November 9, 2023

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Vol. 158, Issue 45

Decorah, Iowa 52101

Write-in candidates create challenge in city and school election

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Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic ground breaking celebrated

By Roz Weis While write-in candidates are not uncommon, it’s a bit unusual to have several write-in candidates running in one city election. That was the case in Decorah this year.

Winneshiek County Auditor Ben Steines said this week’s election was unprecedented, with more write-in candidates on the ballots than ever before.

In Decorah, most candidates filed nomination papers early to run in the races.

However, area yard signs indicated several more were interested as write-in candidates on the ballots.

The write-in votes meant more work for the office of Auditor Steines, as the precinct election results rolled in for several hours Tuesday night. Polls closed at 8 p.m., and the seven precincts began reporting results immediately.

It was shortly before 10 p.m., when the unofficial results were posted. And as of press time Wednesday morning, the auditor’s office had not yet released names of those write-in candidates as part of the initial election results.

Results In Decorah, the city and school board election resulted in some familiar elected officials as well as some new faces.

Brent Parker

Steve Zittergruen

With 100 percent of the county precincts reporting, Steines reported there were 3,383 total ballots cast. He indicated that the 29 percent voter turnout is not unusual in a non-presidenEmily Neal tial election year.

Winneshiek County has 11,341 registered voters. There were 1,038 absentee ballots included in the final unofficial election figures.

In the race for the Decorah City Council At-Large seat, Emily Neal won the election with 1,291 votes compared to 385 for

Election results

continued on page 6

Plans for the long-awaited Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic were celebrated Tuesday with a groundbreaking ceremony at 1106 Military Boulevard in Decorah, adjacent to Country Inn and Suites. The groundbreaking marks the upcoming construction of the 17,000-square-foot facility that will offer to area military veterans a plethora of benefits ranging from physical therapy and retinal scanning to women’s health and mental health services. Tentative completion for the clinic is mid-late 2025. After state and local dignitaries completed the official groundbreaking, local area veterans from the audience were invited impromptu to partake in the turning of the sod. Pictured left to right: Navy Veteran Jack Boehm, Retired Army Colonel Rich Gaard, Air Force Veteran Denise Lana and Judith Johnson-Mekota, director for the Iowa City VA Health Care System. More information regarding the groundbreaking ceremony and clinic will be in next week’s Driftless Journal. (Driftless Multimedia photo)

“The SpongeBob Musical” performances this weekend The Decorah High School Auditorium has been transformed to an undersea world as the drama department presents “The SpongeBob Musical” Thursday and Friday, Nov. 9 and 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Satuday, Nov. 11, at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Familiar characters include from left: Libby Phillips as SpongeBob; June Breitenbach-Dirks as Sandy Cheeks; and Oliver Brummel as Patrick.

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Cast members are, Greta Jones and Hayley Stowe (in front); second row, from left: Caleb Johnson, Mikayla Hiner, Ezra Vorvick, Jensen Korsness, Gwen Thompson, Kamryn Steines, Grace Blikre, Libby Phillips and June Breitenbach-Dirks; and third row, from left: Davis Coppola, Andy Kruger, Annaleissa Arnold, Jameson LaBelle, Spencer Christensen, Vivian Searcy and Oliver Brummel; and back row: Nat Roberts, Gabe Hiner, Joe Stammeyer and Liam Chamberlain. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

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Applicant changes gears, County Engineer position remains vacant Supervisors disagree on next steps

By Zach Jensen Just when Winneshiek County thought its prayers had been answered and that a new and experienced engineer had been hired for the county engineer’s position, its hopes were again quashed.

During the Oct. 30 Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting, Andrew Gettler was named as Candidate 3 in the application process. And, also during that meeting, it was announced that he was interested in the position and was to begin his new duties within two weeks of being hired. He reportedly said he was planning to move to Decorah by the second semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

However, Supervisor Board Chair Dan Langreck announced in the Nov. 6 meeting that Gettler had since declined

the position due to reasons having nothing to do with Winneshiek County, including the recent interest rate hikes. So far this year, the federal interest rate has increased 11 times, and mortgage rates have also drastically increased.

“So, what do we do?” Langreck asked the Board. “Do we go out ... and look for more applicants, I guess.”

In the ensuing discussion, two supervisors suggested the possibility of re-hiring former Winneshiek County Engineer Lee Bjerke – while other supervisors disagreed with that suggestion and advised the county should pursue other options.

“Basically, we’d have to find somebody who wants to take the job here,” said Supervisor Mark Faldet. “Or, see if we can have our previous engineer come back on better terms.”

This past May, Bjerke, who’d been

Winneshiek County’s engineer for nearly 30 years, resigned due to what he considered a “hostile work environment”, according to his letter of resignation. After Bjerke’s departure in June, the county retained assistant County Engineer Isaac Wiltgen as interim Engineer. However, just weeks after Bjerke left, Wiltgen passed away unexpectedly.

“I don’t see that happening,” Langreck said. “It’s not good business practice to hire someone who has resigned.”

“But,” Vermace said, “that would get us back on track immediately.” Faldet stated he would be in favor of re-approaching Bjerke as well.

“That’s a non-starter in my mind,” added Supervisor Steve Kelsay. “I suggest we talk to the other candidates again and see what we have there.”

Kelsay asked if there were any options

for sharing the position with adjacent counties.

“Only one that was a ‘maybe’ was Allamakee,” Steines said. “They were the only one that didn’t flat-out say ‘No.’” When asked about the possibility of finally contracting with a headhunting company, Steines said the most recent headhunting company he contacted charged 25 percent of the position’s salary, approximately $30,000.

“By the time we get one in place, going that route,” Vermace said, “you’re going to miss the bidding season, and that will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars more.”

“We have an opportunity to get one of the best in the business back in that office, and we would not be doing our due diligence if we didn’t sit down and have a talk with him (Bjerke). We could hit the ground running and save

VETERANS DAY IS NOV. 11 - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

this county … hundreds of thousands of dollars. Let your egos go on this one.”

“I took the same oath as you did, Shirley,” Kelsay said, “and my constituents had an entirely different opinion than what you’re talking about. So, I’m serving my constituents and the rest of the county, likewise. These other rural supervisors probably feel the same way, but I can’t speak for them.”

Vermace persisted, “No other county engineer applied for this job. No assistant engineers in the State of Iowa applied for this job. Dubuque used to be the toxic county in Iowa. Winneshiek County is now the toxic county.”

“We’re not hiring Lee back,” Langreck said. “What are we going to do to

County Engineer

continued on page 6

2 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 9, 2023

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Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 9, 2023 3

E-cigarettes among youth a growing concern in northeast Iowa Yard waste

By Zach Jensen

Tobacco use among local youths slightly decreased in September, but Ashley Havenstrite of Helping Services of Northeast Iowa (HSNEI) said the results of that survey might be deceiving.

