November 23, 2023

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Vol. 158, Issue 47

Decorah, Iowa 52101 www.decorahnewspapers.com

One Section

Price One Dollar

email: news@decorahnewspapers.com

phone: 563-382-4221

fax: 563-382-5949

Opportunities for independence Local nonprofit empowers client and families

Noticing Nonprofits

By Denise Lana

Giving thanks for local non-profits and the big impact they have on the community!

Brian Shilling, left, with roommate Donald Janechek, show off their Thanksgiving turkey decoration in the front yard of their house. Shilling’s family purchased the house in 2011 and worked with Opportunity Homes Inc to transform it into a home for individuals with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Denise Lana)

Born in California in 1973 to Sherry and the late Larry Shilling, Brian Shilling was like any other baby. But when he was 2 1/2 years old, he started having bouts of shivering and losing control of his bodily functions. Doctors diagnosed him with a rare seizure disorder; a prognosis that, according to his mother, Sherry Shilling, the doctors insisted would result in Brian regressing to a state of incapacitation.

“We couldn’t control his seizures, and he had to wear a protective helmet for when he would flail and fall to the ground,” explained Sherry.

Despite this grim setback, as he grew, Brian defied the doctors’ expectations.

“He went on to be in special classes, he learned how to ride a bike and he learned how to swim,” Sherry expressed. “He was able to do all those things we didn’t think he would be able to do!”

Brian remained at home with his parents, and after his father Larry retired from his job with AT&T, Brian’s sister Sherri, who is five years older, married

and took a job at Gundersen hospital in Decorah and soon after had a child. Larry and Sherry, with Brian in tow, decided they wanted to move from the western United States, closer to daughter Sherri and their grandchild. They bought and moved into a house in “The Flats” of Decorah in 2004. Brian, at 31 years old, continued to flourish, mastering taking showers, dressing himself and other simple daily tasks.

But after a few years passed, Sherry and Larry knew Brian needed more than they could offer.

“Larry and I were both getting older, and even though his sister lives in town and could take care of him, we wanted to get Brian into a group home so he would be independently stable and comfortable,” explained Sherry. “We wanted him to be taken care of outside of the family.”

In 2011, Brian’s caseworker reached out to Sherry and Larry and told them about Opportunity Homes Incorporated,

Opportunity Homes

continued on page 4

New elementary school pitch is in early stages

Decorah Community School District welcomed new Board members and held an open house at the new district office and bus garage on Old Stage Road Monday evening. Pictured taking their oaths of office (in top photo) are newly-elected Board members Aaron Zander and Carole Sand. Also re-elected to the Board was Brian Petersburg, who took his oath remotely.

New DCSD Board members take oaths of office

By Roz Weis With a land deal finalized, Decorah Community School District (DCSD) Board of Directors are sharing preliminary talks regarding a proposed new elementary school to replace John Cline Elementary.

Board members conducted a short discussion on the proposed construction project at their monthly meeting Monday night.

The Board and City of Decorah officials agreed on terms regarding purchase of property from the City of Decorah for $1,975,000. The new campus includes areas west of the current John Cline Elementary, what is referred to by some as the “Heivly Island,” bordered by Claiborne Drive and Heivly Street, to a point on the other side of the existing gravel parking lot.

Owning all of “Heivly Island” near John Cline School frees up more architectural vision moving forward, according to DCSD Superintendent Tim Cronin.

School administrators recently met with a representative from the District’s architectural firm, Emergent Architects.

Among the preliminary talks with the District’s architect, Cronin said the proposed new school could be built on the west end of the property, allowing the current John Cline School to remain in operation during construction. The new school would house pre-kindergarten (PK) through second grade students with the ability to grow. A “competition level” gymnasium at the school has also been discussed. There have been talks of keeping the current tennis courts on the campus

as well.

Board members also stressed there is no plan to abandon the street between John Cline and the Decorah High School building.

The Board emphasized these initial talks are preliminary in scope, and that the community will be involved in much of the discussion regarding the proposed construction project before final directions are given to the architects.

Prior to the start of such a project, a bond issue would be required to fund construction.

Cronin said that if a school bond election was approved next November, a new school could conceivably be ready for occupation in the year 2027, “if all goes well.”

New board members At the beginning of Monday’s meeting, newly-elected Board members Carole Sand, Brian Petersburg and Aaron Zander took oaths of office.

The three Decorah residents were elected to fouryear terms on the Board in the Nov. 7 election.

They join current Board members Cindy Goodner, who was elected Board President Monday night, and Ron Fadness, who will now serve as Board Vice President.

Board members voted to conduct future monthly

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Decorah School Board continued on page 9

Pictured at the open house event are District staff members, from left: Darlene Woodhouse, Cathy Dietzenbach, Shawn Gordon and Kristi Roffman. The new DCSD logo in the photo was made by high school art teacher Erik Dutcher, and the tasty treats were provided by Chad Elliott, director of nutrition services at the high school. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

Supervisors: Rural Decorah family purchases burial plots in ‘Pioneer Cemetery’

By Zach Jensen A rural Decorah family has purchased plots in one of Winneshiek County’s Pioneer Cemeteries.

Janelle Halverson, a member of the Winneshiek County Pioneer Cemetery Commission reported to the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Nov. 20 that the commission has sold plots in the Big Canoe Methodist Cemetery, located about one mile east of Big Canoe Lutheran Cemetery, to Commissioner Halley Wise, Mr. and Mrs. David Wise and Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wise. The three siblings’ parents, one aunt, an uncle and a sister are already buried in the cemetery, Halverson said.

According to information on the commission’s website, “The maintenance and repair of all

cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the county, including pioneer cemeteries, are paid from the county general fund. The maintenance and improvement program for a pioneer cemetery may also include restoration and management of native prairie grasses and wildflowers.”

To be named a “Pioneer Cemetery”, 12 or fewer burials need to have taken place in a cemetery in the preceding 50 years.

Other business • The county has received an application for the engineer’s position. A motion to schedule an interview with Candidate Four was approved. The application process will remain open until the position is filled. The supervisors reported that Allamakee County isn’t interested in sharing its

Happy Thanksgiving!

engineer with Winneshiek County.

• Planning, Zoning and Flood Plain Administrator Tony Phillips presented the supervisors with suggestions regarding the ordinance required for accessory dwelling units (ADU). The supervisors approved a motion to give the Planning and Zoning Commission direction to look into the ADU ordinance.

• The supervisors approved an amendment to the lease agreement with Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) in which the Winneshiek County Historical Preservation Commission will be able to use Room 15 in the Smith Building for storage. This will decrease NEICAC’s rent by $74 per month.

• The supervisors approved the Second Tier

Canvass for the Decorah Community School District election.

• A lease was amended to remove three cells in the old county jail from the Winneshiek County Historical Society’s use. The three cells will now be used for storage for the Winneshiek County Clerk of Court.

• The job description for the county’s new informational technology position was approved.

• The supervisors listened to funding requests from Rachelle Howe of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission and Chris Troendle of the Northeast Iowa Housing Trust Fund.

