February 8, 2024

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 6

Decorah, Iowa 52101 www.decorahnewspapers.com

One Section email: news@decorahnewspapers.com

UIC has rejected Decorah’s letter of inquiry to the league

continued on page 5

fax: 563-382-5949

By Zach Jensen

By Roz Weis

Decorah School Board

phone: 563-382-4221

County citizens group opens dialog with supervisors over Freeport land sale issue

Decorah School Board weighs future athletic conference ties

Decorah Community School District (DCSD) Board of Directors met with administrators last week to discuss Northeast Iowa Athletic Conference (NEIC) realignments and possible new conference affiliation.

Following a lengthy debate during a special meeting Jan. 31, Board members voted to request a seat at the table in discussions with another area conference, in the event the NEIC dissolves. The Board voted unanimously to send a letter of inquiry and exploration to the Upper Iowa Conference (UIC).

Since that time, DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin confirmed that the UIC has rejected Decorah’s letter of inquiry into joining the league.

There are currently six members of the shrinking NEIC, which dates back to 1920. Member-schools currently include Decorah, Charles City, Crestwood, New Hampton, Waukon and Waverly-Shell Rock. The Waverly-Shell Rock School District has announced plans to leave the conference after this school year, and other member-districts have expressed concern over the NEIC’s future.

In recent weeks, the Howard-Winneshiek Board of Education authorized its superintendent to formally request admission to the Upper Iowa Conference. In response, the Charles City Board of Education granted approval to its superintendent to inquire about moving to the North Central Conference.

It has been confirmed that the UIC has approved Crestwood into the conference, and an invitation to join the UIC has been extended to New Hampton and Waukon.

These moves by other member-districts in leaving the NEIC forces Decorah District officials to continue looking into conference alternatives as well.

School administrators said potential new conference membership options for Decorah are limited due to the district’s size and geographic location. In recent weeks, the administration and Board have monitored developments, seeking feedback from the community, meeting with athletic coaches and evaluating the District’s options moving forward.

Upper Iowa Conference (UIC) member-schools are currently Central, Clayton Ridge, Eastern Allamakee, MFL MarMac, North Fayette Valley, Postville, South Winneshiek, Turkey Valley and West Central.

Travel distance for competition was an important consideration for local administrators and coaches. The travel distance to games for Decorah athletes and parents is estimated at an average of 40 miles within the UIC. Assistant High School Principal/Athletic Director Adam Riley said he met with coaches recently, and the discussion centered on two area conferences - the UIC and the WaMaC conference, a high school athletic conference in Eastern Iowa made up of mid-sized schools. The WaMaC conference is named for the three rivers in the area (Wa for Wapsipinicon, Ma for Maquoketa, and C for Cedar). Travel distance for games within that conference would average about 110 miles.

“A reasonable concern is travel/distance time,

Price One Dollar

SIMON MAKES HISTORY

It was the end to a historic run Friday night for Decorah’s Naomi Simon as she won the 170-pound state title and soaked in the moment, waving four fingers to the crowd, indicating her four state titles — the first female wrestler to notch that accomplishment in Iowa, finishing her career with a 129-0 record. Complete coverage of the girls’ state tournament can be found online at decorahnewspapers.com. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

Barnelopet perseveres for 25th anniversary

A grassroots movement, known as “Winneshiek County Citizens for Good Government”, approached the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors during Monday’s regular meeting to discuss the much-debated possible future sale of a piece of county land in Freeport that provides flood mitigation.

Kristin Erickson represented the group during the meeting, at which time she read aloud a letter to the supervisors regarding the potential sale of the seven-acre Freeport property.

“What is the anticipated dollar amount from the sale of this land?” Erickson asked the supervisors, to which they responded by explaining that they could not disclose that information, because it would affect the bidding process.

Erickson read several more questions from her letter before saying, “It’s a little difficult to figure out what the benefit to the county is.”

“All we’re doing is trying to make a company [happy] out there — wanting to be more green by putting in solar panels,” replied Supervisors CoChair Mark Vick. “They came to us. We didn’t go to them.”

Vick was presumably referring to Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Inc. (IRP), which owns property aligning the seven county acres up for sale. During prior Board of Supervisors meetings in 2023, the parcel was referred to as the “IRP property”. “… well, you can’t just sell it to them,” Erickson said. “You gotta open it up to the public.”

“Anybody can buy it,” Vick replied. “You can buy it, if you want. Anyone sitting here can buy it.”

Erickson said the purpose of the deep-rooted native grasses, which, she said later in the meeting were planted in 2018 or 2019, is to mitigate the water, but Vick said those grasses can only soak up so much.

“That water, in that kind of soil type out there, seeps down through that sand,” Vick said. “If you want to change that, you’ve got to put a clay basin in there to hold that water, so it doesn’t seep through that sand.”

“This is so good,” Erickson said with a smile — in reference to her dialog with the supervisors.

“This is the first time we’ve had a conversation about what you guys are thinking. I’ve been to boards where they present what they want to do, rather than say ‘This is what we’re gonna do’ and then people hear about it and go ‘What?’. So, it might be better if the three of you, when you come up with ideas of things to do, {…} and present that in a way that we would know what you’re thinking.”

As friendly as those comments may have sounded to Erickson, they didn’t seem to have been so well received by their intended audience.

“I’m getting tired of hearing ‘the three of us’ all the time,” Vick said. “There’s five of us at the board, and they vote three to two, so that’s the way it goes. Last time, two years ago, it was three to two. Me and Dan sat here how many times, and we didn’t go causing a big scene.”

“And, actually, we didn’t come up with the idea,” added Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck.

“They came to us.”

“How much land, do you think, drains into that dry run?” Supervisor Steve Kelsay asked. “It goes all the way up to the top of that bluff and probably {…} on the south side, then continues up the canyon.”

“The good thing is that’s forest,” Erickson responded, “and that’ll slow it down.”

In response, Kelsay suggested the possibility that in a flooding situation, neither woods nor native prairie grasses will do much to mitigate floodwaters and protect homes. Kelsay, supervisor for District 5, which includes the river-valley towns of Spillville and Fort Atkinson, added that nobody from those towns is asking the county for

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About 15 area children participated in Vesterheim’s 25th anniversary Barnelopet, held the morning of Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Decorah Community Prairie, across the dike from Aase Haugen.

Because of lack of snow, children walked the course instead of skiing, but that didn’t stop anyone from having fun. Event coordinator Darlene Fossum-Martin said 2024 is one of only two years, in the past 25, that the event didn’t have snow, but it’s still an enjoyable time to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and go for a walk with “great volunteers” who helped ensure the day was a success. “It’s not typical, but we made it happen,” Fossum-Martin said. TOP- Number 108, Henry Zander, took the lead from the start in this year’s Barneløpet, held Feb. 3, in Decorah, followed by No. 101 Emmelynn Degenhart, No. 107 Owen Zander and No. 103 Bergen Martin. INSET LEFT- Gene and Sandy Somdahl of Decorah donned traditional troll costumes for the Barneløpet. INSET RIGHT- William Carpenter lets out a roar as he nears the finish line. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Zach Jensen)

Supervisors

continued on page 5

WINE DOWN DECORAH is this Friday, enjoy snacks, drinks & shopping!

2 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024

Aase Haugen names general contractor on new building

Aase Haugen Senior Services recently announced Brickl Bros., Inc. as the General Contractor to build the new nursing and assisted living facilities in Decorah.

The new facility will be approximately 72,000 sq. ft. and will be constructed on land Aase Haugen already owns near the independent senior living neighborhoods of Vennehjem and Nabotunet. It will replace the existing facility on Ohio Street in the city of Decorah. Construction is expected to begin early in 2024.

“We’re pleased to announce the selection of Brickl Bros. as our contractor for this important community project,” said Sam Boeke, Aase Haugen executive director. “We believe nursing and assisted living facilities are an important service for our community and through this project we will enrich lives, nurture faith, effect economic growth, but most importantly we are positively impacting the

long-term care needs for seniors whose lives created this beautiful community we have the benefit of enjoying.”

“The entire Brickl team is very excited to partner with Aase Haugen on a project of such magnitude for this community,” added Greg Brickl, Brickl Bros., Inc. managing director. “The new long-term nursing and assisted living options are a testament to Aase Haugen’s commitment and continued investment in senior living for people of this region. We are looking forward to a partnership that will provide quality facilities to care for seniors for years to come.”

The current Aase Haugen building is more than 60 years old and presents challenges including near-constant repairs with antiquated mechanical systems and inefficient workflow as well as the challenges with electronic connectivity in a steel building. The new facility design offers a cozy, homey feel

with emphasis on natural light along with private rooms and bathrooms for each resident.

Not only will the new building feature new technology, including green options where the budget permits, it’ll be built with the intention of maximized care. For example, the dementia unit nursing station is centralized so all rooms are within view and the dementia care environment will be designed to suit the specialized needs of those residents – including a walking path.

“The very people we take care of today are the ones who built our community and made it the incredible place it is today,” said Steve Langland, president of the board of directors. “It’s a critical service that we’re providing to not only those seniors but also their families and we invite this community to support the effort through our capital campaign to build ‘A New Place to Call Home.’”

The capital campaign steer-

Pictured (l-r) are Brickl Bros. team members Grant Soper, Estimator, Joel Paulson, Drafting/ Design Lead, Pat Ries, Project Manager, and Greg Brickl, Managing Director along with Sam Boeke, Aase Haugen Executive Director, and Joel Farley, Aase Haugen Construction Manager. (submitted) ing committee has raised more than $1.2 million toward the $3 million goal for the campaign.

“Community support from businesses and individuals has been gratifying,” said Sam Boeke, Aase Haugen executive director. “As we fundraise, we’re not only thinking about the facility, but also how we

will contribute to community growth and continue to improve care for the community’s aging population.”

That care extends to those who do not have the resources to care for themselves. Governed by 23 local churches, Aase Haugen’s mission is caring for those in need, and char-

ity or under-reimbursed care is made possible by gifts.

“We have so much gratitude for each gift that is given to our mission,” said Boeke. “We are focused on achieving our goal of $3 million and we’re excited for this year to be a banner year for Aase Haugen.”

Council discusses upcoming city projects, part-time police officers

By Denise Lana The Decorah City Council covered numerous topics at their Monday, Feb. 5, regular scheduled meeting including public hearings on upcoming projects, amendments to the council handbook and discussing the hiring of part-time police officers.

Pictured are all nine Music Listening Contest teams from Decorah High School. (submitted)

Decorah High School Students excel at Music Listening Contest

The High School Music Listening Contest regional event took place on Friday, Jan. 19, at seven regions across Minnesota, Iowa and Utah. Nearly 90 teams participated in the contest this year, representing 35 different schools, home schools and private music studios.

Decorah High School had 13 teams of three students each competing at Decorah High School at the Region 5 competition. Organizers said this was the biggest group from any school, and it is the largest number of teams from DHS thus far.

This is the fifth year Decorah students have competed in the contest. They are coached by Nicole Cody, a member of the music faculty at the high school.

Ten of Decorah’s 13 teams placed in the top 10 of the competition out of 15 teams participating from four schools.

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Earning first place with a score of 94/100 were Nora Lesmeister, Mason Myers, and Karmyn Bakken. Two Decorah teams tied for second place with a score of 89/100: Alex McGohan, Elizabeth Pritchard, and Jensen Korsness; and Aidan Nalean-Carlson, Ansel Kowitz and Evon Leitz. The Decorah team of Julia Severtson, Lauren Severtson and Grace Stockman placed third with a score of 88/100.

“I am incredibly proud of all the teams,” said Cody. “Their performance at the contest was remarkable. They learn so much, so quickly and we have so much fun listening together. It never gets old to watch students argue about Robert Schumann vs. Johannes Brahms or laugh at the comedic parts of a Medieval piece of music about two very good dogs.”

The top two scoring teams from two different schools from the regional contests automatically advance to the championship competition held at Augsburg University in Minneapolis on Friday, February 9, 2024. Because of this rule, the team who scored in 11th place, Wisconsin Hills Middle School, will advance to the championships along with Decorah’s first place winning team. The second place teams and the third place team were chosen as wildcards because of their high scores and will compete at Augsburg as

MLC First Place Team: Nora Lesmeister, Mason Myers and Karmyn Bakken.

MLC Second Place Tie: Alex McGohan, Elizabeth Pritchard and Jensen Korsness.

well.

According to Cody, the contest is an ideal opportunity to enrich students’ experiences with classical music in a fun and competitive environment.

This statewide contest connects high school students with classical music and enhances their ability to identify composers, periods and styles. In the fall, teachers or coaches recruit three students to form a team. Team members receive a study guide and access to all the musical selections they will need to com-

pete effectively.

The mission of the Music Listening Contest is to assist teachers in their efforts to expand the music experiences of students—primarily through the use of Western art music, commonly referred to as classical music. The contest materials cover classical music, global perspectives, and a variety of musical influences. The objective of the contest is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in the musical experience.

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Public hearings Public hearings have been set for March 4, 2024, at 5:45 p.m. to discuss the plans, construction specifications and contract bids regarding the Decorah 2024 Bioretention Cell Project and the Decorah 2024 Stormwater Management Project.

The Bioretention Cell Project will include excavation and grading, aggregate base and choker layer, amended soil layer, mulch, plantings, sub drain, topsoil and seeding of the area adjacent to the parking lot at the Sunrise Development Center and Discovery Center located at 902 Commerce Drive.

The Stormwater Project will focus on clearing and grubbing, excavation and grading, installation of sub drain and seeding the area located along Dry Run Creek to the east of Mill Street between Francis and Vernon Streets. Also part of the project

is the infiltration basin project, which is located on the east end of Phelps Park near the intersection Upper Broadway Street and Vernon Street.

Sealed bids for the projects will be received at the Decorah City Hall office at 400 Claiborne Drive until Feb. 29, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Floodplain maps The second reading occurred regarding an ordinance amending the Decorah Floodplain Maps. Changes made to Decorah’s flood map included interior ponding areas. The approval of the newly-adopted FEMA maps saw a deadline of Feb. 22 for city residents to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Council approved the second reading, and unanimously waived the third reading and adopted the ordinance, ensuring sufficient time to comply with FEMA and the deadline.

Police officers Council and city staff discussed an addendum to Decorah’s Union Contract which would allow the Decorah

Decorah City Council

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‘Feed the Pig’ fundraiser raises $11,068 for local food pantries

Decorah and Cresco Bank & Trust announced the recent “Feed the Pig” food pantry fundraiser has raised $11,068.38 to support local food pantries in the community. The event focused on raising funds for the Decorah Community Food Pantry, NEIACA Food Pantry of Winneshiek and Howard Counties and Greater Area Food Pantry in Calmar.

“This remarkable effort demonstrates just how powerful community giving can be when people join together for a worthy cause,” a Decorah Bank & Trust press release said.

Community members showed their support and generosity, contributing monetary donations that would be divided among the three chosen food pantries. The total amount was raised through additional contributions of $2,500 from Decorah and Cresco Bank, $2,500 from Gillette Pepsi Decorah (GPC), and $2,500 worth of pork from Lynch Family Companies.

Pictured (l-r): Justin Gullekson, Christy Bouska with Lynch Family Companies, Kevin Bouska with Lynch Family Companies and Heather Benzing.

• Choral Reading “The Eras of Taylor Swift” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants included Alex McGohan, Julia Severtson, Lexy Walker, Paige Wrightsman, Hannah Arendt, Natalie Goodner, Kaylie Wemark, Caden Branum, Bethany Hanson, Evon Leitz, Nathan Swarbrick, Liz Pritchard, Grace Blikre and Caleb Johnson.

• Ensemble Acting “The Day the Internet Died” was directed

by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants included Davis Coppola, Karmyn Bakken, Kathryn Kelly, Klaara Short, Liam Chamberlain and Lucas Hanson.

• Ensemble Acting “The Yellow Boat” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg. Participants included Anders Lovstuen, Evon Leitz, Ezra Harman-Wood, Klara Kelly, Peter Essa and Grace Blikre.

• Group Improv was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Lyra McKnight.

Participants performed in three groups. Group One: Anders Lovstuen, Henry Weis, Oliver Brummel, and Beau Newhouse; Group Two: Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Jack Sovern; Group Three: Liam Chamberlain, Greta Jones, Ansel Kowitz and Nat Roberts.

• Group Mime “Night at the Art Museum” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Lyra McKnight. Participants included Brynn Storhoff, Kathleen Delphey, Anopa Mtisi, Evynne Downing, Camryn Holland and Ariana Albert.

• Solo Mime “Midnight Madness” by Jensen Korsness was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

• Solo Mime “Magnificent Malvollio’s Mishaps” by Nat Roberts was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

• Musical Theater “Newsies” was directed by Gabriel Twedt

Pictured (l-r): Julie Klug, Justin Gullekson, GPC Employee Joe Farley and Anna Jones. (submitted photos)

and Carrie Kauffman. Participants included Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Caleb Johnson, Andy Krueger, Abbie Valkosky, Gabriel Hiner, June Breitenbach-Dirks and Elsa Christman.

• Musical Theater “Tick, Tick…

Boom” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants included Connor Evelsizer, Bethany Hanson, Ezra Vorvick, Libby Phillips, Hayley Stowe, Oliver Brummel, Gwen Thompson and Lucas Hanson.

• One Act Play “She Kills Monsters” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants included Kathryn Kelly, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Ezra Vorvick, Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Julia Severtson, Hayley Stowe, Annika Keefe, Andy Kruger, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Nora Lesmeister, Kaylie Wemark and Cody Carolan.

• Radio Broadcasting “KWAK” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants included Tommy Hammel, Camryn Holland, Lily Sandhorst, Addison Wicklund, Alex McGohan, Hannah Arendt and Jerald Thompson.

• Radio Broadcasting “KZZZ” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants included Grant Zilka, Ezra Harman-Wood, Faith Meyer, Lyla Lovstuen, Sam Cline and Joe Stammeyer.

• Readers Theater “The House in the Cerulean Sea” was directed

by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants included Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Greta Jones, Annika Keefe, Nora Lesmeister, Simon Kutz, Davis Coppola, Ansel Kowitz, McKenzie Riley, Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Klara Kelly, Luke Arendt and Elliana Brodbeck.

• Short Film “Not Gone, But Forgotten” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight and Annika Krieg. Participants included Corina Timm, Jerald Thompson, Mara Branum, Patrick Gallagher and Lyla Lovstuen.

• Short Film “Almost Gone” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight and Annika Krieg.

Participants included Klaara Short, Evynne Downing, Ariana Albert, Anopa Mtisi, Livia Dix, Jorja Folkedahl, Sage Fornasiero and Dakotah Teepe.

• TV News “Close Encounters: Strangers from Space” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt. Participants included Naomi Pedlar, Caden Branum, Braunwyn Darrington, Simon Kutz, Brynn Storhoff, Nathan Swarbrick, Sam Cline, Peter Essa, Gwen Thompson, Eily Hegdahl, Liz Pritchard, Paige Wrightsman, Mara Branum and Natalie Goodner, • TV News “Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Girls Wrestling” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt. Participants includ-

ed Jack Sovern, Kamryn Steines, Will Robinson, Beau Newhouse, Annaleissa Arnold, Karmyn Bakken, Grant Zilka, Jensen Korsness, Naomi Simon, Ana Simon, Leah Holland, Kelby Kerndt and Lauren Luzum.