Havenstrite shared tobacco-use information with the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting Oct. 10 — during which, on behalf of HSNEI — she requested that the supervisors proclaim a week in November as Northeast Iowa Tobacco Awareness Week in Winneshiek County.

“The past 30-day use survey did show a decrease,” Havenstrite said. “However, as far as what we’re hearing from schools and our youth groups, they don’t feel it’s going down. They think it’s getting worse, and another thing is that it’s happening younger and younger.”

“Is there a lack of awareness of the hazards of vaping and electronic cigarettes?” asked Supervisor Steve Kelsay. “Is that a contributing factor?”

“I think people think they

Pictured (l-r): Ashley Havenstrite of Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair Mark Vick, Supervisor Steve Kelsay, Supervisors Chair Dan Langreck, Supervisor Shirley Vermace and Supervisor Mark Faldet. Following an Oct. 16 presentation

by Havenstrite, the supervisors unanimously approved a proclamation designating Nov. 12 through Nov. 18 as Northeast Iowa Tobacco Awareness Week in Winneshiek County.

(Driftless Multimedia photo by Zach Jensen) have a good understanding, but I still think there’s a lack of awareness, because people still think it’s safe versus traditional cigarettes,” Havenstrite said.

“But, another thing I think is an issue is … I brought some products to share with you. When you look at these products, they look small, but the amount of nicotine advertised in these is 5 percent. I don’t know what you guys think about 5 percent, but to me, that sounds really low,

right? You really have to do some research to find out what 5 percent is. However, there are 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine in this (product), and in this other, small device, there’s about 400 cigarettes worth of nicotine. So, I believe people pick them up, because obviously, it looks cool, right? And, also, just not understanding how much nicotine is in here.

“And, even if we found out how much nicotine is in here,

this is a whole different type of nicotine,” she continued. “This is what we call nicotine salt, which is created by introducing benzoic acid to the product, so more nicotine reaches the brain at much faster rates. So, these products can be said to cause nicotine dependence much quicker than traditional tobacco products. So, I think the combination of lack of knowledge and how easy these things are is a huge issue.”

Havenstrite reported that nicotine, itself, is dangerous, because it can restrict airways and affect the cardiovascular system, causing strokes and heart attacks.

“Tobacco kills more people than alcohol, tobacco, aids, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined,” Havenstrite said, reading the proclamation to the board. “Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in this country, and studies show tobacco … more people need to become aware of the dangers of smoking, varieties of tobacco products and second-hand smoke. There’s no safe level of second-hand smoke — even if it’s outdoors.

About 41,000 deaths per year are attributed to second-hand smoke. About 400 infant deaths per year are attributed to second-hand smoke as well, in the United States. The Iowa Youth Survey 2021, the latest data we have, shows about 22 percent of eleventh graders in Winneshiek County reported ever using an e-cigarette; with sixth graders reporting 3 percent. And, just to make it known, the Iowa Youth Survey only goes down to sixth grade, so I really don’t have any data lower than that to show you. However, I was just meeting with a school in one of the six counties I serve, and they said they just caught a fourth grader last week. So, this is happening younger and younger this year. About 25 percent of eighth graders in Winneshiek County, who use e-cigarettes, report their first use being between the ages of 11 and 12. So, now, therefore, we the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors do proclaim that Nov. 12-18, 2023, as Northeast Iowa Tobacco Awareness Week in Winneshiek County.”

The supervisors unanimously approved the proclamation.

site open three days each week

Decorah’s yard waste site is now open each Wednesday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

The last day for open hours at the yard waste site will be Wednesday, Nov. 22 — after which keys will still be available to be checked out from Decorah City Hall until seasonal conditions require the site be closed.

Happy

89th

Birthday This birthday girl would love to chat with you, but due to her health can't come to the phone right now.

She would still love to hear how you are doing so please send a birthday card filled with sunshine and good wishes for her Nov. 15 birthday.

Mail cards to: Carol Baker, 505 Hillcrest Dr., Decorah, IA. 52101

45-2-PJ-16

Honoring our VETERANS Friday, Nov. 10

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Decorah’s Northern Lights Women’s Chorus will present a concert Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m., at Decorah Lutheran Church.

Northern Lights’ artistic director is Rachael Buresh and Mary Beth Bouska serves as collaborative pianist. (submitted photo)

Northern Lights presents fall concert Nov. 19

The Northern Lights Women’s Chorus will present its fall concert Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m., at Decorah Lutheran Church.

The 50-member ensemble, composed of singers from Decorah and surrounding communities, will perform a variety

of choral music with the theme “The Love of Bare November Days.”

Harpist Julie Knox of Waukon will accompany the choir on three songs and provide special intermission music. Dr. Kacy Clopton, visiting professor of music at Luther College,

is the cello accompanist. Emily Secor, a Luther College graduate and professional singer from Wisconsin, is the guest soprano soloist.

Northern Lights’ artistic director is Rachael Buresh, and Mary Beth Bouska serves as collaborative pianist. An inter-

mission freewill offering will be taken, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Decorah Community Food Pantry.

Decorah Lutheran Church is located at 309 Winnebago Street in Decorah.

For more information, visit the choir’s Facebook page.

Walter, Cheryl Lason and Deb Tekippe. Third row: Donna Gilbett and Peggy Lensing. Fourth row: Patty Casterton, Renee Olson and Janelle Holte Halverson. Back row: Rosie Kuhn, Ashley Nicole and Stephanie Cenek.

to hometown roots for a “homecoming” performance Friday through Sunday, Nov. 17, 18 and 19, at the New Minowa Players Building at 906 S. Mill Street in Decorah.

The show, titled “Welcome to the Big Show Homecoming!” tells the story of a 19-year-old whose “self-proclaimed comedy coach father” moves his family from the Midwest to New York City.

According to pre-show publicity, “This show is a love letter to unique families, queer self-discovery and devoted fathers.”

Based on a true story, Lonning takes the audience on a ‘Tilt-a-Whirl” by way of his Midwestern beginnings and NYC “comedy bro” upbringing.

Ticket information is available online at newminowaplayers.ludus.com.

munities’ sincere ‘thank you’ to all present and past members of the Winneshiek County Celebration of Life’s Board of Trustees.”

“For over 25 years, these caring and hard-working individuals have focused on providing care to this community,” Walter said. “They have worked to provide funding for mammogram screenings for individuals that

are non-insured or under insured.”

The organization also helps by paying for fuel and providing food cards to people needing to travel for treatment.

“We were so happy with the celebration,” Walter said.

For more information, see the organization’s Facebook page, or visit its website at winneshiekcol.com.

Weldon publishes writing guide ‘Advanced Fiction’ Professor of English at Luther College Amy Weldon, of Decorah, recently published a textbook that offers a comprehensive and innovative guide for undergraduate students or any writer looking for direction.

