March 28, 2024

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 13

Decorah, Iowa 52101 www.decorahnewspapers.com

One Section email: news@decorahnewspapers.com

Price One Dollar phone: 563-382-4221

fax: 563-382-5949

Pawns in Winneshiek Dairy Banquet is April 12 motion, kings in power The 61st Annual Winneshiek County Dairy Banquet will be Friday, April 12, at the Festina Community Center.

The meal will be served from 7 to 8 p.m., with the awards program starting at 8 p.m. The meal will consist of beef brisket, baby reds, honey glazed carrots, strawberry fluff, brownies and ice-cream served by U2 BBQ Catering.

Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) awards, several individual awards and scholarships will be handed out, along with the crowning of this year’s royalty. Tickets will be available at the door the night of the banquet.

Fourteen-year-old Fox Lana contemplates his next move in a chess game held during a recent meeting of the Decorah Sjakklubb (Chess Club).

Lana, who hopes to be a grandmaster one day, is an ever-present figure at the city’s chess club meetings as well as a member of the Iowa Pawn Stormers traveling scholastic chess team. INSET BELOW- Lana proudly displays his second place trophy from the 2022 Dubuque Scholastic Open. (submitted)

By Becky Walz

E

ight pawns, two knights, two bishops, two rooks, one queen and one king all mean just one thing — chess.

Introduced in the 15th century in southern Europe, it is now the most popular game and growing everywhere, including Decorah which has a club with approximately 20 members.

Five years ago, Fox Lana sat down for his very first game with his dad, Scott, and was soon hooked.

“I wasn’t the greatest and I actually got destroyed. But now I like the strategy behind the game of chess and how far players calculate ahead to make moves. I just love the sheer fun of it and it’s really addicting,” said the Decorah middle schooler. “I have won a game in two moves, and I have played a game where I made more than 100 moves. Skill is a factor that is somewhat predictable, but even the most skilled chess players can lose to weaker opponents.”

Chess club Receiving his first chess set from his father in 2019, Lana’s interest in the game continued to grow and he joined the Decorah Chess Club in 2021 as one of the youngest members. The group, which meets Wednesday evenings and some Saturday afternoons, now includes a player in elementary school.

The Decorah teen also joined the Pawn Stormers Traveling Chess Team in Cedar Rapids to compete in tournaments throughout the Midwest.

Its 16 members range from ages seven to 18 and meet virtually every Thursday and once a month in person.

“During the virtual meetings, our two coaches instruct us, and as a group we share different tactics and analyze each member’s highlighted games

from tournaments and competitions,” explained Lana. “At the monthly meeting, we have matches in person and chat with one another about strategies and positions, and we also do a simul, where each player has a board set up and the two instructors split up and play a game with every member.”

Aside from playing in clubs, Lana plays online regularly as well and said he has competed a g a i n s t individuals in Vatican City, Brazil, Russia, India and China.

He favors two websites — chess.com and lichess.com.

Throughout the 2023-24 Pawn Stormers season, the team traveled around the Iowa/Wisconsin/ Illinois area to attend competitions.

Lana placed in the top three at every tournament he attended, earning cash prizes, medals and trophies. At the season’s last tournament held the first week of March in Schaumburg, Ill., Lana not only placed first overall in his division, he swept the tournament by being the only player out of 80 child and adult contestants to win all five matches he played.

Princess candidates Kelsey Timp is the 16-year-old daughter of Robin and Brett Timp. She has two sisters and one brother and is a junior at South Winneshiek High School. She works for Irish Grove Dairy where they milk 200 cows and sell their milk to Foremost Farms. Her sponsor is Farmer’s Union Co-Op. Hanna Vagts is the 16-year-old daughter of Sara and Derrick Vagts.

She has one sister and one brother and is a junior at South Winneshiek High School. She works for Walz Dairy where they milk 160 cows and sell their milk to Wapsie Valley. She also milks for Irish Grove Dairy where they milk 200 cows and sell their milk to Foremost Farms. Hanna is active in volleyball, SODA, Holstein Association, Hereford Association, Youth Beef Team, FFA and a seven-year member of the Co-Champions 4-H Club where she has been secretary and treasurer.

After high school, Hanna plans on attending Iowa State for Ag Business/ Dairy Science. Her sponsor is South Winn Vet Clinic.

Little Miss Squirt candidate Marian Elsbernd is the nine-yearold daughter of Jay and Leslie Elsbernd. She has two brothers and one sister and is a third grader at Notre Dame in Cresco. Marian’s family milks 155 cows and sells their milk to Foremost Farms. They also farm 500 acres of corn, beans and hay. Marian takes piano lessons, serves at Mass and is in 4-H. She helps on the farm by feeding calves and watching gates. Her hobbies include reading, coloring and riding her bike.

Little Mr. Herdsman candidates Henry Balk is the nine-year-old son of Gerald and Sarah Balk. He has two brothers and is a third grader at Trinity Catholic School. His family milks 35 cows and sells their milk to Prairie Farms. They also have 350 acres of corn, beans and hay as well as beef cows. Henry helps on the farm with milking and bedding cows and feeding calves. His hobbies include farming with his dad and playing with farm toys. He also helps out at church.

Jared Schmitt is the nine year-old son of Andy and Jessica Schmitt. He has two brothers and one sister and is a third grader at Trinity Catholic School.

His family milks 120 cows and they sell their milk to Wapsie Valley. They also have corn, beans and alfalfa. On the farm, Jared helps by scraping the holding pen, bedding and feeding calves, stacking hay and straw, helping out during chopping, driving the grain cart and picking rock. His hobbies include working on projects on the farm, riding his bike and talking farm with his buddies.

Kolton Gallagher is the nine-year-

Kelsey Timp

Hanna Vagts

Marian Elsbernd

Henry Balk

Jared Schmitt

Kolton Gallagher

old son of Patrick and Carlena Gallagher. He has one brother and one sister and is a third grader at Mabel-Canton.

His family milks 40 cows and sell their milk to DFA. They also have 150 acres of corn and alfalfa. On the farm, Kolton helps with feeding heifers, scraping and milking cows. His hobbies include football, riding in the tractor and going to dairy shows. He is active in dairy judging, showing dairy calves and 4-H.

County Public Health staff ‘terrified’ after March 7 supervisors discussion Kelsay seeks to eliminate duplication of services

By Zach Jensen

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors is looking for ways to cut costs, and Public Health Administrator Krista Vanden Brink reported during the March 25 supervisors meeting that her staff was “terrified” after the supervisors’ discussion of the issue earlier this month.

Monday’s meeting with the supervisors was the second time that Vanden Brink’s met with them this month.

During the March 7 supervisors meet-

ing, the supervisors began asking Vanden Brink what the county is getting for its money. 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.

Vanden Brink essentially told the supervisors that comparing Winneshiek County to Allamakee and Howard counties is comparing apples to oranges.

“Yes, they’re receiving less in coun-

ty tax dollars from their supervisors, but again, like I said before, the hospitals are paying way more money,” she explained. “They’re paying the wages for all of those staff. They’re paying the health insurance, and that money isn’t enough to take care of the entire agency. They’re also doing a lot more home care.

“We have a workforce problem in

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More about the game For those who haven’t played chess, Lana described it as players try to protect the king by strategically placing pieces on squares around the perimeter of it. Each player analyzes opponent’s movements and try to predict movements in order to either strengthen their own defense or strategize an effective offense.

“White always goes first, and the goal is to protect your king from being captured by your opponent. All pieces can protect all the pieces, and they can attack any pieces on the opponent’s

Chess continued on page 2

continued on page 4

3-2 vote sends Freeport property sale issue back to the drawing board Vick, Faldet and Vermace vote to reject bids

By Zach Jensen Freeport residents may be breathing a sigh of relief after Monday’s meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, during which Supervisors Co-Chair Mark Vick, along with Supervisors Shirley Vermace and Mark Faldet, voted in favor of rejecting the bids received for the purchase of 7.21 acres of land designated as “floodway fringe”.

The two bids were opened Monday, March 18 following a public hearing on the issue, which has been a source of discourse among Freeport residents

for approximately the last six months.

Freeport residents, along with other county citizens, have implored the supervisors not to sell the land. Their concern is that building anything on the land, that isn’t on stilts, would obstruct the natural flow of floodwaters in that area and could potentially cause worse flooding than what the community has experienced in the past.

But, Vick didn’t vote to reject the bids for that reason. Instead, the Supervisors Co-Chair voted against the bids simply because they weren’t high enough.

According to information presented

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in previous meetings, the 7.21 acres of Freeport land was reportedly originally assessed at an approximate value of $35,000 per acre or about $250,000 for the whole parcel. The bids opened during the March 18 meeting were in the amount of $142,000 from Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Inc. and $177,450 from Ren Properties, LLC, owned by Russell Novak of Novak Electric.

“Two-fifty (thousand) is where I was at,” Vick said. “That’s the figure I had in my mind. That’s what I had in the

Freeport property

continued on page 6

2 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 28, 2024

DCSD celebrates ‘Music in Our Schools Month’ Throughout the month of March, the Decorah Community School District and its supporters celebrated the rich tapestry of music present at every level in the district.

At the elementary schools, students have been treated to “mystery singers” where both staff and students share their vocal talents. In addition, elementary music teacher Sarah Schacherer has been hosting “Kindergarten Informances” where parents and guardians are invited to attend music class to learn alongside the students.

The sixth graders are busy rehearsing for the sixth-grade musical – the young performers’ edition of “Bye Bye Birdie.”

“Volunteer parents met yesterday evening, and the search for poodle skirts is on,” said Decorah Middle School vocal teacher Dean Beckman.

The high school band, orchestra and vocal musicians are preparing for the State Solo/Ensemble Music Festival, and many of them will be performing in more than one category.

The Decorah Music Boosters has been honoring music in Decorah schools by featuring alumni spotlights, benefits of music education and videos of students rehearsing.

Finally, the Decorah Community School District Board of Directors joined Decorah Mayor

“Kindergarten Informances” were hosted by Decorah Elementary Music Teacher Sarah Schacherer, inviting parents and guardians to attend music class to learn alongside students.(submitted) Lorraine Borowski in declaring March as “Music in Our Schools Month”.

They shared the following resolution: “WHEREAS, for more than 30 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) as Music in Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), encouraging communities across the nation to focus on music education; and WHEREAS, music education is part of a well-rounded education for every student as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act; and WHEREAS, the purpose of this celebration is to raise awareness of the lasting positive impact of music educa-

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY MARCH 29

TO ALL OUR VETERANS WHO SERVED THERE; ­ WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

tion on the academic, personal and professional growth of our students; and WHEREAS, music education shapes the way our students understand themselves and the world around them, allowing for a deep engagement with learning; and WHEREAS, Music in Our Schools Month® reminds us that school is where all children should have access to music; and WHEREAS, music educators, students and communities throughout Iowa demonstrate the importance of quality music education programs to the lives of young people WHEREAS, the state of Iowa joins our music students, educators and communities in celebrating the power of music education; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Directors of the Decorah Community School District does hereby proclaim on March 11, 2024, as Music in Our Schools Month® and encourages our citizens to celebrate and acknowledge every day but especially in March that Music Education is an essential part of every student’s well-rounded education.

This resolution was signed by Board President Cindy Goodner.

