WinnMed says physicians, level of care to remain the same as Mayo partnership changes
By Zach Jensen Staff Writer
WinnMed, the county-owned hospital and clinic in Decorah, will no longer be affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Health System as of 2025. The announcement was made June 27 during a special WinnMed Board of Trustees meeting, but Board Chair Clark Goltz said he doesn’t foresee many potential challenges in WinnMed’s future as a result of the separation.
“I don’t see that anything’s going to change, but there could be some benefits,” Goltz said. “For example, we could now partner with entities other than Mayo, and another advantage is more local control. Not that we weren’t happy with sharing with Mayo, but now we can make our own decisions.”
Goltz said he and other WinnMed officials were first made aware of the upcoming changes during a special meeting with Mayo officials June 20, at which time it was expected that Win-
nMed and Mayo would renew their Professional Services Agreements and Management Services Agreements, just as they have every 3-5 years since 2008. Officials instead informed WinnMed that Mayo wasn’t going to renew those agreements — bringing an end to the 17-year affiliation between the two healthcare entities. However, Goltz emphasized they do plan to negotiate a new long-term Professional Services Agreement- which allows WinnMed’s physicians to be considered employees of Mayo Clinic.
The MSA allows Mayo to employ WinnMed’s upper management professionals — positions such as the chief administrative officer, chief medical officer and others. Goltz said the board offered WinnMed’s Chief Administrative Officer position to Steve Slessor during the June 27 meeting.
“So now, he will be our employee and not Mayo’s employee,” Goltz said.
“He’s an amazing man, he’s a great leader, and we don’t want to lose him. It’s amazing. We are so fortunate.”
Goltz said Slessor accepted WinnMed’s offer and turned in his resignation from Mayo Monday afternoon.
WinnMed continued on page 6
Decorah Veteran gifted
Decorah resident and Navy
veteran Doug Smith hosted a yard full of fellow veterans and volunteers Saturday, June 15, as Smith was awarded a flagpole as part of the Veterans Flagpole Initiative (VFI) program.
Formed in 2021 by Army National Guard Major Eric Dolash from Waverly, VFI was created to share a permanent visual reminder of thanks to Veterans for
their service and sacrifice. Smith, who served in the U.S. Navy for 28 years, was nominated by his wife, Linda, who knew her husband had always wanted a flagpole. The program is made up of roughly 50 Veterans and friends, and Smith’s flag was installed and supported by more than a dozen people who had traveled from Waverly, Waterville, Independence, Cedar Falls,
Fair queen candidates announced, coronation
The annual Winneshiek County Fair
Queen Competition is judged based on personality, attitude, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise. Coronation will be held during opening ceremonies 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 in the grandstand. The Winneshiek County Fair runs July 9-13. Following are this year’s candidates.
Addison Wicklund
Addison Wicklund is the 17-yearold daughter of Melissa and Christo-
pher Wicklund of Decorah. She will be a senior at Decorah High School this fall. Addison is involved in musicals, chorus, varsity bowling, varsity robotics and National Honor Society. She volunteers for Project Linus, Decorah Rocks and The Landing Homeless Shelter, and she helps with church activities at Mabel First Lutheran, Decorah First Lutheran and Bethel Baptist. She is currently the president of the Hesper Helpers 4-H Club, the secretary for the Winneshiek County Council and a member of the Pine
Bluff Board. Addison enjoys crocheting, camping with her family, Bible journaling, bowling, participating in 4-H events and being with family and friends. In the future, she plans to attend college to earn a business degree to open up her own cosmetology business. Addison would like to also earn a psychology degree.
Alayna Hageman
Alayna Hageman is the 16-year-old daughter of Trevor and Tori Hageman of Ossian. She will be a junior
is July 9
at South Winneshiek High School this fall. Alayna is involved in FFA activities including National Diary Handler, Dairy/Livestock Judging and many more categories. She volunteers for Park and Rec coaching volleyball and baseball, helps with farm safety events and serves at church. She also helps with many events with the Cattleman
Queen candidates continued on page 4
and as far away as Cedar Rapids. Since its inception, more than 60 telescopic flagpoles lit by solar power, complete with an American flag and Iowa flag, have been installed by VFI at Veterans’ homes all across Iowa. VFI hopes to have a flag in each of the four corners of Iowa by the end of 2024 and a flag in each of the 99 counties by 2028.
By Denise Lana Staff Writer
Council members and city staff wel-
comed Decorah’s new Parks and Recreation Director Marc Holtey during Monday’s meeting — Monday was Holtey’s first official day of employment with Decorah. Holtey comes to Decorah from Minnesota with 22 years of experience under is belt, having launched his career in environmental education and resource management before shifting to parks and rec at Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.
Doug Smith is presented a brand new US flag by Veterans Flagpole Initiative volunteers Darrel Stoll (left) and Don Ryan (right), as VFI Vice President Jack Flanders and volunteer Jim Lee look on (behind flag in background). (Photo by Denise Lana)
2024 Winneshiek County Fair queen candidates are picture from left- Ellie Knutson, Eden Scheidel, Addison Wicklund, Jerikah Dodd, Alayna Hageman and Annika Schmelzer. (submitted)
Steve Slessor
Decorah’s new Parks and Recreation Director Marc Holtey met with council members and city staff on his first official day July 1. (Photo by Denise Lana)
First annual Prairie Fest blooms with life
The first annual Prairie Festival was held Sunday, June 23, at the Decorah Community Prairie. About 15 residents attended the event during which participants learned about prairie insects, plant life and birds. Event organizer and retired county naturalist Miriam Patton said she was very pleased with the event, because it gives attendees an opportunity to “learn more about what’s going on in the prairie.” She said this year is very different than last year because of the increased moisture, which has caused some plants to bloom up to three weeks earlier than previous years. ABOVE- Lucas Frankhauser, 13, Decorah, gave a presentation on ants during the first Prairie Festival. Frankhauser considers himself an ant hobbyist, though others may consider the young man a local ant expert. “I just really like how there are so many species of ants,” he said, “and how one colony can grow from one.
(Photos by Zach Jensen)
Decorah Veteran gifted flagpole
David Cavagnaro (middle) talks with two participants about the Decorah Community Prairie’s native plants.
Decorah resident and Navy Veteran Doug Smith was awarded a flagpole as part of the Veterans Flagpole Initiative (VFI) program last month. Pictured above- kneeling is VFI founder, Army National Guard Major Eric Dolash with his daughters, Knowler (left) and Berdie (right). Front row (l-r): Dave “Sarge” Major, Alex Six, Veterans Flagpole Initiative Vice President Jake Flanders, Kenzie Murphy holding daughter Isla on her back, Doug Smith, Linda Smith, Joey Henry, Karry Dolash and Mary Jo Klatt. Back row: Aaron Kafer, Justin Ellerbroek, Scott Adams, Don Ryan, Darrel Stoll, Mitchell Murphy holding daughter Ruthie, Jim Lee and Jack Smith.
Caregiver Support Group to meet at new Decorah office
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS?
RIGHT- Joey Henry, Darrel Stoll, Justin Ellerbroek and Don Ryan work together to stabilize the flagpole base with concrete. The quartet are a few of the many volunteers who travel all over Iowa with the Veterans Flagpole Initiative program. (Photos by Denise Lana)
DON’T MISS AN ISSUE!
Please notify us immediately of address changes at subscribe@ decorahnewspapers.com or 563-382-4221
Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging is hosting in-person support group meetings from 10-11 a.m., on the third Monday of each month, at NEI3A’s new office, located at 915 Short Street, suite 169, in Decorah. The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. July 15. For more information, call 563-277-6024.
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DON’T MISS AN ISSUE!
Please notify us immediately of address changes at subscribe@ decorahnewspapers.com or 563-382-4221
The Octdala, above left, and the Dala horse, both by Tara Austin, are included in the new exhibit at the Vesterheim museum. (submitted)
classes at Vesterheim in early August – “Rosemaling Boreal Plants from Scandinavia,” “Paint Your Own Dala Horse,” and “Gudbrandsdal Style Rosemaling.” Register at vesterheim.org/folk-art-school.
Austin’s work is part of a revival of rosemaling in the Upper Midwest, which builds on traditions while giving each piece contemporary reworkings. This exhibit is made possible through support from Tina Keune in memory of Russell Keune. For more information, call 563-382-9681.
