August 17, 2023

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Vol. 158, Issue 33

Decorah, Iowa 52101

One Section

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DCSD welcomes new teachers and paras

Shining the light on new Decorah Police Chief Trish Thein

Nearly a month after taking command of the city’s police department, Decorah Police Chief Trish Thein sits down to talk about the path that brought her here. (Driftless Multimedia photo

by Denise Lana)

By Denise Lana Decorah Police Chief Trish Thein has been in her new position for nearly one month.

As the new leader of the city’s police department and the first female police chief ever, Thein hit the ground running, a spitfire go-getter who is excited to get to know her community better as well as share her insights and goals for the Decorah Police Department.

Launching her career in Waukon Thein is a Sumner native and 1988 graduate from West Central Maynard High School. The second oldest of five children, she always pictured herself having kids and being a mom.

But after graduating and finding herself a single parent with children, Thein had to do something to provide for her family.

“I knew that I would need a job or career that would be a change for me,” Thein explained. “No job sitting at a desk, doing the same thing for eight hours a day.”

She researched colleges and classes, until she found it. “I had never really considered policing, but when I saw it, something just clicked.”

At that time, Waukon Police Department was hiring. She grabbed a map and navigated her way to the town, hoping to fill out an application when she got there. Thein explained, “I had a one-year-old on my hip and was wearing shorts and flip flops. I knocked on the door and was greeted by a man who I realized later was the chief of police, Chief Loren Fiet.”

“He invited me in and said, ‘I’ll keep an eye on your little tyke while you fill out your ap-

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Price One Dollar

Decorah Police Chief Trish Thein plication here.’”

She was hired by Waukon P.D. in 1997, becoming the first female police officer in Waukon and Allamakee County.

Thein, a professed nonbeliever in coincidences, said, “I think the stars aligned at that exact moment. The reception there was just like home and confirmed that policing was the right choice.”

Thein’s role as a new officer in law enforcement came with a steep learning curve. “Back in 1997, in small towns, you were on duty a lot by yourself,” she explained. “There were a lot of sink or swim, baptism by fire situations. I had to learn how to better communicate to be effective.”

heard was sirens all the time. I was like, it’s the sound of my people!”

She applied for a position with the Marshalltown Police Department in fall 2002, and in the spring 2003, Thein got a call from Marshalltown P.D., asking if she wanted a job.

“Of course, I said yes!” the mother of four laughed, adding, “I had to be there in two weeks, so I packed up everything I had, pulled my kids from school and we relocated.”

She arrived in Marshalltown in May 2003 and hung her hat there for the next 20 years.

The first thing she learned was how different policing was in a larger city compared to a small town where she cut her teeth. “In Marshalltown, I had to work with others to clear buildings and with domestic calls, where I would do those things by myself in Waukon.”

In contrast, Thein also learned that large and small towns had many of the same issues and needs.

“There were kids there that were in need just like the smalltown kids. Drug problems, domestic violence, the crime table was the same as Waukon, just on a much larger scale,” she recalled. “More people in the city meant more cases on the blotter, but social problems remained the same across the board.”

As she began carving her place in the Marshalltown P.D., Thein admitted she just loved putting on her uniform and doing her job. Thein started out in the gang investigations unit, which she really enjoyed.

“It allowed me to connect with kids and bring parents into

The Decorah Community School District welcomes 15 new teachers and 10 new paraprofessionals this school year. New teachers include: FRONT- Kendall Reagan, John Cline Special Education; Makenzie Olson, Carrie Lee Social Worker; Grace Syverson, Decorah Middle School English/Language Arts; Addie Sadler, Decorah High School English/Language Arts; MIDDLE- Sarah Christopher, St. Benedict Special Education; Megan Slessor, First Grade John Cline; Julie Giese, English Language Learners (ELL); Sara Blake, Carrie Lee Special Education; Savanna Mosbach, Fourth Grade Carrie Lee; Amanda Huinker, Decorah High School Reading; Annika Krieg, Third Grade Carrie Lee; Felecia DeJong, Decorah High School Special Education; BACK-Megan Reinhardt, John Cline Special Education/Interventionist; John Fretham, Decorah High School Social Studies; Caleb Barnes, Decorah High School Business; and Joshua Fenske, Decorah High School Social Studies. (submitted photo)

New paraprofessionals for the Decorah Community School District are front row (l-r): MiKenna Martin, Alec Zwanziger, Ashley Smith, Amy Danielson and Joshua Stello.

Back: Dawn Kinson, Jaclyn Zidlicky, Carrie Hovey and Amber Fogle. Not pictured: Danial Dawley. (submitted photo)

School board navigates new education legislation Nicknames now an issue at Iowa schools

By Roz Weis

consent of parent or guardian of a minor child enrolled in the district before allowing an employee of the district to address child using a nickname or a pronoun that does not correspond to the biological sex that is listed on the minor child’s official birth certificate or certificate issued upon adoption.”

DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin said the language of the legislation can be viewed as confusing, as it is written so broadly as to affect any student who uses a nickname. He sought out guidance from the

state’s legal team in interpreting the law.

“This means William could not be called Bill without the completed acceptance form signed by parents,” Cronin said.

School administrators and staff across the state are finding it challenging to abide completely with all the new laws, while continuing to provide students with a safe, secure and effective learning environment.

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Two decades in Marshalltown After six years at Waukon, that unquiet need for excitement led Thein to make a career move. She had been through Marshalltown – at more than 25,000 people, much larger than the 4,000 population of Waukon – she recalled, “All I

Decorah Community School District (DCSD) staff and administrators continue to work to navigate new education laws in the state.

In an effort to comply with Senate File 496, DCSD administration will send another registration form out to parents this week, requesting students’ names and acceptable nicknames.

Iowa legislation, passed earlier this year, states “a school district must receive prior written

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Chief Thein

continued on page 2

Education legislation continued on page 8

Pilot-to-permanent street closure implemented on Heivly Street

By Denise Lana

The short branch of Heivly Street that cuts in front of Decorah City Hall and intersects Claiborne Drive has been closed by the city.

Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken, explained, “For years, that part of the triangle had been closed down during Nordic Fest, and this year, we decided to keep it closed once the festival was over.”

According to Goedken, the

main reason for the short branch closure is due to years of traffic issues and confusion caused by the Y intersection located in front of City Hall where Heivly and Claiborne meet. In 2022, the city’s street department initiated a pilot-to-permanent lane closure on Fifth Avenue where it intersects College Drive to help widen the field of vision for drivers and make pedestrians easier to be seen. Similarly, a pilot-to-permanent street closure has been implemented

here to give the city the opportunity to close down a questionably-hazardous street and assess changes in real time.

“We are piloting to have this street closed while we observe traffic flow in this area,” Goedken expressed. “We decided to close it before school starts to give folks time to get used to it.”

The intersection is situated

Street closed

continued on page 4

The short branch of Heivly Street that cuts in front of the Decorah City Hall has resulted in numerous close calls and near misses.

The cut through has been closed until further notice. (Driftless Multimedia photo

by Denise Lana)

DECORAH SCHOOLS START NEXT WEEK - WATCH FOR KIDS AND BUSES

2 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023

Class size raises concern from Decorah teachers members Ron Fadness and Ben Lange were absent from Monday’s meeting.

This year, the teachers find themselves performing a balancing act to level out classroom size.

According to the local kindergarten staffers, “Twenty-three kindergarten students in a room is a lot … We worry about having enough physical space in the room, on the carpet and even at tables. The educational experience these students will receive will be vastly different from previous years when there were closer to 18-20 kids in a class.”

The letter continued to explain the wide range of needs, both social and academic, for the young students.

“Our time for cohesive small group literacy instruction is already stretched thin,” the letter continued. “Social emotional learning is a huge part of kindergarten … kindergarten sets the foundation, not only in the rest of their academic careers,

By Roz Weis

Decorah Community School District (DCSD) board members heard a plea from kindergarten teachers concerned about large class sizes on Monday night at the monthly school board meeting.

The kindergarten educators presented a letter to the board requesting an additional classroom be added for the 2023-24 academic year.

Signed by Carmen Johnson, Joyce Richert, Krista Smith, Marcie Dodd, Clarissa Einck and Janet Falck, the letter expressed concerns about the large kindergarten classes in the current four classroom sections for the upcoming academic year.

Beth Baumann, Positive Behavior Support Teacher for the district, read the two-page letter to Superintendent Tim Cronin, board members John Hjelle, Cindy Goodner and Brian Petersburg, and other administrators in attendance. Board

but life in general. Being able to talk through problems and apply concepts learned with an adult as they arise is a key part of a student’s ability to work through social issues. Our goal is for students to solve these problems independently while remaining emotionally regulated. With more students in a class, we will see a negative impact in how quickly, effectively, and purposely teachers can facilitate these learning moments.

“We urge you to reconsider and expand back to five sections of kindergarten,” the letter concluded. “This would prevent future large K classes from less one-on-one experiences. Kindergarten students are the youngest, and deserve a learning experience that is able to meet their developmental needs.”

The letter was presented to the board during the limited public comment portion of the board meeting, and no action was taken.

Temporary services secured as search for full-time engineer continues sional engineer in the State of Iowa and will perform services as necessary for the continued operation of the Winneshiek County Engineer’s Office during their search for a fulltime engineer to fill the vacancy of Lee Bjerke, who resigned his position and ended employment in late June.

Rissman will perform as a part-time Winneshiek County employee at the base rate of $115 per hour, plus mileage

By Kate Klimesh The Winneshiek County Supervisors approved the assignment of temporary, part-time engineering services effective immediately through Jan. 31, 2024, or until no longer needed, in an agreement with Howard County Board of Supervisors and Howard County Engineer Nick Rissman at the Aug. 14 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Rissman is a licensed profes-

accrued for an outside vehicle and other expenses that may occur. Hours spent in Winneshiek County will be in addition to his regularly-kept hours in Howard County.

Also during the meeting, the board voted to reopen application process for the County Engineer position through Aug. 31, while they attempt to select a professional search firm to assist in finding applicants for the vacant position.

First reading passed for Residential Storage Containers Usage during the public hearing and the first reading of an ordinance regarding the proposed addition to the code was held With the addition, the city would allow shipping containers to be used as building construction material, with the caveat that each container must comply with city and In-

By Denise Lana A public hearing was held during the Decorah City Council’s Monday, Aug. 7, meeting, focusing on a tentative addendum to the city’s code section 17.53.020, subsection E, storage on residential properties. No public comment was received

ternational Building Code and must be finished with roofing and siding materials that would be suitable for the facia of the neighborhood. The first reading was passed unanimously by council, and the second reading will take place at the next council meeting Monday, Aug. 21 at 5:45 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting

Chief Thein continued from front the know. To reaffirm the need for a family to be involved with what their kid is doing,” she said. “Going into someone’s home and seeing there are only blue shirts in their closet and no red shirts, or the writing on their notebooks. Sometimes we would find machetes or wrapped baseball bats in kids’ rooms.”

Thein then spent five years at Marshalltown High School as a resource officer.

As a mother she explained, “I loved reaching out to them, explaining that their actions are bigger deals than they realized – harassment, hate talk, hate speech, are all crimes. I spent a lot of time talking about what consent looks like – alcohol-induced consent is not consent,” she reminisced. “I took the time to have the hard conversations with the kids, truly I wanted them to see and understand that when I am not in a uniform, I am a mom.”

In 2018, Thein was moved to investigations, handling identity thefts, forgeries, sexual assaults, domestic violence and homicides. Thein was promoted to sergeant in 2012, and in 2016, she pinned on lieutenant bars. During her tenure, she served as a bicycle officer, investigations, gang investigator, crisis negotiator – and was the team leader of the crisis negotiation team until 2023.

On crisis negotiation, Thein’s eyes lit up as she declared, “I love being able to run interference between a crisis and enforcement, when you can walk that line and help people.”