The principles of writing fiction are taken a step further in “Advanced Fiction,” which delves into practical writing techniques and advice. The book is divided into eight chapters, including writing prompts

and exercises, in addition to excerpts from a wide range of authors. It consists of writings from Luther students, alumni and well-known writers in a diverse anthology of work.

Weldon addresses concerns from actual students in her book regarding writing habits, including how to transition from writing short stories to novels, writing fiction based on real events and steps to take after completing a piece.

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• TRIMMING • REMOVAL Lonning Pictured are past and • STORM present members of the returns to DAMAGE Winneshiek County Celebration of Life Board of Decorah for DECORAH BASED • UTILITY Trustees. Front row (l-r): FULLY INSURED November Elizabeth Lippert Kane, LINES FREE ESTIMATES Julie Wurtzel, Danielle performance Bakewell, Angela Han• CLIMBERS dotzenrodtreeservice@gmail.com Gara Lonning, a graduate of sen and Mags Yahr.

AVAILABLE 319-361-6856 Second row: Margaret Decorah High School, returns

200 show support at Celebration of Life’s 25th anniversary

Winneshiek County Celebration of Life celebrated 25 years of helping the county’s residents battle Cancer Friday, Nov. 3, at Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah, and Margaret “Mugs” Walter said approximately 200 people attended to show their support for the local nonprofit organization.

The event included a cash raffle, live music and “the com-

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“I wrote this book to gather, preserve and extend some conversations among myself and students that have arisen in classrooms and conferences over the years, so we can continue to learn from these discussions,” said Weldon. “Writing is something I couldn’t do without my students, who inspire me to keep learning and improving as a writer.”

Decorah Public Opinion

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

News: news@decorahnewspapers.com Advertising: megan.warner@driftlessjournal.com Kate Klimesh, Editor-in-Chief: kate.klimesh@driftlessjournal.com Phone: 563-382-4221 Subscription Rates ....................... One Year ...................... Six Months Decorah Trade Areas ..................... $57.00 ..............................$35.00 Elsewhere. ...................................... $70.00 ..............................$42.00 Single copies $1.00, mailed $3.00. Official publication for Decorah and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Periodicals postage at Decorah, Iowa.

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Publisher reserves right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time.

4 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 9, 2023

Public Notices STATE OF IOWA 2023

16209600800000 CITY OF SPILLVILLE PO Box 276 SPILLVILLE IA 52168-0276 POPULATION: 385

FINANCIAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 CITY OF SPILLVILLE, IOWA DUE: December 1, 2023

NOTE - The information supplied in this report will be shared by the Iowa State Auditor's Office, the U.S. Census Bureau, various public interest groups, and State and federal agencies.

ALL FUNDS Governmental (a)

Revenues and Other Financing Sources Taxes Levied on Property

Proprietary (b)

Total Actual (c)

Budget (d)

109894

109,894

111,662

Less: Uncollected Property Taxes-Levy Year Net Current Property Taxes Delinquent Property Taxes

0 109,894 0

0 109,894 0

0 111,662 0

TIF Revenues Other City Taxes

0 67,242

0

0 67,242

0 72,459

Licenses and Permits Use of Money and Property Intergovernmental

688 5,872 107,525

0 1,065 0

688 6,937 107,525

930 8,235 1,645,269

Charges for Fees and Service Special Assessments Miscellaneous Other Financing Sources, Including Transfers in Total Revenues and Other Sources Expenditures and Other Financing Uses Public Safety Public Works Health and Social Services Culture and Recreation Community and Economic Development General Government

74,269 0 85,005 45,958 496,453

101,998 0 12,401 98,120 213,584

176,267 0 97,406 144,078 710,037

162,165 0 36,440 447,020 2,484,180

19,157 155,465 0 198,246 9,254 79,993

19,157 155,465 0 198,246 9,254 79,993

55,701 202,764 800 210,753 9,500 92,380

Debt Service Capital Projects Total Governmental Activities Expenditures

0 0 462,115

0

0 0 462,115

27,730 0 599,628

Business type activities Total All Expenditures

462,115

229,177 229,177

229,177 691,292

1,995,819 2,595,447

Other Financing Uses, Including Transfers Out Total All Expenditures/and Other Financing Uses Excess Revenues and Other Sources Over (Under) Expenditures/and Other Financing Uses

29,615 491,730 4,723

16,343 245,520 -31,936

45,958 737,250 -27,213

67,020 2,662,467 -178,287

Beginning Fund Balance July 1, 2022

385,530

146,277

531,807

406,324

Ending Fund Balance June 30, 2023 390,253 114,341 NOTE - These balances do not include the following, which were not budgeted and are not available for city operations: Non-budgeted Internal Service Funds Pension Trust Funds Private Purpose Trust Funds Agency Funds

504,594

228,037

Indebtedness at June 30, 2023

Indebtedness at June 30, 2023

Amount

General Obligation Debt Revenue Debt TIF Revenue Debt

Amount

246,363 Other Long-Term Debt 75,818 Short-Term Debt 0

0 98,120

General Obligation Debt Limit

1,104,934

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion • November 9, 2023

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Auction Calendar SUNDAY, NOV. 12 - 9:30 a.m.

Farm toys, trains, literature, collectibles. Community Center, Protivin, IA. Shindelar Auction Service, LLC. Protivin, Ia 563-5698235. www.auctionsgo.com SATURDAY, NOV. 25 - Guns & Sporting Goods. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, IA. Sweeney Auction Service. www. sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon. 563-568-2464.

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THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY ELMER ALLEN HANSEN, Plaintiff, vs.

SUSAN MARY PIERCE a/k/a SUSAN MARY HANSEN, and Any Other Person Known or Unknown Claiming an Interest in the Property, Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in Block 1 of the Village of Burr Oak, Winneshiek County Iowa, except for the North 39 Feet of the West 132 Feet of said Lot 6 Defendant.

Case No. EQCV026965 NOTICE OF ACTION TO QUIET TITLE TO ANY PERSON KNOW OR UNKNOWN CLAIMING AN INTERST IN THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY: Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in Block 1 of the Village of Burr Oak, Winneshiek County Iowa, except for the North 39 Feet of the West 132 Feet of said Lot 6.

You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of the clerk of this court naming you as the defendant in this action, which petition prays for quiet title on behalf of the current owner, Elmer Allen Hansen.

The name and address of the attorney for the plaintiff is James Burns, 301 West Broadway P, .O. Box 28, Decorah, Iowa 52101. The attorney’s phone number is 563-382-4226; facsimile number is 563-382-3783.