• The supervisors approved a request from interim county engineer Nick Rissman to provide no winter maintenance to a dead-end road off County Road W14.

2 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 23, 2023

Noticing non-profits and the impact they have Non-profits are hard at work every day for a multitude of different aspects of what makes a community a great place to live, work and play.

A non-profit organization means they care less about making a profit and care more about their organization’s mission and purpose: helping others.

Noticing Nonprofits

WHAT IS RSVP & WHAT DOES RSVP DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY? • Northeast Iowa RSVP matches the skills and interests of volunteers who are 55 and better, with local partners to positively impact communities • Last year, 525 volunteers served at 64 locations and logged 36,215.5 hours, valued at over a million dollars!

• Serves Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek counties • We partner with organizations that ensure our neighbors have food; educate and care for our youth; complete taxes for lower and middle-income individuals and families; and MANY others • This is the first time since we began in 2001 that we have asked for community support

TO DONATE: Send donations to: Northeast Iowa RSVP Decorah Public Library 202 Winnebago ST Decorah, IA 52101

Checks can be made out to: Northeast Iowa RSVP

Nationally, non-profits symbolize the best of America.

They provide an avenue for like-minded people to work together for a common cause and support their missions through donations and volunteerism.

Non-profits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten and nurture their communities.

With over 200 non-profit entities in Winneshiek County alone, that’s a lot of people pursuing their passions, reaching out and supporting others in their own way. They buffer the communities against possible threats – serving the common good – while increasing overall well-being. Whether their focus is on local history, basic life support and assistance, or educa-

tion, culture, physical and social supports, it’s a solid bet that everyone can all think of non-profit organizations that touch all lives in a significant way.

All non-profits engage in community advocacy by representing the needs of communities that go unmet by public or private institutions to the public at large to improve their well-being. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in volunteer labor is given each year, with the benefit to others multiplied many times. Bottom line: Non-profits are vital to the communities they serve and make them a better place.

Donations provided to non-profits generally triple in final effect, if not more. This is

possible with volunteers who bring their passions to play for the good of their fellow man.

Enjoy a few features on local non-profits in this issue and see ads describing what they do in more detail.

Of course, we can’t cover all 200 non-profits in this one issue, but by talking with friends and neighbors, and asking what non-profits they support, we can all learn so much more about what non-profits are available in our communities.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, thanks to all local non-profits and all the work they do! Learn how to get more involved and support them as is possible. It’s good for the whole community!

“I knew that Winneshiek County Celebration of Life (WCCOL) existed. I knew they helped people through their cancer journey. At some point I probably even donated to the organization.

What I did not know was that one day I would be a recipient of their generosity. In 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. With all the turmoil in my life during that time, I did not even remember WCCOL existed. It was a very pleasant surprise and a very uplifting moment when I opened the envelope with gas and food gift cards.

Fast forward to three years later. I was approached about joining WCCOL. I like to donate my time and energy to worthy causes and give back to the community. I enthusiastically said yes! I am now the treasurer of Winneshiek County Celebration of Life. Each day I am reminded of the impact the Fuel for the Fight and the Food for the Fight gift cards have. WCCOL receives very heartwarming thank yous from recipients. Each person’s journey is very different and very personal. What is the same is the impact these gift cards make in their life. It is not so much about the money, but the knowledge that someone cares. What a great organization to be a part of!”

- Peggy A. Lensing “We moved to the Decorah area eight years ago. Being retired, we wanted to stay active, meet people, support our community and help various organizations. We joined RSVP and it all came together.

We can pick and choose how much time we want to spend volunteering and with many different organizations, businesses or schools. We absolutely love RSVP and have so many heartwarming stories to tell about volunteering!”

- Marlin and Judy Mowry

“The non-profit Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging has helped me out quite a bit. Kindra Fritz, Aging Specialist, has helped me out in many areas. I, to this date, have had 20 surgeries with my 21st scheduled. She has helped with financial solutions, disability help and the knowledge to answer many questions I had surrounding my disabilities. I very much would recommend calling them.”

- Larry Peterson

“I’m writing to give a shout out the our local area SBDC and NICC. Without these organizations I wouldn’t have made the connections I did at Brittany Todd’s R.E.S.E.T ‘23 business conference that I attended this October. I now am working with two business counselors, one with the SBDC and one with Northeast Iowa RDC and will be launching my small business of locally raised fish bait (crawlers) to our area in the spring!”

- Becca Goettl

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Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 23, 2023 3

Noticing Nonprofits

Decorah’s Riverview Center offers therapy, advocacy and solace to survivors of sexual abuse, assault

By Zach Jensen Riverview Center, which has an office in Winneshiek County, recently announced it has received a $700,000 grant to help provide crisis and longterm support services for survivors of sexual violence in the rural areas of 14 northeast Iowa counties and for survivors of sexual and domestic violence in two rural counties in northwest Illinois.

“The rural grant is for things we’re already doing, but this money will help us do it better,” said Riverview Center’s Executive Director, Gwen Bramlet-Hecker. “… this funding will create boundless opportunities for our team of advocates to connect with and empower more survivors to thrive beyond their trauma.”

The executive director said this funding is even more crucial now because of recent cuts to funding made possible by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which was passed by Congress in 1984.

“Some of our funding comes from VOCA, and that money is not tax dollars,” she said. “Any money we receive from the government - federal or state doesn’t come from tax dollars.

It comes from restitution and fines that are paid by people who are convicted of offenses – and not just violent offenses.

A lot of VOCA money comes from white-collar crime. So, that gets put into the VOCA pot, and that gets distributed across the country to not just victim services, but also all kinds of agencies trying to do good in the world with this money that comes in.”

Due to a law change, many white collar cases were closed with penalties and sanctions but no convictions. But VOCA funding requires a conviction.

The unanticipated consequence was that VOCA wasn’t being funded. Bramlet-Hecker said that, in the last four years, the error has been corrected, so more funds are being funneled back into VOCA.

“We do quite a bit of case management,” Bramlet-Hecker said. “Survivors come to us really struggling – like, maybe the trauma has kept them from being able to work. It’s hard for anybody to find good, safe, affordable housing anymore.

We’re only the second sexual assault program in the country to apply for and receive money for transitional housing. Typically it goes to domestic violence programs, which makes sense, because domestic violence almost always involves relocation.

Sexual assault doesn’t always involve relocation, but we see how trauma impedes peoples’ ability to have safe housing. So, that’s why we went after it.”

The Riverview Center is 31 years old – having been started by two professional women, a social worker and a nurse, in Galena, Ill. It quickly spread to Dubuque and now serves 14 counties in Iowa and two counties in Illinois.

The executive director, who has been with Riverview for nearly seven years, said Riverview Center is in Winneshiek County specifically to serve survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment, and contrary to popular belief, the agency doesn’t only serve women.

“We also serve men, children, and we serve people who were sexually assaulted last night, and we serve people who were sexually abused when they were children 50 years ago and are still struggling with that impact,” Bramlet-Hecker said. “A lot of times, they’ve fought the idea that the abuse happened to them when they were 10 and that trauma has been impacting them ever since. And

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then they hear something or see something, and it hits them that they’ve never dealt with it.

