVE’S CAR CARE, WASHES .. $40.50 STOREY KENWORTHY, SUPPLIES .................................. $140.46 SUNFLOWER, PROGRAM ......... $250.00 SWEENEY BUILDERS, SERVICES ................................. $745.50 TOLLEFSON, JIM, SERVICES ... $160.00 TORRESDAL, KRISTIN, REIMBURSEMENT .................. $419.33 TRICIA GUNDERSON, REIMBURSEMENT .................. $159.97 ULINE, SUPPLIES ....................... $160.25 USCELLULAR, HOTSPOTS ......... $59.58 VERIZON, UTILITIES.............. $1,302.74 VOLTMER, SERVICES ............ $6,387.00 REVENUE TO DATE - MAY 19, 2025 General Fund ..........................5,758,566.82 Street Electric Franchise Fee .....198,751.86 Road Use Fund .......................... 785,117.65 Employee Benefits.................. 1,653,311.60 Hotel/Motel ...............................286,029.81 Emergency Fund........................ 117,258.47 Local Option Sales Tax ..........1,043,285.74 TIFF ...........................................213,941.01 SSMID .........................................21,134.83 Park Special Gifts ........................24,404.61 Library Special Gifts ................... 45,644.12 Street Equip Fund .......................... 6,973.18 Debt Service Fund ..................1,294,385.42 Special Projects Water Utility Fund .....................967,075.54 Sewer Utility Fund .................1,024,921.39 Enterprise Project Interest ...........13,312.29 Metronet ......................................68,166.50 Forest Utility..............................128,507.80 Storm Sewer Utility ................... 454,561.60 Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 29, 2025 ORDINANCE NO. 25-253 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGING THE COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP, APPLICATION TIMELINES & PROCEDURES, MISCELLANEOUS CLERICAL ITEMS, AND THE ADDITION OF 2 NEW PRINCIPLE USES TO THE A-2 DISTRICT. WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission have held a public hearing on the proposed amendment.

WHEREAS, a notice of the time and place of a public hearing on said request was published pursuant to law; and, WHEREAS, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors has considered the Winneshiek County Comprehensive Plan in their review of the proposed amendment and find that the request is consistent with the policies and goals set out in the Winneshiek County Comprehensive Plan; and, WHEREAS, a public hearing, as required, has been conducted by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED

BY THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: 1. That 501.2(3), as amended will now read: “Keeping a record of all fee schedules, permits, appeals, minutes, performance bonds, and such other transactions and correspondence pertaining to the administration of this Ordinance.”

2.That 501.3, as amended, will now read: “Appeals from any decision of the Zoning Administrator may be made to the Board of Adjustment as provided for in this Ordinance.”

3.That 502.3, as amended, will now read: “The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. An effort should be made to keep Commission membership geographically balanced. The term of appointment shall be five (5) years. The Board of Supervisors may remove members of the Zoning Commission from office for cause upon written charges and after a public hearing. Any vacancy shall be filled by the Board of Supervisors for the unexpired term.”

4.That 502.5, as amended, will now read: “On the first regular meeting after January 1st of each year, the Commission will pick its officers from its membership. All current officers are eligible for re-election.”

5.That 502.7, as amended, will now read: “The Chair will preside at all meetings, appoint committees, and perform such other duties as may be ordered by the Commission.

The Vice Chair shall act in the capacity of the Chair in his/her absence and in the event the office of the Chair becomes vacant, the Vice Chair shall succeed to this office for the unexpired term and the Commission shall select a successor to the office of Vice Chair for the unexpired term. A Secretary shall be appointed by the Chair. The Secretary will record minutes of the meetings and perform such other duties as the Commission may determine.”

6.That 502.8, as amended, will now read: “All regular and special meetings, subcommittee meetings, hearings, records and accounts shall be open to the public and shall comply with the open meetings law. Meetings may be called at the request of the Chair, or four (4) members of the Commission, or the Zoning Administrator. Notice of the meeting shall be sent by the Zoning Administrator to the members of the Commission at least six (6) calendar days prior to such meeting and shall state the purpose and time of the meeting.”

7.That 502.10, as amended, will now read: “Agenda. The Zoning Administrator will prepare an agenda and application information packet for each meeting and send it to each Commissioner at least six (6) calendar days before the meeting.”

8.That 502.11, as amended, will now read: “Motions may be made by anyone on the Commission except the Chair. The Chair will restate the motion before a vote is taken.”

9.That 502.17 is deleted.

10.That 503.2(2), as amended, will now read: “To hear and decide conditional use permits and special exceptions to the terms of the Ordinance upon which such Board is required to

consider under such Ordinance.”

11.That 503.10, as amended, will now read: “A fee, as outlined in a “Fee Schedule” as approved by the Board of Supervisors and placed on file in the office of the Zoning Administrator shall be paid to the Zoning Administrator at the time the notice of appeal is filed.”

12.That 504.2, as amended, will now read: “No such amendment shall be made without a report made upon the amendment by the Zoning Commission following a public hearing and without a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors. At least four (4) and no more than twenty (20) days notice of the time and place of such hearings shall be published in the official newspaper(s) designated by the Board of Supervisors. Property owners located within five hundred (500) feet in non-agricultural areas and within one-quarter (1/4) mile in rural (non-developed) areas of the exterior boundaries of the property for which the change is proposed shall be notified in writing of the hearings.”

13.That the second paragraph of 504.3, as amended, will now read: “Amendments, supplements, or changes to the text of the Ordinance shall be known as “text amendments”. They shall be made by an Ordinance amending the Winneshiek County Zoning Ordinance and shall set out the identification of the area affected by reference to a specific Section and paragraph, identify the new text as proposed for change. Said Ordinance shall, after adoption and publication, be recorded by the County Recorder as other Ordinances and the Winneshiek County Zoning Ordinance changed as provided. Such amendatory Ordinance shall, however, not repeal or reenact said Ordinance, but only amend it.

The Official Zoning Ordinance, as amended, shall be the final authority to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings, and other structures in the county.”

14.That 504.4, as amended, will now read: “Application for Change of Zoning District Any person may submit to the Board of Supervisors, an application requesting a change in the zoning district as shown on the Official Zoning Map and Zoning Update Journal.”

15.That the first sentence of 504.4(2), as amended, will now read: “The Commission shall hold a public hearing, and prior to making a recommendation, determine the following:” 16.That 504.4(3), as amended, will now read: “The Commission shall report its determinations and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors within thirty (30) days from completion of the public hearing. When no report is issued within that time, the application will be deemed approved by the Commission. The Board of Supervisors shall then call a public hearing as provided by this Ordinance.”

17.That the first sentence of 505.4(1), as amended, will now read: “The person applying for a Conditional Use Permit shall fill out and submit to the Administrator a Conditional Use Permit application form and all items listed in 505.3, prior to the public notice deadlines for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Adjustment.”

18.That the Conditional Use Table of section 505, as amended, will now include: “Winery/brewery/distillery/cidery with an event venue.” Applicable to zoning districts A-1, A-2, C-1, & C-2.

19.That 506.1(1)(e), as amended, will now read: “The names and addresses of all property owners within five hundred (500) feet in non-agricultural areas and within one-quarter (1/4) mile in rural (non-developed) areas of the exterior boundaries of the property for which the variance is required.”

20.That 506.1(2), as amended, will now read: “Notice of public hearing shall have been given not less than four (4) and not more than twenty (20) days prior to the hearing.

Property owners of record within one-quarter (1/4) mile in rural (non-developed) areas, and property owners of record within five hundred (500) feet in non-agricultural (developed) areas shall be notified in writing of the public hearing on the request for a variance” 21.That the Allowed Principle Uses and Structures of the A-2 Agricultural District, as amended, will now include: 13. Forest products concentration yards with processing, not including sawmills.

14. Production winery/brewery/distillery/ cidery including a tasting room.

22.That the Allowed Principle Uses and Structures of the M-1 Limited Industrial District, as amended, will no longer include: 18. Winery or brewery 23.That 710.2(13)(b), as amended, will now read: “Instructions on how to reach the owner or adult caretaker of the campground.”

24.That the official copies of the zoning ordinances of Winneshiek County, Iowa, be modified to reflect this change.

Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this zoning ordinance or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect.

Severability Clause. If any section, part or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.

Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect after its passage and publication as provided by law.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of May 2025.

WINNESHIEK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Daniel Langreck Chairman Attest: Benjamin D. Steines Winneshiek County Auditor Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 29, 2025 Spillville City Council Special Meeting Minutes Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Spillville City Hall Call to Order • Time: 6:00 PM • Mayor: Wermers • Council Members Present: Kelsay, Taylor, Straube, Schmitt, and Backes • Council Members Absent: None Approval of Agenda • Motion by Straube, second by Taylor, to approve the agenda for the meeting.