You must serve a motion or answer within 30 (thirty) days after service of this Original Notice upon you and within a reasonable time thereafter file your motion or answer, with the Clerk of Court for Winneshiek County, at the county courthouse in Decorah, Iowa. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in court because of a disability, immediately call your district ADA coordinator at 319-833-3282. (If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at l-800-735-2942) IMPORT ANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS Iowa Judicial Branch Case No. EQCV026965 County Winneshiek Case Title ELMER HANSEN VS SUSAN PIERCE ET AL You must file your Appearance and Answer on the Iowa Judicial Branch efile System, unless the attached Petition and Original Notice contains a hearing date for your appearance, or unless the court has excused you from filing electronically (see Iowa Court Rule 16.302).

Register for the efile System at www. iowacourts.state.ia.us/Efile to file and view documents in your case and to receive notices from the court.

For general rules and information on electronic filing, refer to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure in chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules at www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ ACO/CourtRulesChapter/16.pdf.

Court filings are public documents and may contain personal information that should always be kept confidential. For the rules on protecting personal information, refer to Division VI of chapter 16 of the Iowa Court Rules and to the Iowa Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ representing-yourself/protect-personal-information/.

Scheduled Hearing: If you need assistance to participate in court due to a disability, call the disability access coordinator at (319) 833-3332 .

Persons who are hearing or speech impaired may call Relay Iowa TTY (1-800735-2942). For more information, see www. iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/ada/. Disability access coordinators cannot provide legal advice.

Date Issued 10/25/2023 09:53:24 AM District Clerk of Court or/by Clerk’s Designee of Winneshiek County /s/ Denise Barton-Franzen Date of second publication: November 9, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 2 & 9, 2023 Board Minutes Monday October 30, 2023 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am October 30, 2023 with all members present.

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

The Board discussed the property in Freeport associated with Iowa Rotocast Plastic’s request to sell some property for installation of a solar field. Vick confirmed with the DNR about the repayment terms for the seed contract. The Board will work with the County Attorney to set up the procedure to proceed with the sale.

The Board reviewed the contract terms with Andrew Gettler to serve as County Engineer. Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to approve the contract with the start date yet to be determined, and to approve Gettler’s hire should he accept and sign the contract.

Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Vermace to approve the minutes of the last meeting.

Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to open the public hearing on the re-zoning request by Tanner Baumler. Motion carried unanimously. Tony Phillips, Planning and Zoning Administrator reported the P&Z Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval. No written or verbal comments were received. Moved

by Vick and seconded by Faldet to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to hold the first reading of the proposed re-zoning ordinance. Motion carried unanimously and the reading was held. Moved by Vermace and seconded by Vick to waive the additional readings. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Vermace and seconded by Faldet to adopt ordinance 23-249, approving the re-zoning as requested by Baumler. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

Complete Ordinance will be on file in the County Recorder’s and Auditor’s Offices and will be published as required.

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

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vermace to open the Public Hearing on the vacation of Right-of-Way along Conover Road near the property of Devin and Kristi Creek.

Motion carried unanimously. No written or verbal comments were received. Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Kelsay to adopt resolution 23-20, approving the vacation of the property and authorizing Langreck to sign the quit claim deed. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Complete resolution will be on file in the County Auditor’s Office and the deed will be on file in the County Recorder’s Office.

Nick Rissman, Interim County Engineer, met with the Board to give updates on road projects.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, November 6, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 9, 2023 IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEO A. FUNKE, DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016250 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Leo A. Funke, Deceased, who died on or about October 12, 2023: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 23rd day of October, 2023, the Last Will and Testament of Leo A. Funke, deceased, bearing date of October 10, 2017, was admitted to probate in the abovenamed Court and that Anthony Funke was appointed executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the Clerk of the 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 this 24th day of October, 2023.

Anthony Funke Executor of Estate 998 Eastwood Circle Delano, MN 55328 Dustin H. Noble ANDERSON, WILMARTH, VAN DER MAATEN, FRETHEIM, EVELSIZER OLSON, NOBLE, LYNCH & ZAHASKY 212 Winnebago P.O. Box 450 Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-2959 Email: dustin.noble@andersonlawdecorah.com Date of second publication: November 9, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 2 & 9, 2023

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLARD K. ORVELLA DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR 016251 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of WILLARD K. ORVELLA, Deceased, who died on or about October 14, 2023: You are hereby notified that on the 26th 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 26th day of October, 2023.

Kathleen Gloede, Executor 807 N. Railroad St. Sumner, IA 50674 MILLER LAW OFFICE, P.L.C.

BY James Burns 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 9, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 2 & 9, 2023 The Spillville City Council held a special meeting at the Spillville City Hall at 6:00 PM. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Mayor Straube called the meeting to order with the following councilmen present Backes, Kelsay, Schmitt and Wermers. Absent, Taylor.

Motion by Wermers, second by Kelsay to approve items on the consent agenda as follows.

A. Claims Roll call vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

The hiring committee met on Thursday, October 19th and conducted 3 interviews, one applicant had thought the position was full time and declined the interview. There were three good applicants and the committee gave their recommendations as to they felt was most qualified.

Applicants, hours and salary were discussed.

Motion by Wermers, second by Kelsay to offer the position to Nikki Wagner. Roll call vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Backes, second by Schmitt to pay an hourly rate of $16.50 per hour during training and an annual salary of $19,500 when training is completed. Roll call vote: Ayes, unanimous. Nays, none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Kelsay, second by Schmitt to adjourn. Roll call vote: unanimous. Motion Carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:38.

Attest: Joane Kulish, City Clerk Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 9, 2023

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be accepting applications for appointments to several Boards and Commissions including the following: Pioneer Cemetery Commission, Board of Health, Historic Preservation Commission, Conservation Board, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, Compensation Commission for Eminent Domain, and others as needed. Interested citizens should complete an application which is available at winneshiekcounty.iowa.gov or at the County Auditor’s office. Applications are due to the county Auditor’s office by December 8th.

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 9, 16 & 23, 2023

ORDINANCE NO. 23-249 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION FROM M-2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO C-1 HWY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT FOR THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY. WHEREAS, a request for amendment to the zoning ordinance of Winneshiek County was submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission, said request having been acted upon by the Planning and Zoning Commission following a public hearing; and, WHEREAS, the request for amendment of the zoning ordinance pertains to the following described real estate: Lots 2 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 in 1 of 1 of 1 of 3 and 2 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 in 1 of 1 of 1 of 3 in the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, of Section 36, of Township 97 North, Range 9 West of the 5th P.M. Winneshiek County, Iowa.

WHEREAS, the said zoning request requested that the property be rezoned from M-2 General Industrial District to C-1 Hwy Commercial District; and, WHEREAS, a notice of the time and place of a public hearing on said request was published pursuant to law; and, WHEREAS, a public hearing as required has been conducted by the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors.