Water Street stop signs won’t be made permanent following council’s split vote
By Denise Lana Staff Writer
A motion to make temporary stop signs along Water Street in Decorah permanent fixtures failed on a split vote during Monday night’s city council meeting.
The temporary stop signs were recently erected at the downtown intersections of Water Street and Washington Street as well as Water Street and Winnebago Street after the failure of a traffic signal at the Washington Street intersection.
Despite heavy positive input and support for the temporary signs at the council’s June 17 meeting, the proposed change failed on a 3-3 vote this week
— Ward 1 Council Member
Brent Parker, Ward 2 Council
Member Chris Miculinich and Ward 5 Council Member Randy Schissel each voted nay, with Council Member At Large
Emily Neal, Ward 3 Council
Member Kirsten Olsen and Ward 4 Council Member Steven Zittergruen voting in favor of the issue.
City officials said, between the June and July council meetings, employees at city hall received a single call from a resident stating they didn’t like the stop signs, but the caller was said to have not given any rea-
Temporary stop signs located on Water Street at Washington and Winnebago Streets were met with positive feedback, prompting Decorah City Council to push for permanent installation. In a surprise split decision at Monday night’s council meeting, the vote failed, with those voting against heavily citing concerns for pedestrians due to vehicles not stopping completely at a stop sign or not stopping at all. According to City Manager Travis Goedken, the temporary stop signs will be removed and the city lights will be unwrapped and put back into service in the very near future.
son as to why. Councilman Parker said he had spoken with several people who had issues with drivers
Obituaries
Robert McNew
Robert “Bob” Dean McNew, 85, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2024. The son of Ray and Thelma (Eckwall) McNew, Bob was born Feb. 19, 1939, in Fairfield. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957, Parsons College in 1961 and received his masters degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1964. He married Ann Peck on Oct. 25, 1958, in East Pleasant Plain.
Bob enjoyed 38 years as an educator and coach. He taught physical education, coached football and other sports as needed, at the Iowa communities of Humboldt, Maquoketa, South Winneshiek of Calmar, Crestwood of Howard Winneshiek in Cresco, and Lea College in Albert Lea, Minneso-
Louise T. Duwe, 84, of Mason City, died Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.
Louise Theodora Duwe, the daughter of Hugo Duwe and Selma Jermeland Duwe-Johnson of Postville, was born in Iowa City on May 6, 1940.
Louise resided at Woodward, and Decorah most of her life. Her last six years were spent at Good Shepherd in Mason City, where her mother also spent the last five years of her life.
Louise was sociable and loved hugs, enjoyed getting up early and arriving ahead of time for events and being independent. She always stated “I look like a movie star” after having her nails and hair done and applying lipstick and blush. Louise loved everything Elvis Presley including listening and dancing to his music and collecting memorabilia. She looked forward to her weekly bingo games so she could display and share her stuffed animal winnings. Camp Winnebago was a highlight each summer when living in Decorah
JOSEPH KRUEGER, 42, of Decorah, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minn. Funeral services were held Monday, July 1, at First Lutheran Church in Decorah with Rev. Michael Wilker presiding.
ta. He compared sports to the Game of Life: “It’s not if you win or lose, but how you play the game.” Teaching the “total” person was important to him, not just coaching up their athletic abilities. He was a sports enthusiast, badminton player extraordinaire, loved music and regretted not playing the piano. He was an honored member of the Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame and served a term as President of the Iowa Football Coaches Association. He proudly served in the Iowa National Guard for seven years. In retirement Bob and Ann moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, in 2001. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards, volunteering at University of Arkansas track meets and LPGA golf tournaments and church leadership as “take a knee Bob.” They
along with her participation in the Special Olympics Wartburg United Sports Day. She was proud of her volunteer job at The Depot Outlet in Decorah. Louise had a love for spaghetti, taco pizza, french fries, both pumpkin and chocolate pie and especially diet Pepsi. Attending church services was very important to Louise ever since she was a child, and she faithfully sat in the front row in later years close to her pastor and cousin LeAnn singing along with familiar hymns.
Preceding her in death were
rolling through the stop signs or not stopping at all. Councilmen Miculinich agreed with Parker, and Schissel voiced the opinion that Water Street should have consistent street lights at each intersection, adding that the lights give people a better opportunity to cross the street.
Neal voiced her frustration that no one had expressed much concern or negative feedback before the vote was taken, and Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski wondered if the proposed change would have made a difference, had the stop signs been permanently installed — she noted that, since the matter failed, the question was no longer pertinent.
In other business
City manager salary set
The council met in closed session on July 17 to consider a resolution setting the salary of Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken. Goedken, who was hired in September of 2021, received his annual performance evaluation during the session. The council voted this week to set the city manager’s annual salary at approximately $153,000, effective Juky 1. The city council voted 5-1 in support of the proposed salary. Councilman Schissel, who cast
the lone dissenting vote, said that his reasoning was voiced during last month’s closed session.
Real estate deal to correct right of way issue
City officials have agreed to pay $7,500 to purchase a portion of private land on which some city infrastructure had been placed. A portion of Decorah’s existing underground utilities as well as the road along Quarry Street near Dunning’s Spring was found to be outside the city’s right of way. The city and the private landowner reached a real estate agreement, settling on the $7,500 price tag. According to Goedken, a city water main runs under a section of private property, and a fire hydrant in that area is actually located the private property. The purchase was approved unanimously by the city council.
City updates code following reported dog bites
The city council voted 4-2 Monday to update a portion of city code, following several recent reports of dog bites from an animal which was loose.
Changes now reflect that animals which go unclaimed shall become property of the city, and the city will attempt to find
a new owner. If that attempt fails after reasonable attempts, the city, in its sole discretion, may have the animal humanely euthanized.
The code’s language was rephrased in many cases, replacing the term “disposed of” with “rehomed” and defining the term — some portions still allow the city the option to euthanize such an animal under certain circumstances. In addition, the Decorah Chief of Police will fulfill the duties city code previously assigned to the “dog warden.” Monday’s code updates also include language allowing animals to be on a retractable leash with more than 6 of length, provided the length can be shortened to 6 feet or less and the leash is strong enough to restrain a dog when held by a competent person. Councilmen Schissel and Parker voted against the code updates. Parker said he didn’t like the portions allowing euthanasia.
“We have humane societies that could take the animal,” Parker said. “There’s never been a situation where the city has been stuck with an animal, and I don’t like the idea that we have the ability to euthanize an animal.”
Schissel added that he didn’t like the idea of electronic leashes being allowed.
Northeast Iowa event to celebrate 25 years of growing lasting solutions to hunger
moved to Lexington in 2020 to be closer to family.
Bob will be greatly missed by Ann, his wife of 65 years; children: Curt (Scheila) of Eaton, Ohio, Doug (Charlotte) of Ames, and Sheri of Lexington; grandsons: Rob (Kayla), Daniel and Charles (Markee) all of New Lebanon, Ohio; and great-grandchildren: James, Bethany, Nancie Mae, Isabel, Brody, Isaac and Adalynn.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Thelma McNew.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Fairfield. Memorial contributions can be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Cards and memorials can be mailed to Ann McNew, 1783 Timber Creek Drive, Lexington, KY 40509.
her grandparents (including Theodore and Lena Jermeland of Ossian); both parents; four sisters and one brother: Joan Sloan, Sherry Owens, Helen “Sue” Knibble, Elaine Smith and Robert Duwe; two nephews: Michael Owens, Jr. and David Knibble; and 22 Jermeland cousins.
Louise is survived by her brother-in-law, Michael Owens; several nieces and nephews; aunt, LaVonne Benzing; auntin-law, Elaine Jermeland; and 26 Jermeland cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 13, at Good Shepherd Health Center Chapel, 302 2nd St. NE, Mason City, with Rev. Kent Melcher officiating. Memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd of Mason City or Opportunity Homes of Decorah.
Online condolences can be left at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory of Mason City assisted with arrangements.
Service Notice
LEWIS LECHTENBERG, 7, of Decorah, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at his home outside of Decorah. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 8, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah. Following the service there will be a reception and celebration of life at Pinter’s Event Center, 2475 IA-9, west of Decorah. Visitation will be held from 1-6 p.m., Sunday, July 7, at Decorah Lutheran Church. There will be no visitation prior to the service Monday morning.