• Vote: Ayes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

Public Hearing • Motion by Kelsay, second by Backes to open the Public Hearing at 6:05 PM. • Voice vote: Ayes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

Topic: Public Hearing on the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the Water System Improvements 2024 Project (Contract B Rebid).

• Marc Ruden reviewed the bids received for the water project with the Council.

• Public Comments: No oral or written comments were received.

• Motion by Straube, second by Schmitt to close the Public Hearing at 6:10 PM. • Voice vote: Ayes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

Resolutions and Motions 1. Resolution 25-5-7 – Approve and confirm plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the Water System Improvements 2024 Project (Contract B Rebid).

• Motion: Motion by Kelsay, second by Schmitt.

• Roll call vote: Schmitt, Straube, Kelsay, Taylor, and Backes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

2. Water Project Rebid – Consideration of bids for the Water System Improvements 2024 Project (Contract B Rebid).

3. Resolution 25-5-8 – Award contract for the Water System Improvements 2024 Project (Contract B Rebid) to Bacon Concrete & Excavating.

• Motion: Motion by Schmitt, second by Straube.

• Roll call vote: Schmitt, Straube, Kelsay, Taylor, and Backes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

4. Resolution 25-5-9 – Approve Payment Application 2 to JB Holland Construction.

• Motion: Motion by Taylor, second by Kelsay.

• Roll call vote: Schmitt, Straube, Kelsay, Taylor, and Backes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

5. Approval of Purchase – Water project supplies quote and credit for returned product from Schimberg Co.

• Motion: Motion by Straube, second by Backes.

• Voice vote: Ayes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

6. Resolution 25-5-10 – Employee’s Salary for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

• Motion: Motion by Kelsay, second by Straube.

• Roll call vote: Schmitt, Straube, Kelsay, Taylor, and Backes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

Second Public Hearing • Motion by Taylor, second by Backes to open the Public Hearing at 6:25 PM. • Voice vote: Ayes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

Topic: 2025 Budget Amendment • Public Comments: No oral or written comments were received.

• Motion by Straube, second by Kelsay to close the Public Hearing at 6:30 PM. • Voice vote: Ayes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

Resolution: Resolution 25-5-11 – Approve 2025 Budget Amendment.

• Motion: Motion by Backes, second by Taylor.

• Roll call vote: Schmitt, Straube, Kelsay, Taylor, and Backes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

Discussion • Rental Rates at Spillville Campground: The Council will review and decide on pricing for 2026 in the fall.

Adjournment • Motion by Taylor, second by Backes to adjourn the meeting.

• Voice vote: Ayes – Unanimous, Nayes – None.

• Motion carried.

• Time of Adjournment: 7:15 PM Attest: Lynette Andera, City Clerk Claims for City of Spillville 05/20/2025 Check, Date, Name, Memo ............Amount Sales Tax Payment, 05/12/2025, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Sewer -$36.49.................................-38.49 Sales Tax Payment, 05/12/2025, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Wet Sales Tax $678.16 .................-678.16 Sales Tax Payment, 05/12/2025, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Clocks - $30.36...............................-30.36 Sales Tax Payment, 05/12/2025, IOWA DEPT OF REV & FINANCE, Garbage - $31.27 ............................-31.27 Check, 05/13/2025, Flashing Thunder, Fireworks ...................................-2,500.00 Check, 05/12/2025, ........ Transferring from Water Operating Fund to Sinking Fund ...................................................0.00 Check, 05/20/2025, JB HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION, WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS 2024 CONTRACT A - Payment #2 ......................-400,886.93 Check, 05/20/2025, MISSISSIPPI WELDERS SUPPLY CO., INC, Fire Inspection - Bily Clocks..........-25.15 Check, 05/20/2025, MISSISSIPPI WELDERS SUPPLY CO., INC, Fire Inspection - City Garage .........-74.60 Check, 05/20/2025....IROC WEB DESIGN SERVICES, Domain Name – Inv 9535..........................................-16.00 Check, 05/20/2025, JERALD ANDERA, Flowers Inv 506054 ...................-2,162.00 Check, 05/20/2025, U.S. Postal Service, Postage..........................................-577.00 Check, 05/20/2025, Decorah Leader, Publications ..................................-690.43 Totals ........................................-407,710.39 Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 29, 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of Winneshiek County, Iowa, has set the 9th day of June 2025, at 10:30 o’clock a.m. at the Board of Supervisors Room in the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa, as the time and place for hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance to recodify the existing Code of Ordinances in Winneshiek County, Iowa. At said time and place, comments for and against the adoption of the proposed ordinance will be heard and considered. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for inspection at the office of the Winneshiek County Auditor.

By order of the Board of Supervisors of Winneshiek County, Iowa, this the 27th day of May 2025.

Benjamin Steines, Auditor Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 29, 2025

Iowa DNR Virtual Public Meeting for KG4 Dairy and Full Bohr Dairy Water Use Permits The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6:00pm to gather public comment on the KG4 Dairy and Full Bohr Dairy requests for permits. The facilities are as described: KEVIN MOELLER on behalf of KG4 Dairy requests a new permit authorizing withdrawal of water from one existing and one proposed Galena-Decorah- St. Peter formation (Upper Ordovician) wells, each about 580 feet deep, and one existing Maquoketa Dolomite/Devonian Limestone well, about 135 feet deep, in the maximum quantity of 75.0 million gallons of water per year.

FULL BOHR DAIRY requests a permit authorizing withdrawal of water from two existing and one proposed Galena-DecorahSt. Peter formation (Upper Ordovician) wells, each about 290 feet deep, and one existing Maquoketa Dolomite/Devonian Limestone Devonian well, about 130 feet deep, in the maximum quantity of 75 million gallons of water per year.

Per the administrative rules, comments should be limited to the following topics: 1) that the water use permit was submitted according to procedures required by the DNR and 2) that the water use permit complies with the applicable provisions of 567 IAC Title III, Division C. To register for the virtual meeting and obtain the virtual meeting instructions and handouts, please email wateruse@dnr.iowa.gov with your name and email address. Please also state if you will be making a comment during the meeting.

In addition to the public meeting, you may submit written comments to wateruse@dnr. iowa.gov by 9:00 pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 29, 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY Notice is hereby given, in accordance with the Code of Iowa, as applicable, that the Board of Directors of Keystone Area Education Agency will hold a public hearing on a proposal to convey real property located at 700 Ridgewood Drive, Decorah, Iowa to WinnMed, for the sum of $475,000.00 with an option to lease back a portion of the space.

A public hearing at which any and all interested persons may appear and file objections or other comments to said proposed sale will be held as provided by law in the Administration Office of Keystone Area Education Agency, 1400 Second Street NW, Elkader, Iowa at 1:00 P.M. (local time) on Monday, June 16, 2025.

After the public hearing on said date, the Board may proceed to take action on this proposed conveyance or an amended version thereof.

Dated this 19th day of May 2025.

Julie Tschirgi, Board Secretary Keystone Area Education Agency Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 29, 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE SPILLVILLE WATER TOWER DEMOLITION PROJECT IS ELIGIBLE FOR A CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM NEPA REVIEW. THIS PROJECT IS BEING FUNDED IN PART OR WHOLE BY SRF FUNDING. The proposed project was reviewed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for eligibility for a categorical exclusion from NEPA review specified in the 40 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 6.204. The project meets all criteria described in the above reference, and it was determined that this project is eligible for a categorical exclusion. Consequently, a preliminary decision has been made that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) will not be prepared.

This action is taken on the basis of a careful review of supporting information that is on file at the DNR’s Des Moines, Iowa office.

The Categorical Exclusion documentation for this project is available online at https:// www.iowasrf.com/environmental-review/ . The DNR will not take any administrative action on the project for at least thirty (30) calendar days from the publication of this Notice. Persons disagreeing with the above environmental decision may submit comments to SRF-PC@dnr.iowa.gov during this period.

For further information, please contact Karrie Darnell at karrie.darnell@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-901-6817.

Decorah (Iowa) Leader May 29, 2025

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Charming 2+ Bedroom Condo in the Heart of Decorah! Welcome to 406 South Ave #2, a spacious and inviting 1440 sq ft condo located in the picturesque town of Decorah, IA. This beautifully designed home offers 2+ bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an array of features that provide both comfort and style. Call 319-721-5713. 22-2-DL-8

Help Wanted: Auto Body Technician

Looking for an auto body technician, full time or part time. Experience in the industry is wanted but not

required. Must be willing to learn new skills and have

a good work ethic. We are offering competitive ­

wages based on experience.

2-bedroom apartment on W Water Street, Decorah. Available June 1st. $850/month. NS/NP. Water, garbage, snow removal included. 563-3804959. 20-tf-LD-9

Decorah High School seeks a dedicated and collaborative professional to serve as the Viking Academic Success Center (VASC) Facilitator.