Maybe they’ve never even told another person.

“When 90 percent of children, who are sexually abused are abused by someone they know, love and trust... with that, they’re carrying into their adulthood the secrecy and the shame, because they don’t want to rip families apart, and they don’t want to rip relationships apart,” she continued. “But, those people still participate in their lives, so the survivor just keeps reliving it.

So, finally, 50 years later, they realize that the reason they haven’t had trusting, loving relationships, or the reason they can’t hold a job, or the reason they don’t make friends, is because they’re carrying all of that with them. So, we really help them with our advocacy and therapy services, to address some of those things, and hopefully find healing, while they still can find a life in which they can thrive.”

Bramlet-Hecker, who started her career as a probation officer, admitted anyone who works for Riverview Center never has an easy job, but it’s a job that needs to be done, and the rewards are almost unfathomable.

“It is a huge job, but survivors survive, and it’s amazing to watch,” said the executive director. “It’s really awesome.

Sometimes, you leave after having a really hard day, and you’re actually kind of inspired, because you’re like ‘Goodness gracious! Look at what that person is doing after carrying their trauma. That’s just amazing.’

Survivors are role models to us.

That’s what keeps me going.

It’s really … it’s the best job I’ve ever had. It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

Riverview Center

continued on page 4

“I’d like to provide a testimonial for the LifeHouse Church. My mother died of cancer in 2021, and my step-father was shot and killed in 2022. And, my little brother went to prison in May for the death of my step-father. Without the people at LifeHouse, it wouldn’t have been good. I would have been in a downward spiral, and with depression and anxiety, it wouldn’t have been good at all. But those people have welcomed me with open arms and supported me — no questions asked. I consider the whole congregation my family. They give you strength, courage and the nudge to help you along — along with faith, love and hope. Anybody’s welcome!”

- Lea Ann VanVliet “A nonprofit means a group of people who gather together, unpaid, for a mission. A local nonprofit called Northeast Iowa Pro-lifers located in Decorah has affected my life through the work that they do to support women and families who find themselves in a surprise pregnancy. They advocate for the life of the baby and help assist those people in feeling that they can parent with help. No life should be taken because of financial or any other hardship. Every life is a precious gift and should be treated just as that. The group consists of people from different backgrounds who come together for a mission of protecting life. They also offer educational presentations on parenting which I have found helpful.”

- Leah Hennessy

“Early in my mom’s teaching career, one of her students would rush into the bathroom at the start of the lunch period. My mom became concerned and decided to check on the situation. She found out that the boy was eating his lunch in the bathroom. His lunch consisted primarily of bread and butter. He was too ashamed to go to the lunchroom and eat his lunch with his class. Mom made sure that the administration was aware of the situation, and shortly thereafter, the boy was sitting with his classmates eating a meal provided by the school.

Fast forward several generations, and I am a student in the Decorah school. A not-so-pleasant memory was on a Friday at lunchtime, my class and I were sitting in the halls of the East Side School.

Yes, the lunch tables were pulled out, and we ate in the hallway.

The teachers would rotate around the tables, seeing if students needed anything. The student who could not afford a paid lunch was given the opportunity to have a school lunch if s/he scraped the students’ plates. On this particular Friday, I got sick on salmon loaf and threw up. I had to give my plate to a friend who was scraping plates.

Fast forward to today. I know that food insecurity exists along with the lack of affordable housing. I volunteer at the Decorah Food Pantry, along with other places. Why do I volunteer? In one way or another, everyone needs help at some point, and some people need multiple opportunities for help. Why would I not volunteer?”

- Laurie Worcester

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Riverview Center continued from page 3 “There has never been a day that I didn’t want to come to work here,” added Riverview’s therapist, Mindy Myers. “Not one day.”

Bramlet-Hecker said she refers to her Decorah staff as the center’s “Small but Mighty Team” for good reason.

“They have two advocates and one therapist, and they cover, for all intents and purposes, what is five counties,” she said.

“They see a lot of our clients here in the office, but they also do mobile services.”

For example, Bramlet-Hecker explained, Riverview Center might be notified that a child has been abused in Clayton County.

In that case, the Decorah office’s therapist might visit the child for a therapy session in school one day, and the following week, an advocate visits the child instead.

“Sometimes, the referral comes from law enforcement, and we work very closely with our law enforcement partners,” said Bramlet-Hecker. “They will contact us and say ‘We have someone who’s in need of your services’. According to Iowa Code, everyone who has experienced sexual violence, whether it’s a child or an adult, has the right to have an advocate with them throughout the entire course of whatever happens. So in our example, per Iowa law, that child has the right to have an advocate with them right there, while they’re talking to law enforcement. Let’s say it’s a 17-year-old.

The police are going to talk to the 17-year-old without the parents there, but the 17-year-old has the right to have us there.”

Opportunity Homes

And, that’s why Bramlet-Hecker believes advocacy is magical.

“It’s a way of providing support and assistance and empowerment to a survivor in the ways that they need it,” she said. “Advocacy is very fluid. It can be as simple as a survivor coming in once a week to talk with the advocate, who validates their feelings and confirms that their symptoms make complete sense and teaching them some skills to help them get through those moments.”

The executive director said that if the survivor is afraid to leave the house to go buy groceries, the advocate will pick them up and go with them to the grocery store.

“That’s what advocates do,” she said. “They work with survivors with challenges based on life events — the bumps in the road because of the trauma and PTSD they carry. Advocates really help them with how to navigate around those. Some survivors need that intense therapeutic service, and some survivors just need a trustworthy, supportive, empowering person who believes them.”

“Anyone who’s been a victim of any violent crime deserves an advocate,” added Myers, who has 28 years of experience working locally in child abuse prevention, domestic violence, sexual assault and with people with disabilities. “They need a voice, and they’re often silenced. So, if I can help to bring that out, that’s a good day. That’s what keeps me coming back to work – going through someone’s healing jour-

Noticing Nonprofits

ney with them and seeing what happens when they come out the other side – watching people take their lives back.”

Bramlet-Hecker said that compared to even just a couple decades ago, society is growing more comfortable with talking about sexual assault and sexual abuse.

“We’re getting more comfortable with this idea of people finding more safe spaces to disclose these things,” she said.

“It’s more common, and it’s either happening more often, or we’re just talking about it more often, because people are feeling more comfortable with disclosing it.

“Some people thought the ‘Me Too Movement’ was intended to take down ‘powerful men,’” Bramlet-Hecker said.

“But, ‘Me Too’ was about survivors, and it was about survivors feeling safe enough to say, ‘Me Too’, and then another survivor saying, ‘Oh, really? You? Me Too’, and finding that community. It was about people feeling safe. It was about realizing that anybody in this room could be a survivor, and we’re all going to be okay.”

Bramlet-Hecker said she was attracted to Riverview Center, because she firmly believes in everyone’s right to safety.