ABOVE- Many matches are underway at the Landing Market during a recent Decorah Chess Club meeting. (submitted)

Chess continued from front team,” and the eighth grader.

He added that pawns can only be moved forward one square each move and cannot move backwards, while bishops move any number of spaces forward or backwards, but only diagonal. A rook moves any number of spaces but only left, right, up or down. A knight moves in an L shape and is restricted to moving only three squares in one move, so two up and one sideways, or one sideways and two up, and they can move backwards in the same format. They are the only piece that can jump other pieces but can only jump pieces that are part of their three square restriction. A queen is rook/ bishop combined, meaning she can be moved up, down, left, right, and diagonal for any

Together with his dad, Scott, Fox Lana helps run the Decorah Sjakklubb (Chess Club), meeting every Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon to play and share stories and strategies. For anyone wanting to participate with the club, visit their page on Facebook under Decorah Sjakklubb. Fox is pictured here (far left) during a club match at Convergence Ciderworks in Decorah recently. number of squares. The king is just like the queen but can only move one square in any direction each turn.

For Lana, he takes one move at a time, looking for any opportunity for checkmate.

Helping Services announces successful ‘Bowl-A-Thon’ Helping Services for Youth & Families announced that local sponsors and 71 bowlers raised more than $9,000 during the organization’s 2024 Youth Mentoring Bowl-a-thon held Saturday, March 23, at King Pin Entertainment Center in Decorah.

Funds will be used to provide caring adult role models for youth in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek counties.

Youth Mentoring provides adult mentors to area youth, and mentors spend a minimum of four hours a month with a youth doing simple things together.

Currently, 26 youth are making memories with mentors, and 18 youth are waiting for a mentor.

For more information, contact Kathy or Colinne at 563387-1720, mentoring@helpingservices.org, or visit www. helpingservices.org/mentoring.

Join Us For A Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Monday, April 8, 2024 - 12:00 p.m.

Join us as we gather on our benevolent founder’s birthday to break ground for the new Aase Haugen Nursing and Assisted Living Facility!

Location: 1102 Nordic Drive, Decorah Rain Location will be Vennehjem Great Room Enjoy a box lunch following the ceremony.

LEFT- Decorah’s Lyle Luzum throws a strike during Helping Services for Youth & Families’ Youth Mentoring’s bowl-a-thon, held the afternoon of March 23, at King Pin Entertainment Center. While bowl-a-thon participants are encouraged to form teams of five, Luzum said he and his group were simply bowling at Kingpin, when the event started, and they were invited to bowl for the cause. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Zach Jensen)

RIGHT- Harper Anderson, left, and her big sister, Alayna, granddaughters of Paul and Lisa Hudson of Hudson State Farm Insurance of Decorah, dig into pizza at King Pin Entertainment Center March 23 during Helping Services for Youth & Families’ Youth Mentoring’s annual bowl-a-thon. The bowla-thon is Youth Mentoring’s largest annual fundraiser and helps the program in which all funds raised are used to conduct mentor background checks and training, recruit mentors and host mentoring activities.

Decorah Sustainability Commission schedules public meetings

The Decorah Sustainability Commission invites the community to review the current sustainability plan and provide input into updating the plan in 2024. The updating process will include reflecting on work that’s been accomplished and outlining goals for the coming years.

Public meetings will be held on Wednesday, April 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, April 6, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Pulpit Rock Brewery event room. Opportunities will also be available to provide input online or via written response.

Further information on the process and how to participate will

be posted at www.decorahia. org.

About the commission The Decorah Sustainability Commission was established in July 2020 after a community-driven process in 2019 to create a Sustainability Plan for Decorah. The Decorah City Council adopted a multi-prong approach to sustainability that views economic prosperity, environmental integrity and community resilience as essential ingredients to the vision for Decorah – one that is healthy, resilient, adaptable and safe.

The current sustainability plan includes the following ar-

eas of focus: transportation; energy; economic development; waste; land use; communications and outreach; social sustainability - equity and well-being; and air and water.

At its most basic level, the plan has outlined a series of specific policies, infrastructure improvements, communication tools and educational programs that will reduce the carbon footprint, mitigate vulnerability to floods, strengthen the local economy and cultivate a more connected and welcoming community.

For more information, call 563-382-3651.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 28, 2024 3

Council discusses signs, food trucks, special events, leash law at special hearing

Coffee and Creativity April projects businesses off the beaten Wa- Special events electronic collars. Others did

By Denise Lana Defined in code, a “special not like that idea at all, saying ter Street path, stressing that The Decorah City Coun- wayfinding is great to increase event area” is a designated area it was not a fully-dependable announced cil met Monday night, March 25, for a work session geared at addressing the recently vetoed sign ordinance, as well as guidelines for food trucks and special events, concerns regarding dogs not on leashes and diminishing dark sky. All issues are still in discussions and are works in progress by the council and city staff.

Electronic and digital signs During its regular meeting Feb. 19, the council voted down recommended changes made by the Decorah Planning & Zoning Commission to Chapter 17.16 of the ordinance regarding regulation of electronic signs in Decorah. Proposed changes that would allow digital signs to be permissible across all commercial zoning districts except C3, and electronic signs would be allowed across all districts but be limited to hours of operation in the C3 district.

As the ordinance is currently written, all digital and electronic signs are not allowed anywhere in the city without a prior variance from Decorah Board of Adjustment. Brent Parker, Ward 1 representative, said that his biggest issue is with digital flashing signs and was in favor of an ordinance allowing static electronic signs but not including digital ones. The ordinance does not address wayfinding signs, but Ward 4 Representative Steve Zittergruen voiced a desire for more signage for

foot traffic for businesses in different parts of the city’s C3 district.

City Attorney John Anderson suggested the council come up with a full list of signs that are allowed, and any sign not listed would require a permit.

The group decided that further fact-gathering and brainstorming was necessary and would reconvene in the near future to continue discussions.

Food trucks Currently, food trucks are prohibited on city-owned property and allowed only on private property. Emily Neal, councilwoman, suggested that if there is a special event, a food truck be can available to the public on the street. She elaborated, saying that tying the trucks to the event might be an idea, with a permit being required.

Zittergruen voiced that because special events are temporary, maybe the city should broaden what food trucks are allowed to do, but they should not be allowed to camp out in a parked area for months onend and take away from local restaurants. Parker added that he thinks it is very appropriate for food trucks to be at special events and that a food truck should be allowed if someone wanted to shut down their street and have a food truck at their celebration.

That thought segued into conversation regarding what defines special events.

where the public is invited to gather for an event that focuses on the promoter of the event.

One issue discussed was the revision of the “right of way” obstruction, and a second issue was the consumption of beer and wine on streets.

Currently, when there is a beer area on Water Street during Nordic Fest, by code, it is breaking code by closing the street, which is prohibited. City Manager Travis Goedken suggested that alcoholic beverages be prohibited on city streets unless authorized by resolution of the council, and that was met with positive support from the group.

Also discussed was increasing, from $1 million to $2 million, the amount of insurance required by a resident wanting to close a street for an event, and possibly increasing the cost of special event permits from $20 to pay for the barriers and set up for closures.

Staff and council agreed more research was necessary.

Possible ‘soft’ leash law Several council members asked that the council address growing concerns with dogs off leash on and around trails throughout the city. Several members cited they or someone they knew had been attacked or bitten, and it needed to be defined. Several members suggested instead of having all pets be on leashes at heel, maybe the pets could be controlled by

means of controlling a pet.

Goedken said that he would confer more with Parks and Recreation and research compromising resolutions that could work. In the meanwhile, the council will continue working on this issue and reconvene in the near future to broach the topic and see what options have been devised.

Dark sky preservation and street lighting ordinance In hopes of preserving natural darkness and limiting light pollution, as well as allowing Decorah residents better opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the night sky, the city is working on an ordinance that focuses on dark sky street lighting.

Goedken is working closely with a Luther College instructor and students who are studying components that make up dark sky and is also looking at different options to consider, including full cut-off of all lights, changing types of lights, etc.

Zittergruen passionately shared his love of the night sky, stressing that more than 50 percent of the night sky has been lost in the past decade, due to light pollution. He recommended the book, “The End of Night,” and is in full support of positive changes that the city can make regarding the preservation of the Driftless area’s dark sky.

The Decorah Community School District (DCSD) Board approved the drawings and specifications for a new roof for the Decorah Middle School.

The summer-long installation project has an estimated price tag of $1.5 million.

Board members approved an architectural bid of $48,000 in February from Shive Hattery Architecture Engineering to draw up the plans and specifi-

cations.

DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin informed the board several months ago that the roof on the 17-year-old Decorah Middle School has leaked for 16 ½ of those years. Original roofing contractors attempted temporary repairs over the years, but those efforts were quickly exhausted.

“It has not been a good performing roof,” Cronin told the Board at a special meeting Monday afternoon.

Architects have suggested a new EPDM synthetic rubber roof be installed, similar to the roofs of other school buildings in the Decorah District.

That type of roof comes with a minimum 20-year guarantee, according to Cronin. He added that some of the under decking of the current roof may be reused in the construction process.

Cost estimates were originally estimated at between $800,000 and $1 million, and

Vesterheim begins exterior restoration of museum building

Vesterheim is sprucing up the main museum building this spring. Building Restoration Corporation (BRC), from Rochester, Minn., is staging a museum envelope project this week, and work will begin the week of April 1. The project is estimated to be completed by mid-July. The sidewalk on the corner of Water and Mill Streets will occasionally be closed, and BRC is working with the City of Decorah on safety for pedestrian traffic during the work.

This project is the second phase of work outlined by Lerch Bates, technical advisors based in the Twin Cities who assessed the condition of the building in 2021. The first phase of the project was completed last spring when the 24-year-old

Exterior restoration of Vesterheim’s main museum building is expected to be underway April 1. (submitted)

roof was replaced by ForSure Roofing from Des Moines.

This phase will include tuckpointing, or repairing the mortar joints between bricks, on the east, west and north walls of the

historical section of the building, plus replacing any broken bricks and stone windowsills.

For more information, visit vesterheim.org or call 563-3829681.

Veterans sought to receive flagpoles, flags in honor of their service

Pictured (l-r) are Decorah Veteran Doug Smith and Veterans Eric Dolash and Nick Riley.

Dolash and Riley, both representatives of Veteran Flagpole Initiative (VFI), spoke Monday night at The All Vets Club in Decorah regarding VFI’s efforts to provide free flags and flagpoles to Veterans in northeast Iowa. Smith, a United States Navy Veteran, will be northeast Iowa’s first Veteran to receive the honor, over Father’s Day weekend. For information on how to nominate a Veteran to receive a flagpole, or to find out how to donate or volunteer for VFI, visit www.veteranflagpoles.org. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Zach Jensen)

Decorah Public Library and ArtHaus are continuing the Coffee and Creativity program series designed to help build community while being creative. Participants can make simple craft projects while chatting over coffee from 10 to 11:30 a.m., on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

April’s featured projects include creating pixelated designs with perler beads on April 2, and on April 15 participants will make wet felted mushrooms.

Sessions are led by ArtHaus instructions and are free to the public with all materials provided.

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

Celebrating 90 years Family and friends are invited to a 90th birthday party honoring Alvin Vine Saturday April 13, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Danan Lansing Building in Decorah.