WHEREAS, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors has considered the Winneshiek County Comprehensive Plan in their review of the Applicant’s request and does find that the request is consistent with the policies and goals set out in the Winneshiek County Comprehensive Plan; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

BY THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: That the zoning classification as to the following described real estate: Lots 2 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 in 1 of 1 of 1 of 3 and 2 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 in 1 of 1 of 1 of 3 in the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, of Section 36, of Township 97 North, Range 9 West of the 5th P.M. Winneshiek County, Iowa. is hereby changed from M-2 General Industrial District to C-1 Hwy Commercial District.

That the zoning map of Winneshiek County, Iowa, be modified to reflect this change.

Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this zoning ordinance or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect.

Severability Clause. If any section, part or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.

Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect after its passage and publication as provided by law.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 30th day of October 2023.

WINNESHIEK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Daniel Langreck Chairman Attest: Benjamin D. Steines Winneshiek County Auditor Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 9, 2023

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 9, 2023 5

Leo Funke

Leo Funke, 89, of Decorah, died Oct. 12, 2023, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.

Leo Anthony Funke was born on June 17, 1934, in Jackson Junction, the son of Leo and Adelinda Leo Funke (Huber) Funke. He attended area schools and graduated from Decorah High School in 1952. Following school, Leo began working on the farm where he would work the majority of his life.

Leo always valued family. After his father’s passing in 1962, Leo stepped up as the primary caregiver for his mother, Adelinda. If there was ever a question regarding the Funke or Huber family history, he more than likely knew the answer. He en-

joyed playing cards, going to dances and watching sports (especially the Iowa Hawkeyes).

He served as a board member for the St. Anthony of Padua Church in Festina. Leo was an honest man that will be missed dearly.

Leo is survived by his nieces and nephews: William (Vicki) of Bryon, Ill., Anthony (Janet) of Delano, Minn., Kerry Funke of Norwalk, Barbara Funke of Cedar Rapids, Gerald (Lori) of Battle Creek, Mich., Kimberly Funke of Clinton, and David (Connie) of Jesup, and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Adelinda; brother: Louis Funke; and nephews: Donald and Paul Funke.

Mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, Oct. 19, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial was in the St. Benedict Cemetery.

Service Notice LLOYD A. OAKLAND, 80, of Castalia, died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, at 11:30 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. at the church.

LUCILLE “LOU” MARIE (BERGE) JACOBSON, Loveland, Colo., died Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at Brookdale Mariana Butte Care Facility in Loveland. Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m., at Big Canoe Lutheran Church at 1381 Big Canoe Road rural Decorah with Rev. David Werges presiding.

Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 p.m., until the time of the service Saturday at the church.

MARY ANN BLONG, 91, of Fort Atkinson, passed away Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian. Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, Nov. 10, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John’s Catholic Church, 201 Oak Street in Fort Atkinson, with Rev. Nick Radloff presiding. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service at the church Friday.

By Zach Jensen

Every year since its proclamation in 1964, Oct. 9 is designated as Leif Erickson Day – a special annual event during which Scandinavian Americans honor the famous explorer for reportedly being first European to have set foot on North America, around the year 1000. And, this year, up to 30 neighbors on Decorah’s Leif Erickson Drive gathered together to celebrate their street’s namesake for the second year in a row.

During the event, a special reading was given on the life of Leif Erickson, and a young neighbor girl made a Viking ship out of cardboard. After the reading, in true Viking style, the ship was burned as an effigy in a resident’s fire pit.

“It has brought the whole street together,” said Karen Guttebo, one of the street’s residents who attended the party.

“My wife, Lisa, had the idea to start a yearly street gathering on Leif Erickson Day in the summer of 2022,” added Decorah City Councilman Steven Zittergruen. “We delivered postcard invitations to all the residents of our street plus a few neighbors whose driveways go off of our street. Lief Erikson is a one-way street that is only two blocks long, so it’s not a large group of people.”

The Zittergruens weren’t sure who would accept their invitations, but they prepared for the party nonetheless — setting out drinks and snack-bowls and putting up a few decorations to

help attendees get in the spirit of the event. And, when it came time for the party, the Zittergruens were surprised by the number of people who showed up.

“A lot of the neighborhood came,” Steven said. “And, it was delightful to put names with faces and chat for a couple of hours.”

But, the Leif Erickson Day celebrations aren’t the first times the street’s residents have gotten together. Guttebo said neighbors began doing activities together, in the street, in 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“We used to gather in the street to exercise together,” said Guttebo. “Then, it turned into an outdoors happy-hour as well.

It helped keep us sane during

Law Enforcement Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office Dalton Guess, 23, of Calmar, was arrested in Fayette County Oct. 19 and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on an arrest warrant for violation of probation.

Aaron Lowe, 35, of Decorah, was arrested Oct. 19 and transported from the Fayette County Jail and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for violation of probation.

James Borszeit, of Ossian, was cited for failure to maintain control, simple misdemeanor interference with official acts, and leaving the scene of an accident – failure to provide aid or information following an accident Oct. 21 on County Road B32 near Calmar. Investigating officers reported Borszeit was traveling east on B32 when it appeared the vehicle entered the curve too fast. The vehicle entered the ditch and struck a roadway sign near 227th Ave. Passengers in the vehicle, Santania Bodensteiner of Ossian and Lucas Wiedow of Castalia, had minor injuries. Damages totaled $3,000 to the 2015 GMC Yukon owned by Santania Bodensteiner of Ossian, and $300 to a Winneshiek County road sign.

Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office investigated an accident Oct. 22 near Castalia. Alina Tallier, 16, of Decorah, was reportedly driving south on 11th Ave., when she lost control of the 211 Sienna van she was driving. The vehicle entered the west ditch near the intersection of 150th street. The vehicle then rolled, coming to rest on its wheels facing west in the west ditch. The two occupants in the vehicle were both wearing shoulder and lap belts and both were able to exit the vehicle.

First responders reported both oc-

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cupants were complaining of minor head and neck pain. The Postville Ambulance transported both the driver and passenger to WinnMed in Decorah. Damages to the vehicle were estimated at approximately $10,000. An additional $100 in damages were reported to a fence post owned by James Palmer of Castalia.

Robert Neuzil, 76, of Fort Atkinson, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Oct. 26 on an arrest warrant for failure to serve jail time. Neuzil turned himself in to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

Robie Shindelar, 35, of Calmar, was arrested in Calmar and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Oct. 28 at 11 p.m. for D felony domestic abuse assault, 3rd or subsequent offense.

Lillian Rausch, 18, of Fort Atkinson, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Oct. 27 on an arrest warrant for failure to provide fingerprints as ordered. Rausch turned herself into the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

Keri Strong, 41, of New Albin, was arrested in Allamakee County and transported to the Winneshiek County Jail Oct. 27, and booked on an arrest warrant for failure to serve jail time.