She continued, with palpable excitement, “A negotiator is a hope-seller. It’s not a crime to be in crisis, or to suffer with mental health, or feel despondent or suicidal. To be able to help people navigate those issues and connect them to available resources is key. Kindness counts. Sometimes, they just want people to listen, or just need to vent. I can be that person. My officers can be those people. Making sure I have the right people that are going to take time, that they are properly trained, that’s a huge goal for me.”

In 2022, Thein attended the Police and Networking Executive Leadership Conference at the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Va. One-percent of all officers are considered for the course, and Thein was one of only 30 women out of 236 global law enforcement in at-

Decorah Police Chief Trish Thein (r), pictured with DPD Captain Mandy Groth (l), assumed command July 19 of the 15-member department (14 officers and one K9). Thein, a 26-year law enforcement veteran, is the first ever female police chief for Decorah. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Denise Lana) tendance. Said Thein, “It’s a huge deal going to the academy, but it’s more about making connections and networking.”

Since graduating from FBI Academy, she has reached out numerous times to classmates to get suggestions or advice, to share new ideas.

“Crimes are solved through networking and information sharing,” she stressed. “If I find drugs coming from California, I have a contact in California.”

Retirement?

Not anytime soon.

After turning 53 and knowing she could retire at 55, Thein began considering places to retire. Waukon came to mind, as she remembers how beautiful the area was. She had cows, is an avid hunter and had family and friends in the area. Several co-workers and friends brought up that Decorah was looking for a new police chief. Thein reached out to then-Chief Dave Smutzler, having worked with him as an officer in Waukon.

Thein’s hire was approved by the Decorah Council from 15 candidates, and she assumed the job as Chief July 19.

Although thinking toward retirement brought her to this position, she laughed, “I can go in this job until 65, as long as I continue to be a good fit for Decorah, I intend on staying.

Right now, I feel young enough, able, open-minded and excited enough to continue to roll with the punches. I am here to do some great things, and I really hope everyone is ready to partner with me and do them.”

Settling in In her first four weeks as chief, Thein has settled in and replied, with the familiar passion she embodied in endless supply, “I am always looking for ways we can do things better. How we can improve community communication.”

She wants the police department to be more proactive with deflating issues before they become bigger deals and invited the public to share any concerns or complaints directly with her and other officers. She has an open-door policy and every chance she gets, Thein doesn’t hesitate to talk to people in town – employees at the grocery store or tourists during Nordic Fest.

“I live by the mantra, ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’ I have been given much. When you battle something, your job is to battle it kicking and screaming, make that door wide enough so that people coming through behind you never have to fight that battle again.

“We are here to be a resource for businesses and schools, and not just enforcement. I’ve been here a month, but I have watched and interacted with the officers, and they have the best intentions for public safety in our community. They are out there doing a tough job, and I want the community to get to know them as officers as well as the people behind their badges. The community is very lucky to have a workforce like these officers and I think we are going to do some great things together.”

Celebration! Rivers featured at Porter House Museum Congratulations to Salú Sauna + Wellness Spa Owners Cody and Katie Schweinefus on their new business venture in downtown Decorah! Pictured are Salú team members with Chamber Ambassadors Tara McConnell, Maureen Duncklee, Lashelle Evans, Joe Hammel, Tade Kerndt, Amanda Kupka, Adam Baker and Dallas Steffen.

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Porter House Museum tours have a special emphasis this summer: rivers. In addition to highlighting more familiar river images in the museum collection, tours also include new, enlarged prints of river photos.

Bert Porter (1879-1968) grew up and lived his adult life surrounded by oil paintings. A landscape oil featured by the museum is the Upper Iowa River along Dug Road by Julia Ives Leonard, done during her residence in Decorah in the 1880s before she moved to California where she became known for paintings of flowers that continue to sell well at auction.

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Porter’s travel companion, pipe in mouth, steps off a boat in British Guyana in 1911. (submitted photo) Porter’s own art was of two types: mixed media and photography. Porter, whose chief obsession was butterflies and butterfly collecting, used the iridescent wings of blue morpho butterflies to create sky and water in mixed media images that are a visitor favorite in Porter House tours.

Porter was also a skilled photographer with his own darkroom. He could develop, print and enlarge photos he took, and he sometimes hand-colored his enlargements.

This season only, Porter House Museum tours will feature two groups of river photos.

The first are pictures from Porter’s two trips to South America – in 1911 and later from 192527. These range from mountain cataracts to tiny jungle streams to Colombia’s majestic Magdalena River. The second group

includes photos of the Upper Iowa River taken around 1910.

These offer a glimpse into a now-lost local era.

According to David Faldet, who put together the collection of new, enlarged river prints, “Bert Porter was not schooled in art, but he fused his love of nature and his love of beauty in impressive images. Porter was an American original.”

Faldet has three favorite images in the show: a picture from above the mouth of Canoe Creek, a 1911 photo of a travel companion stepping off a boat in British Guyana, and another of Porter cooling off in a creek in Peru.

The Porter House Museum is located at 401 W. Broadway.

Afternoon tours of the museum are held at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. daily in August, and Saturdays and Sundays in September.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023 3

Carlson Park Coalition approved to raise, receive funds for improvements

By Denise Lana

Pizza box building Lawn Chair Night in Decorah last week brought some fun competition during the evening. Mabe’s Pizza, celebrating 70 years in business, sponsored a pizza box assembly contest as part of the restaurant’s year-long anniversary celebration. Audience members were invited to make up teams for the contest. Steve White, Collin White and Collin’s 15-month-old daughter Mabel were on hand with instructions for the teams. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

Centennial open house at historic Weiser home Aug. 27

The owners of the 609 W. Broadway Weiser house, Susan and Dale Goodman, along with the Decorah Historic Preservation Commission (DHPC) invite the public to an open house Sunday, Aug. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., to celebrate the centennial of the home’s 1923 construction. The architect was Charles Altfillisch and the builder was A. R. Coffeen.

Refreshments will be provided on the patio. A newly-printed brochure will showcase the home’s features and identify three other homes designed

by Charles Altfillisch within the same block of the Broadway-Phelps Park Historic District.

The Goodmans said they were inspired by the enthusiasm they saw at the November 2022 reception at the Altfillisch Mound Street home. Said Dale, “The Weiser home was built on land first owned by George Phelps and then Ben Bear. The house itself has been part of this community for 100 years, and we wanted to share its distinctive, well-preserved interior with the wider public.”

“We appreciate the Good-

WinnMed annual community picnic is Aug. 31

WinnMed will hold the annual Grand Community Picnic on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 4-7 p.m. on the WinnMed campus.

Entertainment includes kids’ activities, live music, emergency vehicle tours, garden tours, food and more. The event will be held rain or shine. Convenient parking will be available, with regular Earl Bus rides from WinnMed parking lots to the event site.

The WinnMed Foundation, in connection with ReRooted Connections, will also hold a cut stem sale featuring flowers from the WinnMed garden.

Thomas Marquardt, D.P.M., WinnMed Chief Medical Officer, said, “The Community Picnic has become a staple for many individuals and families in the region as summer winds down and the fall season begins.

We are honored to host such an event that brings people together. We are inspired daily by the communities we serve, and as we grow with new services and facilities, want to continue to share our thanks to those who trust us with their health care.”

More information is available at www.winnmed.org/event/ grand-community-picnic, call 563-382-2911, or email communityrelations@winmedical. org.

An open house will be held Sunday, Aug. 27, at the historic Charles Altfillisch-designed 609 W. Broadway home in Decorah to celebrate 100 years since the home’s construction. (submitted photo) man’s public-spirited generosity,” said DHPC Chair Mark Z. Muggli. “They have done painstaking restoration on the house, and now they are opening the house to the public, providing most of the refreshments, and funding this new open-house brochure.”

Charles Altfillisch A native of Bellevue, Altfillisch was the most important architect and engineer in Decorah’s history.

The Dutch Colonial Revival Weiser home, built in 1923 for

Charles Weiser and his bride Dorothy Reeves as a wedding gift from his parents, was one of Charles Altfillisch’s early projects.

It includes distinctive interior woodwork, built-ins and generous natural lighting.

Altfillisch designed three other upper Broadway homes that reflect his developing aesthetic and his clients’ changing taste over the decades: 704 W. Broadway, and 302 and 303 Upper Broadway.

The 1929 English Cottage/ New England Farmhouse style

William B. and Sophia (Larson) Ingvoldstad home (704 W. Broadway).

The 1941 International Style Edward F. and Laura Mae (Barthell) Hagen home (302 Upper Broadway).

The 1960 Midwest Modern style Hjalmar and Helen (Arnold) Carlson home (303 Upper Broadway).

The exteriors of these three homes are described in the new brochure and can be visited on Aug. 27, but these interiors will not be open to the public.

Said Nan St. Clair, a new DHPC member and co-owner of the 1860s J. T. Relf house, “The four Altfillisch houses on Broadway near our house provide a striking overview of twentieth-century architectural history and are a reminder that ‘historic’ buildings come in many different flavors.”

The DHPC Altfillisch project was awarded “Preservation At Its Best” in June at the annual state preservation conference in Sioux City, which includes a printed brochure with four tours and extensive online materials, which will be available at the Aug. 27 event.

Master Gardeners clean up Decorah sign

Members of the Winneshiek County Master Gardeners prepared for a bevy of summertime visitors by cleaning up and tending the east Decorah sign on Montgomery Street. Pictured at the June 8 cleanup are Meg Storkamp and Tina Hall. (submitted photo)

In anticipation of construction beginning in the near future at Carlson Park, the Decorah City Council approved a resolution Aug. 7 allowing the Carlson Park Trail Coalition to raise and receive funds for construction of improvements at the park.

According to Decorah Parks & Recreation Director Andy Nimrod, the city hired a development firm several years ago to develop a plan for the 110acre park, which was donated to the city by the Rick and David Carlson Families.

Additionally, a series of meetings were held to gather public input and narrow down what the folks wanted in this park.

“Were they interested in walking trails? Maybe disc golf?” Nimrod explained.

The development group then took those ideas, preferences and suggestions and created a loose layout of what the park could be, with plans to make a map of the park down the road, according to the director.

Nimrod explained that the first step in the park’s development focuses on the northwest corner of the land, which is near Pleasant Avenue and Route 9.

The goal at that location, he said, is to construct a way for pedestrians to travel safely from Minowa Heights across Pleasant Avenue and into the park.

“We are in the design portion right now, but we ambitiously hope to get a plan solidified, some funds raised and allotted, and starting construction to commence in the spring when construction season in town kicks off,” said Nimrod.

The purpose behind the resolution approved at council meeting was “a lot more formal than what it is in reality,” Nimrod expressed. “Essentially, instead of donations going to the City of Decorah, the resolution allows funds to be given direct-

N Minowa Heights Area

Carlson Park

ly to the Carlson Park Coalition, headed up by Benji Nichols, Brian Fuhrmann and Marla Klocke.”

“Our initial goal is to raise $100,000 to use for a gateway entrance at that northwest part of the park,” explained Nimrod.

“Most all of our parks in town have beautiful, eye-catching entrances, and we want the same for Carlson Park.”

There is no goal time established, Nimrod added, and there are currently no fundraising events or press releases in the works.

“We just want to break ground and get the project started,” said Nimrod, “and then we will pace the work as funds are raised, so we can get as much accomplished by the end of next summer.”

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Ribbon Cutting

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Congratulations to Bluffside Gardens on their opening! Pictured are Brent and Connie Formanek and children with Tara McConnell, Lashelle Evans, Cindy Hoyme, Joanie Rollins, Marcia Madrigal, Tade Kerndt, Holly Allen, Maureen Duncklee, Joe Hammel, Adam Baker and Zachary Shearer.

Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce extends congratulations to

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4 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023

Letters

Obituaries

Thoughts from a Veteran Recently my daughter took me in my wheelchair to the Veterans Memorial in Decorah.

What a venue, the people who organized this should be given a medal.

As a Vietnam Veteran myself, I think of my tour, which was unpleasant, but I can’t but think of the 58,000 who didn’t make it home. How about the forgotten war, Korea, with 50-some

thousand, WWII, 200-some thousand, and the Middle East Conflicts – Iraq and Afghanistan?