Cast lists for other varsity groups that performed at state contest and received a “II” rating: • Ensemble Acting “In a J.A.M.” was directed by Lyra McKnight.

Participants included Corina Timm, Luke Arendt, Alex Mercado-Arneson and William Duder.

• Short Film “Tik Tok Boom” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight and Annika Krieg.

Participants included Kathleen Delphey, Leah Holland, Will Robinson, Annaleissa Arnold, Kamryn Steines, Marri Feuerhelm and Kelby Kerndt.

Cast lists for the ninth grade groups that received a “I” rating at state contest are as follows: • Choral Reading “Walt’s Guide to a Happily Ever After” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg. Participants included Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Clarence Nimrod, Lawrence Christman, Emma Cline, Ava Hanson, Naomi Kutz, Myla Leitz, Jayden Lundtvedt, Carter Riley, Olivia Rissman, Isis Timm and Jillian Volz.

• Musical Theater “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was directed by Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, and Annika Krieg.

Participants included Emma Cline, Jackson Irwin, Noah Potvin, Vivian Searcy, Grace Stockman, Colin Thompson, Isis Timm and Jillian Volz.

• Radio Broadcasting “KRTR” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. Participants included Elliot Berland, Spencer Christensen, Sawyer Courtney, Jayden Lundtvedt, Teagan Menke, Kyan Oftedahl and Claire Storhoff.

• TV News “Iowa Roots: Indigenous Heritage” was directed

by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt. Participants included Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Sawyer Courtney, Thomas Davis, Ava Hanson, Kaelyn Kuhn, Clarence Nimrod, Kyan Oftedahl, Carter Riley, Oliver Rissman, Nina Sessions, Claire Storhoff and Colin Thompson.

• Short Film “Growing Up” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg. Participants included Kaelyn Kuhn, Naomi Kutz, Myla Leitz, Nina Sessions and Oskar Swanson.

Cast lists for other ninth grade groups that performed at state contest and received a “II” rating: • Ensemble Acting “Toy Tale: A Toy Story Knockoff” was directed

by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. Participants included Grace Stockman, Margaret Hahn, Teagan Menke, Noah Potvin and Olivia Volkmann.

Caregiver Support Group Feb. 19 in Decorah The Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) will host its monthly in-person support group meeting Monday, Feb. 19, from 10 to 11 a.m., in the Conference Room of the Spectrum Network building, lo-

Driftless Security’s Santa Key Promotion a success Driftless Security owner/operator Mike Kozelka recently presented the Decorah Police Department and the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office each with a $500 donation following the December Santa Key promotion.

One hundred Santa Keys, a magic key that allowed Santa special entry to homes without compromising home safety, were sold in the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve night. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from Santa Key sales were donated to local law enforcement agencies. Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx (l) and Decorah Police Chief Tricia Thein (r) accepted the donations at the Decorah Area Chamber office. Both expressed gratitude for the donation and thanked Kozelka for his work to provide locksmithing and security services to northeast Iowa. (submitted)

First Lutheran Church grants $40,000

DHS Speech participants perform well at state contest Feb. 3 Decorah High School speech students participated in State Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Dubuque Senior High School.

The performers had an excellent showing, earning 24 Division I ratings out of 27 entries. The ninth-grade team performed in six entries, while the varsity team performed in 22 entries.

All Decorah Speech directors agreed their students performed very well and did a great job of representing their school. Each director said they were extremely proud of the students.

All-State nominations will be released later this week.

Cast lists for the varsity groups that received a “I” rating at state contest are as follows:

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024 3

cated at 607 Washington Street in Decorah.

The group is free and all caregivers of persons with chronic illness or disability are welcome and encouraged to attend. New caregivers are always welcome,

and no reservations are needed.

Meetings are held the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Kelly Kuennen, Family Caregiver Specialist at NEI3A, at 563277-6024.

The First Lutheran Church recently announced its Trust Fund has granted $40,000 for scholarships, local, national and global ministries, including $2,500 for the Lutheran hospital in East Jerusalem.

“Thanks to congregational saints who named the Trust Fund in their wills, our congregation can support life-changing ministries here and around the world,” said Pastor Mike Wilker. The Trust Fund principal grew to over $1 million in 2023.

The Trust Fund gave $6,710 to Camp EWALU for “camperships” for Decorah youth and another $7,500 to support a Decorah youth trip to the Glacier Wilderness in Montana.

The Decorah Community Food Pantry was granted $4,790.

A report from First Lutheran Church said, “Palestinian Lutherans produce olive oil from the 800 olive trees that surround the hospital and church. First

Lutheran Church in Decorah uses the olive oil to anoint newly baptized people and those who seek healing and wholeness.

“The Trust Fund also eliminated $50,000 of medical debt in northeast Iowa through a grant to RIP Medical Debt,” the First Lutheran Church report continued. “It also granted Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service $3,000 to support the national network of Lutheran resettlement ministries like

Lutheran Services in Iowa.”

Additionally, the Trust Fund gave $9,000 in scholarships to students at Lutheran colleges and seminaries, including four Luther College students. The Trust Fund also manages the Weston Noble Music Ministry Endowment, which supports the congregation’s music ministry.

For more information, contact the Rev. Mike Wilker at 563-382-2638 or PastorMike@ FirstLutheranDecorah.org.

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• TRIMMING • REMOVAL • STORM DAMAGE DECORAH BASED • UTILITY FULLY INSURED LINES FREE ESTIMATES Decorah Public Library announced a creative partnership dotzenrodtreeservice@gmail.com Bloom Flower Farm to host a • CLIMBERS Valentine’s wreath workshop AVAILABLE 319-361-6856

Valentine’s Wreath Workshop Feb. 13

Tuesdsay, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., at Pulpit Rock Brewery.

Participants will craft a beautiful, romantic wreath using a gold hoop, dried flowers in pinks and reds and a silk ribbon.

The workshop will be guided by owner, grower and floral designer Jen Opheim.

Individuals of all skill levels are invited to join in this hands-on experience. Space for this workshop is limited, and pre-registration is required. Interested participants can register in advance at decorahlibrary. org to secure their spot. This workshop is free to attend, but participants are encouraged to make a free will donation to cover the cost of supplies.

For more information, contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library at zrowheyveld@decorahlibrary.org or by call 563-382-3717.

Decorah Public Opinion

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4 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024

Obituaries Diane Weston

Diane Kay Weston, 76, passed away on Feb. 1, 2024.

She left this world peacefully after a courageous and brief battle with cancer at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, surrounded by her loved Diane Weston ones.

Born on Aug. 26, 1947, in Decorah, Diane Burrett is the daughter of Roy Campbell Burrett and Constance Joyce Burrett. She was raised in Arlington, and was part of the first graduating class at Starmont High School.

Diane was united in marriage with Dr. Kenneth Weston on Aug. 6, 1966, in Arlington. In 1968, the young couple moved to Reedsville, Wis., after Ken finished his degree in veterinary medicine. Diane supported his career by fielding late-night calls from farmers, adjusting to the ever-changing schedule of large animal veterinarians, and raising their four children in Brillion, Wis. In the summer of 1988, the family moved to Postville for Ken and his partners to start their veterinary practice. In 2016, Ken and Diane moved to Decorah.

Most of all, Diane was known for her kind heart and commitment to her family. She was a dedicated wife who cared for her husband for the past five years as he transitioned to hospice care due to his Parkinson’s with Lewy body dementia diagnosis. She loved her grandchil-

dren more than anything and cared for them like they were her own. She was a talented artist, whose paintings and drawings have created a beautiful legacy for her family to remember her. She enjoyed traveling and celebrated her Norwegian heritage by visiting Norway multiple times and dedicating her time to the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Kenneth Weston; her four children: Todd (Krista) Weston of Verona, Wis., John (Dr. Marnie) Weston of El Granada, Calif., Aamy Weston-Lewis of Manchester, Beth Weston of Waterloo; and her grandchildren: Hannah (Mitch) Lahmann, Madeline Weston, Maya Rowland, Christian Weston, Megan Lewis, Kai Weston, Finn Weston and Malakai Quinn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Burrett (1985) and Connie Burrett (2019).

Funeral Service will be Monday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m., at Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar with Pastor Daryl Thompson as the officiant. Burial will follow at the West Union City Cemetery in West Union.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union is assisting with services.

Mary Ellen Holthaus

Mary Ellen Holthaus, 84, of Decorah, passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah.

Mary Ellen was born on March 21, 1939, the daughter of Mary Ellen Louis and Holthaus Margaret (Huber) Elpert in Decorah. She was the oldest of three children and grew up on the family dairy farm north of Decorah. They milked and showed registered Brown Swiss and were nationally known for their cattle. This led to Mary Ellen’s strong allegiance to dairy products – there was no substitute for milk or butter.

Mary Ellen attended a oneroom country school through eighth grade and then graduated from Decorah High School in 1957. After high school, she began working at Decorah State Bank. After a couple of years, she moved to the Twin Cities to work at Marquette National Bank. She made lifelong friends during her time in Minneapolis.

On Sept. 4, 1965, she married Willard Holthaus and they purchased their house just south of Decorah, near the fish hatchery, where they would raise their family and spend over 57 years together. Willard and Mary Ellen welcomed five children: Michael, Mark, Keith, Stephen and Beth. Mary Ellen was a devoted wife and mother, doing all household duties and tasks to ensure everything was well taken care of. She took pride in keeping a tidy yard, beautiful flowers, meticulously clean home, and neat appearance.

Mary Ellen rejoined the work force when her youngest started school, initially working in the office at Jennerjohn-Holthaus for several years and then joining the school district and working in food service before retiring in 2000.

She was a lifelong member of the St. Benedicts Church and the Rosary Society. She was an active volunteer for the church and school. Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling with Willard and they visited many different places throughout the U.S., and beyond. They spent extended

time in Florida and Colorado. She also enjoyed spending time with her wonderful friend Elaine pursuing additions to enhance their home decor.

Mary Ellen’s happiest moments were those spent with family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In the later years, they acquired a dog, Annie, who was a very special companion for Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen was wellknown for her homemade food, especially her baked chicken and graham cracker dessert that was often served when the family was together.

Mary Ellen is survived by her children: Michael (Sandra) Holthaus, South Haven, Minn., Mark (Trisha) Holthaus, Decorah, Keith (Gina) Holthaus, Decorah, Stephen (Heather) Holthaus, Ely, Minn., and Beth Holthaus, Plainview, Minn.; eight grandchildren: Zoe, Jack, Ben, Blake, Emily, Jared, Lyla and William; three step-grandchildren: Ashley, Kaitlin and Jake Mohlis; and great-grandchildren Alex, Landon and Parker. She is also survived by her sister, Judie (Darrell) Westby; sister-in-law, Max (Karl) Klotzbach; sisters-in-law: Dodie Elpert, Sharon Huber, Connie Sande, Sue Holthaus, Elaine Holthaus and Lorraine Holthaus; and brothers-inlaw: Norb Bullerman, David Holthaus and Dan Schmitt.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard; her mother and father; brother, William Elpert; brother, James Huber; father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Hilda Holthaus; brothers-in-law: Adrian Holthaus, Ken Holthaus, Ron Holthaus and Doug Blair; sisters-in-law: Judy Bullerman, Inez Schmitt, Jane Blair and Pat Seiler; nieces, Theresa Holthaus and Angela Westby; and nephews Philip Blair and Cory Sande.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Feb.5, at St. Benedict Catholic Church of Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial was in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Winneshiek County Community Foundation in care of Willard H. and Mary Ellen S. Holthaus Family Fund or Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice.

Glenn Thunberg

Glenn Raymond Thunberg was called to his heavenly home at age 82. He passed peacefully at his home in Burr Oak on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024.

Glenn was born April 8, 1941, to Raymond and Ruth (Klug) Thunberg of Glenn Thunberg rural Nelson, Minn. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in his early years and then attended Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Minn. He grew up on the family farm near Nelson.

After high school he attended the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus and majored in Mechanized Agriculture. After graduating from college, Glenn worked for Massey Ferguson in Hopkins, Minn.

On March 28, 1964, Glenn married his college sweetheart Carol La Vonne Mielke. In 1969

Marie Balk

Marie Balk, of Decorah, passed away on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

M a r i e was born on March 21, 1930, to her parents John and Agnes (Shilney) Marie Balk Falada on the country farm near Spillville. She was the first of three children. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville and received her grade school education at the St. Wenceslaus School. After school, she helped on the farm and babysat for various families.

Marie married her husband, Anthony Balk, on Oct. 4, 1948, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. They resided in St. Lucas and raised five children. Once her children got into school, she worked in the lunch program at St. Lukes school. She was a cook there

Gerald Halse

Gerald “Jerry” Roger Halse, 71, passed away on Jan. 31, 2024, at WinnMed in Decorah.

Born on May 23, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Jerry was the son to the late Roger and Grayce (Halvorson) Gerald Halse Halse, brother to four siblings, and father to Jennifer Margaret and John Gerald.

Jerry graduated from North Winneshiek High School in 1970 and furthered his education at Iowa State University.

Jerry learned the value of hard work starting at a young age as a farm kid. He would often tell

James Johnson

Dr. James Allen Johnson, 73, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at his favorite place in the world: his home along the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Rapids.

Jim was James Johnson born on Nov. 20, 1950, in Decorah to Ernest and Stella (Newhouse) Johnson. His siblings are Myrna (Dobbin) McNatt and Gerald (Linda) Johnson. He attended Decorah High School and the University of Minneso-

they moved to the Decorah area and settled in Burr Oak where they raised their three kids, Kay, Holly and Brian. Glenn worked for several feed companies over the years (Midland, Land-O-Lakes and K&R Feeds in Dorchester) as a Feed Nutritionist and Service Representative. Upon retiring from sales, he continued to drive school bus for Decorah Community School.

Glenn enjoyed reading western novels, wood working, gardening, and for many years volunteered his time at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, mowing their lawn. His greatest passion was maintaining the family farm property where he grew up. For years, he and Carol spent countless hours planting hundreds of trees and shrubs, mowing many acres of grass, and creating a haven for themselves, their family and the local wildlife. He loved to fish for the scrappy panfish and enjoyed a freshly caught meal whenever

he had the opportunity. A lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, he never failed to tune into the games. He also had a love of classic Studebaker cars.

Glenn liked to travel and had a great appreciation for nature and beautiful landscapes. One of his favorite places was the Smoky Mountains. In more recent years he enjoyed watching YouTube videos of places that he would never get to travel to.

Glenn was a happy-go-lucky guy who would befriend anyone. Always quick with a joke, he liked to make people feel comfortable and appreciated.

His community activities included past secretary of Lutheran Credit Union, board member of Winneshiek Community Economic Development, past President and board member of Burr Oak Lutheran Church, Winneshiek County Extension office and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. He also served as a board member of Aase

Haugen Home in Decorah.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ruth Thunberg, and his sister, Karen Jacobson.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; sister, Joetta (Larry) Fontaine; three children: Kay (Dan) Burns, Holly Paquin and Brian (Courtnie) Thunberg; five grandchildren; Cassidy and Carson Burns, Brendan and Sydney Paquin and Jenkins Thunberg, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church in Burr Oak, with Rev. David Werges presiding. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Fahlun Lutheran Church which is adjacent to the Thunberg family farm near Nelson, Minn.

Memorials may be made out to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Arbor Day Foundation or to the family.

for 14 years. Later they moved to Waucoma, and she continued working at a local restaurant as a cook and waitress.

She helped at the local locker and was a babysitter for several families.

Grandma Marie especially loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved cooking and the family would be the first to say she was “the best cook ever”. She enjoyed fall when all family, friends and neighbors would be invited for “turtle soup”. She enjoyed flowers, gardening and canning. She loved mowing the lawn on the rider, dancing to polka music, crocheting, sewing, bingo and especially playing cards.

Marie will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She touched many hearts with kindness and enjoyed life; doing anything for her family was her pride and joy.

Marie is survived by her

four children: Marian Henry, Decorah, Ronald (Mary Lou) Balk, Denver, Iowa, Virginia (Larry) Gehling, Calmar, and Diane (Dennis) Baker, Calmar; daughter-in-law, Annette Balk, Hawkeye; nine grandchildren: Michael (Trisha Thein) Henry, Craig (Tricia) Henry, Steven (Jennifer) Henry, Christine (James) Boehmler, Daniel (Tandi) Balk, Nick (Aimee) Balk, William (Janice) Baker, David Baker and Jewell (Jorge Rivera) Pahl, Calmar; Great-grandchildren: Anthony (Vanessa) Henry, Danielle (Mitchell) Steffans, Logan (Kayla Phillips) Henry, Mason (Abby) Henry, Blake (Maddy) Henry, Kollin Henry, Garrett Henry, Abigale Boehmler, Ethan Boehmler, Lexi Balk, Jack Balk, Henry Balk, Madelynn Balk, Sarah (Brian) Rausch, Josiah (Anna) Baker, Kaylee Baker, Grace Baker, Jonathan Baker, Annabella Baker, Hannah Pahl and Jordan Pahl; great-great-grandchildren: Jaylee Henry, Ryker Henry, Bentley Steffans, Ad-

dison Steffans, Nora Henry, Eden Henry, Raylyn Rausch and Luka Rausch; and sister, Clara Pecinovsky, Elma.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Balk; son, Alan Balk; parents, John and Agnes Falada; mother and father-in-law, Carl and Catherine Balk; son-in-law, Joseph Henry; grandchildren: Bruce Balk and Isaiah Baker; brother, Stanley Falada; brothers and sisters-in-law: Lawrence Pecinovksy, Betty Falada, Clara Balk, Greg (Agnes) Bodensteiner, Teddy (Leona) Balk, Ray (Esther) Balk, Matilda (Clem) Hlubek, Bill (Germaine) Steffes, Geneva (Clarence) Turner, Leonard (Lucille) Balk, Dwayne (Helen) Reisner and Rose Balk.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, Feb. 1, at St. Benedict Catholic Church of Decorah, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waucoma.

The Helms Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

stories of the responsibilities he had at a young age, as well as the fun he and his siblings would have, such as all five of them getting on the bull when their parents weren’t around.

He dedicated over 17 years working for the City of Decorah Water Department. In his later years, he returned to working in the grocery business and could often be found doing handyman work. He loved to keep busy, and right up until the end was talking about getting better so he could work again.

Jerry was a member of the Lions Club in Mabel, Minn., and community member of Decorah.

Jerry was known for his love of racing! You could often find him in the garage working on

his racecars, devising a plan for the next win. He gained many close friends in the racing community. He passed his love of racing to his son, John. Jerry was very particular and enjoyed bodywork as well as painting racecars. Through the years, he sharpened his pool and foosball skills and would enjoy challenging anyone that came to his man cave, along with a competitive game of cards. He enjoyed socializing with friends at the Legion in Mabel. He always made sure everyone was having a good time and had plenty to eat and drink. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved dog, Bella.

