March 7, 2024 by Decorah Leader

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 10

Decorah, Iowa 52101

One Section

www.decorahnewspapers.com

fax: 563-382-5949

Winneshiek County Cattlemen’s banquet is Saturday

Local Girl Scout troops are partnering with Culver’s in Decorah, Sunday, March 10. Local troops will have cookie booths, and 10 percent of sales from Culver’s during the event will be donated to the Winneshiek County Girl Scout troops. Members of Troop 616 are pictured here helping out at last year’s Culver’s event. A salute to Girl Scouts inside this edition.

Supervisors weigh the value of Winneshiek County Public Health services The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors is considering the value of services provided by the county’s Public Health ofﬁce. During the supervisors’ regular meeting Monday morning, County Auditor Ben Steines handed out a chart showing that Winneshiek County pays far more than any surrounding county for its public health services. According to the chart, Winneshiek County pays $740,000 per year for its public health services, while Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Howard counties, which all rely on hospitals for their public health services, each pay less than $170,000 annually. “I think this was looked into because of the last six-county meeting, if I’m remembering correctly,” said Supervisor Shirley Vermace. “People were talking about Public Health, how it was run through their hospitals, compared to having it

phone: 563-382-4221

Six candidates vie for Beef Queen title

Celebrating Girl Scouts

By Zach Jensen

email: news@decorahnewspapers.com

Price One Dollar

run through the budget for the county. I think that just perked up a lot of our ears that day, at the six-county meeting, and we just wanted to look further into it – to see what we can best do in Winneshiek County.” “We have a responsibility to our citizens,” added Supervisor Steve Kelsay. “When other counties are able to have a hospital relationship at an average of $140,000 in expense, and ours runs considerably more than that, I think we have to have a justiﬁcation for the public – a reason why we do that.” With that, Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck asked Winneshiek County Public Health Administrator Krista Vanden Brink, who was in attendance at the meeting, if she knew how other counties use their hospitals for public health services. “The hospital-based agencies

Eight candidates are vying for the title of Winneshiek County Beef Queen, Little Miss Cowgirl or Little Mr. Cowhand. The winners will be announced during the 2024 Winneshiek County Cattlemen’s Beef Banquet, held Saturday, March 9, in the Community Building at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the prime-rib supper, prepared by U-2 BBQ & Catering, begins at 6:30 p.m. Royalty will be crowned and awards will be presented after supper. Additionally, live and silent auctions will be held to beneﬁt the Cattlemen’s scholarship program. Beef Queen Candidates Lauren Holthaus, the daughter of Travis and Tonya Holthaus of Decorah, is a sophomore at Decorah High School, where she is involved in swimming, track and ﬁeld, FFA and silver cord. She is a member of Youth Beef Team and 4-H. Her hobbies include showing beef cattle, running, swimming, helping her dad and grandpa out on the farm, playing with her sisters, reading, lifting and babysitting. Lauren’s family farms corn, beans and hay and run a cow/calf

operation of about 100 head. In the future, Lauren plans to attend college for Law or Ag Communications. Alayna Hageman is the daughter of Trevor and Tori Hageman of Ossian. Alayna is a sophomore at South Winneshiek High School. She is a member of the South Winneshiek FFA Chapter, and a national dairy handler when her dairy judging team went to nationals after winning state. Alayna participated in livestock judging and in the conduct team her freshman year, and has shown her heifer and calf at the Winneshiek County Fair, Big Four Fair in Postville, and the Big 4 Fair in Nashua. Alayna is a member of the South Winn Trap Team, Winneshiek County Saddle Club, the Co-Champions 4-H Club, the Iowa Simmental Association, and the Winneshiek County Youth Beef Team. Alayna’s hobbies include playing volleyball, trap shooting, hunting, being outdoors, showing at fairs, working with her animals, riding horses and ﬁshing. Alayna was presented with a

Beef Candidates continued on page 5

Keira Myers

Lauren Holthaus Kamryn Werges

Isabella Kuboushek

Haylee Hanson

Alayna Hageman

Eloise Lechtenberg

Emma Drahn

McCoy McConnell

Vesterheim purchases downtown property By Roz Weis Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum in Decorah recently purchased the former Northeast Iowa Montessori School building in a continuing effort to support its folk art education programs and operations. “Plans are underway, and we will be able to share more later this year,” noted Vesterheim Director of Communications and Marketing Becky Idstrom. The building is located across Mechanic Street from Vester-

The former Northeast Iowa Montessori School building on Water Street has been purchased by Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Roz Weis) heim’s Westby-Torgerson Education Center at 418 W. Water Street.

Local historians will recall the building also was home to the former Christian Camera on

South Avenue in Decorah. The Montessori School has relocated to South Avenue in a residential section of Decorah. Preliminary engineering and design work has already been completed at the new Vesterheim property, and the ﬁnal design and remodeling work will happen in 2024 with the goal of opening the remodeled spaces in 2025. The purchase of this building was approved by Vesterheim’s Board of Trustees with funding from recent bequests, as well as other ﬁnancing.

Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers.com

Public Health continued on page 4

County enters contract to pay $1.25M Visit us online - www.decorahnewspapers for Spectrum building

By Zach Jensen

BRING IN THIS COUPON FOR AN ADDITIONAL

$100 OFF

A NEW OR USED MACHINE!

804 Short St., Decorah • 563-382-4646 • redroxyquiltco.com SHOP HOURS: M-F: 10-5, SAT: 10-4, SUN: 12-4 20% OFF MSRP. SALE THROUGH MARCH 31, 2024 Some exclusions apply. Management reserves all rights.

A round of applause was heard in the Winneshiek County Courthouse Annex building Monday morning, when Board of Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck announced that, after the county’s purchase of what’s commonly known as “the Spectrum building”, all current tenants of the building are welcome to continue leasing their spaces. The county entered into a contractual purchase of the 18,000 sq. ft. building, located at 607 Washington St., Decorah, on Friday, March 1. Per the agreement, the county paid $250,000 on March 1 and will pay $250,000 per year until the total purchase price of $1.25 million is paid – the ﬁnal payment for which will be made in

2029. One of the stipulations for the sale, said Spectrum Board Vice President Paul Greenberg outside of the supervisors’ meeting, was that all the current tenants, which includes Toys Go ‘Round, NEI3A, the Decorah Community Food Pantry and The Spectrum Network, be allowed to stay in the building after the sale. “Originally, we looked at renting space to the county for public health services, and then they were interested in buying the property,” said Greenberg in a separate interview. “In our case, that was a win-win, because we’re able to keep everyone already there, there. We didn’t want to see anyone displaced, including ourselves, and we sold it at a very reasonable cost.

“We didn’t do it for the financial gain,” Greenberg continued. “We’re looking at making Spectrum stable in the long term – as well as making sure these other nonprofits, that have partnered up with us, also have someplace to be. We could have sold it privately and made more money, but that wouldn’t have been what’s right for the community.” Greenberg said that because of changes at the state level, a significant portion of the Spectrum building has remained vacant for some time, which significantly contributed to the nonprofit’s overhead expenses. If something didn’t change, Greenberg said the future for Spectrum wouldn’t have been certain. “It’s a beautiful building, and it has a lot to offer,” Greenberg

said. “Real estate is a rarity in Decorah – especially real estate that’s ADA-friendly. It was a difﬁcult decision, knowing that over the years there’s been a lot of people who’ve given money for this building. But, at the same time, if we didn’t make a decision, there wouldn’t be a Spectrum next year.” After Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Winneshiek County Attorney Ben Steines said it’s the county’s plan to have Winneshiek County Public Health move from the Smith Building on Montgomery Street to a vacant spot in the Spectrum building. The Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation, which currently takes up two ﬂoors of the Smith Building, would then occupy all levels of the Smith Building on its own.

Vikes advance to semiﬁnals - Thursday, March 7, at 2 p.m.

2 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 7, 2024

DECORAH

DECORAH Chevrolet

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 1815 Hwy 9, Decorah | 563-382-3591

1815 Hwy 9, Decorah | 563-382-3619

Open House

Thursday, March 14 // 4-7 p.m. Come check out the remodel and new addition of Chrysler Showroom, delivery and service drives.

Check out over 300 new and used with great deals!

Kelly Bachelder and Randy Imoehl have been in business together since 2002. They started their auto business journey in 2002 when they bought out Dahly Motors and later built a new facility at this location. They bought Albertson Auto Center in 2011, and in 2015, started up Program KARS in Prairie Du Chien. 2017 brought more changes after buying out Sut Hill and adding Blackhawk Motors, a Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ford store. KAR eventually landed a Chrysler store in Decorah, opening a new store in 2017. The past year has brought even more changes with an expansive remodel.

NEW & PRE-USED VEHICLES // WORK TRUCKS ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING STATIONS // SERVICE CENTERS At KAR Auto Group,

we believe in the power of choice, the convenience of a one-stop shopping experience, and the warmth of small-town values. As your local Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram group of dealerships, we are delighted to offer you an extensive array of vehicles, all within easy reach on our website. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new or used Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram, we’ve got you covered. With a range of price points, we ensure that there’s a vehicle that ﬁts everyone’s budget.

Auto Group

Zach Albertson

Luke Bergey

Dan Downing

Tanner Imoehl

Kelly Bachelder

Randy Imoehl

Shane Panos

Tony Schager

SHOP ONLINE 24/7 TO SEE ALL OUR VEHICLES AT WWW.KARAUTOGROUP.COM

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 7, 2024 3

Council awards project bids, sets Luther College announces Fulbright numerous public hearing dates Program semi-finalists By Denise Lana The Decorah City Council on March 4 awarded two project bids, set several public hearing dates and discussed many upcoming projects. Kicking off the meeting was a declaration read by Mayor Lorraine Borowski proclaiming March as “Music in Our Schools Month.” In the declaration, Borowski encouraged all to celebrate music every day and acknowledge that “music education is an essential part of every student’s well-rounded education.” Bioretention Cell project A public hearing was held regarding plans, specifications and bids for the Decorah 2024 Bioretention Cell Project. The proposed project is for a bioretention cell located next to the Sunflower Development Center at 902 Commerce Drive. The purpose of a bioretention cell is to capture and treat stormwater that runs off impermeable surfaces like parking lots and paved areas. Using various layers of soil, gravel and sand to filter out pollutants, bioretention cells effectively remove substantial percentages of metals, nitrates and phosphorous located in the stormwater. No members of the public came forth to speak at the hearing. Council then reviewed bids submitted for the project, with City Manager Travis Goedken explaining that the project had competitive bids due to guidelines regarding grant funding for the project. City Engineer Jeremy Bril estimated the project cost at $25,000, and two bids were submitted. Skyline Construction submitted a bid at $27,998.05 and Shift Companies in Cedar Rapids submitted a bid of $28,650. The council voted unanimously and awarded the project to Skyline. Stormwater Improvements project A public hearing was held regarding the Decorah 2024 Stormwater Improvements Project. The umbrella project includes an oxbow wetland project and infiltration basin project, and comprises clearing, excavating, grading, installing subdrain and seeding. The Oxbow project is located along Dry Run Creek east of Mill Street between Frances and Vernon Streets. The infiltration basin project is located on the east end of Phelps Park near the intersection of Upper Broadway and Vernon Streets. An oxbow wetland stores excess wa-

Law Enforcement Winneshiek Sheriff While incarcerated in the Winneshiek County Jail in Decorah on Feb. 28, Dalton Hagen, age 26, of Cresco, was served an arrest warrant for violation of probation. Chad Franzen, age 51, of Decorah, was cited for failure to provide proof of ﬁnancial liability following an accident on Centennial Road Feb. 28. Franzen was eastbound on Centennial Road when four deer entered the roadway from the south. Franzen’s vehicle struck the last deer in the herd, crossed the center line and spun sideways entering the north ditch and rolling onto its side. Medical treatment was refused. Franzen’s vehicle had a fraudulent Iowa license plate. Decorah Police Decorah Police were dispatched Feb. 29 at 4:34 p.m. to the Haymarket bar at 201 Washington Street in Decorah for a report of a female causing a disturbance inside and outside the bar. Policed located the female at the corner of East Main Street and John Street; and arrested 54-year-old Andrea Strand of Decorah. She was cited for disorderly conduct and public intoxication, and she was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail without incident.