This makes me wonder, if two of our elected officials knelt during the playing of our National Anthem. I hope not, but if they need help getting up, I wish them luck.

Lowell Corlett, Castalia

Sidewalks a necessity

Sidewalks are important! The code of the Decorah City has the authority to require property owners to repair or replace their sidewalks. Virtually all those listed in the Public Opinion last week were older neighborhoods.

What a paradox! New afflu-

ent home additions like the Bruening Addition don’t even have sidewalks. We live on Ridge Road. The sidewalks here are used daily. Carolville, Iowa, mandates that all new home additions have sidewalks. Decorah should do the same!

Joie Cole, Decorah

Sweet land of liberty There’s an old saying that you shouldn’t tangle with anyone who buys ink by the barrel. But a recent unfair attack on the patriotism of local public servants by Decorah Newspapers’ Editor Kate Klimesh cannot go unchallenged. (See Klimesh’s “My country ‘tis of thee,” 7/27/23 Public Opinion) Background: Supervisor Steve Kelsay recently claimed that our county was “one of the few” that didn’t begin meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance. (Fact check: In our area alone, meeting minutes indicate no pledge in Howard, Fayette, Clayton, Chickasaw, Dubuque, Floyd, Mitchell, Delaware, Hardin, Iowa, Jones, Benton, Clinton, Cedar, Marshall, Muscatine, Linn, Cerro Gordo, and Black Hawk Counties, among others.) Chair Dan Langreck then announced that “we should all recite the pledge” and called upon “everyone” to do so. (This, despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s Barnette ruling that it is unconstitutional for government officials to compel the pledge.)

Klimesh’s subsequent editorial describes our community as a place where friendly people wave to one another and work together. But she notes that her “quiet corner of paradise” was disrupted by “odd” behavior when, at the July 24th meeting, two Supervisors “stood hands down, with lips still for the entire pledge.” And, although Klimesh could have made her point without divisively calling out individuals, she was quick to name names: Shirley Vermace and Mark Faldet.

Klimesh says she “didn’t get a chance” to ask Faldet about it, but did ask Vermace. Vermace responded: “I recite it in my head and in my heart, Everyone does it in their own way. I’m a strong advocate of this democracy.” While this might have satisfied anyone else, not so Klimesh. Setting aside her supposed commitment to cooperative, unified communities, Klimesh posed a series of questions that let her make dark insinuations without stating clear positions.

She asked whether “we as a nation [are] past the pledge,” and whether it’s common to “simply change a person’s pledge to the flag to be whatever one wants to believe in.”

Mind you, Vermace had stood respectfully for the pledge and had not in any way indicated that she was “past the pledge” or that she required different wording; she had just said she recites it in her head and heart. But that wasn’t good enough for Klimesh.

Klimesh tells us that saying the pledge is “my own personal way to remember all that our Veterans have given,” and she cites the U.S. Flag Code as her pledge authority.

But that Code directs people to be “standing at attention facing the flag” during the pledge. How was Klimesh able to focus her attention resolutely on the flag, her mind fixed (as she tells us) on Veterans, and still monitor others’ lip movements during “the entire pledge”? Maybe Klimesh was more interested in shallow political gamesmanship than in using the pledge the way she claims, as a “reminder to do my part in making things better.” The Flag Code also prohibits the use of the stars and stripes as apparel or for promotional purposes. Some prominent political movements routinely violate this prohibition, but I can’t recall Klimesh calling them out.

Klimesh says the “odd” behavior at the Supervisor meeting made her wonder whether “the division of the nation had come” to her corner of paradise. But for many of us, the nation’s division made its ugliness known locally when, shortly before the Supervisor election in August 2021, Klimesh printed a letter attacking a candidate, and then printed the same attack letter a second time just a few days before the close election. Many long-time newspaper readers had never before witnessed such an egregiously unfair and divisive editorial decision.

Klimesh’s eagerness to challenge Vermace’s patriotism is especially unseemly given Vermace’s solid and extensive record of public service, a record which Klimesh may be hard pressed to match. But Klimesh evidently judges the patriotism of those around her by focusing on “odd” superficialities, rather than the contributions they make.

Fair-minded people who care about unifying values are slow to question others’ patriotism. There are many reasons why some who dearly love our country might not say the pledge. Their religions may forbid it (as do Jehovah’s Witnesses, Quakers, Mennonites, Amish, and Unitarians, among others). Or they may be uncomfortable marginalizing members of religions that do forbid it. Or they may make their pledges in their heads or hearts. Such people’s love of country should not be subjected to public attacks by anyone, and particularly not by a newspaper editor who congratulates herself on her commitment to unity and “making things better.”

Steve St. Clair, Decorah P.S. I’m not wild about spending $200+ to get these words in Klimesh’s paper. But when I tried to appeal to her sense of fairness, asking her to accept (gratis) a response to her editorial the same length as the editorial, she said no – an unpaid response to her 630 word editorial would be limited to 300 words.

PAID FOR BY STEVE ST. CLAIR

Paul Eldridge

Submitted by Nancy Eldridge (with loving help from my sisters and my cousin) Paul Lynn Eldridge 19312014 My dad was born on Halloween to Kenneth and Margaret (Cowie) Eldridge in Sioux Falls, S.D. His sister, Patti, may have seen this as hope for an interesting existence despite the worries of the Great Depression. Paul’s middle name, Lynn, came from his Grandpa Eldridge who lived with his wife Marcia on a farm and provided the family with vegetables during the hard times. My grandma did farm style cooking and her lemon meringue pies were perfection.

In high school, his Patti made a roast with all the fixings, got out the food coloring and changed the color of everything, including the lemon (now green) meringue pie. My dad told us, his friends and our friends the story with great relish. Dad could not eat the pie.

Of course, there was pay­back.

One occasion, Dad licked his lips while sitting next to Patti’s empty goldfish bowl as she walked in the front door.

Another time, Patti’s first date came on the porch to four boys cleaning their guns from pheasant hunting, staring at him — wordlessly dour.

Paul graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, got his MBA from the University of South Dakota, served in Colorado Springs in the Air Force, and in 1960 married my mom.

We moved to Livonia, Michigan where he worked for Ford Motor Company. He adopted three girls, my sisters, Susan and Janis and myself, and was a part of our school lives, our confirmation lives and our friends’ lives. He would tell our friends about growing up on the prairies with the buffalo and then ask them if they knew how buffalo sounded. With big eyes, shaking their heads, they

Jack Hansen

would affirm that they had never known what a buffalo sounds like, much less a whole buffalo herd. He would look over his glasses and very seriously say, “hush guppie guppie, hush guppie guppie, hush guppie guppie” moving his arms like the front legs of a running buffalo and putting the emphasis on “hush” followed by two breathy “guppies.” Those were the days we trusted adults so it is possible that this information was passed on to our friends’ kids.

Dad loved lengthy, pun-ish jokes. We heard them many times and would repeat them to our kids when they got older. “I wouldn’t send a knight out on a dog like this.” “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t stow thrones” “If the foo sh*ts, wear it.”

He relentlessly helped us write better, think better and be better. He stuck up for me when I was in college and a slight drinking event happened. He loved and supported his nephew Brian and stuck up for his nephew Doug when he decided to go into psychology rather than business. He survived my youngest sister and her party when she was to have no one at the house. He came through the news of my middle sister changing fiancées after a trip to Mexico where he enjoyed the envious looks from other men as he was with three beautiful women. He was a person who could love and love and love.

In 1970 our family moved to Elkhart, Ind., where my dad worked for Miles Laboratories.

In 1981 my dad and mom separated. He remarried and continued to give love and support to his second wife and to all our family.

He is survived by three daughters; seven grandkids who love him as much as we do; 13 great-grandkids who hear the stories; and his nephew Doug, his wife and their daughters.

Jack Martin Hansen, 67, of Decorah, formerly of Anthon, Iowa, was called to Heaven T h u r s d a y, Aug. 10, 2023, at his home, surrounded by loved ones after a brave battle with ALS. Jack was born Sept.

25, 1955, to Martin Jack Hansen and Donna (Waugh) Hansen. On June 10, 1979, he married the love of his life and soulmate, Peg. The couple raised three children and were blessed with six grandsons.

Jack was a very talented carpenter and was self-employed for many years. Family was the

most important thing to him and he always put others before himself. He cherished every moment he spent with his loved ones.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Peg; three children: Shona (Travis), Shaun (Megan) and Tonya (Billy); six grandsons: Ty, Kadin, Paxton, Bentley, Chance and Logan; siblings: Sally, Donny, Marcia and Wendy; two beloved dogs: Red and Koda; and many special family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Danny; son-in-law, Dave; and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m., at Christian Life Center located at 2513 River Road in Decorah, with Pastor Doug Bryce officiating. Burial will follow at Bluffton Cemetery.

A note to readers about the Public Opinion’s letter policy

Street closed

The Public Opinion welcomes written opinions about local issues of interest. Letters to the Editor may be sent via email to the Editor at kate.klimesh@driftlessjournal.com, or copies dropped off to 110 Washington Street, Suite 4, or mailed to Driftless Multimedia P.O. Box 350, Decorah, IA 52101.

Each letter must be typed or legibly hand-written, signed and include an address and phone number for verification. Letters should not exceed 300 words and may be edited for clarity, length, style, and space limitations.

The Public Opinion will only publish one letter per author per month. Letters will be chosen for publication at the sole discretion of the editor, and according to space considerations. No advertisements, personal thank-yous, form letters or mass mailings, please.

Those wishing to submit Letters to the Editor without word count limits, or with a guaranteed publication date can purchase space in the newspaper, $8 per column inch in the Public Opinion.

continued from front

near the heart of the school district, with John Cline Elementary and Decorah High School only a block away. The closed branch of street has garnered notoriety over the years due to drivers traveling east on Heivly to Claiborne (and vice versa) using it as a cut through to bypass slower traffic. Whether from a lack of clear visibility of other vehicles or the close proximity of where the branch and Heivly Street both intersect Claiborne, the cut through has resulted in numerous close calls and near misses.

“We aren’t sure what, if any, change this street closure will prove necessary; a four-way stop? A round-about? Maybe no change at all,” Goedken summarized.

As of now, the end date of the street closure has not been set, and it will remain closed until further notice.

Sawyer Fink

Sawyer Kenneth Fink, 27, of West Union, passed away Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023.

Sawyer was born Nov. 4, 1995, to Bruce and Donna (Ameling) Fink in La Crosse, Wis. He graduated from North Sawyer Fink Fayette Valley High School in 2014.

Sawyer was a UPS Driver and absolutely loved his job. He enjoyed interacting with all the people on his route and considered his co-workers as family.

He loved life, being outdoors and was adventurous; he was very active biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, cooking and swimming in the river at Harpers Ferry. Sawyer even built a half-pipe in his front yard for skateboarding, which was a passion all through his life. Sawyer also loved rock hunting with his dad especially for agates while kayaking or hunting the rivers rock bars. Sawyer also enjoyed helping and participating with the TAKO events and with the

Beverly Ager

Beverly Lenore Ager, 80, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, 2023, with family by her side at Deer Crest Senior Living in Red Wing, Minn.

Bev was born March 27, 1943, in New Rock- Beverly Ager ford, N.D., to Earl Wesley Melin and Lillian Eleanore (Erickson) Melin.

Bev married Charles “Chuck” Ager of Fredericksburg, Texas, on Dec. 26, 1993.

Those who knew Bev were familiar with her sly sense of humor, her quiet smile and her kind soul. They knew her love of life, her grasp of grace, and her determined spirit.

Bev is survived by her children: Arik (Jenni) Ohnstad of Nashville, Tenn., Kjerstin

mentoring program.

Highlights of Sawyers life were many, just to name a few: he lived in Winter Park, Colo., snowboarding and working the ski lifts, parachuting over the Grand Canyon with his mom and attending an honor flight with WWII Veteran Bob Traeger. He loved spending time at Echo Valley all through his life. Sawyers greatest joy was spending time with his friends and family, he absolutely loved everyone he met, greeting them with his contagious personality.