Jerry fell in love and married Wilma Paquillo on July 15, 2015. Jerry and Wilma en-

joyed camping in the summers, car shows, antique shopping and frequenting many different restaurants for good food.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, and the mother of his children, Margaret (Dotzler) Halse. He leaves behind his memories to his wife, Wilma; his daughter, Jennifer Henry, her husband Steven, and children Kollin and Garrett; son, John Halse, his significant other Cara, and her children Parker and Noah; his siblings: Barbara (Tim) Mueller, Randall (Nancy) Halse, Dennis (Jodi) Halse, and Becky (Mike) Behrens; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding.

ta on a full golf scholarship. Jim earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa - Carver College of Medicine and completed residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was one of the founding orthopedic surgeons at Wisconsin River Orthopedics for 37 years and retired in 2014.

On Oct. 20, 2000, Jim married Janis Quest and they shared the last 23 years together in Wisconsin Rapids, enjoying time with their family to include his children John (Brooke) Johnson and Joseph (Kari Reinke) Johnson, and her children Rachel Schmidt, Michele (James) Layne and Matthew (Pauline)

Quest. “Papa”, as his grandchildren called him, was loved dearly by Stella and Wyatt Johnson, Jocelyn and Abram Johnson, Natalie, Allison and Olivia Schmidt, Sean Balistreri and Madison and Ryan Quest.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hunting, shooting and golf. He was a member of Bullseye Country Club, Upriver Gun Club and Ducks Unlimited. Jim and his sons shared his passions with time spent together fishing along the Wisconsin River behind his home and great hunting trips. Jan and Jim enjoyed their family and created many memories and traditions at their up-

north Boulder Junction home and their Door County condo.

They shared a love of adventure and traveled together throughout the world, but their favorite destination was Norway, Jim’s family homeland. They also loved to cut a rug at the Whiting Dance Club.

A memorial service was held Thursday, Feb. 8, at First English Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. The celebration of Jim’s life continued at Anchor Bay Bar & Grill after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to the South Wood County Humane Society.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024 5

Decorah School Board continued from front and that is significant,” Riley said. “I have real concerns about retention of coaches and participation of the students (when traveling so far), and impact on transportation funds and general revenue which can’t be ignored.” He added that the purpose of co-curricular activities is to enhance academics, and adding distances to games is challenging on academic performance.

“The UIC offers continuity of relationships with schools from the NEIC,” Riley said. “The traditional rivalries lead to gyms that are very full and communities are more involved.”

He was clear that his desire would be to maintain the NEIC, which holds much nostalgia. It was the first conference created in the state of Iowa. Since 1970, it retained the exact same member-schools.

“We have looked at ways to breathe vitality into the NEIC,” he said. “The true spirit of the NEIC is the trusting relationships built over time. Maintaining those relationships is important, but we are faced with a certain reality and talking about varied needs of schools and students.”

His meetings with other District representatives have included discussions on how to move the needle forward if the NEIC ceases to exist.

Community Survey In an effort to keep the community involved in the decision-making, DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin said a survey was sent to parents and community members and the response was overwhelming.

Within two days they had received nearly 800 responses.

The most popular desired feature (of new conference membership) was reduced travel time and the ability to get to games. Other considerations from those returning surveys included: retaining a level of competition, ability to have games on multiple levels on the same night and funding considerations also were important to those returning the surveys. Maintaining historic rivals weighed lower on the list of features.

For now, Board members said they are simply testing the waters, and they agreed reaching out early to other conferences is in the best interest of students.

“We’ve got some time” Board Vice President Ron Fadness said. “I think the important thing we should be fighting the hardest for is retaining the NEIC, but given that we only have few options if the NEIC goes away, we need to start the ball rolling.”

He said the NEIC conference will still exist next year, and any significant changes could be in the 2025-26 year.

“The conference climate is changing statewide,” Board President Cindy Goodner said Wednesday night, “We (Decorah) are uniquely big and uniquely rural. And we all want to do what’s best for our kids and our community.”

Meeting Monday The Decorah Board meets next Monday night, Feb. 12, and it is anticipated the conference discussion will be a part of the agenda.

Supervisors continued from front additional flood mitigation.

“I don’t have people in my district, say, Fort Atkinson, that has a significant amount of flood-prone area, that are petitioning the county to come in and plant native {grasses} so there’s more absorption and less flooding from the Turkey River,” said Kelsay. “They’re not coming in and asking the county to mitigate a flood problem, for properties that they have purchased and reside on, because of the downstream flow of water that comes to them.

“Your objection is ‘I bought my home in a floodplain area,’ and if the county changes something, {…} it’s going to significantly impact you,” Kelsay continued, “and it becomes the county’s liability, because a property that has been zoned manufacturing for decades, but didn’t get sold for whatever reason, by whatever board in the past, is now the keynote issue of why Freeport floods. And I find that difficult — with backwater and sewage that came into your basements and so forth {…}.

So, I think there’s a lot of mitigation that becomes the property owner’s expense.”

“We’re not asking you to plant anything,” Erickson said.

“We’re asking you to save the plants.”

Kelsay replied by explaining that if “that particular buyer that caused this to come to the forefront and asked for that land to be used …, they’re gonna plant solar panels on steel posts one foot above the flood line. The DNR, if they approve the plan, anybody that buys it is going to be subject to a DNR approval process. So, I don’t see what the major issue is. We could go beyond what the DNR says. That’s allowed by state code. But, that process is already all in place.”

“So, what you’re saying is that whether or not you sell this land, the DNR is in charge?”

Erickson asked.

“I didn’t say that,” Kelsay said. “I said that if the land is sold, and someone wants to do something with it, there is a process in place that is reviewed by the DNR, and the county is responsible to come to and meet the standards that the DNR places on that piece of property on that application.”

“So, they could stop them from doing anything,” Erickson said.

“They could,” Kelsay said.

“That’s the risk of a property owner.”

In closing, Erickson pleaded with the supervisors to stop trying to sell the land.

“I would ask you to just drop this,” she said, before returning to her chair. “Just don’t … don’t do anything. Just drop it. Let’s see if these plants will work. If not, you can always sell it later.

Just give these plants a chance to mitigate some rainwater, some storm water runoff.”

Supervisors Chair Langreck thanked Erickson for her contribution to the meeting, but that wasn’t the end of the discussion on that issue. Later in the meeting, during a segment in which the supervisors met with Winneshiek County Attorney Andy Van Der Maten, tempers flared, as Supervisor Shirley Vermace insisted that, if the county continues with efforts to sell the property, the supervisors agree on adding a restriction to the sale agreement stating that anyone who buys the property must build on stilts as to not affect the planted native grasses and not interfere with flood mitigation. Supervisors Vick, Kelsay and Langreck were opposed to Vermace’s suggestion, citing that such a restriction may unduly hinder future owners and projects.

Other business • Winneshiek County Conservation Director Barb Schroeder discussed a funding issue with the supervisors.

• Winneshiek County Engineer Michael Kueny shared his weekly report and said his leadership training is going well.

• The supervisors unanimously approved a motion to contract with Lynch Dallas, PC of Cedar Rapids for the county’s human resources needs.

• The supervisors unanimously approved a motion to allow the county attorney to work with township trustees to remedy an issue involving cattle on county roads.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Supervisors will be Monday, Feb. 12, at 9:30 a.m., at the Courthouse Annex.

Echoes of the Past By Roz Weis

Warm weather has been delightful

1924

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: Christmas Day, 1923, will be long remembered as the warmest in many years. There was no snow, no cold wind blowing, and it was a delightful, almost balmy day. We believe most of us would prefer some snow at Christmas, though an unusually mild Christmas is pleasing once in awhile. A dozen golfers enjoyed some play at the Oneota Golf and Country Club on Christmas. The golfers found the warm air invigorating, and the surrounding hills.

Even the newspaper editor’s home was unusual, as they picked some lettuce for a delicious salad. The garden had no covering of any kind. …The Decorah Coat and Suit Store recently installed a new, modern, up-to-date millinery section, which is under the personal supervision of Miss Daisy Amundsen. She will devote her entire time to this department. …Luther College has retained the services of Coach Franklin G. Cappon for the next season. Luther’s football team secured a great record in 1923, losing only one game. This is the best the team has performed in many years. …The Odd Fellows enjoyed a unique dance at their hall the other day. Music was furnished by an actual RADIO. Chas.

Greenley operated his radio and a very large crowd enjoyed the dancing. …It was not so long ago that

the chief work in this area was where to locate the hitching posts where farmers could tie their horses when they came to town. Now we are working with engineers from the area day and night to mark where parking spaces should be located for automobiles. …The new calendars are now available from G.F. Baker – the local lumberman. …A local comedy made in Decorah called “Two Troublesome Tramps” will be presented at the theatre in early January.

The motion picture was staged on the streets of this city, with 150 people taking part. It’s a scream to see people you know act out in this film.

1934

NINETY YEARS AGO: A sumptuous holiday dinner was served to 100 members of the Decorah Civilian Conservation (CCC) Camp last week. Alaskan reindeer meat, supplied by a Kansas City packing firm, was the icing on the cake for the men. The other men of the camp traveled home for a fiveday furlough to be with family, but they have all returned. …Severe winter weather comes on the heels of some wonderful, mild Christmas weather. Spring-like activities won’t be around for some time now, as the winter blizzard approaches. …E.C. Dirks, Decorah’s iceman, is getting ready for his annual ice harvest this Saturday,

Weiser House

The historic Weiser House once stood where the First Lutheran Church parking lot is now located. It was constructed in 1872-73 at a cost of approximately $10,000. It was owned by the C.J. Weiser family, owners of the old Winneshiek County Bank in that era. The bank failed in 1932, and the house was sold for $15,000 to the Decorah College for Women for use as a dormitory. The photograph is from the Driftless Multimedia archives. with 25 men putting up a supply of ice for 1934. The ice is now 10 inches thick, and should be 14 or 15 inches thick by ice harvest time. …Contractor A.R. Coffeen has reportedly made arrangements to buy the old pump house in the south part of the city. …Decorah Fire Chief Moen has reported there were 23 fire alarms during the last year, as well as nine “silent alarms”.

Water was used on only six of the blazes, and chemicals were used to put out the balance of the fires.

…Roger Stoskopf has purchased half interest in the grocery firm of Kenrick & Hill. …Someone with a spirit of vandalism in them has gone out and smashed the large gold letters in the sign in front of the Hotel Winneshiek. We understand that the manager has an inkling as to who may have committed the act, and they will swiftly be brought to account for the deed. …The Roy Relf family reports seeing the first 1934 robin in this vicinity on New Year’s Day.

Decorah Public Library February book discussions Decorah Public Library staff are hosting five book discussions in February.

The History Book Group will meet on the second floor of the library Thursday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m., to discuss Evan D.G. Fraser’s “Empires of Food: Feast, Famine, and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations.” Using the colorful diaries of a sixteenth-century merchant as a narrative guide, Empires of Food chronicles the fate of people and societies for the past twelve thousand years through the foods they grew, hunted, traded, and ate—and gives us insights into what to expect in years to come.

Agricultural expert Evan D. G. Fraser and journalist Andrew Rimas tell stories that capture the flavor of places as disparate as ancient Mesopotamia and imperial Britain, taking us from the first city in the once-thriving Fertile Crescent to today’s overworked breadbaskets and rice bowls in the United States and China, showing just what food has meant to humanity.

The Friday Book Group will meet on the second floor of the library Friday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m., to discuss Nathan Thrall’s “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama.” Five-year-old Milad Salama is excited for a school trip to a theme park on the outskirts of Jerusalem. On the way, his bus collides with a semitrailer. His father, Abed, gets word of the crash and rushes to the site. The scene is chaos – the children have been taken to different hospitals in Jerusalem and the West Bank; some are missing, others cannot be identified. Abed sets off on an odyssey to learn Milad’s fate. It is every parent’s worst nightmare, but for Abed it is compounded by the maze of physical, emotional, and bureaucratic obstacles he must navigate because he is Palestinian.

The Happy Hour Book Group will meet at Pulpit Rock

Brewing Co. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 5:15 p.m., to discuss Emma Donoghue’s “Learned

by Heart.” In 1805, 14-yearold Eliza Raine is a schoolgirl at the Manor School for Young Ladies in York. The daughter of an Indian mother and a British father, Eliza was banished to this unfamiliar country as a little girl.

When she first stepped off the King George in Kent, Eliza was accompanied by her older sister, Jane, but now she boards alone at the Manor, with no one left to claim her. She spends her days avoiding the attention of her fellow pupils until, one day, a fearless and charismatic new student arrives at the school. The two girls are immediately thrown together and soon Eliza’s life is turned inside out by this strange and curious young woman.

The Speculative Fiction Book Group will meet via Zoom Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m., to discuss the following short stories from Kim Fu’s

“Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century”: “Pre-Simulation Consultation XF007867,” “Liddy, First to Fly,” “Time Cubes,” and “#ClimbingNation.” Zoom link available on the library website.

Immediately following the short story discussion, the group will discuss James Islington’s “The Will of the Many” (beginning at 6:30 p.m., using the same Zoom link). The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything. I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a

tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.

Zoom link available on the library website.

The groups are open to the public and newcomers are welcome. Those interested should call the library at 382-3717 to learn more or to reserve a book.

Email ktorresdal@decorahlibrary.org to be added to any of the five groups’ email distribution lists.

For more information, contact Tricia Crary (Friday Book Group) or Kristin Torresdal (Happy Hour, History, and Speculative Fiction Book Groups) at 563-382-3717.

Ribbon Cutting

Celebration!

The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce extends a warm welcome to new member Gray Falcon Family Martial Arts. Pictured is the Gray Falcon Family Martial Arts team with chamber ambassadors Marcia Madrigal, Tade Kerndt, Amanda Kupka, Dallas Steffen, Joe Hammel, Cindy Hoyme, Ray Rinkol, Tara McConnell and Adam Baker.

Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce extends congratulations to Gray Falcon Family Martial Arts Our sincere congratulations and best wishes for your success and continued growth in the Decorah area.

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

6 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024

Help Wanted

MIDWEST REGIONAL ROUTES

NOW HIRING DETAIL MANAGER Family owned and operated Chevrolet dealership R.W. Pladsen Inc. in Waukon, Iowa is seeking a Detail Manager.

DETAILS Position is responsible for detailing new and used vehicles as well as inspecting new vehicle deliveries. Detail hours are MondayFriday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch break. No nights and weekends necessary. Candidate may be subject to background check & drug testing. Valid Driver’s license necessary.

BENEFITS R.W. Pladsen Inc. offers a competitive wage and benefits package.

Wage based on experience.

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

6-4-JP-12

TO APPLY If you feel you are right for this position, please e-mail your resume or work experience to carli@pladseninc.com, or stop by and pick up an application.

201 Rossville Rd. Waukon, IA 563-568-6357

NEW FACILITY OPENING FALL 2024 pladseninc.com

Full-Time Legal Secretary. Law firm setting. Looking for someone with good interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Computer knowledge is a must, and prior experience with dictation software preferred.

Send a cover letter and resume to P.O. Box 70, Decorah, IA 52101.

6-6-JP-x-12 Decorah Community Schools 2023-2024

NEEDS: Assistant Varsity Softball Coach

Send letter of application and resume to Athletic Director, Adam Riley, 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, by end of the day on February 16, 2024, or open until position is filled.

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

6-2-PJ-12

JB HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION is looking for qualified individuals to join our team!

OPENINGS FOR:

Pipe Layers Class A CDL Truck Drivers Heavy Equipment Operators

No Experience? No problem!

Inquire about JB Holland’s earn and learn training program.

Full Benefit Package including Medical, Vision, Dental, Life and Short Term Disability Insurance, Retirement, Perdiem, PTO, Paid Holidays, Safety Incentive, Employee Referral Bonus

Call (563) 382-2901 Apply online at: www.jbholland.net 5-4-JP-12

City Engineer

The City of Decorah is acceptDECORAH, IOWA ing applications for the position of City Engineer. Minimum qualifications include having a Professional Engineer license in the State of Iowa or ability to obtain one within six months of hire. Five years as licensed Professional Engineer and five years supervisory or management experience preferred. Position subject to post-offer physical examination including drug testing, background check and motor vehicle records check. Competitive benefit package offered.

APPLICATIONS 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 application, cover letter and resume along with a minimum of 3 professional, work-related references to: City of Decorah, Attn: Travis Goedken, City Manager, PO Box 138, Decorah, IA, 52101 or citymanager@decorah.iowa.gov. Applications accepted until filled, with first review of applications 4:00 PM, February 16, 2024.

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

5-2-P-12

Help Wanted:

Permanent CO Program Technician

The Allamakee County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office located in Waukon, is accepting applications to fill a permanent Program Technician position. The individual selected will be responsible for carrying out general office activities and technical functions pertaining to FSA administered programs. Applicants should possess excellent human relations skills as well as strong clerical and computer skills. A general knowledge of agricultural practices would also be beneficial.

The full vacancy announcement with mandatory application requirements can be obtained online at www.usajobs.gov and accessing vacancy announcement number FSACO-12295414-24-IA-KR. The vacancies will open on February 5, 2024, and close on February 19, 2024.

Allamakee County – Rachel Pufahl, County Executive Director, at (563) 547-2841 ext. 2 or rachel.pufahl@usda.gov.

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Some Over Night • Returning Daily to Cedar Rapids • Steady Income/100% Paid Benefits • Company Training

APPLY NOW!

www.jensentransport.com

Call Tim Jensen for an Interview today: 1-800-772-1734 CLIP AD FOR $1.00 OFF ADMISSION

Trade Show Production’s LTD Presents

GUN SHOW This Weekend! Feb, 9-11, 2024 Jackson Co. Fair, Maquoketa, Ia

For Guns & Accessories, This Is Where You'll Want To Be! Fri., 5pm-9pm • Sat., 9am-5pm • Sun., 9am-3pm

1-888-552-1486 • www.gunshowtsp.com CLIP A D FOR $ 1.0 0 OFF A DMIS SION

LIBRARY AIDE Decorah Public Library is accepting applications for a

part-time

Library Aide

Candidates must be at least 14 years old and available to work select weekday hours, 1-2 weekday evenings 5-7 p.m., and 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. 10-19 hours/week available at $10.50/hr, no benefits.

Job description and application available at www.decorahia.org or call 563-382-3717.

Females and minorities are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA

6-4-JP-12

NOW HIRING

Growth Oppurtunities - Now Hiring

Send completed application to: Decorah Public Library, Attn: Tricia Crary, 202 Winnebago St., Decorah IA 52101 or tcrary@decorahlibrary.org.

Applications accepted until position is filled. First review of applications will be on Friday February 23.

M/F disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer

A stroke won’t wait.

Neither should you.

Know the signs of a stroke at strokeiowa.org.

Act F.A.S.T. to save a life.

