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Syttende Mai events to take place this week

Flying of the Norwegian ﬂag, singing the Norwegian national anthem, dressing in traditional bunads and enjoying Scandinavian music will likely be highlights of the Syttende Mai celebration on Friday, May 16 at Vesterheim in Decorah.

Syttende Mai celebrates the Norwegian Constitution – the signing of Norway’s Constitution

in Eidsvoll, Norway, occurred on May 17, 1814. Norwegians traditionally celebrate with parades in the streets, waving ﬂags and singing songs.

This year’s local event at Vestherheim will be sponsored by a gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Craig Trygstad and Lynne Coleman.

Vesterheim is celebrating Syttende Mai a day early this year,

Vidar Skrede will perform a concert from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Vesterheim museum’s Bethania Church during the Syttende Mai celebration. Skrede is originally from southwest Norway, and the musician now lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo submitted)

and the event will coincide with the ribbon cutting and opening reception of the museum’s new forging studio — located at 418 West Water St. The ribbon cutting at the forge will commence at 9 a.m. that day. The public is invited to attend an opening reception at Vesterheim Commons following the ribbon cutting.

Schedule of events

This year’s schedule features a children’s parade, Nordic Dancer performance, book signing by Amy Shaw, a live ﬁddle contest, free ice cream and more.

Admission is free all day, while the museum and store will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the celebration.

Vidar Skrede will perform a concert from noon to 12:30 p.m. that day in the museum’s Bethania Church during the Syttende Mai festivities. Skrede is originally from southwest Norway, and the musician now lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Museum directors noted Skrede is a well-known Syttende Mai continued on page 7

County EMA: Preparedness is key in responding to severe weather

(The complete version of this article published in the May 1 Decorah Leader, ﬁnd past editions of the newspaper at decorahleader.com)

Celebrating 50 YEARS

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

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

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

“A ﬂood in April may look different than a ﬂood in the same location in August,” he said. “There are lots of variables at play.”

In the event of bad weather, Snyder said one of the best tools available to Iowans is Alert Iowa, the state’s ofﬁcial emergency notiﬁcation system, which can be accessed via the internet at homelandsecurity. iowa.gov/programs/alert-iowa. However, if a person doesn’t have a smart phone or access to the internet, he said people can also protect themselves by keeping a literal weather eye.

“If you do not have your phone on your person and ﬁnd

yourself outdoors, keep an eye to the sky,” he said. “Watch the cloud formations. Large pillowing clouds which look to be building in height could signal thunderstorm development. Also, cloud formations that look ‘shelf-like’ — stretching across the horizon — could signal severe weather approaching as well.”

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

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

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

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

“The measured winds of 70plus mph is a tricky one, as we utilize the anemometer located at the Decorah Municipal Airport,” Snyder said. “Most storms travel southwest to northeast — meaning by the time the wind gusts are measured, the winds are through

Winneshiek County for the most part.”

Snyder recommended families practice what to do and where to go when a storm hits — not only so adults know how to respond but so children aren’t as frightened if and when their family suddenly needs to take shelter.

“Practice your emergency plans and openly discuss with everyone living in your household,” he said. “How did school aged kids get good at ﬁre drills? They practiced and discussed the plans. The more the child knows the plan and the expectations of the plan, the less frightening the moment will be for them in the event of an actual emergency.”

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

Snyder indicated the public would be wise to stock storm shelters with extra items which may be needed after the storm passes — especially if the home has sustained signiﬁcant damage.

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

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

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

Driftless Water Defenders announce Clean Water School

The Driftless Water Defenders will be presenting a Clean Water School at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 17 at the old school in Highlandville. The event will include discussions about the about the science of the Driftless Area’s water quality and how to properly test surface waters and wells. This one-day event is free, but requires advance registration, which can be completed at DriftlessWaterDefenders.com/events. Environmental educators will engage up to 100 students, teachers and community members on topics of water quality history, interrelated environmental issues, water testing instruction and the effectiveness of various political and social strategies which address water quality.

Meals will be provided. Speakers will include Birgitta Meade, an environmental science faculty member at Luther

College, Driftless Water Defenders President Chris Jones, who was a research engineer at the University of Iowa, and Jim Larew, who is a private attorney focused on environmental law.