He had a very kind heart and a wonderful smile.

Surviving Sawyer are his parents, Bruce and Donna Fink; his cats, Gatita and Navarro; dog, Aspen; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Fayette County Fair Grounds Pavilion in West Union.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union is assisting with arrangements.

(Mandy Stokes) Ohnstad of Red Wing, Teri Ager of Oakland, Calif., and Tim (Lydia Neuman) Ager of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Elijah Ager Luckett and Laurel and Siena Ohnstad; sister, Coral (Lee) Christofferson; brother-in-law, Pr. Ted Ager; sisters-in-law Dorthy Lucas, Anne (Derril) Boerschel, Alma Long and Beatrice Koontz; Bob Ohnstad, first husband and father of her children, and many nieces and nephews.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck Ager; her parents, Earl and Lillian Melin; and her brother-in-law Myron “Whitey” Mahler.

Bev’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m., at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing.

Bev’s full obituary can be found online by searching “Bev Ager” on caringbridge.org

Winneshiek commits to County Social Services At the Monday Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board unanimously approved the revised 28E agreement with the 12-county County Social Services (CSS), providing a full complement of Mental Health and Developmental Disability supports, services and counseling to residents of member counties: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Grundy, Howard, Mitchell, Tama and Winneshiek.

Established to create a mental health and disability service regional administrative entity, as described in the Iowa Code for adults, to use resources as effectively as possible across the entire Region. Prior to 2009, each county had its own MH/ DD coordinator.

Due to recent legislation limiting the number of supervisors

on the CSS board to 49 percent or less of the total board members, six counties will serve on the board for the remainder of this year, with the other six counties as alternates should they be unable to attend. Other CSS board members are to include a representative from each: CSS service users, service providers, children’s behavioral health providers, education system, involved relative/parent of child using CSS behavioral health, law enforcement and judicial system.

CSS is funded primarily through state and federal funds for mental health support, and the approved 28E formalizes Winneshiek County’s commitment to the regional organization. Winneshiek County provides office space for the CSS staff in the Smith Building.

Sustainable Agriculture Grant awarded

Cindy Goodner, Development Director with Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, was awarded $45,238 for the project, “Rematriation Partnership: Orchard Establishment and Care.”

The project will allow Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) to educate and support three indigenous partner farms establishing heritage apple orchards.

This grant was awarded as part of NCR-SARE’s 2023 Partnership Grant Program to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers related to sustainable agriculture.

Learn more about the NCRSARE Partnership Grant Program at www.northcentralsare. org.

CUSB Bank Chronicles

1-800-397-9964

www.cusb.com

7 LOCATIONS: CRESCO, RIDGEWAY, LIME SPRINGS, OSAGE, CHARLES CITY, WAVERLY, SHELL ROCK

CUSB Bank celebrates 135 years in business Aug. 26

HOWDY!

YA’LL HELP US CELEBRATE!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FREE Meal Served!

(Choice of ribeye, brat or hot dog, chuckwagon beans, pasta salad, chips, cookie, pop or water)

Jay R Brink Band Performance: The Jay R Brink Band is rooted in the hills of Driftless Northeast Iowa.

They cover a huge variety including Alt Country, Folk, Alt Rock, 90s, Oldies, and Blues, along with Folk Originals.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tour our newly remodeled Cresco location.

The whole space has been refreshed and features old photographs of our community.

12 noon - 4 p.m.

FREE KIDDIE CORRAL: We have great fun planned for the kids: Petting Zoo with over 20 animals, Face Painting by Amy, Balloon Artist, Gold Rush, Bouncy Houses, Rope A Pony, Knock ‘Em Down, cowboy hats, and more.

2-6 p.m.

(breaking at parade time)

Buffalo Alice Band Performance: They play Country and Classic Rock and offer three-part harmony.

Enjoy this great music!

2-4 p.m.

BANKO:

MinneSNOda: FREE Shaved Ice offered

4:30 p.m.

Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest Parade

5:15 p.m.

Program

6:30-9 p.m.

CORY FARLEY PERFORMS in the harvest tent, southside parking lot,

by Ruppert ACE Hardware.

SADDLE UP AND RIDE ON OVER TO

CUSB’S 135TH ANNIVERSARY HOEDOWN!

WANTED:

All Cowboys and Cowgirls, of all ages!

As a family-owned bank, CUSB Bank is proud to offer free activities for the whole family. From 12-4 p.m. in the drive up area and lower parking lot, we have several kid’s activities planned.

Face Painting by Amy will be here to paint your children’s faces. She offers a variety of design options and your kids will love what she comes up with. Balloon animals will also be created, giving kids the option to select an animal or other balloon object.

We have some cowboy games to play: Rope A Pony, Gold Rush, and Knock Em Down. Cowboy hats, temporary cowboy tattoos, and coin purses will also be given away (while supplies last). A festive photo booth will be set up to grab a family photo, and there will be some fun bouncy

houses available.

We’re most excited about the mobile petting zoo coming our way! Animals that will be present to pet include: mini horse, mini donkey, sheep, goats, rabbits, chicks, potbellied pigs, and alpaca. A hand washing station will also be available.

From 2-4 p.m. in the large tent south of our ATM we will have a game of BANKO for all ages to play. It’s similar to a game you’ve played many times before. Stop on over and see what it’s all about.

Our events are in conjunction with Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest. The car show is planned downtown during our festivities and the parade will be held going down North Elm starting at 4:30 p.m.

Ya’ll be sure to head on down to the Kiddie Corral for some fun!

I RECKON,

WE’VE MADE SOME CHANGES!

Over the past five years, since our last anniversary celebration, CUSB Bank has seen many changes.

COVID: Like the rest of the world, COVID changed our lives and our business. We closed our lobbies for a time and our employees rotated schedules in attempts to keep the CUSB Bank family healthy. Online account opening was started and all special events were halted. Moving forward a couple of years, our family really appreciates being back together and able to host large events again.

SIXTH GENERATION: Two gentlemen have joined the bank family and are the sixth generation of the Thomson family. Tom and Samantha (Thomson) Hall gave birth to son, Theodore (Teddy), who has hilariously starred in some of the bank’s TikTok videos, produced by his Mom, Samantha, the bank’s Social Media Consultant. William and Elizabeth Thomson gave birth to a son, Jack (named after great grandpa) just a few months ago. CEO Scott, and wife, Stephanie, are so excited to be grandparents! Welcome to the CUSB family, Teddy and Jack! You’re so cute!

LOGO CHANGE: We changed our logo in January, 2022. Our logo reflects the following: HERITAGE - We are fortunate to be a family-owned bank, founded in 1888 by Robert Thomson, a Scottish immigrant. Our Scottish heritage is reflected in the curves, font, and green signature color. AGRICULTURE - The lines are reflective of crop rows, a nod to the strong agricultural communities that we serve. PILLARS - CUSB Bank has five core pillars that we base our business on: Communication, Trust, Collective Responsibility, Caring, and Pride. The pillars reflect strength in our team and the support we give to the communities that we are fortunate to serve.

ACQUIRED TWO NEW LOCATIONS: In March, 2022, we acquired the Waverly and Shell Rock locations of Security State Bank. We are so excited to welcome them to the CUSB Family!

REMODEL: We have remodeled our Osage and Cresco locations, creating more efficient space for our employees and customers.

J. Scott Thomson, CEO, shows a few of his favorite photos of the 70+ historical photos that are beautifying the walls of our Cresco location. The photo on the right is of the Cresco Theatre being constructed. The photo on the left is when the theatre was completed. To see the rest of the photos, be sure to take a tour during the bank’s celebration Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cresco location is refreshed to celebrate 135 years in business Since 1888, our Cresco location has undergone six major renovation projects, with our most recent being completed this month.

A major addition/remodel was completed in 2000, and this refresh was not nearly as invasive, with the most dramatic changes happening on the main floor of the Cresco location.

J. Scott Thomson, CEO of CUSB Bank said, “Our family wanted to update the Cresco location to ensure a more efficient use of space for our customers and employees, and we also wanted to ensure a desirable place for employees to work. We are very thankful to our bank patrons, staff, and Board of Directors for helping us grow over the years.”

Thomson, with the help of his wife, Stephanie, Board Member Ronda Hughes, President Mike Drees, and SVP and HR Director Lori Bronner, worked together to plan the renovation with the deadline of our 135th Anniversary celebration.

Bronner said, “Our goal was to modernize our location and provide more privacy for customers while keeping the traditional look and Thomson family style of the building.

We also focused on ergonomically correct spaces for our employees.”

New cubicles were installed on the main floor along with a new teller line, construction of two new offices, seating area, and safe

deposit viewing room. Wall coverings in neutral tones, dark cherry wood work, and white woodwork (original to the building) have updated the space from its former yellow/floral motif.

The star of the remodel are the old photographs of Cresco that adorn our walls. Scott worked with the Howard County Historical Society, the bank’s time capsule, and with Cresco native Tyler Ferrie on the photography project. Over 70 photos with dates of the 1870s to the 1960s are on display throughout the bank. The black and white photos feature many different Cresco landmarks and they help to tell Cresco and CUSB Bank’s story.

Thomson said, “We wanted to remain faithful to the architecture of our building and felt that these historical photos were a perfect fit, paying homage to Cresco’s downtown, and celebrating the bank’s rich history over the past 135 years.”

Several local contractors have helped with the renovation project and the bank is very thankful of their craftsmanship and professionalism.

Thomson said, “It was important for us to use local contractors we trust and they have done an amazing job.”

The Cresco location will be open for tours during the 135th Anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GET YOUR DANCING BOOTS READY! We LOVE live music and will be featuring several groups throughout the day. Performing in the tent in the main parking lot:

Performing in the Norman Borlaug Harvest Tent (southside parking lot by Ruppert Ace Hardware):

CORY FARLEY

They’re rooted in the hills Jay R Brink Band

Cory is a singer/songwriter who grew up on a farm in Decorah, Iowa with a family of multigenerational farmers. He sings about real country life and is often performing in Nashville, TN.

of Driftless Northeast Iowa. They cover a huge variety including Alt Country, Folk, Alt Rock, 90s, Oldies, and Blues, along with Folk Originals.

Buffalo Alice Band

It’s the popular game you love, only there’s no entry fee and you could win some fun prizes.

Games played in the large tent after the meal. Enjoy the fun!

CUSB Bank is proud to continue the tradition of throwing anniversary parties with its 135th Anniversary Hoedown scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26 at their Cresco location, in conjunction with Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest.

President Mike Drees said, “It has been a long-standing tradition of the Thomson family and the CUSB Bank family to show our appreciation to our customers by throwing a party. We are excited to host this year’s party in conjunction with Harvest Fest and know there will be many activities for families to enjoy.”

Drees shared that fourteen committee members have spearheaded the planning for the event, a year in the making. He said, “I want to thank Kevin Janssen, Stephanie Thomson, Amy Henry, Cindy Randall, Tammy Henderson, Ashley Kisner, Renae Wedeking, Tasha Hart, John Thomson, Katie Ferrie, Jamie Jordan, Cassie Bangasser, Alex McCabe, and Scott Thomson for their work on the committee, and also a thank you to Jodi Rosendahl and Trista Foster in our marketing department for their efforts. Our dedicated employees are one of our greatest assets and I am proud of the event they have put together.”

All employees and the CUSB Board of Directors will be on hand to help with the festivities. Drees said, “We appreciate all of our employees and the board helping with the event, as they are CUSB. We invite you all to come and celebrate 135 years of CUSB Bank and thank you for your patronage.”

They play Country and Classic Rock and offer three-part harmony.

YEEHAW! THERE’S PRIZES!* We have an outstanding list of prizes to be given away, many of them purchased locally. Prizes will be drawn as part of our program, planned for 5:15 p.m. in the tent in the main CUSB parking lot.

Prizes include:

*No purchase or account necessary to enter and will not increase your chances to win.