F.A.S.T. Face Drooping

Arm Weakness

Speech Difficulty

Time to Call 911

202 Winnebago St., Decorah, IA www.decorahlibrary.org 563-382-3717 6-4-PJ-12

Cards of Thanks

The Family of Fredrick O. Williams wishes to extend a big "Thank You" to all for the expressions of sympathy, cards, memorials, phone calls, and hugs following Fred's death. Thanks to the caring team at Gundersen Hospice and Tina and Sarah from "Small Town Home Care" for your support and assistance during this time.

A special thanks to Father McGrath, Janell Randa for the beautiful music, Tim Mengis at Mengis Funeral Home, U-2 Catering for preparing the food and the St. Olaf Ladies for serving the meal.

– Helen Kuhn Williams, Deb Kuhn, Joe & Barb Nelson, Marvin & Mary Kuhn, Scott & Brenda Nelson & families

6-1-JP-15

Searching for a new place in Decorah to rent! Looking for a 1-2 bed/1 bath house or apartment. A garage/covered, off-street parking spot would be preferable. Any place under $1000/month will work; utilities don’t have to be included.

Please call or text me if you have anything available! 612-816-4695 6-2-PJ-x-10

Know who to reach out to when you need help.

There is hope.

Wanted Wanted: house cleaning and business cleaning. Available early afternoons. 563-203-0121.

6-2-P-pd-13

Join Our Team as a Route Driver/Warehouse Worker Due to growth, we are looking to hire another driver/warehouse worker based out of our Ridgeway, IA location. Candidate must enjoy various day to day operations including driving routes, interacting with customers, and accomplishing daily warehouse tasks. CDL is required.

Drivers have an 8:00 am – 5:00 pm schedule, plus possible overtime, home every night.

Qualifications • CDL required • Mechanical background a plus • Dependability • Ability to work independently Benefits • Health and Dental Insurance • 401k with employer match • Profit sharing program • Paid time off • Many more!

Apply online at hovdenoil.com or stop into our Ridgeway office, 1425 Main St, to apply. For more information contact Kala Trojan, 563-737-2710 or kala@hovdenoil.com.

5-4-JP-12

The Hoover Presidential Foundation will award over $60,000 in scholarships to Iowa students this year. This is the 27th year of the annual Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award, a scholarship program for Iowa high school juniors.

The deadline to submit an application is April 1.

Fifteen students will be chosen for the program with each receiving a $1,500 scholarship.

In addition, four $10,000 scholarships are awarded for study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university anywhere in the United States. The award program seeks to identify uncommon students during their junior year in high school.

Applicants submit a proposal for a project they want to accomplish, which relates to Herbert Hoover. Hoover was known as a great humanitarian, entrepreneur, engineer, and loved technology and the environment. Students are not evaluated on the basis of grades, test scores, essays, or financial need.

Students are selected each year based on their stated project goal and detailed plans to reach that goal. Finalists spend a required expense-paid weekend in West Branch (just east of Iowa City) during the summer between their junior and senior year. During the weekend, they receive mentoring and assistance developing their projects to aid in their success.

Time is also spent behind the scenes at the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum to help students become more familiar with President Hoover’s ideals regarding humanitarianism and public service. In November of their senior year, finalists make presentations about their projects at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum. At that time, each student receives the $1,500 scholarship, and four are chosen to receive a $10,000 scholarship.

Information and applications may be found at www.UncommonStudent.org.

Public Notices

Real Estate For Rent: 2-bedroom apartment.

1 stall garage. NP/NS. Available soon. $700/month. 563-380-6712.

5-tf-PJ-x-9

EOE

Scholarship opportunity for Iowa high school juniors

Call or text 988 or chat 988LifeLine.org

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Carl G. Svenson DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016270 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Carl G. Svenson, Deceased, who died on or about October 5, 2023: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 24th day of January, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Carl G. Svenson, deceased, bearing date of October 8, 2009, and First Codicil dated October 2, 2020, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Victoria L. Svenson was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated this 29th day of January, 2024.

Victoria L. Svenson Executor of Estate 702 Winneshiek Ave Decorah, IA 52101 Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dan.fretheim@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: February 8, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 1 & 8, 2024

Auction Calendar 101.54 Acres Houston County Mn Land Auction - Friday, February 16, 2024. Jim “Fox” Gavin Farm, Brownsville, MN. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon, IA. 563568-2464 www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Guns & Sporting Goods Auction - Saturday, March 16, 2024. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon, IA. 563-568-2464, www. sweeneyauctionservice.com

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024 7

Public Notices IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Jeffrey E. Szabo DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016268 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Jeffrey E. Szabo, Deceased, who died on or about December 21, 2023: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 22nd day of January, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Jeffrey E. Szabo, deceased, bearing date of August 11, 2022, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Justin Szabo was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated this 23rd day of January, 2024.

Justin Szabo Executor of Estate 1300 N.W. Jamestown Lane Waukee, IA 50263 Dustin H. Noble ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dustin.noble@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: February 8, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 1 & 8, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Catherine A. Hageman, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR016266 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Catherine A. Hageman, Deceased, who died on or about January 5, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 18th day of January, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Catherine A. Hageman, deceased, bearing date of November 11, 2021, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Lisa M. Reilly and Rick J. Hageman were appointed co-executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated this 22nd day of January, 2024.

Lisa M. Reilly 1927 SW Vintage Parkway Ankeny, IA 50023 Co-executor of estate Rick J. Hageman 2451 170th Street Calmar, IA 52132 Co-executor of estate Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 dan.fretheim@ andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: February 8, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 1 & 8, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Ronald H. Hageman, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR016267 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Ronald H. Hageman, Deceased, who died on or about December 4, 2023: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 18th day of January, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Ronald H. Hageman, deceased, bearing date of November 11, 2021, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Lisa M. Reilly and Rick J. Hageman were appointed co-executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated this 22nd day of January, 2024.

Lisa M. Reilly 1927 SW Vintage Parkway Ankeny, IA 50023 Co-executor of estate Rick J. Hageman 2451 170th Street Calmar, IA 52132 Co-executor of estate Daniel L. Fretheim ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 dan.fretheim@ andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: February 8, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 1 & 8, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE MCQUEEN FAMILY TRUST (f/k/a Robert M. McQueen and Irene McQueen Trust) NOTICE OF TRUST To all persons regarding Robert M. McQueen, deceased, who died on or about January 20, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Decorah Bank & Trust Company is the Trustee of the McQueen Family Trust (f/k/a Robert M. McQueen and Irene McQueen Trust) dated November 14, 2016, and amended March 11, 2020.

Any action to contest the validity of the Trust must be brought in the District Court of Winneshiek County, Decorah, Iowa, within the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor

whose identities are reasonably ascertainable.

Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred.

Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur of four (4) months from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required, or the claim shall be forever barred unless paid or otherwise satisfied.

Dated this 25th day of January, 2024.

MCQUEEN FAMILY TRUST dated November 14, 2016, and amended March 11, 2020 Decorah Bank & Trust Company, Trustee 202 E. Water Decorah, IA 52101 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: Jana M. Evelsizer Olson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 (563) 382-2959 jana.olson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: February 8, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 1 & 8, 2024 The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, has received a construction permit application for a confinement feeding operation, more specifically described as follows: Name of Applicant: Kevin Moellers (KG4 Dairy & Tye Moellers).

Location of the operation: Section 34, Orleans Township.

Type of confinement feeding operation structure proposed: This is an existing permitted dairy confinement facility that is proposing to expand. The dairy after the proposed expansion will consist of 4,200 mature dairy cows, 1,500 immature dairy heifers, and 1,200 head of feeder cattle all housed in confinement.

Animal Unit Capacity of the confinement operation after expansion: 10564 animal units (4,200 mature dairy cows, 1,500 immature dairy heifers, 1,200 head of feeder cattle).

Examination: The application is on file at the County Sanitarian’s Office and is available for public inspection during the following days: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Comments: Written comments may be filed at the County Sanitarian’s office, until the following deadline of 2-23-24.

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8, 2024 January 8, 2024 WCASWA Rate & Review Committee Meeting Minutes The meeting began at 5:00 p.m.

Present: Mark Vick-WCASWA-Chairperson-Winneshiek County Supervisor Daniel Langreck-Vice Chairperson Winneshiek County Supervisor Leon Kipp-Treasurer-City of Fort Atkinson Steve Kelsay-Winneshiek County Supervisor Mark Faldet-Winneshiek County Supervisor Don DiLaura-City of Ossian Keith Frana-City of Calmar Richard Hammel-Winneshiek County Craig Fencl-Howard County Jana Olson-Counsel T.J. Schissel-Landfill Manager Meghan Scheidel-Landfill Operator Kelly Brickley-Hacker Nelson Craig Fencl-Howard County Conservation Marta Kelsay-Guest Topics Discussed: 1. Kelly Brickley explained the landfill cash flow projections. TJ discussed setting the tipping fee at $76.00 per ton. Moved by Faldet and seconded by DiLaura to amend the June 12, 2023 proposal to set the tipping fee at $75.00 per ton effective July 1st, 2024. All voting approved. Motion carried. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Frana to set the tipping fee at $76.00 per ton effective July 1st, 2024. All voting approved. Motion carried.

2. TJ reviewed the Comprehensive Plan.

The meeting ended at 5:10 p.m. and transitioned to the regular agency meeting anuary 8, 2024 Call to Order & Determination of Quorum: The Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mark Vick at 5:10 p.m. on Monday, January 8th , 2024 at the Winneshiek County Annex Building. Voting members present were; Dan Langreck, Mark Vick, Steve Kelsay, Leon Kipp, Don DiLaura, Keith Frana, Richard Hammel, and Mark Faldet. A quorum was determined by the chairperson. Also present were; Counsel Jana Olson, Landfill Director T.J Schissel, and Landfill Operator Meghan Scheidel, Howard County Conservationist Craig Fencl, and Brent Berns of Hacker & Nelson.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda: Moved by Frana, seconded by Faldet, to approve the meeting minutes of 11/13/23. All voting approved.

Moved by Frana, seconded by Faldet to approve the 1/8/24 agenda. All voting approved.

Introduction of Guests: None Report from Secretary-Treasurer: 11/30/23 Checking Balance: $655,441.88 11/30/23 Checking Interest: $52.86 11/30/23 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $1,645,774.04 11/30/23 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $6,338,298.96 11/30/23 Total Investments: $7,984,073.00 12/31/23 Checking Balance: $331,179.85 12/31/23 Checking Interest: $29.51 12/31/23 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $1,645,774.04 12/31/23 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $6,757,473.61 12/31/23 Total Investments: $8,403,247.65 Public Comment: There was no public comment.

Approve Claims Paid: Moved by Langreck, seconded by Hammel to approve the November claims of $99,144.48 and December claims of $459,885.90. All voting approved.

Committee Reports: Landfill Director’s Report New wells were drilled and AECOM was onsite sampling and inspecting wells. Amber Sauser with the IA-DNR did a yearly site visit and reported zero concerns. TJ and Mark Vick went to a shredder demo, and the third retention basin was completed.

Engineer’s Report TJ delivered the engineer’s report, the ACM report will be submitted to the IA-DNR next week. Sampling and the AWQR are being completed. AECOM on site in December surveying.

Committee Reports: 1. Item 6.1-Election of Officers. Moved

by Kelsay, and seconded by DiLaura to retain the following officers for the 2024 calendar year: Mark Vick-Chairperson, Daniel Langreck-Vice-Chairperson, Leon Kipp-Treasurer, Keith Frana-Secretary. Roll call vote: Kipp-aye, Faldet-aye, Kelsay-aye, Langreck-aye, Hammel-aye, Frana-aye, DiLaura-aye, Vick-aye. All voting approved.

Motion carries.

2. Item 6.3 Approve Corporate Authorization Resolution for Agency Signers: Moved

by Faldet, seconded by Kelsay to retain signers as follows: Mark Vick, Daniel Langreck, Leon Kipp, Keith Frana, Shirley Vermace, and TJ Schissel. Roll call vote: Kipp-aye, Faldet-aye, Kelsay-aye, Langreck-aye, Hammel-aye, Frana-aye, DiLaura-aye, Vick-aye.

All voting approved. Motion carries.

3. Item 6.4 Resolution for area banks: Moved by Kipp, and seconded by Frana to retain the following banks as authorized depositories for agency funds: BMO, Decorah Bank & Trust, Northeast Security Bank, Viking State Bank, Luana Savings Bank, Cresco Union Savings Bank, Kerndt Brothers Bank, Citizens Savings Bank, and Fidelity Bank. Roll call vote: Kipp-aye, Faldet-aye, Kelsay-aye, Langreck-aye, Hammel-aye, Frana-aye, DiLaura-aye, Vick-aye. All voting approved. Motion carries.

4. Item 6.5 Hacker Nelson review of 20222023 Audit: Brent Berns with Hacker & Nelson presented the FY 22-23 audit.

5. Item 6.6 Approve Audit: Moved by DiLaura, seconded by Kipp to approve the FY 22-23 audit. All voting approved. Motion carries.

6. Item 6.9 Discussion of Rate & Review meeting: Reaffirm an increase of the tipping fee to $76.00 per ton effective July 1st, 2024.

7. Item 6.10 Calmar Courier requests to be designated official newspaper for WCASWA. Moved by Kelsay, seconded by Faldet to deny the request. All voting approved. Motion car-

ries.

8. Item 6.11 Discuss & Approve FY 24-25 Budget: TJ Schissel presented the proposed FY 24-25 budget. Moved by Frana, seconded

by DiLaura to approve budget as written. All voting approved. Motion carries.

9. Item 6.12 Approve 2024 Holiday Schedule: Moved by Faldet, seconded by DiLaura to adopt the holiday schedule as written and approved by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on January 2nd, 2024 and with the addition of March 22nd, 2024 for Landfill Operator re-certification as required by the IA-DNR. All voting approved. Motion carries.

10. Item 6.13 Hawkeye Recycling Appliance Demanufacturing Agreement: Moved by Kelsay, seconded by Frana to deny the new agreement made by Hawkeye Recycling.

Moved by Langreck, seconded by DiLaura to terminate the current agreement between Hawkeye Recycling and the Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency.

Establish Time & Date of Next Meeting: The WCASWA will meet on March 11th , 2024 at 5:00 pm at the Winneshiek County Annex Building.

Adjournment: Moved by DiLaura, seconded by Frana to adjourn at 6:30 pm. All voting approved.

Leon Kipp, Secretary Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency General Ledger As of November 30, 2023....Accural Basis Type, Date, Num, Name, Detail, Deposits, Payments, Balance .................................................625,995.32 Deposit, 11/06/2023, Deposit, 2,926.02628,921.34 Check, 11/06/2023, 11842, MEGHAN SCHEIDEL, Safety Boots, 179.35........................................628,741.99 Check, 11/06/2023,11843, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll-Oct, 34,964.87....................................593,777.12 Check, 11/06/2023, 11844, AcenTek, Internet, 54.95.............................593,722.17 Check, 11/06/2023, 11845, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass, 43.20.................................593,678.97 Check, 11/06/2023, 11846, Fisk Farm and Home, Shop, 291.21...................593,387.76 Check, 11/06/2023, 11847, Spahn & Rose Lumber Co., Shop, 115.68..........593,272.08 Check, 11/08/2023, ACH, Treasurer-State of Iowa, Sales Tax, 944.36..............592,327.72 Deposit, 11/13/2023, Deposit, 15,810.82....................................608,138.54 Check, 11/13/2023, 11848, Kyle Frank, Safety Boots, 239.94...................607,898.60 Check, 11/13/2023, 11849, TJ Schissel, Safety Boots, 250.00...................607,648.60 Check, 11/13/2023, 11850, WinnMed, Employee Screen. 24.00.............607,624.60 Check, 11/13/2023, 11851, UnityPoint Clinic-Occupational Medicine, Employee Screen, 42.00.............607,582.60 Check, 11/13/2023, 11852, RICOH, Office, 35.77................................607,546.83 Check, 11/13/2023, 11853, ARAMARK UNIFORMSERVICES, INC., Office, 210.87..............................607,335.96 Deposit, 11/20/2023, Deposit, 5,181.37,.....................................612,517.33 Deposit, 11/20/2023, Deposit, 84,618.77....................................697,136.10 Check, 11/20/2023, 11854, AGVANTAGE FS INC., Fuel, 5,752.35..............691,383.75 Check, 11/20/2023, 11855, Ziegler Inc., Repairs, 2,180.74........................689,203.01 Check, 11/20/2023, 11856, MiEnergy Cooperative, Electric, 816.73......688,386.28 Check, 11/20/2023, 11857, Terracon, Well Drilling, 12,298.00 ............676,088.28 Deposit, 11/27/2023, Deposit, 13,918.28....................................690,006.56 Check, 11/27/2023, 11858, MIDWEST ELECTRONIC RECOVERY, TV Recycling, 1,733.40..............688,273.16 Check, 11/27/2023, 11859..........CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING, Office, 52.75...........................................688,220.41 Check, 11/27/2023, 11860, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass 51.00...........................................688,169.41 Check, 11/27/2023, 11861, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll-Nov, 34,553.60....................................653,615.81 Check, 11/27/2023, 11862, Decorah Mobile Glass, Repairs, 75.00..................653,540.81 Check, 11/27/2023, 11863, PIONEER TELEPHONE, Telephone, 14.63.. 653,526.18 Check, 11/27/2023, 11864, RACOM CORPORATION, CB Radios, 2,420.82......................................651,105.36 Check, 11/27/2023, 11865, Eurofins Environment Testing NC, Monitoring Wells, 1,718.75........649,386.61 Deposit, 11/30/2023, Deposit, 6,082.92,.....................................655,469.53 Check, 11/30/2023, ACH, First Data Merchant Bank, November fees, 80.51...........................................655,389.02 Deposit, 11/30/2023, Interest, 52.86........................................., 655,441.88 TOTAL 128,591.04, 99,144.48, 655,441.88, 128,591.04, 99,144.48...............655,441.88 General Ledger As of December 31, 2023....Accural Basis Type, Date, Num, Name, Detail, Deposits, Payments, Balance ......................................................655,441.88 Deposit, 12/04/2023, Deposit, 3,649.59......................................659,091.47 Deposit, 12/04/2023, Deposit, 38,537.27....................................697,628.74 Check 12/04/2023, 11866, CENTURY LINK, Telephone, 80.16.............697,548.58 Check, 12/04/2023, 11867, Fisk Farm and Home, Shop, 343.74.............697,204.84 Check, 12/04/2023, 11868, Logan Schnuelle, Safety Shoes, 116.65..........................................697,088.19 Check, 12/04/2023, 11869, Drillings All Season Sports, Repairs, 196.96...696,891.23 Check, 12/04/2023, 11870, Driftless Multimedia LLC, Advertising, 152.01.....................696,739.22 Check, 12/04/2023, 11871, Eurofins Environment Testing NC, Monitoring Wells, 1,292.50........695,446.72 Check, 12/04/2023, 11872, AECOM, Engineering, 31,692.26...............663,754.46 Check, 12/04/2023, 11873, Kerndt Brothers, CD Purchase, 400,000.00............263,754.46 Deposit, 12/11/2023, Deposit, 11,743.37.....................................275,497.83 Deposit, 12/11/2023, Deposit, 9,293.94......................................284,791.77 Check, 12/11/2023, 11874, Eurofins Environment Testing NC, Monitoring Wells, 7,775.50........277,016.27 Check, 12/11/2023, 11875, AcenTek, Internet, 54.95.............................276,961.32 Check, 12/11/2023, 11876, RONALD LUDEKING, Rent, 250.00......... 276,711.32 Check, 12/11/2023, 11877, Hovden Oil Inc., Fuel, 1,067.00.............................275,644.32 Check, 12/11/2023, 11878, RACOM CORPORATION, Camera System, 3,812.50......................................271,831.82 Check, 12/11/2023, 11879, ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICES, INC., Office.