“I really believe in the right of everybody to autonomy and safety and justice, and I know some people are less likely to see and have those things.” she said. “So, I made a decision that I was going move into this type of work. Too often in our soci-

ety survivors are not believed, and systems often protect perpetrators more than they protect survivors. There are so many people out there carrying the burden of trauma, and we are fully equipped to help them with that.”

Bramlet-Hecker, Myers and Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator Sarah Wennes agreed it takes a special kind of person to do the work of a Riverview Center staff member.

“It’s a very personal crime, and it takes people who are very passionate about doing that kind of help – that want to come in here and do that,” said Wennes, who’s been with Riverview Center for nearly five years. “When you come into this, you know whether or not this is something you’re going to be able to do long term.”

Bramlet-Hecker said a very high percentage of Riverview Center employees are also survivors.

“They’ve gotten to a place of healing, and they want to help someone else walk that path, but none of us stay in this for life,” she said. “This is not lifer work – to do this sort of thing. So, we have a level of employee attrition we have to expect, because it’s hard work, but it’s also so rewarding.”

continued from front a non-profit human service agency in Decorah that provides housing for adults with various disabilities. Larry and Sherry worked with OHI to get a house situated for Brian, going so far as to purchase a four-bedroom house a block from their home.

“We amended the house to fit the needs of OHI clients,” Sherry said. “It has four bedrooms and a room for an office area for staff, and each OHI client rents a room and shares the common areas.”

The house was approved by OHI and Brian moved in, joined in short order by three fellow OHI clients who were closely-vetted and paired up to ensure a harmonious, synchronous living environment. Sherry and

Larry were comforted knowing Brian was in a safe home with an OHI caregiver on-site, 24 hours a day.

“Some of the staff who worked in the home with Brian when he first moved in are still there,” according to Sherry.

“The staff work so well with him and the other boys!”

Staff at OHI work closely with each client to give him or her as normal a life as possible.

Clients go grocery shopping, to restaurants, local events and celebrations. Brian rides horses every week as part of Thunder Rode Therapeutic Riding program in Decorah.

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Decorah Public Opinion

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once a week,” said Sherry. “The staff really tries to get them out and socializing as much as possible.”

Often, Brian’s staff takes him to other OHI houses, where he can socialize and watch a movie or eat with fellow clients. If the fair is in town, clients can go.

For a client’s birthday, staff go all out to celebrate.

“The staff invites all the houses, and they go to a restaurant and have a big party!” exclaimed Sherry. “The staff is very good about getting them together to have cake and celebrate.”

Many of the clients at OHI have jobs in the area, with assistance from local job coaching organizations. Brian has worked for 15 years at WinnMed, where he washes dishes.

“He has a job coach from Choice (Employment Services), and every once in a while, he needs a little guidance,” Sherry said. “I have been very happy with Choice! Working with OHI and Choice is great! They are both so excellent to deal with.”

At home, Brian and his roommates enjoy cooking and decorating together. One staff member is passionate about getting the boys to help decorate the yard for each holiday.

“I like Christmas and Thanksgiving!” Brian gleefully exclaimed, standing next to the newly-purchased decorative inflatable turkey in his front yard.

Pointing to roommate Donald Janechek, Brian added, “Donald’s thing is Halloween! I don’t hand out candy, I just do

the decorating!”

In the kitchen, Donald and Brian discuss their favorite food with dayshift staff member, Abby Howard.

Howard, who loves to cook with her clients and has worked with OHI for 3 1/2 years, beams when discussing her job.

“I love what I do! I love getting them out of their normal routine.” Howard continued, “If I let Donald do what he wanted, he would come home from work, eat and be on his computer! Brian would watch HGTV and the cooking channel!”

“We had chicken bacon ranch pasta two weeks ago,” Howard commented. “We also did English muffin pizzas. Brian loves stir fry! Donald is more of a mashed potato and meat and pasta type of guy.”

Like tailoring meals to suit each client’s likes and needs, OHI staff works to make the houses more personal for each client. Brian’s room is colorfully decorated with race car memorabilia and Spiderman, while Donald, who loves tractors, had one of his bedroom walls painted John Deere green.

With 55 staff members, nine houses and 60 clients in Winneshiek and Howard Counties, OHI is continuously seeking new team members to help meet their clients’ needs. For more information, visit www.opportunityhomes.org or call the main office at 563-382-8140.

“I have been very pleased with the OHI program here!

They have done a great job taking care of Brian,” Sherry declared. “It is such a great relationship.”

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.

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Drug investigation leads to multiple arrests and 90 charges The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office along with West Union Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Northeast Iowa Task Force members, Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Decorah Police Department, and Postville Police Department executed five drug narcotics related warrants in Fayette County Nov. 17 and Nov. 18. The warrants resulted in the arrests of nine individuals and 90 drug-related charges. The addresses where warrants were executed were: 202 S Walnut St., West Union; 317 E Plum St., West Union; 5261 Great River Rd., Clermont; 118 1st Avenue NE, Waucoma; and at 103 3rd St. NE, Waucoma. During the execution of the drug-related warrants approximately one pound of marijuana, including THC oils and edibles, multiple grams of methamphetamine, numerous types of pills, paraphernalia and 22 firearms including rifles, shotguns and pistols, were found and seized. The following individuals have been arrested and (or) charged.

1. Bryan Lee Rear, 41, of West Union, arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance schedule I, II, III, both C felonies, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance marijuana, gathering where controlled substances are used, methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense marijuana, possession of a controlled substance other schedule I, II, III, all class D felonies. Rear was additionally charged with gathering where controlled substances are being used, marijuana, two counts of unlawful possession of a prescription, serious misdemeanors and possession of drug paraphernalia. This case is pending and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is looking into further drug-related firearms charges.

2. Joseph Timothy John Wellman, 43, of Fayette, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance schedule I, II, III, all C felonies, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance marijuana, gathering where controlled substances are used, methamphetamine, D felonies.

Wellman was additionally charged with gathering where controlled substances are being used, marijuana, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense marijuana, possession of a controlled substance other schedule I, II, III, and three counts of unlawful possession of a prescription, all serious misdemeanors, and possession of drug paraphernalia. This case is pending and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is looking into further drug related firearms charges.

3. Judith Ann Green, 52, of Postville, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance schedule I, II, III, both C felonies, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance marijuana, gathering where controlled substances are used, methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense marijuana, possession of a controlled substance other schedule I, II, III, all class D felonies. Green was additionally charged with gathering where controlled substances are being used, marijuana, two counts of unlawful possession of a prescription, serious misdemeanors, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

4. Tina Marie Schuler, 45, of West Union, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance

methamphetamine, a class C felony, possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense, methamphetamine, a class D felony, two counts of child endangerment, aggravated misdemeanors, operating while intoxicated, serious misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

5. Tina Opitz, 47, of West Union, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine 1st offense, possession of marijuana 1st offense, serious misdemeanors, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of animal neglect, simple misdemeanors.