LENTEN SPECIAL

Every Friday through Lent from 4-10 pm

All-You-Can-Eat

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

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

$

Washington Prairie Lutheran Church 1725 Washington Prairie Rd., Decorah

School Board approves middle school roof specs

By Roz Weis

Milestone

Cronin said those figures have increased due to inflation.

DCSD Board members will set a special meeting in late April to open contractor bids for replacing the existing Armor Life roof. PPEL (Physical Plant Equipment Levy) and SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) funds will be utilized for project.

Bids for the project are due

by Tuesday, April 23.

Pancake and Sausage

SUPPER Monday, April 1, 2024 4:00-7:00 PM

Menu: Pancakes (all you can eat), Sausage, Ice Cream, Coffee

Some proceeds go to EWALU Bible Camp and the remainder will stay Free will in the Pancake Supper account. offering Sponsored by the Men Carry Outs of Washington Available Prairie.

The DougT HYPNO SHOW

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 • 8:00PM Waukon Event Center, 612 Rossville Rd., Waukon

City of Decorah to issue water and sewer credits for residents

Decorah residents will be receiving credit on their water and sewer billing due to Ordinance 1314 and Ordinance 1315 not published. These ordinances increased the water rates by 12 percent and the sewer rates by six percent. The credit will appear on residents’ future billings to correct this error.

The timeframe that the credit covers will be from July 1, 2023, through Feb. 29, 2024. If residents no longer have water and sewer service in Decorah, a check will be issued. The increase in rates will go into effect for the April billing.

For more information, contact Decorah City Hall at 563382-3651 or email ksand@decorah.iowa.gov.

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE, TO RSVP:

Hor D’Oeuvres & Beer Bucket Specials

ADMISSION $15/PERSON Doors open at 7:00PM

Call 563-794-1537, e-mail waukoneventcenter@gmail.com or message Waukon Event Center on Facebook

Maple Syrup Festival at Green’s Sugar Bush

Saturday, March 30 & Sunday, April 7 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Serving all you can eat Pancakes & Sausages

BULK SYRUP AVAILABLE!

Adults $10 • Children Under 12 $5 Preschool Free

Bring your own container

Observe maple syrup made in Iowa’s oldest continuing industry since 1851!

Green’s Sugar Bush 1437 111th Ave, Castalia • 563-605-1168

Congratulations to KAR Auto Group on their new remodel of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Store! Pictured are KAR team members with Decorah Area Chamber Ambassadors Joe Hammel, Cindy Hoyme, Dallas Steffen, Marcia Madrigal, Maureen Duncklee, Holly Allen, Tara McConnell, Amanda Kupka, Joanie Rollins, Lashelle Evans and Tade Kerndt.

Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce extends congratulations to

Our sincere congratulations and best wishes for your success and continued growth in the Decorah area.

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

4 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 28, 2024

Decorah piano students perform in Waverly Ten Decorah piano students performed in the annual IMTA event at Wartburg College, Waverly on Jan. 20. They each played three memorized pieces, scales and chords, and took a theory test appropriate to their age. “All performed admirably!” exclaimed their teacher, Linda Martin of Decorah.

Three students were given special commendations: Royal Biedermann, level A honorable mention, Abby Shaw, level B alternate and June Fassbinder, level C alternate. Pictured in the front row (l-r): Lewis Brummel, Royal Biedermann, Harry Gjerde, Teddy Gjerde and Adrian Fassbinder. Back row: Tyler Shaw, June Fassbinder, Tommy Gjerde, Abby Shaw and Osro Biedermann. (submitted photo)

Obituary Rollin Beard

Rollin Edward Beard, of Cresco, passed away at his home on March 1, 2024.

He was born on Feb. 13, 1954 to Frank and Laura (Bershee) Beard.

He grew up on a farm just outside of Decorah and Rollin Beard graduated from Decorah High School. Following high school, Rollin attended NIACC for two years and started working. He owned his own auto body shop, and although he did not continue that as a lifelong career, he did enjoy doing various projects in his spare time. He also worked full time for Camcar, then Featherlite Trailers until retirement.

Rollin worked so that he could enjoy life, always joking that he didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up.

In his younger years he wrestled for Decorah High School and played guitar in a band.

He loved spending time with his family and his friends, and whenever possible he loved that

time to also include a motorcycle and a racetrack. He also enjoyed traveling, bicycling, reading and music; and especially loved good weather and an open road to take his motorcycle everywhere he could.

While generally quiet and reserved, he had a wicked sense of humor and loved cracking a joke and playing hide-and-goseek with a good friend which included finding fun hiding spots for a wooden sheep at each other’s homes.

Rollin is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Laura (Bershee) Beard; his brother, Brian Beard; and two close friends: Ron Ramsey and Craig Sailor.

He is deeply loved, missed and survived by his children, Kent (Tina) Beard and Sarah Aberle; his grandchildren: Tian Beard and Skye, Emma, Ewan and Liam Aberle; brothers: Jay (Marilyn) Beard, Ben (Mary) Beard and Rob (Jodi) Beard; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many close friends who he considered to be family.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Service Notices ELMER BUCHHEIT, 85, of Ossian, died on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, March 25, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina with Rev. Henry Huber officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

MICHELE “MICA” THOMPSON, 56, of Calmar, died on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Winn Med Hospital in Decorah.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 1, at 11 a.m., at Calmar Lutheran Church with Rev. Daryl Thompson officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, March 31, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Calmar Lutheran Church and also Monday at the church after 10 a.m.

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

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.

Hovden challenges Vermace for Supervisor’s seat

Shay Gooder, representing Bear Creek Archeology, presents the completed mill survey report to Steve Johnson, Chairman of the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission (WCHPC). Also pictured are WCHPC Treasurer Don Arendt and Secretary Ashley Christensen. (submitted photo)

Historic mill survey completed in Winneshiek County The Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission has completed a reconnaissance survey of 71 known mill sites within Winneshiek County.

Shay Gooder from Bear Creek Archeology served as the project archeologist for the survey.

The report is available to the public at www.winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov/historic-preservation-commission.

In recent years, the commission became concerned with the lack of information on mill structures in the county. The goal of the publication is to inform the public of the significant history of mills, generate a greater awareness of the vital

role mills had in the development of Winneshiek County, and stimulate community interest in preserving these sites for future generations. Of the county’s three remaining mills, two are listed on the National Register with the third mill eligible for nomination.

The Winneshiek County Historic Preservation is a county organization created in 1985 to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the recognition, enhancement and perpetuation of sites and districts of historical and cultural significance.

the Upper Midwest, as well as musicians and tune collectors from Norwegian-American communities.

The project consultant and guest curator for the exhibition is fiddler and music historian Beth Hoven Rotto. Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the culture and experiences of exceptional, everyday musicians from the recent past to the present.

In addition to the exhibit, Vesterheim will present in-person and online events that showcase this unique musical heritage.

Visit vesterheim.org for more details.

Shirley Vermace’s seat on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be the only contested race in the county for this year’s June 4 primary election.

County Auditor Ben Steines released information March 25 showing that Dan J. Hovden, Republican is running against

Vermace, Democrat for the District 3 Supervisor position.

The auditor’s information also showed that District 4 Supervisor and Supervisor Chair Dan Langreck, County Auditor Ben Steines and Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx are running unopposed.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Decorah, is one of six national Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) 2024 Cool Congregations Challenge winners awarded a $1,000 prize.

The annual contest accepts applications from religious congregations around the United States who working to address climate change by reducing their carbon footprint as they create models of sustainability within their communities.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church earned the Energy Saver Award for entirely eliminating the use of fossil fuels in heating, cooling, lighting and powering its buildings.

The church has converted its building to all-electric, with heat pumps to heat and cool the buildings, powered entirely by solar on its property, preventing

25 tons of carbon emissions annually.

“Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the other national winning congregations are casting a vision for the kind of world in which they want to live, and then carrying out that vision with practical actions that make a real difference in creating lasting solutions to climate change,” said Rev. Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power & Light.

The Cool Congregations Challenge shows that people of faith are united by concerns about climate change and are taking action. The winners provide strong moral role models for their communities, and their activities have a ripple effect on people in their own homes, demonstrating that acting on climate is a moral issue.

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, was awarded a Scandinavian Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest grant from the American Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) in support of the upcoming Vesterheim exhibit “Hand Me Down the Fiddle: Norwegian Fiddlers, Fiddles, and Fiddle Tunes in the Upper Midwest,” and programming in connection with the exhibit.

Opening on Aug. 15, “Hand Me Down the Fiddle” will tell the stories of significant Norwegian fiddlers who came to

the country,” Vanden Brink testing that is also done by Lucontinued. “There’s not enough ther College for its students. people to be working. Winne“Luther has a contract with shiek County has the highest WinnMed,” Kelsay said. “And, population over the age of 80 they also do the same testing. in the state of Iowa. It’s great Your concern was a privacy isthat people want to come here sue. Isn’t that already covered to retire. But, because we have by HIPAA regulations and so all these older people, they all forth?” need home care. They all need “Luther has a contract with services. Just last week, I had WinnMed for health services, four referrals, and I can’t take yes,” Vanden Brink answered. them, because I don’t have staff “They send their students down that can provide those services. to us for STD testing. (The stuIt’s a workforce problem. There dents) would rather come to us. is not one entity around that They don’t want it showing up can service everybody, because on their college bill. The STD they all have different needs.” testing isn’t just for college stuVanden Brink said the coun- dents; it is for high school stuty’s public health department dents, it’s for the middle school provides home care for all ages, students, it’s for anybody here. from infants to the elderly, with Then, we have the medications services that include everything that are free, and again, that from bathing and home clean- doesn’t go through insurance ing to medication planning and so that it stays that much more more. And, all those services confidential. So, there is not have different payors, such as the duplication of services that Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans you’re thinking.”

Affairs and the Managed Care “They have an RN, and they Organizations. have a {…} person that staffs “The only thing that we have in their contract for Luther Colany control over for payment lege,” Kelsay said. “And, so, … is our private-pay people,” we don’t have a duplication of (USPS# 151-000) she said. “Private pay is based services, and yet we’re choosis published weekly by Driftless Multimedia LLC, 110 Washington Street, on aSuite sliding-fee scale, andPeriodicals we ing, for paid their confidentiality, 4, Decorah, IA 52101. postage at Decorah, IA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Driftless Multimedia LLC,reghave to take a look at what their which I believe … HIPAA P.O. Box 350, Decorah, Iowa 52101-0350. income is. There’s a lot of peo- ulations apply to them the same ple with an income of less than as it does us. And, you’re telling a thousand dollars a month. me that WinnMed does not do That’s hard to live on. the STD testing?”

“I don’t know what else you “They send them down to want,” Vanden Brink continued. us,” Vanden Brink said. “We get 563-382-4221 “I do know that, when Phone: I shared college students that come to Subscription Rates .......................

Year ......................

Six billed Months under with my staff that there are con-Oneus, and that is also Decorah Trade Areas ..................... $57.00 ..............................$35.00 cerns, they ....................................... got really scared. $70.00 the ..............................$42.00 local public health service Elsewhere They were really scared.” contract.”