Jon Batchelder, 61, of Decorah, was arrested Nov. 4 at 6:52 p.m on Canoe Ridge Road in Decorah, and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for public intoxication.

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the lock-down during the pandemic.”

“During 2020, a large group met on the street for drinks and fellowship,” Steven said. “At the same time, as in many other neighborhoods, many neighborhood children got really close and spent much of the summer playing with each other out-

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side, when most everything was closed for the summer. Those friendships have persisted to today, as have, I believe, the weekly meetings of the group on the street.”

Steven said he and his wife hope the tradition continues for years into the future. He said it may even evolve so different neighbors are chosen to host the event each year.

“These connections growing and expanding in our neighborhood has been a great thing, I think,” Steven said. “We’re feel fortunate to be on a street where we know each other and have lots of ways of forming and building neighborly connections.”

Luther professor Uwe Rudolf donned Viking garb for the Leif Erickson Day celebration held this year on Leif Erickson Drive in Decorah. (submitted)

45-2-JP-12

delicious pie varieties and other goodies during the 15 years she worked at the Postville Bakery, plus 2½ years at the Coffee Shop. Laura worked 17 years at the Good Samaritan Home in Postville. One of Laura’s biggest surprises was when she was named Staff Member of the Year in 1987 at Good Sam in Postville. Then again at The Good Samaritan Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. Laura was very involved in church activities. She was past president and group leader of WELCA, on Church Council for one term and taught Sunday School for 25 years. She was also a 4-H leader for 10 years. She loved helping 4-Hers “Learn by Doing!”

Laura and Alvin enjoyed several trips abroad as well as in the states. Square dancing was their passion. The kids always said that on nights of Square Dancing the chores were always done earlier and faster.

Laura loved a simple life; God, family and friends meant the world to her.

Laura is survived by two sons, Ron Lenth (Kathy) of Oelwein, and Arlyn Lenth (Susi) of Postville; daughter, Julie Hageman (Lynn) of Calmar; brother, Harlan Walch of Luana; seven grandchildren: Angie (Ryan) Hannan, Ohio, Jessi Lenth, Chicago, Jake Lenth, Colorado, Nick (Jodi) Lenth, Wisconsin, Ryan (Beth) Hageman, Calmar, Aaron (special friend Haley) Hageman, Calmar, and Breann (Kyle) Woltzen, Ossian; and six great-grandchildren: Sophie, Isla, Jackson, Alex, Ali and Kayson.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin, in 2005; her parents, John and Freda Walch; brother, Ewald Walch; sister, Lillian Schutte; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Walch, Jeanette Walch, Bea Lenth and Margie Landsgard; and brothers-in-Law: Eugene Schutte, Eldon Lenth and Maurice Landsgard.

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 6, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant.

Burial followed at Postville Cemetery in Postville.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville assisted will services.

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Laura Meta Ella (Walch) Lenth, 99, of Postville, passed away Nov. 1, 2023, at the Ossian Senior Hospice.

Laura was born Sept.

26 1924, to John and Freda (Miene) Walch on the family farm in rural Lua- Laura Lenth na. She was baptized on Oct. 27 at St John’s Lutheran Church in Luana. On Nov. 13, 1938, she was confirmed at St Paul Lutheran Church in Postville.

In 1942, she graduated from Luana High School. The next day Laura started working at Schultz’s Grocery and General Store in Luana. This was during the time of food rationing.

Laura and Alvin Lenth were married on Nov. 20, 1945.

Many people commented that their wedding dance which was above the Luana Tap was the biggest crowd Luana ever seen! They started farming near Garnavillo. Their house had 16 rooms plus the luxury of indoor plumbing (a first for both). Later they moved to a farm in Froelich, Iowa. In 1962, Laura and Alvin purchased and moved to a farm south of Postville with their three children: Ronald, Arlyn and Julie. In 1982 they moved to town. They worked together enjoying farm life.

Houseplants, especially African Violets, was a favorite hobby.

Sewing and quilting kept her busy as well. Laura always had a large garden and loved canning the results for winter. The jams, jellies, fruits and vegetables were a labor of love. She made tons of potato salad which she also enjoyed making for others.

Making Christmas time peppernuts and potato pancakes with Lillian and Harlan was always a highlight and a laughter filled adventure! Laura cared deeply for others, especially shut-ins.

Making soups for them and doing good deeds without expecting anything in return. Laura was also an avid reader.

Everyone benefitted from Laura’s love of baking. Fresh buns, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes and pies galore. She literally baked pies by the thousands! Many people enjoyed the

Leif Erickson Drive residents celebrate street’s namesake with neighborly tradition

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Laura Lenth

Obituaries

The Winneshiek County Secondary Roads Department, located in Decorah, Iowa, is accepting applications for the position of County Engineer.

Salary range is $109,000 to $140,000 based on experience and qualifications. Winneshiek County is located in Northeast Iowa. Winneshiek County has 309 bridges (NBI) and 1056 miles of secondary roads consisting of concrete, asphalt, gravel or dirt. Of these, there are 804 miles of gravel. The County Engineer is responsible and accountable for the over-all planning, direction, coordination, and control of the Secondary Road System. This includes the effective, safe and efficient construction, maintenance and engineering of all county secondary roads, bridges and related services. The Engineer supervises 41 full-time employees.

The ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with department personnel, other government agencies, other county departments, contractors and the public is essential. Previous county engineer experience is preferred. BS or MS in Engineering required. Must be licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa or have the ability to be licensed in Iowa within 6 to 8 weeks of hire.

Applications are available on the county website (winneshiekcounty. iowa.gov). Send completed application, resume and references by November 22, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. to County Auditor Benjamin Steines. E-Mail Application, Resume and References to: bsteines@co.winneshiek.ia.us Contact Info: bsteines@co.winneshiek.ia.us 45-4-PJ-12

6 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 9, 2023

Expansion on the horizon for Transport for Troops hosts Veterans Day county’s emergency training facility bowling tournament, concert fundraiser Nov. 11

By Zach Jensen Winneshiek County is on its way to growing its fire and emergency services training facilities on Old Stage Road, north of Highway 9, near Freeport. Decorah Fire Chief Mike Ashbacher addressed the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors about the possibility of expanding the facility during the Board’s regular meeting the morning of Nov. 6.

“We’ve been getting a lot of interest from agencies outside Winneshiek County … expressed some interest to be able to come up there and train,” Ashbacher said. “The way the current 28E agreement is written, that falls outside our agreement. So, we’d like to amend it to allow those other agencies.

The more people we get to use it, I think the better we are.”

The facility currently includes live-fire, grain-bin rescue, confined space rescue, high-elevation rope rescue and natural-gas training. Ashbacher said it has also recently obtained a combine, tractor with anhydrous tank and a feed mill with working augers for training purposes.