6. Nicole Alissa Kleppe, 42, of Waucoma, was arrested and charged with distribution of illegal substances to a person under 18 year of age, a class B felony, two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance schedule I, II, III, both C felonies, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession with intent to deliver canibidoil, gathering where controlled substances are being used other, two counts of drug tax stamp violations, and delivery of a controlled substance marijuana - all D felonies. Kleppe was additionally charged with two counts of child endangerment, aggravated misdemeanors, gathering where controlled substances are being used marijuana, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense marijuana, unlawful possession of prescription drugs, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense, canibidoil, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense other schedule I, II, III - all serious misdemeanors, and interference, and possession of drug paraphernalia, simple misdemeanors. This case is pending and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is looking into further drug-related firearms charges.

7. A 17-year-old juvenile from Waucoma was arrested, charged, and transported to Juvenile Detention. The juvenile was charged with distribution of illegal substances to a person under 18 year of age, a class B felony, two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance schedule I, II, III, both C felonies, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession with intent to deliver canibidoil, gathering where controlled substances are being used-other, two counts of drug tax stamp violations, delivery of a controlled substance marijuana, all D felonies, gathering where controlled substances, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense marijuana, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense, canibidoil, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense other schedule I, II, III, unlawful possession of prescription drugs - all serious misdemeanors, and interference, and possession of drug paraphernalia, simple misdemeanors. This case is pending and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is looking into further drug-related firearms charges.

8. Kylee Kay Lickiss, 20, of Westgate, was arrested and charged with gathering where controlled substances are being used-other, a class D felony, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense marijuana, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense, canibidoil, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense other schedule I, II, III, gathering where controlled substances are used-marijuana, all serious misdemeanors, interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia, simple misdemeanors.

9. A 16-year-old minor from Waucoma was charged with gathering where controlled substances are being used-other, a class D felony, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense marijuana, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense, canibidoil, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense other schedule I, II, III, gathering where controlled substances are used-marijuana, all serious misdemeanors, interference with official acts and possession of drug paraphernalia, simple misdemeanors.

More charges are pending. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was additionally assisted by Gunderson Ambulance Service, a West Union K-9 Officer and the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 23, 2023 5

Decorah Genealogy hosts program, speaker on WWI Dickens on Mill Street to

The Decorah Genealogy Society will host speaker Russell Baldner Monday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m at the Decorah Senior Center located at 806 River Street.

Baldner will give the program, “The War Within: World War I and the Assault on German Identity in Iowa.”

Baldner bases his program on extensive historical research in century-old German congregational manuscripts, period documents and media, and eyewitness oral history gathered decades ago.

“The War Within” details a largely forgotten chapter in the history of Iowa and the life of a faithful congregation, one still capable of eliciting strong emotion and providing a sobering thought-provoking lesson on which to reflect in 2023.

St. Peter Lutheran Church, Toeterville, Iowa, early 1900s. (submitted photo)

Anti-German hysteria in Iowa during World War I, already manifest in 1917, reached a linguistic crescendo in the spring of 1918, and resulted in an unprecedented assault on

German identity, constitutional liberties, and ultimately the extraordinary measures taken by a German-American Lutheran congregation in far northern Iowa. Wartime zealotry, coun-

tenancing no form of German identity, culminated in an edict by the governor of Iowa restricting spoken language and consequently, for some, the free exercise of their religion.

In response, the parishioners of St. Peter Lutheran in Toeterville, gave up the use of their church and moved to Gottesdienst, German worship services, a few miles north, into Minnesota, meeting in a member’s farm grove at night.

Thomas Jefferson once observed, “I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty, than those attending too small a degree of it.” On which side of Jefferson’s alternatives shall Americans in the 21st century choose to stand?

Law Enforcement Winneshiek Sheriff

Bowling for the Troops

Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (left) was at King Pin Entertainment Center in Decorah Saturday, Nov. 11, to bowl with her family and show her support for Transport for Troops, which provides funding and strategic assistance to qualifying members of the U.S. military who are transitioning between duty station assignments. Pictured at right is United States Army Veteran and Transport for Troops’ Co-Founder Mike Feuerhelm of Decorah. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Zach Jensen)

Niman Ranch awards nearly $250,000 to keep young farmers on the land

Two Decorah students were among 53 young people across nine states to be awarded $250,000 in grants and scholarships from the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, the philanthropic arm of sustainable and humane meat pioneer Niman Ranch. Abby and Morgan Moen Abby Moen Morgan Moen of Decorah were the two northeast Iowa recipients. agriculture practices to provide This is the largest annu- opportunity for more young and al amount the foundation has beginning farmers. The foundaawarded since the program tion also awarded six gilt grants started in 2006, supporting 53 to beginning Niman Ranch hog young people across nine states. farmers. The gilt grant matches “Beginning farmers and farmer investments in breeding ranchers face numerous barriers stock to expand their hog herd getting started, from technical as well as providing business knowledge to land and capital planning support, regular edaccess. The Next Generation ucation sessions and farmer Foundation scholarships and mentorship. grants provide opportunity and The investment in the next hope for the future of fami- generation is made possible by ly-scale farming by investing partners of the Niman Ranch in young people dedicated to brand. stewardship and animal care,” Collectively, with the support shared Elle Gadient, Niman from companies that sell Niman Ranch Next Generation Foun- Ranch products, the consumdation Board Chair and past ers who serve Niman Ranch to scholarship recipient. their families and the farmers The scholarships are used who raise the premium product, by recipients to offset the cost the Foundation has invested of higher education while the over $1.4 million in hundreds of grants, up to $10,000, are in- young leaders who are commitvestments to support humane ted to sustainable agriculture animal care and regenerative and thriving rural communities.

Service Notices

WILLIAM “BILL” SPILDE, 85, of Decorah, passed away Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at his home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m., at Decorah Lutheran Church located at 309 Winnebago Street in 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 Saturday morning.

MAUREEN YAHR, 64, of Decorah, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Benedict Catholic Church located at 307 West Main Street in Decorah, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding.

Burial will be in St. Benedict cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 24, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Helms Funeral Home located at 604 South Avenue in Decorah, and also after 9:30 a.m., on Saturday at the church.

Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence on Short Street in Ridgeway Nov. 9, at 12:49 p.m. As a result of the search warrant, two subjects were located, arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail.

Adam Strand, 39, of Decorah was charged with D felony failure to affix drug stamp, serious misdemeanor possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) and serious misdemeanor possession of controlled substance 2nd offense (cannabidiol). Heather Schultz, age 51, of Ridgeway, was charged with D felony failure to affix drug stamp and serious misdemeanor possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine). This case remains under investigation, with additional arrests and charges pending.

Winneshiek Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a single vehicle accident on County Road V64 near Jackson Junction Nov. 11 at 2:06 a.m. The driver, Abby Schoba, age 20, of New Hampton, was, arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail for operating while under the influence, second offense.

Schoba also was cited for failure to maintain control and person under 21 using tobacco/vapor product.

Leon Trappe, age 55, of Monona, was arrested and transported from the Fayette County Jail and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Nov. 9 on an arrest warrant for violation of probation.

