October 26, 2023

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Vol. 158, Issue 43

Decorah, Iowa 52101 www.decorahnewspapers.com

Decorah couple saddened to leave West Bank amid Israel-Hamas war

By Zach Jensen George and Martha Monson Lowe, of Decorah, were looking forward to visiting Bethlehem this fall to lend a hand at the Bethlehem Bible College (BCC) Guest House for several months. But, their plans were cut tragically short, when, just two days after they landed in the West Bank, Hamas attacked Israel from Gaza.

“On Oct. 6, everything was just fine — no indication that something was about to happen,” George said, noting they arrived in Bethlehem the day before, on Oct. 5. “Then, at 6:30 the next morning, we were making breakfast for the guests at the guest house, and we saw the rockets out the window and heard the explosions. One of them shook the door to our apartment, so we weren’t too far away from where they were exploding on the first day.”

“We didn’t know what was

going on,” added Martha. “My initial reaction wasn’t panic. It was more ‘What’s going on?’ and find out what’s happening.”

The couple wasn’t new to the dangers of the West Bank – this being their fifth trip visiting the area — this time for a threemonth mission trip with the Evangelical Covenant Church’s (ECC) Middle East/North Africa program. So, when the first rockets were fired at Israel, they weren’t too concerned. But, that would soon change as it became clear that what they experienced that morning was only the beginning of an all-out war.

“When I was teaching at Luther College, we hosted a Palestinian student, and we got to know him very well,” George recalled. “And, when he graduated, he went back to Ramallah and got married and invited us to his wedding in 2014. On the very first day of that trip, we met someone who offered me a possible teaching job with

the Lutheran World Federation.

That led to two more teaching opportunities at a university in Bethlehem.”

Over the years, George taught pottery classes three times at two different colleges in the West Bank, while Martha taught basket-weaving and led small tours — until they learned about the MENA program.

According to the Evangelical Covenant Church’s website, “The missional roots of our faith were sown in Middle East/ North Africa (MENA). This is a region of the world that most of us are relatively unfamiliar with. What we do know often comes from frequent news headlines reporting on political unrest, human suffering, religious persecution and war.

Through ministries of mission, relief and development we expect to see more disciples in a more caring and just world.”

This year’s MENA trip was especially significant for Mar-

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George and Martha Monson Lowe in the Cremisan Valley, home to a monastery and winery, just outside of Bethlehem. (submitted) tha, whose father passed away in March. During their stay at the BBC Guest House, Martha’s brother and sister were going to visit the couple in Bethlehem — their first trip together as siblings after their father’s passing.

“All the Palestinians that we talked with about it were very shocked and surprised that this was going on,” Martha said.

“It’s not a Hamas area at all.”

Martha said that, as a re-

Witches hit e town

sponse to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which reportedly resulted in 1,400 Israeli deaths and Hamas taking approximately 200 hostages, Israel almost immediately barricaded all roads leading in and out of West Bank cities.

“The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) came with bulldozers,” she said, “and barricaded all the roads with dirt, huge boulders and cement chunks. Bethlehem,

Ramallah, Jericho, Hebron – all these Palestinians in the West Bank are imprisoned in a sense.”

“The Palestinians are almost as trapped as the people in Gaza,” George said. “It’s difficult to get food and water. And

Decorah Couple continued on page 5

Witches Night Out in Decorah was Oct. 19, and the night featured plenty of retail specials, spooky treats and pop-up events. Clockwise from far left: The crew at Rubaiyat dressed for the occasion, from left: Jaclyn Jirak, Isabelle Pippert, Kim Bonnet and Annette Remmen Walter. Handing out homemade Halloween treats to shoppers at J. Tupy in downtown Decorah were, from left: Donna Hackman, Joan Tupy and Marti Runyon; sisters Brecka Putnam and Shanna Putnam Dibble joined the crowds gathering at Impact during the evening festivities; and a group of friends posed for a photo in their witch hats, from left: Julie Luzum, Sarah Zbornik, Danette Cronin, Sarah Cadell and Sarah Wiltgen.

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City-owned land sale to DCSD discussed, approved

By Denise Lana Discussing hot topics of the day in detail, this For The Record focuses on the possible sale of land between the City of Decorah and the Decorah School District, recently passed by city council following a public hearing. Below are the details of the issue.

For the Record . . .

For more than 15 years, the City of Decorah, Decorah Community School District, and numerous organizations and businesses have worked diligently to establish a new elementary school in the city. After ups and downs throughout the years, it looks like the project may finally come to fruition, with the potential sale of city land to DCSD and the city’s pending purchase of 30 acres (aka Dahlen Property) for sports facilities development.

The city-owned land up for sale to DSCD consists of one parcel of land made up of the high school’s softball field and part of the high school’s baseball field, and a second parcel

consisting of the ball diamond between Claiborne and Heivly, one-and-a-half tennis courts and the 48-hour parking lot/recycling area. According to City Attorney John Anderson, the property is to be purchased by DCSD for $1.9 million and includes listed properties and all the utilities.

The facilities’ use agreement with the schools allows for the city’s park and rec facilities and program to continue to operate on the school facilities without any formal written agreement currently, for 50 years or until demolished. The city will be allowed to use school facilities as well as city ball field 1 (high school softball field), and city ball field 2 and tennis courts

giving each speaker four minutes to be heard, with council members remaining silent until all public input had been received.

Ten community members came forth to address the council with their questions and concerns.

Herb Hageman, 300 Pleasant Hill Drive: “Will the tennis courts be moved or replaced?

Where? Where is important, especially so kids can reach them by bicycle and walking.

The same is true for the softball field. A lot of Decorah people donated funds to reconstruct the tennis courts not too many Public hearing comments years ago. The current location Decorah Mayor Lorraine is perfect for the Decorah tenBorowski oversaw the hearing, nis teams, the courts are used until they are demolished. If any utilities need relocating, it will be with the council’s approval and at DCSD’s cost.

City rules require any cityowned land sale be reviewed and approved by Decorah Planning & Zoning Commission and Decorah Parks and Recreation Commission, with the sale being approved by votes of 7-0 and 5-0, respectively. The last requirement before presenting the land sale to council for final vote was a public hearing, which was held during the regular Decorah City Council Meeting Oct. 16.

Always more online at www.decorahnewspapers.com

by many adults and families to play tennis, and certainly in recent years, pickle ball is really popular.”

Mark Lovelace, 305 Grove Street: “I’d like to commend and applaud the people involved … entering a very complex debate, and going through it in a solution-based way …I think we as a community need to trust the process … In March 2013, there was a proposal to address the John Cline West Side School, so we can’t vote on the bond until next November 2024, take a couple of years to build a school, so we are looking at 2026. We owe

For the Record

continued on page 2

2 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, October 26, 2023

Two earn new trucks for 40 years of service at Bruening Rock Products

Buying employees new vehicles isn’t customary for most employers, but when an employee works 40 years for Bruening Rock Products (BRP) of Decorah, they’re rewarded with a brand-new pickup. Decorah’s Paul Holthaus, 62, earned his 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 on Oct. 11, and Linus Lechtenberg, Ft. Atkinson, received his 2023 Ford F-150 from BRP on Oct. 18.

“I’m pretty excited,” said Holthaus, as he waited for his new truck to be delivered.

“Wouldn’t anybody be? This is

a really cool deal.”

BRP Director of Human Resources Jamelle Lingle said Holthaus has worn many hats for the company, starting as a loader operator in his teens and eventually running multiple wash plants. The married father of two has also worked on several crushing crews and has driven semis. Most recently, Holthaus’s career with BRP has come full circle, and he’s back working as a loader operator.

His wife, Debbie, and 29-yearold son, Jarett, also work at BRP.

Pictured (l-r): Jacob Bruening, Bruening Rock Products President Greg Bruening, Debbie and Paul Holthaus and Health & Safety Director Tyler Bruening stand near the 2023 Dodge Ram pickup given to Paul recognizing his four decades of dedication to BRP. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Zach Jensen)

Pictured (l-r): Bruening Rock Products (BRP) Secretary and Treasurer Keith Bruening, Linus Lechtenberg and BRP President Greg Bruening stand with Lechtenberg’s new Ford F-150, which BRP awarded to him for having worked for the company for 40 years. Lechtenberg’s truck is the ninth truck awarded by BRP to employees for working four decades for the company.

Lechtenberg started driving a BRP truck in 1983 and quickly advanced to being a foreman of a crew for the construction portion of BRP. One of his first

ing crew foreman for several years, and currently, he is a finish plate operator.

“Hang in there,” Holthaus advised his younger peers at BRP.

jobs was in Decorah, where the old Jack & Jill building was located. This is now the site of the new Kwik Star. Linus then went on to become a shoulder-

“The time flies by so fast.”

BRP has now awarded nine trucks to 40-year employees over years.

For the Record continued from front it to our teachers, our staff, our we need to do is complete the administrators, our kids, our circle with grades Kindergarten, community to get this done. I one and two. That means John think it is a no-brainer.”

Cline. That means West Side.”