The Viking Academic Success Center (VASC)is a supportive, small-group learning environment that aims to help students stay on top of their academic responsibilities, develop effective study habits, and reach their fullest potential.

As the facilitator, you will collaborate with teachers, office staff, administrators, and counselors to support students academically and foster an environment where every student can thrive.

Want to rent garage in Decorah for small 1997 S10 Chevrolet Pickup. Call 563-382-5316. 20-6-DL-10

21-2-LD-12

or to apply Please contact Dave for more information at 563-387-0663 or stop in the shop at 2337 172nd Ave The Decorah Community School Decorah, Iowa.

District is an EEO/AA employer.

WANTED TO RENT

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FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

RECREATIONAL BUSINESS FOR SALE

RECREATIONAL BUSINESS FOR SALE

Program Coordination

Decorah RiverTubes

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Call Larry Orvella 563-380-0322 or 563-382-9804

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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Decorah High School seeks a part-time Vocal Music Collaborative Pianist to support our thriving music program. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in our Concert Choir and Viking Chorus classes, as well as during various rehearsals, concerts, and other music-related events. The pianist will work closely with the Vocal Music Teacher and students, providing essential support in enhancing the students’ musical skills.

Hours are part-time, averaging 6.5 hours per week at $30/hr.

HELP WANTED $1,000 SIGNING BONUS

FULL TIME POSITIONS

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.

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• Accompany the Concert Choir (4th period), which includes 85-minute sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, a 40-minute session on Wednesdays, and 30 minutes of preparation time. This totals approximately 4 hours per week.

• Accompany the Viking Chorus (1st period), which includes 40-minute sessions on Mondays and Thursdays, a 40-minute session every other week on Wednesdays, and 30 minutes of preparation time. This totals approximately 2 - 2.5 hours per week.

• Accompany the Ninth Grade Choir (2nd period) in performances and the final three classes/rehearsals before a concert.

• Collaborate with the Vocal Music Teacher to enhance the learning experience for students and ensure successful performances.

• Adapt to various musical styles and prepare open scores and piano accompaniments.

• Attend and perform in all scheduled concerts and performances.

• Additional playing opportunities with the fall musical, spring solo, and small ensemble clinics and state festival.

­ • Proven experience as a collaborative pianist, preferably within a school or choral setting.

• Knowledge of a wide range of musical styles and genres.

• Excellent sight-reading skills.

• Ability to quickly learn and perform new pieces of music.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• A high degree of reliability and professionalism.

• Flexibility to accommodate the varying schedule of rehearsals and performances.

• A bachelor’s degree in music or a related field is preferred.

ts for position.

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mployer

Decorah High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Required • Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with students, parents, and staff.

• Punctuality, reliability, and a commitment to student success.

• Awareness of strategies to support the whole child, including social-emotional considerations.

• Ability to manage stress constructively and build positive rapport with students, faculty, staff, and parents.

• Respect for diversity and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Desired • Experience in educational support roles or similar settings.

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field (preferred but not required).

• Knowledge of effective academic interventions and instructional support practices.

Decorah High School values diversity and invites individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. If you are passionate about supporting student success and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to join our team.

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May Is Hepatitis Awareness Month Hepatitis A • Spread through contaminated food and drink.

• It’s very contagious and you can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

• Spread through contact with an infected person’s blood or other bodily fluids.

• There’s no cure for hepatitis B, but treatment can delay or reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.

Help Protect Your Liver From Hepatitis Source: cdcgov 4/25

• There isn’t a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but treatment is available.

• Most people with hepatitis C can be cured with just 8–12 weeks of treatment.

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NICS

Decorah RiverTubes

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BONUS

• Manage the daily operations of the Viking Academic Success Center.

• Collaborate with teachers, office staff, administrators, and counselors to identify and assist students needing academic support.

• Develop and maintain program guidelines, student expectations, and operational

protocols.

• Take accurate attendance and ensure consistent communication with office staff.

• Facilitate clear and effective communication with students, parents, and staff to align with program goals.

Student Support • Provide individualized and small-group academic assistance to help students prioritize assignments, manage coursework, and build effective study habits.

• Monitor student progress, offering timely feedback to students, parents, and staff.

• Address academic and social-emotional needs, recognizing external factors that may impact performance.

• Build trusting relationships with students, fostering confidence, motivation, and a positive attitude toward learning.

Collaboration and Professionalism • Actively engage in Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings and collaborate with teachers to align academic support with classroom instruction.

• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives and needs.

• Uphold behavior expectations and contribute to a supportive learning atmosphere.

Technology Integration • Prior experience with Canvas and PowerSchool is preferred; however, a willingness to learn and effectively use these platforms to monitor and support student progress is essential.

• Leverage technology to enhance communication and streamline academic support processes.

• Exhibit comfort and proficiency in using email as a primary communication tool to engage with students, parents, and staff, ensuring timely and effective academic support.

Professional Responsibilities • Support building and district initiatives aligned with school goals.

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

• Model punctuality, reliability, and a positive attitude that reflects the values of Decorah Community Schools.

Hours & Compensation • Schedule: 35 hours/week | 7:45 AM-2:45 PM or 8:00 AM-3:00 PM on student contact days • Hourly Wage: $16.10 — $23.10, based on prior experience • Additional Pay Enhancements: • +$0.35/hour for an associate’s degree or higher • +$0.60/hour with Advanced Paraeducator Certification • Pay Structure: Paid over 24 equal installments for year-round income stability Benefits • Health Insurance: Individual health insurance provided (district-paid; $773/month value) • Optional Benefits: Dental and vision insurance (employee-paid) • IPERS Retirement Contributions: 6.29% employee | 9.44% employer

• Excellence in Education: Ranked consistently among lowa’s top five high schools

by U.S. News & World Report, Decorah High School earned its second National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2024.

• Well-Rounded Achievement: Our students excel academically, athletically, and musically in a culture of high expectations and achievement.

• Community Support: Decorah is a vibrant, close-knit community that celebrates

education, the arts, and the natural beauty of its surroundings. From hiking and biking trails to eclectic shops and restaurants, Decorah offers something for everyone.

20-8-LD-1

Free to the first person who can pick up in West Decorah: complete 36 volumes of 1964 Encyclopedia Britannica in excellent condition, including one volume of index and 12 volumes of annual year books from 1965 through 1976.

­

20-8-LD-12

FOR SALE

11

NEWS

12 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | EDITOR@DECORAHLEADER.COM | 563-382-4221

Kasemeier continued from front to date blunt force bruises, there was no indication of healing,” Kruse testified. “Usually defense wounds would be on the knuckle region if she fought back, but this was not the case.”

Defendant says meth caused paranoia Brandon Kasemeier took the stand on May 27, and testified he had been introduced to methamphetamine at the age of 14, eventually manufacturing it himself. He and his future wife began dating in high school, but they both dropped out after the birth of their eldest son Bradly.

“It was great at first, but having a baby really young was a curveball,” Kasemeier testified.

“I had a drug habit, which hindered our relationship.”

Kasemeier went on to say his methamphetamine use became more frequent, increasing from approximately once a week to multiple times a day. He testified he attempted to hide his drug habit from his family, but he said the methamphetamine made him paranoid and led him to commit both verbal and physical abuse.

Breanna Nobles, a friend of Jami Kasemeier, testified she had previously seen Brandon Kasemeier physically injure his wife at their residence. She said the now 41-year-old held his wife down, climbed on top of her and wrapped his hands around her neck.

“She was upset and crying,” Nobels testified. “He shoved her against the wall and held her against the wall.”

Jami Kasemeier and her son moved out of the family home after Brandon Kasemeier became physically violent with their then 21-year-old son in December of 2023 over the belief the young man had made disparaging remarks about his father. Witnesses said Jami Kasemeier was taking steps to file for divorce — an idea which did not sit well with her husband, according to testimony.

Andy Martin, a friend of Brandon Kasemeier, testified

Kasemeier had asked him to purchase some .22 caliber ammunition in the weeks before Jami Kasemeier was shot — a .22 caliber Ruger single-action revolver belonging to Jami Kasemeier had been left at the home when she and her son moved out. Martin told the court he and his girlfriend purchased a box of shells as requested.

“He just wanted to shoot the gun — target practice,” Martin said on the stand.

Kasemeier called his wife approximately a week before her death, according to their son, and both the weapon and ammunition could be seen during that video call.

“My mom was on the phone, and she came out her bedroom and into the living room, and she said, ‘Brandon has a gun and has bullets,’ and she turned her phone, and I saw it,” Bradly said under oath. “Before I moved out, there wasn’t any ammunition in the house. That video call, that is when I saw the box of bullets.”

Testimony indicated Jami Kasemeier called 911 regarding the potential threat, but her husband had allegedly already called dispatchers as well, saying his wife might contact emergency personnel and claim he was armed and possibly suicidal.