“We are on the cusp of a new social, political and legal movement in Iowa which is aimed to improve Iowa’s water,” said Driftless Water Defenders President Chris Jones. “This event will provide excellent educational and practical information in a fun and engaging environment.”

Attendees are invited to choose between guided fly fishing, canoeing on the Upper Iowa River and a bird-watching guided tour along North Bear Creek, during the afternoon portion of the program. All attendees are invited to an evening bonfire and schoolhouse dance with music by the The Footnotes.

A grief support group will be holding its monthly meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. The meeting will take place in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital. This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss, whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other type of grief. Attendees are welcome to bring a friend.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15. The meeting will be held at VMH in the Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital. The group is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes. For more information on the support group, call Angie Mettille, registered nurse and certiﬁed diabetes educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-3411.

DNR says black bear sightings on the rise in northeast Iowa

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been meeting with ofﬁcials from local conservation boards, police departments, sheriff’s ofﬁces and dispatchers from counties in northeast Iowa to discuss how best to respond when black bears come strolling through later this spring.

“Bears emerge in the spring looking for food, generally feeding on the early greens and don’t really care about humans, they’re just being a bear,” said Vince Evelsizer, state furbearer and wetlands biologist with the Iowa DNR.

In Iowa, a spike in bear activity typically occurs in late May and June, which is the breeding season and a few black bears are more likely to disburse from Minnesota and Wisconsin, where populations are much larger and growing. Minnesota has an estimated 16,000 black bears, while Wisconsin’s population is around 24,000.

“Black bears are not that far from Iowa’s border,” Evelsizer said. “We typically have two to ﬁve bear sightings each year, which we believe are usually younger males. They are relatively timid, and just looking for food and/or females. It’s new and exciting, but can lead to human-bear conﬂicts.”

Bears have been responsible for destroying bee hives and have been found on back decks and in back yards emptying bird feeders, according to the DNR. If a bear does show up around the house, Evelsizer said residents may try to scare it from a safe distance, noting bears don’t like loud noises — he indicated yelling, clapping wooden twoby-fours loudly or banging pots and pans together may be effective deterants.

“Give bears plenty of space to move on and also, take away food attractants,” he said. “Do

not feed bears, as that rewards the bear for coming into town and associate’s humans with food. Removing any outdoor pet food dishes, bird feeders, trash cans and grills into secure locations will help to avoid conﬂicts and encourages the bear to move on.”

He went on to stress a bear should be given plenty of room to move and not be backed into a corner.

“If a bear climbs a tree to escape onlookers, it can jeopardize the safety of the bear itself – you need to give it plenty of space,” Evelsizer said. “Folks can enjoy seeing a bear, but from a safe distance. It’s a neat thing, but give it space – as in 100 yards or more.”

DNR officials held meetings in Dubuque and Fayette with city and county officials from Winneshiek, Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Dubuque counties, connecting officials who will likely be involved in one way or another when a bear appears this spring.

“It would be nice, in an ideal world, that we would know when a bear is coming through ahead of time, to notify citizens so they can remove any attractants,” he said. “Sometimes that happens, thanks to our citizens, area DNR staff and local partners, and that helps us track the bear’s location occasionally to keep tabs on its travel.”

DNR ofﬁcials said Iowa went from having an occasional visiting bear, to recording more frequent visiting bears and now sees two to four bears move in and over-winter. The department said state residents could continue to see more bears in the future.

“Sightings are still of individual bears. We haven’t documented cubs or a breeding population yet,” Evelsizer said.

“It’s pretty exciting to think about that - there might be a bear in the woods,” Evelsizer said. “Some people love bears; some people are scared to death of bears and bear attacks, because of the amount of misinformation out there.”

He went on to say that, between 1900 and 2009, there was only one black bear fatality recorded in Minnesota, none in Wisconsin and two in Michigan. He said bear attacks are extremely rare, and most incidents involved unsecured food sources.

“We encourage Iowans to give black bears space if they see one. It is a large, wild animal. Also, enjoy the sighting and continue to enjoy the outdoors. Residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin have learned to live with bears,” he said.