Mona Nelson, 505 Leif ErElliott Johnson, 106 Spring ickson Drive: “We need to get Street: “I’m a former teacher at accurate information out there, the school district. I watched my Oak Lutheran Church Annual like where is Burr softball going, peers struggle to do that [teach where is tennis going, are you students] at the beginning of the closing the street … the impact year and the end of the year, as DRIVE UP ONLY on taxpayers has to be very their days were often impacted clearly communicated.”

Wed., Nov. 1 • by 4-7heat pmand early outs, not just Ron Fadness, 701 Day at Carrie Menu includes: Meatballs, “Real” Lee but also at John Mashed Beans, Street: “I think this Potatoes, will be Green Cline.

Teacher shortages impact Coleslaw, Rolls & Pumpkin Pie the best, single piece of eco- everybody... providing top-notch Advance Tickets Appreciated! $15 each nomic development the city of facilities will encourage teachers Tickets available at: Letterwerks Sign Decorah could City, possibly do,Quilt if Co, to notRadio only come to Decorah, but Red-Roxy KVIK Barney’s Bar & Grill, we are trying toStation, attract young alsoViking stay in Decorah.”

State Bank & Trust, Canton State Bank, families, we need outstanding Zander, 112 CresHarmony State Bank or byAaron calling Committee facilMember Barb BarthAvenue: “My teaching elementary educational cent 563-419-5531. ities. We have outstanding fa- career began at John Cline in cilities from grades three up, all 2008, working in the music

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Wednesday, Nov. 1 • 4-7 pm DRIVE UP ONLY

Menu includes: Meatballs, “Real” Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Coleslaw, Rolls & Pumpkin Pie

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Tickets available at: Letterwerks Sign City, Red-Roxy Quilt Co, KVIK Radio Station, Barney’s Bar & Grill, Viking State Bank & Trust, Canton State Bank, Harmony State Bank or by calling Committee Member Barb Barth 563-419-5531.

Baker celebrates 90th with card shower This fine young man is celebrating his 90th birthday. For a special trick or treat, we arranged for it to fall on Halloween!

Just like it has the last 89 times. Whether you knew him as a friend, neighbor, dentist, church member, golf buddy, school board member, hardcore sports fan, or just someone you said hello to, please help us say

Happy Birthday

with a card party. Cards can be sent to John Baker, 505 Hillcrest Dr., Decorah, IA. 42-3-PJ-16

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room there. That classroom because I knew there were dishas no air flow in any way. It cussions going on, and Tim was hot by the time the second (Cronin) had made some reflecclass walked in the room. I now tions.” have one of those children at City Manager Travis GoedJohn Cline, and things haven’t ken: “There are no fewer than changed from 2008. I went in three locations that have been for a pre-orientation, meet-the- identified by the city and school teacher day and walked into a as possible locations for the tenroom for my kindergartner that nis courts. Two of the locations was 90 degrees. We can install include one at its current site a lot of outdoor air conditioning (adjacent to John Cline School), units, but it doesn’t really fix the and one down at the middle problem. We are finally working school. We are looking at a third towards a solution … the poten- potential site that is involving tial to build this new school is more than two parties, and we paramount in my mind and in can’t discuss that option at this so many of the minds of parents time.” in the community. We know it Mayor: “I know it’s very needs to be done.” hard when people don’t know Carol Sand, 706 5th Ave- all the facts of what is going nue: “One of the things I would on, but when working with five like you to address is the city property owners, city council baseball and softball fields that and school board, there are a lot we have in place. Do we have of discussions and pieces that deficits in play that will be im- have to be worked out. Moving proved when we have the field forward, there will be more inor fields moved to a new loca- formation coming out.” tion? I think people are particEmily Neal: “I do think it’s ularly concerned about the road been hard to put out informaclosures. I just encourage you to tion. With all of the work the put out as much information to district has been doing for the the public as you possibly can.” last 15 years, it’s often the propMatt Beatty, 705 5th Ave- erty owners who either won’t nue: “What happens if we don’t sell, who have a price tag so pass it this time? As you recall, high and astronomical, it’s not it has been 10 years and now it even capable of being talkhas been brought back up. What ed about, or they don’t want it happens if the plan is to con- known that they are selling land tinue as is with John Cline in to the school. At some point, its current condition? What are you just have to say, “Let’s we gonna do if we don’t do it knock off the first priority — now? I see this as an exciting we need a school.” You have opportunity I fully support.” to know and have faith that the Tim Cronin, DCSD Super- town, the community, the peointendent: “I have a folder in ple you have trusted with your my Google Drive called “The vote, are working for everything Knot” reminding me of all the that is important to all of us. pieces that had to come together It is a vested interest to make for us to even get to this point. sure pickle ball is in Decorah...

That involved a lot of compro- we have friends and family who mise between the city coun- love tennis … these are things cil and the school board, and I we know are important and valappreciate everyone for those ued in our community and will efforts. We’re going to use the be here for all of us for generland to make a permanent home ations to come. But right now, for softball and go for bond is- the focus is on the first step, and sue for a new school. It is a large that first step is this. I am really space out at the Dahlen proper- excited today to take that first ty, and I can tell you the school step. Then to work diligently board felt good knowing that alongside the school getting a the city would now have oppor- bond passed. tunity for permanent fields in What’s it going to look like? one area.

Now the school district can figWe know there is a lot of ure this out. They now have the stuff to work out. We’re hav- opportunity, with a solid piece ing discussions about where of land they will own, to do tennis courts go. Tennis is very what is best for the whole comimportant to our high school, munity and our children.” so we are going to have to have Steve Zittergruen: “After courts! Where they will be isn’t listening to comments from the quite determined yet, but we public...one thing that I heard have a really good plan. We’re several times is a strong desire paying [the city] for the land, for more information. If we and [the city is] going to take were too open with our actual that money and build fields with negotiations with land holders, it. The agreement is the school or we told people, ‘Hey, we’re (USPS# will build the tennis courts and 151-000) looking for a parcel of land,’ and is published weekly by Driftless Multimedia LLC, 110 Washington Street, the city will be responsible for then we called a particular propSuite 4, Decorah, IA 52101. Periodicals postage paid at Decorah, IA. ertytoowner, might drive the lights for theSend tennisaddress courts.”

POSTMASTER: changes Driftlessthat Multimedia LLC, up P.O. Box 350, NorDecorah, the Iowaprice 52101-0350. a lot. That’s not good Janelle Pavlovec, 1102 dic Drive: “I understand why stewardship of our community’s [the council has] to talk about limited fiscal resources. There things in closed sessions, but were some things that we just once your decision is out, I had to do behind closed doors. think you should explain many, There are other things – the locamany things to us, including tion of the recycling containers, Phone: 563-382-4221 why you discarded some possi- or the location of tennis courts, Subscription Rates ....................... One Year ...................... Six Months bilities.

Where are the recycling or where exactly recreational faDecorah Trade Areas ..................... $57.00 ..............................$35.00 dumpsters and 48-hour parking $70.00 cilities are going to go...they are Elsewhere ....................................... ..............................$42.00 going to go?” important decisions to be made.

Single copies $1.00, mailed $3.00. Official publication for Decorah and an open meeting Winneshiek County, Iowa. Periodicals In postage at Decorah, Iowa.with the Council discussion school board and city council, Driftless Multimedia LLC DEADLINE POLICY The public hearing closed, we were 4considering Decorah Public Opinion display advertising: p.m. Monday. the open and the councilReal was given the entertainment design for the estate, classified, and school – with a Journal display 4 p.m. opportunityDriftless to address issuesadvertising: campus andThursday. redone parking faNews, submissions: 12 Noon Friday and Tuesday. and concerns brought forth by cilities – and I realized that we Publisher reserves right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. the public, detailed below. had spent 30 minutes just talking Mayor Borowski: “I did not about where buses should park, state about the tennis courts what direction they should be

Decorah Public Opinion

pointing, and how long they should idle. We were getting really deep into the weeds.

It seems like we have gone down that path before in our community, where we are making really big decisions, and we start worrying about things that we should be worrying about at the end of the process. We decided we were going to try something different this time, ‘Let’s first say where we want to get to, and make sure our staff has clear direction on our goal,’ which I think our majority goal was we want a school downtown and a new home for our recreational facilities and a fair deal for all our taxpayers involved.

I think we made a good decision to make the big decisions first. The extent we can invite and engage community input, we want that. We want to talk to our pickle ball and tennis enthusiasts about where to put the pickle ball facilities. We want to talk to people who are much better than me at designing interior fixtures and determining what color the walls of the school should be. We need to bring in community members, stakeholders and the experts to make those important decisions, but we can’t let the tail wag the dog on this.

The other number we never talk about is the however many millions of dollars the city would be on the hook for as far as providing new infrastructure to the school if they finally had to build an elementary school up in the business park or on Locust Road. I really think it’s important, when talking about the hundreds of thousands of dollars that we might have to invest in our new recreational facilities, to talk about the millions of dollars we won’t have to invest in a school that is built where this is now a corn field.”