Nobles told the court Jami Kasemeier became afraid her husband was going to kill himself or someone else, and she testified to overhearing a phone conversation between the estranged couple the week before Jami Kasemeier was shot.

“He said that she needed to come back and fix things, and if she didn’t, he was going to kill her and the kids,” Nobles said. “She started freaking out when he said that.”

Jami Kasemeier’s friend and coworker Marie Burlington testified Jami had at some point pawned family jewelry to raise funds for a lawyer and had also been setting aside money from her paychecks.

“That Monday after she was killed was the day she was go-

Brandon Kasemeier took the stand to testify during his recent trial. Kasemeier was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Jami Kasemeier.

ing to file,” Burlington told the court.

Victim’s sister overheard altercation Sarah Owen, Jami Kasemeier’s sister, testified she heard an altercation take place while speaking with her sister just before 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024 — a day before authorities would discover her body.

Owen told the court that, during the call, she heard her sister scream, “No, Brandon, no,” which was followed by a loud noise before the call ended. Owen immediately called and texted her sister’s phone, but she received no response until approximately five minutes later, when she said Kasemeier called from her sister’s phone.

“I begged to talk to Jami,” Owen said. “I was trying to hear any type of noises in the background.”

Owen told the court Kasemeier claimed ‘she’s ok, she’s right here next to me’ and said he would never hurt his wife.

“He was too calm,” Owen said. “By the sound of his voice, I knew she was gone.”

Kasemeier testified he was high on methamphetamine and other substances the morning of January 21, 2024, and he said his paranoia caused him to believe the two sisters were maligning him during the phone

call. Kasemeier detailed how his wife denied it and pushed him.

“She struck me on my arm and my side, and I backhanded her,” Kasemeier testified.

He said she then called him a derogatory name, and he responded violently.

“I saw red, and I flipped,” he told the court. “I grabbed the gun from my dresser drawer — everything happened so fast — and I just shot.”

Prosecuting attorney Frank Severino didn’t agree with the picture Kasemeier’s testimony painted, telling the jury they couldn’t believe a word Kasemeier said.

“He said Jami started this — the drugs made me do it,” Severino said. “He hit her over and over again, and all he has on his body is a bruise on his right knuckle where he was pounding and pounding on the back of her head.”

Kasemeier’s defense attorney Erin Carr countered Severino’s comments, insisting Kasemeier would never hurt his wife maliciously and premeditatedly.

“This is the love of his life, the person he has been with since high school-did he really make plans to kill the woman he loved?” Carr asked the jurors. “Does that make sense?”

Owen called law enforcement following the Jan. 21 phone call, and she requested

Criminalist Kristin Harte held the murder weapon – a Ruger .22 caliber single shot revolver – to detail for the jury the multi-step process of shooting such a handgun. (Photos by Denise Lana) a welfare check to confirm her sister’s condition.

Waukon Police Chief Paul Wagner went to Jami Kasemeier’s apartment, where her son informed Wagner she had stayed the weekend with Kasemeier. Wagner then went to the Kasemeier residence and knocked, but no one came to the door — he heard dogs barking inside, but saw no obvious signs of foul play. The police chief told the court he contacted the county attorney’s office that afternoon and went back to the Kasemeier residence to see if anyone was home at that point. Wagner also made contact with the couple’s son again around 5:30 p.m. The young man told Wagner he had tried calling and texting his mother, but she hadn’t replied. Wagner’s briefed the relieving officer on the situation as the chief went off duty later that evening.

A second welfare check as conducted by a Waukon Police officer the next day without success, and law enforcement then sought permission to track the cellphones of both parties — Jami Kasemeier’s phone was located near her husband’s home, while Brandon Kasemei-

er’s was located in Loveland, Colorado. Authorities entered the house in Waukon and discovered Jami Kasemeier’s body in a bedroom. Brandon Kasemeier was located at a hotel in Loveland, Colorado, and he was taken into custody by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities found the .22 caliber single-action revolver and ammunition under the seat of his vehicle — criminalist Kristin Harte with the Department of Criminal Investigation said later testing determined rounds recovered from the scene of the homicide matched the revolver found under vehicle’s seat. Kasemeier was arrested and held in a Colorado jail until he could be extradited back to Iowa to face charges in his wife’s death.

Kasemeier told the court that, when he saw the body camera videos, he was disgusted by his drug-induced behavior.

“Being sober and seeing myself — I really treated my family like s---,” Kasemeier said.

“All because of my insecurities and my drug habit.”

Kasemeier is currently scheduled to be sentenced on July 7.

Bachmurski continued from front and Human Services on May 8 of this year, according to court documents.

State prosecutors had also previously issued a subpoena to Iowa DHHS officials at some point during the case, which yielded what Bachmurski’s attorneys referred to as a timeline and a letter authored by two separate DHHS officials — an employee and a social worker with the department. The employee who authored the timeline had previously testified during a deposition as part of the murder case against Bachmurski, according to court documents, but Bachmurski’s defense lawyer says the timeline lacked certain dates and other information contained in the letter authored by the social worker as well as other documentation.

“One or more police reports state the department worker for Jade Colvin contacted law enforcement and reported that Jade’s mother knew where Jade

was at, a year or more after Jade’s alleged disappearance.

Nothing in the timeline reflects this information,” Bachmurski’s attorneys wrote in a motion earlier this month, adding the employee who created the timeline may have been unaware of the information contained in the social worker’s letter.

However, an attorney representing Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services objected to the defense’s latest subpoena for the department’s complete file on Colvin, arguing information on individuals who have received services from the department, as well as information regarding potential child abuse, is to be kept confidential under Iowa law.

“Neither the defendant nor his attorney is authorized to receive confidential child abuse information regarding Jade Colvin,” the department’s attorney said in a May 9 filing, before asking the court to quash the defense’s

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recent subpoena.

Bachmurski’s attorneys asked the court to deny that request and claimed suppressing the requested evidence would violate Bachmurski’s right to due process. His attorneys also noted the court had previously ordered the department to turn over confidential information related to Colvin. Previous court records also indicated the court had authorized the same DHHS employee who created the timeline to discuss confidential information if asked to do so during a deposition and possible trial testimony.

The court’s May 22 ruling indicated a judge will review the department’s file on Colvin before those records are made available to attorneys in order to limit access to confidential information unrelated to the pending murder case.

Bachmurski is currently scheduled to go to trial on Aug. 4.

Investigators believe Colvin died after arriving in Decorah The U.S. Marshal Service contacted the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2022, saying Colvin was believed to have been in Winneshiek County prior to her disappearance in 2016 — Colvin’s case was one of more than two dozen taken up by the USMS in December of 2020, as part of an effort called Operation Homecoming.

By the spring of 2022, marshals had identified a number of individuals to interview regarding the teen’s disappearance.

The investigation was turned over to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office following the interviews, and the sheriff’s of-

fice then launched a local investigation with the aid of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office.

Information released by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office in August of 2024 said Colvin’s mother brought the teen to Iowa from Arizona to live with Bachmurski at his rural Decorah residence in the early spring of 2017. A criminal complaint filed against Bachmurski claimed he had “encouraged and participated in a one-on-one relationship with Jade Colvin via electronic messaging” without the mother’s knowledge for approximately a month before Colvin arrived in Decorah, and Bachmurski allegedly “used some of his own money to facilitate Jade Colvin being brought to his residence in March of 2017.”

The teenager had planned to contact friends after arriving in Iowa, according to court documents, but her phone was said to have reception issues at that time, and Bachmurski claimed he allowed Colvin to use his phone. A criminal complaint indicated investigators were able to confirm Colvin had used Bachmurski’s cell phone during the early morning hours of March 30, 2017.

“Since that time, Jade Colvin has never spoken with family or friends and has never been seen or heard from again,” a criminal complaint said.

Court documents said Bachmurski’s son saw Colvin’s suitcase and other property at his family’s farmhouse months after Colvin was last seen, and a criminal complaint claimed Bachmurski himself “lied and told others that Jade Colvin had gone somewhere after her

last text, while the investigation showed she was no longer alive.”

Bachmurski had considered contacting law enforcement while Colvin was at his home, according to a criminal complaint, but he felt “if he had alerted law enforcement that he had a runaway girl at his house, it would not have turned out good for him.”

Bachmurski brought back from Georgia A sheriff’s deputy had previously investigated a separate case involving Bachmurski approximately five years before Colvin’s disappearance, after claims the then 54-year-old Bachmurski had used ratchet straps to tie his son to a metal folding chair “and shocked him multiple times on the arm with an electric fence charger.” Filings in that case went on to say Bachmurski also “repeatedly threatened to shoot his sons,” saying they were “not worth the price of the bullet it would take to kill them,” and that “he could shoot them and bury them in the backyard and no one would know.”

A deferred judgement was entered in that case. Bachmurski was placed on probation and was prohibited from possessing firearms.