Dakota Knight, 31, of Hiawatha, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail from the Linn County Jail Nov. 15, at 8:40 p.m., on an arrest warrant for burglary, 3rd degree – vehicle, 1st offense, six counts.

Tanner Heins, 30, of Ossian, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail Nov. 14 on an arrest warrant for two counts of B felony sex exploitation of a minor – cause to engage in act; three counts of serious misdemeanor disseminate and exhibition of obscene material to minor.

Decorah Police Decorah Police were dispatched to 1308 Bluegrass Drive #5 in Decorah Sept. 23, at 9:13 p.m., for the report of an ongoing disturbance.

After an investigation was conducted, Police arrested 56-yearold Jeffery Dighton of Decorah for violation of a no-contact order, 1st degree harassment for threatening a forcible felony, unlawful possession of a prescription drug, possession of cannabidiol, 3rd or subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dighton was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail without incident. Decorah Police were assisted by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and Winneshiek County communications center.

Decorah Police were dispatched to 908 Maple Avenue for the report of a disturbance in progress Oct. 16 at 8:27 p.m. After an investigation was conducted at the scene, police arrested 34-year-old Adam Nash of Decorah, for domestic assault.

Nash was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail without incident.

Decorah Police were assisted by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and Winneshiek County communications center.

Decorah Police contacted a subject outside of the Corner Bar Oct. 20 at 10:35 p.m. After an investigation at the scene Francis Chloupek of Decorah was arrested for public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. Chloupek was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail without incident.

Decorah Police Officers conducted a welfare check on a vehicle parked near the 600 block of Heivly Street on Oct. 28 at approximately 9:25 p.m. After further investigation, Jessamyn Claire Johnson, 36, of Decorah, was placed under arrest for operating while under the influence (OWE) 1st offense, a serious misdemeanor. She was trans-

ported to the Winneshiek County Jail without incident. Johnson also had an active arrest warrant out of Black Hawk County at the time of the welfare check and subsequent arrest. Police were assisted by Winneshiek County Dispatch and Winneshiek County Jail staff.

Decorah Police were dispatched to 817 Ravine Street in Decorah Oct. 27 at 3:46 a.m., for a report of an unknown motor vehicle that was running in the reporting party’s driveway. Upon arrival, police observed a male behind the wheel, sleeping in the vehicle with the engine running. Officers attempted to wake the subject up for several minutes before he finally woke up.

When the subject woke up, his vehicle had been in neutral and rolled backwards into a Decorah Police patrol car, causing minor damage to the front bumper of the patrol car. After an investigation, police arrested 19-year-old Alexander Robison of Scandia, Kans., for operating while intoxicated. Robison was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail without incident. Decorah Police were assisted by Winneshiek County ambulance service, Don’s Towing Service and Winneshiek County Communications Center.

Decorah Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 1700 block of IA 9 E (Highway 9) Nov. 10 at approximately 9:42 p.m., for a vehicle traveling 85 miles per hour in the 55 miles-per-hour zone. After further investigation it was determined that the driver was impaired while driving. Subsequently, Dalton Ray Sande, 28, of La Crosse, Wis,, was placed under arrest for operating while under the influence 2nd offense and reckless driving. Sande also received a citation for speeding 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. He was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail where he was transferred into jail staff’s custody. Decorah Police Department was assisted by the Winneshiek County Jail and Winneshiek County Dispatch.

Decorah Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 200 block of Washington Street for an equipment violation on Nov. 11 and approximately 10:18 p.m.

After further investigation, the officers determined that the driver was impaired and had an open container of an alcoholic beverage. Subsequently, Lonnie Vernon Davis Jr., 42, of Decorah, was placed under arrest for operating while under the influence, 1st offense and open container. Davis also received a warning for the equipment violation. He was taken to the Winneshiek County Jail where he was transferred into jail staff’s custody. Decorah Police Department was assisted by Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Winneshiek County Jail, and Winneshiek County Dispatch.

celebrate Decorah’s English influence, history The Winneshiek County Historical Society will celebrate the contributions of early United States settlers of English descent in the second annual Dickens on Mill Street. The event celebrating English Christmas traditions will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Winneshiek County Heritage Center at 302 S. Mill Street, in Decorah.

English descendant Frederick Landers and wife Sarah built the 1860 Greek Revival home at the corner of Broadway and Mill Streets that the Historical Society now calls home. Frederick and Sarah’s daughter, Winnie, and husband Burton Adams, were the second generation to occupy the Landers home. Burton Adams was descended from the same line as Presidents John and John Quincy Adams. Winnie and Burton’s daughter, Helen Adams, and her husband L.J. Bodensteiner, raised sons Joe and John in the Landers home, the third and fourth generations to live in the house. Helen taught at Luther College in the theatre department, and directed 48 plays, many one-act plays, and other

theatre productions.

The Dickens event is being held in part to honor Helen’s contributions to the vitality and richness of the Luther theatre program. Helen’s son Joe and wife Emily Homstad Bodensteiner donated the four-generation family home to the Historical Society in 2016 where the Dickens event will be held. A special addition to the celebration will be the opportunity to tour the first floor of the original 1860 north part of the home, which was recently opened to the public.

Dickens on Mill Street will feature something for all ages, including visits with Mother Christmas (the English Mrs. Claus), a children’s activity with live Dickens characters, carolers, a brass quartet, English treats and displays of early English settlers in Winneshiek County. All will be available to enjoy for a free will donation.

Horse-drawn vis-à-vis carriage rides for a small fee will transport carriage riders back to the days when horsepower was the major mode of transportation in Decorah.

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Celebration!

Congratulations to Serenity Fitness Decorah on their Grand Re-Opening! Pictured is Owner Tara McConnell and crew with Decorah Area Chamber Ambassadors Marcia Madrigal, Dallas Steffen, Holly Allen, Nick Wilz, Zachary Shearer, Joe Hammel, Adam Baker, Joanie Rollins, Cindy Hoyme, Tade Kerndt, Ray Rinkol, Lashelle Evans and Maureen Duncklee.

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6 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 23, 2023

Madonna Schmitt

Madonna Schmitt, 90, of Fort Atkinson, died on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at Wellington Place nursing home in Decorah.

Madonna Ann (Beckman) Schmitt was born in Ossian on Oct. 25, 1933, Madonna the daughSchmitt ter of Henry “Heine” and Hildegard Beckman. She was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School in Ossian. Following graduation, she was employed by Bucheit Produce in Calmar.

She married Alfred H. Schmitt of Fort Atkinson at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Sept. 17, 1957, to become his partner in life and helpmate in farming. She continued to live on the farm for 66 years, helping with the dairy operation, tending to her chickens, gardening and running the household. Into her early 80s,

Vivian Hemesath

Vivian Catherine (Bodensteiner) Hemesath, 89, of Ossian, peacefully passed in the morning hours of Nov. 13, 2023.