Ross Hadley: “The devil is in the details. All the studies that were done about the importance of having the school in the downtown for walkable benefits, and a shared multi-generational campus for the students to share that exchange, is key. The walkability and the work of our safe routes to school program, and our work in streets and sidewalks to make sure we have safe routes to school, is important. The back work has been done; the illumination of other spots has been done. And the opportunity of having all these dominoes line up to be able to fall together, in support of our most important resource- our kids- and have it taken this long is rough, but I am also proud to do this, and to have the votes to make this happen, which wasn’t always the case during my time on the council. It has been hard to communicate a very complex, multifaceted effort, but it’s not for lack of work. It’s going to be really important that we work together as we move this forward, cause the devil is in the details.”

Kirsten Olson: “By the time you get around to a referendum, you’re looking at almost 20 years it has taken to get this thing done. I think it’s finally time to get this thing done, and I think this community has shown that we will come together and figure out ways to get the softball field or possibly two softball fields. I’m sure we’re going

to find a place for the tennis courts. I feel confident this community will come together and get those things done.”

Steve Luse: “This group of folks on this council, I have discovered, is very cautious when it comes to spending taxpayers’ money, and very wanting to do what is best for the community.

I think supporting this vote for the property sales makes total sense moving us forward as a community to unite and to be positive toward getting a bond referendum toward a new elementary school.”

Goedken: “To build two brand new ball fields, with the lighting, $1.3 to $1.4 million total for clarification.”

Neal: “You’ve got an entire school board and an entire city council available to answer questions, whenever you have them, as a public. I strongly suggest if you have questions, you reach out to them. I think it’s really important to ask the questions before you make assumptions.”

Hadley: “We need a new school, and this is a step toward that. Tonight’s vote shows the support of the council for that new school.”

Zittergruen: “I think this has been an extremely impressive example of civic public discourse achieving an outcome, not one that we all are going to like, or maybe we aren’t going to like everything about this one, but it will make our city stronger, I firmly believe that.”

Kirk Johnson: “I want to thank the school board for their leadership, and all of you up here on the council, for having the fortitude to push forward. This is coming together, and this is going to get done. Let’s push forward and make this happen.

It’s a fabulous start and more questions will be answered as we go along.”

Mayor: “I know we have come a long way with this, we also have a long way to go. There are a lot of questions that can’t be answered, but …

I get excited about that potential for ball diamonds, for the educational opportunities that are going to take place. Please join the conversations … allow yourself to envision what the potential will be.”

Olson: “If I were to prioritize our tax dollars, I can’t think of one tax dollar that would go above the educating of our kids, this is probably some of the most important tax dollars we will ever spend.”

Council voting The discussions wrapped up and the council voted on resolutions approving the easements for wells, utilities and sidewalks, as well as the user agreement for facilities. Each of the four items passed by a vote of 6-1, with council member Randy Schissel voting nay for each item. The last item, the resolution approving the sale of the property, was the last vote taken, and was also passed 6-1, with Schissel voting nay.

With the city-owned land sale approved by Decorah City Council, the pending sale will close Nov. 3. More details regarding the project are anticipated at the Decorah City Council’s next meeting Nov. 6. Look for articles in upcoming issues of the Public Opinion.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, October 26, 2023 3

Citizens’ Climate Lobby to hold in-person watch party Nov. 4

Obituaries Sondra Pierce

Sondra Pierce, 81, of Decorah, passed away Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah, surrounded by her family after several battles with cancer late in life.

S o n d r a Sondra Pierce Jean (Rosell) Pierce was born July 22, 1942, in Burlington, Iowa, the second of four children born to O. Vance and Norma (Gilson) Rosell. The family returned to Decorah shortly after her birth. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1960 and then from the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, Minn., in 1961.

On Dec. 9, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Darrell Pierce, in Decorah.

Sondra worked as a nurse at the original Aase Haugen Home right after she and Darrell married as he continued his education at Luther College after four years in the Air Force. She and Darrell also lived briefly in Des Moines and Dubuque before starting a family.

Sondra and Darrell welcomed children in 1965, 1967 and 1970. Until her children were in high school and college, Sondra was a stay-athome mom. This included homes in Decorah, Mason City, Charles City and then back to Decorah in December 1976.

With nothing else even re-

Dolores Cuvelier

Dolores Cuvelier, 88, of Lawler, died Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

Dolores Caroline (Bodensteiner) Cuvelier was born Dec. 12, 1934, on the family Dolores farm southCuvelier east of St. Lucas, the third child of Henry and Julia (Winter) Bodensteiner. She received her education at St. Luke schools, graduating from St. Luke High School in May 1952. After graduation, Dolores stayed home and helped on the family farm while her brothers served their country in the military.

Dolores met Bob Cuvelier on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. Their first date was a dance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. Many dates later, Bob and Dolores were united in marriage on Jan. 19, 1955, at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas. They lived on different farms in the Lawler area until March 1962 when they bought an acreage south of Lawler. Bob worked for various feed and fertilizer plants in the area. Dolores was a homemaker, tending a large vegetable garden and doing lots of canning and freezing of the produce and baking to feed their six sons. In the fall of 1969, the parochial school in Lawler closed and Dolores became the Director of Religious Education for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. Dolores, Father John Moran and many volunteer parents and parishioners set up the CCD program for grades pre-school through high school. She worked from home and spent many evenings and weekends at church while Bob

motely close, Sondra’s family occupied the top spot in her life. Her greatest joy came in making their lives better in everything she did. Her children frequently stated, “Mom actually enjoys working hard.”

Her sons believe that this trait apparently skips a generation!

Sondra developed a love of reading early in life from her mother with frequent trips to the public library as a child, where her mother pulled her and her older sister in a little red wagon. She also nurtured a strong Christian faith from her beloved parents! If you asked her, she would claim to be her dad’s favorite child!

When her children were older, a “perfect afternoon” for Sondra included some work around the house, preparing the evening’s meal, reading a good book for a bit and a quick nap before the kids all returned home from school. Nobody enjoyed a nap as much as Sondra!

With her three kids all in high school and college, Sondra worked in the Luther College food service for a few years before she and Darrell moved to Clinton and then DeWitt. While in Clinton, Sondra served as a one-to-one paraeducator in Clinton Public Schools. She and Darrell retired back to Decorah in 2000.

Sondra and Darrell enjoyed many opportunities to watch their kids and grandkids play numerous high school and college sports over the years.

While Sondra did not necessar-

ily love the game of golf herself, she did have a hole in one at Clinton Golf and Country Club in 1992. Sondra’s favorite part of golf, however, was when Darrell would take the three kids golfing at Oneota in Decorah on the weekend and she would have the afternoon to herself… a little cleaning, a little cooking, a little reading… and a little nap!

Sondra loved to paint… not artwork… painting rooms in homes. She loved to help her kids and grandkids as they purchased houses and turned them into homes. She particularly loved painting the trim around doors and windows. Apparently raising her kids made her very patient!

After her husband’s passing in 2015, Sondra lived independently for several years, before then relying on her daughter and family for some assistance. She moved to the Aase Haugen Home in early 2021.

Sondra had a very high threshold for pain, which she bragged about and served her well until her final months, when she should have asked for more help addressing the pain she endured. Still, she was never one to complain!

Sondra is survived by her three children: son, Scott Pierce and wife Lori, of Decorah, daughter, Cara Smith and husband Todd, of Decorah, and son, Bartt Pierce and wife Nicole, of Minneapolis, Minn.; as well as six grandchildren: Bre-

was home with the children.

In 1974, when all the children were in school, Dolores started working at Meyers’ Locker and Superette in Lawler, while still keeping her DRE position. In 1979, Dolores and Bob moved to Lawler. Dolores then became an employee at the State Bank of Lawler as an assistant cashier until 2004 when she retired.

Dolores especially enjoyed her co-workers and the customers she served, as well as hosting bus trips to Branson, Mo. Bob and Dolores enjoyed traveling to various places. They made several trips to Alaska to visit their son and daughterin-law and spent five winters snowbirding in Mesa, Ariz. In addition to gardening and traveling, Dolores very much enjoyed family gatherings and attending activities of the extended family, from the fine arts through athletics, at all levels, from little league through college. In her later years, she loved watching football on TV, especially the Northern Iowa Panthers, Iowa State Cyclones, Iowa Hawkeyes, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Green Bay Packers. Dolores was a life-long active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church where she devoted many hours of volunteer time and labor. She was a member of the Parish Society and a 64-year member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She held various offices in the American Legion Auxiliary and gifted innumerable volunteer hours to the community.

Dolores is survived by her six sons: John (Leslie) of Lawler, Gary (Nancy) of Lawler, Richard “Dick” (Lindsay) of Decorah, Thomas “Tom” (Sue) of Dubuque, Paul (Susan) of Mason City, Mark (Renee) of Cresco; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-

law: Donna Sokolik of Hampton, Dorothy (Don) Harmon of Anamosa, Carol Koenen of Hampton, and Jeannie Cuvelier of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, on April 20, 2015; her parents, Henry and Julia Bodensteiner; sister, Bernice (Greg) Hauer; brothers, Kilian (Elaine) Bodensteiner and Henry (Janet) Bodensteiner; great-granddaughter, Natalie Rose Kuhn, in infancy; father and mother-inlaw, Elmore and Iva (Vincent) Cuvelier; sisters and brothersin-law: Albert (Billie) Cuvelier; Iven (Jean) Cuvelier; Orlo (Patricia) Cuvelier; Harley (Ruth) Cuvelier, Leland (LaVera) Cuvelier, Craig Cuvelier, Maxine (Burdine) Hahn, Sheryl Sokolik, Bill Koenen and Eva Cuvelier in infancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Oct. 27, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. Interment will be at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery with Adam Cuvelier, Grant Cuvelier, Matthew Cuvelier, Spencer Cuvelier, Cade Kuennen and Jim Hauer serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family Thursday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church where there will be parish scripture service at 7 p.m. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.