ter that might otherwise lead to flooding, and it also filters water and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. An infiltration basin helps manage stormwater runoff, helps prevent flooding and erosion, and improves water quality. No members of the public came forth to speak at the hearing. Council then reviewed the two bids submitted for the project. Skyline Construction put forth a bid of $21,240.65, and Shift Companies submitted a bid of $35,615. Engineer Bril estimated the cost for the project at $40,000. The council voted unanimously and awarded the project to Skyline. Grant application At a previous council meeting, Michelle Barness of the Sustainability Commission informally discussed the commission’s desire to apply for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), and the council was in full support. Monday night, the council voted unanimously to approve the submission of that application. The grant would comprise state funding of $233,637.62, with the commission matching $20,000. Those funds would be used to retrofit two Northeast Iowa Community Action Council low-income multi-family properties with efficient air source heat pumps. It would also provide free energy audits for low-income, owner-occupied households, which would identify energy efficiency opportunities. Jim Martin Schramm, chair of the Sustainability Commission, explained to the council that while a funds-match is not required, it improves the chances of being selected for the grant. The grant application was approved unanimously. Airport project A public hearing has been set for Monday, April 15, during the council’s regular 5:45 p.m. meeting, to welcome public comment on Decorah’s Municipal Airport hangar and terminal project. Bid letting for the project is set for Monday, April 8, at 11 a.m. Goedken explained that the project is nearly the same project that was rebid last year, adding that the construction market is much more competitive than when the city received the one bid previously that was

much higher than the city’s estimate. Goedken elaborated on the project, which includes demolition and reconstruction of the hangar, a new terminal building, and access to the parking lot from the terminal building. Fire Code sprinklers for the full square footage of both buildings are included, as well as sprinklers for the seven hangars to the east. Estimated costs are $2.2 million, with $366,600 local share. Goedken added that additional grant funding will continue to be pursued. According to Dave Joens, who serves as the airport’s engineer, “We do not have the second round of Department of Transportation funding … $300,000 we planned on receiving — that will have to be applied for this year.” Joens continued to explain that the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) gives the airport $150,000 every year for improvements, and the airport will receive another $145,000 through FY2026 from a separate program. Goedken added that if the airport used the AIP funds of $150,000 each year, the airport could use the FY26 allocation and apply it to the cost to get it lower if the bids come in lower. Airport solar project A public hearing has been set for Monday, April 15, at 5:45 p.m., regarding the Decorah Airport Solar Array Project, with bid letting set for Monday, April 8, at 11 a.m. The proposed project includes installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels on the proposed hangar with attached terminal building. The project has $166,667 earmarked from federal grant funding, with a local share of $16,667. Other business • A council work session is slated for 5 p.m., Monday, March 18, to review the city’s audit from FY2023. • City of Decorah staff have received and accepted a conditional offer for the city engineer job position. • City of Decorah staff have received a resignation from Cole Milligan as the city’s assistant street commissioner. The next meeting of the Decorah City Council will be held at 5:45 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Ridgeway awarded funds to advance water quality infrastructure

Gov. Reynolds recently announced that 16 communities have been awarded a total of $8 million in grants to advance water quality projects. Locally, Ridgeway is receiving $500,000 of the grant to help pay for its water quality increase project, which is projected to cost $2,409,300. The funding is made available through the Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program, which was created as a part of Senate File 512, the ﬁrst legislation signed into law by Gov. Reynolds in 2018. “This was the ﬁrst bill I signed into law as Governor in 2018,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Since then, the program has assisted 68 communities through a total of nearly $26 million in grants and an additional $550 million in other funds leveraged to advance water quality infrastructure projects throughout the state.” The 2023 program received 48 applicants requesting more than $23 million in water quality grants. A committee consisting of designees from the Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Iowa Department

of Agriculture and Land Stewardship judged the Wastewater and Drinking Water Financial Assistance Program applications based on the program’s priorities. Priorities for grant awards include: Disadvantaged communities; projects that will signiﬁcantly improve water quality in their watershed; projects that use alternative wastewater treatment technologies; communities with the highest sewer or water rates; projects that use technology to address nutrient reduction; and projects to address improvements to drinking water source waters. The program receives a portion of the tax on metered water and had $8 million available for allocation in 2023. Grants will be awarded through the program on an annual basis through 2039. The wastewater program has assisted 68 communities through a total of nearly $26 million in water quality grants since the ﬁrst awards were granted in 2019. The program is expected to have approximately $7 million in available funds in 2024 based on the portion of tax that will be allocated to the program.

Luther College recently announced that four students have been selected as 2024-25 semi-ﬁnalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. All four students received nominations for English teaching assistantships. The Luther semi-ﬁnalists are: • Robert Clower, class of 2023, English Teaching Assistantship in Germany • Linnea Johnson Nordqvist, class of 2024, English Teaching Assistantship in Latvia • Nick Rogness, class of 2024, English Teaching Assistantship in Norway • Amy Webb, class of 2024, English Teaching Assistantship in Germany The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places recent college graduates and young professionals abroad

Robert Clower

Linnea Johnson Nordqvist

as assistant English teachers in classrooms from primary through university level. Last year, three Luther students were selected as Fulbright teaching assistants in Slovakia and Norway. The ﬁnalists for 2024-25 will be announced this spring. These students were approved by the National Steering Committee and selected among the nearly 10,000 applicants on the basis of academic or profes-

Nick Rogness

Amy Webb

sional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their ﬁelds. Operating in 160 countries world-wide, the Fulbright program is the ﬂagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The primary goal of the program is to increase mutual understanding between U.S. residents and people from around the world.

Trapunto quilting technique highlighted at next Decorah Quilters meeting The Decorah Area Quilters next meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, at ArtHaus in Decorah. Mike Ellingsen will share a brief presentation on how to create tra- Mike Ellingsen punto or stuffed work on a quilt, providing one more technique in a quilter’s toolbelt.

‘Dementia Friends’ session March 13 A free “Dementia Friends” session will be held from 3-4 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, at the Decorah Public Library Meeting Room 202. Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act and talk about dementia. For information, call Bridget White at 563-387-3031.

WinnMed in Decorah hosts Live Healthy 5K April 13 The annual Live Healthy Iowa 5K will be held across Iowa, as well as virtually, on Saturday, April 13. The Decorah 5K starts at 8 a.m. and will begin and end at WinnMed. The 1K kid’s run will follow at 9 a.m. Online registration is recommended and is open through March 25 at tinyurl.com/mrymkx2r. On-site registration will be open at WinnMed the morning of the race, beginning at 6:45 a.m. For an entry fee, participants receive a Live Healthy Iowa 5K t-shirt (preferred size not guaranteed with same-day registration), race number and a ﬁnisher medal. Participants in the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge can receive a discount on registration by showing their LHI Access Card during on-site registration. Live Healthy Iowa and Live Healthy Iowa Kids provide challenges and events throughout the year to promote healthy and active lifestyles. To learn more about these programs and more information about the Live Healthy Iowa 5K, visit www.livehealthyiowa.org.

After a welcome and introductions, members are encouraged to share show-and-tell projects – especially any items featuring green or purple. The Decorah Area Quilters meet at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at ArtHaus. Each meeting consists of a brief

welcome and introductions, show-and-tell, a Q&A session and time to talk with other quilters. There is a nominal fee to attend. All are welcome. For more information, contact Mike Ellingsen at 507-6020322, or Jarret Johnson at 563419-6952.

Decorah Public Opinion

(USPS# 151-000) is published weekly by Driftless Multimedia LLC, 110 Washington Street, Suite 4, Decorah, IA 52101. Periodicals postage paid at Decorah, IA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Driftless Multimedia LLC, P.O. Box 350, Decorah, Iowa 52101-0350.

News: news@decorahnewspapers.com Advertising: megan.warner@driftlessjournal.com Kate Klimesh, Editor-in-Chief: kate.klimesh@driftlessjournal.com Phone: 563-382-4221 Subscription Rates ....................... One Year ...................... Six Months Decorah Trade Areas ..................... $57.00 ..............................$35.00 Elsewhere. ...................................... $70.00 ..............................$42.00 Single copies $1.00, mailed $3.00. Official publication for Decorah and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Periodicals postage at Decorah, Iowa. Driftless Multimedia LLC DEADLINE POLICY Decorah Public Opinion display advertising: 4 p.m. Monday. Real estate, classified, entertainment and Driftless Journal display advertising: 4 p.m. Thursday. News, submissions: 12 Noon Friday and Tuesday. Publisher reserves right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time.

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Iowa Utilities Board designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $32.50 per month and business services are $49.50 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request. CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify. A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs. If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/com munity/community-development/lifeline.ht ml for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

4 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 7, 2024

Obituaries Viola Bohr

Viola Bohr, 95, of Decorah, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Wellington Place N u r s i n g Home in Decorah. Viola Marie Bohr was born on Oct. 25, 1928, the daughter of Anton Viola Bohr and Mathilda (Hagemen) Bohr, near Ossian. She was the oldest of seven children. When Viola was 10, her father became ill and by the time she was 12, he had passed away. She immediately had to assume the role of an adult as she was her mother’s “next in command”. One memory her siblings had was her frequently forgetting to put salt in the bread...they never let her forget that one! In high school, Viola loved to learn, graduating in just three years. She was also proud of her achievements on the basketball court. Viola was the epitome of being a “lifelong learner”. After graduating from St Francis DeSales High School in 1945, Viola went to Minneapolis and was educated as a lab tech. This was quite a feat for a single woman in the ‘40s! She lived with a couple there and exchanged housekeeping services for room and board. During her working career, she was employed at the Waverly and Cresco Hospitals, Lake Forest, IL Hospital, Mercy Hospital in San Diego, CA and Schoitz/Covenant Hospital in Waterloo, eventually becoming the Lab Department Manager. She continued to work towards getting her BA in Biology at the University of Northern Iowa and her MA in Health Management from Central Michigan. Even after retirement, Viola continued to seek

Kenneth Weston

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Kenneth Dean Weston. Ken went to heaven on Feb. 20, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union surrounded by family. Ken was an Kenneth amazing husWeston band, father, grandpa, brother, friend and veterinarian whose clients appreciated his gentle and skilled care of their animals. Ken was born on Oct. 14, 1944, to Jean (Zuercher) and Raymond Weston. He graduated from Lamont High School in 1962. After being introduced through his brother Russ, he married Diane Burrett on Aug. 6, 1966, at St. John Lutheran Church in Arlington. In 1968, Ken obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University. After moving to Brillion, Wis., Ken

Assisting in honoring your lost but not forgotten loved ones at their grave sites.

OFFERING SILK FLOWER SERVICE IN ALL OF WINNESHIEK CO.