Growing Hope Globally will hold their annual Summer Celebration in Northeast Iowa Aug. 2-3, hosted by the Winneshiek County Community of Hope and Allamakee County Corner of Hope Growing Projects. The event is a way to recognize and celebrate the contributions of communities across the United States who continue to give locally and make a glob-
al difference. Activities will include a Friday afternoon tour of the Northeast Iowa Dairy and Agricultural Center in Calmar; a Friday evening dinner and auction at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in Decorah; and a Saturday morning and afternoon event at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon, which will feature videos and speak-
ers from the programs Growing Hope Globally supports, opportunities to learn more about Growing Projects and more. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required at GrowingHopeGlobally.org/event/summer-celebration-2024.
For more information, call 509-494-9850.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Former Sunflower Child Care Center
LOCATION: 300 IA-9, DECORAH, IOWA
Parcel is approx. 3.54 acres zoned R3
Contains former childcare center building that is approx. 9,400 sq. ft. Real estate and building sold in as is, where is condition with no representations being made by the seller. Possession will be given on or before Oct. 25, 2024.
BUYER INSPECTION + WALK THRU
Building and real estate available for inspection and walk-through by appointment only from
JULY 10 - JULY 24
To schedule, contact Sunflower Child Care Center representative Merlene Brown at 563-379-5884.
OPEN HOUSE
walk-through and inspections
SATURDAY, JULY 13
SATURDAY, JULY 20 10:00AM – 12:00PM
No appointments necessary
Buyers are to submit sealed cash bids, with no contingencies, to the law offices of Putnam, Thompson & Casper, 801 Commerce Drive, Decorah, Iowa, by 12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
Bids will be opened by the Sunflower Board of Directors on Aug. 13, 2024, and the three highest bidders will be contacted by Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 to inquire as to any interest in increasing said bid(s), and if so, shall offer the three highest bidders until Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, by 12 p.m. to increase any prior bid.
The Board of Directors shall accept the highest final bid and a standard Iowa Bar Association Purchase Agreement to be reviewed and fully executed by all parties on or before Aug. 30, 2024.
Terms of the purchase shall include payment of 10% earnest money at the time Purchase Agreement being executed, to be held in trust by seller’s attorney, Jeremy L. Thompson, of the law office of Putnam, Thompson & Casper, P.L.L.C., and balance of purchase price to be paid on or before Oct. 25, 2024.
Seller reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Louise Duwe
Louise Duwe
One fatality in Winneshiek County accident
Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal accident June 29 on Iowa Highway 9 East near Ridgeway.
Rodney Carlson, 78, of Hanover Park, Illinois, was found dead at the scene of the accident. According to investigating officers, the sheriff’s office received a 911 call from a motorist at 1:02 p.m. reporting a vehicle running off the road and disappearing into the ditch on Highway 9 near 260th Ave. The caller remained at the scene to
assist deputies in the search for the vehicle and driver. According to the officer’s report, the wrecked vehicle, a 2004 Toyota SUV, could not be seen from the roadway. Upon further investigation, the SUV was found rolled over onto its roof. The driver had been ejected from the vehicle. The witness at the scene said he was westbound on Highway 9 when he saw the black SUV pass him at a high rate of speed. The witness stated he believed he was driving
60 MPH when the SUV passed him. The witness also stated that once the SUV passed him and merged back into the westbound lane of traffic, the SUV began swerving in front of him. The witness stated there were no other vehicles on Highway 9 when the car entered the ditch. Emergency vehicles remained on the scene to search for any other possible passengers, and officers later confirmed there was no other passengers.
Winneshiek County Fair’s open dairy show cancelled due to low participation
By Zach Jensen Staff Writer
Winneshiek County Fair officials have made the decision to cancel this year’s open dairy show. The fair made the announcement Monday, July 1 in a social media post, saying the dairy show was canceled due to low entry numbers as well as fears associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — often called bird flu.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture announced approximately one month ago that bird flu had been detected in dairy herds in O’Brien and Sioux counties. Since then, the virus has also been found in Sac, Plymouth and Cherokee counties.
Auxiliary Winneshiek County Fair Board Member Dave Lyons, longtime coordinator of the open dairy show, emphasized the main reason for not having the open dairy show this year is because of the low number of entries.
“There’s just less dairy,” Lyons said Monday afternoon. “There are fewer dairy farms, and that means there are low numbers. It just isn’t feasible.”
As of press time, this year’s Winneshiek County Fair 4-H and Pee Wee dairy shows are still slotted to take place at their scheduled times.
year’s
Ted Schrandt Memorial Barrel Race
July 13
The Ted Schrandt Memorial Barrel Race will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 13, during the Winneshiek County Fair.
The competition, open to men and women, will also include peewee jackpot barrels. The event’s 4-D barrel race benefits the Pony Express Riders of Iowa.
For more information, call Edna Schrandt at 563-3822019.
Decorah Class of 1979 to reunite in September
The Decorah High School Class of 1979 will celebrate its 45th reunion Sept. 20-21 in Decorah.
Classmates teachers and friends of the class are invited to meet at Whalen Cabin at Phelps Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 20. Then, from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, classmates, teachers and friends are invited to King Pin Entertainment Center, 400 Heivly St., Decorah.
For more information, call or text Doris at 319-361-4034.
Tau Delta Gamma donation supports WCCOL
The Winneshiek County Celebration of Life, a nonprofit serving and supporting community members diagnosed and treating cancer, as well as prevention through free mammograms, is a worthy cause to say the least. The Tau Delta Gamma Sorority at Luther College has a long-standing tradition of supporting WCCOL through their annual “Pink Night” fundraiser held at Impact Coffee, which in 2023 featured musical performances, silent auction items and more. The event raised a total of $850 earmarked for WCCOL support of the Fuel and Food program. The 2024 Pink Night event is scheduled for Nov. 2.
“I am so impressed with this amazing group of young women. They have been a part of WCCOL for years. They know our mission and care so deeply about us and the community,” said Margaret Walter, WCCOL Board President.
Mirroring the Tau Delta Gamma mission of the importance of sisterhood, the annual Pink Night supports the larger
Pictured are members of Luther College’s Sorority Tau Delta Gamma’s at 2023 Pink Night held at Impact Coffee in Decorah. The annual event raised $850 which was recently donated to local nonprofit Winneshiek County Celebration of Life. Back row l-r- Eva Anderson, Maggie Callanan, Sara De La Rosa, Maggie Bruck, Alana Newell, Ella Runestad; Front row- Irelyn Baumberger, Channing Cade, Mckinley Leinweber, Jessica Droessler (submitted)
community in a time of need and supports their healing. “We appreciate you ladies [WCCOL] for all of the work that
you do in the community. We are blessed to help you guys in any way that we can,” said 2024 TDG president Alana Newell.
Tau Delta Gamma, established in 1955, is the only social Greek club to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rotary District 5970 announces scholars
Rotary District 5970, along with incoming District Governor Shannon Duncan of Decorah, recently announced two outbound Rotary Global Scholars. The scholars are Lela Udry, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dubuque and Hallie Johnson, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Decorah.
Candidates undergo an intensive application and review process to ensure their graduate studies abroad align with one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus.
In addition, candidates must be willing to be ambassadors for Rotary in the countries in which they study with an expectation they remain lifetime advocates of Rotary.
Johnson, who earned a Bachelor of Arts at Luther College majoring in English and Nordic studies, will complete a master’s degree in comparative education and international development/international education at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland. She
will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Portobello. Her area of focus is basic education and literacy.
The mission of The Rotary Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, is the advancement of world understanding, goodwill and peace. Rotary builds international relationships, improves lives, and creates a better world to support peace efforts and end polio. Rotary does all this by promoting worldwide peace; fighting diseases;
candidates
Youth Beef Team. Alayna is involved in high school and club volleyball and trapshooting. She is a member of the Co-Champions 4-H club, South Winneshiek FFA Chapter, the Winneshiek County Saddle Club and Youth Beef Team. Alayna enjoys being outdoors with family and friends, working with her fair animals, attending fairs (especially county fairs), going to cattle sales, hunting and fishing, playing volleyball, helping around the farm, ranger riding and riding horses. In the future, Alayna plans to go to a community college to pursue something in the ag field. She also wants to grow her own beef herd and have a cow/calf operation.