271.15........................................271,560.67 Check, 12/11/2023, 11880, HAWKEYE RECYCLING, Glass Recycling, 34.80...........................................271,525.87 Check, 12/11/2023, 11881, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass Recycling, 33.48...............271,492.39 Check, 12/11/2023, 11882, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Shop, 44.61.......................271,447.78 Deposit, 12/18/2023, Deposit, 6,509.62.....................................277,957.40 Deposit, 12/18/2023, Deposit, 36,061.41....................................314,018.81 Check, 12/18/2023, 11883, AGVANTAGE FS INC., Fuel, 5,391.85..............308,626.96 Check, 12/18/2023, 11884, MiEnergy Cooperative, Electric, 435.90......308,191.06 Check, 12/18/2023, 11885, STOREY/KENWORTHY, Office, 61.06...........................................308,130.00 Check, 12/18/2023, 11886, VOID, VOID, 0.00..................... 308,130.00 Check12/18/2023, 11887, Hacker, Nelson & Co.P.C., Accouting, 2,200.00......305,930.00 Check, 12/18/2023, 11888, Ziegler Inc., Repairs. 2,073.46........................303,856.54 Check, 12/18/2023, ACH, USPS, Office......., 660.00.........................................303,196.54 Check, 12/18/2023, 11889, HAWKEYE RECYCLING, Appliance Recycling, 1,215.00......................................301,981.54 Check, 12/20/2023, ACH, Treasurer-State of Iowa, Sales Tax, 560.92..............301,420.62 Deposit, 12/27/2023, Deposit, 4,343.32......................................305,763.94 Deposit, 12/27/2023, Deposit, 21,863.58....................................327,627.52 Deposit, 12/31/2023, Deposit, 3,592.26......................................331,219.78 Check, 12/31/2023, ACH, First Data Merchant Bank, December fees, 69.44..................331,150.34 Deposit, 12/31/2023, Interest, 29.51...........................................331,179.85 TOTAL 135,623.87, 459,885.90, 331,179.85, 135,623.87, 459,885.90 331,179.85..................................331,179.85 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DECORAH CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa, has set February 19, 2024, at 5:45 PM at the Council Chambers in City Hall in Decorah, Iowa, as the time and place for a public hearing on a proposal to amend the Decorah Municipal Code, Title 17, Chapter 17.16 Digital and Electronic Signs of the Municipal Code of the City of Decorah, as follows: SECTION 1. That Section 17.16.120 Prohibited Signs be amended by deleting Paragraph H, and inserting in lieu thereof the following: H. Electronic or Digital Signs. No electronic message signs or centers, digital billboards or other digital display signs on or off premises shall be permitted, except in districts zoned commercial or industrial, excluding the Central Business District; and as otherwise regulated by the City Code, to include Section 17.16.125.

SECTION 2. That Chapter 17.16 Chapter 17.16 General Regulations, of Title 17 – Zoning, be amended by adding and inserting a new Section 17.16.125 – Electronic or Digital Sign Regulations, as follows: 17.16.125- ELECTRONIC AND DIGITAL SIGNS. This section outlines the requirements for electronic or digital signs. For purposes of this section, “electronic signs” refer to signs where the display is changed by the owner using a computer or similar device but the display remains static until changed again by the owner. “Digital signs” refer to signs where a computer or similar device is used to set a sequence of displays by the owner. Such signs may be all or a portion of an allowed ground sign or wall sign, provided that the following conditions are met: A.. Digital signs are only allowed in areas that are zoned as industrial or commercial; excluding the C-3 Central Business District.

B. Electronic signs are only allowed in areas that are zoned as industrial or commercial; signs in the C-3 Central Business District can only be displayed during hours of operation.

C... Digital and Electronic signs shall only display a static message or messages. There shall be no effects of movement, blinking, animation, scrolling, flashing, or similar effects in the individual images.

D.. Digital signs which display more than one static message shall do so sequentially, with each static message having a dwell time of no less than 8 seconds and a transition time between static messages of no more than one second.

E. Digital and Electronic signs shall not display an illuminative brightness exceeding 0.3 foot candles over ambient light levels measured at a distance of one hundred fifty feet (150’) feet for those sign faces less than or equal to three hundred square feet (300 sq. ft.), measured at a distance of two hundred feet (200 ft.), for those sign faces greater than three hundred square feet (300 sq. ft.) but less than or equal to three hundred eighty-five square feet (385 sq. ft.), measured at a distance of two hundred fifty feet (250 ft.), for those sign faces greater than three hundred eighty-five square feet (385 sq. ft.) and less than or equal to six hundred eighty square feet (680 sq. ft.), measured at a distance of three hundred fifty feet (350 ft.) for those sign faces greater than six hundred eighty square feet (680 sq. ft.).

F. All Digital signs must have installed ambient light monitors and must at all times allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness level of the electronic sign based on ambient light conditions. At no time shall the sign be operated at a brightness level greater than the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

G. Artificial external light sources used to illuminate a sign face must be located and shielded such that the bulb is not directly visible from any adjacent residentially zoned property or public right-of-way and must use a narrow cone of light that does not extend beyond the illuminated sign face.

H. Illumination on a property, including illumination from signs, must not exceed 0.5 initial horizontal foot-candle and 2.0 initial maximum foot-candles as measured at any point along a property boundary that is adjacent to or across the street from properties that are zoned residential.

I. All illuminated signs are subject to the provisions of the Building Code, including any permit fees.

J. Permit applications for Digital signs must include a copy of the manufacturer’s operating manual or specifications, including any recommended standards for brightness and other display operations.

K. Digital and Electronic signs shall not display an illuminative brightness of such intensity or brilliance that they impair the vision or endanger the safety and welfare of any cyclist or person operating a motor vehicle.

L. Digital and Electronic signs shall not resemble or simulate any warning or danger signal, or any official traffic control device, sign, signal, or light.

M. If a Digital sign is visible from a nearby residential zoning district, it shall be located no closer than one hundred-fifty feet (150’) from the closest point of that residential zoning district, measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the sign structure to the nearest point of the residential district.

N. Only 1 Digital sign is allowed per building lot.

O. The sign may not make use of the words, “stop”, “go slow”, “caution”, “drivein”, “danger”, or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a way as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

Notice is further given that all persons may appear at said time and place to be heard for or against the proposal.

By order of the City Council of the City of Decorah, Iowa, this 16th day of January, 2024. /s/ Keri Sand Keri Sand, City Clerk/Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8, 2024 Board Minutes January 29, 2024 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am January 29, 2024 with all members present.

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Jon Vagts, Helping Services, met with the Board to give an update on the Opioid Task Force.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting, the claims filed with the Board, and the liquor licenses for Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, Harvest Farm Campground, and Bluffton Bar. Motion carried unanimously.

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

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to open the public hearing on the proposed National Flood Insurance Program Floodplain Management Ordinance. Motion carried unanimously. There were public questions about the ordinance and procedures established by the ordinance. Tony Phillips, Planning, Zoning, and Flood Plain Administrator, answered questions and explained procedures that would be established by the proposed ordinance. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to hold the first reading of the proposed ordinance. Motion carried unanimously and the reading was started. Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vick to pause the reading until 11:10 to continue the other scheduled agenda topics first.

Motion carried unanimously.

Jim Ludeking, Springfield Township Clerk, met with the Board and reviewed the history of pay for Township officials, and requested the Board consider an increase.

Stephanie Fromm and Mark Jensen, Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, met with the Board to discuss funding and programs.

Andy Van Der Maaten, County Attorney, met with the Board to discuss county issues.

The Board resumed the reading of the proposed Floodplain Management Ordinance.

After the reading was completed, moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to waive the additional readings. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to adopt Ordinance 24-250, amending the County Zoning Ordinance by adding the Floodplain Management Chapter 10 to facilitate participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Ordinance will be on file in the County Auditor’s and Recorder’s Offices and will be published as required.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Vermace to approve the annual CLG report for the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Vick

to approve the Actuarial Service Agreement with HUB International for the required GASB post-employment benefits actuarial analysis. Motion carried unanimously.

The Board reviewed the first run of the budget. Steines will prepare a second run with a few modifications as directed.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, February 5, 2024. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Claims 01-29-2024 General Basic Fund Advanced Business Systems, Supplies.............................................. 289.35 Agvantage FS Inc, Fuel........................ 777.80 Alliant Energy, Utilities..................... 2914.52 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies.......51.83 Amsterdam Printing, Supplies........... 1210.03 Aramark Uniform Services, Services..129.00 Floyd Billman, Payment...................... 628.00 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas Service......................... 1996.66 Bruening Rock Prod, Materials............702.50 Calmar Courier, Publications.................45.00 Casper Plumbing & Heating, Inc, Services.............................................. 340.01 Column Software PBC, Publications.1300.22 Copyland, Printing................................... 6.50 DALCO, Supplies.................................. 60.45 Decorah Auto Center Inc, Services........ 71.46 Decorah Mobile Glass, Services..........317.00 Decorah Newspapers, Publications......857.10 Decorah Tire Service, Services............652.90 DecorahNews.com, Advertising............ 96.00 Des Moines Stamp, Supplies................. 61.00 Drilling All Season Sports, Supplies.... 129.68 Elan Financial Services, Payment......5180.49 Erdman Engineering, Services........... 2874.00 Fixxit, LLC, Services......................... 5292.29 Galls, LLC, Supplies.............................. 70.26 Hawkeye Sanitation, Inc, Services.......100.00 Healthcare First, Services.................... 104.74 Heron Consulting, Inc., Services....... 1800.00 Byron Hook, Reimbursement................ 10.00 Howard County Sheriff, Sheriff Fees.. 150.00 Howard’s Tire & Repair, Repairs...........61.00 Huber’s Store, Supplies.........................23.62 Imaging Summit, Supplies...................294.47 Inovalon Provider, Inc., Services.........492.32 Intoximeters, Inc, Equipment............... 125.00 Iowa Attorney General’s Office, User Fee............................................... 56.00 Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Registration........................................ 250.00 Iowa State Assoc Of Counties, Registration........................................ 420.00 IROC Web Design Services, Services.155.00 ISOSWO Treasurer, Registration......... 230.00 Jim’s Appliance, Appliances.............. 3058.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies............ 232.09 John Kraus, Reimbursement................230.00 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel..............................549.76 LA Communications, Inc, Advertising......................................... 408.00 Dr. Kevin Locke, Reimbursement....... 275.00 Logistics Recycling, Inc., Services...... 157.50 Anna Mark M.D., Services.................. 195.00 Martin Bros. Distributing, Supplies.....607.86 Martin Gardner Architecture, Services.............................................. 281.25 Martin’s Flag Co, LLC, Flags.............. 887.05 William Marx, Services....................... 975.00 McKesson Medical Surgical, Supplies.............................................. 545.45 Hanna Meyer, Reimbursement.............. 20.00 Midwest Group Benefits, Fees............. 240.00 MiEnergy Cooperative, Utilities.......... 707.71 MOCIC, Membership.......................... 150.00 Mower Power, Parts............................... 40.65 MWSCO, Supplies............................... 243.40 NE IA Comm Action, Services.......... 1052.35 Steven Nesvik, Reimbursement.............10.00 Netsmart Technologies, Inc., Maintenance Agreement.................... 347.00 Evan Neubauer, Reimbursement............ 20.00 Northern Safety Co Inc, Supplies.......... 83.60 Perry Novak Electric, Inc, Services..... 263.10 Lance Peters, Reimbursement................ 10.00 POC Network Technologies, Services... 82.50 PRIA, Registration............................... 139.00 Quill LLC, Supplies...............................36.17 R & S Fiber Optic Services, Services............................................ 2881.25 Rapids Reproductions, Inc, Supplies...625.60 Ricoh USA Inc, Maintenance Agreement.................. 1121.91 Gregg Rude, Reimbursment...................21.18 Sanofi Pasteur, Supplies.........................93.34 Schilling Supply Company, Supplies...442.02 Marguerite Schwarz, Reimbursement....20.00 Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc, Services.............................................. 430.77 Solutions Inc., Services........................ 280.88 Steve’s Car Care, Services.....................29.25 Sundance Travel, Services...................325.33 Sutton’s Car Wash, Services................205.80 Thompson Construction, Services.......481.92 Uline, Supplies...................................1092.14 Upper Explorerland RPC, Services...... 510.19 US Cellular, Cell Service.....................291.88 Krista Vanden Brink, Reimbursement...34.37 Steve Vanden Brink, Services..............180.00 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service...........1818.48 Wicks Construction, Services............1987.25 Ryan Wiltgen, Reimbursement.............. 27.16 Windridge Implements, LLC, Services.............................................. 278.31 Windstream, Telephone Service...............7.33 Winn Co Auditor, Rent......................7614.75 Winn Co EMS Association, Appropriation...................................5000.00 Winn Co Treasurer, Services.................. 40.00 WinnMed, Services............................ 1305.00 Wright Way Computers, LLC, Services.............................................. 101.19 Christopher Wuebker, Reimbursement.. 23.76 General Supplemental Fund North Iowa Juvenile Detention, Services............................................ 1050.00 North Iowa Reporting, Services........... 107.25 Winn Co Clerk of Court, Fees............... 30.00 Water Testing Grant Fund State Hygienic Laboratory, Services......60.00 Rural Services Basic Fund Alliant Energy, Utilities......................... 26.54 Daniel Beard, Meeting........................... 45.00 Bruce Bergsgaard, Meeting...................45.00 Tom Bushman, Meeting......................... 45.00 Column Software PBC, Publications.....16.24 Melvin Elsbernd, Meeting..................... 45.00 Doug Groux, Reimbursement.............. 398.07 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel................................70.63 Gary Lansing, Meeting..........................45.00 David Lensch, Meeting.......................... 45.00 James Ludeking, Meeting...................... 45.00 Tony Meyer, Meeting.............................45.00 Randy Numedahl, Meeting.................... 45.00 Kevin Quass, Meeting............................ 45.00 Bruce Sersland, Meeting........................ 45.00 Gary Smorstad, Meeting........................ 45.00 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service...............42.72 J Wayne Wicks, Meeting........................ 45.00 Winn Co Landfill, Fees...................... 2089.02 Secondary Road Fund Agvantage FS Inc, Propane.............. 63234.66 Alliant Energy, Utilities......................... 77.30 Aramark Uniform Services, Services.1338.27 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas Service........................... 646.19 Brennan Construction Co, Construction.....................................9405.29 Bruening Rock Prod, Materials............692.77 City of Ossian, Utilities.........................24.25 Compass Minerals America, Inc, Materials........................................ 30560.64 Decorah Ace Hardware, Supplies.......... 55.75 Decorah Mobile Glass, Services.......... 705.00 Dell Marketing LP, Equipment............ 279.99 Drilling All Season Sports, Supplies.... 399.99 Elan Financial Services, Payment.......... 35.07 Farmers Union Co-op, Supplies........... 209.56 Govt Executive Media Group, Services.............................................. 997.50 Helena Chemical Company, Supplies.. 350.00 Housby Heavy Equipment, Equipment........................................ 1063.67 Hovden Oil Co, Fuel.......................... 3408.95 Huber’s Store, Supplies......................... 84.68 Iowa Prison Industries, Signs............. 4735.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies............ 179.55 Jeffrey Kuboushek, Reimbursement...... 37.21 Marv Smith Electric, LLC, Services.. 1137.06 Meyer’s Custom Chevy, Parts..............350.00 MiEnergy Cooperative, Utilities........1001.83 Mower Power, Parts............................. 205.84 MSC Industrial Supply Co., Parts...... 1145.36 MWSCO, Supplies............................. 1883.99 Napa Auto Parts, Parts.........................238.84 Ossian, Inc, Supplies.......................... 9866.00 Safety X-treme, LLC, Supplies..............66.84 Shuck-Briston Inc., Services............ 10408.20 Storey Kenworthy, Supplies................. 258.53 US Cellular, Cell Service.......................58.08 Verizon Connect A/R, Services..........3545.61 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service...........1258.21 Weis Buick GMC, Services................... 99.00 WinnMed, Services................................ 90.00 Ziegler Inc, Services.......................... 1443.35 Co Conserv Capital Improv Fund Bear Creek Archeology, Services...... 6645.00 County Assessor Agency Fund Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport, Lodging..............................................399.84 ISAA, Membership.............................. 650.00 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel................................63.31 NE District ISAA, Membership........... 325.00 Vanguard Appraisals, Services...........2440.00 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service...............42.72 Watson & Ryan PLC, Services............660.00

E911 Surcharge Fund Alliant Energy, Utilities.....................1750.64 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas Service...........................149.86 CenturyLink, E911 Service....................52.38 Language Line Services, Inc, Services.. 37.05 MiEnergy Cooperative, Utilities.......... 829.38 Emergency Management Comm Decorah Newspapers, Publications........69.15 Elan Financial Services, Payment........ 187.00 LetterWerks Sign City, LLC, Signs.......18.00 NICC, Payment.................................. 1699.00 Olson Explosives, Fuel.......................... 95.13 The Warrior Wash, LLC, Services.........48.00 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service............... 78.00 Winneshiek Co Health Ins Fund Midwest Group Benefits, Health Insurance............................ 39611.33 Midwest Group Benefits, Fees........... 1012.50 Wellmark, Insurance...................... 141191.56 Grand Total....................................423553.05 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8, 2024 Decorah Community School Board Special School Board Meeting Minutes Decorah High School Study Hall Room Wednesday, January 31, 2024 7:15 p.m.

Present: President Cindy Goodner, Directors: Ron Fadness, Brian Petersburg, Carole Sand, and Aaron Zander. Supt. Dr. Tim Cronin, Director of Business Services Cathy Dietzenbach, Board Secretary Darlene Woodhouse, Staff, News Media, and Guests.

President Goodner called to order the special school board meeting at 7: 15 p.m. Director Petersburg read the mission statement.

Supt. Dr. Cronin presented a history of the Northeast Iowa Conference (NEIC) and updated the board on the recent developments, including two school districts taking steps to leave the NEIC. The NEIC is the oldest athletic conference in the State of Iowa. Per Iowa code, the Decorah district may be in an athletic conference if the district chooses to be. Districts have the option to compete independently or be in a conference. Administration conducted a community survey and received 769 responses in two days. Forty-seven percent of the respondents stated the key element to consider is the travel distance to other schools. The level of competitiveness ranked second in the survey. The next values in ranking order were multiple games on same night, financial considerations, and ranking last was maintaining traditional rivalries. Jake Nimrod, Middle School Athletic Director, stated travel time is important due to games beginning at 4: 15 p.m. Overall, the Middle School games are scheduled with neighboring districts, which includes schools in the NEIC and UIC conferences.