Pre-order by May 13 to have silk arrangements placed by Memorial Day

out learning opportunities and became a Massage Therapist, with her claim to fame having Ron Steele, from KWWL News, being one of her clients. She embraced new experiences and never shied away from a challenge. One of her adventures in her life included joining Care Medico Services and spending two years in Algiers and Afghanistan providing lab technology services. She shared stories of the cultural uniqueness and of the challenges of being a woman in the 60’s in the North African/Middle Eastern countries. Traveling never bothered Viola. She and her brother, Jerry once drove home from California, literally sleeping on the side of the road (on the ground) instead of getting a hotel. Once she returned to Iowa, Viola traveled home most weekends to assist her mother once again. And during that time, she became a large part of her nieces and nephews’ lives making many batches of freezer corn, strawberry jam, and quilts. They always loved seeing Aunt Viola driving in her little Volkswagen Bug. In 2000, Viola moved “back home” and embraced her life in Decorah by volunteering at Aase Haugen, helping establish the Low Vision computer, working with the Genealogy Association, and being a part of the Catholic Daughters of America and St. Benedict Rosary Society. If you knew Viola, you knew she always had a rosary in her hand and wore out more rosaries than we can even count as she frequently gave her family rosaries to “ﬁx”. She had many prayer books but was very deliberate about which prayers she would pray or not pray. In one prayer book, she clearly crossed out a prayer titled “Prayer for the

Lonely”. When asked about it, she said, “why would I pray that prayer, I’m not lonely”. A single woman her whole life and never once considered herself lonely. During her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her siblings playing word games, going to the “Boat”, watching the Cubs and reminiscing about days gone by. Viola was fearless and faithful. She had a quiet strength and gentle soul who encouraged others to “do their thing”. She did not demand attention, and yet made an impact on all she encountered. Viola knew her life’s journey was coming to an end and waited patiently for the day when she would be called home. Her lifelong deep faith gave her the strength to approach death with peace, grace, and acceptance. She was an inspiration to many til her last breath and she will be dearly missed. Viola is survived by her brother, Duane (Connie) Bohr; sisters, Arlene Bohr and Jeanne (Bohr) Lechtenberg; and many nieces and nephews. Viola was preceded in death by her father, Anton (1942); mother, Mathilda (1995); brothers: Wilfred (1999) Linus (2001) and Gerald (2023); sisters-in-law, Arlene (2012) and Evelyn (2016); brother-in law, Duane Lechtenberg (1988); nephew, Kevin Bohr; and niece, Amy (Bohr) McClure. Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, March 1, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial followed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian. Helms Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

and Diane joined Trinity Lutheran Church. Upon moving to northeast Iowa, they worshipped and served at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church. Ken loved his family and friends. Diane and Ken were blessed with four children and multiple grandchildren throughout their lives. Despite his work schedule, he somehow made it to most of their activities, even if it meant showing up in his vet coveralls also known as “his greens.” Ken was a mentor to his kid brother Russ, who followed in his veterinary footsteps. They had a special brotherhood, enjoying family events, cheering the Iowa State Cyclones, and frequent visits at Good Sam in later years. Ken loved his work. He was passionate about taking care of animals, especially dairy cattle. He and his clients treated each other like part of the family. Ken started his practice career in Reedsville, Wis. He was blessed in the latter half of his career to be invited to join as a partner in the Postville Veterinary Clinic. Over his 46-year career, he enjoyed the fellowship and close bond with his fellow veterinarians. Finally, Ken loved the Green Bay Packers. As a season ticket holder, he would attend as many games as possible and knew every player and their stats. Game day was a big deal in the Weston house, as evidenced by the TVs, radio, and laptop all providing coverage throughout the house. He passed on his love of the team to his children and grand-

children, and his memory will live on every time they cheer at Lambeau Field. Ken bravely faced his Parkinson’s with Lewy body dementia diagnosis over the years. Although he will be so missed, we celebrate that he was released from his earthly challenges and will now be rejoicing in heaven. Ken was preceded in death by his dear wife, Diane, on Feb. 1, 2024, and his parents. He is survived by his 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 grandchildren: Hannah (Mitch) Lahmann, Madeline Weston, Maya Rowland, Christian Weston, Megan Lewis, Kai Weston, Finn Weston and Malakai Quinn. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Russell (Helen) Weston and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 8, 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 Saturday. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 9, at Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar with Pastor Daryl Thompson as the ofﬁciant. Burial will follow at West Union City Cemetery in West Union. Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union is assisting the family with services.

LENTEN SPECIAL

Every Friday through Lent from 4-10 pm

Check Facebook for more details @SolacedLovedOnes

563-419-6478

Email: solacedlovedones@ gmail.com

All-You-Can-Eat

Battered Cod Dinner Coleslaw, Choice of 18.75 Potato & Dinner Roll

206 W. Water St., Decorah 563-382-5970

Ronald Ludeking

Ronald Ludeking, 88, of Decorah, died on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at his home outside of Decorah surrounded by family. Ronald Richard Ludeking was born on June 11, 1935, in WauRonald kon, the son Ludeking of Clarence Joseph Ludeking and Martha Henrietta Charlotte Adam (Ludeking). He was baptized on July 21, 1935, at Salem United Church of Christ rural Waukon. Ron graduated from Decorah High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army from 1954-56 where he was stationed in Germany for one and half years. Shortly after being honorably discharged, Ron returned home to farm and was united in marriage to Georgia Arlene Wernet on Nov. 22, 1959, at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. Together they had four children: Julia, Kathryn, Tammy Sue and Kelly Richard. Ron worked as a sales rep for ABS selling semen and filling nitrogen jugs along with inseminating local herds for farmers. He also used and sold oil products for 50 years for Archer Oil and mowed Winneshiek County roadside ditches. Ron was a member of many organizations and served on many boards over the years. He was a Winneshiek County Farm Bureau Member for 60 years and served on the board for 51 years, and a lifetime member of Salem UCC where he served for 15 years as the cemetery board chairman. He served on the Winneshiek County Fair Board as a “Green Shirt” for nine-and-a-half years. He was also a 4H leader and was proud that all four of his children were in 4H. Ron was a Frankville Twp Trustee for 30 years and with the Winn. Co. Landfill for 28 years. He was part of the Honor Guard of the VFW where he served many years doing funeral honors and home football games. Ron was also a member of the Brown Swiss Assoc., the Minowa Dancers and the River and Bluffs Classic Tractors Club. Ron was proud to say that, except for his time in the military, he lived and farmed on his family farm his whole life. Ron is survived by his children: Julia (Brian) Hageman, Decorah, Kathryn (Kevin) Jankowski, Polk City, Iowa, Tammy Sue Jacobe, Pomona, Calif., and Kelly Richard (Diane) Ludeking, Decorah; grandchildren: Kurt (Melissa) Hageman, Kayla (friend, Jeremy Weiss) Hageman, Mark Jankowski, Devon Jacobe, Megan Jankowski and Tirza Jacobe; great-grandchildren: Jack and Graham Hageman; brother, Dervin (Louella) Ludeking, Decorah; sister, Joan (Robert) Reinhart, Pocahontas, Iowa; sister-in-law, Sally Ludeking, Decorah; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife: Georgia; parents, Clarence and Martha; brother, Arnold; and great-grandchildren, William Clarence Hageman and Baby Hageman. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 11, at Salem United Church of Christ, rural Waukon, with Rev. Randy Kittelson presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors; his great-nephew Devin Ludeking will play taps. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 10, from 1-4 p.m. at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water St., Decorah, and also after 10 a.m. at the church on Monday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family at 2301 360th St., Decorah, IA 52101.

Guardians of Northeast Iowa shares its mission with Winneshiek County Supervisors By Zach Jensen Northeast Iowa adults with disabilities have a source of assistance. Guardians of Northeast Iowa (GNI) founder Anna Stamat presented information about the organization during Monday’s regular meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. According to a GNI pamphlet, the nonprofit organization provides “care and support for individuals in need”, including adults with disabilities, mental illness and/or drug addiction, the elderly, Veterans and juveniles aging out of the foster care system. The organization’s pamphlet says it was founded in 2016, and since then, it has experienced “remarkable growth” — from an original group of 12 assisted people to more than 200 “protected people” around the state of Iowa today. “We provide awesome services for individuals,” Stamat told the supervisors. “We help them make good, healthy decisions for themselves, we oversee their cases and make sure they’re living places that are healthy and safe. We make sure they’re receiving medical services, any type of psychological services that might be needed and therapy services.” GNI’s Accounting Manager Sherri Carolan, who accompanied Stamat in her presentation, said GNI also manages their clients’ financials. “We might have one individual that is intellectually disabled, that is able to work a part-time job, a simple job . . . and we’ll make sure he’s getting his bills paid,” Carolan said. Carolan added that there’s a significant waiting list to get assistance from GNI. The waiting list for GNI services is approximately one year. But, Carolan also said the organization does a lot of pro bono (volunteer) work. The accounting manager added that without the funding the

organization receives to provide support for people, its clients would likely not have anywhere else to go for help. “Years ago, a lot of the intellectually disabled would automatically be sent to a facility, the state’s paying for them, and they’re kind of forgotten about” Carolan said. “We’re able to have these people living in the community. One of my gentlemen, who is intellectually disabled, he is so proud of the 10 hours a week that he works. Without all this . . . society’s going to pay for this somehow.” The supervisors thanked Stamat and Carolan for sharing the information about Guardians of Northeast Iowa and invited them to make presentations at each of the county’s city council meetings. Other business • County Engineer Michael Kueny suggested formalizing the county’s dust control resolution. He said the county has followed an informal dust control policy for years. The supervisors unanimously approved a resolution ofﬁcializing the county’s dust control policy. • County Auditor Ben Steines reported that the county successfully negotiated a pay increase of an additional $1.50 per hour above the originally-agreed-upon pay rate for Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce deputies. After a brief discussion, the supervisors unanimously approved an amendment for the deputies’ pay increase. The new pay increase will go into effect July 1. • A public hearing for the Freeport property sale will be held at 10:30 a.m., March 18, in the courthouse annex. • A public hearing on the proposed property tax levies will be held at 11 a.m., March 25. The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, March 11, in the courthouse annex.

WinnMed offers free ‘Welcome to Medicare’ seminar WinnMed will host the free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on Thursday, April 4, from 6-8 p.m. The in-person seminar, offered by the WinnMed Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors, will be held in WinnMed’s lower level conference rooms. The free seminar will cover Medi-

care Part A and Part B beneﬁts, the prescription drug beneﬁt (Part D), Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. Registration is required by Wednesday, March 27. Register online at WinnMed.org/events or by calling 563-387-3036.

Public Health continued from front don’t do a lot of public health services,” Vanden Brink said. “Whereas county-based agencies do historically-more public health services. When we take a look at those hospital-based agencies surrounding us, they are the only ‘home care’ agency in their county. Winneshiek County is unique. We do home care, and we do public health. “The hospitals are getting X-amount of dollars from their supervisors to provide those services,” Vanden Brink continued. “However, what you don’t know is how much money the Board of Trustees, from those hospitals, are also giving those agencies. That’s proprietary information. We’re not ever going to ﬁnd that information out.” The Public Health Administrator said her agency wants to increase its revenues, but “… it’s kinda hard to do that when you only have two nurses.” “It’s really hard to get applicants,” said Vanden Brink. “I know you don’t want to hear the wage thing, but I’m going to bring it up, because I have to take a look at who I’m competing against. I’m competing against – not just local but also LaCrosse and Rochester. Those agencies are well over $30 (per hour). I have one nurse who has

been with the agency about seven or eight years, and she’s not even at $30. That might seem like a lot to the general public, but if we really take a look at what wages are in healthcare facilities, they are signiﬁcantly higher. “So, when you talk about what’s happening in those hospitals,” Vanden Brink continued, “there’s not a ton of public health services that are offered.” Vermace asked if it would help to have a “fact-gathering” session between the Winneshiek County Board of Health and WinnMed’s administration to see if it’s possible to save the county money. Vanden Brink said that’s a question the board of health needs to answer. Later, Vermace asked if it was possible to get a list of services provided by the public health services in each county in the six-county area. Vanden Brink said she’d have her agency’s community health consultant work on that for the supervisors. “The important part is being able to distinguish between required … versus optional,” said Kelsay. “We have to be able to tell the difference, because we will get questioned.”