Annika Schmelzer
Annika Schmelzer is the 16-year-old daughter of David and Jennifer Schmelzer of Ridgeway. She will be a junior at Decorah High School this fall. Annika is a mentor for younger students and a coach for youth volleyball during the summer. She holds academic honors in school and competes in track and field. Annika is the treasurer for the Lincoln Leaders 4-H Club and a member of the Decorah FFA Chapter where she serves as a chairperson. She volunteers for many different activities in both clubs as well as at the Ridgeway Peace Lutheran Church and Youth Group. Annika enjoys playing volleyball and has participated in Just for Kix Dance and basketball. She enjoys working with and showing dairy cattle, reading, spending time outdoors, hunting and finishing with family. Her favorite place to spend time is at her family dairy farm, helping her dad. In the future, Annika plans to pursue a career in either healthcare or agriculture. She would like to go to college at either Iowa State University or the University of Iowa. She wants to raise her family here in Winneshiek County and always make time to help on the family farm whenever possible.
Eden Scheidel
Eden Scheidel is the 16-yearold daughter of Tony and Meghan Scheidel of Decorah.
providing clean water; sanitation and hygiene care; securing maternal and child health care; supporting basic education and growing local economies and supporting the environment.
Rotary Global Grant Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the 202526 academic year. For details, visit district5970.org or contact Global Grant Scholarship Chair Chris Lindell at KiwicoYee@ mac.com.
She will be a junior at Decorah High School this fall. Eden is part of the Decorah High School Robotics team, competes in track and field, is a Nordic Fest volunteer and is part of the Decorah High School Strength and Conditioning Program. She is the vice president of the Decorah FFA Chapter, in which she holds many awards. Eden is the club STEM officer and member of the Decorah Chiefs 4-H Club and loves to volunteer during fair week with her club. She is also a member of the Winneshiek 4-H County Council and the Winneshiek County 4-H Horse Lease Group. Eden’s hobbies include riding/showing/judging horses, track and robotics, floriculture and plants, tending to chickens and ducks and helping with the family business, Canoe Cluckery. She also enjoys participating in FFA competitions, weightlifting, car shows and swap meets, playing video games and building Lego models. In the future, Eden plans to
attend Iowa State University for a bachelor’s degree in Large Animal Sciences specializing in equine. She may also minor in horticulture.
Ellie Knutson
Ellie is the 17-year-old daughter of Leah Knutson of Spillville. She will be a senior at South Winneshiek High School this fall. Ellie loves to volunteer at many church events and events at St. Teresa of Calcutta. She wants to be a role model for younger kids because she used to look up to them as she was growing up. Ellie is the resident of the Prairie Shooting Stars 4-H Club and is an active member of the South Winneshiek FFA Chapter. She is a member of the St. Wenceslaus Parish in Spillville and enjoys helping out with various events. Ellie’s hobbies include hanging out with friends and family and driving around listening to music. She likes to go on “sweet treat” runs with her friends or brother. She likes helping her grandpa on the farm and playing with the animals. Ellie’s family is very into water sports, and she enjoys surfing, tubing, skiing and more. In the future, Ellie plans to attend Iowa State University for ag business and animal science. Her goal is to find a job that helps farmers. She is inspired by seeing how much hard work her grandpa puts into his job and how much joy he gets out of it.
Jerikah Dodd
Jerikah Dodd is the 16-yearold daughter of Austin and Marcie Dodd of Decorah. She will be a junior at Decorah High School this fall. Jerikah participates in volleyball, track, strength and conditioning, Decorah FFA, club volleyball, orchestra and Silver Cord through DHS. She is currently working with the fair board manager to bring Bacon Buddies to the Winneshiek County Fair, and she is excited for it to expand in the years to come. Jerikah has received numerous awards and honors throughout high school, 4-H and FFA. She is currently the secretary and treasurer for the Decorah Chiefs 4-H Club, in which she enjoys showing cattle and swine at the county and state fair. Jerikah is also a very active member of her church where she teaches Sunday School and participates in the youth group throughout the year. Jerikah enjoys spending time with friends and family, camping, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming and enjoying the outdoors. In the summer, she spends a lot of time with her heifer and pigs to get them ready for the fair. Jerikah loves to read, play guitar and cello and play pickleball. She enjoys being involved in sports, and she cheers on her siblings at all their events as well. In the future, Jerikah will continue her involvement in her activities and will continue holding offices in her clubs. She hasn’t decided where she will go to college or what she wants to study, but she knows she wants to do something where she is helping people — like becoming a nurse or veterinarian.
Pictured is Stacy Kraabel of Cashton, Wisconsin, granddaughter of Ted and Edna Schrandt. (submitted)
This
Winneshiek County Fair open dairy show was cancelled primarily due to lack of enough participation. (file photo)
Echoes of the Past By
Ice delivery men are happy again
EIGHTY YEARS AGO: It’s an emergency in Decorah! The delivery of ice has been ruled a local emergency and permission to continue employment of workers as being in an essential industry was arranged by War Manpower Commissioner J.B. Stevenson. Stevenson oversees the Decorah office. He reports that now the icemen and the ice users are happy again.
..For many years, the Decorah Chamber of Commerce and Winneshiek Hotel have paid $10 a month for service of the Noecker Cab Company so that representatives of wholesale firms living in Decorah, (traveling men and the public) could leave their mail as late as 11 p.m. with the Noecker Cab office in the hotel and have it delivered to Calmar for the train. The chamber has discontinued paying for this service.
…Meet up with friends under the fan at The Barbecue in Decorah. Draft and bottled beer, hot lunches, sandwiches, cigarettes, ice cream, state road, West Decorah.
…Because of the war shortage of ministers, Mrs. Frances Bartter, wife of Rev. Barrter of the Decorah Church, will be ordained as a Congregational pas-
tor herself in the coming weeks over at Waucoma. She accepted the invitation of the folks of Waucoma to serve them. She said she considers her pastorship a war job, and she plans to return to being a housewife and mother full-time after the war.
…The city has been issued a reminder that public swimming is unsafe in the gravel pits south of the fairgrounds and in all of the unsupervised bathing areas in the area. The water contains alarming quantities of bacteria dangerous to human beings.
SEVENTY YEARS AGO:
More than 500 folks turned out seeking relief form the heat and humidity at the Decorah Municipal Pool last week.
…Candidates are being announced for the popular annual Miss Decorah Pageant. The first two contestants are Miss Joyce Westby and Miss Shirley Blekeberg.
…Pinebluff 4-H Camp has named Ken Vinge as the summer director. Youth assistant this year is Arthur Little.
SIXTY YEARS AGO: Area
BY SRF FUNDING. The
of
was
(DNR) for
clusion from NEPA
The
(Code of
in
by
criteria described in the above reference, and it was determined that this project is eligible for a categorical exclusion. Consequently, a preliminary decision has been made that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) will not be prepared. This action is taken on the basis of a careful review of supporting information that is on file at the DNR’s Des Moines, Iowa office. The Categorical Exclusion documentation for this project is available online at https:// www.iowasrf.com/environmental-review/ . The DNR will not take any administrative action on the project for at least thirty (30) calendar days from the publication of this Notice. Persons disagreeing with the above environmental decision may submit comments to SRF-PC@dnr.iowa.gov during this period. For further information, please contact James Boatright at James.Boatright@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-782-2473. Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion July 4, 2024
RIDGEWAY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 24, 2024 The Ridgeway City Council met in special session June 24, 2024, at the Ridgeway Community Center, at 4:30 p.m. with Mayor Schnur calling the meeting to order. Council persons present were: Linderbaum, Engelhardt, Schnur. Absent: Novotny and Hauber. Engelhardt made a Motion to approve the consent agenda, minutes, and claims, seconded by Schnur. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. Estimates for the removal of two dead Ash trees at the park by the former school were reviewed and discussed. A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Schnur to hire Total Tree Care with a bid of $1,200.00 to remove the trees. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. Estimates for the repair for damages to the City cold storage building were reviewed and discussed. A Motion was made by Schnur, seconded by Linderbaum to hire Kauffman Konstruction with the lowest bid of $3,034.00 to do the repair work. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. The next City meeting will be July 9, 2024, at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Commu-
stockcar racers have been given the green flag by the Winneshiek County Fair Board to start races here, and then they promptly threw them a yellow flag. The board gave approval to conducting races, provided the racers would supply necessary labor to get the track in proper condition. The track itself needs to be widened, a retaining wall needs to be built, and lighting needs to be improved.
…Decorah’s new golf course is a five-hole instructional course set up near Thomas Roberts School.
…Hotel Winneshiek is serving up a nice Sunday buffet this summer. All-you-can-eat price is $1.75 for adults and $1 for children.
FIFTY YEARS AGO: The Oneota Players of Decorah are presenting the play “A Streetcar Named Desire” in Ye Old Cowbarn Theatre.