The family requests in lieu of flowers to please make donations to St. Croix Hospice at www.stcroixhospice.com/ charles-city-ia/#call-to-action.

Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Kenneth Engbretson Kenneth Engbretson passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2023.

Kenneth was born June 20, 1937, to Elmer and Eva Engbretson. He graduated from Decorah High Kenneth School in Engbretson 1955, where he placed eighth in a state wrestling championship. He later married Dorothy Hovden and

had two children, Randy and Renee. They later divorced.

He farmed for several years before moving to Cedar Rapids. He worked for LinkBelt Speeder/FMC for 20 years then for Rockwell/Goss for 10 years, taking an early retirement enjoying many years at his cabin in Richmond, Minn., on Horseshoe Lake that he purchased with his sister Margaret (Virgil). He enjoyed fishing, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Minnesota Vikings and spending quality time with his family.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Renee; sisters, Helen and Margaret; and half-brother, Tom. He is survived by his son, Randy; brothers: Bob, Richard and Lyle; grandsons, Kenneth (Sarah) and John (Chantelle); several great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation can be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 153 Cherryhill Rd., Cedar Rapids IA 524O5, or a charity of your choice.

anne Hocker (husband Cole), Bryce Pierce (wife Kristin), Soleil Smith, Hogan Smith, Khadijah Pierce and Hayden Pierce. She is also survived by her sister, Judy and husband Randy; sister, Mary and husband José; brother, Robert and wife Allyn; brother-in-law, Steve and wife Carol; and well as five nephews, a niece, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, and her beloved husband, Darrell.

Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 23, at First Lutheran Church in Decorah with Rev. Mike Wilker presiding.

If she were still here, she would want to recognize the people at Aase Haugen and WinnMed Hospice Center for all they did for her in the last few years and months of her life!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either of these wonderful organizations.

Helms Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold its national Fall Conference Friday-Sunday, Nov. 3-5, and those interested in effective climate solutions are welcome to attend. Join a free in-person watch party with the NE Iowa CCL chapter and friends on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

A social time will begin at 10:30 a.m., during which Jim and Liz Fritz will lead tours of Good Shepherd’s recent conversion to a carbon neutral building. Within seven years, the church will have no energy expenses.

CCL’s informational session will be held from 11 to 11:50 a.m., and is open to anyone new

or experienced in CCL. Subsequent sessions will include CNN’s Van Jones, CCL’s research coordinator Dana Nucitelli and CCL staff on Capitol Hill.

Lunch will be available and free will donations will be accepted.

Members of the media are welcome to attend. To learn more or attend online visit cclusa.org/fallconference.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-partisan nonprofit working respectfully to build the political will for effective climate solutions. CCL does this by empowering citizen volunteer lobbyists, working with media, outreach, acquiring endorsements, and chapter development. There are over 1,600 members across Iowa alone.

Former CDC Director to give lecture at Luther Nov. 1

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will give the 2023 Dr. David J. Roslien Distinguished Lecture at Luther College.

Service Notices

SUSAN BORSHEIM, 78, of Decorah, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at Wellington Place, Decorah. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding. Burial will follow at the Lutheran cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church Friday.

FRANCES NELSON, 96, of Decorah, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at Touchmark at Mount Bachelor Village in Bend, Ore. A graveside service will be performed at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Decorah Lutheran Cemetery, 326 Pershing Avenue, with the Rev. Ron Barth presiding.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, a 1975 Luther graduate and epidemiologist, will join Walensky Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the Center for Faith and Life’s Main Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Walenksy was appointed as director of the CDC in January 2021 by President Joe Biden and served in the position until June 2023. During the event, “Reflections on a Pandemic: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Rochelle Walensky,” Walensky will explore with Osterholm the intersection of ideology and science, as well as policies and practices during the pandemic. The event is hosted by The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement (The CEPE) at Luther.

John & Lorna Kerndt

70 Anniversary th

to celebrate

John & Lorna (Severson) Kerndt were married October 19, 1953. They plan to celebrate the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary with a mass and a private family dinner.

The Kerndt’s were blessed with five children, John (Karen) Kerndt Jr. of Decorah, Tom (Beth) Kerndt of Waukon, Craig (Jo) Kerndt of Waukon, Kari (Gary) Hammel of Waukon and Kristi (Robert) Campbell of Waukon. They have seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Cards and well wishes may be sent to 205 9th St. N.W., Waukon, IA 52172

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4 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, October 26, 2023

Public Notices IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MYLES C. KUPKA DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016242 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Myles C. Kupka, Deceased, who died on or about September 8, 2023: You are hereby notified that on September 21, 2023, the Last Will and Testament of Myles C. Kupka, deceased, bearing date of July 28, 2023, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Faye Hansen and Jay Schwamman have been appointed co-executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated September 21, 2023.

Faye Hansen, 826 Prairie Meadow Ct., Waterloo, IA 50701 Co-Executor of Estate Jay Schwamman, 201 Grove St., Fort Atkinson, IA 52144 Co-Executor of Estate Nathan D. Miller, ICIS PIN No: AT0012746 Attorney for Executors Firm Name: Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson, P.C. Address: 620 Lafayette St., Suite 300, Waterloo, IA 50704 Date of second publication: October 26, 2021 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion October 19 & 26, 2023 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES A. RIPPLE, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016249 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of JAMES A RIPPLE, Deceased, who died on or about October 4, 2023: You are hereby notified that on the 23rd day of October, 2023, the undersigned was appointed as Executor of the estate.

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

Dated this 23rd day of October, 2023.

Peggy A. Thompson, Executor 2940 Emery Drive Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005 MILLER LAW OFFICE, P.L.C. James Burns AT0001264 ATTORNEY FOR EXECUTOR 301 West Broadway, P.O. Box 28 Decorah, Iowa 52101 Telephone: (563) 382-4226 Facsimile: (563) 382-3783 Email: millerlaw@ millerlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: November 2, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion October 26 & November 2, 2023

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October 16, 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, Kirsten Olson, Emily Neal, and Steve Zittergruen Consent agenda was presented. a. Minutes of the October 2, 2023, Meeting b. Claims c. Tax Abatement at 100111003 Glen Barth Circle-New Construction-Aase Haugen Senior Services d. Tax Abatement at 100211004 Glen Barth Circle-New Construction-Aase Haugen Senior Services e. Special Event-5K Freedom Run: Empowering Veterans through Outdoor Wellness f. Consider Pay Application #2 for the Decorah 2023 Alley Improvements Project g. Consider Pay Application #3 for the Decorah 2023 Street Improvements-Asphalt Resurfacing Project h. Mural Permit Application-206 W Main Street Olson made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the exception of the special event application for the 5K Freedom Run. The special event application will be discussed separately. Luse seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried. Hadley made a motion to table the special event application, Neal seconded the motion. Roll call vote. All voting ayes. Motion carried.

Melissa Koch presented the annual report for the Decorah Human Rights Commission.

Mayor Borowski opened the public hearing on the sale of the city owned property in the vicinity of Decorah High School Softball Diamond and the corner of Claiborne Drive and Heivly Street at 6:05 PM. Herb Hageman of 300 Pleasant Hill spoke regarding the tennis courts and softball fields. He requested information on whether these will be replaced and where they will go. Hageman felt it was important that kids should be able to walk or ride their bikes to these facilities.

Mark Lovelace of 305 Grove Street wanted to applaud everyone that has been involved in this decision. This decision will make for a better school, city, and community. Lovelace would like everyone to trust the process of the city council and the school board. It has been 13 years since this has started being discussed, let’s get this done.

Mona Nelson of 505 Leif Erikson Drive commends everyone for working on this collectively. It is important to find healthy ways for communication and get accurate information regarding the impact on taxpayers. Nelson is in full support of this.

Ron Fadness of 701 Day Street is in strong support of this decision. This is the best economic development we can do. We need outstanding facilities to bring in families.

Elliott Johnson of 106 Spring Street wants to encourage everyone to vote in favor of this.

The teachers are impacted by the school’s condition in the beginning of the year and the end of the year by the heal. This decision will help with the shortages of teachers.

Aaron Zander of 112 Crescent Avenue had lived in Chicago and returned to Decorah because of the schools. His child attends John Cline and nothing has changed since 2008.

Zander commends the city council and the school board for this. Vote in favor of this decision.

Carol Sand of 706 Fifth Avenue requests that the council provides as many details tonight as possible. The community needs details so that they can fully understand how this will benefit us.

Matt Beatty of 705 Fifth Avenue is a concerned parent of two boys. What happens if the council does not pass it this time? What is the plan if that happens. Beatty is in full support of this.