Adam Riley, High School Athletic Director, commented on the nostalgia with the NEIC. It was stated that the goal would be to maintain the NEIC; however, with school districts possibly leaving, this option seems unlikely.

The other options would be to consider the Upper Iowa Conference (UIC), the WaMac Conference, or competing as an independent school. The WaMac Conference aligns well with the Decorah district regarding similar sized schools, same sport offerings, and competitive conference schedule. The major disadvantage would be the travel time. Travel time would impact class time for students and staff. The UIC’s benefits include less travel time, maintaining regional rivalries, and better crowd attendance. The disadvantage would be the district size.

In summary, the athletic conference climate is changing, and the Decorah district is uniquely big and rural leaving few options available. It was stated it would be best for the district to proceed with alternative options with being open and transparent. For planning purposes, the district would need to know its direction by the fall of 2024. The desire is for the district to remain with the NEIC but the district needs to take steps in case the NEIC dissolves. Motion: Director Zander moved, seconded by Director Fadness to direct Administration to write a letter of inquiry to the UIC. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.

Cindy Goodner, Board President Darlene Woodhouse, Board Secretary Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8, 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE HARVEY JACOB TRUST NOTICE OF TRUST To all persons regarding Harvey Jacob Houck, deceased, who died on or about January 14, 2024: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Pamela S. Houck is Trustee of the Harvey Jacob Houck Trust dated March 4, 2022. ....Any action to contest the validity of the Trust must be brought in the District Court of Winneshiek County, Decorah, Iowa, within the later to occur within four (4) months from the date of second publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor whose identities are reasonably ascertainable.

Any suit not filed within this period shall be forever barred.

Notice is further given that any person or entity possessing a claim against the trust must mail proof of the claim to the trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, by the later to occur of four (4) months from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice if required, or the claim shall be forever barred unless paid or otherwise satisfied.

Dated this 1st day of February, 2024.

HARVEY JACOB HOUCK TRUST dated March 4, 2022 Pamela S. Houck, Co-Trustee B11 Long Bay Point Drive Galena, IL 61036 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: John S. Anderson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 (563) 382-2959 ..... john.anderson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: February 15, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8 & 15, 2024 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of SUSAN CAROL BORSHEIM, Deceased.

Probate No. ESPR016273 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Susan Carol Borsheim, Deceased, who died on or about October 24, 2023: ............. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 1st day of February, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Susan Carol Borsheim, deceased, bearing date of August 9, 2005, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Ronald Leslie Borsheim was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. ...................Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the abovenamed district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 3rd day of February, 2024.

Ronald Leslie Borsheim Executor of Estate 2660 Clay Hill Road Decorah, IA 52101 ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dustin.noble @andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: February 15, 2024.

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8 & 15, 2024

8 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024

Public Notices

ORDINANCE NO. 24-250 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE BY THE ADDITION OF FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 10.

WHEREAS, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors have adopted a resolution of intent to join the National Flood Insurance Program, to reduce damages to property and to be eligible to receive any State or Federal relief available from damages associated with flooding; and, WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has 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 the following Floodplain Management Chapter 10 is now added to the Winneshiek County Zoning Ordinance V; 1001 DEFINITIONS Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Ordinance shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this Ordinance its most reasonable application.

1001.1 APPURTENANT STRUCTURE - A structure which is on the same parcel of the property as the principal structure to be insured and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure.

1001.2 BASE FLOOD - The flood having one (1) percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. (Also commonly referred to as the “100-year flood”).

1001.3 BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE) - The elevation floodwaters would reach at a particular site during the occurrence of a base flood event.

1001.4 BASEMENT - Any enclosed area of a building which has its floor or lowest level below ground level (subgrade) on all sides.

Also see “lowest floor.”

1001.5 DEVELOPMENT - Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.

“Development” does not include “minor projects” or “routine maintenance of existing buildings and facilities” as defined in this section. It also does not include gardening, plowing, and similar practices that do not involve filling or grading.

1001.6 ENCLOSED AREA BELOW LOWEST FLOOR - The floor of the lowest enclosed area in a building when all the following criteria are met: A. The enclosed area is designed to flood to equalize hydrostatic pressure during flood events with walls or openings that satisfy the provisions of 1007(2)(D)(1) of this Ordinance, and B. The enclosed area is unfinished (not carpeted, drywalled, etc.) and used solely for low damage potential uses such as building access, parking or storage, and C. Machinery and service facilities (e.g., hot water heater, furnace, electrical service) contained in the enclosed area are located at least one (1) foot above the base flood elevation, and D. The enclosed area is not a “basement” as defined in this section.

1001.7 EXISTING CONSTRUCTION - Any structure for which the “start of construction” commenced before the effective date of the first floodplain management regulations adopted by the community.

1001.8 EXISTING FACTORY-BUILT HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION - A factory-built home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the factory-built homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of the first floodplain management regulations adopted by the community.

1001.9 EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACTORY-BUILT HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION - The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the factory-built homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).

1001.10 FACTORY-BUILT HOME - Any structure, designed for residential use which is wholly or in substantial part, made, fabricated, formed or assembled in manufacturing facilities for installation or assembly and installation, on a building site. For the purpose of this Ordinance factory-built homes include mobile homes, manufactured homes, and modular homes; and also include “recreational vehicles” which are placed on a site for greater than 180 consecutive days and not fully licensed for and ready for highway use.

1001.11 FACTORY-BUILT HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION - A parcel or contiguous parcels of land divided into two or more factory-built home lots for sale or lease.

1001.12 FIVE HUNDRED (500) YEAR FLOOD - A flood, the magnitude of which has a two-tenths (0.2) percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year or which, on average, will be equaled or exceeded at least once every five hundred (500) years.

1001.13 FLOOD - A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas resulting from the overflow of streams or rivers or from the unusual and rapid runoff of surface waters from any source.

1001.14... FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) - The official map prepared as part of (but published separately from) the Flood Insurance Study which delineates both the flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

1001.15 FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS) - A report published by FEMA for a community issued along with the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map(s). The study contains such background data as the base flood discharge and water surface elevations that were used to prepare the FIRM. 1001.16 FLOODPLAIN - Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water as a result of a flood.

1001.17 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT - An overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damages and promoting the wise use of floodplains, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood control works, floodproofing and floodplain management regulations.

1001.18 FLOODPROOFING - Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures, including utility and sanitary facilities, which will reduce or eliminate flood damage to such structures.

1001.19....... FLOODWAY - The channel of a river or stream and those portions of the floodplains adjoining the channel, which are reasonably required to carry and discharge flood waters or flood flows so that confinement of flood flows to the floodway area will not cumulatively increase the water surface elevation of the base flood by more than one (1) foot.

1001.20 FLOODWAY FRINGE - Those portions of the Special Flood Hazard Area outside the floodway.

1001.21 HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE - The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.

1001.22 HISTORIC STRUCTURE Any structure that is: A. Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places, maintained by the Department of Interior, or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing of the National Register; B. Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district; C. Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or, D. Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified by either i) an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or

ii) directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.

1001.23. LOWEST FLOOR - The floor of the lowest enclosed area in a building including a basement except when the criteria listed in the definition of Enclosed Area below Lowest Floor are met.

1001.24 MAXIMUM DAMAGE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT - Hospitals and like institutions; buildings or building complexes containing documents, data, or instruments of great public value; buildings or building complexes containing materials dangerous to the public or fuel storage facilities; power installations needed in emergency or other buildings or building complexes similar in nature or use.

1001.25 MINOR PROJECTS - Small development activities (except for filling, grading and excavating) valued at less than $500.

1001.26 .NEW CONSTRUCTION - (new buildings, factory-built home parks) - Those structures or development for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of the first floodplain management regulations adopted by the community.

1001.27 NEW FACTORY-BUILT HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION - A factory-built home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the factory-built homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of the effective date of the first floodplain management regulations adopted by the community.

1001.28 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE A vehicle which is: A. Built on a single chassis; B. Four hundred (400) square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projectio; C. Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and D. Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as a temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

1001.29.... ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES - Repairs necessary to keep a structure in a safe and habitable condition that do not trigger a building permit, provided they are not associated with a general improvement of the structure or repair of a damaged structure.

Such repairs include: A. Normal maintenance of structures such as re-roofing, replacing roofing tiles and replacing siding; B. Exterior and interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work; C. Basement sealing; D. Repairing or replacing damaged or broken window panes; E. Repairing plumbing systems, electrical systems, heating or air conditioning systems and repairing wells or septic systems.

1001.30 SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA) - The land within a community subject to the “base flood”. This land is identified on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map as Zone A, A1-30, AE, AH, AO, AR, and/or A99.

1001.31 START OF CONSTRUCTION Includes substantial improvement, and means the date the development permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement, was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement or permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as pouring of a slab or footings, the installation of pile, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a factory-built home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

1001.32. STRUCTURE - Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground, including, but not limited to, buildings, factories, sheds, cabins, factory-built homes, storage tanks, grain storage facilities and/or other similar uses.

1001.33 SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damage condition would equal or exceed fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

Volunteer labor and donated materials shall be included in the estimated cost of repair.

Substantial damage also means flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a 10-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of such flood event, on the average, equals or exceeds 25 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. Volunteer labor and donated materials shall be included in the estimated cost of repair.

1001.34 SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT - Any improvement to a structure which satisfies either of the following criteria: A. Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure taking place during a 10year period, the cumulative cost of which, equals or exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure either (i) before the “start of construction” of the first improvement of the structure, or (ii) if the structure has been “substantially damaged” and is being restored, before the damage occurred.

The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions. The term also does not include any alteration of an “historic structure”, provided the alteration will not preclude the structure’s designation as an “historic structure”.

B. Any addition which increases the original floor area of a building by 25 percent or more. All additions constructed after the effective date of the first floodplain management regulations adopted by the community shall be added to any proposed addition in determining whether the total increase in original floor space would exceed 25 percent.

1001.35 VARIANCE - A grant of relief by a community from the terms of the floodplain management regulations.

1001.36 VIOLATION - The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community’s floodplain management regulations.

1002 STATUTORY AUTHORITY, FINDINGS OF FACT AND PURPOSE 1002.1 The Legislature of the State of Iowa has in Chapter 335, Code of Iowa, as amended, delegated the power to counties to enact zoning regulations to secure safety from flood and to promote health and the general welfare.

1002.2 Findings of Fact A. The flood hazard areas of Winneshiek County are subject to periodic inundation which can result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare of the community.

B. These flood losses, hazards, and related adverse effects are caused by: (i) The occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to flood damages which create hazardous conditions as a result of being inadequately elevated or otherwise protected from flooding and (ii) the cumulative effect of obstructions on the floodplain causing increases in flood heights and velocities.

C. This ordinance relies upon engineering methodology for analyzing flood hazards which is consistent with the standards established by the Department of Natural Resources.

1002.3 Statement of Purpose It is the purpose of this Ordinance to protect and preserve the rights, privileges and property of Winneshiek County and its residents and to preserve and improve the peace, safety, health, welfare, and comfort and convenience of its residents by minimizing those flood losses described in 1002(2)(A) of this Ordinance with provisions designed to: A. Reserve sufficient floodplain area for the conveyance of flood flows so that flood heights and velocities will not be increased substantially.

B. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety or property in times

of flood or which cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities.

C. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including public facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction or substantial improvement.

D. Protect individuals from buying lands which may not be suited for intended purposes because of flood hazard.

E. Assure that eligibility is maintained for property owners in the community to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

1003 GENERAL PROVISIONS 1003.1. Lands to Which Ordinance Apply The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all lands within the jurisdiction of Winneshiek County shown on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map as being within the boundaries of the Floodway, Floodway Fringe, and General Floodplain (Overlay) Districts, as established in section 1005 of this ordinance.

1003.2 Establishment of Official Floodplain Zoning Map The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Winneshiek County and Incorporated Areas, dated February 22, 2024, which was prepared as part of the Flood Insurance Study for Winneshiek County, is (are) hereby adopted by reference and declared to be the Official Floodplain Zoning Map. The Winneshiek County Flood Insurance Study is hereby adopted by reference and is made a part of this ordinance for the purpose of administering floodplain management regulations.

1003.3............ Rules for Interpretation of District Boundaries The boundaries of the zoning district areas shall be determined by scaling distances on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map. When an interpretation is needed as to the exact location of a boundary, the Zoning Administrator shall make the necessary interpretation. The Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged that there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this Ordinance.

1003.4 Compliance No structure or land shall hereafter be used and no structure shall be located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the terms of this Ordinance and other applicable regulations which apply to uses within the jurisdiction of this Ordinance.

1003.5 Abrogation and Greater Restrictions It is not intended by this Ordinance to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this Ordinance imposes greater restrictions, the provision of this Ordinance shall prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.

1003.6 Interpretation In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to be minimum requirements and shall be liberally construed in favor of the governing body and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by State statutes.

1003. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability The standards required by this Ordinance are considered reasonable for regulatory purposes. This Ordinance does not imply that areas outside the designated Floodplain (Overlay) District areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This Ordinance shall not create liability on the part of Winneshiek County or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made there under.

1003.8 Severability If any section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby.

1004 ADMINISTRATION 1004.1 Appointment, Duties and Responsibilities of Local Official A. The Zoning Administrator is hereby appointed to implement and administer the provisions of this Ordinance and will herein be referred to as the Administrator.

B. Duties and responsibilities of the Administrator shall include, but not necessarily be limited to the following: 1) Review all floodplain development permit applications to assure that the provisions of this Ordinance will be satisfied.

2) Review floodplain development applications to assure that all necessary permits have been obtained from federal, state and local governmental agencies including approval when required from the Department of Natural Resources for floodplain construction.

3) Record and maintain a record of (i) the elevation (in relation to North American Vertical Datum 1988) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures or (ii) the elevation to which new or substantially improved structures have been floodproofed.

4) Notify adjacent communities/counties and the Department of Natural Resources prior to any proposed alteration or relocation of a watercourse and submit evidence of such notifications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

5) Keep a record of all permits, appeals and such other transactions and correspondence pertaining to the administration of this Ordinance.

6) Submit to the Federal Insurance Administrator an annual report concerning the community’s participation, utilizing the annual report form supplied by the Federal Insurance Administrator.

7) .Notify the Federal Insurance Administrator of any annexations or modifications to the community’s boundaries.

8) Review subdivision proposals to ensure such proposals are consistent with the purpose of this ordinance and advise the Board of Adjustment of potential conflict.

9) Maintain the accuracy of the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps when; a. Development placed within the Floodway (Overlay) District results in any of the following: (i) An increase in the Base Flood Elevations, or (ii) Alteration to the floodway boundary b. Development placed in Zones A, AE, AH, and A1-30 that does not include a designated floodway that will cause a rise of more than one foot in the base elevation; or c. Development relocates or alters the channel.

Within 6 months of the completion of the development, the applicant shall submit to FEMA all scientific and technical data necessary for a Letter of Map Revision.

10) Perform site inspections to ensure compliance with the standards of this Ordinance.

11)...... Forward all requests for Variances to the Board of Adjustment for consideration.

Ensure all requests include the information ordinarily submitted with applications as well as any additional information deemed necessary to the Board of Adjustment.

1004.2 Floodplain Development Permit A. Permit Required - A Floodplain Development Permit issued by the Administrator shall be secured prior to any floodplain development (any man-made change to improved and unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, filling, grading, paving, storage of materials and equipment, excavation or drilling operations), including the placement of factory-built homes.

B...... Application for Permit - Application shall be made on forms furnished by the Administrator and shall include the following: 1) Description of the work to be covered by the permit for which application is to be made.

2) Description of the land on which the proposed work is to be done (i.e., lot, block, track, street address or similar description) that will readily identify and locate the work to be done.

3) Location and dimensions of all structures and additions 4)... Indication of the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.

5) Elevation of the base flood.

6).Elevation (in relation to North American Vertical Datum 1988) of the lowest floor (including basement) of structures or of the level to which a structure is to be floodproofed.

7) For structures being improved or rebuilt, the estimated cost of improvements and market value of the structure prior to the improvements.

8) Such other information as the Administrator deems reasonably necessary (e.g., drawings or a site plan) for the purpose of this Ordinance.

C. Action on Permit Application - The Administrator shall, within a reasonable time, make a determination as to whether the proposed floodplain development meets the ap-

plicable standards of this Ordinance and shall approve or disapprove the application. For disapprovals, the applicant shall be informed, in writing, of the specific reasons therefore.

The Administrator shall not issue permits for variances except as directed by the County Board of Adjustment.

D. Construction and Use to be as Provided in Application and Plans - Floodplain Development Permits based on the basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use, arrangement, and construction set forth in such approved plans and applications and no other use, arrangement or construction. Any use, arrangement, or construction at variance with that authorized shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance. The applicant shall be required to submit certification by a professional engineer or land surveyor, as appropriate, registered in the State of Iowa, that the finished fill, structure floor elevations, floodproofing, or other flood protection measures were accomplished in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance, prior to the use or occupancy of any structure.

1005 .. ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING (OVERLAY) DISTRICTS 1005.1 The floodplain areas within the jurisdiction of this ordinance are hereby divided into the following districts: A. Floodway (Overlay) District (FW) those areas identified as Floodway on the Official Flood Plain Zoning Map; B. Floodway Fringe (Overlay) District (FF) - those areas identified as Zone AE on the Official Flood Plain Zoning Map but excluding those areas identified as Floodway; C... General Floodplain (Overlay) District (GF) - those areas identified as Zone A on the Official Flood Plain Zoning Map. 1005.2 The boundaries shall be as shown on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map. Within these districts, all uses not allowed as Permitted Uses are prohibited unless a variance to the terms of this ordinance is granted after due consideration by the Board of Adjustment.

1006 FLOODWAY (OVERLAY) DISTRICT (FW) 1006.1 Permitted Uses All development within the Floodway District shall be permitted to the extent that they are not prohibited by any other ordinance (or underlying zoning district) and provided they meet applicable performance standards of the Floodway District.

1006.2 Performance Standards All Floodway District uses allowed as a Permitted Use shall meet the following standards.

A. No development shall be permitted in the Floodway District that would result in any increase in the base flood elevation. Consideration of the effects of any development on flood levels shall be based upon the assumption that an equal degree of development would be allowed for similarly situated lands.

B... All development within the Floodway District shall: 1).Be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.

2) Use construction methods and practices that will minimize flood damage.

3) ... Use construction materials and utility equipment that are resistant to flood damage.

C. No development shall affect the capacity or conveyance of the channel or floodway of any tributary to the main stream, drainage ditch or any other drainage facility or system.

D. Structures, buildings, recreational vehicles, and sanitary and utility systems, if permitted, shall meet the applicable performance standards of the Floodway Fringe District and shall be constructed or aligned to present the minimum possible resistance to flood flows.