…Extensive damage has been reported at North Winneshiek School after strong winds tore gashes in the roof last week. The winds toppled a 100-foot two-way bus radio tower at the school and the classrooms were waterlogged and pelted with debris.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JURISDICTION OF CITY OF DECORAH
Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project Public Hearing on Proposed Contract Documents and Estimated Costs for Improvement. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: You are hereby given notice that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Decorah on the proposed contract documents and proposed improvements for the Dry Run Creek WQI Wetland Project at its meeting at 5:45 P.M. on July 15, 2024, at City Hall in Decorah, Iowa.
The public hearing may be attended virtually using the meeting information provided in this notice and as posted in the City of Decorah City Council agenda. The meeting can be joined virtually by computer or smartphone at: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/89812339783?pwd=A1aoFqsxbF4vYK7MrH1JwiprCNiWtY.1 Meeting ID: 898 1233 9783 Passcode: 002907 The scope of the project includes site preparation and clearing, excavation and grading, storm sewer piping and structures, revetment, and erosion controls. The project location(s) is as follows: West 1.5 miles along IA Hwy 9 from the intersection of IA Hwy 9 and US Hwy 52 then south 0.25 miles to project site located in the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter in Section 30, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., all in Winneshiek County, Iowa. At the meeting the City Council will consider the plans, specifications, cost estimate, and contract proposals. The City Council will also act upon the contract proposals and decide whether to enter into a contract for the project improvements. Any person(s) interested may attend the meeting for the purpose of expressing their opinion regarding the plans, specifications, cost estimate, or the contract proposals. This Notice is given by authority of the City of Decorah. /s/ Keri Sand Keri Sand, City Clerk-Finance Officer Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion July 4, 2024
This vintage photograph of the bandstand in Spillville is from that community’s historic archives. In the spring of 1919, the town decided to honor World War I veterans with a Soldiers & Sailors Memorial. The construction of the bandstand was the first project of a newly-formed Civic Improvement Association in the community.
for $2.70. Fridays only!
1984
FORTY YEARS AGO: A new exhibit at the local Norwegian Museum exemplifies the feelings of family towards their “New Homeland” through diaries, photographs and records of Abraham Jacobson who arrived in America as a child in 1848.
…Erickson-Wangsness Photography is once again sponsoring the annual Colorful Cutie Contest. Winners are Dustin Tieskoetter of Calmar; Pamela Sabelka of Lawler; and Jamie Jackson of Cresco.
…From the society pages of 1984: Renee Meyer and Jim Lillibridge have announced their engagement. They will wed Sept. 8 in Wykoff, Minnesota.
2004 1994
THIRTY YEARS AGO: Local law enforcement has been given a description of the man who attacked a 23-year-old Decorah woman while she walked on the bike trail near Twin Bridges the other evening.
…Luther College has received a base bid of $4.7 million from a Winona company for construction of the new F.W. Olin Hall on campus.
…K&S Super Valu has some great summer bargains: round steak for $1.39 per pound; a pound of pea salad for $1.69; and California peaches for 59 cents per pound.
…Stop at T-Bocks on West Water Street for a mushroom Swiss burger and potato salad
TWENTY YEARS AGO: Cody Schweinefus of Decorah has won medalist honors in the Junior PGA tour.
…Nikki Brevig is the new head of the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.
…In action last week, the name of Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital has been changed to Winneshiek Medical Center.
…The play “Camelot” is this summer’s New Minowa Players musical production.
…Little Miss Calmar for 2004 is Abby Hageman.
2014
TEN YEARS AGO: Josie Ryan, age 11, is the new 2014 Little Miss Laura. She was crowned at Laura Day celebration recently in Burr Oak.
…Winneshiek County flood damage to roads, bridges and box culverts is approaching $300,000 following a storm over the weekend.
…Magpie Coffeehouse is moving to Water Street from the current location on Winnebago Street. The coffee shop will be in the former Back Home Bakery building.
…KD Rae Jewelry is now owned by Brent and Rachael Buresh of Decorah.
Goltz went on to say many employees expressed support for Slessor upon learning of the upcoming changes.
“I got so many texts from employees and department heads that said ‘Please maintain the leadership structure that we have, with Steve Slessor as our lead administrator. I’ve never worked in a place more dedicated, more caring, more involved, more focused than WinnMed, and I don’t want that to change.’
My phone was blasting with positive comments, so I feel very good about this,” Goltz said.
Goltz added he expects Slessor and his current management team will stay on as WinnMed’s
Winneshiek Sheriff
Deputies responded to a resident on South Main Street in Spillville 1:42 a.m. June 29 for a disturbance. Kelly Miller-Hansen, age 30, of Spillville, was arrested and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail for simple misdemeanor domestic abuse assault, first offense.
leadership team. But also coming to an end is the PSA through which Mayo employs some of WinnMed’s physicians.
“These are Mayo physicians,” Goltz explained. “Over the next year, before July of 2025, those physicians will have to make some choices. Do they want to remain a Mayo-affiliated physician and still work in Decorah? Do they want to work as a Mayo physician and go someplace else in the Mayo system? Or, do they want to transfer over and be a WinnMed physician?”
Goltz said Mayo physicians currently employed at WinnMed may choose to become WinnMed physicians, adding he
Christopher Mincks, age 51, of Postville, was cited for failure to yield upon making a left turn following an accident June 27 on Centennial Road and 170th Street. Mincks was reportedly southbound on Centennial Road and began to make a left-hand turn onto 170th Street. The driver advised that he was not paying attention when he made the turn into the path of a northbound vehicle driven by Michael Hageman, age 26, of Clermont. Damage to the 2010 Dodge SUV Mincks was driving was estimated at $10,000. An estimated $10,000 in damage was reported to the 2006 Pontiac coupe driven by Hageman. Mincks refused medical treatment. Hageman and his passenger, 27-year-old Linzie Hageman of Clermont, were transported by ambulance to WinnMed emergency room for treatment.
Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office responded to an accident June 27 on Quandahl Road. A vehicle driven by 16-year-old Yoseph Ko of Decorah was traveling east on Quandahl Road when the vehicle approached a slight bend in the road and crossed the centerline, began sliding and went into the westbound ditch. The vehicle flipped on its roof and caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the vehicle. The skid marks showed the vehicle drifted to the left and lost control and subsequently entered the ditch.
Tyler Bullerman, age 21, of Decorah, was cited for failure to have control following an accident June 20 on Quandahl Road. Investigating officers report Bullerman’s vehicle was westbound on Quandahl Road, and after taking a curve wide, the vehicle drove onto the opposite side of the road, continuing towards the edge of road, and dropping off the side of the road, causing the vehicle to roll into the creek. The vehicle came to rest on the driver’s side, after rolling down a steep hill. Approximately $30,000 in damage was reported to his 2015 Chev-
feels they like the company and the community, and they appreciate the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System. Goltz also said Mayo is working with WinnMed to allow longtime Mayo physicians employed at WinnMed to continue as Mayo physicians at WinnMed until their retirement.
“WinnMed is in a strong position to employ the existing leaders and pursue its goals independently,” Mayo’s Regional Vice President Dr. Robert Albright Jr. said in a statement.
“We appreciate and value the history of this partnership, and we look forward to collaborating to ensure patients in and around Decorah continue to re-
ceive high-quality care.”
Goltz emphasized that the end of the affiliation will have no effect on WinnMed’s current $10 million expansion project.
“The building project has nothing to do with financing from Mayo,” he said. “That is a WinnMed facility project.”
Goltz said the only foreseeable challenge that comes as a result of the separation is the loss of the Mayo brand. He said new physicians and employees may have been attracted to the Mayo name, and being affiliated with Mayo meant WinnMed had more purchasing power.
“There are lot of changes in healthcare,” Goltz said. “It’s all over the place. It is different.
Law Enforcement
rolet Silverado pick-up.
According to investigating officers, Farmers Winn Cooperative feed truck driven by 59-year-old Patrick Gossman of Cresco, was negotiating a left curve while northbound on Highway 139 on June 27. The driver failed to stay on the roadway, dipping the front right tire of the truck onto a steep dirt shoulder. The truck entered the ditch and rolled, causing the feed to be spilled out of the top hatch. The vehicle stopped and rested on the driver’s side. The driver reportedly had minor injuries and the Cresco Ambulance responded at the scene. He refused medical transport to the hospital. Damage totaled an estimated $55,000.