“We have some departments in the county with some personnel who’ve never experienced live fire before,” the fire chief said. “They were able to go in and experience live fire and what that looks like – with the heat and the smoke and limit-

ed visibility. That was a good training.”

“You’ve done a great job of building that entire thing – with volunteer labor and everything you put into it,” replied Supervisor Steve Kelsay. “It’s really spectacular.”

Ashbacher said the fire department has considered adding another building to the facility, “but quite frankly, we’re kind of out of space. So, we want to come to you and see if there would be any consideration of allowing us to expand the facility.”

Ashbacher said that once the amended 28E agreement with the county is accepted, the county attorney would prepare a new “hold harmless” agreement for agencies outside Winneshiek County to sign prior to using the training facility.

A motion to approve the amended 28E agreement carried unanimously.

“Thank you,” Ashbacher said. “Again, we appreciate your support, and we’re going to continue to work hard, and we’ll get a map put together to show you what we’re thinking.”

Other business • Holly Ingles was appointed to the Compensation Board.

• The engineer in charge of overseeing the installation of the annex’s new sound system was reportedly ill the week starting Oct. 30, so the installation of the sound system has

been postponed until the engineer returns to work.

• Supervisor Shirley Vermace reported she had been made aware of a Minneapolis firm that specializes in renovating old buildings and finding funding for such projects.

She said she wondered if there would be interest in utilizing such a company for the Smith Hospital building, which was named to the National Register of Historic Places this summer.

The supervisors discussed the possibility and agreed it may be worth considering sometime in the future.

• The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the vacation of a portion of Happy Hollow Road. A member of the audience said he and several others were attending the public hearing on behalf of the Sexton family, which has reportedly owned the property for the last 173 years. Following discussion and the closure of the public hearing, the board unanimously approved the vacation of that portion of Happy Hollow Road.

• Interim County Engineer Nick Rissman talked with the board about the potential for a partial vacation of 360th Street in Highland Township.

The next meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors will be held Monday, Nov. 13, at 9:30 a.m., at the Annex building.

Luther 2024 Homecoming celebration date change

Luther College has announced a change of dates for its 2024 Homecoming celebration — shifting to Oct. 25–27, 2024.

A change in the overall schedule by the American Rivers Conference (in association with the NCAA) regarding the first week of competition for the entirety of Division III has resulted in the shift of the American Rivers Conference schedule for all members.

Director of Athletics Renae Hartl said in a message to

the campus, “We considered our options, including holding Homecoming on the original weekend without a football game, but we have determined the new date for Homecoming will be Oct. 25–27, as the Norse host Nebraska Wesleyan.”

Decorah area hotels have indicated they plan to honor reservations for the original 2024 Homecoming dates of Oct. 4-6, but all who have reservations must contact their hotel by Friday, Nov. 10, to confirm their reservations for the new Home-

coming weekend. The college has also reached out to area short-term housing owners on platforms like AirBnB or Vrbo to encourage them to also allow visiting alumni and friends to rebook for the new dates.

For more information, contact Sherry Alcock, executive director of alumni relations, by phone at 563-387-1861 or by email at alcock@luther.edu.

For other questions, Mary Duvall encouraged individuals to contact her at 563-387-1525 or mary.duvall@luther.edu.

Hospital reviews audit, looks to future

By Kate Klimesh

At the WinnMed Board of Trustees meeting held Oct. 4, members touched on the progress of the “Transforming Tomorrow” project. At next month’s meeting Nov. 15, a feasibility study discussion will be held followed by a special meeting where the board will take final action on the “Transforming Tomorrow” project.

“We’re closing in on some big decisions,” stated Josh Ripplinger, partner and healthcare planner at Wold Architects and Engineers hired as the architect for the “Transforming Tomorrow” expansion and additions.

“Transforming Tomorrow” developed from a discussion on the facility’s master site plan in 2017. The project includes renovations of existing spaces, expanded space for Primary Care and Specialty Care outpatient clinics, expanded operating and surgery suites, redesigned and expanded mother and baby suites to allow delivery and recovery in the same suite, each with its own tub, and a more modernized obstetrics area.

Audit review The WinnMed 2023 audit was reviewed for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. There was a 6.7 percent increase in total operating revenues from fiscal year 2022-23, while their net position increased by $8,226,600 from June 2022 to June 2023. Total operating revenues of $81.8 million for fiscal year 2023 increased by $5.1 million from fiscal year 2022 – over six percent growth. Significant growth was experienced in outpatient

revenues in fiscal year 2023 with 89 percent of total patient revenues ($165,742,994) generated in an outpatient setting ($148,034,166). The Medical Center reported $484,663 in charitable care provided to patients and offset $85,608,011 in contractual adjustments for payments by insurance companies and third-party payors, such as Medicare, to tally the total operating revenues.

Outside of patient service revenues, WinnMed received $3,116,318 for the 340 B Drug program, which offers reimbursements to equal low-cost medications to Critical Access Hospitals (like WinnMed) that provide care to those uninsured, or underinsured, and are unable to pay privately.

Total Operating Revenues for the year, after expenses, totaled a $4,129,857 increase in income, along with a $3,638,711 increase from non-operating revenues. Non-operating revenues includes $1,071,042 in property tax revenue from the county, $1,592,501 in Provider Relief funds, Interest expense or $37,281 Investment income, grants and contributions not restricted for capital expenses.

The change in net position for WinnMed and the WinnMed Foundation increased from $40,133,877 at the beginning of the year to $48,360,477 as of June 30, 2023.

The health center reduced its long-term debt to $276,557 as $1,077, 888 was paid down on three existing notes, not including $482,513 due for the Paycheck Protection Program, with payments due through April 2025.

WinnMed showed related

party transactions to the Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) Decorah totaling $11,615,419 for FY2023 for the clinic to provide medical services to patients of the Medical Center, as physicians providing medical service are all employees of MCHS. The professional agreement has WinnMed repaying Mayo for all the labor expenses along with a two-percent administrative fee to MCHS. For the management contract with Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), WinnMed saw an expenditure of $1,476,545 for FY2023, up 2.8 percent or $40,333, from 2022 fees paid.

Expenses rose 8.4 percent over 2022, with labor being the second highest expense at $36,896,877, following supplies at $40,753,517. Top three most expensive departments to run per the audited report were the clinic, totaling $14,690,584 in “labor and supplies” expenses, administrative, financial and general services at $9,010,796, and the emergency room, totaling $5,978,610 in labor and supplies.

In their 2023 fiscal year, WinnMed served an average of 3.1 inpatient admissions per day, for a total of 3,521 patient hospital days – 260 days less than 2022. There were 1,142 patients admitted to the hospital over the year, meaning an average of 3.08 patient days per admission.

There were over 58,970 visits to the outpatient clinic during the same time.

With the expansion of the Medical Center, the volume of patients and services will continue to grow, as will the footprint and layout of the facility.