A sheriff’s deputy performing a welfare/probation check in early January of 2018 — about 14 months after Colvin’s last known contact — discovered a loaded .223 caliber Stevens rifle in a closet at Bachmurski’s home. Bachmurski was charged three days later with possession of a firearm by a felon.

Bachmurski’s attorney in that case lost contact with his client in early 2019, telling the

court Bachmurski had sold his Decorah home and was not responding to calls or text messages.

“It is possible that the defendant has moved out of the state and his intentions to return are unknown,” an attorney for Bachmurski in that case wrote in February of 2019.

The 66-year-old was later listed as residing in Swainsboro, Georgia, at least six months before Colvin was allegedly sighted in Illinois — Georgia court records said Bachmurski was accused of forcing himself on a woman there, cutting her clothing off with a box cutter and physically assaulting her, but that case was dismissed by a district attorney after the victim failed to appear for a grand jury.

Authorities investigating Colvin’s disappearance were able to interview Bachmurski at some point in 2023, according to Iowa court records, and they asked Bachmurski if he recognized a picture of Colvin.

“I do,” Bachmurski was quoted as saying. “I’m not gonna lie. I do. As a matter of fact, I’ll guarantee you I’m getting myself in a lot of trouble. I want to tell the truth.”

Authorities served Bachmurski a warrant on June 20, 2024, for his possession of the Stevens rifle. The 66-yearold was transported from the Emanuel County Jail in Georgia to the Winneshiek County Jail, where he was served a warrant in the local murder case on Aug. 12, 2024 — more than seven years after Jade Colvin disappeared.

Bachmurski remains in custody at the Winneshiek County Jail on a $1 million bond.

COMMUNITY/SPORTS

DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Butler to discuss work ahead of local book signing (Photo submitted)

Learn to kayak, canoe at Lake Meyer The public is invited to join Winneshiek County Conservation for an introduction course on kayaking and canoeing from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 5 at Lake Meyer Park. Participants will learn basic water

safety, paddling techniques and kayaking/canoeing skills for a class fee of $5. The class is designed with beginning paddlers in mind. Registration is required as materials are limited. The class is open to ages 10

and older. Children ages 10-14 must have an adult register and participate with them. Registration may be completed online through Northeast Iowa Community College at nicc.augusoft.net.

Decorah students repurpose Legos to spark creativity in others Inspired by a California teen’s nonprofit called Pass the Bricks, Decorah teacher librarian Shannon Horton launched a local effort to recycle donated Lego bricks into custom kits for children in need.

With help from students, the bricks were cleaned, sorted and rebuilt into one-of-akind Lego sets.

The first donation of more than 25 kits was delivered to Postville Elementary students in May. Some sets were even tailored to the community, such as a set

DMS student Soren Zittergruen shows off his “Overambitious Mini Figure” kit.

(Photo submitted)

DMS student Charlie Peterson shows off his finished kit “Battle of the Swamp.”

resembling the Postville Fire Department.

“My students loved picking out their favorite kit - a space ship or store or basketball court,” said Rachel Sandhorst, a counselor at the Postville Community School District. “The recipients are excited to take home their kits to play with this summer.”

What began as a Decorah Middle School mini-course project has now expanded, with Decorah High School National Honor Society members continuing the work each school year.

Decorah is now one of three Iowa sites — and one of more than 100 worldwide — participating in the effort to spread creativity through recycled Legos. For more information, visit passthebricks.org.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Each entrant may submit up to two printed Contest 1.photographs. must be original works and open 2.havePhotographs been taken by the entrant in northeast southeast Minnesota or western Wisto all Iowa, consin.

DRIFTLESS

PHOTO

Amateurs + Professionals

GRAPHY

Entrants must be 18+ or have written consent from parent/guardian

Contest

GRAND PRIZE $50 cash, $50 gift card to The Perfect Edge Custom Framing and Art Gallery, and a 12-month subscription to the Decorah Leader. The winning photo will also be featured in the Decorah Leader.

FIRST PRIZE in each category: $25 cash, $25 gift card to The Perfect Edge Custom Framing and Art Gallery, a 12-month subscription to the Decorah Leader and a certificate of achievement.

RUNNER-UP PRIZE in each category: $15 cash, $20 gift card to The Perfect Edge Custom Framing and Art Gallery, a 12-month subscription to the Decorah Leader and a certificate of achievement.

Photos must be original works taken by the entrant in the Driftless Region. Winners will be announced during the fair, published in the Decorah Leader and online.

s e i r o g e t a C

Portraits + People Driftless Wild

Nature, wildlife, animals, flowers

Destination Driftless

Landscapes, architecture, attractions, activities

We can help!

Winneshiek County Fair photography contest sponsored by

SCAN CODE for complete contest rules

Questions

110 Washington St., Suite 4, Decorah 563-382-4221 decorahleader.com

Wisconsin author Nickolas Butler will join local school librarian Shannon Horton at 7 p.m. Monday, June 2 in the Pulpit Rock Brewing events room — 207 College Dr. in Decorah — for a conversation followed by a book signing. This free event is sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation with support from Pulpit Rock Brewing and Dragonfly Books.

Butler is the author of “A Forty Year Kiss,” which is described as a small-town story about a couple’s hard-won second chance at love, 40 years after their divorce. Butler was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and educated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop. He is the winner of France’s prestigious PAGE Prix America, the 2014 Great Lakes Great Reads Award, the 2014 Midwest Independent Booksellers Award, the 2015 Wisconsin Library Association Literary Award, the 2015 UW-Whitewater Chancellor’s Regional Literary Award and has been long-listed for the 2014 Flaherty Dunnan Award for First Novel and short-listed for France’s FNAC Prix.

Shannon Horton has been a teacher librarian for more than 20 years and holds a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Wisconsin. She is currently the middle and high school librarian for Decorah Public Schools.

The June 2 event is part of Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation’s robust author event series, which brings writers of all genres to northeast Iowa to lead in conversations about literature and writing. To learn more about this event and other events with Dragonfly Books, visit dragonflybooks.com.

call Ruth (563-419-2834) or Samantha (563-382-4221)

107 West Water St., Decorah 563-382-2567 perfectedgedecorah.com

3. The photo itself must be at least 5x7 inches. The maximum size, including the mat, cannot exceed 12x16 inches. All photos must be MOUNTED or MATTED for stability.

4. Framed photos, including floating frames are not allowed. Do not attach any hanging devices to the back of the photo. Do not cover photos with plastic, acetate or glass.

5. Dates on the front of the photo are not appropriate, and points will be deducted. Signatures, entrant names or business logos on the front of any photograph will result in disqualification.

6. Photographs must have a fully completed entry slip attached to the back.

7. Entries need to be delivered to the Winneshiek County Fair Community Building on July 1 between noon and 4 p.m. with an attached official entry slip indicating the entrants name, category and details of entry, address, phone number. Forms available on Winneshiek County Fair website and at the Decorah Leader office, 110 Washington Street, Suite 4, Decorah, Monday-Friday 8:30-4:00.

13

Trojans run to 11th-place finish in distance medley

Brynlee Hayek (right) gets the baton from distance medley relay lead runner Kendall Kuennen and takes off toward the next exchange. (Photo by Becky Walz)

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com Bringing a roster to Drake Stadium with mostly freshmen and sophomores, the Turkey Valley Trojans demonstrated they may be a serious force to be reckoned with if they keep improving and stay dedicated to the sport.

“I thought it was a very successful weekend,” said TV coach Sarah Bakula.

The team qualified five events – three relays – that attempted to make their mark at the state blue oval this past week.

TV started out its 2025 state track experience with sophomore Hazel Nieman’s 19thplace finish in the 400-meter dash with a clip of 1:02.47 on Thursday evening.

Then it was a season PR accomplished by the distance medley group of sophomores Kendall Kuennen, Bella Stika, Nieman and freshman Brynlee Hayek on Friday morning. The foursome ran a season-best by over three seconds of 4:22.46.

Stika’s anchor leg – which was leading the Trojans’ heat two at one point – was 2:22.

“Everyone that ran that race basically ran their PR, which obviously led to a three-second overall PR for that crew,” said Bakula. “That was awesome to have a relay do that down there.”

The Turkey Valley school record (4:18.48) in the distance medley relay is held by the 2021 quartet of Kara Reicks, Josie Weber, Jaycie Byrne and Jalyssa Blazek. That relay pairing placed fifth that year at state.

Bakula changed the order of the relay prior to state to help Nieman qualify for the open 400. Nieman switched places with Kuennen, who led off the relay at state and Nieman took the baton in the third position.

The Trojans’ 4x400 relay of Kuennen, Stika, freshman Alexis Gruenberg and Nieman ran to a 17th-place finish in 4:14.66 a season-best.

TV’s two events on Saturday were the sprint medley and Stika’s open 800-meter run The sprint medley relay was the first race of the day as the Trojans were in heat one. The group of Kuennen, junior Jordan Throndson, Nieman and Stika wound up 21st in 1:56.37.