Kaleb Wikert, age 24, of Decorah, was arrested in Fayette County June 25 and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail on two arrest warrants for violation of probation. While incarcerated in the Winneshiek County Jail, Wikert also was issued a summons to appear for serious misdemeanor driving while license revoked from an incident on June 23.
Francis Martinek, age 54, of
Cresco, was transported from Chickasaw County to the Winneshiek County Jail June 24 where he was arrested and booked on an arrest warrant for violation of pre-trial supervision.
Osvaldo Sanchez Tecpile, age 21, of Melrose, Wisconsin, was arrested on June 25 along Highway 9 in Decorah and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for failure to appear.
Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office was called to an accident June 25 on County Road B32. A vehicle driven by 44-year-old Alyssa Vondersitt of Fort Atkinson was eastbound on County Road B32. Vondersitt lost control in the 2400 block, dropping off onto the gravel shoulder then entering the ditch. Investigators reported the vehicle appeared to ride the slope of the ditch around the corner for a short duration. While doing so, the vehicle rolled approximately 3.5 times coming to a rest on the driver’s side. The driver said she didn’t remember what happened prior to the accident, but remembers waking up to a good Samaritan trying to help her out of the vehicle. She was transported to the
said area patients can rest assured that the county hospital will continue providing the same level of care and services. (File photo)
It’s a surprise that it happened now, but I don’t see anything changing on services and the quality of care we’re providing.
There really is nothing to be concerned about, because the physicians and the level of care will remain the same.”
emergency room at WinnMed. Damages totaled $6,000 to the 2002 Chevy Tahoe SUV.
Police Dept.
Decorah Police investigated a child abuse report that occurred in the Decorah city limits on June 27. After the investigation was conducted, police arrested 36-year-old Edward Orr of Decorah for child endangerment (physical abuse). Orr was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail without incident. Decorah Police Officers contacted a parked vehicle in the Will Baker parking lot at 1:49 a.m. June 30, after the posted parking hours. Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, police detected the odor of marijuana emitting from inside of the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted which resulted in police finding 147 grams of marijuana, pipes, and a digital scale. Police arrested 21-year-old Brady Torgerson of Decorah, for possession of marijuana, first offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to affix a drug stamp. Torgerson was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail without incident.
Kindergarten Teacher
The Decorah Police Department and Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to Walmart on at 7:42 p.m. June 29 in response to a loss prevention employee reporting subjects pushing carts of merchandise out of the store without paying. Officers located 32-year-old Graham Ness from French Island, Wisconsin, near a vehicle with a car load of unpaid merchandise, and the rear seat of his vehicle filled with unpaid Walmart merchandise. Ness was arrested for the theft of $970.48 worth of merchandise from Walmart. An accomplice of Ness’ had fled the scene prior to police arrival. During the investigation, Ness provided false information to officers regarding his identity. Ness was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail and booked for third degree theft and providing false identification information to police. This is an active investigation.
Garage Sale
St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, IA is seeking a full time Kindergarten teacher for the 24-25 school year. A State of Iowa teaching certificate is required. If interested please contact Steve Haluska at shaluska@st-ben.pvt.k12.ia.us or contact the school at 563-382-4668.
•
•
• Accompany
Chorus (1st period), which includes 40-minute sessions on Mondays and Thursdays, a 40-minute session every other week on Wednesdays, and 30 minutes of preparation time. This totals approximately 2 - 2.5 hours per week.
• Accompany the Ninth Grade Choir (2nd period) in performances and the final three classes/rehearsals before a concert.
REQUIREMENTS
• Collaborate with the Vocal Music Teacher to enhance the learning experience for students and ensure successful performances.
• Adapt to various musical styles and prepare open scores and piano accompaniments.
• Additional playing opportunities with the fall musical and spring solo and small ensemble clinic and state festival. RESPONSIBILITIES
• Attend and perform in all scheduled concerts and performances.
• Proven experience as a collaborative pianist, preferably within a school or choral setting.
• Knowledge of a wide range of musical styles
WinnMed announced last week it will not be renewing its Management Services and Professional Services Agreements with Mayo Clinic in July 2025. However, WinnMed Board of Trustees Chair Clark Goltz
Busta’s slam lifts TV to win
As the season winds down the Turkey Valley baseball team (9-14, 8-9 UIC) picked up a pair of wins last week at home before starting the final week of the regular season at home Monday versus Kee.
Home Monday
Take away the third inning and the Turkey Valley baseball team (9-15, 8-10 UIC) was in a battle for the win against Kee (22-10, 11-5 UIC) at home Monday night.
The Hawks plated one in the first, but the difference in the game came in the third as the Trojans gave up five runs. Kee added two in the fourth and led 8-0 before Turkey Valley found a rhythm. The Trojans loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth two score twice. One run in the bottom of the seventh cut the comeback short as TV fell, 8-3.
It was a nine-hit game for Turkey Valley with Oliver Schmitt leading the way as he went 3-for-4. Russell Nieman and Logan Busta also had multi-hit games with Braylen Byrne and Jordan Kriener coming up with a single.
Six Trojans climbed the hill looking to throw the right stuff at Kee batters with Nieman shouldering the loss.
innings as Logan Busta and Caleb Kurtenbach were left on base on singles. The Trojans got a run in the fifth after Kurtenbach knocked out his second hit of the game, stole second and moved to third on Braylen Byrne’s bunt. A single by Alex Hanson drove Kurtenbach in to score and give the Trojans the slim 1-0 lead. It was the top of the seventh when Clarksville evened the playing field on a walk, pair of stolen bases and a sacrifice hit forcing the extra frame. A walk issued to Jayden Rausch turned out to be the Indians’ downfall as the freshman stole second and scored on Russell Nieman’s single in the bottom of the eighth.
“We got great pitching from Hunter Kruse and Alex Hanson and the defense was solid once again,” said Coach Dan Stepan.
Hunter Kruse worked the mound for seven innings, giving up one earned run on five hits and rung up seven. Alex Hanson got the win as he threw for the final frame.
Kurtenbach had two of the Trojans’ six hits, while Nieman, Busta and Hanson came through with one apiece.
Alex Hanson (WP) – 1IP, 1BB; Hunter Kruse (SP) – 7IP, 1R, 5H,
comes up
Russell Nieman (LP) – 2-2/3IP, 6R, 8H, 2BB, 2K; Alex Hanson (RP) –1/3IP, 2R, 2H, 1BB; Hunter Kruse (RP) – 1IP, 1H, 1BB, 3K; Caleb Kurtenbach (RP) – 1IP, 1H, 1K; Braylen Byrne (RP) – 1IP, 2BB; JD Kruse (RP) – 1IP, 2H, 1K 1B – Oliver Schmitt 3; Nieman 2; Logan Busta 2; Byrne 1; Jordan Kriener 1; RBI – Byrne 1
Non-conference Wednesday night the Trojans were locked into a defensive battle with Clarksville (1-171) at home with only a handful of players on the base paths. It took an extra inning, but Turkey Valley came away with the 2-1 victory.
Turkey Valley had just two base runners in the first four
2BB, 6K 1B – Caleb Kurtenbach 2; Russell Nieman 1; Logan Busta 1; Hanson 1; RBI – Nieman 1; Hanson 1; SB – Kurtenbach 1; Hanson 1; Jayden Rausch 1
UIC split
Thursday was an exciting night of competition in Jackson Junction as the Trojans hosted Clayton Ridge-Central (8-15, 8-9 UIC) which ended in a split conference twinbill.
Leading off game one with a double, the WarEagles scored the first run on a pass ball in the top of the first. Clayton Ridge-Central added a second tally in the third, while limited the Trojans’ opportunities on the bases. On the Trojans’ final at-bat, back-to-back-to back
Alex Hanson was one of six Trojans to throw Monday against Kee. (Photo by Becky Walz)
singles by Jordan Kriener, Hanson and Nieman loaded the bases to set up Logan Busta for the game-winning grand slam and the TV win, 4-2.
Nieman and Busta combined for the seven innings with Nieman earning the win.
With the bats warmed up, game two saw more offense, base runners and scoring. Once again Clayton Ridge-Central scored a run before the Trojans countered with a pair of their own in the first. A WarEagle run in the second and third led to six in the fourth and a 9-2 lead. The Trojans began to climb their way out of the hole with one run scored by Kriener on a sac fly by Hanson in the fourth and three more runs in the fifth. Trailing 10-7 into the bottom of the seventh, TV was looking to shock the WarEagles and fans again; however, the Trojans managed just two runs before running out of steam to fall, 109.