The Iowa DNR is a member of BearWise, a national organization that provides information on living responsibly with black bears around the home, when recreating in the outdoors, and more at www.bearwise.org.

Students from Drake University modeled habitat which would be favorable to black bears across northeast Iowa, as part of a capstone project, and the students determined that with its larger sections of timber, northeast Iowa could support up to 1,100 black bears. Black bears are native to Iowa but had been eliminated by the late 1800s as the state was settled. Since the species was gone, black bears were not listed as a furbearer species by the Iowa legislature of the day, and they currently have no protection in the state. Evelsizer said the DNR realizes the public is keenly interested in bears, and ofﬁcials hope to be proactive with education and outreach efforts as the bears move in to the state.

P ZZLE driftless

Seasonal Street Department Worker

The City of Decorah Street Department is currently accepting applications for Seasonal Street Department Worker. This is a temporary (seasonal) position during the 2025 summer season. Knowledge of equipment operation/maintenance, tree maintenance, and any other knowledge required in the respective job description preferred. Valid driver’s license required. Position subject to background check and MVR check.

Application and complete job description may be obtained at the City Clerk’s office, Decorah Municipal Center, 400 Claiborne Drive or online at www.decorahia.org. For more information call (563) 382-3651. Return city application to: City of Decorah, Attn: Michael O’Hara, Public Works Director, PO Box 138, Decorah, IA, 52101 or mohara@decorah.iowa.gov.

Seasonal Laborer (2025 Summer)

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

HIRING

Employer, M/F Disabled and Veteran.

To apply, contact Mike at

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

18-3-LD-12

Assistant City Clerk

The City of Decorah is currently accepting applications for Assistant City Clerk. Duties would include utility billing, cash receipting, issuance of building and rental permits. Account posting and reconciliation to maintain accounts in compliance with auditing requirements. Strong financial background and customer service beneficial. Position subject to background check and MVR check. Application and complete job description may be obtained at the City Clerk’s office, Decorah Municipal Center, 400 Claiborne Drive or online at www.decorahia.org. For more information call (563) 3823651. Send resume and application to: City of Decorah, Attn: Keri Sand, PO Box 138, Decorah, IA, 52101 or ksand@decorah.iowa.gov. This job will remain open until filled with first review being done May 16th.

19-3-LD-12

NOW HIRING

SIGNMAN

SECONDARY ROAD DEPARTMENT

Winneshiek County Secondary Roads will be

Applications and job description are available at the Engineers Office and www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs.html EOE

Winneshiek County Courthouse, 201 W. Main St., Decorah • 563-382-5085 www.winneshiekcounty.org

Decorah High School in Decorah, IA seeks a dynamic and innovative Special Education Teacher to join our esteemed faculty. As one of the premier high schools in the state, Decorah High School takes pride in our tradition of high academic achievement, athletic prowess, and musical excellence. Our students thrive in a culture of rigorous expectations, and we seek a teacher who can help our students reach even greater heights.

In Decorah, you will nd a vibrant and supportive community that values education and the arts. Our

e ideal candidate will have a valid Iowa K-12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD endorsement (or willingness to obtain it) and a strong background in special education. ey will be responsible for developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with learning disabilities or behavioral disorders and providing academic and behavioral support to these students in the classroom.

e special education teacher will work closely with a team of educators, including regular education teachers, o ce sta , paraprofessionals, and administration, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially. ey will also collaborate with parents, school administrators, paraprofessionals, and outside agencies to provide the best possible support for their students.

• Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs that align with the Decorah Community School District’s vision for teaching and learning and the Iowa Core Standards.

• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support each student’s academic and social-emotional needs.

• Assess student progress and modify instruction as needed, using data-driven decision-making.

• Provide direct instruction and support to students in small groups or one-onone settings using evidence-based strategies and interventions.

• Communicate with parents and guardians about student progress and needs using multiple methods of communication.

• Participate in sta meetings and professional development opportunities, staying up-to-date on best practices in special education.