Single copies $1.00, mailed $3.00. Official publication for Decorah and “How much County, duplication of Kelsay asked Winneshiek Iowa. Periodicals postage atthen Decorah, Iowa. Vanden services do we have?” asked Brink how he should explain to Driftless Multimedia LLC DEADLINE POLICY Decorah Public Opinion display advertising: 4 p.m. Monday.

Supervisor Steve Kelsay. his constituents why Winneshestate, classified, entertainment “There isn’tRealduplication,” iek County and pays $600,000 more Driftless Journal display advertising: 4 p.m. Thursday.

Vanden Brink replied. than the four-county average News, submissions: 12 Noon Friday and Tuesday.

Publisher said reserves rightduring to rejectthe or cancel advertisement any on time.local Kelsay that forany hospitals that atrely March 7 meeting, Vanden Brink hospitals rather than a county had talked about STD testing public health service. provided by Public Health — “We actually provide more

public health services than those other entities do,” said Vanden Brink. “We are also a larger county. We have two colleges in this county, and when I talk with some of my colleagues, they say ‘the money you’re getting isn’t nearly enough,’ because we are a gap filler.”

The Public Health Administrator said that relying on hospitals to provide home care won’t work, because they’re also facing staff shortages.

“As a community, do we want to reduce services to the most vulnerable people in our county?” asked Supervisor Shirley Vermace. “That’s a question we need to grapple with, and speaking for myself, I’d rather not see a reduction of services.

I think that, as a county, we do care, and we do care about our communities, and I want to keep that on the front burner in this discussion.”

“And our staff very much cares for the clients,” Vanden Brink added. “They really wonder, if something happens, what’s going to happen to the clients? Do they matter to anybody?”

“I think they matter,” Kelsay replied. “I don’t see that as they issue. I see the issue that the legislature does not want to give us the funding necessary to meet every need that comes across our board. And, when we look at something that we have to justify or explain to the citizenry, you’ve painted a very big picture over the top of this, and I haven’t seen one thing that gives anything factual to be able to explain to the people, or explain to our newspaper friends who are right here. Perhaps they would also like to be able to educate the people.

“I don’t want duplication of services,” the supervisor con-

Good Shepherd Church earns national leadership and sustainability award

Vesterheim receives grant from American Scandinavian Foundation for new exhibit

Public Health

Decorah Public Opinion

continued from front tinued. “I’m not as concerned, when there are HIPAA laws that will protect the student, so it doesn’t show up on their college bill. That’s between them and their parents. That’s a moral issue that they’ve got to deal with. It’s not my business, but I don’t want to provide duplication of services. I’m the oldest person sitting at this table. Am I concerned about what happens with healthcare? Certainly, I am, but that’s not the over-arching principle that affects [all] of the 20,000 people that live in this county. We have a ‘whole’ problem, and I’m not seeing any answers yet from you that allow me to give something factual or some reason why we are so much better and why we’re able to spend so much more money than [other counties] do for the services.”

Vermace noted that the county is in the very beginning stages of the conversation and that there’s a lot more information the county needs to gather. Supervisor Chair Dan Langreck agreed with Vermace.

“We’re not looking to do anything overnight,” Langreck said.

“But, we know what we have coming forward, for a budget next year, and we have to look at places we can … make some savings, and I think we have to look at every option.”

“Community members cannot go up to Luther and receive testing, right?” Vanden Brink asked.

“No,” Langreck replied.

“So, that is not a duplication of services,” Vanden Brink said.

As the discussion was wrapping up, Vermace told Vanden Brink that she was sorry that Vanden Brink’s staff was frightened.

“They’re terrified,” Vanden Brink said.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 28, 2024 5

Public Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND LETTING DECORAH MUNICIPAL AIRPORT CONVENTIONAL HANGAR WITH ATTACHED TERMINAL BUILDING DECORAH, IOWA 52101 FAA PROJECT NO. 3-19-0025-018 AIP (FY24) FAA PROJECT NO. 3-19-0025-019 BIL-AIG (FY24) Online bids will be received by the Decorah Airport Commission, Iowa, on the 8th day of April, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., for the construction of certain Decorah Municipal Airport improvements and work incidental thereto on an improvement project described in general as “Decorah Municipal Airport Conventional Hangar with Attached Terminal Building” in accordance with the Plans and Specifications now on file in the office of the City Manager and available at www.questcdn.com. At said time and place, Proposals will be opened and tabulated by the Engineer.

Proposals received will be presented to the Decorah City Council and considered at a meeting presided over by the Mayor, to be held at 400 Claiborne Drive, at 5:45 p.m. on the 15th of April, 2024. At such time and place, the Decorah City Council shall also hold a Public Hearing on the proposed Plans, Specifications, form of Contract and estimate of cost for the construction of said improvements hereinafter described in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 384, Code of Iowa, at 5:45 p.m. on the 15th of April, 2024 at 400 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, Iowa. At the hearing, the Decorah City Council will receive and consider any objections made by any interested party, to the Plans and Specifications, proposed form of Contract, and the estimate of the cost for the project.

Copies of the Plans, Specifications and wage rate are on file and may be inspected at the office of the City Manager, at City Hall, 400 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, Iowa. Complete digital project bidding documents are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital documents for no charge by inputting the project title of “DECORAH MUNICIPAL AIRPORT CONVENTIONAL HANGAR WITH ATTACHED TERMINAL BUILDING”, Quest project number 9014486 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952.233.1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working in this digital project information.

A virtual pre-bid conference for this project will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 19th, 2024.

Bidders will be required to familiarize themselves with the site conditions in accordance with the specifications. To examine the job site, please reach out to Mike Connell, Airport Manager at 563-382-8338.

Contract Work items: This project will involve the following work improvements: 1 CONSTRUCTION STAKING 2 LOCATION AND PROTECTION OF EXISTING AND NEW UTILITIES AND EQUIPMENT 3 .INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF SILT FENCE 4 .INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF FILTER SOCK 5 MOBILIZATION (NTE 10%) 6 TRAFFIC CONTROL

The Spillville City Council held a special meeting at the Spillville City Hall at 6:00 PM. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Mayor Wermers called the meeting to order with the following councilmen present Backes and Straube. Councilman Kelsay was present through telephone call in.

Consent Agenda: Motion by Backes, second by Straube to approve items as follows: 1. Approval of Claims - Roll call vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion carried.

Water Project: Announcement was made stating this was the time and place set for the public hearing on the plans and specifications, forms of contract, and estimate of cost for the proposed Water System Improvements 2024 Project (Contracts A and B). Discussion was opened up and there were no objectors against the project which then the Mayor declared the hearing closed.

A motion was made by Kelsay and seconded by Straube to introduce and adopt the Resolution 24-3-1 to approve and confirm plans, specifications, forms of contract and estimate the cost for the Water System Improvements 2024 Project (Contracts A and B). Roll call: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none.

Motion carried.

The results of the bidding were reported, and Origin Designs (project engineers) made their recommendations. The Council considered proposals received and introduced Resolution 24-3-2 to be awarded and adopted as follows: A motion was made by Kelsay and seconded by Straube to award Contract A – Pumping Station & Storage Tank to JB Holland Construction, Option #1, the low bid submission. Roll call: Ayes, unanimous.

Nays, none. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Backes and seconded by Straube to award Contract B – Main Street Water Main Replacement to Sumers’ Enterprise, Inc., the low bid submission. Roll call: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion carried.

Adjournment: Motion by Backes, seconded by Straube to adjourn at 6:15 p.m. Roll call: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion carried. Attest: Nikki Wagner, City Clerk of Spillville Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024

Services

Help Wanted Winneshiek County Secondary Roads will be accepting applications for the full-time position of “Equipment Operator I” at the office of the Winneshiek County Engineer, 201 W Main St, Decorah, IA 52101.

Applications and job description are available at the Engineers Office and www.winneshiekcounty.org/jobs. html. Applications are due March 28, 2024 at 4pm. EOE 12-4-JP-x-12

Auction Calendar 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

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NEEDS:

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We are looking for part-time help!

Come join our fun team.

Apply in person or send resume to: 210 W. Water St. Decorah 563-382-8208

7th Grade Volleyball Coach (Decorah Middle School)

Send letter of application and resume to Athletic Director, Jake Nimrod, 405 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA 52101, by end of the day on April 4, 2024, or open until position is filled.

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

PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS

Looking for caring individuals who want to be a positive influence in the lives of others. Positions available in the Decorah, Cresco and surrounding area for

respite workers and community trainers.

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Duties include working with individuals who have disabilities, by helping them to become comfortable and integrated into the community and giving caregivers a break. Hours are very flexible and can be worked around class schedules, other jobs and activities.

Please call Quality Choices @ 319-283-1474 or email Qci283@trxinc.com for more information.

Decorah Community Schools for the 2024-2025 School Year:

Certified Business Teacher Decorah High School

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• Teach business courses aligned with business, finance, marketing, and management standards for the State of Iowa.

• Develop and manage a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Business, providing opportunities for leadership, competition, and $1,000inSIGNING BONUS professional development.

• Participate in professional development and ongoing training to maintain expertise in business education, including staying up-to-date on new trends and Seeking applicants for best practices.

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• Develop and implement lesson plans, assessments, and curricula that align Decorah, • 563-382-2953 with the IowaIATeaching Standards and Danielson Domains.

•www.olsonexplosives.com Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, grades, and info@olsonexp.com attendance per school policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer • Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and staff to promote student 11-tf-PJ-12 success and achievement, including through interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.

• Incorporate technology and other innovative teaching methods to engage and motivate students, including those with diverse learning needs and backgrounds.

• Build opportunities for work-based learning through internships and apprenticeships, and support and guide students in pursuing these opportunities.

• Foster a positive and supportive classroom environment that promotes student learning, growth, and success and upholds the school and district’s values and mission.

MECHANICS

City of Decorah Council Work Session Monday March 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM Decorah City Council Chambers The City of Decorah Council Work Session was held Monday, March 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Decorah City Council Chambers.

Present: Christopher Miculinich, Kirsten Olson, Randy Schissel, Ross Hadley, Emily Neal, and Brent Parker Amanda Webb with Hacker and Nelson & Co., CPAs presented the FY’ 23 audit. Webb went through the audit pointing out highlights that she felt were important for Council to view. The council was then given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the audit.

Meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024 The Hesper Public Cemetery will be holding their annual meeting on Tuesday April 16, 2024 in the kitchenette at the Hesper Lutheran Church, at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024

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Board Minutes March 18, 2024 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am March 18, 2024 with Faldet, Langreck, and Vermace present in person; and Kelsay present electronically. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Michael Kueny, County Engineer, met with the Board to discuss road projects.

Kueny distributed the quotes for a new tractor, which the Board will review and discuss at a future meeting.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to approve the low bid for culvert pipe by Metal Culverts. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to approve the bid by Bruening Rock Products for contract road rock, with the choice of whether to pay BRP for delivery to the roads, or to have the county crews deliver it left to the discretion of the County Engineer. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Kelsay to approve the hire of Mike Weis and Matt Mettille as Assistants to the Engineer, acknowledging their years of service to the county by placing them at the four year step of pay grade twenty-one. Motion carried unanimously.