Climbing the hill for the Trojans were Oliver Schmitt, JD Kruse and Byrne. TV rapped out 17 hits in the contest with Busta going 3-for4, including a double and one RBI. Kurtenbach was 3-for-4 as well, while Byrne had two hits and one RBI. Hanson had a multi-hit game and drove in two runs.
CR-C
Nieman (WP) – 1IP, 1H; Busta (SP) – 6IP, 2R, 6H, 2BB, 7K HR – Busta 1; 2B – Busta 1; 1B –Nieman 1; Hanson, Jordan Kriener 1; RBI – Busta 1; SB – Hanson 1
CR-C 1 1 1 6 0 1 0 10 13 3 TV 2 0 0 1 3 1 2 9 17 3
Oliver Schmitt (LP) – 3-2/3IP, 9R, 9H, 2BB, 3K; Braylen Byrne (RP) –1-2/3IP, 1H, 1BB, 1K; JD Kruse (RP) – 2IP, 1R, 3H, 1K 2B – Busta 1; Kriener 1; 1B –Kurtenbach 3; Busta 2; Byrne 2; Hanson 2; Nieman 1; Schmitt 1; Aidan Holthaus 1; JD Kruse 1; H. Kruse 1; Kriener 1; RBI – Hanson 2; Busta 1; Holthaus 1; JD Kruse 1; H. Kruse 1; Kriener 1
Split UIC twinbill for Lady Trojans
A road trip to Maynard gave the Turkey Valley softball team (7-19, 7-7 UIC) a conference split with West Central (8-12, 8-6 UIC) Wednesday. Friday’s non-conference game versus Riceville was cancelled due to weather. This week kicked off with a hard-hitting Sumner-Fredericksburg squad that the Trojans’ just could not keep pace with.
Three hits
Class 3A No. 7 SumnerFredericksburg (29-3) showed its talent to the Turkey Valley softball team (7-20, 7-7 UIC) Monday as the Cougars routed the Trojans, 10-0. S-F scored in each of the five innings, while holding the Trojans back, giving up just three hits in the contest. Karstyn Lukes, Autumn Maklenburg and Annika Bodensteiner knocked out a single apiece for Turkey Valley. Bodensteiner was saddled with the loss on the pitcher’s mound, giving up seven earned runs on 11 hits.
Split decision
It took a couple of big innings for the Lady Trojans to secure the game one victory as Turkey Valley plated four runs in the third and five in the fifth. One more in the sixth was an insurance run as the Blue Devils pushed one home in the fourth and six in the fifth. West Central got another run in the bottom of the seventh before the Trojans shut down the comeback to win, 10-8.
Annika Bodensteiner gave up three earned runs on eight hits while striking out six for the win. In the batter’s box, six different Trojans pounded the ball for hits with Morgan Vsetecka knocking out a pair of doubles and driving in a run. Autumn Maklenburg had one hit and two RBI while Bodensteiner drove in one on her single. Others connecting with the ball were Karstyn Lukes, Jenna Throndson and Delaney Busta. The bases were busy in game two as the UIC squads combined for 25 runs as West Central defeated the Trojans 15-10. Striking with four in the second and eight in the fourth gave the Blue Devils a 12-4 lead as TV managed one run in the third and three in the fourth. The Trojans narrowed the score to
SW softball wins seven straight
Picking up a pair of UIC wins on the road over Clayton Ridge (7-10, 7-7 UIC) Monday, combined with the sweep of Kee last week, the South Winn softball team (19-11, 14-0 UIC) remains alone at the top of the league.
Monday night
The Warriors collected 29 hits in the doubleheader where both games ended early by mercy rule.
SW drove in three runs in the first frame of game one to promptly take the lead and display dominance, giving up just one in the bottom of the same inning. Following a scoreless second, the Warriors went back to work, plating two in the third, four in the third and five in the fifth to win 14-2.
Combining for the five innings were Aubree Gesing and Bailey Kuennen.
Seven Warriors combined for 17 hits in game one. Addison Timp and Britney Hageman went 4-for-4 at the plate with Hageman pounding out a double and driving in three. Alyssa Holthaus and Avery Humpal knocked out two extra base hits apiece.
Game two took just three innings for South Winn to wrap up what may have looked like another batting practice in the 14-0 shutout. The Warriors put up three in the opening stanza then rotated through the line-up for an 11-run third.
Gesing picked up the win, giving up no hits.
Hageman was a powerhouse in the batter’s box with three hits, highlighted by a home run while collecting six RBI. Holthaus also slammed one out of the park and had two RBI. Humpal got on with a triple with Adrienne Winings and Chloe Wiltgen had a pair of hits each.
R H
SW 3 0 2 4 5 x x 14 17
CR 1 0 0 0 1 x x 2 2
Aubree Gesing (WP) – 3IP, 1H, 6K; Bailey Kuennen (SP) – 2IP, 1R, 1H, 2BB, 3K 2B – Alyssa Holthaus 2; Avery Humpal 2; Britney Hageman 1; 1B – Addison Timp 4; Hageman 3; Chloe Wiltgen 2; Izzy Kuboushek 2; Adrienne Winings 1; RBI –Hageman 3; Holthaus 2; Humpal 2; Wiltgen 2; Alyssa Timp 2; Winings 1; Rachel Meyer 1; SB – Ad. Timp 2; Winings 1; Holthaus 1; Kiara Bullerman 1
R H
SW 3 0 11 x x x x 14 12
CR 0 0 0 x x x x 0 0
Gesing (WP) – 3IP, 2BB, 1K
HR – Holthaus 1; Hageman 1; 3B - Humpal 1; 1B – Winings 2; Hageman 2; Wiltgen 2; Ad. Timp 1; Al. Timp 1; Aubrey Willey 1; RBI – Hageman 6; Holthaus 2; Wiltgen 2; Winings 1; Humpal 1; Al. Timp 1; Willey 1; SB – Ad. Timp 3; Winings 1; Holthaus 1; Al. Timp 1
Thrillers
13-10 in the top of the sixth; however, two West Central runs in the bottom of the same frame led to a scoreless TV seventh. Suffering the loss with two earned runs on two hits was Lukes as she went 2-2/3 innings in the circle. Bodensteiner and Courtney Ball also pitched for the Trojans.
It was a five-hit game for the Trojans with Busta rapping out a pair, including a double. Alexis Elsbernd also connected for an extra base, while Lukes and Vsetecka came through with a single apiece. Makinley Lutgen provided a pair of RBI.
Annika Bodensteiner (WP) – 7IP, 8R, 8H, 4BB, 6K 2B – Morgan Vsetecka 2; 1B –Karstyn Lukes 1; Jenna Throndson 1; Autumn Maklenburg 1; Delaney Busta 1; Bodensteiner 1; RBI –Maklenburg 2; Bodensteiner 2; Vsetecka 1; Busta 1; SB – Lukes 1
Lukes (LP) – 2-2/3IP, 5R, 2H, 5BB, 2K; Bodensteiner (SP) – 1-2/3IP, 2R, 1H, 1BB, 2K; Courtney Ball (RP) – 1-2/3IP, 8R, 2H, 3BB 2B – Busta 1; Alexis Elsbernd 1; 1B – Lukes 1; Vsetecka 1; Busta 1; RBI – Makinley Lutgen 2; Lukes 1; Vsetecka 1; Maklenburg 1; Layni Schuchhardt 1; Elsbernd 1
a 2-for-3 night at the plate including the double and a pair of RBI. Adrienne Winings, Izzy Kuboushek and Aubrey Willey also had a hit.
Game two was a busy one on the bases as the UIC squads combined for 23 runs. South Winn got the ball rolling in the first with a run and added to its lead with four in the second. Kee rebounded with one in the second and three in the third to enter the fourth frame in a 4-4 tie. Each team pushed a pair of runs home in the fourth before the Hawks took a slim one-run lead in the fifth. The Warriors’ four-run sixth inning pushed them ahead again but the Hawks’ threatened in the seventh with three before South Winn recorded the third out to escape with the 12-11 victory. The Warriors combined for eight hits in the nightcap, highlighted by a triple by Willey and a double by Britney Hageman. Winings and Kuboushek had
It wasn’t a night for a lot of hits by the Warriors, but they did enough on the bases to get the job done as they swept Kee (15-15, 10-2 UIC) Wednesday at home.