Tim Cronin of 1009 Ridgewood Drive stated that there has been a lot of compromise on both sides of the school Board and city council. This plan Is mutually beneficial.

There will be discussions on the tennis courts, at this time they are not sure where they will go. Cronin is in strong support of this.

Janelle Pavlovec of 1102 Nordic Drive stated that there needs to be a lot of explanations once the decision is out. Where is the recycling and the 48-parking going to go?

Many people use this.

Laurie Worcester submitted a written comment that was not in favor of selling the land. This document can be found in Dropbox.

Mayor Borowski closed the public hearing at 6:28 PM. Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3393 approving the declaration of reserved easement for well and access related to sale of real estate to Decorah Community School District, Olson seconded the motion.

Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Olson, Zittergruen, Johnson, Luse, Hadley. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3394 approving the reserved utility easements related to the sale of real estate to Decorah Community School District. Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

Ayes: Neal, Zittergruen, Luse, Olson, Hadley, Johnson. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3395 approving the declaration of reserved sidewalk easement related to the sale of real estate to Decorah Community School District. Luse seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Luse, Zittergruen, Johnson, Hadley, Olson. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

Neal made a motion to approve Resolution 3396 to approve facilities use agreement related to the sale of real estate to Decorah Community School District. Johnson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Neal, Johnson, Olson, Hadley, Zittergruen, Luse.

Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

Luse made a motion to approve Resolution 3397 approving the sale of city owned real property in the vicinity of Decorah High School Softball Diamond and the corner of Claiborne Drive and Heivly Street. Zittergruen seconded the motion. Roll call vote. Ayes: Luse, Zittergruen, Hadley, Johnson, Olson, Neal. Nays: Schissel. Motion carried.

Zittergruen made a motion to approve the awarding of the facility assessment to Brunton Architects for $11,000.00, the lowest bid.

Olson seconded the motion. Roll call vote.

Zittergruen, Olson, Johnson, Neal, Schissel.

Nays: Hadley and Luse. Motion carried.

Mayor Borowski announced that there are openings on the Telecommunications Board and the Decorah Human Rights Commission.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM Keri Sand City Clerk-Finance Officer Monday, October 16, 2023 Payroll, Payroll 10/13/23 .............. 186311.55 P&R & Cg Credit Card, Fees............ 2232.84 Health Insurance, City Share .......... 77180.15 Ashbacher, Mike, Reimbursement .... 1084.20 Decorah Kawasaki, Lawnmower ......4995.00 Hageman, Deana, Reimbursement ......421.99 Petty Cash, Postage ............................... 10.65

Bohr, Rick, Spinners ...........................100.00 Chill, Nick, Reimbursement ................30.00 Ia Non Profit / United Ways Of Iowa, Membership ......................................150.00 Winn. Co. Treasurer, Prop Tax ..........1552.00 Elm, Equipment ................................1474.50 Ace Hardware , Supplies.......................67.14 Acentek, Fees ......................................270.00 Aia Services, Shirts ...........................2050.61 Airespring, Services ............................280.75 Alliant Energy, Electric Bills ..........45676.42 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies ..8162.97 Aquafix, Services ................................618.59 Baker & Taylor, Books........................326.99 Bremer, Louann, Cleaning ...............1000.00 Bruening Rock Products, Street Washout Repair ........................84.69 Campground Commander, Usage Fee 921.18 Capital One, Supplies..........................205.86 Card Service Center, Training/Supplies ............................ 2451.11 Casper Plbg, Services........................ 1424.11 Center Point Large Print, Books ...........95.24 Chris A Storlie, Solar ........................ 2570.98 Copyland, Door Hangers .................... 128.70 Dalco, Supplies ...................................440.09 Decorah Comm School District, Icn Internet ........................................ 140.77 Decorah Tire Service , Repair ........... 2666.12 Decorah Volunteer Fire Dept, Moditech Rescue Software Update ... 897.00 Dell Marketing , Computer ............... 2082.58 Diamond Vogel, Street Paint ...............908.65 Dog Waste Depot, Dog Waste Station/Bags....................217.97 Don’s Towing , Towing ......................... 75.00 Drake Folkedahl, Sidewalk ............... 4566.13 Driftless Multimedia, Services............417.10 Electric Pump Inc., Electric Pump - Parts ......................5673.34 Emergency Apparatus, Pump Pressure Switch Repair Tower 1 ...................... 947.10 Era, Supplies .......................................417.37 Erdman Engineering Inc, Miller Park Survey ............................838.00 Eurofins, Testing .................................401.10 Fareway Stores Inc, Supplies ..............540.15 Farmers Union Coop, Lp Tank Rent .....75.00 Farrell Equipment, Hydraulic Cement ..59.99 Fastenal Company, Supplies ...............123.93 First Supply, Parts ...............................950.00 Fisk Farm And Home Decorah, Supplies ...........................................1445.24 Freeport Water Dist, Water Bill.........1036.37 Fuse Technic Llc, Services..................750.00 Goedken, Travis, Reimbursement .....1922.27 Gundersen Health System, Employee Screenings ..........................37.00 Hawkins, Chlorine Cylinder ...............259.50 Heiman Fire Equipment, Rehab Fan Attachment ......................388.00 Hovden Oil, Oil.................................2068.88 Iamu, Safety Training........................2550.00 Ice House Ice, Ice ................................784.25 Impact Coffee, Program Expense .........25.00 Imwca, 23-24 Work Comp Premium 8164.00 Iowa Department Of Transportation, Idot-Oil Asphalt ................................830.50 Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Training ...............................................50.00 Iowa One Call, Locating Services ........94.50 Iowa Parks And Recreation Assoc, Ceu Workshop ................................... 145.00 Iroc Web Design Services, Website ....760.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies ...........164.43 Kanopy, Film Database .......................158.00 Keystone Laboratories, Water Testing 186.00 Kwik Trip, Fuel .................................5253.71 L2 Brands, Campground Hats.............389.74 Laura Gillespie, Cleaning September 2023 ............... 1733.00 Leon’s Auto, Vehicle Repair .............1956.75 Lulu & Bb’s, Supplies ........................... 71.19 Malcom, Garbage Pickup....................841.50 Mi Energy, Electric ..........................2215.85 Midland Scientific, Equipment ........... 112.96 Midwest Patch/Hi-Viz Safety, Signs ... 693.50 Mississippi Welders, Fire Extinguisher Inspection ...............72.05 Napa, Parts ..........................................142.19 Nbs Calibrations, Clean & Calibrate .... 17.50 Ness Pumping, Septic Pumping .......... 300.00 Northeast Iowa Task Force, August Jag ......................................... 853.76 Nyhart / Ascensus, Gasb 75 2023 ..... 1150.00 Olson Explosives , Fuel ....................2244.08 Overdrive, Books ..............................2299.68 Perry Novak Electric, Street Light ......196.19 Petty Cash, Postage ............................... 18.60 Pickleball Central, Pickleball Nets ..... 419.95 Pitney Bowes, Postage ........................141.05 Plantpeddler, Flowers............................ 10.17 Police Legal Sciences, Training ........2600.00 Quality Striping, College Drive Road Diet.................9656.80 Questcdn, Sep 2023 Projects...............484.00 Randy’s Auto Parts, Parts.................... 148.73 Reliance Standard Life............ October 2023, Life Insurance ...................................443.75 Ricoh Usa Inc, Services ......................238.29 Rockweiler Appliance, New Television .................................626.00 Roger’s Lock & Key, Services............815.50 Samuelson, Riley, Graphic Design .....570.00 Sandry Fire Supply, Services .......... 16042.63 Schwan’s, Resale Products....................89.68 Spahn & Rose Lumber, Parts/Supplies....................................489.44 Steve’s Car Care, Car Wash ................139.50 Storey Kenworthy, Office Supplies.......12.06 Suttons Car Wash, Car Wash............... 343.35 Tollefson, Jim, Janitorial Exterior .......140.00 Transunoin Rick & Alternative Data, Transunion Tlo .................................... 74.00 Truck Country Of Iowa Inc, Truck Country .................................3842.60 Upper Explorerland Rpc, Gis Pedestrian Infrastructure Update 362.22 Ups, Postage.......................................... 11.67 Usa Blue Book, Services.....................916.65 Verizon, August 24-Sept 23 ..............1516.64 Winn Co Emergency Management, Emer Man-Fy 23/24 .................... 115000.00 Ziegler, Compost Grant...................14545.68 Revenue to date October 13, 202 General Fund...............................1434902.46 Local Option Sales Tax .................369095.04 Road Use Fund..............................288916.74 Employee Benefits399811.64 Hotel/Motel ..................................... 93945.21 SSMID ..............................................2319.45 Park Special Gifts ............................. 3148.71 Library Special Gifts .........................2375.98 Street Equip Fund ...............................4215.6 Debt Service Fund.........................276733.13 Special Projects .................................44177.9 Water Utility Fund ........................499680.56 Sewer Utility Fund ........................ 443218.51 Enterprise Project Interest .................4595.36 Metronet ............................................38875.5 Forest Utility ...................................33859.22 Storm Sewer Utility ........................38910.54 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion October 26, 2023