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 7, 2024 5

OPINION

Pending electric rate shocks: Make your voice heard

Submitted by Jim Martin-Schramm

Decorah Middle School orchestra students. (submitted photo)

DMS orchestra students collaborate with composer Jessica Meyer Decorah Middle School orchestra students have been engaged in a groundbreaking musical endeavor as part of the Commission Possible Project. Led by composer Jessica Meyer, the project aims to empower students by involving them in the creative process of music composition. Under the guidance of Meyer, the students from Decorah Middle School played an integral role in every stage of the composition process. From generating artistic ideas to providing feedback on draft compositions, the students actively contributed to shaping the ﬁnal piece of music. Their collaboration with Meyer culminated in the cre-

ation of a captivating new musical work, “The Forest’s Call.” “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Jessica Meyer on this exciting project,” said Jennifer Larson, orchestra teacher at Decorah Middle School. “The students’ involvement in the composition process has been incredibly rewarding, allowing them to explore their creativity and musical talents in new ways.” The Commission Possible Project not only provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary music but also fosters collaboration, critical thinking and artistic expression. By partnering with a professional composer

like Jessica Meyer, Decorah Middle School has demonstrated its commitment to providing enriching experiences that inspire and empower students. Decorah Music Boosters funded this project. Meyer will spend a day engaging with students at both Decorah Middle School and Decorah High School as part of an educational outreach initiative. There will be a special performance at 7 p.m., Monday, March 18, in the Carrie Lee auditorium. For information, contact Jennifer Larson jennifer.larson@ decorah.k12.ia.us.

Caregiver Support Group meets March 18 The next meeting of the Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging’s Caregiver Support Group will be held at 10 a.m., March

18, in the Conference Room of the Spectrum Network building, 607 Washington Street in Decorah.

For information, call Kelly Kuennen, Family Caregiver Specialist at NEI3A, at 563277-6024.

Luther College is facing a 48.2 percent increase in its Alliant Energy bill if the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) approves the company’s proposed electric rate increase. “You can imagine my dismay when our Director of Facilities Services informed me that Alliant’s proposed electric rate increase would not increase our bill by 20 percent, as the company estimates in their customer notice, but rather by 36 percent under Phase I ($371,464) and an additional $85,700 after Phase II. The total increase is calculated to be $457,200 or 48.2 percent increase over our 2022-23 invoice totals,” said President Jenifer K. Ward in comments sent to the Iowa Utilities Board on Feb. 13, 2024. President Ward goes on to say: “In my view, Alliant’s proposed increase is punitive and unjust. It will have a severe negative impact on Luther College, and the signiﬁcant proposed increases for residential customers (13.4 percent) and small businesses (20 percent) are going to harm Luther’s employees

and Decorah’s vital downtown businesses.” One of those downtown businesses is the award-winning restaurant, Rubaiyat. An analysis performed by the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) has revealed that the restaurant is facing a 38 percent increase in its electricity bill, which is almost twice the 20 percent average increase Alliant has told businesses that they will experience. “I’m just sick about the potential of that big of an increase. . . I feel so helpless and frustrated,” said Rubaiyat co-owner, Kim Carlson-Bonnet. Other analyses performed by CEDI for local businesses and institutions in the area indicate that some customers will likely have larger increases than the average 20 percent increase the company has projected. The same will likely be true for residential customers. One of the things driving Alliant’s increased costs is the cost of electricity in the summer. It is scheduled to increase 57.4 percent for residential customers and 87 percent for business customers. Some businesses will see their summer electricity bills more than double. More

HELP WANTED: BULK MILK HAULERS *FULL & PART-TIME POSITIONS *VALID CLASS A OR B CDL WITH TANKER ENDORSEMENT MUST BE ABLE TO PASS DOT PHYSICAL & DRUG TEST

Beef Candidates gold rating for her work in promoting the beef industry at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. Alayna’s family farms with her grandparents where they grow corn and hay. They run a beef cow/calf operation, with around 90 cow/ calf pairs, mainly Angus. They also feed out around 150 beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers. In the future, Alayna plans to attend college, for an Ag related field. Haylee Hanson is the daughter of Morrie and Jessica Monroe of Fort Atkinson. Haylee is a sophomore at Turkey Valley High School and a member of the Turkey Valley FFA Chapter where she holds the role as Reporter. Haylee is also involved with band, musicals, cross age teaching, Iowa Junior Auxiliary, basketball, trapshooting, track, softball and 4-H. Haylee’s hobbies include working with her show cattle, helping her uncle on his farm, hanging out with her friends and relaxing out at the pond. Haylee’s family runs a yearround fat cattle operation and they also raise show cattle. She helps with chute work, hauls bales and manure, registration paperwork, feeds and beds cattle, pitching out stalls, helping with harvest and mixing feed. She also helps with chute work for her uncle. In the future, Haylee plans to attend a school for athletic training/physical therapy and wants to start her own purebred Simmental bloodline. Isabella Kuboushek, the daughter of Dan and Staci Kuboushek of Calmar and is a junior at South Winneshiek High School where she is involved in cross country, track, softball and the South Winneshiek FFA Chapter. She is also a member of the Prairie Shooting Stars 4-H Club, where she holds the officer role as Vice President. Izzy’s hobbies include sewing, running, gardening, helping on the farm, pickleball, and hanging out with friends. Izzy’s family are fifth-generation farmers that have always farmed in the Conover area, near Calmar. They finish around 650 head of fat cattle each year. In addition to feeding cattle they grow corn, beans and hay. Izzy’s responsibilities on the farm are picking rocks, running grain cart, moving bales, helping with chute work and bedding cattle. In the future, Izzy plans on going to college, but has not yet decided between ISU or UNI.

She plans to study something in the Ag Business field. Kamryn Werges is the daughter of Kristopher and Rebecca Werges of Decorah. Kamryn is a junior at Decorah High School, where she is a highly involved member of the Decorah FFA Chapter, and will be the chapter President for the 2024-25 year. Kamryn is also in the Hesper Helpers 4-H Club, where she has held many officer roles. She is a member of the Winneshiek County Youth Beef Team, is certified in the Masters of Beef Advocacy, Just for Kix Dance Team and Hesper/Burr Oak Lutheran Youth Group. Kamryn’s hobbies include showing cattle, rabbits, dogs and chickens at the county level. She enjoys participating in LDE’s and CDE’s through FFA. Through 4-H, she enjoys photography, the dog project and volunteering. Kamryn’s family run a commercial cow-calf pair and currently have two bred cows and three heifers. Kamryn’s responsibilities on the farm include keeping records based on production, cost and return data, as well as communicating with their feed representative on feeding regimens. In the future, Kamryn plans to attend the University of South Dakota and major in Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communication, with a specialization in Agricultural Education. Keira Myers is the daughter of Tony Myers and Lisa Zidlicky Myers of Decorah. Keira is a sophomore on the honor roll at Turkey Valley High School, and a member of the Turkey Valley FFA Chapter and TV Clover 4-H Club. She has been awarded the Star Chapter Greenhand award, and has held a role as a FFA Chapter Officer. Keira is the 2023-24 Miss United States Agriculture of Winneshiek County. Keira’s hobbies include spending time at cattle shows, meeting new people, showing sheep, working on the farm, and spending time with family and friends. Keira’s family runs a cow calf operation, grow corn, beans and alfalfa. Her family also has a small flock of sheep. Keira’s responsibilities on the farm include assisting with feeding cows and calves, cleaning out pens, managing livestock and finances and maintaining equipment.

continued from front

Other than working on the farm, Keira owns her own business that provides Magna-wave to various species of animals. In the future, Keira plans to attend Oklahoma State University and double major in Animal Science and Animal Reproduction. Mr. Cowhand Candidate McCoy McConnell, son of Regan and Tara McConnell of Decorah. McCoy is 10 years old and attends St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah. McCoy plays trombone in the 5th grade band, is a goalkeeper for the Decorah United Soccer Club and also plays football for the Decorah YSF. McCoy is an active member of the Hesper Helpers 4-H group, and his hobbies include farming, golﬁng, ﬁshing, soccer and football. McCoy’s family custom feed 650 head of beef cattle for Lynch Livestock and have a small herd of pure bred Hereford cows. They also farm corn and hay, custom bale and haul grai, and manure. McCoy’s plans for the future are to attend college for Ag Business and eventually take over the family farm. Little Miss Cowgirl Candidates Eloise Lechtenberg is the daughter of Justin and Karla Lechtenberg of Calmar. Eloise is nine years old and attends South Winneshiek Elementary School. Eloise is an active member of the Calmar Clover Kids and Prairie Shooting Stars 4-H Club. Eloise’s hobbies include reading, swimming, running, biking, basketball and softball. Eloise’s family raises 4-H Market Beef, as well as pasture raised pigs during the summer. Emma Drahn is the daughter of Reece Samuelson and Courtney Bakken of Decorah. Emma is 10 years old and attends St. Benedict Catholic School. She is a member of the Hesper Helpers 4-H club and is a part of the Read 100 Books by High School Club. She was awarded Little Miss Poppy and was selected as one of the Dubuque Community Schools Featured Artists of 2023. Her hobbies include arts, crafts, softball, reading, baking, cooking and going to hockey games. Emma’s family raises angus cow/calf and background feeders. She plans to show a cow/ calf pair at the 2024 fair.

homeowners and renters will have to decide between buying food and medicine or paying the electric bill. Alliant’s proposal to raise electric rates is its third in seven years, and the largest in its history. Alliant’s residential rates are almost the highest in the State of Iowa and third highest in the Midwest among investor-owned utilities of similar size. If you are concerned about how this rate increase could affect your home or business, make your voice heard. The Iowa Utilities Board encourages all citizens and ratepayers to voice their perspectives to the Board by submitting comments by email to customer@ iub.iowa.gov or by mail to Iowa Utilities Board, 1375 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319-0069. All communication should reference Docket RPU-2023-0002 in the subject line of the email or letter. Jim Martin-Schramm serves as a Policy Analyst for the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa and as the manager of the CEDI Coalition, which is an ofﬁcial intervenor in the Alliant rate case.

641-330-0586

10-4-PJ-12

NOW OFFERIN G HEALTH INSURAN CE

Public Notices COUNTY NAME: WINNESHIEK COUNTY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING -PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

COUNTY NUMBER: 96

The County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year County tax asking as follows: Meeting Date: 3/25/2024 Meeting Time: 11:00 AM Meeting Location: Courthouse Annex At the public hearing any resident or taxpayer may present objections to, or arguments in favor of the proposed tax levy. After the hearing of the proposed tax levy, the Board will publish notice and hold a hearing on the proposed county budget. County Website (if available) www.winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov Iowa Department of Management Taxable Valuations-General Services Requested Tax Dollars-Countywide Rates Tax Rate-Countywide Taxable Valuations-Rural Services Requested Tax Dollars-Additional Rural Levies Tax Rate-Rural Additional Rural Total

County Telephone Number (563) 382-5085

Current Year Certified Property Tax FY 2023/2024 1,394,295,750 9,467,268 6.79000 892,070,688 1,739,538 1.95000 8.74000

Budget Year Effective Tax

Budget Year Proposed Tax

FY 2024/2025

1,407,870,863 9,467,268 6.72453

1,407,870,863 10,868,763 7.72000

886,195,619 1,739,538 1.96293 8.68746

886,195,619 1,728,081 1.95000 9.67000

Tax Rate Comparison-Current VS. Proposed Residential property with an Actual/Assessed Valuation of $100,000

Current Year Certified Property Tax FY 2023/2024

Urban Taxpayer Rural Taxpayer

Budget Year Proposed Tax FY 2024/2025 371 478

Percent Change 358 448

-3.50 -6.28

Tax Rate Comparison-Current VS. Proposed Commercial property with an Actual/Assessed Value of $100,000

Current Year Certified Property Tax FY 2023/2024

Urban Taxpayer Rural Taxpayer Reasons for tax increase if proposed exceeds the current:

Budget Year Proposed Tax FY 2024/2025 371 478

Percent Change 358 448

-3.50 -6.28

Increases in costs of doing business along with unusual need for additional moneys to permit continuation of programs which provide substantial benefits to county residents.