The night opened with a back-and-forth battle for control with Kee leading 4-1 into the fifth frame. South Winn came back with two in the fifth and tied the game in the sixth. With one out and two runners on base, left fielder Chloe Wiltgen stepped up big time with a walk-off double for the Warrior win, 5-4.
Wiltgen led the offense with
SW centerfielder Izzy Kuboushek treks down a fly ball. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Warrior junior Britney Hageman gets a running
off first base as the first baseman looks on in the background last week. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Logan Busta
with a hit Monday for the Trojans.
(Photo by Becky Walz)
Coming up in area sports July
July
Editor: Becky Walz
Warrior baseball seizes UIC title
For the second straight season the South Winn baseball team (19-8, 16-2 UIC) captured the outright Upper Iowa Conference title on Monday evening with the final conference game win over Postville.
Five innings
Four-run innings in the first and fourth aided the Warriors to win with a run scoring in the third and two in the fifth to close out the game early, 11-0. Kole Hageman was dominating on the mound the first three innings to pick up the win, surrendering just one hit while striking out nine and walking nobody. Braiden Todd led off the game with a double and finished with three runs scored, while seniors Parker Timp, Kole Hageman, and Brody Tieskoetter did damage at the plate including a solo home run by Tieskoetter.
“Our guys came out with some great at bats early in the game to get us some momentum. This is a big week for us as we gear up for the postseason and capturing a conference title to kick off the week is a fun way to get started,” said Coach Alex Smith.
1IP
Brody Tieskoetter 1; 2B – Braiden Todd 1; Timp 1; Hageman 1; 1B – Carson Streeter 1; Tieskoetter 1; Meyer 1; Jordan Baumler 1; Mason Zweibahmer 1; Nolan Sabelka 1; RBI – Hageman
3; Timp 2; Streeter 1; Tieskoetter
1; Baumler 1; SB – Todd 2; Timp 2; Streeter 1; Tieskoetter 1; Meyer 1; Sabelka 1
A big night Fans of baseball couldn’t have found a better game to watch in Calmar Thursday night as the South Winn baseball team (18-8, 15-2 UIC) hosted MFL MarMac (22-7, 14-3) in a
our first loss to them a couple of weeks ago. MFL MarMac has had a great year and they are solid in all facets of the game. Game one was a great back and forth between the pitchers and both teams coming up with big hits when needed. Ideally we would have picked up a couple of wins on the night, but one win puts us in a great position for a conference title, and unfortunately we just didn’t have it going for us in the second game with the Bulldogs really pushing on us on offense to putting up that big inning,” said Coach Alex Smith. Eric Greve and Jordan Baumler paced SW with two hits apiece with Greve driving in two of the Warriors’ runs.
big UIC matchup. The Warriors entered the evening with just one conference loss and MFL Mar-Mac with two, both with hopes of taking the Upper Iowa Conference top spot. Game one was a pitcher’s duel between Warrior pitcher Carson Streeter and Bulldog pitcher Jacob Schellhorn. The Warriors struck first, scoring in the home half of first inning on a Braiden Todd double and then being driven home by Parker Timp. That lead didn’t last long, as the Bulldogs struck back in the top of the third inning to take a 2-1 lead. It took until the bottom of the fifth for the Warriors to tie the game when Braiden Todd led off the inning with a single and Carson Streeter doubled him in. The Bulldogs were able to get out of a jam allowing just the one run, but South Winn got right back into scoring mode in the sixth inning when Cody Meyer singled, Nolan Sabelka bunted Meyer to second, and eventually Carson Streeter would help his own cause driving in the go ahead run. Streeter would finish it out on the mound pitching a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the seventh to secure the win, 3-2.
Todd led the of Warrior offense, going 3-for-3 with a double, while Streeter, Timp and Meyer all had two hits.
In game two, the big inning proved to be the difference and that big inning was struck by the Bulldogs in the second inning scoring five runs. The Warriors tried to play catchup cutting the lead 5-2 and then made things interesting in the seventh, getting the tying run to the plate with the bases loaded and score 7-3.
“Our guys have been looking forward to this rematch since
Vikes continue to battle on the diamond
Offense remained elusive for the Decorah softball team (814, 5-5 NEIC) last week in a trio of non-conference games that included a tournament at Dubuque Wahlert over the weekend and starting the week at Charles City.
Quiet bats
While the Charles City softball team (21-4, 10-1 NEIC) remains unranked, the league leaders are dominant on the diamond as the Decorah squad (815, 5-6 NEIC) found out again Monday night.
The Vikes gave up three runs in the third, two in the fourth and two in the sixth to fall 7-0 on the road. Decorah’s lone hit came from Lillian Olson in the seventh.
Dec 0 0
CC
x
R H E
Clara Hjelle (LP) – 6IP, 7R, 10H, 4K 1B – Lillian Olson 1
At home Wednesday
Dike-New Hartford pounded out 12 hits in a 10-0 six inning non-conference win over Decorah Wednesday.
The Vikes kept the Wolverines in check through the first two frames before giving into the power of D-NH on back-toback doubles in the third. The visitors frequented the bases in the fourth that saw the Wolverines score five, including a solo homer. D-NH ended the game in the sixth after a three-run homer by junior Madde Buskohl,
retiring the Vikes in order in the bottom half of the frame.
Decorah managed just four hits in the game, all singles by Liz Bucksa, Jasera Tweten, Lauren Luzum and Dylin Thompson. Clara Hjelle was on the mound for the Vikes, giving up three earned run and striking out seven.
R H E D-H 0 0 1 5 0 4 x 1012 0 Dec 0 0 0 0 0 0 x 0 4 5 Clara Hjelle (LP) – 6IP, 10R, 12H, 1BB, 7K 1B – Liz Bucksa 1; Jasera Tweten 1; Lauren Luzum 1; Dylin Thompson 1
Final tourney
After the rains departed from northeast Iowa, the Vikes were able to get on the diamond at Wahlert Catholic’s tournament in Dubuque Saturday, dropping a pair of games.
Game one pitted Decorah against Davenport North (1615) with the Vikings coming up with just three hits in the 10-0 loss. Connecting with the ball were Tweten, Thompson and Lillian Olson, while Hjelle suffered the loss on the mound. The sophomore pitcher struck out nine.
Class 3A No. 3 Wahlert Cath-
A twinbill that saw completely different games Monday went to the Decorah baseball team (18-12, 13-5 NEIC) Monday as the Vikes swept Charles City (2-19, 2-16 NEIC).
Game one was more of a hitter’s delight as the Comets lead 6-0 into the bottom of the sixth. It took herculean efforts by the Vikes to secure the win as they put up three in the sixth and three in the seventh to send the game into an extra frame before winning the game, 7-6.
Climbing the hill in the third in relief, senior Landon Kuennen earned the win, giving up just one run on one hit and striking out five. Decorah knocked 11 hits in the contest, including a solo home run by Kaden Alstad. Caleb Meyer was 3-for-4 with a double to aide in the effort.
The nightcap saw the NEIC combine for four hits. Scoring once in the third, the Vikes tacked on five in the fourth to secure the 6-1 victory.
Mason Avila tagged the ball for a double, while Alstad had Decorah’s other hit. On the mound Brady Bohner earned the win with Cash Riehle throwing as well.
olic (22-8) dominated game two, ending the game in three frames, 13-1. Tweten was the lone Viking to score as she singled in the first inning was roamed the bases, eventually crossing home plate on a Hjelle single. Decorah had numerous players on the bases as the Vikes collected seven hits including a double by Bucksa. Lauren Lu-
zum was 2-for-2 with a stolen base, while Tweten, Olson, Hjelle and Ava Steine all tagged the ball for hits. Combining to throw for Decorah were Sydney Kipp and Tweten.
Jasera Tweten chases down a throw at second as the Charles City runner reaches for the bag during Monday’s NEIC matchup. (Photo courtesy of John Burbridge/Charles City Press)
Sporting the replica North Winn jersey, Decorah’s Clara Hjelle delivered seven strikeouts last week against Dike-New Hartford. (Photo by Becky Walz)
South Winn’s Parker Timp slides safely into second for a steal between the legs of the Bulldog shortstop. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Mason Avila dives back to first before the throw Monday night against Charles City. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Warrior shortstop Carver Wenthold slaps the tag on the MFL MarMac runner during the UIC twinbill last week. (Photo by Becky Walz)
Climbing the hill in the third, Landon Kuennen earned the win for Decorah. (Photo by Becky Walz)