Vi v i a n was born on July 10, 1934, to parents John S. Bodensteiner Vivian and KatherHemesath ine “Rena” A. (Meinert) Bodensteiner of St. Lucas. Vivian graduated from St. Luke’s High School in 1952 and married Francis J. Hemesath on Aug. 30, 1955. A woman of remarkable resilience and spirit, her life was the embodiment of dedication and love for her family. Her intelligence, kind heart and wit, led her to bring joy and laughter to those around her, even in her final

Marian Brynsaas

Marian Brynsaas, 89, of Decorah, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at WinnMed Hospital, Decorah.

Marian was born July 3, 1934, to Edwin and Leona (Borseth) Brynsaas at home.

She was baptized Marian Brynsaas and confirmed at Decorah Lutheran Church where she was a lifetime member.

She attended grade school at three different country schools in Glenwood Township. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1952. She started

she assisted her sons with the daily feeding of the Holstein calves.

Madonna was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church where she was a member of St. Lucia Court #233 of the National Catholic Society of Foresters.

Madonna is survived by her five children: Anita (Wilson) Young of Channahon, Ill., Carol (Farhad) Zonoozi of Gardner, Kan., Phyllis (James) Katcher of Cedar Falls, Alan Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, and Randy Schmitt of Fort Atkinson; one brother, Evroul Beckman of Ossian; two sisters: Ione (Norbert) Neuzil of Decorah, and Margaret (David) Schmitt of Fort Atkinson; two sisters-in-law: Therese Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, and Rose Rilling of Solon; four grandchildren: Benjamin (Brianna) Young of Bloomingdale, Ill., Ariel (Thomas) Roberts of Greenwood, Ind., Jackie (Collin) Howe of Rochester, Minn., and Farrah (Sage) Elassais of Lenexa, Kan.; six

great-grandchildren: Declan and Jace Young of Bloomingdale, Celeste and Selena Roberts of Greenwood, Ind., and Ethan and Evan Howe of Rochester.

Madonna was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred H. Schmitt; her parents, Henry and Hildegard Beckman; father and mother-in-law, Peter T. and Mary Blong Schmitt; brothers-in-law: Jacob Busta, John Schmitt, Roman Schmitt, James Schaefer, D. Joseph Doucet, Wilfred Dietzenbach, Merle Rilling and Robert Schmitt in infancy; sisters-in-law: Germaine Beckman, Colletta Busta, Theola Schaefer, Leona Dietzenbach, Cordula Doucet and Rita Schmitt.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Nov. 20, at the St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas with Father David Beckman presiding. Burial was in St. Luke’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for the benefit of St. Luke’s Catholic Church

days. Vivian’s love, wisdom and cherished memories will forever be remembered and live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Vivian is preceded in death by her parents Katherine “Rena” (Meinert) Bodensteiner (1901-1949), John Bodensteiner (1898-1965), husband Francis Hemesath (1929-2008), sister Germaine (Bodensteiner) Hemesath (1929-2009), and brother Eugene Bodensteiner (1936- 2018).

Vivian is survived by her eight children: Wayne Hemesath, Kevin Hemesath (Carolyn Ott), David Hemesath (Julie Gehling), Cathy (Hemesath) Howell (Bob Howell), Daniel Hemesath (Kimberly Boyer), Dean Hemesath (Kelley McClure), Lynn (Hemesath) Stilwill and Larry Hemesath (Tia Cline); 11 grandchildren: Matthew Heme-

sath (Dawn Tesdale), Michael Hemesath (Stacey Hus), Devin (Howell) Larsen (Lance Larsen), Nathan Hemesath (Lauren Ramspott), Alyssa (Howell) Crowley (Samantha Crowley), Conner Hemesath, Braeden Hemesath, Carson Stilwill, Carter Hemesath, Shayna Hemesath, Sean Stilwill; and seven great-grandchildren: Alessandra Hemesath, Elizabeth Hemesath, Austin Hemesath, Kaleb Hemesath, Lucas Hemesath, Sloan Larsen and Eleanor Hemesath.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Nov. 18, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian with Rev. Henry Huber as the Celebrant.

Burial followed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian assisted with services.

working for Bolson’s Hatchery and Feed that fall and worked for them until they closed. She then worked for the Decorah Bakery. She also spent time helping some senior citizens, keeping them company.

Marian was very involved in church activities – circle, WELCA, Bible School, Sunday School, working in the church library, helping with the church newsletter and church work and do days. She also enjoyed many day trips and mini vacations with Marguerite “Babe” Lepa.

Marian is survived by her sister, LaVerne Ramsey; brother, Wesley Brynsaas; nieces: Rosalyn Ramsey, Beverly (Ramsey) Nelson, Tlisa (Brynsaas) Girla-

mo, Carrie (Brynsaas) Barglof and Amy Brynsaas; nephew, David Ramsey; grandnieces: Rachel (Ramsey) Walker, Addison Barglof, Angel Barglof and Jasmine Haley; grandnephews: Ryan Ramsey, Bennett Barglof, Brenten (Erin) Barglof, Christopher (Sephora Rodriquez) Girlamo, Benjamin Girlamo, and Javon Haley; great-grandnephews: Hunter Barglof, Dexter Walker and Eli Walker; and great-grandnieces, Sophia Rose Rodriquez-Girlamo and Myka Walker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Leona (Borseth) Brynsaas; brothers, Ronald Brynsaas and Roger Brynsaas; brother-in-law, Raymond Ramsey, sisters-in-law: Susan (Rouster) Brynsaas, Beatrice (Wellman) Brynsaas and Lucille (James) Brynsaas; nephew, Ronald D. Ramsey; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Kowitz presiding. Burial followed at Phelps Cemetery.

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Obituaries

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Gambling devices seized in raid

1943

EIGHTY YEARS AGO: A big truckload of gambling devices was seized in a countywide raid last week. Leading the raid was Sheriff George Harms, along with Deputy Sheriff Fred O’Boy and five special agents from the State of Iowa. About $2,000 worth of slot machines (a total of 14 of them) along with a large number of punchboards, were confiscated in the raids, which were staged simultaneously in Ossian, Calmar, Fort Atkinson and Ridgeway. …The Helwig Radio Service Store has announced plans to expand the paint business. New supplies are arriving daily according to Fred Helwig, proprietor. …A part of a meteor is now in the possession of Art Tupy of near Jackson Junction. Tupy plowed up what he believes is a fragment from a meteor on his farm. He recalls seeing a flaming mass of some sort fall from the sky some time ago, and it was about the same time a similar fragment fell on the farm of Henry Burns, located just down the road.

1953

SEVENTY YEAR AGO: The Junior Chamber of Commerce will host a minstrel show at the high school auditorium this month. Featured in the show are Bill Walker, Ken Meyer, Roger Olson, Al Wheatman, Don Huziker, Jim Loy and Ross DePue. Vern Koenig will be singing and playing his guitar. Leon Brown will present his magic act. Other acts will be presented by Rodney Ellickson, Hubby Christen, Marilyn Sersland, Curt Weaver and Dorothy Doyle. …Medical care your entire family is available for only $10.

The insurance covers polio and three other dreaded diseases.