Stika’s individual event about an hour-and-a-half later did not go as planned. She ended up falling down after getting tangled up with other runners at the 300-meter mark of the race.

Stika ran to a clip of 2:32.72, which put her in the 24th and final slot in the field. Bakula talked about Stika’s race – which she called a learning experience.

Bakula said her team’s memorable state moments are motivation enough to improve and perhaps snare a medal next spring.

“For the next three years that feeds into their fire of wanting more and wanting to go back and be that experienced person on that stage next year,” said Bakula about her young squad.

Bella Stika carried the baton in three Trojan relays and competed in the 800-meter run as an individual at state last weekend. (Photo by Becky Walz)

8. Photos can be picked up the last day of the fair. Photos will be available from 2-4 p.m. on July 12 in the Community Building

Matting and Mounting Guidelines: All photos must be mounted or matted.

The quality of a mat or mount will not be considered while judging, however one option or the other is required for stability during handling and display.

MOUNTED: the photo is adhered to a rigid surface such as foam core. It is flush-mounted edge to edge with no borders.

MATTED: a window opening mat is cut to place over the photo. Entrants will need a backing board behind this to make it rigid for display. *Poster board is not acceptable to use as a mat.

Winneshiek County Fair July 8-12, 2025

Hazel Nieman exploded out of the blocks from lane 1 as the gun sounded for the 400-meter dash. (Photo by Becky Walz)

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14 | DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

Big finishes for Vikings at Drake Stadium Several of the Decorah speedsters were weighed down with medals following the weekend trip to Des Moines for the state track and field championships.

The Viking girls picked up 39 points on their way to a sixth place finish in Class 3A, whereas the boys earned just six in a three-way tie for 29th.

A big weekend The best finish for Decorah on Friday was in the 4x200 relay. Stella Pole, McKenzie Riley, Cassandra Stammeyer and Audrey Essa put together a second place run with a season best and new school record time of 1:41.40. The same quartet had another season best Saturday morning in the sprint medley

relay with a time of 1:48.91, good for sixth.

Individually, Renae Wilson had quite the showing for the Vikings. The junior looked surprised as she finished third in the high jump, clearing the bar at 5 feet, 6 inches setting a new school record. In the 100-meter hurdle prelims, Wilson went 15.07 seconds to snare a finals spot in third Friday. In Saturday’s finals, the Viking improved her time to 14.90 seconds coming away with her second bronze of the weekend.

In her second trip to the state meet, Lauren Luzum improved her finish in the shot put from a year ago. Last season she earned fifth. A throw of 40 feet, 7.75 inches put the junior up to

Decorah senior Lillian Olson finished her high school track career as a member of the 4x400 relay which finished 12th in Fridays prelims at the state track meet in Des Moines. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

third.

Grace Tangen earned a pair of fifth place finishes in the throwing events. The freshman sailed the discus 131 feet, 6 inches Thursday and then sent the shot put 39 feet, 10.75 inches Friday to earn her two medals.

Addisyn Ivy, Pole, Stammeyer and Essa eased into the 4x100 relay finals with a time of 49.27 seconds Friday afternoon. In Saturday’s finals, the quartet ran a nearly identical time of 49.28 seconds, moving up to seventh place.

The shuttle hurdle and 4x400 relays were left out of the finals, both finishing 12th in prelims.

In the hurdle event it was Kelby Kerndt, Ivy, Kennady Riehle and Wilson posting a time of 1:09.12. Riley, Wilson, Pole and Lillian Olson combined their talents for a time of 4:04.63 in the 4x400 relay.

Stammeyer also competed individually for the Vikings in the 100-meter dash prelims, crossing the finish line in 12.64 seconds in 16th place.

“In front of the largest crowd in state track and field history the Decorah girls excelled. We scored eight of the 12 times that we had the opportunity to compete. We had personal bests, season bests and top five performances in school history,” said co-head coach Brad Johansen. “The girls were genuinely excited for each other’s success and represented the Decorah Community schools in a manner that would make everyone proud. I know that is a lot but state track and field has become the ‘show’ as one coach told me, with top five national performances, record crowds. To perform in that set-

Jansen, Conway post best Blue Oval finishes Class 1A team standings, while the girls earned just five in an eight-way tie for 37th.

Addy Conway led off the Warrior 4x800 relay which finished 18th overall. (Photo

by Becky Walz) A fifth-place finish was the best result for the South Winn track and field teams in Des Moines over the weekend.

The Warrior boys put up 7.5 points to finish 34th in the

For the boys Hugh Conway shouldered the bulk of the scoring in his two individual races. The freshman opened his weekend in the 3200-meter run Thursday, moving through the field up to seventh at the finish line in 9:50.67, a personal best time.

Saturday afternoon, Conway had an even better finish in the 1600-meter run as he garnered fifth place in another PR time of 4:26.49.

A tie for seventh in the high jump, senior Kaden Barton-Franzen also scored for the Warriors. He cleared 6 feet 1 inch.

In the 4x100 relay, Irving Flores, Brennan Franzen, Lukas Weiss and Eric Greve stopped the clock at 45.28, earning 20th in the prelims.

Cameron Einck, another freshman, also competed in the 3200-meter run, finishing in 23rd with a time of 10:37.72.

Cameron Einck (left) and Hugh Conway ran side by side early in the Class 1A 3200-meter run before Conway ran off to a seventh place finish in 9:50.67. Einck, also a freshman, finished the long race in 10:37.72 in 23rd place. (Photo by Becky Walz)

ting at that level is very impressive.”

Two medals for the boys For the boys it was the 4x800 quartet of Bill Fullhart, Thomas Hammel, Grant Zilka and Mitchell Stemper collecting the top finish for the Vikes. They had a time of 8:00.50, to finish fifth overall Thursday morning.

Stemper put points on the board Saturday again for Decorah following his seventh place performance in the 800-meter run. The junior had a time of 1:57.12. Hammel was also on the track in the event, crossing the finish line in 1:58.74 in 18th place.

Drake relays qualifier William Hahn was trackside for a pair of field events. The senior’s discus heave of 148 feet, 2 inches landed him 10th Thursday.

On Friday, Hahn finished 12th in the shot put with a throw of 49 feet, 11.75 inches.

Other individuals on the Blue Oval for the Vikings included Peyton Webb in the high jump (16th, 5’11”), Joshua Adam in the 110-meter hurdles (20th, 15.50), Clarence Nimrod in the 3200-meter run (21st, 10:30.45) and Garrett See in the 1600-meter run (24th, 4:40.56).

Three additional relays hit the track over the weekend. In the 4x100 prelims it was Landon Quandahl, Adam, Zach Driscoll and Webb finishing 11th in 43.12 seconds. The sprint medley quartet of Quandahl, Adam, Trevor Kuennen and Bennett Coppola nabbed 12th overall in 3:35.93. In 3:26.34, the 4x400 relay took home 13th. Members of that quartet were Kuennen, Max Grimstad, Mason Avila and Stemper.

Renae Wilson took bronze in the high jump and recorded a new school record as she cleared the bar at 5 feet 6 inches Thursday at the state track and field championships. (Photo

by Becky Walz)

Grant Zilka (right) hands off the baton to Mitchell Stemper in the Class 3A 4x800 relay. The duo teamed up with Bill Fullhart and Thomas Hammel to finish fifth overall - the best finish for the Viking boys. (Photo by Becky Walz)

Viking girls finish season at regional golf The season wrapped up at the Class 3A regional meet in Manchester last week for the Decorah girls golf team with a ninth-place finish.

Swinging the clubs at Pin Oak Pub and Links, the Vikings put up a combined score of 430.

Wahlert Catholic won the day with a 341. Posting a 360, Benton also qualified for state as the regional runner-up.

Leading the way for Decorah was Olivia Brynsaas with a 97, with Lulu Bellrichard fashioned a 100. Shelby Hageman carved out a 115.

Touring the course with a 118 was Riann Oberbroeckling.

Class 3A Region 5 team scores 1. Wahlert Catholic 341; 2. Benton 360; 3. West Delaware 366; 4. Waverly-Shell Rock 381; 5. Central DeWitt 406; 6. Charles City 411; 7. Independence 422; 8. Marion 428; 9. Decorah 430; 10. Assumption 445

Bodensteiner finishes 26th overall at regional final Maddy Jansen glances at the clock as she crosses the 400-meter dash finish line.

The junior earned fifth place overall in 59.18 seconds.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Points for the girls Two events scored points for the girls with Maddy Jansen earning fifth-place points in the girls 400-meter dash Thursday night. The junior circled the track in 59.18 seconds. Saturday, Jansen anchored the sprint medley relay to an eighth-place finish in 1:52.63. Other members of the relay were Katie Shimek, Allison Hageman and Cloey Zweibohmer.