E. Structures, if permitted, shall have a low flood damage potential and shall not be for human habitation.

F. Storage of materials or equipment that are buoyant, flammable, explosive or injurious to human, animal or plant life is prohibited. Storage of other material may be allowed if readily removable from the Floodway District within the time available after flood warning.

G. Watercourse alterations or relocations (channel changes and modifications) must be designed to maintain the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion.

In addition, such alterations or relocations must be approved by the Department of Natural Resources.

H. Any fill allowed in the floodway must be shown to have some beneficial purpose and shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary.

I. Pipeline river or stream crossings shall be buried in the streambed and banks or otherwise sufficiently protected to prevent rupture due to channel degradation and meandering or due to the action of flood flows.

1007 FLOODWAY FRINGE (OVERLAY) DISTRICT FF 1007.1 Permitted Uses All development within the Floodway Fringe District shall be permitted to the extent that they are not prohibited by any other ordinance (or underlying zoning district) and provided they meet applicable performance standards of the Floodway Fringe District.

1007.2 Performance Standards All development must be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and meet the following applicable performance standards. Until a regulatory floodway is designated, no development may increase the Base Flood Elevation more than one (1) foot. The applicant will be responsible for providing the Department of Natural Resources with sufficient technical information to make such determination.

A. All development shall: 1) Be designed and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement.

2) Use construction methods and practices that will minimize flood damage.

3) ... Use construction materials and utility equipment that are resistant to flood damage.

B. Residential structures - All new or substantially improved residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. Construction shall be upon compacted fill which shall, at all points, be no lower than 1.0 ft. above the base flood elevation and extend at such elevation at least 18 feet beyond the limits of any structure erected thereon. Alternate methods of elevating (such as piers or extended foundations) may be allowed subject to favorable consideration by the Board of Adjustment, where existing topography, street grades, or other factors preclude elevating by fill. In such cases, the methods used must be adequate to support the structure as well as withstand the various forces and hazards associated with flooding.

All new residential structures located in areas that would become isolated due to flooding of surrounding ground shall be provided with a means of access that will be passable by wheeled vehicles during the base flood. However, this criterion shall not apply where the Administrator determines there is sufficient flood warning time for the protection of life and property. When estimating flood warning time, consideration shall be given to the criteria listed in 567-75.2(3), Iowa Administrative Code.

C. Non-residential structures - All new or substantially improved non-residential structures shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation, or together with attendant utility and sanitary systems, be floodproofed to such a level. When floodproofing is utilized, a professional engineer registered in the State of Iowa shall certify that the floodproofing methods used are adequate to withstand the flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with the base flood; and that the structure, below the base flood elevation is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water. A record of the certification indicating the specific elevation (in relation to North American Vertical Datum 1988) to which any structures are floodproofed shall be maintained by the Administrator.

D. All new and substantially improved structures: 1) Fully enclosed areas below the “lowest floor” (not including basements) that are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: a.... A minimum of two (2) openings, with positioning on at least two (2) walls, having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided. b.. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. c. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic

entry and exit of floodwaters.

Such areas shall be used solely for parking vehicles, building access and low damage potential storage. Where the distance between the floor and ceiling of the fully enclosed area below the “lowest floor” is FIVE (5) feet or more, the applicant shall be required to sign and record with the Winneshiek County Recorder a Non-Conversion Agreement that ensures the lower enclosed area remains compliant with the criteria outlined in 1007(2) (D)(1).

2) New and substantially improved structures must be designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.

3). New and substantially improved structures shall be constructed with electric meter, electrical service panel box, hot water heater, heating, air conditioning, ventilation equipment (including ductwork), and other similar machinery and equipment elevated (or in the case of non-residential structures, optionally floodproofed to) a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.

4) New and substantially improved structures shall be constructed with plumbing, gas lines, water/gas meters and other similar service utilities either elevated (or in the case of non-residential structures, optionally floodproofed to) a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation or designed to be watertight and withstand inundation to such a level.

E. Factory-built homes: 1) All new and substantially improved factory-built homes, including those placed in existing factory-built home parks or subdivisions, shall be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the structure is a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.

2) All new and substantially improved factory-built homes, including those placed in existing factory-built home parks or subdivisions, shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement. Anchorage systems may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors as required by the State Building Code.

F. Utility and Sanitary Systems: 1) On-site wastewater disposal and water supply systems shall be located or designed to avoid impairment to the system or contamination from the system during flooding.

2) All new and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system as well as the discharge of effluent into flood waters. Wastewater treatment facilities (other than on-site systems) shall be provided with a level of flood protection equal to or greater than one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.

3) New or replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system. Water supply treatment facilities (other than on-site systems) shall be provided with a level of protection equal to or greater than one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.

4) Utilities such as gas or electrical systems shall be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage to the system and the risk associated with such flood damaged or impaired systems.

G..Storage of materials and equipment that are flammable, explosive or injurious to human, animal or plant life is prohibited unless elevated a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. Other material and equipment must either be similarly elevated or (i) not be subject to major flood damage and be anchored to prevent movement due to flood waters or (ii) be readily removable from the area within the time available after flood warning.

H. Flood control structural works such as levees, flood walls, etc. shall provide, at a minimum, protection from the base flood with a minimum of 3 ft. of design freeboard and shall provide for adequate interior drainage. In addition, the Department of Natural Resources shall approve structural flood control works.

I. Watercourse alterations or relocations must be designed to maintain the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion. In addition, the Department of Natural Resources must approve such alterations or relocations.

J. Subdivisions (including factory-built home parks and subdivisions) shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damages and shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood damage. Development associated with subdivision proposals (including the installation of public utilities) shall meet the applicable performance standards of this Ordinance. Subdivision proposals intended for residential use shall provide all lots with a means of access which will be passable by wheeled vehicles during the base flood. Proposals for subdivisions greater than five (5) acres or fifty (50) lots (whichever is less) shall include base flood elevation data for those areas located within the Floodway Fringe (Overlay) District.

K. Accessory Structures to Residential Uses 1).... Detached garages, sheds, and similar structures that are incidental to a residential use are exempt from the base flood elevation requirements where the following criteria are satisfied: a... The structure shall be designed to have low flood damage potential. Its size shall not exceed 600 sq. ft. in size. Those portions of the structure located less than 1 foot above the base flood elevation must be constructed of flood-resistant materials. b. The structure shall be used solely for low flood damage potential purposes such as vehicle parking and limited storage. The structure shall not be used for human habitation. c. The structure shall be constructed and placed on the building site so as to offer minimum resistance to the flow of floodwaters. d. The structure shall be firmly anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement which may result in damage to other structures. e. .....The structure’s service facilities such as electrical and heating equipment shall be elevated or floodproofed to at least one foot above the base flood elevation. f. The structure’s walls shall include openings that satisfy the provisions of 1007(2)(D) (1) of this Ordinance.

2) Exemption from the base flood elevation requirements for such a structure may result in increased premium rates for flood insurance coverage of the structure and its contents.

L. Recreational Vehicles 1) Recreational vehicles are exempt from the requirements of 1007(2)(E) of this Ordinance regarding anchoring and elevation of factory-built homes when the following criteria are satisfied: a..The recreational vehicle shall be located on the site for less than 180 consecutive days, and, b. The recreational vehicle must be fully licensed and ready for highway use. A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system and is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices and has no permanently attached additions.

2) Recreational vehicles that are located on the site for more than 180 consecutive days or are not ready for highway use must satisfy requirements of 1007(2)(E) of this Ordinance regarding anchoring and elevation of factory-built homes.

M. Pipeline river and stream crossings shall be buried in the streambed and banks, or otherwise sufficiently protected to prevent rupture due to channel degradation and meandering.

N. Maximum Damage Potential Development - All new or substantially improved maximum damage potential development shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated a minimum of one (1) foot above the elevation of the 500-year flood, or together with attendant utility and sanitary systems, be floodproofed to such a level.

When floodproofing is utilized, a professional engineer registered in the State of Iowa shall certify that the floodproofing methods used are adequate to withstand the flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with the 0.2% annual chance flood; and that the structure, below the 0.2% annual chance flood elevation is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water. A record of the certification indicating the specific elevation (in relation to North American Vertical Datum 1988) to which any structures are floodproofed shall be maintained by the Administrator. Where 0.2% chance flood elevation data has not been provided in the Flood Insurance Study, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shall be contacted to compute such data. The applicant will be responsible for providing the Department of Natural Resources with sufficient technical information

to make such determinations.

1008 GENERAL FLOODPLAIN (OVERLAY) DISTRICT (GF) 1008.1 Permitted Uses A. All development within the General Floodplain District shall be permitted to the extent that they are not prohibited by any other ordinance (or underlying zoning district) and provided they meet the applicable performance standards of the General Floodplain District.

B. Any development which involves placement of structures, factory-built homes, fill or other obstructions, storage of materials or equipment, excavation or alteration of a watercourse shall be reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources to determine (i) whether the land involved is either wholly or partly within the floodway or floodway fringe and (ii) the base flood elevation. The applicant shall be responsible for providing the Department of Natural Resources with sufficient technical information to make the determination.

C. Review by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is not required for the proposed construction of new or replacement bridges or culverts where: 1) The bridge or culvert is located on a stream that drains less than one hundred (100) square miles, and 2) The bridge or culvert is not associated with a channel modification that constitutes a channel change as specified in 567-71.2(1)b, Iowa Administrative Code.

1008.2 Performance Standards A. All development, or portions thereof, to be located in the floodway as determined by the Department of Natural Resources shall meet the applicable provisions and standards of the Floodway (Overlay) District section 1006.

B. All development, or portions thereof, to be located in the floodway fringe as determined by the Department of Natural Resources shall meet the applicable provisions and standards of the Floodway Fringe (Overlay) District section 1007.

1009.... APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 1009.1 Appointment and Duties of Board of Adjustment - A Board of Adjustment is hereby established which shall hear and decide (i) appeals and (ii) requests for variances to the provisions of this ordinance, and shall take any other action which is required of the Board.

1009.2 Appeals - Where it is alleged there is any error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of this ordinance, the aggrieved party may appeal such action. The notice of appeal shall be filed with the Board of Adjustment and with the official from whom the appeal is taken and shall set forth the specific reason for the appeal. The official from whom the appeal is taken shall transmit to the Board of Adjustment all the documents constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken.

1009.3 Variance - The Board of Adjustment may authorize upon request in specific cases such variances from the terms of this Ordinance that will not be contrary to the public interest where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this Ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship. Variances granted must meet the following applicable standards.

A. Variances shall only be granted upon: (i) a showing of good and sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and (iii) a determination that the granting of the variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public or conflict with existing local codes or ordinances.

B. Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood would result.

Consideration of the effects of any development on flood levels shall be based upon the assumption that an equal degree of development would be allowed for similarly situated lands.

C. Variances shall only be granted upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

D. In cases where the variance involves a lower level of flood protection for structures than what is ordinarily required by this Ordinance, the applicant shall be notified in writing over the signature of the Administrator that: (i) the issuance of a variance will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and (ii) such construction increases risks to life and property.

E. All variances granted shall have the concurrence or approval of the Department of Natural Resources.

1009.4...... Hearings and Decisions of the Board of Adjustment A. Hearings. Upon the filing with the Board of Adjustment of an Appeal or a request for a Variance, the Board shall hold a public hearing. The Board shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing and give public notice thereof, as well as due notice to parties in interest. At the hearing, any party may appear in person or by agent or attorney and present written or oral evidence. The Board may require the appellant or applicant to provide such information as is reasonably deemed necessary and may request the technical assistance and/or evaluation of a professional engineer or other expert person or agency, including the Department of Natural Resources.

B. Decisions. The Board shall arrive at a decision on an Appeal or Variance within a reasonable time. In passing upon an Appeal, the Board may, so long as such action is in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance, reverse or affirm, wholly or in part, or modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from, and it shall make its decision, in writing, setting forth the findings of fact and the reasons for its decision. In granting a Variance, the Board shall consider such factors as contained in this section and all other relevant sections of this ordinance and may prescribe such conditions as contained in 1009(4)(B)(2).

1) Factors Upon Which the Decision of the Board of Adjustment Shall be Based. In passing upon applications for Variances, the Board shall consider all relevant factors specified in other sections of this Ordinance and: a. The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by encroachments. b. The danger that materials may be swept on to other land or downstream to the injury of others. c. The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and the ability of these systems to prevent disease, contamination and unsanitary conditions. d. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner. e..The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the County. f...... The requirements of the facility for a floodplain location. g.. The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the proposed use. h... The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and development anticipated in the foreseeable future. i. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for the area. j. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles. k..The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the flood water expected at the site. l. The cost of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions, including maintenance and repair of public utilities (sewer, gas, electrical and water systems), facilities, streets and bridges. m... Such other factors which are relevant to the purpose of this Ordinance.

2) Conditions Attached to Variances - Upon consideration of the factors listed above, the Board of Adjustment may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purpose of this Ordinance. Such conditions may include, but not necessarily be limited to: a. Modification of waste disposal and water supply facilities. b. Limitation of periods of use and operation. c. Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions. d. Requirements for construction of channel modifications, dikes, levees, and other protective measures, provided such are approved by the Department of Natural

Legal continued on page 9

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, February 8, 2024 9

Public Notices Legal continued from page 8 Resources and are deemed the only practical alternative to achieving the purpose of this Ordinance. e. Floodproofing measures shall be designed consistent with the flood protection elevation for the particular area, flood velocities, duration, rate of rise, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces, and other factors associated with the regulatory flood. The Board of Adjustment shall require that the applicant submit a plan or document certified by a registered professional engineer that the floodproofing measures are consistent with the regulatory flood protection elevation and associated flood factors for the particular area.

1009.5 ... Appeals to the Court - Any person or persons, jointly or severally, aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Adjustment may present to a court of record a petition, duly verified, setting forth that such decision is illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality. Such petition shall be presented to the court within thirty days after the filing of the decision in the office of the Board.

1010 NONCONFORMING USES 1010.1 A structure or the use of a structure or premises which was lawful before the passage or amendment of this Ordinance, but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, may be continued subject to the following conditions: A. If such use is discontinued for six (6) consecutive months, any future use of the building premises shall conform to this Ordinance.

B. Uses or adjuncts thereof that are or become nuisances shall not be entitled to continue as nonconforming uses.

C. If any nonconforming use or structure is destroyed by any means, including flood, it shall not be reconstructed if the cost is more than fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred, unless it is reconstructed in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance. This limitation does not include the cost of any alteration to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, building or safety codes or regulations or the cost of any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provided that the alteration shall not preclude its continued designation.

1010.2 Except as provided in 1010(1)(B), any use which has been permitted as a Variance shall be considered a conforming use.

1011 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION Violations of the provisions of this Ordinance or failure to comply with any of the requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants of Variances) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this Ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than $500.00 (FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS) or imprisoned for not more than 30 (THIRTY) days. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained prevents Winneshiek County from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy violation.

1012 AMENDMENTS The regulations and standards set forth in this Ordinance may from time to time be amended, supplemented, changed, or repealed. No amendment, supplement, change, or modification shall be undertaken without prior approval of the Department of Natural Resources.

2. 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.

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

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 29th day of January 2024.

WINNESHIEK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Daniel Langreck Chairman Attest: Benjamin D. Steines Winneshiek County Auditor Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 8, 2024 THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONNA SEVERSON, Deceased PROBATE NO. ESPR016269 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Donna Severson, Deceased, who died on or about December 19, 2023: You are hereby notified that on January 23, 2024. the Last Will and Testament of Donna Severson, deceased, bearing date of March 19, 1990, and Addendum to Last Will and Testament, dated January 29, 2018, were admitted to probate in the above named court and that Todd Severson was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the 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 date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated January 23, 2024.

Todd Severson, Executor of Estate 1225 Veterans Way, #415 Carmel, IN 46032 Patrick B. Dillon, ICIS#: AT0001973 Attorney for Executor Dillon Law PC 209 E 1st Street Sumner, IA 50674 Date of second publication: February 8, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 1 & 8, 2024

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Local businesses will have delicious snacks and samples of a variety of beverages from local vendors as well as shopping downtown in Decorah Friday, Feb. 9, from 5-8 p.m. The perfect opportunity to get out and “Wine Down” after the holidays.

Participants include: Heavenly Made Gifts & The Gnome Store featuring samples from Convergence Ciderworks and Hy-Vee; Hammel Jewelers with tiny beers and U2 BBQ; Revelation/Merle Norman Cosmetics/Les Wigs Renee partnering with WW Homestead Dairy; Double Windsor with Hotel Winneshiek; Sparrow’s Candles & Gifts featuring Harmony Spirits; J. Tupy’s partnering with Toppling Goliath and Polashek Locker; Magic Morpho matched with LaRana; Margaret’s Boutique offering treats from Java John’s; Blue Heron Knittery and Cluck Ewe Farm and Bakery; Country Garden partnering with Recipes from French Creek; Dragonfly Books featuring Java John’s; and Gallery of Tops, Modish, Ace Kitchen Place and Silver Birch with surprise vendors.

Wine Down Decorah is a promotion from the Downtown Decorah Retailers.

Decorah Quilters meet Feb. 13 The Decorah Area Quilters will hold their next meeting Tu e s d a y, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m., at ArtHaus in Decorah.

After a welcome and introductions, members are Sue Blom encouraged to share show-and-tell projects, especially any items featuring hearts. Guest presenter Sue Blom will share some binding

tips and a technique she calls “Kiss, Twist, and Wiggle.” Attendees should come away from the program with new ideas.

The Decorah Area Quilters meet at 6 p.m., the second Tuesday of each month at ArtHaus.

Each meeting will consist of a brief welcome and introductions, show-and-tell, a question and answer session and time to talk with other quilters. All are welcome. For more information, contact Mike Ellingsen at 507-602-0322 or Jarret Johnson at 563-419-6952.

Decorah City Council continued from page 2 Police Department to hire parttime police officers. Under the addendum, part-time officers would not be union-covered employees, nor would they qualify for MSPRSI pension benefits.

Ward 1 representative Brent Parker voiced concern that currently, part-time police officers are not required to undergo the rigorous training and civil service vetting process that fulltime officers are required to pass.

City Manager Travis Goedken reassured the council any part-time officer candidate would be vetted closely by city staff and Decorah Police Department Chief Tricia Thein, and would go through the same hiring process as non-411 employees.

Ward 4 Rep Steven Zittegruen said, “I approve this hoping that staff will look further at this and make appropriate changes that would include the necessary amendments for this.” The addendum vote passed unanimously.

Handbook amendment The council’s Rules and Procedures handbook was amended to remove “telephone speaker phone system” from item #3 under the Electronic Meetings and Attendance header, replacing it with “electronic devices with speakers” or similar updated definition.

Previous amendments include: • In paragraph six under Council Meeting Schedule, two members replaced three members, and written notification replaced verbal notification, both regarding petitioning for a special meeting or work session; • Removal of most of the section related to Council Committee Meetings, as well as a rewritten summarization in the same section which states, “From time to time, the Mayor may designate a special committee to review an resolve a particular problem or issue.”