Notice of 2023 Regular City & School Election Public Notice is given that the 2023 Regular City & School Election of the County of Winneshiek, State of Iowa, will be held on Tuesday November 7, 2023. The polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

A listing of polling locations is as follows: Precinct 1: Fremont, Burr Oak, Orleans, Bluffton, and Madison Townships – Ridgeway Community Center Precinct 2: Hesper, Highland, Canoe, Pleasant, and Glenwood Townships – First Lutheran Church Precinct 3: Decorah Ward 1 and the Part of Decorah Township in Supervisor District 2 – Winneshiek Courthouse Annex Precinct 4: Decorah Ward 2 – Winneshiek Courthouse Annex Precinct 5: Decorah Ward 3A – First Lutheran Church Precinct 6: Decorah Ward 3B – First Lutheran Church Precinct 7: Decorah Ward 4 – Good Shepherd Church Precinct 8: Decorah Ward 5 – Good Shepherd Church Precinct 9: The Part of Decorah Township in Supervisor District 4 and Springfield Township – Winneshiek Courthouse Annex Precinct 10: Frankville, Bloomfield, and Military Townships – Ossian Community Center Precinct 11: Calmar, Washington, and Jackson Townships – Calmar Lutheran Church Precinct 12: Lincoln and Sumner Townships – Ridgeway Community Center A public test will be held to demonstrate the Unisyn Freedom Vote voting system which will be used to count the votes. The public test will begin at 10:00 am Thursday November 2, 2023 at the Winneshiek County Courthouse and will continue until all tests are completed.

The polling sites are handicapped accessible. Any voter who is physically unable to enter the polling place has the right to vote in the voter’s vehicle. For further information, please contact the county Auditor’s office at (563) 382-5085 or auditor@co.winneshiek. ia.us.

Pre-registered voters are required to provide an approved form of identification at the polling place before receiving and casting a

regular ballot. Voters who are not pre-registered – such as voters registering to vote on election day – and voters changing precincts must also provide proof of residence. A voter who is unable to provide an approved form of identification (or prove residence if required) 1) may have the voter’s identity/residence attested to by another registered voter in the precinct, 2) prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents, or 3) cast a provisional ballot and provide proof of identity/residence at the county auditor’s office by Noon November 13, 2023. Election Day Registrant attesters must provide an approved form of identification. For additional information about providing proof of identity and/or residence visit: https://sos.iowa.gov/ voterid or phone (563) 382-5085.

The Post-Election Audit of the ballots cast in one precinct will be held Thursday November 9, 2023 in the County Auditor’s Office.

The following races and candidates will be included on the ballots: Mayoral Races (elect 1): Calmar: Keith Frana, Jason Daniel Drucker Castalia: Jamie K. Smith Fort Atkinson: Paul R. Herold Jackson Junction: Mae Schmitt Ossian: Bryan Beckman Ridgeway: Sue Schnur Spillville: Paul Wermers, Tom Straube City Councilperson at-large: Calmar (elect 3): Chad N. Schissel, Linus Sabelka, Patrick J. Nervig, Nicole Schissel, Keith Gerlich, Herbert H. Zweibohmer Castalia (elect 3): Ben Martin, Wayne Corlett, Dennis E. Wilkins Decorah (elect 1): Emily Neal Fort Atkinson (elect 3): Paul Schmitt, Dale Leuenberger Jackson Junction (elect 5): Art Perry, Rodney Vrvak, Daniel Kime, Lana Schmitt, Kenneth Kriener Ossian (elect 3): Daniel Langreck, Susan Lienau, Graham Goltz Ridgeway (elect 3): Marvin L. Schnur, Allyn Linderbaum Spillville (elect 2): Darrell G. Schmitt, Steve Kelsay Other City of Decorah Races: Councilperson Ward 1 (elect 1): Jody Meyer, Brent Parker Councilperson Ward 2 (elect 1): no candidate Councilperson Ward 4 (elect 1): Steven Zittergruen Park & Rec Commissioner (elect 3): Richard Gaard, Kathy Bakken, Brian Fuhrmann School District Director: Allamakee District #2 (elect 1): Erik A. Helgerson Allamakee District #3 (elect 1): Beth Shafer, Christina M. Smith Allamakee District #4 (elect 1): Kelly Deeney Decorah Director at-large (elect 3): Brad Darling, Carole E. Sand, Zachary Robinson, Brian Petersburg, Aaron Zander Howard Winneshiek Director at-large (elect 1): Shirley Sovereign Howard Winneshiek District #2 (elect 1): Andy Ludeking Howard Winneshiek District #3 (elect 1): Stacey Dohlman Postville Director at-large (elect 3): Teresa Berg, Eric Meyer, Maria Vazquez, Travis Koenig South Winneshiek Director at-large (elect 2): Ron Hemesath, Craig W. Neuzil Turkey Valley Director at-large (elect 1): Jamie Hageman Turkey Valley District #2 (elect 1): Donald J. Manderfield Turkey Valley District #3 (elect 1): Jolene Steinlage Howard Winneshiek Public Measure KH: Shall the Board of Directors of the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District, in the Counties of Chickasaw, Howard, and Winneshiek, State of Iowa, for the purpose of purchasing and improving grounds; constructing schoolhouses or buildings and opening roads to schoolhouses or buildings; purchasing of buildings; purchase, lease or lease-purchase of technology and equipment; paying debts contracted for the erection or construction of schoolhouses or buildings, not including interest on bonds; procuring or acquisition of libraries; repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses; expenditures for energy conservation; renting facilities under Iowa Code Chapter 28E; purchasing transportation equipment for transporting students; lease purchase option agreements for school buildings or equipment; purchasing equipment authorized by law; or for any purpose or purposes now or hereafter authorized by law, be authorized for a period of seven (7) years to levy and impose a voter-approved physical plant and equipment tax of not to exceed an additional Sixty-Seven Cents ($.67) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district, and be authorized annually, in combination, as determined by the board, to levy a physical plant and equipment property tax upon all the taxable property within the school district commencing with the levy of property taxes for collection in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and to impose a physical plant and equipment income surtax upon the state individual income tax of each individual income taxpayer resident in the school district on December 31 for each calendar year commencing with calendar year 2024, or each year thereafter, it being understood that if this public measure should fail to be approved by the voters, such failure shall not be construed to terminate or restrict authority previously granted by the voters to levy and impose a special tax for any one or more of the foregoing purposes?

Northeast Iowa Community College Director District #3 (elect 1): Julie Askelson, Jim Anderson This notice is given by the Winneshiek County Commissioner of Elections. Additional information is available at: www.winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov.

Benjamin D. Steines Winneshiek County Auditor & Commissioner of Elections Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion October 26, 2023

Supervisors vote to extend offer to engineer applicant shared that Racom decided not to install a microwave converter on the tower near Satre — opting to use fiber cable instead. As a result, Racom reduced their bill by about $300,000, but the county would still pay approximately $250,000 to bury the fiber cable; making the change “a wash”, financially speaking.

The Supervisors unanimously voted to use green lighting on the exterior of the courthouse throughout the entire week of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in honor of the nation’s Veterans.

District 5 Supervisor Steve Kelsay brought to the board’s attention that the county’s former war memorial, which stood on the courthouse lawn, is in a rock quarry; not in county storage, as was previously agreed upon. None of the supervisors knew why it was in the quarry and not in county storage. Kelsay said county resident Jim Boeding offered to indefinitely store the memorial in his barn at no charge. County Auditor Ben Steines suggested Kelsay meet with County Attorney Andy Van Der Maten to draw up a simple contract between the county and Boeding for the storage of the memorial.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held Monday, Oct. 30, in the Winneshiek County Courthouse annex, at 9:30 a.m.

By Zach Jensen The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Oct. 23 to extend an offer to an applicant for the position of County Engineer.

During their weekly meeting, the supervisors discussed the applicant, known as “Applicant 3”, who has six years of experience as a county engineer. To compensate the applicant for that experience, Winneshiek County is offering them an annual salary of $121,284.49.

According to information shared during the meeting, if the applicant, who has their Professional Engineer certification, accepts the county’s offer, they could start their new position about two weeks following their acceptance, and Interim Supervisor Nick Rissman would be available to help the new engineer for approximately 90 days into the new county engineer’s three-year contract.

Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines said that once the applicant accepts the offer, their name and other information will be released to the public.

In other business A public hearing for the Right of Way vacation of Wren Valley Road was scheduled for Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m.

In an update on the county’s 911 tower project, Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines

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Machinery Consignment. Sale Held At Sweeney Auction Center, Waukon, IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-568-2464.

FRIDAY, NOV. 17 - 10 a.m. Fayette County Real Estate Auction.

Sale held at Fayette County Fairgrounds, West Union, IA. Begalske Farms LLC, James & Jeanine Begalske, farm is located at the corner of M Ave & 210th St., West Union.

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Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, October 26, 2023 5

Public Notices adjourn to 9:30am Monday, October 23, 2023.

Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion October 26, 2023 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of Winneshiek County, Iowa, has set the 13th day of November 2023, at 10:30 o’clock a.m. at the Board of Supervisors Room in the Winneshiek County Courthouse in Decorah, Iowa, as the time and place for hearing to consider vacating that portion of THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED STREETS: The entire road right-of-way beginning at a point 50 feet West of the West Bridge Abutment then East along the Centerline of County Road No. 497 as Recorded in Road Book B, Page 22 of June 8, 1870 to the West End of the Vacation of May 15, 1978 lying East of Bridge over Canoe Creek, in Winneshiek County, Iowa, and conveying that property to the adjoining property owner.

At said time and place, arguments for and against vacation of the subject property will be heard and considered. Any objections that are not made at the hearing will be deemed waived.

By order of the Board of Supervisors of Winneshiek County, Iowa, this the 23rd day of October 2023.

Benjamin Steines Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion October 26, 2023

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The investigation into a mid-September vandalism/hate crime incident in Decorah has culminated with search warrants being served at two additional residences in Decorah, resulting in more arrests in this case.

On Oct. 3, 2023, a 17-yearold juvenile male from Decorah was charged with criminal mischief 2nd degree (Class D Felony) criminal mischief 3rdhate crime (D Felony) trespass with intent to commit a hate crime (Aggravated Misdemeanor), and possession of marijuana (Serious Misdemeanor). He has been referred to Juvenile Court Services. On Oct. 17, 2023, an 18-year-old male from Decorah, identified as Jose Macias Torres, turned himself in to law enforcement on warrants charging him with criminal mischief 2nd degree (Class D Felony), criminal mischief 3rd-hate crime (D Felony), and trespass with intent to commit a hate crime (Aggravated Misdemeanor) He was booked into the Winneshiek County Jail.

The Decorah Police Department and Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office were notified of damage to multiple buildings in Decorah as well as areas on

the bike path, skate park and streets/alleys. The areas were defaced and vandalized with spray paint during the overnight hours. The vandalism included hate speech that the local authorities deemed “both shocking and criminal.” Reports of the crimes were taken serious by both agencies, working diligently together, investigating, interviewing, serving search

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An 18-year-old from Decorah, identified as Caeden-Philip Andrew Kenya Nyanjenga, had been previously charged with criminal mischief, 2nd degree (Class D Felony), criminal mischief, 3rd degree, hate crime (D Felony, and trespass with intent to commit a hate crime (aggravated misdemeanor).

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Board Minutes October 13 and 16, 2023 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am October 13th with all members present.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to go into closed session. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting went into closed session to interview a candidate for County Engineer and to evaluate the professional competency of the individual whose hiring is being considered as necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requested a closed session. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to resume open session.

Motion carried unanimously.

The Board discussed salaries, procedures, and other details related to employment offers to the candidates for County Engineer. Langreck and Faldet will work directly with the applicants to discuss these details. Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am October 16, 2023 with all members present.

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

Ashley Havenstrite, Helping Services of NEIA, met with the Board to report on tobacco cessation programs and other substance abuse programs. Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to proclaim November 12 – 18, 2023 as Tobacco Awareness Week in Winneshiek County. Motion carried unanimously.

Carol Dowe met with the Board to announce a program at the VFW Tuesday October 17th at 5:00pm discussing Veterans’ Service Dogs.

Karen Schluter met with the Board to discuss the needed repairs on Middle Calmar Road.

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 quarterly report of the County Sheriff. Motion carried unanimously.

The Board discussed Planning and Zoning requirements for Adult Accessary Dwelling Units. Kelsay will work with Tony Phillips, Planning, Zoning, and Flood Plain Administrator, and report back to the Board with additional information.

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

Nick Rissman, Interim County Engineer, met with the Board to discuss road matters and give project updates.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Vick to approve the employment offers to Carsten Baumler and Garrett Wise as Equipment Operator 1; and approve their hire if they accept and pass pre-employment physical requirements. Motion carried unanimously.

Rissman discussed with the Board the options for repairs to Bridge 317A. The consensus of the Board was to proceed with the rail car replacement options.

Moved by Kelsay and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 24-17, setting a public hearing on the vacation of a portion of Happy Hollow Road for November 6th at 10:30am.

Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Public notice will be mailed to the adjoining landowners and be published as required.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to adopt resolution 24-18, setting a public hearing on a re-zoning request for Tanner Baumler for October 30th at 10:00am. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Public notice will be published as required.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to accept and file the annual financial report of WinnMed. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to

was a sobering moment the couple remembered, because once they got out of the car their driver, a beloved Palestinian friend, would be forced to return to the West Bank without protection of any kind.

“If there is an international presence, that diffuses the potential for violence,” said Martha. “So, he was concerned about going back without us.”

The Lowes stayed in Amman just one night before boarding the plane to London. While many may have celebrated leaving the potential warzone, Martha felt deeply saddened.

“We love being in Bethlehem and standing with the oppressed — learning more stories to share with people here, because people, in general, don’t know what’s going on, because our media is so biased,” Martha said. “We’re so concerned about what may happen to our friends there.”

“We love Israel, too, and they have the right to defend themselves,” added George. “But, why can’t we also say that about the Palestinians? If they want peace, they need to learn how to live together, and if those two countries could come together, they could be such a powerhouse.”

The Associated Press has reported that since Oct. 7, 91 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank. Another reputable news source has reported that more than 1,200 Palestinians, including children, have been arrested in the same time span.

Now home and safe, and given the opportunity to reflect on it, Martha said that while she’s thankful for all the prayers she and her husband have received, it’s now time for everyone to pray for both Israel and Palestine.

“Our church, Good Shepherd, has been very supportive of us,” she said. “We’ve gotten prayers from hundreds and hundreds of people for our safe return. Now, we’re asking for prayers – not just for us but for the cease fire to come now for all the people there – to save as many lives as possible.”

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could go anywhere and not see anybody.”

Up until that point, the couple said they hadn’t been too afraid.

But, that calmness changed quickly one night, after they’d gone out for dinner.

“We went to a restaurant, and on the way back, it was dark, so we thought, we better take a taxi back,” George said. “So, we did, and just a block from the restaurant Israeli soldiers surrounded our car, and they’re pointing their rifles right in my face.

So, I’m more afraid of these 18-year-old Israeli soldiers than I am any Palestinian.”

“They had this unbelievably bright light, which could shine right through the window,” Martha added. “And, when they saw we were westerners, they let us go. But, initially, if there was a time that I was afraid, that was it.”

Still, the Lowes didn’t want to leave the Middle East, and it wasn’t long before they were given another sign: The sound of air-raid sirens.

“Another day, we were out in the Old City, when air-raid sirens started going off,” George said. “A friend of ours was going to give us a ride, so we got in his car when the sirens were still going, and when we got out on the street, we heard an explosion pretty darn close to us. That rattled us. I think that made us decide it was time to go.”

“We changed our departure from Jan. 2 to Oct. 25,” Martha said, “but the Covenant Church said that wasn’t soon enough.

They were very nervous about us staying.”

The next morning, George and Martha booked a flight from Amman, Jordan, to Heathrow Airport, London, and they prepared for the next leg of their trip back home.

“To get to Amman was quite the deal,” George said. “All the borders were closed except for one checkpoint for foreign tourists. We had to drive twoand-a-half hours north to cross the border at the (King) Hussein Bridge across the Jordan River.”

“Our Palestinian driver, who we’ve known since 2014, took us the two-and-a-half hours north,” Martha added. “It seemed pretty strange because there was no traffic. We went right around Jericho, but we couldn’t go in, because the Israelis had blocked all the roads.”

Crossing the Jordan River

Additional arrests in ongoing investigation

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they’re not in the news. It’s all about Gaza.”

With all the roads closed, everything in the West Bank came to an abrupt halt. All the shops closed. The schools immediately switched to online classes.

And, because Bethlehem is supported by tourism, Martha said the holy city’s unemployment rate instantly jumped to 80 percent.

But, despite the unfolding chaos, George and Martha didn’t want to leave, because they’d only just arrived, and they were so looking forward to this year’s trip. Then, the U.S. State Department made an announcement.

“The State Department said all Americans had to leave the West Bank within 24 hours,” said Martha, “but that was more of a suggestion, not an order, but at that point, we didn’t know that. We thought if we went to East Jerusalem for a few days, maybe the situation would settle down, and if it did, we would go back, because we didn’t want to leave.”

The couple was able to arrange for a driver on Oct. 10 to take them from their apartment at the college as far as they could go before the road was barricaded. Once they reached the barricade, they met another driver they’d contacted, who then drove them to East Jerusalem.

“We were in the middle of nowhere,” George said, “so we switched cars as quickly as we could, and we were the only car on the road all the way to East Jerusalem. We got out of the West Bank, which was kind of the first hurdle, because now it’s closed in such a way that nobody can come and go.”

The Lowes stayed in East Jerusalem from Oct. 10-18, and because their hotel was filled with representatives of the international press, they were given the news on developments in Israel and Gaza first-hand from the reporters. On the other hand, however, George and Martha noticed they were two of very few tourists in East Jerusalem at that time, because when they left the hotel, the streets were empty.