Friday night, the 4x400 quartet of Shimek, Alexis Johanningmeier, Addy Conway and Jansen finished just outside of a qualifying spot for the finals.

They put up a time of 4:10.22, good for 10th.

Shimek, Johanningmeier, Zweibohmer and Jansen just missed a top 10 finish in the 4x200 relay Friday afternoon with their combined time of 1:49.36.

One other relay was on the track Thursday. Conway, Annie Hageman, Karissa Wenthold and Ava Franzen combined for a time of 10:20.73 in the 4x800 relay to finish 18th overall.

Zweibohmer was on the track for the only other individual event as she competed in the 100-meter dash. The junior’s time of 13.36 second put her in 21st place in the preliminaries.

Lady Vikes take charge in postseason match with Comets

By Kelly Terpstra sports@nhtrib.com Turkey Valley junior Annika Bodensteiner capped off an impressive junior season with a 26th-place showing at the Class 1A regional final held at Little Bear Country Club in Wyoming last week Wednesday.

Bodensteiner produced a 105 on the nine-hole course, which included a 53 on the back nine.

Bodensteiner was one of six individuals that moved on to the regional finals after carding a 96 on Friday, May 16 at Lone Pine Country Club in Colesburg.

Easton Valley (360) and Nashua-Plainfield (374) were the team qualifiers out of the region on Wednesday.

TV’s Annika Bodensteiner teed off for the final time this season at the regional final.

(Photo by Kelly Terpstra/ New Hampton Tribune)

Warrior freshman Maya Lensing finished the regional final last with with a 106.

(Photo by Kelly Terpstra/ New Hampton Tribune)

Fifth place regional finish for SW girls

The 2025 season concluded Wednesday, May 21, at the Little Bear Country Club near Wyoming with a fifth-place finish at the Class 1A Region 5 final.

The Warriors combined for a 408 tally. Easton Valley (360) and Nashua-Plainfield (374) earned the top two spots to advance to the state tournament.

Claire Becker was the lone Warrior to post a score under 100 with a 96. Abby Wagner toured the course with a 100 with Maya Lensing and Bailee Frana rounding out the South Winn scorecard with 106s. Julia Carnesi came through with a 107, while Aubrey Hageman concluded her senior campaign with a 113.

Putting the pressure throughout the second half, the Decorah girls soccer team (2-13-2) finished the Class 2A Region 1 quarterfinal with a 4-0 victory over Charles City (5-7-1) on the road.

The win put the Vikings into the regional semifinal against Waverly-Shell Rock (14-0-1) Wednesday, May 28. Results of the match were unavailable at press time.

“We started this game very cautiously, it seemed. We dominated possession throughout the first half and had many shots, but were unable to put one between the posts. The second half played pretty much like the first in terms of possession, but this time we were able to score an early goal. That let the girls relax a bit. From that point on it was just a matter of keeping the pressure on Charles City, not letting them breathe,” said coach Loren Hendrickson.

Decorah scored all four of its goals in the second half. Nora Lesmeister and Vivan Searcy each scored a pair in the Vikings’ win.

In all, Decorah had 14 shots on the goal with Lesmeister setting the pace with six of the 14.

Sara Johanningmeier and Searcy had two apiece. Adding one each were Stella Grinna, Regine Hougen, Leah Garcia-Prats and Brinley Quandahl.

Taylor Sloan-Dahl had one save in the goal.

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DECORAH LEADER | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025 | WWW.DECORAHLEADER.COM | SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ | BECKY.WALZ@DECORAHLEADER.COM

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Decorah girls tennis punches ticket to state After dominant run through the regional competition the Decorah girls tennis team earned a trip to the state team tournament last week, winning the first round.

Rounds 2 & 3 Shift Indoors Rain delayed and relocated Tuesday’s (May 20) matches to Luther College’s indoor courts.

Decorah first watched Aplington-Parkersburg defeat Waverly-Shell Rock (5-2); they then took on Oelwein in round 2. This time, as the final two matches finished within a point of one another, a 6-0 sweep advanced the Vikings to the final. Victories came from Olivia Huinker, Kaitlyn Bjork, Grace Huinker, Leah Holland (via forfeit), Jaidyn Duvel, and Klaara Short.

State-Qualifying Match In the decisive state-qualifying round, Decorah faced Aplington-Parkersburg — an opponent they had defeated 8-1 earlier in the season. Expecting this would be a tougher rematch, the Vikings stepped onto Luther College’s indoor courts with focus and determination.

G. Huinker struck first, repeating her earlier performance

against A-P with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win. Holland followed quickly with the same score line.

“Grace and Leah have been incredibly steady players this year—both have beautiful groundstrokes, anticipation, and hustle,” said coach Amanda Huinker.

Meanwhile, O. Huinker battled A-P’s Adria Neymeyer, the No. 7 ranked player in the state.

The Viking netter had previously beaten Neymeyer when she was ranked No. 5 to earn her own current No. 6 ranking.

This match proved just as intense. After taking the first set 6-4, O. Huinker jumped ahead 4-1 in the second. She held her ground in a high-level match marked by sharp groundstrokes and powerful serving, ultimately winning 6-4, 6-4.

“It was an amazing battle,” said coach Huinker. “Both players had to dig deep, and Olivia did a fantastic job staying composed and aggressive.”

At No. 2 singles, Bjork fell 2-6, 4-6 to Peyton Klooster, but not without leaving an impression.

“Kaitlyn played a strong second set,” coach Huinker noted.

“She changed up her game plan and pushed Klooster to earn

every point. I was really impressed with Kaitlyn’s adjustments — she proved to herself that she can be tenacious.”

With Decorah up 3-1, the focus shifted to courts 5 and 6.

Both Duvel and Short won their first sets 6-2, but their second sets brought new challenges.

“Jaidyn had a plan for her match,” said coach Huinker.

“It’s not easy to play from behind, but she stuck with her strategy, stayed aggressive and smart, and pulled through in a confidently played second-set tiebreaker. I’m proud of the way Jaidyn ended her set - she stayed focused and tough.”

Duvel’s 7-4 tiebreak win secured the fourth point for the Vikings.

Short was the last player on the court as doubles play would not begin until all singles were complete.

“It’s not easy being out there by yourself,” coach Huinker said. “But Klaara stayed composed. She had a couple of difficult games, but at the changeover, I reminded her that the weight of the world wasn’t on her shoulders — to take deep breaths and focus on one point at a time.”

Short responded with confidence, taking the second-set

Members of the Decorah girls’ tennis team display the state qualifying banner following last week’s regional final including (front, l-r) Camryn Holland, Klaara Short, Olivia Huinker, Dylin Thompson; (back) assistant coach Reg Laursen, assistant coach Phil Yee, Kaitlyn Bjork, Jaidyn Duvel, Leah Holland, Grace Huinker, head coach Amanda Huinker and assistant coach Kristy Schilling. (Photo submitted) tiebreaker 7-0 and clinching the fifth and final point for the Vikings.

With the 5-1 victory, Decorah officially joined the state team tournament’s Elite Eight.

What came next The Vikings advanced to the State Quarterfinals and faced Dike–New Hartford Saturday at

Byrnes Park in Waterloo, winning 5-0 in singles play.

“We were really excited for the opportunity to play Dike again,” said coach Huinker.

“They beat us in Round 3 last year, but we’re a stronger team now. We’ve developed as both singles and doubles players, and we were ready for the tough competition Dike brought.”

Bjork took her No. 2 slot win 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 (10-5) over Aidalyn Tott. G. Huinker defeated Addy Joslin and Holland topped Lauren Muller in the No. 3 and 4 spots by identical 6-2, 6-1 sets. At. No. 5 it was Duvel winning 6-2, 6-3 over Haley Badker. In 6-1, 7-5 sets, Short defeated Kiersten Christiansen at No. 6.

Netters are state bound to Elite Eight for fourth straight season

The Decorah boys tennis team earned its fourth consecutive trip to the Elite 8 last week.

Members of the substate champion team are (l-r) Liam Chamberlain, Aitor Cuevas, Keaton Nalean-Carlson, Elliot Berland, Tristan Hunter and Caleb Krieg. (Photo submitted) For the fourth consecutive year, the Decorah boys’ tennis team (16-0) will make an appearance in the elite eight at the team state tournament.

The Vikings have had a busy few weeks with the state individual and doubles tournament also getting underway.

Qualifying for state Thursday, a day later than scheduled, the Vikings volleyed the balls on the Luther College courts, picking up a 5-1 win over Columbus Catholic (13-7)

to win the Class 1A Substate 4 championship.

“There were a lot of tight matches but the boys showed their mettle and growth coming through them all,” said coach Matt Anderson. “A special kudos to Liam Chamberlain for being a part of all four of the state teams and being a great leader always playing tough opponents at number 1.”