Entries accepted now through 4:30 p.m. on August 26, 2023.

Drawings will take place on August 26 at 5:15 p.m. You must be present at time of drawings to win. Odds of winning are dependent upon the number of entries. CUSB Bank employees and members of their households are not eligible to win.

Limit one entry per household.

Taxes are winner’s responsibility. Prizes valued over $600 reported on IRS form 1099-Misc.

1- Cowboy Quilt 2- Igloo Cooler and

$135 Gift Certificate to Ox & Wren

3- Blackstone Grill and

$135 Gift Certificate to Fareway

GET YOUR GRUB!

4- Solo Stove, 2 Yeti Cups,

We LOVE a great meal and are excited to serve a free meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot by our ATM. We’re serving up: choice of ribeye, brat or hot dog, chuckwagon beans, pasta salad, chips, cookie, pop or water. Our grill masters, retired lenders Gary Kelm and Gary Gassett, will be at the grill and our CUSB team will be serving up the meal.

We’re excited to welcome MinneSNOda to provide free shaved ice from 2-4 p.m.

It’s fixin’ to be a delicious day!

and s’more basket

5- Loveseat bench with side table

6- $500 Meat Bundle

from Polashek’s Locker

7- Canopy & 2 Rocking Lawn Chairs

Entry forms have been mailed out and will be available the day of the event. Registration for prizes ends at 4:30 p.m. You must be present to win.*

6 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023

Public Notices

RIDGEWAY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES August 08, 2023 The Ridgeway City Council met in regular session August 08, 2023, at the Ridgeway Community Center, at 5:45 p.m. with Mayor Schnur calling the meeting to order. Council persons present were: Linderbaum, Engelhardt, Ramsey and Schnur. Absent: Novotny.

Engelhardt made a Motion to approve the consent agenda, minutes and claims seconded by Ramsey. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Schnur, seconded

by Ramsey to approve and adopt Resolution 08-08-2023-1-1, A Resolution Approving the 28E Agreement Between the City of Ridgeway, Iowa, and the City of Spillville, Iowa.

A Roll Call Vote was taken: Linderbaum-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Ramsey-yes and Schnur-yes.

Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Linderbaum to approve the following bills to be paid from the Special Events account: LA Communications $1,178.00, Cresco Times $256.00, Driftless Media $198.00, KCZQ $100.00, Par Mar $729.00, Cresco Shopper $642.00, and Ness Pumping Service $6,200.00. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Linderbaum, seconded by Engelhardt to approve to pay the Partial Pay Estimate Number One from JB Holland Construction, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project in the amount of $165,633.13. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

Mayor Schnur read aloud Ordinance No. 08-08-2023-1, an Ordinance Amending Section 8.04 of the Iowa Municipal Code For the City of Ridgeway, Iowa, Regarding the Compensation for the Mayor, raising the Mayor’s annual pay to $1,800.00 per year.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Schnur, to waive the second reading of Ordinance No. 08-08-2023-01. A roll call vote was taken: Linderbaum-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Schnur-yes, and Ramsey-yes. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Linderbaum, seconded by Ramsey to waive the third reading of Ordinance No. 08-08-2023-01. A roll call vote was taken: Linderbaum-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Schnur-yes, and Ramsey-yes. All

August 07, 2023 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: Ross Hadley, Kirk Johnson, Steve Luse, Randy Schissel, and Kirsten Olson Absent: Emily Neal and Steve Zittergruen Mayor Borowski proclaimed the week of August 20th through the 26th, 2023 to be the Water and Wastewater Worker of Iowa Week Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of the July 17, 2023, Regular Meeting b. Claims c. Resolution 3378 Setting Public Hearing for Easement Agreement with 307 Oak Street d. Resolution 3379 Ordering Sidewalk Improvements e. Change Order #1 for Decorah 2022 P.C. Patching Project f. Pay Application #3 (Final) for Decorah 2022 P.C. Patching Project g. Resolution 3380 Accepting Decorah 2022 P.C. Patching Project as Complete h. Change Order #1 for Decorah 2023 Steyer Bridge Repair Project i. Pay Application #2 (Final) for Decorah 2023 Steyer Bridge Repair Project j. Resolution 3381 Accepting Decorah 2023 Steyer Bridge Repair Project as Complete k. Resolution 3382 Setting Public Hearing for the Decorah EOC/911 Dispatch/Shelter Generator Project l. Renewal of Class C Retail Alcohol License with Sunday Sales for Impact Coffee m. Amendment of Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service for Impact Coffee n. New Special Class C Alcohol License with Outdoor Service for Luther College Center for Faith and Life o. Renewal Class C Alcohol License for Corner Bar p. Renewal Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Fairfield Marriott Decorah q. ....New Class E Retail Alcohol License for Kwik Star at 306 College Drive

Decorah Schools has the following positions available for the 2023-2024 school year:

Send letterAlcohol of application resumeEquipment, Supplies..............1046.91 r. Renewal Class C Retail License andFarrell to Supt.

Tim Quarters, Cronin, 510 with Outdoor Service, Living and Winnebago Ferguson Waterworks, Services ........6725.51 Catering for Rubaiyat Street, Decorah, IA 52101, Fisk Farm And Home, Supplies ..........329.91 s. Renewal Class E Retail Alcohol LiFreeport Water Dist, Water Bill.........1082.55 Jobs are open until filled. cense for Wal-Mart Super Center Garrett Willie, Trail Work ...................555.64 t. Renewal Class C Retail Alcohol License Gary’s Tractor, Wheel .........................185.00 (Job description is on Teach Iowa) with Outdoor Service and Catering for TopGillette Pepsi Decorah, pling Goliath Brewing Co Rec Consessions..............................3448.80 Send letter of application and resume Olson made a motion to approve the conGoedken, Travis, Reimbursement ....... 760.00 to Supt. Tim Cronin, 510 Winnebago sent agenda as presented, Johnson seconded Grainger, Shelf .................................... 118.08 the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Olson, JohnGreen Repair, Mower .......................... 119.00 Street, Decorah, IA 52101, Decorah Congregational United Church son, Schissel, Luse, Hadley. Nays: None.

Hageman, Deana, Reimbursement ...... 263.78 Applications are open until filled. of Christ (UCC) is seeking a collaboraMotion carried.

Hawkeye Interconnect, Metronet ........ 275.00 33-2-PJ-12 Mayor Borowski opened the public hearHawkins, Supplies.............................2971.48 tive musician and conductor with skill in ing on amending Title 17-Zoning of the MuHotel Winneshiek, Fees ......................667.52 directing choral ensembles. With a pasnicipal Code of the City of Decorah related Hotel Winneshiek, Credit ..................-673.52 sion for and knowledge of sacred music, to Section 17.53.020 Storage on Residential Howard Co Env Health, this staff person will co-create Christian Properties at 5:52 PM. No public comment.

Pool Inspection..................................418.00 worship that is inspiring, transformative, Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at Ice House Ice, Ice .............................. 1565.75 5:53 PM. Schissel made a motion to approve Impact Coffee, Program Expense .........17.50 intergenerational, and fun – a space Miscellaneous amending Title 17-Zoning of the Municipal Imwca, Services .............................. 35386.00 Decorah has the where Schools everyone, everyone, everyone Code of the City of Decorah related to SecInsight Public Sector, Office 365 ........609.59 Ad Copy: Use ItchNoMore® shamcan encounter the Sacred. following positions available tion 17.53.020 Ia Dept Of Transportation, poo on dogs & cats to relieve 2023-2024 school year: Storage on Residential Properties. Olson Steyer Bridge .................................. 1063.08 for the Requirements seconded the motion. Hadley questioned Ia Dept Of Transportation, Credit ...-1666.00 secondary dermatits, treat yeast Part-time, salaried (averaging 4-6 hours/ whether a deck on top of the building would Ia Dept Of Natural Resources, Fees .... 837.89 Two (2) Full Time week).

Weekly Sundays and most Christinfections, & eliminate doggyodor. be considered a roof top cover. Building InIowa One Call, Services ....................... 30.60 mas/Easter/funeral availability required. spector, Greg Swanson, stated that it would Iowa Rotocast, Coolers ..................... 1314.00 Custodians At Tractor Supply® (www.happybe considered a roof top cover. Roll call vote.

Iowa Workforce Devel., Salary commensurate with experience.

Ayes: Schissel, Olson, Luse, Hadley, JohnUnemployment................................ 1510.00 jackinc.com) For a full Kitchen job description, visit us at Food Service son. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Iroc Web, Web Plugins ..........................19.50 Miscellaneous decorahucc.org/jobs Olson made a motion to table the vote J & C Overhead Doors, Door Opener ... 60.00 Manager on consideration of an ordinance regarding John Deere Financial, Supplies ...........523.99 GENERAC Standby Generators To apply Chapter 2.02 of the Municipal Code of the John M Ellsworth, Water Trailer ......... 303.12 at CarrieSubmit Lee (7am-1pm) a cover letter and résumé to provide backup power during utility City of Decorah related to Mayor and Council Just Toops, Fire Starters ......................150.00 hiring@decorahucc.org.

Compensation due to council members being K & B Sportswear, Guard Suits ..........632.00 power outages, so your home and Food Service Server absent, Johnson seconded the motion. Roll Ken’s Window, Services .....................200.00 209 W. Broadway St., Decorah family stay safe and comfortable. call vote. Ayes: Olson, Johnson, Hadley.

Keystone Lab, Water Test .....................17.00 at John Cline (11:15am-1:15pm) Nays: Luse, Schissel. Motion to table the Klosterboer, John, Ice Cave ..............6755.00 Prepare now. Free 7-year extended vote fails. Luse made a motion to approve the Kwik Trip, Gas .................................1832.78 warranty ($695 value!). Request a Food Service Server first reading of the ordinance with compensatLaura Gillespie, Cleaning ................. 1733.00 ing the Council $50.00 a meeting as a whole Letterwerks -Sign City, free quote today! Call for additional at John Cline (9:45am-1:15pm) council. This would include work sessions Memory Plaque .................................330.00 terms and conditions. 1-855-954and personnel meetings but exclude commitLulu & Bb’s, Dog Food ........................ 60.24 tee meetings. Johnson questioned whether the Mabes Pizza, Pizza............................Send 1148.00 letter of application and resume 5087 motion included anything for the mayor. Luse Macqueen Equipment, Foam .............680.00 to Supt. Tim Cronin, 510 Winnebago stated that the mayor compensation should Malcom Enterprises, Garbage ...............81.50 Miscellaneous increase with the Consumer Price Index. MoMcartor, Mallory, Reimbursement ..... 411.23 Street, Decorah, IA 52101, Eliminate gutter cleaning forevtion failed due to no one seconding the moMcclure Engineering Co., Services 24124.00 Jobs are openCITY until filled.CLERK tion. Johnson made a motion to approve the Mcmaster-Carr, Hoist ..........................194.91 er! LeafFilter, the most advanced first reading of an ordinance related to Mayor Mead & Hunt, Services ....................... 423.00 debris-blocking gutter protection.

The City of Spillville is now accepting and Council compensation to include $50.00 Mi Energy, Electric ........................... 2898.47 a meeting for Council when meeting as a Mike’s Fabricating, Trailer Tire .........107.00 applications for the City Clerk/Utility Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estiwhole and Mayor compensation to increase Milligan, Cole, Reimbursement ............ 47.46 WINNESHIEK COUNTY DEPT Billing position. Candidate must be SECONDARY mate today. ROADS 20% off Entire Purto $5,200.00 per year. Luse seconded the Mississippi Welders, Supplies............. 150.96 self-motivated and able to multi-task motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Johnson, Luse, Moen, Blake, Reimbursement ............661.28 chase.

Plus 10% Senior & Military The Winneshiek County Secondary Roads Department, located in DecHadley, and Olson. Nays: Schissel. Motion Mower Power, Supplies ......................131.27 and work with the public. Duties include Discounts.

Call of 1-855-913-1560 orah, Iowa, is accepting applications for the position County Engicarried.