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion • March 7, 2024 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Decorah, Iowa, has set March 11, 2024, at 5:30 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, Sections 17.84.020, 17.84.030, and 17.84.050; and add a City Code Section 17.84.070, of Chapter 17.84 R-5 Planned Unit Development District, of Title 17 – Zoning, currently provide regulation of signs within the City of Decorah, as follows: SECTION 1. That Section 17.84.020 Procedure, be amended by deleting Paragraph A, and inserting in lieu thereof the following: A. The owner or owners of any tract of land comprising an area of not less than two acres may petition the city council for a change to the R-5 zoning district classiﬁcation. The petition shall be accompanied by evidence that the proposed development is compatible with the surrounding area, evidence showing how the owner or owners propose to maintain any common ground included within the development, evidence of the feasibility of providing adequate stormwater and surface water drainage, water mains and sanitary sewers for the proposed development, and evidence that the developer is capable of successfully completing the proposed development. A preliminary plan of the proposed development shall be submitted in a format and number as determined by the Zoning Administrator as necessary to review, showing in schematic form the location of all proposed: 1. Buildings and uses, the height and exterior design of typical dwellings and the number of dwelling units in each; 2. Parking areas; 3. Access drives; 4. .Streets abutting or within the proposed development; 5. Walks; 6. Site topographic features; 7. Landscaping and planting areas; 8. Required peripheral yards; 9. Common land, recreation areas and parks; 10. Existing utility or other easements; 11. Development stages and timing. SECTION 2. That Section 17.84.020 Procedure, be amended by deleting Paragraph D.1., and inserting in lieu thereof the following: D.1. If the council approves the preliminary plan and request for rezoning, the applicant shall submit within two hundred seventy days, or such longer period as may be approved by the council, to the commission a ﬁnal development plan in a format and number as determined by the Zoning Administrator as necessary to review, of not less than one stage of the proposed development showing in detail the location of all proposed: a) Buildings and uses, the height and exterior design of typical dwellings and the number of dwelling units in each; b) Parking areas; c) Access drives;

d) Streets abutting or within the proposed development; e) Walks; f) All proposed walls and fences; g) Landscaping and plant material; h) Required peripheral yards; i) Common land, recreation areas, and parks; j) Existing and proposed utilities and public easements; k) Proposed signs and their area and dimensions; l) Storm and sanitary sewer lines; m) Water mains; and n) Development stages and timing. SECTION 3. That Section 17.84.030 Standards, be amended by deleting the section in its entirety, and inserting in lieu thereof the following: Permitted principal and accessory land uses, lot area, yard and height requirements shall be as set out below, which shall prevail over conflicting requirements of this title or the subdivision ordinance. A. Buildings are primarily to be used for residential purposes; occupant garages, occupant storage space, and similar accessory uses; noncommercial recreational facilities; and community activities, including churches and schools. B. Buildings, or portions thereof, may be used for limited commercial use that meet the following criteria; 1. The building shall be located no closer than one hundred-fifty feet (150’) from the closest point of an adjacent residential zoning district, measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the structure to the nearest point of the residential district. 2. The combined commercial units may not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total units in the development and must be identified on the development plan. 3. All potential uses of commercial units must be submitted as part of the development plan. Only those approved will be considered permitted uses for the development. C. The minimum lot and yard requirements of the zoning districts in which the development is located shall not apply, except that minimum yards specified in the district or suitable screening or buffering shall be provided around the boundaries of the development. In the absence of any appropriate physical barrier, the council may require that open space or screenings be located along all or a portion of the development boundaries. The height requirements of the zoning district in which the development is located shall apply within one hundred twenty-five feet of the development boundary. D. All streets, water mains, sanitary sewer and storm sewer facilities shall comply with appropriate ordinances and specifications of the city. E. “Common land,” as used in this section, refers to land retained in private ownership for the use of the residents of the development or to land dedicated to the general public. F. Any land gained within the development because of the reduction in lot sizes, below minimum zoning ordinance requirements, shall be placed in common land to be dedicated to the city or retained in private ownership to be managed by a homeowners’

association. The dedication of land to the city shall be subject to the approval of the city council after referral to appropriate city agencies. G. The requirements of Chapter 17.52, relating to off-street parking and loading, shall apply to all R-5 developments. H. Each stage of the final development plan shall comply with the density requirements of this chapter for the zoning district in which it is located. I. No stage of a final development plan shall contain less than two acres. SECTION 4. That Section 17.84.050 Completion, be amended by deleting the section in its entirety, and inserting in lieu thereof the following: The council may make the approval of the development plan contingent upon the completion of construction and improvements within a reasonable period of time; provided, however, that in the determination of such period, the council shall consider the scope and magnitude of the development project and any schedule of construction and improvements submitted by the developer. Failure to complete all construction and improvements within said period of time shall be deemed sufficient cause for the council, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 17.44, to rezone the unimproved property to the classification effective at the time of original submission of the development plan, unless an extension is recommended by the commission and approved by the council for due cause shown. For the purpose of this section, the term “unimproved” property means all property situated within a stage or stages of the final development plan upon which the installation of improvements has not been commenced. SECTION 5. That the following be added as Section 17.84.070 Modifications: Any application by the property owner or owners for modification to an approved plan shall first be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Said proposed modification, along with a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission shall then be forwarded to the City Council. The City Council shall then take such appropriate action on the proposed modification and their decision shall be final. No modification may be considered that is more than a ten percent (10%) increase in density or a change of uses of the site without a public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council as required for a rezoning. A public hearing may be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council on any requested modification. All modifications and adjustments shall be recorded at the Winneshiek County Recorder’s Office. All interested persons may appear at said time and place to be heard for or against the proposed changes to the City’s Municipal Code as set out aforesaid. By order of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Decorah, Iowa, this 12th day of February, 2024. Travis Goedken, Zoning Administrator Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 7, 2024

6 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 7, 2024

Auction Calendar GUNS & SPORTING GOODS AUCTION - Saturday, March 16. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon. 563-568-2464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Aase Haugen Senior Services Annual Meeting of the Corporation Thursday, March 21, 2024 6:00 p.m.

LARGE TOY, COLLECTIBLE, HOUSEHOLD, TOOLS & MISC LIVE AUCTION - Saturday, March 9, 8:30 a.m. Sale Held at Sweeney Auction Center, Waukon IA. Donald Steffans Estate Decorah IA & Caryn Weymiller Estate Waukon IA Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563568-2464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com

Held at Aase Haugen Dining Room 4 Ohio Street, Decorah Everyone is welcome to attend. Aase Haugen Senior Services 4 Ohio St., Decorah 52101 563-382-3606

Help Wanted Winneshiek County Secondary Roads will be accepting applications for the full-time position of

Assistant to the Engineer

at the office of the Winneshiek County Engineer, 201 W Main St, Decorah, IA 52101. Up to two qualified individuals will be hired. Applications and job description are available at the Engineers Office and www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs.html. Minimum salary is $67,055 with actual salary based on qualifications and experience. Applications are due March 11, 2024 at 4pm. EOE 9-3-PJ-12

Shooting Star Native Seeds is seeking a

Seed Plant & Production Specialist

38.48 ACRES WINNESHIEK COUNTY REAL ESTATE AUCTION - Friday, March 29, 10:30 a.m. Otters Family, 115th St., Fort Atkinson, IA. Sale held at Fort Atkinson Community Center. Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563-568-2464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com LARGE COIN AUCTION - Sunday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. Held at the Community Center in Protivin, IA Shindelar Auction Service, LLC. Protivin, Ia 563-569-8235. www. auctionsgo.com

Responsibilities include cleaning and processing all native grass and wildflower seed, as well as assisting with field maintenance and harvesting. Full-time, year-round with overtime available. Position includes physical labor & outdoor work.

Job description & application available at

shootingstarnativeseed.com

OVER 400 LOTS ONLINE ONLY COLLECTIBLES, HOUSEHOLD, TOOLS & MISC AUCTION - Monday, March 11, 4:30 p.m. Michael Wicklund Trust, 2765 Blackhawk Rd New Albin, IA, Sweeney Auction Service, Waukon IA, 563-5682464, www.sweeneyauctionservice.com

9-4-JP-12

or at Shooting Star Native Seeds, 20740 Co. Rd. 33, Spring Grove, MN

Call to place an ad in the Public Opinion

563-382-4221

Lang’s Dairy Equipment in Decorah, IA is seeking a

Part Time Oﬃce Assistant

Experience with QuickBooks online, phone skills & general bookkeeping. 25-30 hours per week, could lead to full time. Salary based on experience. 10-4-JP-12

For consideration email resume to rob@langsdairyinc.com

Services

ROOFING IOWA LLC

AND CONSTRUCTION

William R. Miller

OTHER SERVICES:

This job will require both dispatching for all emergency and non-emergency calls and jailer responsibilities in the Howard County Jail. A high school diploma or GED is required, and you must pass a background check.

city of Decorah

Starting wage is $20.00 with added shift differential for late shifts. After a 6-month probation the base wage will increase to $22.22 with yearly step increases after that.

1048 Sand Hill Rd. Waukon, IA 52172

New Construction, Windows, Decks, Siding, Post Frame Buildings Licensed, Bonded & Insured

563-794-2868

MIDWEST REGIONAL ROUTES Growth Oppurtunities - Now Hiring

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

Some of the benefits include health insurance, life insurance, flex spending and IPERS. 9-4-PJ-12

Street Superintendent

The City of Decorah is accepting applications for the position of Street Superintendent. Minimum qualifications include having high school diploma or equivalent with post-secondary education preferred. Must have a Class A CDL with airbrake and tanker endorsements, or ability to obtain within six months of hire. Position is subject to emergency events and requires 30 minute response time. Must have five years progressive experience in street department operations with supervisory experience preferred. Position is 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.

10-2-P-12

Applications will be received until position is filled, with first review of applications 4:00 PM, March 22, 2024.

Call Tim Jensen for an Interview today: 1-800-772-1734

A Fantastic shopping event.

IOWA’S LARGEST

EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Full-time, $21/hour

This highly collaborative position works closely with all Seed Savers Exchange departments and collaborates with individuals and organizations in the broader seed community to build lasting relationships. Education and engagement projects and initiatives include all SSE educational events, educational farm and garden signage, the Community Seed Network, and Speakers Bureau.

VISIT SEEDSAVERS.ORG/JOBS FOR MORE DETAILS AND OPEN POSITIONS! To apply, please email a cover letter, résumé, and the contact information for three references to jobs@seedsavers.org. Please include the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. You may also contact Peggy Miller at 563.387.5653.

EOE

November 18-20 Nov. 19-21 March 8-10 VARIED INDUSTRIES BLDG.

Ove

235000 r

ARTS & Crafts SHOW Exhi

bitor s

Bring This Ad to Show For $1 Off Adm.

M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA Employer.

Seed Savers Exchange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLY NOW!

www.jensentransport.com

Bring This Ad to Show For $1 Off Adm.

Return city application and resume to: City of Decorah, Attn: Travis Goedken, City Manager, PO Box 138, Decorah, IA, 52101 or citymanager@decorah.iowa.gov.

Join the team at Heritage Farm!