Jon Lubke, IT & GIS Director, met with the Board to discuss the audio/video project.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to have Andy Van Der Maaten, County Attorney, work with CTI on a reduction of their total price since not all of the project was completed; and to authorize Lubke to work with Tri-State Sound and Lighting to complete the project. Motion carried unanimously. Lubke also updated the Board on the new IT staff person Lee Fullhart, who will be starting April 1st.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to approve the minutes of the last meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Decorah Community School Board Public Hearing & Special School Board Meeting Minutes Central Administration Office Monday, March 25, 2024 12:00 p.m. (noon) Present: President Cindy Goodner, Directors: Ron Fadness, Carole Sand, and Aaron Zander. Supt. Dr. Tim Cronin, Director of Business Services Cathy Dietzenbach, Board Secretary Darlene Woodhouse, and staff. President Goodner, Directors Sand and Zander, and Supt. Dr. Cronin participated via Zoom. Absent: Director Brian Petersburg.

President Goodner called to order the public hearing at 12:00 p.m. (noon). The purpose of the public hearing was to hear comments oral or written concerning the Middle School roof replacement project. There were no comments oral or written. President Goodner adjourned the public hearing at 12:01 p.m.

President Goodner called to order the special school board meeting at 12:01 p.m. Director Sand read the m ission statement.

Supt. Dr. Cronin stated the current Middle School roof is a R-mer Lite roof and is sixteen years old. Since the installation of the roof, the district has had leaking issues with the roof. Since the installation, the board invested $80,000 sealing for the seams of the roof; however, this wasn’t a permanent fix.

The roof bid specifications presented are for a standard EDPM roof with a twenty-year guarantee. Cost estimates for this project are in the range of $1.1 million to $1.5 million.

As a result of switching to the traditional Ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EDPM roof, it will enable the district to replace sections of the roof rather than the whole roof at one time. Therefore, in twenty years when the roof is in need of replacement, the district can budget accordingly. This project is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 20242025 school year. Motion: Director Fadness moved, seconded by Director Zander to approve the Middle School roof replacement drawings and specifications as presented.

Motion carried by all voting aye.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

Cindy Goodner, Board President Darlene Woodhouse, Board Secretary Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024

7 REMOVE EXISTING WATER SERVICE LINE, 1” DIA. AND ASSOCIATED APPURTENANCES 8 REMOVE EXISTING ELECTRICAL SERVICE LINE AND POWER POLE 9 REMOVE EXISTING GAS LINE 10 REMOVE EXISTING STORM SEWER INTAKE, 8” DIA., NYLOPLAST 11 REMOVE EXISTING STORM SEWER, 8” DIA., PVC 12 ..REMOVE EXISTING FENCE, 4 FT, CHAIN LINK 13 REMOVE EXISTING SANITARY SEWER, 8” DIA. 14 ..... REMOVE EXISTING SANITARY SEWER MANHOLE STRUCTURE 15 REMOVE EXISTING FBO BUILDING, FOUNDATION, AND PCC PAVEMENT 16 RELOCATE EXISTING LP TANK, COMPLETE 17 UNCLASSIFIED EXCAVATION 18 QUALITY CONTROL TESTING 19. PAVEMENT MARKING REMOVAL 20 TEMPORARY PAVEMENT MARKING REMOVAL 21 TEMPORARY PAVEMENT MARKING, YELLOW, NO BEADS 22.. PAVEMENT MARKING, YELLOW, WITH BEADS 23 PAVEMENT MARKING, BLACK, NO BEADS 24 CULVERT, 8” PVC, ROOF DRAIN 25. CLEANOUT STRUCTURE, 8” DIA., TYPE 2A 26 CONNECTION TO PROPOSED OR EXISTING PIPE OR STRUCTURE 27 SEEDING AND FERTILIZING 28. TOPSOILING (STRIP, STOCKPILE, AND RESPREAD) 29 REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION OF EXISTING ROTATING BEACON 30 WATER SERVICE PIPE, 2” PVC, INCLUDING BENDS AND APPURTENANCES 31 GAS SERVICE EXTENSION AND METER 32 SANITARY SEWER SERVICE EXTENSION, 4” PVC 33 SAND/OIL INTERCEPTOR 34 FIBER OPTIC CABLE EXTENSION 35 ELECTRICAL SERVICE INSTALLATION FROM PROVIDER TO METER, INCLUDING TRANSFORMER 36 7” PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT 37 6” PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT 38 4” PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT 39 .. CORPORATE HANGAR, 80’ X 80’, WITH AIRCRAFT DOOR, INSULATION, ELECTRICAL, AND OTHER AMENITIES 40 14’ x 14’ INSULATED ROLLING FIRE DOOR, COMPLETE 41 TERMINAL BUILDING (ATTACHED TO CORPORATE HANGAR), 30’ X 60’ SHELL ONLY 42 TERMINAL BUILDING BUILDOUT All bids must be filed with the Decorah City Council on or before the time herein set. All bids must be on file on QuestCDN. com on or before the time herein set. Each bid shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond in an amount equal to five (5%) of the total amount of the bid. Bid Bonds must be on the form provided with the Contract Documents.

The Certified Check, Certified Share Draft or Cashier’s Check shall be drawn on a bank or Credit Union in Iowa or a bank or Credit Union chartered under the laws of the United States of America and payable to the City of Decorah, Iowa as security that if awarded a contract, the bidder will enter into a contract at the prices bid and furnish the required performance and payment bonds and certificates of Insurance. The Certified Check, Certified Share Draft or Cashier’s Check may be cashed, or the Bid Bond forfeited, and the proceeds retained as liquidated damages if the bidder fails to execute a contract or file acceptable performance bonds or provide an acceptable certificate of insurance within fifteen (15) calendar days after the acceptance of his proposal by resolution of the Airport Commission. No bidder may withdraw a proposal within ninety (90) days after the date set for opening bids.

The right is reserved, as the Decorah City Council may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in the bids received.

All Contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) are required to obtain tax exemption certificates from the Decorah City Council for this project. These tax exemption certificates are only for use on this specific project as covered under the Contract. Before final payment is made on this project, the Contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) shall provide lien waivers as required in the Specifications.

All work of the Contract shall be completed and ready for operation according to the following schedule: Construction Window: Spring 2025 Work Phase, Anticipated Start Date, Contract Time*, Estimated Completion Date, Liquidated Damages Phase 1April 1, 2025, 287 calendar days, January 13, 2026, $400/calendar day, Closeout, Final Inspection, 14 calendar days...After final inspection, $250/ calendar day * Contract time will not start until all materials have been procured by the Contractor and Notice-To-Proceed has been issued by the Sponsor.

This project is subject to the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended. The Contractor is required to comply with wage and labor provisions and to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedule of wage rates established by the United States Department of Labor.

This project is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation. The owner has established a contract goal of 1.65 percent participation for small business concerns owned and controlled by qualified disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE). The bidder shall make and document good faith efforts, as defined in Appendix A of 49 CFR Part 26, to meet the established goal.

Award of contract is also subject to the following Federal provisions: Executive Order 11246 and DOL Regulation 41 CFR PART 60-4 - Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity DOL Regulation 2 CFR § 200 Appendix II (D) – Davis Bacon Act 2 CFR part 180 (Subpart C), 2 CFR part 1200, DOT Order 4200.5- DOT Suspension & Debarment Procedures & Ineligibility 15 CFR § 29 – Government wide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace DOT Regulation 49 CFR PART 30 - Denial of Public Works Contracts to Suppliers of Goods and Services of Countries that Deny Contracts to Suppliers of Goods and Services of Countries that Deny Procurement Market Access to U.S. Contractors (Foreign Trade Restriction).

TITLE 49 United States Code §50101 – Buy American Preferences By virtue of statutory authority, preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa and to Iowa domestic labor to the extent lawfully required under Iowa statutes, providing that the award of the contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder submitting the lowest acceptable bid, which shall be without regard to state or local law whereby preference is given on factors other than the amount of the bid.

Published by the order of the City of Decorah, Iowa, this 4th day of March, 2024.

CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA By: /s/ Lorraine Borowski, Mayor Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024

12-4-PJ-12

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Alyce M. Bartelt, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016282 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Alyce M. Bartelt, Deceased, who died on or about May 7, 2023: You are hereby notified that on the 15th day of March, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Alyce M. Bartelt, deceased, bearing date of March 21, 2001, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Darla Bartlet Lennon was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated this 15th day of March, 2024.

Darla Bartlet Lennon, Executor of Estate 1767 Whitetail Rd., Decorah, IA 52101 Jana Evelsizer Olson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: jana.olson@ andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: March 28, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 21 & 28, 2024

March 18, 2024 The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Borowski at 5:45 PM. The meeting was held at the Decorah Council Chambers and electronically.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members present: Randy Schissel, Emily Neal, Kirsten Olson, Christopher Miculinich, Steven Zittergruen, Ross Hadley, and Brent Parker Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of the March 04, 2024, Meeting b. Claims c. Accept and File FY’ 23 Audit d. Resolution 3435 Setting Public Hearing for Amending Chapter 17.84 R-5 Planned Unit Development District of the Decorah Municipal Code e. Resolution 3436 Setting Public Hearing for the Decorah 2024 Carlson Park Gateway Trail Project f. Tax Abatement at 1006 Shagbark CourtBen Muzzio-New Construction g. New Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service-Traveling Tapster LLC h. Amendment Class C Retail Alcohol License -Impact Coffee Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Parker seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski called the public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and taking bids on Decorah 2024 Dry Run Diversion Channel Improvements Projects at 5:48 PM. No public comment.

Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 5:49 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Resolution 3437 approving the plans, specifications, form of contract, and taking bids for the Decorah 2024 Dry Run Diversion Channel Improvements Project. Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Olson made a motion to approve Resolution 3438 requesting the United States of America to release land from existing lease with the City of Decorah. Schissel seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes.

Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3439 to approve setting a public hearing for fiscal year 2024 budget amendment. Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Hadley made a motion to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 2.08 City Engineer and creating Chapter 12.06 Street Superintendent of the Decorah Municipal Code. Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. Ayes: Hadley, Olson, Zittergruen, Miculinich, Parker, Neal, Schissel. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Schissel made a motion to approve the first reading of an ordinance creating Chapter 2.1 O Public Works of the Decorah Municipal Code. Miculinich seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Schissel, Miculinich, Zittergruen, Neal, Hadley, Parker, Olson. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Andy Johnson of the Winneshiek Energy District spoke to the Council and gave background on Alliant Energy’s rate increases and the status of Alliant Energy’s request for a rate increase from the Iowa Utility Board.