Tristan Hunter battled Fabio Hechler in a tough No. 2 match, with the sophomore coming out on top 6-4, 7-6(7-5). At No. 3

Keaton Nalean-Carlson defeated Bryce Noland 6-4, 6-2. Winning at No. 4 was Elliot Berland 6-1, 7-5 over Drew Schultz. Caleb Krieg overtook Rudy Lind 6-4, 6-1 at No. 5 while Aitor Cuevas took the No. 6 win 6-2, 6-0 over Timothy Shockley.

State individual and doubles Tuesday, five Vikings were back in action at the state singles and doubles tournament al Bymes Park in Waterloo for the first of the two-day tournament.

Full results of the tournament were unavailable at press time.

In the individual tournament, Nalean-Carlson took on Parker Stroh of Columbus Catholic, falling 6-4, 6-1. A win by Viking junior in the consolation bracket over Isaac Jackson of Audubon 6-3 and 6-1, moved Nalean-Carison into Wednesday’s consolation semifinal with a win over Pella’s Nile Rozenboom, 7-6, 6-4, 1-0 (6).

Seeded fifth in the doubles competition, Chamberlain and Krieg won their first match 6-0, 6-1 over Luke Daoust and Ryan Lawrence of Shenandoah.

In the quarterfinals the Waverly-Shell Rock duo of Matthew Judka and Brady Willis got the upper hand 6-0, 6-2 to drop the Viking pair into the second round of the consolation. There Chamberlain and Krieg battled Braxton Sproule and Patrick Houser of Boone, winning 6-3, 6-1 to advance to the consolation semifinals in doubles play.

Decorah’s other doubles team of Hunter and Berland got their feet wet at the state tournament, ending their run in the first round of the consolations The sophomore duo opened the day with a tough three set battle against Ballard’s Emmett Miller and Isaiah Zeigler The Vikings lost 7-6(5), 3-6 and 1-0(9). In the latter round Hunter and Berland fell 6-0, 6-3 to Xavier’s Bradey Johnson and Tyler Jasper.

Vikings open season with 7-0 win over South Winn

With both squads taking the field for competition for the first time in 2025 it was anyone’s game between the South Winn and Decorah softball teams.

In the end it was the Vikings claiming victory 7-0 in Calmar.

It was a three up, three down first frame for both teams in opening stanza; however, Decorah began to find a groove in

the second, putting two runners on the basepaths. Leaving the runners stranded, it took until the fourth frame to put tallies on the board. Issued a walk, Decorah’s Lauren Luzum sped around the bases on a sacrifice

by Clara Hjelle and was driven home by a Lillian Olson single.

Holding on to a 1-0 lead, Decorah put together a solid fifth in-

SW sits second after day one

After last year’s state golf experience was cut short due to weather, the South Winn boys golf team looks to make the most of another go at the Class 1A state title.

After Tuesday’s opening day of the two-day tournament, the Warriors were in second place in the team standings with a 325.

Boyden-Hull led the 12-team field with a 306. The final results of the tournament were unavailable at press time.

Finishing day one with a 77, Carson Streeter sat in a tie for sixth place.

Fellow junior Cale Kleppe was locked in a three-way tie for 12th place with an 80.

Carding an 81, Braiden Todd sat in 15th place with seven other linksters.

Touring the 18-holes in 39th was Matson Winings who fashioned an 87, along with three others.

One stroke behind Winings was Carver Wenthold while Jackson Goltz rounded out the Warrior squad with a 90 on day one.

Vikings earn split with Kee

South Winn’s Addi Timp ducks the throw to Alyssa Timp at first base as Decorah’s Clara Hjelle races down the line.

(Photo by Becky Walz)

Warrior senior Britney Hageman fouls a ball of her bat Tuesday from the pitch by Viking Clara Hjelle to catcher Lauren Luzum. (Photo by Becky Walz)

After day one of the state tournament, South Winn’s Braiden Todd sat in a tie for 15th with an 81. (Photo by Becky Walz)

ning with Kate Pattison leading off with a walk. Singles by Liz Bucksa and Dylin Thompson loaded the bases for Luzum who sent the ball to the fence to push three more runs on the board. South Winn’s Britney Hageman ended the inning as she caught a high fly ball hit by Ava Steine in right field.

After Viking pitcher Hjelle had thrown 12 strikeouts, it was junior Alyssa Holthaus tagging the ball for South Winn’s first hit of the contest in the bottom

of the fifth. The stand-up double soon put the Warrior in a precarious rundown as Bailey Kuennen hit a line drive down third base to Decorah’s Lillian Olson. Ultimately Kuennen was safe at first on the fielder’s choice as the Vikes tagged Holthaus for the out. Decorah would go on to end the inning without allowing a run and added a pair of runs in the final two frames to secure the win.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

Taking Olejniczak Field for the first time this season Monday, the Decorah baseball team (1-1) split the non-conference varsity doubleheader with Kee (5-1).

The Hawks entered the contests undefeated and left with a split decision with the Vikings, taking game one 7-6 and dropping game two 4-0.

In the opener, the two squads battled with a 6-6 knotted score for the fifth and sixth frames before Kee scratched on run across the plate in the seventh and left the Vikings without a tally.

Decorah out-hit the visitors with Kaden Alstad poking one out of the ballfield and garnering three RBI. Kasen Tyler and Gavin Knutson each knocked out a double and a single, each driving in a run. Others putting the ball into play included Mason Avila, Brayden Wemark, and Austin Helgerson.

The nightcap went in the Vikings’ favor 4-0 as Wemark struck out 15 and gave up just two hits on the mound. Decorah pushed three runs across the dish in the fifth and added another in sixth in the shutout.

Tyler connected twice and had a pair of RBI, while Avila, Alstad and Wemark each tagged the ball once.

R H Kee 2 0 1 3 0 0 1 7 6 Dec 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 8 Kasen Tyler (LP) – 2IP, 1R, 0H, 1BB, 3K; Cash Riehle (SP) – 5IP, 6R, 6H, 7K HR – Kaden Alstad 1; 2B – Tyler 1; Gavin Knutson 1; 1B – Mason Avila 1; Tyler 1; Brayden Wemark 1; Austin Helgerson 1; Knutson 1; RBI – Alstad 3; Tyler 1; Knutson 1; SB – Wemark 1; Nathan Wymer 1; Alstad 1; Avila 1 R H Kee 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Dec 0 0 0 0 3 1 x 4 5 Wemark (WP) – 7IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 15K 1B – Tyler 2; Avila 1; Alstad 1; Wemark 1; RBI – Tyler 2; Trevor Kuennen 1; Ethan Kuennen 1; SB – Knutson 2

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DECORAH LEADER

Decorah’s Clarence Nimrod competed in the 3200-meter run.

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THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025

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Winneshiek County athletes excel at state meet

Decorah fans cheered William Hahn in two field events over the weekend. The senior finished 10th in the discus and 12th in the shot put.

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SPORTS EDITOR BECKY WALZ

Turkey Valley’s Kendall Kuennen, Brynlee Hayek, Bella Stika and Hazel Nieman (l-r) took a bite out of the competition and cookies following the distance medley relay Friday.

Cassandra Stammeyer (right) enters the final 4x200 exchange zone as Audrey Essa turns to take off. The pair teamed up with Stella Pole and McKenzie Riley to take second in the event.

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Eric Greve (left) gets the baton from Lukas Weiss for the final leg of the South Winn 4x100 relay at state Friday afternoon.

The pair teamed up with Irving Flores and Brennan Franzen to finish 20th in 45.28 seconds.

Peyton Webb takes off to reach speed before Decorah teammate Zachary Driscoll reaches the 4x100 exchange zone during Friday’s prelims.

Stella Pole (left) and Addisyn Ivy prepare for the exchange in the 4x100 prelims.

Kelby Kerndt, along with teammaes Addisyn Ivy, Kennady Riehle and Renae Wilson finished 12th in the shuttle hurdle relay prelims.

Viking senior Thomas Hammel hugs northeast Iowa track official Ray Armel following the boys 4x800 relay.

RIGHT: Cloey Zweibohmer went the length of the track in 13.36 seconds in the 100-meter dash prelims.

Turkey Valley’s Alexis Gruenberg (left) and Decorah’s Mason Avila each took turns in the respective 4x400 relay races.

BELOW: Jenna Throndson took a turn with the baton in the Trojan sprint medley relay Saturday morning.

Joshua Adam (left) and Landon Quandahl exchange the baton at the 200-meter mark of distance medley. Joining them on the track were Trevor Kuennen and Bennett Coppola for the race to finish 12th overall.

ABOVE: Annie Hageman (left) comforts Warrior senior teammate Karissa Wenthold following their legs of the 4x800 relay.

LEFT: Throwing coach Mike Tangen (center) was proud of Lauren Luzum (left) and Grace Tangen who collected medals at the state track and field championships last weekend.

(Photos by Becky Walz/Decorah Leader and Bob Fenske/New Hampton Tribune)