TION AFTER THE SALE. THE PURCHASER AT THE SALE WILL BE ENTITLED TO IMMEDIATE POSSESSION OF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY. YOU MAY PURCHASE AT THE SALE. ..... IF YOU DO NOT FILE A WRITTEN DEMAND TO DELAY THE SALE AND IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS YOUR RESIDENCE AND IS A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING, THEN A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT WILL NOT BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU. IF YOU DO FILE A WRITTEN DEMAND TO DELAY THE SALE, THEN A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU IF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY ARE INSUFFICIENT TO SATISFY THE AMOUNT OF THE MORTGAGED DEBT AND COSTS. IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS NOT YOUR RESIDENCE OR IS NOT A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING, THEN A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WHETHER OR NOT YOU FILE A WRITTEN DEMAND TO DELAY THE SALE. You are further notified that unless you serve and, within a reasonable time thereafter, file a motion or answer on or before April 3, 2024 in the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, Iowa, at the Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. .. This case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. Please review Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16 for general rules and information on electronic filing and division VI of Chapter 16 regarding the protection of personal information in court filings. If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability coordinator at 319-833-3274. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800-735-2942). Disability coordinators cannot provide legal advice. IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS. Iowa Judicial Branch Case No. EQCV026996 County Winneshiek Case Title VALLEY STRONG CREDIT UNION VS JOHN QUANDAHL ET AL You must file your Appearance and Answer on the Iowa Judicial Branch eFile System, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless the court has excused you from filing electronically (see Iowa Court Rule 16.302). Register for the eFile System at www. iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile to file and view documents in your case and to receive notices from the court. For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure in chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules at www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ ACO/CourtRulesChapter/16.pdf. Court filings are public documents and may contain personal information that should always be kept confidential. For the rules on protecting personal information, refer to Division VI of chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules and to the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ representing-yourself/protect-personal-information/. If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability access coordinator at (319) 833-3332. Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800735-2942). For more information, see www. iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ada/. Disability access coordinators cannot provide legal advice. Date Issued 01/19/2024 09:00:05 AM District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk’s Designee of Winneshiek County /s/ Denise Barton-Franzen Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion February 29, March 7 & 14, 2024

Metal & Asphalt Roofing

Dispatcher/Jailer Position

This job will be open until filled.

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY VALLEY STRONG CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. JOHN QUANDAHL, SHANNON QUANDAHL, PARTIES IN POSSESSION, AND All Unknown claimants, and all Persons Unknown Claiming any Right, Title or Interest in and to the following described real estate situated in Winneshiek County, Iowa, to wit: LOT 1 OF 1 OF HAVEN HILLS SECOND SUBDIVISION, WHICH IS LOCATED IN LOT 3 OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 97 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST OF THE 5TH P.M., AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS AND ALL PERSONS KNOWN OR UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST AND ALL OF THEIR HEIRS, SPOUSES, ASSIGNS, GRANTEES, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND ALL OF THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS, Defendants. CASE NO. EQCV026996 ORIGINAL NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT(S): You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of the clerk of this court, naming you as a defendant in this action, for foreclosure of the property legally described as: LOT 1 OF HAVEN HILLS SECOND SUBDIVISION, WHICH IS LOCATED IN LOT 3 OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 97 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST OF THE 5TH P.M. Plaintiff also seeks to reform the mortgage, which has an erroneous legal description. ‘Exhibit A’ to the subject Mortgage should be reformed to conform to the intention of the parties at the time the Mortgage was executed, as follows, to wit: LOT 1 OF 1 OF HAVEN HILLS SECOND SUBDIVISION, WHICH IS LOCATED IN LOT 3 OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 97 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST OF THE 5TH P.M. (Mortgaged Premises) due to a default in making contractual payments on a promissory note; for judgment in rem against the mortgaged premises for the principal amount of $35,949.25 plus interest as provided in the Note and as may have been subsequently adjusted thereafter, fees, costs, and attorney’s fees, for a declaration of the sum due as a lien on the premises, a declaration that the mortgage is prior and superior to all of the other liens on the property, for a special execution to issue for sale of the Mortgaged Premises at sheriff’s sale, for the issuance of a writ of possession, for a appointment of a receiver upon plaintiff’s application, and for such further relief the Court deems just and equitable. FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS SEE THE PETITION NOW CONTAINED IN THE COURT FILE NOTICE THE PLAINTIFF HAS ELECTED FORECLOSURE WITHOUT REDEMPTION. THIS MEANS THAT THE SALE OF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY WILL OCCUR PROMPTLY AFTER ENTRY OF JUDGMENT UNLESS YOU FILE WITH THE COURT A WRITTEN DEMAND TO DELAY THE SALE. IF YOU FILE A WRITTEN DEMAND, THE SALE WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL THREE MONTHS FROM ENTRY OF JUDGMENT IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS YOUR RESIDENCE AND IS A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING OR UNTIL TWO MONTHS FROM ENTRY OF JUDGMENT IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS NOT YOUR RESIDENCE OR IS YOUR RESIDENCE BUT NOT A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING. YOU WILL HAVE NO RIGHT OF REDEMP-

SPECIALIZING IN:

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office is hiring for a

Pick up an application at the Howard County Sheriff’s Office in Cresco, IA or call 563-547-3535 to have an application emailed or mailed to you.

Public Notices

50-4-JP-pd-14

Announcements

IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS DES MOINES, IOWA

Fri. 5-9; Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-4 ADM.Just Just $8.00 ADM: $7.00

FREE PARKING

Free Shuttle Bus (10 & under free) Service from North 3-day re-entry stamp Parking Lot on

both Fri. & Sat.

Where You Can Buy That Quality, Handmade Product

Callahan Promotions, Inc. Callahan Promotions, Inc. Callahan Promotions, Inc. 563-652-4529 563-357-1986 563-357-1986

To Purchase Discounted Advance Admission Tickets and For A Chance To Win $50 Gift Certificates Visit Our Facebook Page At Callahan Promotions, Inc.