After brief discussion, Zittergruen made a motion to approve giving the staff direction to retain David Lynch as special counsel for City of Decorah to pursue communication with the Iowa Utility Board during the summer 2024 to request the infrastructure formula that the IUB would use in deciding the value of the service area, determine what types of oversight the IUB can have during a referendum, and to help develop ballot language that clearly defines the referendum with a cap of expenses not to exceed $20,000.00 to be funded by the Sustainability Fund. The motion also directs staff to obtain advice from the special council on the appropriate timing for a referendum. Hadley seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Zittergruen, Hadley, Neal, Parker. Nays: Schissel, Miculinich, Olson. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, March 18, 2024 Payroll, Payroll For March 15, 2024........187,663.23 Alliant Energy, Electric Bills.......... 25,389.82 Card Service Center, Training, Computer Software, Supplies..........................4,084.73 Kerndt, Zach, Reimbursement For Dewalt Batteries.......................... 564.96 Meyer, Evan, Reimbursement Awwa Training................................... 110.00 Petty Cash, Compliance Check Cash...100.00 Reliance Standard Life Ins, April 2024 Life Insurance .................435.30 Sand, Keri, Meal Reimbursement ......... 29.00 Ups, Postage...........................................44.76 Yaneff, Nick, K9 Association Membership................65.00 Nelson, Kevin, Road Scholar Training.. 75.00 Petty Cash, Postage, Parking.................22.00 Row-Heyveld, Zach, Reimbursement For Fuel In Travel Car................................51.87 Terrones, Andrew, Reimbursement For Training.......................................585.00 Ace Hardware, Supplies.......................172.90 Acentek, Fees.......................................270.00 Airespring, Services.............................277.56 Alliant Energy, Street Light/Pole – Highland Drive...................................747.69 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies.....523.50 Anderson Wilmarth Van Der Maatten, Legal Services.................................3,131.00 Baker & Taylor, Books.....................2,059.59 Black Hills Energy, Gas Bills...........3,690.93 Bremer, Louann, Cleaning................1,000.00 Bruening Rock Products, Rock ...........960.43 Calibre Press, Finding The Leader In You................359.00 Campground Commander, Usage Fee...32.48 Casper Plbg & Htg, Services............2,590.01 Chris A Storlie, Solar Electric Bill.... 2,482.75 Country Garden, Pavlovec.....................10.00 Croell, Manhole Boxout Repair / Sidewalk.......................................... 1,854.50 Dalco, Cleaning/Operating Supplies....170.56 Decorah Comm School District, Icn Internet.........................................140.77 Decorah Mobile Glass , Glass Install After Cab Corrosion Repair........................645.00 Decorah Rental, Concrete Grinder Rental - City Sidewalks.....................450.00 Don’s Towing, Towing.........................200.00 Driftless Multimedia, Media ............... 515.26 Drillings All Season Sports, Parks- Sprayer................................. 3,450.00 Elliott Equipment, Sewer Camera Lead...........................839.70 Erdman Engineering, Engineering Services ...................37,609.50 Fareway Stores, Program Supplies........57.34 First Supply, 4X12 1/2 Repr Clamp Smith Blair.............................170.05 Fisk Farm And Home Decorah, Supplies..............................................450.16 Galls, Equipment....................................37.97 Gundersen Clinic, Random Drug And Alcohol Testing............................. 76.00 Hovey Repair, #1 - Steel For Brine Install...................32.00 Htm Sales, Htm Grinder Parts..........1,697.00 Ia Dept Of Inspections, Appeals & Licens, Food Svrcs........... 300.00 Imfoa, Spring 2024 Conference ..........350.00 Impact Coffee, Program Expense..........62.50 Impact7G, Mitigation Banking – Draft Prospectus............................14,898.45 Iowa Dept Of Public Safety, 1St Qtr 2024....................................... 967.50 Iowa Dept. Of Natural Resources, Carlson Park...................................... 175.00 Iowa Parks And Recreation Assoc, Conference Registrations................1,925.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies............ 318.93 Kanopy, Kanopy-Film Database..........168.00 Kar Auto Group, Truck #4 - Engine Air Filter............... 126.91

Keltek, Installation & Labor................853.55 Keystone Laboratories, Voc,Soc,Sodium Testing, Water Testing.....................4,540.25 Kwik Trip, Fuel.................................2,877.32 Laura Gillespie, Cleaning February 2024.................. 1,848.00 Letterwerks, Signs- Park Shop...............40.00 Lulu & Bb’s, Dog Food, Bones........... 138.30 Malcom Enterprises, Garbage Pickup.. 718.50 Mcclure Engineering, Airport Solar Grant Design Bidding And Ca Services....5,750.00 Mi Energy Cooperative, Electric Bills....................................2,388.19 Midland Scientific, Equip....................249.15 Mti Enterprises, Drama Show Camp- High School Musical, Jr..............................909.00 Napa Auto Parts, Supplies...................321.22 Nina Smock, Program............................50.00 Olson Explosives, Fuel.....................1,826.95 Overdrive, Books.................................458.96 Pat Mccarthy Productions, Street Crimes Training.......................450.00 Perry Novak Electric Inc., Street Light Repair..........................1,174.91 Pitney Bowes, Postage.........................282.30 Postmaster Decorah, Yearly Fee Box 513.............................. 72.00 Quadient, Postage................................ 500.00 Questcdn.Com, February 2024 Projects......................528.00 Randy’s Auto Parts, Parts And Supplies...............................80.97 Rct Sewer & Vav, Sewer Cleaning.... 9,942.70 Ricoh Usa, Copier................................ 503.15 Samuelson, Riley, Graphic Design......520.00 Sandry Fire Supply.

Flow Test Scbas..............................1,786.71 Sherwin Williams, Painting Supplies- Light Poles.............83.27 Spahn & Rose Lumber, Supplies........... 91.14 Storey Kenworthy, Building Supplies And Office Supplies...........................538.36 Time Clock Plus, Time Clock Plus......963.00 Tollefson, Jim, Janitorial Exterior........ 140.00 Trojan Technologies, Trojan Uv System..............................452.61 Truck Country, Truck #8 - Batteries....167.90 Truck Equipment, Street Sweeper - Services/Parts......3,617.44 Ups, Postage...........................................27.60 Verizon Wireless, Jan 24-Feb 23 Bill...........................1,536.53 Wallace Holland Kast Sch, Diversion Channel Feasibility Study............. 11,765.81 Waukee Public Library, Lost Book..........7.95 Windridge Implements, Diesel Exhaust Fluid.........................128.70, Winn Co Recorder, Recording Fees.......12.00 Revenue To Date March 15, 2024 General Fund..............................5,880,571.61 Local Option Sales Tax.................961,331.87 Road Use Fund..............................723,051.02 Employee Benefits........................ 968,511.57 Hotel/Motel...................................275,000.00 Ssmid..............................................13,826.78 Park Special Gifts.............................9,094.15 Library Special Gifts.....................130,440.66 Street Equip Fund........................... 13,935.87 Debt Service Fund.........................677,414.04 Special Projects.............................149,496.85 Water Utility Fund.....................1,246,713.98 Sewer Utility Fund........................958,361.51 Enterprise Project Interest...............12,235.31 Metronet..........................................69,667.00 Forest Utility...................................84,161.55 Storm Sewer Utility......................128,202.30 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024

13-2-PJ-12

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

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

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

Dated this 12th day of March, 2024.

HARVEY JACOB HOUCK TRUST dated March 4, 2022 Pamela S. Houck, Co-Trustee B11 Long Bay Point Drive Galena, IL 61036 ATTORNEY FOR TRUST: John S. Anderson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101-0450 (563) 382-2959 .john.anderson@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: March 28, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 21 & 28, 2024

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 24-38, providing for the destruction of noxious weeds. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to open the public hearing on the proposed sale of land in Freeport. Motion carried unanimously. Several comments were received in-person and online urging the Board to not sell the land. Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously. The Board opened the two bids: Iowa Rotocast Plastics for $142,000 for all of the parcels and Ren Properties LLC for $177,450 for the properties. The Board will discuss this further and possibly take action at a future meeting.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, March 25, 2024. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024

12-4-JP-12

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD R. LUDEKING, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016281 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Ronald R. Ludeking, Deceased, who died on or about March 3, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 11th day of March, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Ronald R. Ludeking, deceased, bearing date of June 9, 2015, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Julia Hageman was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated this 12th day of March, 2024.

Julie Hageman, Executor of Estate 2301 360th St., Decorah, IA 52101 John S. Anderson ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: john.anderson@ andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: March 28, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 21 & 28, 2024

For Sale

Letter of interest must be submitted to Principal Brad Hurst, 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101, by end of the day on April 1, 2024, or until the position is filled as provided for in the Agreement between the Decorah Community School District and the Decorah Education Association 2023-2024.

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

6 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 28, 2023

Freeport property

Public Notices

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ONLINE PROPERTY AUCTION

11 TRACTS IN 9 COUNTIES BIDDING ENDS THURSDAY, APRIL 4TH

Tract 1: Pottawattamie County, 0.055 Acres M/L (Council Bluffs) Tract 2: Webster County, 1.12 Acres M/L (Near Fort Dodge) Tract 3: Polk County, 0.197 Acres M/L (Des Moines) Tract 4: Polk County, 0.776 Acres M/L (Des Moines) Tract 5: Jasper County, 0.704 Acres M/L (Near Mingo) Tract 6: Bremer County, 2.79 Acres M/L (Near Denver) Tract 7: Black Hawk County, 0.703 Acres M/L (Waterloo) Tract 8: Black Hawk County, 7.36 Acres M/L (Near Washburn) Tract 9: Lee County, 1.69 Acres M/L (Fort Madison) Tract 10: Dubuque County, 2.00 Acres M/L (Dubuque Acreage) Tract 11: Scott County, 0.12 Acres M/L (Bettendorf)

SELLER:

Matt Adams: 515.423.9235 Matt@PeoplesCompany.com IA LIC S59699000 Travis Smock: 319.361.8089 Travis@PeoplesCompany.com IA LIC S62642000

CLEAN ENERGY MADE

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNTH D. WESTON, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016283 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Kenneth D. Weston, Deceased, who died on or about February 20, 2024: You are hereby notified that on the 18th day of March, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Kenneth D. Weston, deceased, bearing date of the 8th day of January, 2014, was admitted to probate in the above named court and that Todd Weston was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated this 15th day of March, 2024. /s/ Todd Weston Todd Weston, Executor 1012 Gateway Pass Verona, WI 53593 Brian C. Eddy Stephanie A. Sailer Attorneys for Executor Roberts & Eddy, P.C. 2349 Jamestown Avenue, Suite 4 Independence, IA 50644 Date of second publication: April 4, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28 & April 4, 2024

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE TRUST: KENNETH D. WESTON, Deceased.

TRUST NOTICE NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To all persons regarding Kenneth D. Weston, deceased, who died on or about the 20th day of February, 2024. You are hereby notified that Todd Weston is the Trustee of the Kenneth D. Weston Revocable Trust U/A dated February 2, 2024. Any action to contest the validity of the trust must be brought in the District Court of Winneshiek County, Iowa, within the later to occur of one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice to all heirs of the decedent, spouse of the decedent and beneficiaries under the trust whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the decedent or the trust are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned trustee and creditors having claims against the trust must mail them to the trustee at the address listed below via certified mail, return receipt requested, and unless so mailed by the later to occur of one hundred twenty (120) days from the second publication of this notice or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated this 15th day of March, 2024. /s/ Todd Weston Todd Weston, Trustee 1012 Gateway Pass Verona, WI 53593 Brian C. Eddy, Attorney for Trustee ICIS PIN No: AT0002162 Stephanie A. Sailer, Attorney for Trustee ICIS PIN No: AT0013471 ROBERTS & EDDY, P.C. 2349 Jamestown Ave., Suite 4 Independence, IA 50644 Date of second publication: April 4, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28 & April 4, 2024

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA General Notice City of Decorah (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: DECORAH 2024 CARLSON PARK GATEWAY TRAIL PROJECT Sealed bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Decorah City Hall Office located at 400 Claiborne Drive, P.O. Box 138 in Decorah, Iowa 52101, until Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM local time. At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The Project includes the following Work: Excavation and grading, natural surface trail, trail features, erosion control and seeding.