• Follow all relevant laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Iowa state special education rules and guidelines.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records and documentation, including IEPs and progress reports

• Plan and prepare lesson materials and resources that are accessible and engaging for all students

• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that meets the needs of all students, using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices

• Di erentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities, using universal design for learning principles

• Valid, current Iowa teaching license (or willingness to obtain)

Quali ed candidates should have strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. Experience with evidence-based interventions and positive behavior support is preferred. 19-6-LD-12

• K-12 Instructional Strategist II: BD/LD Endorsement (or willingness to obtain)

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Commitment to ongoing professional development

Decorah High School welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. If you are passionate about supporting the unique needs of students with intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders, we encourage you to apply.

(Carrie Lee Elementary)

e Decorah Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

freelance Nordic folk musician, playing ﬁddle, Hardanger ﬁddle and guitar.

The Children’s Parade begins at 1 p.m. and will travel throughout Vesterheim Heritage Park. The parade will be followed by a performance of Decorah’s Nordic Dancers on Mill Street near the museum building. Norwegian ﬂags will be given out during the parade, and the public is invited to march along or cheer from the sidelines. The Nordic Dancers began in Decorah in 1966 and include a senior and junior group of dancers.

The day’s activities will also include a book signing by Amy Shaw, author of “Ole Hendricks and His Tunebook,” from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the museum store.

A guided tour of Heritage Park will start at 10:45 a.m.

The May 16 event provides visitors with an opportunity to see the special exhibit

•Will

“Hand Me Down the Fiddle: Norwegian Fiddlers, Fiddles, and Fiddle Tunes in the Upper Midwest,” which will close on May 18. Visitors can also see the new exhibits “200 Years of Norwegians in America” and “Pioneering Pages: Forming the New American Woman.” Museum directors also reminded the public of Vesterheim’s Syttende Mai member drive. New memberships purchased between May 15-18, receive a free second membership to gift to friends or family. Member beneﬁts include free museum admission, a subscription to Vesterheim magazine as well as discounts on store items and folk art class.

In case of inclement weather, the parade and Nordic Dancers will be canceled. All other activities will continue as planned.

Vesterheim history

In 1877, Norwegian Americans started collecting and

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preserving objects at Luther College in Decorah. That early collection of photos, documents and pioneer stories has grown into one of the country’s most comprehensive museums dedicated to a single immigrant group. Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, now welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. The museum offers exhibits, classes and programs, both on the museum’s campus and park as well as online or through Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities and ways to donate or volunteer, visit vesterheim.org, call 563-382-9681 or visit Vesterheim at 520 W. Water St. in Decorah.

Tasty sandwiches perfect for special occasion brunches

Spring is synonymous with special events worthy of celebration. From Mother’s Day to graduations to communions and conﬁrmations, spring provides a host of opportunities for families and friends to come together and show their love for one another.

The right food can make any party that much more spectacular. Lunch and brunch parties, whether they’re at home or in a restaurant, provide great opportunities to enjoy fun, budget-friendly food with loved ones. For those who will be celebrating at home or attending a potluck-style gathering, this “Brandied Baked Ham

With Mustard Butter” courtesy of Denise Gee’s “Southern Appetizers” (Chronicle Books) can make for the perfect dish to serve or bring along. The decadent ham can be served as fashionable tea sandwiches, either in soft biscuits or rolls.

(Serves 16 to 20; makes about 2 cups mustard butter)

For the ham:

1 1⁄2 cups packed dark brown sugar

1⁄4 cup brandy

2 tablespoons grainy mustard

1 5-pound bone-in, half ham, fully cooked

1 1⁄2 teaspoons whole cloves

In a small saucepan, stir to combine the brown sugar, brandy and mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and, stirring constantly, cook until the glaze is thick and syrupy, about 3 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or use immediately.

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line a shallow roasting pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Score the fat on top of the ham by making diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern. Insert the cloves into the intersections of each diamond. Place the ham on the rack. Insert a meat thermometer, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. Bake the ham for about 1 hour, or until the thermometer registers 125 F. Remove the ham and brush on the brandy glaze. Return the ham to the oven and cook for 20 to 30 minutes more, or until the thermometer registers 135 F. Let it stand for 15 minutes. (The meat temperature will rise to 140 F).

For the mustard butter: 2 cups butter, softened 1⁄4 cup grated sweet onion 1⁄4 cup Dijon or Creole mustard

In a medium bowl, stir to combine the

Syttende Mai