Board Minutes Co Conserv Capital Improv Fund February 22 and 26, 2024 Decorah Overhead Door LLC, The Board of Supervisors met at 2:00pm Services ........................................... 5210.00 February 22, 2024 with all members present. County Assessor Agency Fund Deputy Chris Wuebker, Deputy Byron Bryan Beckman, Mileage...................... 20.10 Hook, and Chief Deputy Jeff Berns met with CDW Gov’t, Equipment ..................... 984.99 the Board to present salary comparisons for Decorah Newspapers, Publications .......57.00 Sheriff’s department employees in other Dell Marketing LP, Equipment .........1803.56 counties and discuss the history of pay scales. ESRI, Maintenance Agreement .........2910.00 Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met Keith Frana, Mileage ............................16.08 with the Board to discuss the position of AsRon Hemesath, Mileage ........................ 40.20 sistant to the Engineer. The Board authorized Paul Herold, Mileage ............................ 42.88 him to proceed with the hiring process for up Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel ...............................35.15 to two people in this position. Susan Schnur, Mileage ..........................32.16 John Anderson, Collective Bargaining Verizon Wireless, Cell Service ..............44.05 negotiator, met with the Board to discuss the Watson & Ryan PLC, Services ...........366.67 process and procedures associated with the Paul Wermers, Mileage ......................... 34.84 Sheriff’s Deputies request for a modification E911 Surcharge Fund to the pay rates. The Board authorized AnAlliant Energy, Utilities ...................... 177.12 derson to offer a $1.50 per hour adjustment to CenturyLink, E911 Service ...................52.38 the previously negotiated FY25 wages. Column Software PBC, Publications ....47.09 Moved by Vermace and seconded by FalDecorah Newspapers, Publications .......37.38 det to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, February Iowa Prison Industries, Signs............ 3000.00 26, 2024. Motion carried unanimously. Mabel Co-op Telephone, The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am E911 Service .....................................257.00 February 26, 2024 with all members present. MiEnergy Cooperative, Utilities ......... 970.58 The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was rePower Services Company, LLC, cited, and the meeting was called to order. Services ............................................. 400.00 Doug Groux, County Sanitarian, presentEmergency Management Comm ed the Master Matrix scoring and application Verizon Wireless, Cell Service .............. 78.00 by KG4 Dairy for a Construction Permit. Winneshiek Co Health Ins Fund Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to Midwest Group Benefits, recommend approval to the DNR for the perHealth Insurance ........................... 22726.12 mit. Motion carried with Vick, Kelsay, and Midwest Group Benefits, Fees .......... 1005.00 Langreck voting aye; Vermace voting nay; Grand Total ...................................166753.52 and Faldet abstaining. Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion Moved by Vick and seconded by Vermace March 7, 2024 to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting, the claims IN THE MATTER OF THE VIVIAN filed with the Board, and to accept and file CATHERINE HEMESATH TRUST the monthly report of the VA Commission. NOTICE OF TRUST Motion carried unanimously. To all persons regarding Vivian Catherine Michale Kueny, County Engineer, met Hemesath, deceased, who died on or about with the Board to give updates on several November 13, 2023. projects. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that Moved by Vermace and seconded by FalCathy Ann Hemesath Howell and David Jodet to approve the agreement with Nick Rissseph Hemesath are the Co-trustees of the Vivman and Howard County for Rissman to proian Catherine Hemesath Trust dated July 10, vide consulting services to Kueny as needed. 2018, and amended February 18, 2021. Motion carried unanimously. Any action to contest the validity of the Stephanie Fromm, Winneshiek County Trust must be brought in the District Court Development and Tourism, introduced Amy of Winneshiek County, Decorah, Iowa, within Zeigler, State Tourism Manager for Travel the later to occur within four (4) months from Iowa, who gave a presentation on Tourism the date of second publication of this notice, as an Economic Development Tool. The preor within thirty (30) days from the date of sentation covered some statewide analysis as mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent well as Winneshiek County specific data. settlor and the spouse of the decedent settlor Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to whose identities are reasonably ascertainable. accept and file the annual financial report of Any suit not filed within this period shall be Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Comforever barred. mission. Motion carried unanimously. Notice is further given that any person Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick or entity possessing a claim against the trust to approve the tax abatement recommendamust mail proof of the claim to the trustee at tion from the County Treasurer for parcel the address listed below via certified mail, re120735290100. Motion carried unanimously. turn receipt requested, by the later to occur of Andy Van Der Maaten, County Attorney, four (4) months from the second publication met with the Board to discuss county issues. of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to of mailing this notice if required, or the claim adjourn to 9:30am Monday, March 4, 2024. shall be forever barred unless paid or otherMotion carried unanimously. wise satisfied. ATTEST Dated this 4th day of March, 2024. Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor VIVIAN CATHERINE HEMESATH Daniel Langreck, Chair TRUST Board of Supervisors dated July 10, 2018, and amended Claims 02-26-2024 February 18, 2021 General Basic Fund Cathy Ann Hemesath Howell, Co-Trustee Agvantage FS Inc, Fuel.....................1954.26 1616 South 189th Court Alliant Energy, Utilities .................... 1924.77 Omaha, NE 68130 Black Hills Energy, David Joseph Hemesath, Co-Trustee Natural Gas Service ........................ 4112.24 3013 155th Street Calmar Courier, Publications .............. 372.79 Fort Atkinson, IA 52144 Column Software PBC, Publications .. 966.79 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: Custom Alarm, Services....................2499.26 Dustin H. Noble Decorah Mobile Glass, Services ......... 175.00 ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER Decorah Newspapers, Publications ... 1154.53 MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER Decorah Tire Service, Services ........... 706.83 OLSON, NOBLE, NOBLE, LYNCH & Drivers License Guide Co, ZAHASKY Publications ......................................... 86.70 212 Winnebago Elan Financial Services, Payment ....... 411.21 P.O. Box 450 Erin Lego Coaching, Services........... 3250.00 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 ESRI, Maintenance Agreement ......... 5785.00 (563) 382-2959 Fareway Stores, Supplies ........................ 7.99 dustin.noble@andersonlawdecorah.com Galls, LLC, Supplies .............................37.26 Date of second publication: Hawkeye Sanitation, Inc, Services......200.00 March 14, 2024 Heron Consulting, Inc., Services ...... 1800.00 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion Howard’s Tire & Repair, Repairs ........144.75 March 7 & 14, 2024 IA Dept of Public Health, Registration ..................................... 1267.50 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Ice Snow Control Services, Inc, JURISDICTION OF CITY OF Services ............................................. 600.00 DECORAH Inovalon Provider, Inc., Services ........492.32 Decorah 2024 Dry Run Diversion Kelly Real Estate, Appraisal ............... 400.00 Channel Improvements Project Kara Kleve, Reimbursement ................. 12.98 Public Hearing on Proposed Contract Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel .............................474.13 Documents and Estimated Costs for ImproveLA Communications, Inc, ment. Advertising ........................................ 180.00 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: LetterWerks Sign City, LLC, Signs ....344.00 You are hereby given notice that a public Dr. Kevin Locke, Services .................. 180.00 hearing will be held by the City Council of Jon Lubke, Reimbursement .................. 22.65 Decorah on the proposed contract documents Luther College, Rental ........................ 150.00 and proposed improvements for the Decorah Mail Services, Services ....................... 752.33 2024 Dry Run Diversion Channel ImproveAnna Mark M.D., Reimbursement .....100.00 ments Project at its meeting at 5:45 P.M. on MiEnergy Cooperative, Utilities ......... 796.62 March 18th, 2024, at City Hall in Decorah, Mr. Carpet’s Floor Shop, Inc., Iowa. Services ........................................... 1048.35 The public hearing may be attended virtuQuill LLC, Supplies ..............................83.94 ally using the meeting information provided Racom Corporation, Services ............. 750.00 in this notice and as posted in the City of DecRicoh USA Inc, orah City Council agenda. Maintenance Agreement ..................... 26.08 The meeting can be joined virtually by Roger’s Lock & Key, Services ............ 123.10 computer or smartphone at: Lacey Rogers, Services ....................... 170.00 https://us02web.zoom.us/ Schilling Supply Company, Supplies ..398.71 j/86561043285?pwd=WDJxOWwyBarb Schroeder, Reimbursement ........404.73 aW8ra0Noc0NETjVvcGd3Zz09 Marguerite Schwarz, Reimbursement ... 20.00 Meeting ID: 865 6104 3285 Jeanne Sebastian, Reimbursement .......... 3.79 Passcode: 426629 Sensaphone, Inc., Subscription ............. 64.74 The scope of the project includes excavaState Medical Examiners Office, tion and grading, revetment, gabion baskets, Services ........................................... 2047.00 streambank stabilization, erosion control, and Deb Thorstenson, Transport .................. 90.00 seeding. United States Postal Service, Postage .320.00 The project location(s) is as follows: Upper Explorerland RPC, Services..... 338.60 The Dry Run Diversion Channel located US Cellular, Cell Service .................... 292.40 northwest of the intersection of State HighVA CCN Refunds, Refund .................... 77.20 way 9 and Stage Highway 52; all in the City Krista Vanden Brink, Reimbursement .. 56.00 of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa. Verizon Wireless, Cell Service ..........1688.72 At the meeting the City Council will conShirley Vermace, Reimbursement ....... 532.52 sider the plans, specifications, cost estimate, W.C.A.A., Exhibit Space .................... 360.00 and contract proposals. The City Council will Windridge Implements, LLC, Parts .... 204.90 also act upon the contract proposals and deWinn Co Treasurer, Services............. 2780.00 cide whether to enter into a contract for the Wright Way Computers, LLC, students, college Iowa high school students and their project improvements. Services ............................................. 101.74may register Iowa high school seniors fora achance chanceat toa attend the person(s) interested may or guardian can sign meeting upAny now for Americanparents Rescue Plan for the purpose of expressing their receive one................2196.33 ofinto 25 scholarships worth $2,000 each. ArcaSearch LLC, Services $1,000 deposit a college savings account. opinion regarding the plans, specifications, General Supplemental Fund cost estimate, or the contract proposals. ToOffi bece,considered, Gessner Law Legal Servicesstudents ...253.60 should: This Notice by authority of the Iowa high school seniors may register forisagiven chance to North Iowa Juvenile Detention, City of March Decorah. Register online by March 2024, Register between Nov. 1,29,2021, and 11, 2022, at Services ........................................... 2280.00 receive one of 25 scholarships worth $2,000 each. /s/ Keri Sand Water Testing at Grant Fund www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Savings. Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Towww.IowaStudentLoan.org/Know-How be considered, students should: Elan Financial Services, Payment .......135.00 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion State Hygienic Laboratory, Services ...660.00 March 7, 2024 Follow the emailed instructions to planning complete two online participants receive free college Rural ServicesAll Basic Fund Register between Nov. 1, 2021, and March 11, 2022, at Bruce Adams,and Meeting ..........................90.00 tutorials and a related assessment before 4 p.m. on March financing tip emails. PUBLIC NOTICE OF11. Alliant Energy,www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Know-How Utilities ........................28.06 STORM WATER DISCHARGE Sharon Borcherding, Meeting ...............45.00 of Decorah, IA online plans to submit a Noemailed instructionsCity to complete two Tom Bushman,Follow Meetingthe ........................45.00 tice of Intent to the Iowa Department of NatuColumn Software PBC, Publications ....19.91 tutorials and a related assessment beforeto4 p.m. on March ral Resources be covered under 11. the NationAllen Dahlen, Meeting .......................... 45.00 al Pollutant Discharge Elimination System James Ehrie, Meeting ............................ 45.00 (NPDES) General Permit No. 2 Storm Water Elan Financial Services, Payment .........86.37 Discharge Associated With Industrial ActiviMelvin Elsbernd, Meeting .................... 45.00 ty for Construction Activities. Garrett Hackman, Meeting....................90.00 The storm water discharge will be from Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC, Grading, excavation, and rip rap placement Supplies ........................................... 1795.00 for completion of a streambank stabilization Jeffrey Kuboushek, Reimbursement .....75.05 project located in NE ¼, Section 20, TownRoss Kurash, Meeting ......................... 135.00 ship 98, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., WinneKwik Trip Inc, Fuel ............................. 100.82 shiek County, Iowa. Gary Lansing, Meeting ......................... 45.00 Storm water will be discharged from 1 Danny Leidahl, Meeting ....................... 45.00 point source and will be discharged to the folDavid Lensch, Meeting ......................... 45.00 lowing streams: Dry Run Creek to the Upper Dawn Marlow, Meeting ........................ 45.00 Iowa River. Randy Numedahl, Meeting ................... 45.00 Comments may be submitted to the Storm James Olson, Meeting ...........................45.00 Water Discharge Coordinator, IOWA DEKevin Quass, Meeting........................... 45.00 PARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Myron Rediske, Meeting ......................45.00 Environmental Protection Division, 502 E 9th Bruce Sersland, Meeting .......................45.00 Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. The pubGary Smorstad, Meeting .......................45.00 lic may review the Notice of Intent from 8:00 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service ..............44.05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at Jean Wieman, Meeting ..........................90.00 the above address after is has been received Winn Co Credit Bureau, Subscription ..93.46 by the Department. Winn Co Landfill, Fees ..................... 1824.10 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion Secondary Road Fund March 7, 2024 Agvantage FS Inc, Propane............... 8802.59 Alliant Energy, Utilities ......................306.96 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas Service ............................ 99.65 Brennan Construction Co, Construction .................................... 5856.98 Bruening Rock Prod, Materials....... 15850.16 City of Ossian, Utilities......................... 32.13 Miscellaneous City of Ridgeway, Utilities ................... 29.26 Elan Financial Services, Payment .........35.45 Eliminate gutter cleaning forevIowa DOT, Payment.............................. 50.00 er! LeafFilter, the most advanced KTP Enterprises, Inc., Equipment ......150.25 Michael Kueny, Reimbursement ........... 20.00 debris-blocking gutter protection. Martin Equipment of IA/IL, Inc, Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estiSupplies ............................................. 192.52 Marv Smith Electric, LLC, Services ... 118.75 mate today. 20% off Entire PurMatt Mettille, Reimbursement ..............20.00 chase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Mid-American Research, Supplies ..... 175.11 Midwest Patch, Supplies ................... 1000.00 Discounts. Call 1-855-913-1560 MiEnergy Cooperative, Utilities ....... 1123.59 Miscellaneous Mower Power, Parts .............................. 68.80 Reilly Construction Co, Inc, Prepare for power outages today Services ........................................... 3200.00 Face Arm Speech to Standby Genwith a GeneracTime Home Ronco Engineering, Supplies ................57.83 Michael Shimak, Drooping ReimbursementWeakness ......... 20.00 Difficulty Call 911 erator. Act now to receive a FREE Shuck-Briston Inc., Services ............. 2249.00 Skyline Construction, Inc., Materials .475.00 7-Year warranty with qualifying purSociety of Land Surveyors, Fees ........295.00 chase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to Structural Contracting, Inc., Services3700.00 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service ..........1259.89 schedule a free quote. It’s not just a Michael Weis, Reimbursement .............20.00 generator. It’s a power move. Ziegler Inc, Services .......................27180.07

1,000

SCHOLARSHIP

www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Know-How

www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Know-How www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Know-How

A stroke won’t wait. Neither should you.

Regional Advertising

Know the signs of a stroke at strokeiowa.org. Act F.A.S.T. to save a life.

F.A.S.T.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 7, 2024 7

Celebrate Girl Scout Week

MARCH 10-16, 2024

Girl Scout Week honors a legacy of making the world a better place

Celebrate Girl Scouts’ 112th Birthday March 12 Girl Scouts’ birthday, March 12, commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization’s first 18 members in Savannah, Ga. Girl Scout Week is a birthday celebration for the organization that starts with Girl Scout Sunday and ends with Girl Scout Sabbath on a Saturday. Girl Scouts Celebrate Faith events give Girl Scouts an opportunity to be recognized at their places of worship during Girl Scout Week, share their legacy of service • March 10 Girl Scout Sunday & to others, and deepen their connection to Winneshiek County Troops their faith and Girl Scouting. fundraiser at Culver’s Decorah For 112 years, Girl Scouts have found • March 12 Girl Scouts’ Birthday a way to dream big and do good. At a time when women in the United States couldn’t • March 15 Girl Scout Jummah yet vote and were expected to stick to strict • March 16 Girl Scout Sabbath social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game-changing. Over the past century, that small circle of girls has grown to include millions of Girl Scout alumnae. Today’s Girl Scouts are still focused on empowering their futures. From tackling mental health challenges faced by youth to encouraging screen-free outdoor education to preparing girls for career fields, Girl Scouts as a Movement continues to evolve. TROOP 616 Supporters of Girl Scouts are invited to celebrate Girl Scouts’ Birthday, too. However, there is no need to make a cake. Girl Scout Cookies are still available for purchase through March 17. Girl Scouts is also partnering with Culver’s in Decorah, Sunday, March 10. Local troops will have cookie booths, and 10 percent of sales from Culver’s during the event will be donated to the Winneshiek County troops. For information, or to join volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit www.GirlScoutsToday. org.

TROOP 616

TROOP 3031

TROOPS 3103 & 1165

This year’s Girl Scout Week includes:

TROOP 616

TROOP 2420

TROOPS 2523, 3103 & 1165

563-382-4709

415 W Water St., Decorah

Monona • Cresco • Decorah

serenityfitnessdecorah.com

Decorah • 382-5592 | Waukon • 568-3130

www.jwkitchens.com

801 S. Mechanic St. - Decorah

Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. The regional council, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, supports Girl Scouts and volunteers across 38 counties.

Shear Wonders Salon & Boutique

213 E. Water St. • Decorah • 563-382-6231 Belva Wemark, Owner/Stylist Krissy Bodensteiner, Stylist

TROOP 616

Country Garden

HUBK A

Flowers & Gifts

Cons t r uc t ion For All Your Concrete Needs including ICF and Decorative Concrete

2456 Co. Road A-14, Decorah, IA • 563-735-5524

JAMIE HAGEMAN • 563-277-2580

Waukon Dental 18 1st Ave NW. Waukon, IA (563) 568-4528

Inspiring Senior Living Options for Everyone aasehaugen.com 563-382-3603

SIGNS, T-SHIRTS & MORE!

WWW.TGBREWS.COM

2957 US Hwy 52 • 563-387-0330

vicksheating.com

Your Downtown Full Service Florist 113 W. Water St., Decorah • 563-382-1148 www.thecountrygardenflorists.com

Associates of Monona

New patients welcome!