The project location(s) is as follows: Within Carlson Park East of Pleasant Avenue and South of State Highway 9; all in the City of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa.

Bids will be received for a single prime contract. Make bids on all items of Work. One contract will be awarded. The Contractor may begin construction upon execution of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) with an Approximate Start Date of May 20, 2024, a Substantial Completion date of November 29, 2024, and a Final Completion Date of June 27, 2025, as shown in the NTP. Final payment will be made upon final acceptance of the Work.

All bids will be evaluated based on whether the bids are responsive and the bidder responsible, with award of the contract to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder. A contractor’s past experience with building mountain bike trails or similar projects will be given consideration.

The Owner may, at their discretion, reject any or all bids, waive informalities, irregularities, or technicalities, or accept the bid and award the Project.

Submit a Bid Bond with each Bid in accordance with the Bidding Documents. The Bid Bond will be a certified or cashier’s check payable to the Owner, drawn on a solvent Iowa bank or a bank chartered under the laws of the United States, or a certified share draft drawn on a credit union in Iowa or chartered under the laws of the United States, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Bid, or a Bid Bond executed by a corporation authorized to contract as a Surety in the State of Iowa, in the penal sum of five percent (5%) of the Bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish bonds and insurance, in accordance with Article 6 of the Contract for Construction of a Small Project, when the Contract is delivered to the Owner.

All Work and material are to be in strict compliance with the proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost now on file at the office of the City Engineer, and by this reference made a part thereof as though fully set out and incorporated herein.

By virtue of the statutory authority, a preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa and to Iowa.

In accordance with Iowa statutes, a resident bidder shall be allowed a preference as against a nonresident bidder from a state or foreign country if that state or foreign country gives or requires any preference to bidders from that state or foreign country, including but not limited to any preference to bidders, the imposition of any type of labor force preference, or any other form of preferential treatment to bidders or laborers from that state or foreign country. The preference allowed shall be equal to the preference given or required by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident. In the instance of a resident labor force preference, a nonresident bidder shall apply the same resident labor force preference to a public improvement in this state as would be required in the construction of a public improvement by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident.

Obtaining Bidding Documents Bidding Documents for the Project may be obtained either in printed or electronic formats for free.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project may be obtained in electronic format at the following designated website: QuestCDN.com Ebid Reference No.: 9046044 Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format.

The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project may be obtained in printed format from the Issuing Office Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM: The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: City of Decorah Street Department 108 Railroad Avenue Decorah, IA 52101 Ph: 1-563-382-2157 / E: cityengineer@ decorah.iowa.gov Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available in any format. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website and Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website or Issuing Office.

This Advertisement is issued by: Owner: City of Decorah By: Lorraine Borowski Title: Mayor Date: March 18, 2024 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND LETTING DECORAH MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ARRAY FAA AIP 3-19-0025-017 DECORAH, IOWA Online bids for the construction of certain Decorah Municipal Airport improvements and work incidental thereto on an improve-

ment project described in general as “Decorah Municipal Airport: Photovoltaic Solar Array” must be filed before 11:00 a.m. on the 8th day of April, 2024, utilizing online bidding through QuestCDN. (EBid Reference No. 9009276), in accordance with the Plans and Specifications now on file at the office of the City Manager. At said time and place, Proposals will be opened and tabulated by the Engineer.

Proposals received will be presented to the Decorah City Council and considered at a meeting presided over by the Mayor, to be held at 400 Claiborne Drive, at 5:45 p.m. on the 15th of April, 2024. At such time and place, the Decorah City Council shall also hold a Public Hearing on the proposed Plans, Specifications, form of Contract and estimate of cost for the construction of said improvements hereinafter described in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 384, Code of Iowa, at 5:45 p.m. on the 15th of April, 2024 at 400 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, Iowa. At the hearing, the Decorah City Council will receive and consider any objections made by any interested party, to the Plans and Specifications, proposed form of Contract, and the estimate of the cost for the project.

Copies of the Plans, Specifications and wage rate are on file and may be inspected at the office of the City Manager, at City Hall, 400 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, Iowa. Complete digital project bidding documents are available at www.questcdn.com. You may download the digital documents for no charge by inputting the project title of “Decorah Municipal Airport: Photovoltaic Solar Array”, Quest project number #9009276 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952.233.1632 or info@ questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working in this digital project information.

Contract Work items: This project will involve the following work improvements: 1. INSTALL 38.6 KW - DC ROOF MOUNTED ARRAY All bids must be on file on QuestCDN. com on or before the time herein set. Each bid shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond in an amount equal to five (5%) of the total amount of the bid. Bid Bonds must be on the form provided with the Contract Documents.

The Bid Bond may be forfeited and the proceeds retained as liquidated damages if the bidder fails to execute a contract or file acceptable performance bonds or provide an acceptable certificate of insurance within fifteen (15) calendar days after the acceptance of his proposal by resolution of the Airport Authority. No bidder may withdraw a proposal within ninety (90) days after the date set for opening bids.

The right is reserved, as Decorah City Council may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in the bids received.

All Contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) are required to obtain tax exemption certificates from the Decorah City Council for this project. These tax exemption certificates are only for use on this specific project as covered under the Contract. Before final payment is made on this project, the Contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) shall provide lien waivers as required in the Specifications.

All work of the Contract shall be completed and ready for operation according to the following schedule: Construction Window: Work Phase, Anticipated Start Date*, Contract Time, Estimated Completion Date, Liquidated Damages Phase 1, 4/1/2025*, ...... 30 calendar days, 5/1/2025, $400/calendar day Closeout, Final Inspection, 14 calendar days, After final inspection, $250/ calendar day * Start date dependent on component lead time. Contract time shall be 30 calendar days after delivery of equipment to site and issuance of Notice-To-Proceed by Sponsor.

This project is subject to the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended. The Contractor is required to comply with wage and labor provisions and to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedule of wage rates established by the United States Department of Labor.

This project is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation. The owner has established a contract goal of 1.65 percent participation for small business concerns owned and controlled by qualified disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE). The bidder shall make and document good faith efforts, as defined in Appendix A of 49 CFR Part 26, to meet the established goal.

Award of contract is also subject to the following Federal provisions: Executive Order 11246 and DOL Regulation 41 CFR PART 60-4 - Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity DOL Regulation 2 CFR § 200 Appendix II (D) – Davis Bacon Act 2 CFR part 180 (Subpart C), 2 CFR part 1200, DOT Order 4200.5- DOT Suspension & Debarment Procedures & Ineligibility 15 CFR § 29 – Government wide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace DOT Regulation 49 CFR PART 30 - Denial of Public Works Contracts to Suppliers of Goods and Services of Countries that Deny Contracts to Suppliers of Goods and Services of Countries that Deny Procurement Market Access to U.S. Contractors (Foreign Trade Restriction).

TITLE 49 United States Code §50101 – Buy American Preferences By virtue of statutory authority, preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa and to Iowa domestic labor to the extent lawfully required under Iowa statutes, providing that the award of the contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder submitting the lowest acceptable bid, which shall be without regard to state or local law whereby preference is given on factors other than the amount of the bid.

Published by the order of the City of Decorah, Iowa, this 4th day of March, 2024.

CITY OF KEOKUK, IOWA CITY OF DECORAH, IOWA By: /s/ Lorraine Borowski, Mayor Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion March 28, 2024

continued from front back of my head the whole way through.”

Vermace made the motion to reject the bids, which would begin the discussion all over again, and Faldet seconded. The motion to reject the bids passed three to two, with Supervisor Steve Kelsay and Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck voting against it.

The county’s potential Freeport property sale issue will be discussed again during the April 1 supervisors meeting.

Other business • The supervisors held a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy rates for Fiscal Year 2025. According to information presented by County Auditor Ben Steines, and as reported in a March 21 article in the Decorah Public Opinion, the county is proposing increasing property taxes by 93 cents per $1,000 of valuation in FY25 primarily because of the county’s new 911 communication system and its recent purchase of what was previously known as the “Spectrum building.”

When asked by a member of the audience about the reason for the tax increase, Steines added that one thing to keep in mind is that property taxes are not based on the property’s assessed value but on its taxable value. “Most people, if you don’t have major improvements to your home or something that isn’t normal, most people will actually see a reduction in their taxable value for their homes next fiscal year. Your tax bill will show that.” Steines added that there are now two types of homestead credit available through the County Assessor’s office; one credit that was just made available last year.

• The supervisors approved a motion to schedule a public hearing for the FY25 proposed budget for 11 a.m., April 22.

• County Engineer Michael Keuny reported that boundary research for Happy Hollow Road ROW notifications are forthcoming, and the boundary will be established.

Permitting for fiber optic lines for the county has been submitted, and approval was granted.

- The supervisors unanimously passed a motion to approve Hacker Nelson & Co.’s audit of county finances, for Fiscal Year 2023, as reported on by Amanda Webb. The full audit report can be found at https://winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov/departments/auditor/additional-information. Also added to this webpage is the FY23 Annual Report prepared by County Auditor Steines, which provides a summary of county finances and other information.

• County Attorney Andy Van Der Maaten will begin negotiations with CTI of Cedar Rapids for a lower bill for services rendered on the completed portion of the annex building’s new audio/video system. The supervisors maintain that what they wanted was not completed by CTI, so the county shouldn’t be $1,000 SIGNING BONUS required to pay the entire bill of approximately $35,000.

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Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, March 28, 2024 7

ATTENTION WINNESHIEK COUNTY RESIDENTS

Starting Monday, April 1

All electronics waste and appliances should be dropped off at the Winneshiek County Recycling Center Drop off items during business hours 6AM-3PM Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)

South Winneshiek National Honor Society

The Winneshiek County Landfill will no longer accept electronics or appliance waste starting April 1, 2024

Members of the South Winn National Honor Society include (front, l-r) Addison Timp, Tessa Phillips, Abe Conway, Brody Tieskoetter, Parker Timp, Brady Lensing, Shayde Wermers, Maxwell Moonen, Brady Ohrt, Alyssa Timp; (middle) Evan (Kira) Ellingson, Autumn Schmitt, Brooke Steffans, Annisten Ondrashek, Loleta Ryan, Grace Baker, Britney Hageman, Rachel Meyer, Hailey Thuente, Kali Kleve; (back) Bailee Frana, Avery Luzum, Katrina Hageman, Josie Tieskoetter, John Donovan, Kyle Kuboushek, Ella Theis, Jordan Peterson, Adele Conway, Charlotte Moonen, Ruby Timp, Karissa Wenthold, Julia Carnesi, Kelsey Timp and Abby Wagner. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Becky Walz)

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Law Enforcement Winneshiek Sheriff Demetrius Nailing, 37, of Decorah, was cited for no valid driver’s license and failure to maintain control following an accident March 12 on County Road W14. Nailing was traveling northbound on County Road W14 when it crossed the centerline then skidded off the opposite side of the roadway in a curve entering the ditch causing the vehicle to hit a field driveway rolling it on its side when it came to rest. The roadway has directional signs for the curve in that part of the roadway. Upon arrival, the driver couldn’t be located, but later Nailing claimed he was the driver.