Transport for Troops, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting military members during duty station transitions, announced its upcoming Veterans Day Bowling Tournament and Concert Fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 11, at King Pin Entertainment Center in Decorah.

The event kicks off at 2 p.m., with a nine-pin bowling tour-

nament, where participants and spectators alike can come together in the spirit of camaraderie and support for the military community.

Funds raised during the tournament will directly contribute to providing financial assistance and strategic support to military personnel navigating duty station assignments. A silent auction is also available

until 7 p.m.

The festivities continue with a concert featuring the local band “EF5” starting at 6 p.m.

Admission is free, with all donations to support Transport for Troops’ ongoing efforts.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.transportfortroops.org or contact Mike Feuerhelm at 303-8299141.

Election results unspecified write-in candidates.

In Decorah City Council Ward 1, Brent Parker was elected with 268 votes over Jody Meyer, who had 157 votes.

There were five write-in votes cast in Ward 1.

In Decorah City Council Ward 2, the write-in votes totaled 253.

In Decorah City Council Ward 4, incumbent Steven Zittergruen had 131 votes to win the election. There were seven write-in votes cast in Ward 4.

On the ballot for Decorah Park and Recreation Commissioner, Richard Gaard, Kathy Bakken and Brian Fuhrmann were elected.

In the Decorah Community School District Board of Directors At-Large race, the most votes went to Carole Sand with 1,780, Brian Petersburg with 1,593 and Aaron Zander with 1,203. Others listed on the ballot included Brad Darling with 1,186 votes and Zachary Robinson with 872 votes. There were 46 write-in votes cast for the school board seat.

The race for Northeast Iowa Community College Director District 3 was close, with Jim Anderson coming out on top.

Anderson had 1,363 votes in Winneshiek County compared to Julie Askelson’s 1,188 votes.

There were nine write-in votes cast. On the Howard County ballot, Askelson received 462 votes, compared to 349 for An-

County Engineer continued from front go forward?”

Vermace asked if Vick had ever talked with Bjerke – to which both Vick and Langreck said that they had. “We said ‘Lee, we are willing to work with you,’” Langreck said. “’Nope,’” added Vick. “That’s the answer we got. Our equipment is shot. He had no idea it was even going on. He’s the engineer. That’s his job. We have the Bluffton blacktop, two years old, the sides are busting off it.”

After a brief discussion following Vick’s statement, Langreck asked the Supervisors what the plan was, moving forward. “The past is the past,” he said. “We’re not revisiting it anymore.”

It was agreed that Kelsay and Faldet would visit Allamakee County to discuss possible options for the county engineer position later in the week. The supervisors agreed to remain open for applications for the county engineer’s position for the next two weeks and discuss options in future meetings.

derson. There were 6 write-in votes reported.

Other county results Keith Frana is the new Mayor in Calmar, receiving 121 votes compared to 82 for his opponent, Jason Daniel Drucker. The most votes for the three Calmar City Council At-Large seats went to Chad Schissel with 146, Keith Gerlich with 136 and Linus Sabelka with 131. Patrick Nervig received 59 votes, Nicole Schissel received 56 votes and Herbert H. Zweibohmer received 40 votes. Jamie K. Smith is the new Castalia mayor, receiving 19 votes. There was one write-in vote cast. The Castalia City Council At-Large seats went to Dennis E. Wilkins, Wayne Corlett and Ben Martin.

Paul Herold, who received 36 votes, won the race for Fort Atkinson Mayor. There were 20 write-in votes cast for that position. Fort Atkinson City Council At-Large race for three seats on the council went to Paul Schmitt with 53 votes, Dale Leuenberger with 38 votes and there were 51 write-in votes cast.

Mae Schmitt will be the Mayor of Jackson Junction, with 12 votes cast. The five City Council At-Large positions will be held by Art Perry, Rodney Vr-

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zak, Daniel Kime, Lana Schmitt and Kenneth Kriener, who earned 12 votes each. Bryan Beckman is the Ossian Mayor, receiving 96 votes. There were nine write-in votes cast. Ossian City Council At-Large bids went to Graham Goltz with 108 votes, Daniel Langreck with 103 votes and Susan Lienau with 76 votes. There were 18 write-in votes cast.

Sue Schnur received 19 votes for the City of Ridgeway Mayor seat. There were two writein votes cast. The top votes for the three spots on the Ridgeway City Council At-Large went to Marvin L. Schnur with 19 and Allyn Linderbaum with 19.

There were four write-in votes.

In the race for Spillville Mayor, Paul Wermers came out on top with 60 votes, compared to 54 votes for his opponent, Tom Straube. There were four write-in votes cast. The two seats on the Spillville City Council At-Large went to Darrell G. Schmitt with 109 votes and Steve Kelsay with 72 votes.

There were eight write-in votes.

Canvassing of the election ensures that every ballot cast is included in the election totals.

This year’s canvass is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 9:30 a.m., at the courthouse annex.

Norton wins final week

It was an interesting finish to the 2023 Pigskin Picks contest with Wendy Norton taking the top spot with two missed games.

Second place came in with a four-way tie, splitting the second and third place prize money among Jan Kreitzer of Cresco, Laurie P. Hageman of Waucoma, Curtis Vick of Decorah and Phil Norton of Waukon. Each of the entries missed three games, bringing in the tie-breaker. However, the first tie-breaker of the most points in a single game was 50, scored by UNI. Each of the four were two away on their guesses in the first tie-breaker.

Moving on to the second tie-breaker of the highest combined score of any one game which was 71, a game between Solon and West Delaware. There, all four entries were nine away from the correct guess, leaving a four-way tie.

Most commonly missed games included Columbus Catholic over Sumner-Fredericksburg, Gladbrook-Reinbeck defeating Clarksville, Kansas besting ISU and the Minnesota Vikings edging the Atlanta Falcons.

Please Join Us For

The Lynch Family Companies’ Veteran’s Day Celebration Friday, November 10, 2023 In the Community Building at the W inneshiek Co. Fair Grounds

900 East Main Street, Decorah

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM Ser ving Lynch BBQ and Beverages In honor of Veteran’s Day, all area Veterans, Active Militar y, National Guard, or Reser ves and their families are invited to a There will be twenty (20) - $1,000.00 drawings at 6:15 P.M. To par ticipate, you must be a Veteran, Active Militar y, National Guard, or in the Reser ves.

The twenty winners will each get to decide which non -profit militar y-based group that the funds will be directed to. We will also be drawing for a flag to be flown over the U.S. Capital in honor of the winning Veteran’s name.

Sign up will be held during the event, one entr y per person. Winners will not need to be present at the time of the drawing, but must attend to sign up their name.

Please RSVP to 563-776-3046 or email: Jamee.Schmitt@lynchfamilycompanies.com

Thank you for your ser vice!