Mph Industries , Services..................1980.00 accounts payable, accounts receivable, Hadley made a motion to approve ResoluMti Enterprises, Materials...................169.00 neer. Salary range is $109,000 to $140,000 based on experience and Miscellaneous fi nancial reports, payroll, council and tion 3383 including the suggestions by John Napa, Supplies ....................................242.46 qualifications. Winneshiek County is located Northeast Win-best Replacein your roof Iowa. with the Anderson to include language that improveOlson Explosives, Gas ......................1300.71 other meeting minutes, budget prepaments must be approved by City Council and Pankow, Jon, Reimbursement ............. 239.88 neshiek County has 309 bridges (NBI)looking and 1,056 miles oflasting secondary and longest material ration, ordinances, resolutions, utility to add language so that either party can end Perry Novak Electric, Services .........2007.20 roads consisting of concrete, asphalt, gravel or dirt. Of these, there are steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three the agreement at will, without cause, with a Petty Cash, Postage .............................. 28.75 billing and general office management.

804 miles of gravel. The County Engineer is responsible and account30-day written notice. Olson seconded the Pioneer Manufacturing, Paint ...........2589.45 The position includes working with styles and multiple colors available. motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Hadley, Olson, Pitney Bowes, Postage ........................200.95 able for the over-all planning, direction, coordination and control of QuickBooks/ClerkBooks, Word and Johnson, Schissel, and Luse. Nays: None.

Postmaster, Bulk Mail .........................319.56 Guaranteed to last asafe lifetime!

Limitthe Secondary Road System. This includes the effective, and effiHadley made a motion to approve ResPrositions, Training ........................... 3404.15 Excel. Hours are flexible and will vary ed Time Offer off secondinstallation cient construction, maintenance and engineering of all50% county olution 3384 to accept a sidewalk easement Quadient, Postage ............................... 500.00 from 15 to 30 hours per week. Salary at 209 College Drive, Olson seconded the Randy’s Auto Parts, Supplies ..............346.62 + Additional 10% off install41(for ary roads, bridges and related services.

The Engineer supervises includes IPERS and will be based on motion. Pulpit Rock Brewing Company is Ricoh Usa Inc, Copier ......................... 184.20 full-time employees.

The ability to establish and maintain an effective military, health workers & 1st regranting the City of Decorah an easement to River City Paving, Patching................189.00 qualifications and experience. working relationship with departmentsponders.) personnel,Call other government construct sidewalk improvements. Roll call Roger’s Lock & Key, Service .............175.40 Erie Metal Roofs: vote. Ayes: Hadley, Olson, Luse, Johnson, Samuelson, Riley, Graphic Design .....297.00 Applications are available at City Hall, agencies, other county departments, contractors and the public is es1-855-974-5952 Sandry Fire, Gear Repair ...................... 94.00 and Schissel. Nays. None. Motion carried. the Spillville Publiccounty Library and online experience is preferred. BS or MS in sential.

Previous engineer Schwan’s, Resale Products.................. 202.11 Johnson made a motion to approve payHelp Wanted-Government at Spillville.org.

Applications willbe belicensed as a Professional Engineer in Sovern, Keri, Reimbursement ..............38.39 ment of $150,000.00 to WCDT to fulfill the Engineering required.

Must POLICE OFFICER: Indianola Spahn & Rose Lumber, Supplies ........299.32 City’s pledge to Sunflower Discovery Center accepted until Sept. 30, 2023. the State of Iowa.

Stevenson Tree Care, Services ..........2973.48 using the ARPA funds, Schissel seconded the Police Department is taking appliStorey Kenworthy, Office Supplies...3407.89 motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Johnson, SchisPlease send application and resume to: county website (winneshiekcounty.

Applications are available on the cations for the positions of Police/ Streicher’s, Uniform............................ 161.50 sel, Luse, Hadley, and Olson. Nays: None.

City of Spillville, PO Box 276,application, resume and references by iowa.gov).

Send completed Suttons Car Wash, Car Wash............... 415.80 Motion carried.

Patrol Officer. Obtain applications Tollefson, Jim, Services ...................... 140.00 Olson made a motion to approve the DecSpillville IA 52168 July 26, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. to County Auditor Benjamin Steines. E-mail Torresdal, Kristin, Reimbursement ......79.18 orah Drinking Water Protection Plan final by visiting https://indianolaiowa.apapplication, and references The City of Spillvilleresume is an Equal Opportunity Employer to: bsteines@co.winneshiek.ia.us.

Truck Country, Services ....................6995.36 report, Luse seconded the motion. Roll call -CODEplicantpro.com/jobs , choose Police Uline, Supplies .................................... 527.49 vote. Ayes: Olson, Luse, Hadley, Schissel, Us Treasury, Fees ................................164.61 and Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Officer. Deadline 9/15/2023 EOE Upper Explorerland, Services ...............25.00 Olson made a motion to award the wayUps, Postage.......................................... 12.62 finding study to Upper Explorerland at a cost Usa Blue Book, Services...................1884.57 of $11,418.00 to the City of Decorah, Luse Vandekrol, Scott, Reimbursement.........55.73 seconded the motion. Hadley stated that he Verizon Wireless, Phone Bills ...........1574.78 was concerned that the lead time for Upper Weather Tap, Credit ............................-89.95 Explorerland was too long and thought we WINNESHIEK COUNTY SECONDARY ROADS DEPT Wertjes Uniforms, Uniform ................ 115.03 should consider going with Northeast Iowa Windridge Implements, Supplies ..........50.25 RC&D to save time. City Manager, Travis The Winneshiek County Secondary Roads Department, located in DecWinn Co. San. Landfill, Deer .................. 7.50 Goedken, said he would discuss the timing Ziegler, Services..............................21455.00 concern with Upper Explorerland. Roll call orah, Iowa, is accepting applications for the position of County EngiRevenue to date July 31, 2023 vote. Ayes: Olson, Luse, Hadley, Schissel, neer. Salary range is $109,000 to $140,000 based on experience and General Fund................................104,607.99 and Johnson. Nays: None. Motion carried. qualifications. Winneshiek County is located in Northeast Iowa. WinneLocal Option Sales Tax Schissel made a motion to approve an Road Use Fund............................... 86,016.36 agreement with the Boy Scouts of America, shiek County has 309 bridges (NBI) and 1056 miles of secondary roads Employee Benefits ...........................5,472.45 Troop 66 to allow Troop 66 to place a can consisting of concrete, asphalt, gravel or dirt. Of these, there are 804 SSMID ..................................................47.04 bin in the gravel 48-hour parking lot near the miles of gravel. The County Engineer is responsible and accountable Park Special Gifts ............................... 200.00 recycling dumpsters. In return, Troop 66 will Street Equip Fund ............................... 267.40 pick up the debris that accumulates due to the for the over-all planning, direction, coordination, and control of the SecDebt Service Fund............................3,941.58 recycling dumpsters and other litter. Olson ondary Road System. This includes the effective, safe and efficient conWater Utility Fund ....................... 151,103.68 seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: struction, maintenance and engineering of all county secondary roads, Sewer Utility Fund ....................... 131,595.23 Schissel, Olson, Johnson, Luse, and Hadley.

Metronet .........................................34,649.50 Nays: None. Motion carried. bridges and related services. The Engineer supervises 41 full-time emForest Utility .................................... 9,503.55 Mayor Borowski made an announcement ployees. The ability to establish and maintain an effective working relaStorm Sewer Utility ....................... 11,385.35 that there is a vacancy on the Board of Adtionship with department personnel, other government agencies, other Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion justment. The City of Decorah will accept August 17, 2023 applications until August 31, 2023. county departments, contractors and the public is essential. Previous Meeting adjourned at 6:41 PM county engineer experience is preferred. BS or MS in Engineering reKeri Sand quired. Must be licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, August 7, 2023 or have the ability to be licensed in Iowa within 6 to 8 weeks of hire.

Acco, Serivces...................................2209.65 Applications are available on the county website (winneshiekcounty.

Acentek, Fees ......................................270.00 Aia Services, Apparel........................2598.14 iowa.gov). Send completed application, resume and references by AuAirespring, Services ............................273.34 gust 31, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. to County Auditor Benjamin Steines. E-Mail Alliant Energy, Electric Bills .......... 25373.29 AKC Purebred English Springer Al’s Counrty Meat Locker, Application, Resume and References to: bsteines@co.winneshiek.ia.us Resale Products .................................204.16 Spaniel pups; up to date on shots.

Contact Info: bsteines@co.winneshiek.ia.us 33-5-PJ-12 Amazon, Office Supplies ..................1470.37 $1,200. 563-532-9821.

Baker & Taylor, Books...................... 1520.29 Beyond Trust, Remote Support ......... 3254.11 30-tf-JP-x-1 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas .......1244.23 Bodensteiner Implement, Services.... 6832.66 Bohr, Rick, Spinners ...........................100.00 Bremer, Louann, Cleaning ...............1000.00 Bril, Jeremy, Reimbursement ................ 75.00 Bruening Rock, Services....................234.89\ Capital One, Office Supplies.................77.73 Capital One Trade Credit, Equipment. 184.98 Casper Plbg, Services........................ 1100.03 Wanted: Organic hay; small squares, Casper Plbg, Credit .........................-1524.26 Center Point Large Print, Books ...........80.96 alfalfa mix; 400 bales, 2nd or 3rd Central Square Technologies, crop. 563-419-4358. 33-2-PJ-pd-5.

Subscription ..................................13297.85 City Laundering, Supplies ..................177.76 City Of Marshalltown, Police Dept ....300.00 Connell Flying, 45108 ...................... 3683.31 Copyland, Copies .................................. 48.80 Croell, Services ................................... 673.50 Culligan Water, Water ........................... 17.00 D C Moen Const, Sidewalk .............4121.50 D.A. Davidson, Services ...................1000.00 Dalco, Supplies ...................................753.72 Moving & Garage Sale Saturday, Davis Equipment, Mower Parts ........ 1069.40 August 19 at 8 a.m. 709 & 715 Decorah Electric, Booster ................... 320.71 Delta Dental, August Dental ............. 1191.10 Serenity Court, Decorah Books, Denise Lana, Services ......................... 276.59 Diamond Vogel, Paint ......................1844.70 Plants, Lamps, Furniture & More.

Dorsey & Whitney, Services ...........20605.00 33-1-P-pd-2 Driftless Gardens, Services ...................70.00 Driftless Multimedia, Media ...............739.50 Dunn Blacktop, Patching ....................225.00 Era, Supplies .......................................165.05 Fareway Stores, Supplies ..................6613.73

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aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Ramsey to approve and adopt Ordinance No. 08-08-2023-1. A roll call vote was taken: Linderbaum-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Schnur-yes, and Ramsey-yes. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A discussion was held regarding water utility rates. A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Schnur to have the City Attorney prepare the Ordinance for water utility rate increases of $17.50 to $18.00 for the first 2,000 gallons, $5.00 per every 1,000 gallons after the first 2,000 gallons, and a capital improvement fee increase of $5.00. All aye. Nay none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Ramsey to present the Liability Waiver and Release to the adjoining property owner to the City Water Tower to allow the contractor, that is doing the improvement work, to go onto his property and to cover his property with canvas to prevent any damages to his property when improvement work is being done to the City Water Tower. All aye.

Nay: none. Motion carried.

The maintenance man report was given.

A Motion was made by Schnur, seconded by Engelhardt to hire Novak Electric to clean out the storm intakes with their bid of $600.00 for the job and $82 per hour to complete the work. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

The next City Council meeting will be September 12, 2023, at 5:45 p.m. at the Ridgeway Community Center.