The driver couldn’t explain how the accident occurred. Damages totaled $10,000.

Marissa Kelty, 32, of Decorah, turned herself into the Winneshiek County Jail March 23 at 5:19 a.m. where she was arrested and booked on an arrest warrant for OWI, second offense.

Desiree Baumler, 30, of Waukon, was cited for failure to stop in an assured clear distance following an accident March 12 at 8:25 a.m. on Highway 9. Baumler reportedly rear-ended a vehicle driven by 41-year-old Brian Melcher of Waukon while Melcher was stopped making a left turn on Highway 9.

Damages totaled $8,000 to Baumler’s 2015 Chevrolet Equinox and $6,000 to Melcher’s 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office investigated an accident March 21 on Pole Line Road. Paul Murphy, 41, of Cresco, was driving east on Pole Line Road when his vehicle lost traction and went out of control. The vehicle entered the south ditch, struck an embankment, overturned and came to rest on the driver’s side, facing west. Murphy was cited for failure to maintain control.

The 2011 Chevrolet pick-up truck was totaled in the accident.

Daniel Genthe, 38, of Famersburg, turned himself into the Winneshiek County Jail on March 22 where he was arrested and booked on an arrest warrant for violation of probation.

Edward Junech, 36, of Decorah was served an arrest warrant while at the Winneshiek County Jail March 21 on an arrest warrant for domestic abuse assault, 1st offense, causing bodily injury.

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New inductees into the South Winn National Honor Society during its induction Tuesday, March 19, were (front, l-r) Brooke Steffans, Addison Timp, Tessa Phillips, Brady Lensing; (middle) Aubrey Willey, Annisten Ondrashek, Loleta Ryan, Grace Baker, Britney Hageman; (back) John Donovan, Kyle Kuboushek, Ella Theis, Jordan Peterson, Adele Conway, Charlette Moonen and Ruby Timp.

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Coming up in varsity sports

March 28 – Dec b tr at Waukon, 4:30 p.m.; Dec b soc at Cedar Falls, 5 p.m.; Dec g soc vs. Dubuque Hempstead, 5 p.m.

March 30 – Dec g tr at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 10 a.m.

April 1 – Dec b ten vs. Cotter, 4:30 p.m.; Dec g ten at Osage, 4:30 p.m.; Dec/SW b tr at Decorah, 4:30 p.m.

April 2 – Dec g golf vs. NFV/Waukon (Silvercrest), 4 p.m.; Dec b golf at Waukon/NFV (Waukon), 4 p.m.; Dec g ten vs. Oelwein, 4 p.m.; Dec b ten at Independence, 4 p.m.; Dec g tr at Dubuque Senior, 4 p.m.; SW g tr at Jesup, 4:30 p.m.; TV g tr at Postville, 4:30 p.m.; TV b tr at Ed-Co, 4:30 p.m.; Dec b soc vs. WaverlyShell Rock, 6:30 p.m.

Sports Editor: Becky Walz

•

PAGE 8

THURSDAY

MARCH 28, 2024

DECORAH, SOUTH WINNESHIEK, TURKEY VALLEY

•

sports@decorahnewspapers.com

•

563-382-4221

Viking boys team receives commemorative basketballs

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation became the exclusive title sponsor of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) in 2002. On behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau members across the state, Iowa Farm Bureau District Director Randy Brincks, Winneshiek County Farm Bureau President Jerome Fulsaas, agency manager Mike Wold and agent Nick Wilz presented the entire Decorah Vikings boys basketball team and staff with commemorative signature basketballs. The presentation was held at the team’s banquet on Thursday, March 14, at T-Bock’s Sports Bar and Grill in Decorah.

“Our students and athletes are among the nation’s best and brightest, and our farmers are among the nations’s most productive – our partnership

Iowa Farm Bureau representatives presented the Decorah boys’ basketball team with commemorative signature basketballs at the team’s banquet Thursday, March 14 at T-Bock’s Sports Bar and Grill. (submitted photo)

Lake Meyer. (submitted photo)

Bureau president, Jerome Fulsaas. “We take great pride in helping our young people excel, while also renewing pride in the community.”

Lake Meyer, a popular area for boating and fishing in Winneshiek County, has a cleaner and clearer future thanks to a community-led effort.

The northeast Iowa lake had been placed on Iowa’s impaired waters list in 1998 due to declines in water quality from sediment runoff and increased phosphorus levels. These were affecting both the aesthetic conditions in the lake as well as impacting fish and other aquatic life through decreased visibility due to algae blooms and cloudy water.

“Sometimes the water would be really green and murky, it looked kind of like pea soup,” said Barb Schroeder, executive director of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board.

In 2013, farmers, landowners and government agencies joined together to launch the Lake Meyer Watershed Project, aiming to reduce sediment and nutrients reaching the lake by strategically placing conservation practices on the land and increasing the culture of conservation in the community.

A rock chute wetland added at the inlet of Lake Meyer helps filter runoff, and an additional grade stabilization structure upslope of the wetland area works to reduce sediment runoff from adjacent cropland areas. In addition, partners removed more than 700 dump truck loads of sediment from the lake bottom during wetland construction.

Landowners around the area installed 66 acres of filter strips, 5 manure storage systems, over 35,000 feet of terraces, 8 grade stabilization structures, 5 sediment and water control structures, over 4,000 feet of grassed waterways, 3 bio-swales, and 4 wetlands. These combined efforts prevented more than 3,300 tons of sediment and more than 2.15 tons of phosphorous from reaching the lake every year.

“The credit for the success really needs to go to the farmers who implemented conservation practices in the Lake Meyer watershed,” said Schroeder.

“Thanks to them and the cooperative efforts of local and state agencies, we have clear water with great fishing. With those improvements, lake use has increased, adding to the local economy.”

Lake Meyer has a bright future thanks to local watershed with the IHSAA honors both,” In addition to providing government. The organization improvement efforts said Winneshiek County Farm championship memorabilia and also sponsors the annual Goverawards to student-athletes, the Iowa Farm Bureau funds scholarships and grants to outstanding young citizens engaged in academic leadership and student

nor’s Scholar Recognition Program which recognizes more than 400 of Iowa’s best and brightest students at a ceremony held in April in Des Moines.

Iowa’s spring turkey season is right around the corner

Coming off record harvests in 2020 and again in 2023, Iowa’s spring turkey hunters could be living in the “good ol’ days.”

And with three straight years of good hatches across much of the state, roughly 35,000 hunters are ready to hit the woods.

“Two-year-old birds drive the population, do lots of the gobbling and tend to move more than the older toms, which is what hunters like,” said Jim Coffey, forest wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Hunters like to hear a lot of birds and not see other hunters.”

Iowa’s spring turkey hunt is spread among four seasons, allowing hunters to have a unique experience. Season one is April 8-11; season two is April 12-16; season three is April 17-23; and season four is April 24 – May 12. Hunters may purchase up to two tags with at least one being in season four.

“It looks we will have an early leaf-out this spring, which will get the birds disbursed to their breeding areas soon, so it will be a good opportunity to do

some scouting,” he said.

Last spring, hunters reported a record harvest of nearly 14,850 turkeys, with birds harvested in all 99 counties.

“We have seen good production in the north central part of the state, which isn’t an area that most people think of when it comes to turkey hunting,” Coff e y said.

“The Loess Hills, northeast and southeast Iowa are more traditional turkey spots and also have good populations. We have documented good production in southeast Iowa, which is nice to see as the population in that area had been down in recent years.”

Iowa has become a bucket list turkey hunting state for many

nonresidents who apply for an opportunity at a large Midwestern bird. Applications are taken in January for a limited number of tags based on four seasons and five zones.

“We want to provide non-resident hunters an opportunity to explore our state and see what Iowa has to offer, knowing there are many Iowans that enjoying traveling to new states to hunt as well,” he said.

Nonresident hunting is limited to 2,148 tags annually.

Youth-only season Youth turkey season is designed to provide a strong mentoring experience for the youth hunter.

It is restricted to Iowa residents only.

“Turkey hunting is an intimate sport and mentoring is a

way to learn from other’s mistakes,” Coffey said. “With only about one-in-five hunters tagging a turkey, failure is part of the process. A successful hunt should be gauged on the adventure and experience of being in the woods not placing a tag on a bird.”

Youth tags are sold through the end of youth season on April 7. Youth tags are valid for youth season and each of the four regular seasons until filled or when the season four closes on May 12.

Licenses are not sold after the youth season closes. Youth tags have been steadily increasing, with nearly 6,200 sold last year.

Report your harvest Successful hunters are required to report their harvest by midnight of the day after it is recovered through the Go Outdoors Iowa app, by going online at www.iowadnr.gov, calling the toll free phone number printed on the tag, at any license vendor during regular business hours, by texting your registration number to 1-800-771-4692.

Mother Nature forces cancellations for area track teams

Area Veterans receive Quilts of Valor

The Decorah Quilts of Valor #541 awarded six area veterans with Quilts of Valor on Sunday, March 3, at the Decorah All-Vets Club. Pictured at the ceremony are front row (l-r): Gerald Riha, Albin W. Massman, Maury Lenz and Steve Christensen. Back row: Jeffrey Schaller and Shannon Bruns. The mission of Quilts of Valor, 501(c)3, is to cover service members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. To nominate a Veteran, contact Julie Lukes at 563-562-3511. (submitted)

Lions’ April 9 meeting to feature waste reduction program The Decorah Lions Club’s Tuesday, April 9, meeting will feature a program presented by Evan Neubauer, Winneshiek County Conservation Waste Reduction and Recycling Educator. Neubauer will be discussing ways that we can reduce the amount of waste going into landfills.

Lions Club International is a service organization dedicated to serving the needs of individuals, the community, the state, the country and the

world. Programs include sight conservation, hearing, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations and environmental issues.

The Decorah Lions Club meets at 6:15 p.m., the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the All Vets Club on State Street in Decorah.

For information or a membership application, contact Brad Schwartz at beschwartz@salamander.com or text 563-4194020.

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With the arrival of late snowfall and rain from Mother Nature, several outdoor activities were cancelled in the last week.

Among those cancelled was a track meet at North Fayette Valley Friday, March 22, where the Turkey Valley girls and boys track teams were to have competed.

The Trojans, along with the South Winn girls and boys teams, saw Tuesday’s (March 26) track meet cancelled at Sumner-Fredericksburg.

DNR Fisheries staff also installed fish habitat structures, such as gravel spawning beds, fish cribs, and tree/brush piles, at various depths and locations in the lake. These structures can offer fish critical shelter during hot summer months, and structures placed in the deepest areas can provide excellent cover for winter panfish.

The watershed project has led to improved biological monitoring scores in the lake, showing increased water clarity and better habitat conditions for the lake’s fish and other aquatic species. The lake was removed from the impaired waters list in 2000.

“This really is a success story about how it takes an entire community to make things happen,” said Jennifer Kurth, DNR aquatic biologist.

The Lake Meyer Watershed Project was funded and supported by the Iowa DNR, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and local landowners and farmers. Other partners include the Winneshiek County Conservation Board, the Winneshiek Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

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