“In Jerusalem, usually, you can barely make your way through the old city, because there are so many people,” George said. “But, this time, when we were in Jerusalem, we

continued from front

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Decorah Couple

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PAGE 6

THURSDAY

OCTOBER 26, 2023 Sports Editor: Becky Walz

•

DECORAH, SOUTH WINNESHIEK, TURKEY VALLEY

•

sports@decorahnewspapers.com

Good Luck at State Cross Country

ABOVE: The girls team and Abe Conway (far left) will represent South Winn at the 2023 State Cross Country Meet in Fort Dodge. The Class 1A girls will run Friday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m., followed by the boys at 2:45 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Tami Brincks)

Class 1A girls state field No. 1 Madrid; No. 2 Beckman; No. 3 South Winneshiek; No. 4 North Linn; No. 5 St. Edmond; No. 6 Pekin; No. 7 Martensdale-St. Mary’s; No. 8 Iowa City Regina; No. 9 ACGC; No. 10 Collins-Maxwell; No. 11 Earlham; No. 12 Woodbine; No. 13 Hinton; No. 14 Treynor; No. 15 AHSTW; No. 16 Grundy Center

ABOVE: The Decorah girls cross country team earned a trip to this weekend’s state meet. The Viking girls are in Class 3A and will compete as a team Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m., followed by the boys’ Class 3A race at 2:45 p.m. LEFT: Individual qualifiers for the Vikings included (l-r) Amelia Roe, Grant Zilka and Brinlee Courtney. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz) Class 3A girls state field No. 1 Pella; No. 2 Gilbert; No. 3 Mount Vernon-Lisbon; No. 4 Solon; No. 5 Ballard; No. 6 Glenwood; No. 7 Clear Lake; No. 8 Sioux Center; No. 9 Decorah; No. 10 Harlan; No. 11 Marion; No. 12 Clear CreekAmana; No. 13 Lewis Central; No. 14 ADM; No. 15 Bishop Heelan

Tough week 7 in football contest

In a week where every entry thought Waukon would defeat Union, week seven was one of the hardest in the Pigskin Contest.

When the final entry was tallied, Waukon’s Paul Norton came out with the top prize, missing just two games. Phil Norton of Waukon missed three to take second. A trio of entries missed four games, but it was Myron Hackman of Festina who took the thirdplace prize with the closest tie-breaker guess of 63. The most points scored in a game was Clarksville with 68.

Aside from Union stunning Waukon, commonly missed games included Waverly-Shell Rock defeating Marion, Minnesota edging Iowa, UNI over North Dakota, Chicago Bears besting the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos over the Green Bay Packers.

Think safety before opening day

Hunters heading to the field for the opening weekend of pheasant season are encouraged to review safe hunting practices before they head out.

Jamie Cook, hunter education coordinator with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said hunters should get reacquainted with the techniques used to hunt pheasants – be sure to walk in a straight line and know where members of the hunting party are at all times, especially in low visibility areas like terraces, tall switch grass and standing corn.

“Go through the safe zones of fire with each member of the hunting party, talk about avoiding target fixation and swinging on game,” Cook said. “Wear plenty of blaze orange, especially on the upper one third of your body. We are encouraging hunters to wear more blaze orange than the minimum required. The goal is to be seen by other hunters.

“The top pheasant hunting incidents all are related to not being seen. The shooter swings on a rooster, the victim is out of sight of the shooter, or the rooster flew between the shooter and the victim.”

Cook said safety also extends to the canine companions.

“Avoid low shots to prevent injuring your hunting dog,” he said.

“The hunting plan and safety practices are all part of a responsible hunt. The goal at the end of the day is for everyone to return home safely.”

NOTICE

Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company is holding unclaimed property of at least $25.00 due to the persons listed below: Richard Aller Keith Bakken Ed & Rachel Barak Shane & Sara Bell David & Bobbi Benter Mike & Kristi Bergan Marcella Bergeson Chris & Kim Blanchard Roy Branham Karen Brubakken Cheryl Bryan David Burkhart Danny Callaway Yolando Chavez Patrick Courtney Steven Crawford

Caleb Fenske Kevin & Darcie Fink Melissa Fowlkes Bill Fullhart Janet Gillespie RJ Hawkins Scott Helm William Holland Clifford Holthaus JL Holthaus Kevin Johnson Jason Kesten Derrick Klimesh Alan & Michelle Knock Robert Leifeld

Sherri Lewey Tami Linne David & Kenna Lyons William Martin Kaia McConnell Bob & Carrie Melcher Carlee Meyer Gregg Moothart Jeremy Olsgard Cori & Beth Peterson L Phillips Betty Putnam Peggy Randall Robert Rewoldt Estate Chris Riker Kenneth Roffman

The owner may claim this property by contacting us at the address and/or phone number listed below.

Holder Information:

Mabel Cooperative Telephone

PO Box 368, 214 N Main St., Mabel, MN 55954 • 507-493-5411 If unclaimed for six months (May 01, 2024), the distribution will forfeit back to Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company to use for the teaching and promoting of cooperatives or economic development.

Tangen inducted into Luther College Athletics Hall of Fame

Jess (Jewell) Tangen ‘08, was inducted into the Luther College Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 6, as part of the Luther College Homecoming weekend.

Tangen’s citation was written and read by Bob Naslund ’65, associate professor emeritus of health and physical education.

A graduate of Decorah High School, Tangen was a six-time NCAA III National track and field qualifier for the Norse, earning All-American honors four times. She was a threetime All-American in the discus placing fifth (2005), seventh (2006) and eighth (2008). She also earned All-American honors in the shot put outdoors,

placing fourth (2008).

Twice she was the Iowa Conference champion in the discus as well as the conference champion both indoors and outdoors in the shot put. She holds the indoor school record in the shot put (45-11 ½), the outdoor school record in the shot put (45-7 ¼), and the school record in the discus (154-0).

For the past 15 years, Tangen has been a health and physical education instructor at Decorah’s St. Benedict Catholic School, and she recently added classes in the Decorah public school. She and her husband Mike stable eight riding horses, and Jess teaches both riding and grooming classes to area youth.

Jess (Jewell) Tangen (right) was inducted into the Luther College Athletics Hall of Fame in October. Joining her in the photo is Bob Naslund, who wrote and read her citation. (submitted photo)

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Karl Magnuson (right) was presented with the Athletics Meritorious Service Award in October by Dave Blanchard (left). (submitted photo)

Magnuson presented Athletics Meritorious Service Award Karl Magnuson, a 1978 graduate of Luther College, was presented the Luther College Athletics Meritorious Service Award on Friday, Oct. 6, as part of the Luther College Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony. Magnuson’s citation was read by Dave Blanchard who retired from Luther May of 2022.

The Athletics Meritorious Service Award was formulated to recognize individuals for outstanding contributions and service to Luther College athletics. The honorees do not need to be a graduate of the college and are selected by the Hall of Fame committee.

A 1973 graduate of La Jolla High School, La Jolla, Cali., Karl transferred to Luther from the University of Southern California in 1974. During the Homecoming weekend Magnuson celebrated his 45th class reunion.

Following graduation from Luther, Magnuson founded Decorah Bicycles and was part owner with Richard Gosen from 1982-1990. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Gail Bolson ’84, in 1986. After getting out of the bike business, Magnuson returned to Luther and earned his accounting degree. In 1992, Bolson opened Agora Arts and he set up the bookkeeping for the business. He also worked for Kamaus Accounting in West Union from 1993-95, until he opened his own accounting firm, Magnuson Consulting in 1995.

In 1989, Magnuson was approached by his friend Greg Vanney, who was Luther’s

publication director, asked if he would be willing to work at Luther athletic events. Jerry Johnson, who was the college’s communication director, as well as the part time sports information director, was in need of someone to run the play clock at football games.

This year, Magnuson is in the midst of his 34th year of volunteering his time to Luther athletics, and has worked more than 500 games. He has operated the football and men’s and women’s basketball game clocks, helped cover numerous NCAA III softball and basketball regional games, conference tournament games, plus high school regular season and regional basketball games hosted

by Luther.

“When I was hired as Luther’s first fulltime sports information director in 1992, I was blessed with inheriting Karl,” stated Blanchard. “Karl is one of the most respected clock operators in the league. He was focused, calm and always knew when to throw out a bit of humor that would relieve the hectic press box work load. Many times, I was told by officials that we had the best scoring table in the league, and Karl was the major factor for that recognition. He has been a mentor to a countless number of student workers who helped with the scoring tables over the years.

His willingness to volunteer his time for 34 years, is a statement of his character, love for Luther College, and is a trait that is almost non-existent in today’s society.”

AFTER 30 YEARS WITH LOCAL MANUFACTURER GEMINI, PAULETTE DARLING IS RETIRING. Paulette Darling, Team Lead, is retiring after 30 years with Gemini on October 27th. She joined Gemini in 1993 and throughout her 30 years of service she has been an integral part of bringing Pronto to Decorah and developing their processes over the years.

Throughout her career, Paulette has helped grow the Pronto product line into what it is today and has taken it from blank production to printing and shipping the product to our customers. Paulette’s amazing work ethic and expertise will be greatly missed.

“Paulette has a great work ethic and a real eye for detail,” Adam Schwickerath, Plant Manager, said, “We will miss her expertise.”

Gemini thanks Paulette for her 30 years of service, all of her contributions, and for being a great representative of Gemini!

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101 Womack Way, Decorah, IA