Kelly Reagan, D.C. • 563-382-4411 Perry Numedahl, D.C. • 563-382-1085

300 East Water St., Decorah

501 Sanford Street - Decorah, IA 52101

• TRIMMING • REMOVAL • STORM DECORAH BASED DAMAGE FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES dotzenrodtreeservice@gmail.com • UTILITY 319-361-6856 LINES

Supplier of agriculture, commercial and industrial petroleum products

Family Dentistry 602 Tower St., Monona, IA (563) 539-4651

804 Pole Line Rd., Decorah 563-382-0642 www.casperdecorah.com

2092 Hwy 9 West, Decorah | (563) 382-2901

Ridgeway • Decorah • New Albin • Cedar Rapids

563-382-2441 www.dentalassociatesdecorah.com

BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS, INC. 900 Montgomery St., Decorah 563-382-2933

Decorah

563-382-4302 511 W. Water St., Ste. C

Lansing

563-538-4673 267 Main St.

moellersdentistry.com

DHS Individual Speech students perform well at district competition

Decorah High School’s individual speech participants, competed Saturday, Feb. 24, at West Delaware High School in Manchester. Around 56 students participated in the contest. Out of Decorah’s 65 performances, 58 earned I (excellent) ratings. The students were coached by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Lyra McKnight and Annika Krieg. The directors agreed their students did an incredible job of representing the school district,

while bringing talent, professionalism and poise to the district contest. The state contest will be held at Hampton-Dumont High School on Saturday, March 9. Below are the results for Decorah speech performers.

Grade 10-12 I (excellent) rating Original Oratory: Kamryn Steines, Braunwyn Darrington and Klara Kelly Public Address: Alex McGohan, Faith Meyer and Grace Blikre

Expository Address: Natalie Goodner, Lucas Hanson and Lily Sandhorst Storytelling: Brynn Storhoff Prose: Evynne Downing, Klaara Short and Luke Arendt Poetry: Kathryn Kelly, Spencer Rix and Davis Coppola Review: Bethany Hanson, Jensen Korsness and Elliana Brodbeck Literature Program: Hannah Arendt, Annika Keefe and Evon Leitz Solo Musical: Libby Phillips, Gwen Thompson and June Breitenbach-Dirks

Acting: Hayley Stowe, Julia Severtson and Miky Hiner After Dinner Speaking: Greta Jones, Andy Kruger and Ezra Vorvick Spontaneous Speaking: Gabriel Hiner, Corina Timm and Nat Roberts Radio News: Simon Kutz and Anders Lovstuen Individual Improv: Joe Stammeyer and Caleb Johnson II (good) rating Radio News: Karmyn Bakken Storytelling: Henry Weis and Ariana Albert

Individual Improv: Lexy Walk-

Grade 9 I (excellent) rating Original Oratory: Ava Hanson Public Address: Thomas Davis Expository Address: Colin Thompson Storytelling: Teagan Menke and Isis Timm Prose: Grace Stockman and Emma Cline Poetry: Grace Stockman Review: Emma Cline Solo Musical: Noah Potvin, Vivian Searcy and Colin Thomp-

son Acting: Margaret Hahn and Jillian Volz After Dinner Speaking: Spencer Christensen, Noah Potvin and Olivia Volkmann Radio News: Olivia Rissman and Oskar Swanson Individual Improv: Thomas Davis II (good) rating Acting: Isis Timm Expository Address: Margaret Hahn Original Oratory: Vivian Searcy

PAGE 8

THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2024

Sports Editor: Becky Walz

•

DECORAH, SOUTH WINNESHIEK, TURKEY VALLEY

•

sports@decorahnewspapers.com

•

563-382-4221

Making history; Vikes advance to semifinals The Vikes are still hungry for more as the Decorah boys’ basketball team downed Williamsburg 66-42 in the Class 3A quarterfinals Tuesday afternoon. The win is a first for the program’s history as the Vikes now face Assumption (Davenport) in the semifinals Thursday, March 7, at 2 p.m. “This is exciting and this was obviously our goal to start the year — to get to state and win one game. But obviously that’s not enough we still have more in the tank. Locking in defensively in the second quarter and getting out in our transition offense going. We match Williamsburg athleticism and I thought we did a good job of that,” Viking Coach Jonathan Carlson said. Game time Decorah got off to a shaky start against the Raiders who entered the tournament with a 16-9 record as the eighth seed. Williamsburg kept the Vikes from scoring in the first two minutes of play to take 4-0 lead. Ben Bockman finally broke the ice with a jumper with 5:43 left in the first and put Decorah in front, 5-4, with a three-pointer just over a minute later. The two teams traded the lead several times before time ran out with Decorah trailing 12-14. That would be the last time

Matthew Bockman dives for the loose ball as fellow Vikings Ben Bockman (22), Trey McCain and Kaiden Quandahl watches the scramble unfold.

ABOVE (L-R): Cael LaFrentz puts up a shot for two of his 12 points. Undeterred by the Raider defender Noah Milburn gets a shot off. Kaiden Quandahl goes for a reverse layup in the second half of Tuesday’s quarterﬁnal. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Becky Walz) the Vikings were down, as Decorah outscored Williamsburg 12-1. A defensive rebound by B. Bockman passed up the ﬂoor to Noah Milburn on a fast break, gave Milburn the easy lay-up to tie the game 14-14 less than a minute into the second quarter. Then it was B. Bockman who went to work, scoring the next four points. A layup by Cael LaFrentz gave Decorah a 22-14 lead. The Raiders would score their lone point of the quarter at the charity stripe with 1:37 left

Ben Bockman was a strong presence on the ﬂoor for Decorah Tuesday with 29 points, seven rebounds and two steals in the Vikes’ win over Williamsburg.

before the break. In the second half, the Vikes continued to dominate the glass on the defensive end and push the ball up the court for easy points, while keeping Williamsburg from scoring for nearly seven minutes. Decorah finished the third period with 29 points and pulled ahead 53-20. The margin grew to as many as 35 early in the fourth period before Coach Carlson cleared the bench of his reserves. The numbers and thoughts B. Bockman led all scorers with 29 points, connecting on 5-of-9 threes. The senior also contributed seven rebounds and two steals. It was a double-double for Cael LaFrentz with 12 points and 13 rebounds, along with a pair of blocked shots. Coming off the bench Noah Milburn pulled down 11 rebounds and put in six points, while Kaiden Quandahl was there for six points and six rebounds. “We started a little slow, but found our groove in the second and extended it into the third quarter,” said senior Ben Bockman. “We were definitely hungry because the loss two years ago hurt really bad. We are just going to enjoy this one and look forward to playing again Thursday.” Trey McCain echoed the sentiments about the Vikes’ loss in the quarterfinal two years ago. “I spent a whole year rehabbing from an injury last year to try and get back on the court and making it back here with

guys I have been playing with my whole life is a really neat experience. It’s been on my mind to get back here. We are going to enjoy this win but we still have business to handle,” said McCain. Kaiden Quandahl added, “It was a team performance on rebounding. We do a lot of drills on rebounding in practice and that really helps us in the games. The key today was to rebound as a team. We are unselfish and just want someone from our team to get the rebound.” Williamsburg 14 1 5 22 42 Decorah 12 12 29 13 66 Scoring – Ben Bockman 29; Cael LaFrentz 12; Kaiden Quandahl 6; Noah Milburm 6; Trey McCain 4; Zach Driscoll 4; Louis Bucksa 3; Matthew Bockman 2 Rebounds – LaFrentz 13; Milburn 11; B. Bockman 7; Quandahl 6; Driscoll 4; McCain 3; Andrew Rhodes 3; Carter Dlhy 2; Assists – Driscoll 4; McCain 3; Quandahl 1; Gavin Groux 1; Dlhy 1; Steals – B. Bockman 2; Quandahl 1; McCain 1; M. Bockman 1; Milburn 1; Blocks – LaFrentz 2

SAVE THE DATE Decorah’s Spring

CITYWIDE

Whitsitt named second team all-state

The Iowa Print Sports Writers Association (IPSWA) announced the 2024 girls’ basketball allstate teams on Tuesday. The teams were selected during an in-person meeting by approximately 37 Iowa print sports writers and basketball coaches during a meeting on Saturday, March 2. Solon’s Callie Levin was selected as Miss Iowa Basketball. The Miss Basketball honor and the all-state teams are voted on by both sports writers and high school basketball coaches who attended the meeting. Nominations were taken in advance of the meeting online, as well as made during the selection meeting. Only one vote was allowed per class from each newspaper or school. Among those honored was Decorah senior Yazmeen Whitsitt who was named to the Class 4A Second Team. Whitsitt was third in scoring for Class 4A with a total of 551 points for the season. She led the division in three-pointers made connecting on 92-of-271.

Gates wins 60-meter dash in opener shuttle hurdle and 4x800 relays. Adam, Ashton Saltou, Kaiden Youngblook and Johnson combined for a time of 37.80 seconds in the shuttle hurdle. On the track and ﬁnishing in 9:10.53 in the 4x800 were Thomas Hammel, D’Mitry Lesser, Landyn Hook and Max Grimstad. The Vikes will be at the University of Dubuque Tuesday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m., for their next competition. Boys’ individual results Long jump – 10. Ashton Saltou 19’0.75”; 15. Montana JumpGerleman 18’1.5” Shot put – 11. Luke Franzen 41’4”; 15. Fisher Tweten 40’8”; 26. William Hahn 37’9.5”

60m – 1. Kelley Gates 7.05; 46. Dakota VanGundy 7.81; 60. JumpGerleman 7.90; 62. Garrett Waskow 7.93 200m – 23. Jace Buddenberg 25.37; 39. Waskow 26.32 400m – 17. Landon Quandahl 56.50; 24. Kyle Pattison 59.24 800m – 7. Oliver Bollinger 2:15.17; 8. Bill Fullhart 2:17.27 1600m – 4. Grant Zilka 4:46.13; 16. Garrett See 5:10.34 60m hurdles – 24. Kaiden Youngblood 9.78; 31. Franzen 10.43 4x60 shuttle hurdle – 3. Joshua Adam, Saltou, Youngblood, Dakota Johnson, 37.80 4x200 – 2. Johnson, Brayden Hartl, Adam, Gates, 1:36.82 4x400 – 6. Johnson, Hartl, Adam, Gates, 3:45.57 4x800 – 3. Thomas Hammel, D’Mitry Lesser, Landyn Hook, Max Grimstad, 9:10.53

MAY 4

Watch for details and registration forms at

decorahnewspapers.com BROUGHT TO YOU BY DRIFTLESS MULTIMEDIA

Senior point guard Trey McCain races toward the lane during the Class 3A quarterfinal against Williamsburg Tuesday afternoon at Wells Fargo Arena. The Vikes defeated the Raiders 66-42 to advance to the semifinals for the first time in program history.

• TRIMMING • REMOVAL • STORM DAMAGE DECORAH BASED • UTILITY FULLY INSURED LINES FREE ESTIMATES dotzenrodtreeservice@gmail.com • CLIMBERS AVAILABLE 319-361-6856

LOOKS LIKE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY! OPPORTUNITY ! Part-time Community Assistants FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULING

to accommodate all types of work, school & social schedules. Full Circle Services offers sick, vacation and personal time to our part time staff.

8:30-1:30 shifts available weekdays!

10-8-JP-12

For the first time in 2024, the Decorah boys’ track and field team saw action Monday as the Vikes competed at the Mason City Indoor Track Meet. Missing some athletes competing at state basketball, the Vikings had a smaller than normal squad competing, winning one gold, one silver and two bronze. Kelley Gates won the lone gold of the night in the 60-meter dash in 7.05 seconds. In the 4x200, the quartet of Dakota Johnson, Brayden Hartl, Joshua Adam and Gates were second to cross the finish line, stopping the clock at 1:36.82. Bringing home third place were the 4x60

Zach Driscoll uses the screen of teammate Andrew Rhodes (5) to drive his way into the paint against a Williamsburg defender.

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