Schnur made a Motion to adjourn, seconded by Linderbaum. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Sharla Berns City Clerk WARRANTS FOR CITY OF RIDGEWAY – August, 2023 Alliant Energy, Utilities .................$1,618.75 Black Hills Energy, Utility ..................$38.52 Bruening Rock, Road rock.............. $85.19 Cardmember Services, Shop-postage, shop supplies, office floor ...............$107.58 Dan Pitz, Insurance & phone reimbursement ......................$450.00 Driftless Multimedia, Publishing ..... $122.87 Engen Express, Shop fuel .................$247.36 Farmers Win Coop, Shop supplies ......$68.45 Fehr Graham, Sewer Project .......... $3,437.00 Hi-Viz Safety, Signs .......................... $513.00 Iowa DHS, Support payment ............$745.35 Iowa DNR, Annual NPDES Wastewater Permit ..........................$210.00 Ipers, Ipers......................................$1,374.79 Johnson Computers, Printer Ink-color .............................. $100.00 Larry Phillips, Maintenance help ...... $250.00 M&E Plastic Repair, Park equipment repairs ................$4,000.00 Mabel Telephone, Shop $108.59, Office $170.69, Hall $35.05............$314.33 McDonald Supply, Com. Center repair ...........................$12.61 Microbac, Lab tests ........................... $173.25 Postmaster, Annual box rent ............. $118.00 Ridgeway Lumber, Park repairs.....$1,554.27 Ruppert Ace Hardware, Shop tools, park repairs..................$254.51 Pat Sands, Community center cleaning ..............$60.00 Payroll ...........................................$ 5,291.32 Payroll tax ...................................... $1,630.01 Sharla Berns, Reimbursement-monthly.................$100.00 Sharla Berns, Reimbursement-flooring .................$364.53 Shimek Sanitation, Garbage........... $2,110.21 Treasurer – State of Iowa, Sales tax ..$535.31 Turkey River Culture Center, Water lines......................................$280.00 Upper Exploreland, Meetings and training .......................$25.00 Winneshiek County Sheriff, 28E Agreement....................................$1.00 Winneshiek County Sheriff, Garnishment ....................................$631.84 Expenditure Accounts Summary to date: General Fund..................................$3,185.57 Community Center $95.05 Cemetery ........................................... $101.52 Road Use ......................................$18,731.65 Water Fund .....................................$1,948.16 Sewer Fund .................................... $4,236.47 Revenue Accounts Summary to date: General Fund.....................................$727.34 Community Center ............................$850.00 Road Use Tax .................................$1,766.94 Local Option Sales Tax ................................$ Water Fund .....................................$1,449.69 Sewer Fund .................................... $1,645.06 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion August 17, 2023

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TRUST NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE TRUST: KARON E. HOVEY REVOCABLE TRUST To all persons regarding Karon E. Hovey, deceased, who died on or about August 6th, 2023. You are hereby notified that Melissa K. Foley is the trustee of the Revocable Trust of Karon E. Hovey known as the Karon E. Hovey Revocable Trust dated on May 12, 2014. 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 four (4) months 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 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 on August 15th, 2023.

Melissa K. Foley, Trustee 422 3rd Avenue West Cresco, IA 52136 Joseph P. Braun, #AT0001120, Attorney for Trustee ELWOOD, O’DONOHOE, BRAUN & WHITE 217 North Elm Street, PO Box 377 Cresco, IA 52136-0377 Date of second publication: August 24, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion August 17 & 24, 2023

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OFFICIAL NOTICE BEFORE THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO THE CITIZENS OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY: Notice is given that ITC Midwest, LLC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 478, has filed a petition with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) for a franchise to erect, maintain and operate an electric transmission line setting forth the following as the maximum voltage, starting points, routes, and termini of the existing lines: EXHIBIT A 69,000 Volt Nominal (72,500 Volt Maximum) Electric Transmission Line Winneshiek County, Iowa The west endpoint of this line is at a point of electrical connection with an existing ITC Midwest LLC (ITC) transmission line located at the east corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa in the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 10, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Winneshiek County, Iowa; the west terminus of this line is within Interstate Power and Light Company’s (IPL) Cresco Substation located in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 22, Township 99 North, Range 11 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Howard County, Iowa, being within the corporate limits of Cresco, Iowa.

The east endpoint of this line is at a point of electrical connection with an existing ITC transmission line located at the north corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa in the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 15, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Winneshiek County, Iowa; the east terminus of this line is within Interstate Power and Light Company’s (IPL) Decorah Substation located in the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 15, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Winneshiek County, Iowa, being within the corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa.

This line begins at a point of electrical connection with an existing ITC transmission line located on private property, approximately 0.23 mile north and 0.00 mile east of the southwest corner of Section 10, Township 98 North, Range 8 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Winneshiek County, Iowa, at the east corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa; thence southeasterly on private property in the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 10, to a point located on private property, approximately 0.15 mile north and 0.03 mile east of the southwest corner of said Section 10, for a distance of approximately 0.08 mile; thence southeasterly on private property through the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of said Section 10 and the north half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 15, said township and range, to a point located on private property, approximately 0.12 mile south and 0.35 mile east of the northwest corner of said Section 15, for a distance of approximately 0.43 mile; thence southerly on private property through the east half of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 15, crossing the public road right of way of Quarry Hill Road and Ice Cave Road, to a point of electrical connection with an existing ITC transmission line located on private property, near the middle of the Upper Iowa River at the north corporate limits of Decorah, Iowa, approximately 0.32 mile south and 0.39 mile east of the northwest corner of said Section 15, said point also being the east endpoint of the this line being described, for a distance of approximately 0.21 mile.

The total distance of this 69kV line is approximately 0.72 mile.

A map showing the proposed route of the electric line may be obtained at no cost by calling (319) 297-6816 or by writing to ITC Midwest, LLC Attn: Jacob E. Shipp, 123 5th Street Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Orders issued and documents filed in this docket (Docket No. E-22535) may be viewed by searching under the docket number on the IUB’s electronic filing system (EFS) at http:// efs.iowa.gov. Objections to the granting of the franchise may be filed electronically using EFS or filed in writing with the IUB no later than 20 days after the date of the second publication of this notice. Instructions for submitting an electronic filing can be found on the EFS home page. Written objections must be mailed to the Iowa Utilities Board, 1375 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319.

The date of the first publication is August 10, 2023. The date of the second publication is August 17, 2023.

IOWA UTILITIES BOARD BY: Jon Tack General Counsel Dated at Des Moines, Iowa, this 27th day of July, 2023.

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion August 10 & 17, 2023

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Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023 7

Law Enforcement Decorah Police Decorah Police were dispatched to the 700 block of River Street in Decorah Aug. 13 at 10:23 p.m. for a report of a male passed out in a citizen’s yard. After an investigation and a medical check on the subject, Police arrested 34-year-old Jared Dansdill of Decorah for public intoxication. He was transported to Winneshiek County Jail without incident. Police were assisted at the scene by the WinnMed ambulance service and Winneshiek County Deputies at the jail.

Decorah Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of North Street/Center Street Aug. 10 at approximately 1:35 a.m. Upon further investigation it was determined that the driver was operating under the influence of alcohol. Subsequently, Joseph Michael Thys Mark, 29, of Decorah, was placed under arrest for operating while under the Influence 1st offense. He was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail and transferred into their custody without incident. Decorah Police were assisted by Winneshiek County Dispatch and Winneshiek County Jail staff.

Decorah Police received a tip of an impaired driver operating within city limits Aug. 10 at approximately 7:44 p.m. Officers located the described vehicle and contacted the driver in the 300 block of College Drive. Upon further investigation it was determined that the driver was operating under the influence. Subsequently, Danny Kurtis Mulholland, 56, of New Albin, was placed under arrest for operating while under the influence 1st offense. Mulholland was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail and transferred into their custody without incident.

Decorah Police were assisted by Winneshiek County Dispatch and Winneshiek County Jail staff.

Winneshiek County Sheriff William Mack, 36, of Postville, turned himself in to the Winneshiek County Jail Aug. 9. He was arrested and booked into the jail on an arrest warrant for violation of parole.

While incarcerated in the Winneshiek County Jail Aug. 10, Kaleb Wikert, 23, of Sumner, was served an arrest warrant for failure to serve jail time.

Cameron McMorris, age 18, of New Hampton, was charged with two counts of serious misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance Aug. 11 at 11:30 p.m. on Highway 24 in Fort Atkinson.

According to a news release from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office Ronnie Leroy Snyder, 57, from Winnebago, Minn., is suspected of multiple crimes throughout Winneshiek County and the area. This is an ongoing investigation with additional charges pending. Snyder is currently incarcerated in the Winneshiek County Jail.

The local Sheriff’s Office shared a news release from Fayette County Sheriff’s Office as follows: A week-long investigation into car thefts and stolen vehicles, which were recovered in the area, ended this morning. On Aug. 10, 2023, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a suspicious person on 190th street, south of West Union. This is the same area that days prior, the Sheriff’s office recovered a stolen vehicle out of Winneshiek County. Upon arrival, Deputies searched the area and located another stolen vehicle out of Allamakee County. This vehicle was found on 180th street, just a mile from the suspicious person report. A search for the suspect was conducted, however he was not located. The suspect’s photograph was obtained from the West Union Police Department. The suspect has been under investigation for a stolen vehicle from West Union.

On Aug. 11 at 8:45 a.m., the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office took a report from staff at Inspiring Lives reporting a suspicious person. Inspiring Lives is located on 190th Street, just miles from the previous day’s suspicious person report. Upon Deputy’s arrival, the suspect had fled into a corn field.

The Sheriff’s office then learned the suspects name was Ronnie Leroy Snyder, 57 from Winnebago, Minn. The Sheriff’s Office learned that Snyder had a federal warrant for his arrest for Federal Parole Violation and a warrant for his arrest out of Winneshiek County for burglary. At 11:30 a.m., Snyder was found hiding in a corn field in the area and was taken into custody without incident.

Snyder was transported to the Fayette County Jail and then taken into custody by Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office on their warrants.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the US Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force, Iowa State Patrol, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette Police Department, West Union Police Department and Fayette County Conservation. Also assisting was the Decorah Fire Department providing their drone and the Iowa State Patrol assisted with their aircraft. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and West Union Police Department will complete their investigations and file charges at a later

Echoes of the Past

By Roz Weis

Rural teachers could earn $105 per month

1943

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: The salaries of the rural schoolteachers of Winneshiek County are increasing 25 percent this year, and the increase is due to continued wartime conditions.

Rural teachers in the county receive an average of about $85 per month, but the hike may bring that average wage to about $105 per month. There are about 120 teachers in the county’s rural schools this y ear. …Continued vigilance is urged in guarding our country’s dwindling rubber supplies. This was message from the executive secretary of the Iowa Highway Traffic Advisory Committee at a talk here recently. A warning is issued against too much optimism regarding the availability of tires. …The FSA Office of Decorah is accepting applications from tenants to buy farmers under the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act. Funds are loaned out for the purchase of a farm and for making building and land improvements, and the farm ownership loans are to be repaid in 40 years or sooner bearing a 3 percent interest rate. …There is a new Dean of Women at Luther College. She is Miss Lois Moe of Chicago, Ill., and she will have the post during the absence of Miss Clara Paulson. …Bathers at Iowa bathers are cautioned to use care in water sports, swimming, boating, and fishing, as there is a lack of lifeguards due to wartime conditions. Many of the lifeguards in the state in now in the Armed Services. Make it your business to see that the steadily mounting number of drownings in the state ceases to mount.

…The grand opening at the expanded Ben Franklin Store in downtown Decorah is set for Aug. 15, 1963.

1973

FIFTY YEARS AGO: More than 60,000 Nordic Fest-goers reportedly attended the Nordic Fest this year. …The 1973 Winneshiek County Fair starts August 8th.

The committee for the fair this year includes Virgil Stortz, Vernon Spilde, L.C. Bolson, Erlin Lomen, Robert Baker, Robert Thorsten, Paul Hardy, Bill Ronan, Harry Halverson, and Gary Svenson. …This fall, the Northeast Area One Adult Education and Decorah Schools will provide adult education classes here. …The 1973 Decorah Vikings baseball team are the conference and district baseball champs!