Council discussed a tentative change to Electronic Meetings and Attendance, regarding deleting item #5 which would not allow electronic participation for any meeting that is anticipated to go into a closed session. Council members were divided on this topic, discussing at-length the requirements of holding closed sessions and the possibilities of having closed meetings via virtual gatherings instead. Ultimately, all of the amendments were passed as

written, by a vote of 5-2, with Randy Schissel and Kirsten Olson dissenting.

Open seats Lastly, it was noted vacancies still remain on the Human Rights Commission and the Sustainability Commission.

Data indicated that in 2023 the Pantry served 7,992 clients representing 23,487 family members and distributed 331,908 pounds of food. (submitted)

Record year at Decorah Community Food Pantry

The Decorah Community Food Pantry’s mission “to share food with local Iowans facing food insecurity” was fulfilled in 2023 as the pantry saw a year of record donations.

Part-time Food Pantry Director Matt Tapscott said, “Our entire community [is] committed to not letting our northeast Iowa neighbors go hungry,” Tapscott said. “We could not do the work we do without every aspect of our community supporting the Pantry mission with generous and varied donations.”

Data indicated that in 2023 the Pantry served 7,992 clients representing 23,487 family members and distributed 331,908 pounds of food.

Over 50 percent of the food the pantry distributes comes from “Food Rescue” — a partnership with several local retail grocery and convenience stores.

“This is perfectly good food that is not moving at the local store, and prior to Food Rescue, had been thrown away,” Tapscott said. “Today, through the actions of many, we rescue this perfectly good food and redistribute it to food-insecure families.”

“We are able to achieve all

that our pantry does because of our incredible volunteer team,” added Pantry Assistant Director and Volunteer Coordinator Lance Wood.

Each one of the 130-plus volunteers bring their personal gifts, talents and life experience to pantry operations and then make it all work because, as Wood said, “they focus on the second part of our pantry mission: ‘Interact with clients in a welcoming and respectful manner’.”

Tapscott reminded that the “record year” is “not a ‘record’ to totally celebrate.”

“People involved in the operation and mission of our community food pantry are humbled by the incredible support,” Tapscott said. “We just wish it wasn’t so needed.”

“Nobody comes to a community food pantry door because they want to be there,” he continued. “Through the commitment of our entire community, the Decorah Community Food Pantry can achieve the work we do and address food waste and food insecurity in northeast Iowa.”

For more information, call 563-387-7413.

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS include proven experience in nonprofit leadership, communications, community engagement, grant writing, and membership/development; understanding of the clean energy transition, experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, and strong communication skills; and a bachelor’s degree or higher. WED is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to an inclusive society and workplace. We encourage all seriously interested people to apply. SALARY (FTE) for this position ranges from $55,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience. For full application requirements, additional benefits, and submission guidelines, see: energydistrict.org/jobs.

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Winneshiek Sheriff Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office was called to an accident Jan. 19, at approximately 8:22 p.m. A vehicle operated by Haylie Langdon, 21, of Prairie du Chien, Wis., was westbound on Twin Springs Road near Decorah. The driver lost traction going around a curve in the 2100 block due to a combination of a completely snow/ice-covered road and operating the vehicle too fast for the road conditions. The vehicle entered the west/south ditch, striking items in the ditch, including a large rock and tree.

Damages to her vehicle were estimated at $13,000. No injuries were reported.

Nicole Combs, age 38, of Cresco, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Jan. 20 at 7:20 p.m. after she turned herself in on an arrest warrant for possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, 1st offense; possession of controlled substance, marijuana, 1st offense; gathering where controlled substances unlawfully used other than marijuana; and child endangerment.

Crystal Soppe, 45, of Ridgeway, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Jan. 26 on an arrest warrant for failure to serve jail time.

Holly Terrell, 40, of Ridgeway, was arrested in Howard County and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Jan. 26 on three arrest warrants for violation of probation.

Deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence on Middle Calmar Road Jan. 26 at 9:35 p.m.

Subsequently, 25-year-old Caleb Fenske of Decorah was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for D felony dominion/ control of a firearm by a felon and simple misdemeanor consumption of alcohol in a public place.

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office received a call of an accident on Old Stage Road Jan. 29 at 8:39 a.m. Joe Bollman, 18, of LaCrescent, Minn., was reportedly westbound on Old Stage Road.

When navigating a curve, he lost control on the slick road. His vehicle entered the east ditch and rolled before coming to rest on the wheels. The vehicle rolled over a portion of a fence owned by Jason Leidhal. Damages were estimated at $25,000 to Bollman’s 2010 Ford F250 truck and $1,000 to the fence line.

Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Feb. 1 at approximately midnight at a residence on Dogwood Road.

As a result of the search, Valentin L. Munoz, 35, of Decorah, was charged with serious misdemeanor possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) and simple misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Munoz was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted

by Decorah Police Department with the execution of the warrant.

This case remains under investigation, with additional search warrants, arrests and charges pending.

William Hruska Jr., 42, of West Union, was transported from the Fayette County Jail Jan. 31 and was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for attempted burglary, third degree – non vehicle, D felony burglary in the third degree – non vehicle, and possession of burglary tools. These charges were from an incident at 170th Street in Calmar on Nov. 20, 2023.

Caleb Fenske, 25, of Decorah, was arrested Jan. 30 at 10:28 a.m. on an arrest warrant for violation of parole and remains in the Winneshiek County Jail.

Elijah Gallegos, 24, of Decorah, was arrested Feb. 1 on an arrest warrant for violation of probation and remains in the Winneshiek County Jail.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to a driving complaint Dec. 30, 2023, of a vehicle driving erratically and had struck another vehicle at highway speeds on Highway 52 between Ossian and Calmar. The striking vehicle did not stop and continued.

Deputies located the vehicle, on Highway 52, north of Calmar and attempted to make a traffic stop.

The vehicle fled from deputies which led to a pursuit. The vehicle eventually went westbound on Highway 9. With the assistance of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and Cresco Police Department, stop sticks were deployed.

The vehicle continued and was later located unoccupied, on fire and disabled with tire damage on a gravel road north of Kendallville.

A short time later a deputy located registered owner, Kaden Brown, 18, of Castalia, walking on the gravel road. Subsequently, Brown was arrested and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail for D felony eluding, reckless driving and speeding. On Feb. 2, Brown was additionally charged with operating while under the influence (methamphetamine) after DCI lab results were received. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Cresco Police Department and Harmony Fire Department assisted the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

Wine Down Decorah offers shopping, sampling Feb. 9

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Legal publications must be received by Monday at 4:00 p.m. to be published in that week’s newspaper.

Law Enforcement

Apply at: www.fullcircleneia.applicantpro.com/jobs/ or call Jared Morriss at 563-277-2029, jared.morriss@fullcircleneia.com

Coming up in varsity sports Feb. 8 – TV gbb at East Buchanan (Rd. 1), 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 – Dec b swim at state (Iowa City), 5 p.m.; Dec g/b bb at Waverly-Shell Rock, 6:45 p.m.

Feb. 10 – Dec b wr at districts (Independence), 10 a.m.; SW b wr at districts (Denver), 10 a.m.; NH/TV b wr at districts (Manchester), 10 a.m.; Dec b swim at state (Iowa City), 12:30 p.m.; SW gbb at Wapsie Valley (Rd. 1), 7 p.m.

Feb. 12 – Dec g bowl host regional (Kingpin Entertainment Center), 10 a.m.; SW bbb vs. Clayton Ridge (Rd. 1), 7 p.m.; TV bbb vs. Edgewood-Colesburg (Rd. 1), 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 - Dec b bowl host regional (Kingpin Entertainment Center), 10 a.m.

Sports Editor: Becky Walz

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PAGE 10

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

DECORAH, SOUTH WINNESHIEK, TURKEY VALLEY

•

sports@decorahnewspapers.com

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Second half lifts Decorah over Winterset Postseasons underway for area teams

It was a postseason atmosphere among a pair of Class 3A ranked teams Monday, as the fifth-ranked Decorah boys’ basketball team (17-2, 8-1 NEIC) battled No. 10 Winterset (118) at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. While the Huskies won the first half, it was the Vikings notching the 70-53 win.

Decorah opened the game with an 18-12 first quarter advantage that evaporated in the second period with Winterset putting up 21 points for a 33-28 lead at halftime. Whatever was said at halftime lit up the Viking offense as Decorah poured in 21 points in the third and fourth periods to put the game to bed.

Cael LaFrentz was hot from the floor with 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Vikings.

Ben Bockman put up 14 points to go with a trio of boards while

Trey McCain added 14 points and eight assists. Providing a spark with 18 rebounds and eight points was Kaiden Quandahl.

There are just two regular season games remaining for the Vikings who will travel to Waverly-Shell Rock Friday, Feb. 9, with hope of taking down the league’s leader. Next week, Decorah will finish up the regular season on the road at Mason City Thursday, Feb. 15.

Scoring – Cael LaFrentz 23; Ben Bockman 15; Trey McCain 14; Kaiden Quandahl 8; Matthew Bockman 8; Zachary Driscoll 2 Rebounds – Quandahl 18; LaFrentz 9; M. Bockman 3; B. Bockman 3; McCain 2; Andrew Rhodes 1; Carter Dlhy 1; Noah Milburn 1; Assists – McCain 8; B. Bockman 5; Quandahl 4; M. Bockman 3; Driscoll 3; Steals – Driscoll 1; Blocks – LaFrentz 1

With district boys swimming already completed and state this weekend, other area athletic teams are gearing up for the postseason action.

Trey McCain put up 14 points in Decorah’s win over No. 10 Winterset Monday in Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of Sam Zoulek)

Good effort by Viking girls Monday

A flurry of scoring in the third kept the Decorah girls’ basket-

ball team (14-6, 8-1 NEIC) from getting the win Monday

Gabbi Dixon fires a pass to a Viking teammate as the Winterset defender closes in during Monday’s game at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. (Photo courtesy of Sam Zoulek)

afternoon as the Vikes played Winterset (9-10) on the floor at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Decorah came up a little short 43-38 in the non-conference match-up.

Evenly matched on both ends of the floor, Decorah and Winterset were deadlocked 8-8 at the end of the first and 17-all at halftime. Winterset pulled ahead in the third, outscoring the Vikes 19-15 and held Decorah to six points in the final eight minutes to snare the win from the NEIC team.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

The Vikes wrap up the regular season on the road Friday at Waverly-Shell Rock with tipoff set for 6:45 p.m.

Bowlers wrap up season with perfection

The Decorah girls’ and boys’ bowling teams clinched a perfect season Tuesday with wins over New Hampton, finishing 10-0.

Rolling over the Chickasaws by more than double, the girls’ won 2,630 to 1,215. Baker games were 213, 142, 155, 183 and 168.

“The girls were pretty sharp all night and bowled close to as good as we can,” said Coach Keith Bruening. “I am very happy and proud of this bunch of ladies.”

Riley Averhoff had the top games for the Vikes with a 178 and 201. Other sharp shooters on the lanes in varsity action were Karlie Einck (205, 149), Marri Feuerhelm (180, 173), Anika Grinna (190, 165), Addison Wicklund (135, 193) and Jasera Tweten (142, 160).

In boys’ varsity action, Decorah bested New Hampton 3,016 to 2,820. Baker games were 236, 173, 210, 203 and 126.

On fire for the boys was Cade Averhoff, firing a 225 and 201 with Jordan Sims providing games of 182 and 237. Tyler

Novak was close behind (223, 194), followed by TJ Round (173, 242). Also on the lanes for the varsity were Jace Buddenberg (177, 214) and Chase

Vick (175, 191).

“The boys put on an incredible team performance to end the year,” noted Coach K. Bruening.

Girls basketball postseason Brackets for the girls’ Class 1A, 2A and 3A have been released. Decorah is in Class 4A and those brackets were due to be released Wednesday, Feb. 7, after this publication.

South Winn is in Class 2A Region 1 and have a first-round game at Wapsie Valley against the Black and Gold Warriors Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. A win will move South Winn into the quarterfinal against Aplington-Parkersburg on the Falcons’ home court Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m.

Turkey Valley in Class 1A Region 1 and opens the postseason at East Buchanan tonight (Thursday, Feb. 8) for opening round action at 7 p.m.

The winner moves on to play Edgewood-Colesburg in Edgewood Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m.

SW, TV boys basketball Postseason boys basketball pairings have been announced for South Winn and Turkey Valley who are both in Class 1A District 2.

Both teams will host first-round games Monday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. The Warriors will face Clayton Ridge, while the Trojans will compete against Edgewood-Colesburg.

The winners will square off at the higher seed Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m., with the district final

to be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.

Decorah is in Class 3A and those brackets will be released Monday, Feb. 12, with the opening round of substate games tipping off Monday, Feb. 19.

District wrestling Saturday District wrestling assignments for all three classes have been announced for Saturday, Feb. 10, with wrestling starting at 10 a.m.. The top two place winners in each weight class from each sectional will move on to the state meet. The individual state meet runs Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 14-17, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Decorah is in Class 2A, District 5 and will compete at Independence, while the Warriors are in Class 1A District 1 at Denver.

Bowling districts Monday/Tuesday The Decorah bowling teams will host qualifying meets with the girls competing Monday, Feb. 12, and the boys Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Kingpin Entertainment Center at 10 a.m., for return trips to the state bowling tournament.

In team action, each squad will bowl 15 baker games with the top pin total advancing to the state meet with eight qualifiers per class (top two teams per site). Individuals will bowl three games each with the top pin total advancing to state with 32 qualifiers per class (top eight per site).

Winings, Hageman push South Winn to win A second-half push in scoring forged the way for the South Winn boys’ basketball team (12-8, 8-7 UIC) to defeat the Turkey Valley boys’ basketball team (13-9, 8-8 UIC) Monday night 64-55 in Jackson Junction.

Winning the first match-up between the two squads, the Warriors wanted it to be no fluke as they plunged into the game with a fast pace and a 22-16 first quarter lead. Sophomore Matson Winings was on fire early, scoring 10 of the Warriors’ points in the opening eight minutes, including backto-back threes.

South Winn pulled ahead by as many as seven in the early going of the second before Trojan senior Oliver Schmitt put up a pair of free throws and a trey of his own. A steal and open layup by Logan Busta knotted the score at 26-26 with 4:49 left to play in the half and a three

by TV’s Braylen Byrne gave the Trojans their first lead of the game 29-28 at the 4:08 mark.

The Warriors bounced back to keep the game close, trailing 34-32 at halftime.

Returning to the hardwood, Turkey Valley’s Caleb Kurtenbach quickly put up a trey to give the Trojans a five-point lead. That advantage soon evaporated at the hands of Winings as the Warriors put up five quick

Taking the ball to the hoop for the Warriors is Kaden Barton-Franzen against the TV double team of Oliver Schmitt (20) and Russell Nieman (10). (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz) points. With the lead bouncing back-and-forth it was the 2:56 mark of the third quarter when the Trojans fell behind for good.

On top 51-48 to start the final period, South Winn’s defense gave up just seven points which included five Trojan free throws and a Schmitt basket.

For the Warriors Winings led the way for South Winn with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Kole Hageman put up 20 points and nabbed nine boards. Providing nine rebounds to go with his six points was Kaden Barton-Franzen.

TV stats Scoring – Oliver Schmitt 22; Caleb Kurtenbach 13; Logan Busta 8; JD Kruse 7; Braylen Byrne 3; Russell Nieman 1; Cale Langreck 1 SW stats Scoring – Matson Winings 21; Kole Hageman 20; Braiden Todd 6; Nolan Sabelka 6; Kaden Barton-Franzen 6; Landon Humpal 4; Logan Tieskoetter 1 Rebounds – Winings 11; BartonFranzen 9; Hageman 9; Todd 7; Humpal 3; Sabelka 1; Tieskoetter 1; Assists – Hageman 5; Winings 4; Todd 3; Sabelka 2; Barton-Franzen 2; Steals – Todd 2; Sabelka 2; Hageman 2; Winings 1; Barton-Franzen 1; Blocks – Winings 1; Hageman 1

TV girls top Warriors for second time

Sophomore Karlie Einck helped the Vikes to a perfect 10-0 season as Decorah defeated New Hampton Tuesday night on the road. Einck rolled games of 205 and 149 in the win Tuesday. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

The Turkey Valley girls’ basketball team will enter the postseason with a 7-14 overall (6-10 UIC) record after topping South Winn (6-15, 5-11 UIC) Monday night at home 46-38.

The battle began with the Warriors putting up the first eight points before Trojan junior Delaney Busta was fouled

on a putback on an offensive rebound with 5:53 left in the opening period. Turkey Valley finished on a 11-2 run to lead 14-10 with eight minutes complete. The Warriors hung close in the second, but it was the Trojans on top 23-19 at halftime.

In the third, the Trojans

After going above .500 in the conference Monday night, the South Winn boys’ basketball team (13-8, 9-7 UIC) picked up a second win in as many nights over Clayton Ridge (4-17, 2-14 UIC) Tuesday 61-36 to close out the regular season.

The Warriors led 16-11 after the first quarter in Guttenberg. In the second frame, South Winn

controlled both sides of the ball to lead 38-19 at halftime. After the break, the Warriors continued to pull ahead, outscoring the Eagles 23-17.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

South Winn Clayton Ridge

16 22 11 12 61 11 8 8 9 36

South Winn Turkey Valley

Trojans have tough night with Hawks The Trojans struggled offensively all night, scoring seven points in the first quarter to trail 17-7. At the half, the Hawks were up 38-17. With a 59-31 lead after three quarters, the

Hawks put it away in the fourth with a 16-7 advantage.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

Kee Turkey Valley

17 21 21 16 75 7 10 14 7 38

pushed ahead by two more 3428 and led by as many as 12 in the fourth when Warrior Karissa Wenthold began firing the threes, hitting three in the closing 3:16 to bring South Winn back into single digits. But it was too late as the final buzzer rang out with the Trojans on top.

Numbers Wenthold led all scorers in the game with 20 of South Winn’s 38 points. Alyssa Holthaus added nine in the Warrior effort.

For the Trojans Mariah Throndson put up a team-high 10 points. Coming off the bench to provide a spark and nine points was Bella Stika. Addison Steinlage put up seven, while Hazel Nieman added six.

SW boys finish 9-7 in conference

It was a rough night on the hardwood for the Turkey Valley boys’ basketball team (1210, 7-9 UIC) as the Trojans fell to Class 1A No. 10 Kee (19-2, 15-1 UIC) at home 75-38.

Trojan highlights Schmitt led the Trojans with 22 points. Kurtenbach scored 13 points while Logan Busta provided eight.

TV’s Haylee Hanson secures the ball from Warrior defender Adrienne Winings as she eyes the basket. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

10 14

9 9 10 38 9 11 12 46

Turkey Valley stats Scoring – Mariah Throndson 10; Bella Stika 9; Addison Steinlage 7; Hazel Nieman 6; Delaney Busta 5; Haylee Hanson 5; Layni Schuchhardt 2; Annika Bodensteiner 2 South Winn stats Scoring – Karissa Wenthold 20; Alyssa Holthaus 9; Chloe Wiltgen 3; Aubrey Willey 2; Allison Hageman 2; Ella Theis 2