1983

FORTY YEARS AGO: The Decorah City Council has voted to apply for funding to make improvements to the intersection of Highway 9 and Montgomery Street. Their concern has been heightened after a 14-year-old local boy was killed while riding his moped near the intersection. …The new assistant manager at Anthony’s in downtown Decorah is Burt Beavers. …Registration has started at Decorah Community Schools.

A 4-week lunch ticket is now $15. …The production of “South Pacific” is Aug. 11-14 at St. Wenceslaus Gym in Spillville.

Cast members are from the Country Road Players.

1953 1993

SEVENTY YEARS AGO: Interstate Power Company’s bid for a renewal of its 25-year electric franchise in Decorah has been approved. No organized opposition was voiced publicly. …Robert Loundsberry, a 35-year-old Luther College graduate, was elected new departmental commander of the Iowa American Legion recently. …The Iowa Cornhuskers Band will be at Matter’s Ballroom providing dance music later this month. …When it’s hot, drive on over to Mabel’s Drive-In for some delicious meals served in your car! …The possible funding for construction of a new Bluffton School was voted down last week. …Decorah’s Kiltie Junior Drum and Bugle Corps “stole the show” at the National Cherry Festival performance recently at Traverse City, Mich.

1963

SIXTY YEARS AGO: Major damage was reported at the local Woolworth Store as high winds hit the area the other night. The wind blew a chuck off the roof, causing considerable damage. …The cornerstone for the new public elementary school in Decorah was officially put into place in a ceremony last week. …Decorah merchants have voted in favor of continuing regular store hours. Currently, stores are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except on Fridays, when the stores stay open until 9 p.m.

THIRTY YEARS AGO: Extremely sunny skies greeted thousands of RAGBRAI riders during their successful overnight stay in Decorah July 29.

It is estimated that as many as 18,000 people were in attendance. …It was 100 years ago this year that Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and his family spent the summer in nearby Spillville. A “Remembering Dvorak” music festival is planned in Spillville in commemorating the anniversary. …APAC, the 7th largest teleservices company in the country, plans to open a 96-seat phone center right here in Decorah next fall.

2003

TWENTY YEARS AGO: Decorah native Alan Branhagen, the son of Ruth and Les Branhagen of Decorah, has received a national landscaping award for a garden he designed at Powell Gardens in Kansas City. …Jam contest winner at the County Fair this summer is Marian Kuhn of Decorah. Kolache Contest winner was Ann Elsbernd of Fort Atkinson.

Winner of the cake contest was Amber Uhlenhake of Ossian.

2013

TEN YEARS AGO: The 47th annual Nordic Fest Parade featured members of the Brian and Wendy Leuenberger family of Fort Atkinson. The family

Main II fire in 1942 Old Main (the second Main building on the Luther College campus) was destroyed by fire Sunday, May 31, 1942. Historians described the fire as follows: … “in a matter of hours Old Main was reduced to a smoldering ruin.” (Photo from the David T. Nelson collection at Luther College) gathered as six-year-old Kamryn Leuenberger, who was born with cerebral palsy, had the opportunity to lead the Northeast Iowa Shrine Motor Clowns in the grand parade down Water Street. …The Decorah Street Department recently held an open house at its newly renovated building on Railroad Avenue. …FOR SALE: 3-bedroom, newly updated home in Calmar. $83,000. …The former Frankville Fire Department buildings are being sold. Pricetag: $38,500.

Approximately 1 acre of land included. …House-cleaning services are being advertised locally – the charge for the service is $9 per hour.

AUCTION CALENDAR

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Public Notices IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ISAAC J. WILTGEN, Deceased Probate No. ESPR016232 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To all persons interested in the estate of Isaac J. Wiltgen, deceased, who died on or about July 23, 2023: You are hereby notified that on August 8, 2023, the undersigned were appointed administrators of the estate.

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

Dated on August 11, 2023 /s/ Mark Wiltgen Mark Wiltgen, Administrator of the Estate 3484 333rd Ave Cresco, IA 52136 /s/ LuAnn Wiltgen LuAnn Wiltgen, Administrator of the Estate 3484 33rd Ave Cresco, IA 52136 /s/ Kevin E. Schoeberl, ICIS#: AT0006991 Attorney for the Administrator Story, Schoeberl & Seebach, LLP 126 N. Elm St. PO Box 89 Cresco, IA 52136 Date of second publication: August 24, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion August 17 & 24, 2023 Board Minutes Monday August 7, 2023 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am August 7, 2023 with all members present (Vermace electronically.) The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Members of the Winneshiek County Celebration of Life group met with the Board and presented a proclamation. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to proclaim August as Cancer Awareness Month in Winneshiek County. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and to accept and file the monthly report of the County Recorder. Motion carried unanimously.

Kelvin Rue, Jed Becker, Mark Carolan, and Dave Brenno met with the Board to discuss the purchase of a new pumper truck for the Ridgeway Fire Department. The Board gave unanimous consensus to co-sign the financing when they get to that point of the process. They will consider the request for funding during budget discussion for next fiscal year.

Krista Vanden Brink, Public Health Director, met with the Board to discuss the Health and Human Services alignment plan. More information on the statewide restructuring will be forthcoming over the next several months.

The Board discussed the hiring process for a new County Engineer and timeline for getting an Interim Engineer in place. Both topics will continue to be discussed over the next several meetings.

The Board discussed the Horn Hollow Road issue. They directed the Road Department to work with the County Attorney to start the process of vacating the unused portion of the road.

Jeff Kuboushek, Road Superintendent, met with the Board to discuss road matters.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to offer the position of Road Foreman to Darrin Barta and to approve his hire after he accepts the position. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to inform applicants for overweight permits that they would need to wait for an Interim County Engineer to get in place, or if they could not wait, that the applicant would have to pay the fee to have a consultant sign-off on the permit. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, August 14, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D. Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion August 17, 2023

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

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8 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023

New school rec area Work continues this month on the new outdoor recreation area adjacent to Decorah Middle School. Decorah Community School Board members approved the project proposal last fall, with an estimated pricetag of $300,000. Partial funding was from ESSERIII Funds (funds to address the impact of COVID-19 on elementary and secondary schools). (Driftless Multimedia photo by Roz Weis)

Education legislation A lot of hours are being spent determining how best to meet the requirements of the law.

The new legislation goes beyond preferred names and pronouns in classrooms. It bans books library books depicting sexual acts in school libraries, with the exception of religious texts. It also bans teaching gender identity and sexual orientation concepts in kindergarten through sixth grade. The law requires parents are provided with a list of all books available at the library, and any assigned

reading.

Cronin said the library staff has been working diligently on that portion of the new legislation, which goes into effect early next year.

Other business In other business at Monday night’s board meeting, several staff “sharing” agreements were endorsed.

Shanna Putnam Dibble, Facilitator of ECSE, SEBH and Community Partnerships, will serve as special education direc-

tor with Eastern Allamakee at 20 percent of her contract, and also will serve as the administrator at West Side School in Decorah.

DCSD Director of Transportation Services Jim Samuelson will also serve as transportation director with North Fayette Valley School for 20 percent of the contract for the 2023-24 school year.

According to Supt. Cronin, the district will be fluid and adjust for sharing agreements to work.

After considerable discussion,

continued from front board members endorsed a proposal from Supt. Cronin regarding family illness days, contracts with Clinicare Corporation for the Crossroads Academy located in the district, and the contract between the district and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) in Calmar.

Board members also accepted several new employee contracts, and the resignations of two longtime district employees Rich Gaard, head boys’ golf coach, and Lois Kuennen, district secretary.

Another helping of Nordic Fest highlights

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SAVE THE DATE Decorah’s Fall

Citywide SEPT. 16

Shiloh Smith, Eve Smith and Annabelle Dewolf enjoyed some rock painting on Water Street during Nordic Fest 2023.

RIGHTFun painted make-believe Viking-style accessories, including wooden swords, axes and colorful shields were available for sale at the craft show held in the VFW All Vets Club during the fest. This young man felt the power of Viking lore as he tested out the goods.

More photos at

DecorahNewspapers.com

and in the Aug. 17 E-Edition of the Public Opinion.

(Driftless Multimedia photos

by Denise Lana, Kate Klimesh and Samantha Ludeking)

LEFT- Air Force veteran, Terry Rollins, was one of thirty-four military veterans honored by Decorah Quilts of Valor during Nordic Fest. Rollins, pictured with his wife Joan, was presented a handmade Americana quilt hand-crafted by a member of the quilting group.

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Pat Fitzgerald, 81-year-old Decorah resident, carefully maneuvers the 50 lb. painted rock as part of the festival’s Nordic Rock Throw Saturday, July 29. Fitzgerald, who also participated in the 5K Elvelopet earlier that morning and later joined in the lutefisk eating contest, was the oldest participant in the Ultimate Nordic Triathlon.

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Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023 9 E-EDITION EXCLUSIVE

Although 100% German, Vesterheim Gold Medal Knifemaker John Drues from Red Wing, Minn, has a love of Viking history as he etches a Viking-inspired design on a leather bracelet. Drewes has won a variety ribbons and a People’s Choice Award from numerous Vesterheim competitions throughout the past two decades.

Folk Art at the Fest

Roger Odalen, of Stoughton Wis. demonstrated woodcarving inside Vesterheim during Nordic Fest.

Scott Johnson, from Atkinson, Nebraska, demonstrates the Scandinavian tradition of Kohlrosing, or incising thin decorative patterns in carved wood and filling with dark powder for contrast. Johnson discovered kolrosing in 2016 after attending a class instructed by Darlene Fossum-Martin at the Vesterheim. Since then, he has developed his craft and is now a Vesterheim Gold Medalist in Woodworking and in Knifemaking.

Woodworker Bill Rickard demonstrates the beginning steps of a Viking wooden shrink box, as he carves out the inner portion of green wood from a tree branch. Once carved out, a dried disk of wood is fitted in the bottom of the hollowed wood. As the green wood dries and shrinks, it tightens around the disk and forms a watertight bottom, much like the bottom of a cup. Rickard teaches woodworking classes at the Vesterheim and has his own studio and shop in Ames, Iowa, called Prairie Rivers Woodworking.

E-EDITION EXCLUSIVE

10 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023

Thomas Latané, husband and business partner to fellow tin art demonstrator, Kitty Latané, heats up a piece of metal as part of a demonstration of hand forged ironwork using traditional Scandinavian tools and techniques.

His love of blacksmithing began in the 1970s when he would visit historic sites with his family and try to reproduce what he saw by putting metal in fire and hitting it with a stone.

Folk Art at the Fest

Catherine “Kitty” Latané demonstrates the traditional craft of tin art as she hammers a design in a hand-cut sheet of tin.

Latané, who started making tin ornaments in the 1980s and has taught at Vestherheim, hails from Pepin Wisconsin, where she and her husband own T&C Latané, a blacksmithing workshop.

Mike Hughes of Burnsville, Minn, demonstrates Norwegian-style Acanthus carving that features stylized deeply cut flowers and leaves of the Acanthus plant.

Hughes learned his craft in 2008 under the tutelage of Vesterheim Museum Gold Medalist Hans Sandom, an immigrant from Foldal, Norway.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, August 17, 2023 11 E-EDITION EXCLUSIVE

Folk Art at the Fest

Thirteen year old Lia Vsetecka, who has been Rosemaling for more than four years, paints in Rogaland and Telemark styles, and credits her teacher, Sally Stromseth, with her painting talents. Lia, a rising 8th grader, hopes to continue perfecting her craft of Rosemaling as a hobby and for extra income.

Trudy Peach, a Vesterheim Museum Gold Medalist, demonstrates rosemaling, or rose painting, from the Rogaland region in Western Norway. Peach lives in Buffalo, Minn, and has been rosemaling for 45 years. She teaches classes in Rogaland, Agder, and Os styles of rosemaling.

(Nordic Fest Folk Art photos by Roz Weis and Denise Lana)

Sally Stromseth of Decorah demonstrated rosemaling, the decorative painting of Norway, at the new Vesterheim Commons during Nordic Fest.