Call the Jewel Agency today to learn more. …The recent election results are being reported, and C.H. Rosenthal has won the mayor race. Rosenthal operates a 56-year-old grocery business here.

1963

SIXTY YEARS AGO: The Trade Development Committee of the Decorah Chamber has a campaign going to help housewives during the holiday season. Heavy, paper badges bearing a picture of Santa Claus and the slogan “Choose Your Christmas Gifts in Decorah” are now emerging at local business houses. Personnel at the

area stores and local shoppers will wear the badges to encourage housewives to shop locally. Five hundred badges are on hand and 500 more have been ordered. …A Decorah man was fined $15 and costs for running a stop sign and having a faulty muffler on his car. He pled guilty to the charges. …Mobil Service Station has a November promotion: Get a set of four water glasses with any purchase. The station is at the corner of Water and River Streets.

1993

THIRTY YEARS AGO: All-District Team designations in football were awarded to five members of the 1995 Viking team: John Quandahl, Tony Post, Tim Smock, Mitch Benzing and Bob Fullhart. …Four large panels of the Names Project AIDS Quilt were recently displayed on the Luther campus in Decorah.

1973 2003

FIFTY YEARS AGO: Mark Pint, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pint of Decorah, recently received a theatre fellowship at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. The Iowa State University graduate is working toward his M.F.A. degree in acting. …The nationwide energy crisis is affecting local schools and businesses. Mayor Vern Iverson has asked all municipal employees to cut back on their driving by 25 percent. …Two shopping center developers are seeking rezoning of property south of Highway 9 and east of the Camcar Screw and Manufacturing Plant. A new shopping center is proposed on the site. …A new South Winneshiek Junior High School at Ossian will be constructed next year at a cost of approximately $656,523. The new school will accommodate 280 students. …The grand opening at the Decorah Sports Center across from the local drive-in theatre is planned for late November, 1973. Ed Griffin is the owner.

1983

FORTY YEARS AGO: Members of the Decorah School Board are looking into the possibility of building an auditorium at the high school. The promoters of the plan say the auditorium could do a lot for the school and community. …A large group turned out for the first meeting of the newly-organized PPT (Parents and Teachers Together) group.

Leading the recent meeting were Linda Quaas, Nancy Heerens-Knudson, Jan Robinson and Dobby Englebert. …A new concept in getting car license plates will begin soon. A more orderly system of “staggering” license registrations has been approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Now, no more long lines and harried vehicle owners wanting to purchase their plates before the January deadline.

TWENTY YEARS AGO: Jim Dale has been declared the winner of the Decorah City Council at-large seat. …Decorah High School will present the musical “Cinderella” this month in the auditorium. …Midwest Wireless has a new digital phone plan for only $39.99 per month. Free phone included! …Fred Carlson Company, Bruening Rock Products, Wicks Construction and Skyline Construction from this area have been presented with BRAVO awards by the Associated General Contractors of Iowa. The BRAVO Award is the highest award to be presented by the organization. …13-year-old Ethan Bjelland of Decorah will the speaker at an upcoming Sons of Norway meeting here. He will be speak on his experiences at Skogfjorden, a Norwegian immersion camp in Bemidji, Minn.

He has attended the camp for the past seven years. …Americana Grille in Decorah is celebrating its first anniversary in business here. …Congratulations to the Decorah Viking Football Team.

The team had a 8-2 overall record, 6-1 in Class 3A District 3, and made it to the state playoffs! The Vikings fell to Mt. Vernon in the playoffs. …Decorah’s Cliff House will reopen soon under the name Bluffs Inn.

2013

TEN YEARS AGO: Decorah High School presents “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” this weekend. Gable Lonning will be Tom Sawyer. Loden Henning is Joe Harper, McKenzie Snyder is Aunt Polly and Alexis Hove is Schoolmarm Dobbins. …The Hotel Winneshiek will continue to host a live music series with KPVL Community Radio. This week’s performance features Tom Bourcier and John Goodin. …Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum will host a “Deck the Tables” fundraiser this month.

Ribbon Cutting

Celebration!

The Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Interior Design by Emily to Chamber Membership.

Pictured is owner Emily Reicks with Decorah Area Chamber Ambassadors Zachary Shearer, Joe Hammel, Maureen Duncklee, Holly Allen, Lashelle Evans, Joanie Rollins, Cindy Hoyme, Marcia Madrigal, Nick Wilz and Tade Kerndt.

Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce extends congratulations to

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

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

Corn pickers circa 1942-43 This vintage photograph of a corn pickers in Fort Atkinson in 1942 or 1943 was submitted

by Ruth Funke of Decorah. She identifies the men as follows (the ?’s indicate not known): 1st row: Wm Sluka, Phil Huber (recovering from broken back), Frank Zbornik, Arnold Sluka, John E. Schmitt, ?, Leonard Schmitt, ?, Leo Elsbernd, Joe Busta and Anton Elsbernd; 2nd row: Fr. Dostal, ?, ?, Arnold Kuhn, Ben Schmitt, (man in black hat not known), ?, Serenus Elsbernd, Wilfrid Elsbernd, ?; back row: ?, Andrew Elsbernd, Verdie Crognech, Ted Schmitt, Fred Tekippe on the wagon, Leo Martin, and Art Wiest. Behind them are Linus Croatt and Leo Schmitz. The photo was found among Marie (Elsbernd) Setter’s pictures.

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 23, 2023 7

Public Notices November 13, 2023 Call to Order & Determination of Quorum: The Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency meeting was called to order

by Chairperson Mark Vick at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13th , 2023 at the Winneshiek County Annex Building. Voting members present were; Shirley Vermace, Dan Langreck, Mark Vick, Steve Kelsay, Leon Kipp, Don DiLaura, Keith Frana, Todd Ihde, Richard Hammel, Dennis Wilkins, and Mark Faldet. A quorum was determined by the chairperson. Also present were; Counsel Jana Evelsizer Olson, Landfill Director T.J Schissel, and Landfill Operator Meghan Scheidel, and Clayton County representative Steve Doeppke.

Approval of Minutes & Agenda: Moved by Frana, seconded by DiLaura, to approve the meeting minutes of 09/11/23. All voting approved.

Moved by Frana, seconded by DiLaura to approve the 11/13/23 agenda. All voting approved.

Introduction of Guests: None Report from Secretary-Treasurer: 09/30/23 Checking Balance: $458,611.65 09/30/23 Checking Interest: $38.38 09/30/23 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $1,645,774.04 09/30/23 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $6,338,298.96 09/30/23 Total Investments: $7,984,073.00 10/31/23 Checking Balance: $625,995.32 10/31/23 Checking Interest: $47.17 10/31/23 Certificates of Deposit (Operating): $1,645,774.04 10/31/23 Certificates of Deposit (Closure-Post Closure): $6,338,298.96 10/31/23 Total Investments: $7,984,073.00 Public Comment: There was no public comment.

Approve Claims Paid: Moved by Langreck, seconded by DiLaura to approve the September claims of $98,366.15 and October claims of $46,920.15. All voting approved.

Committee Reports: Landfill Director’s Report Trees were removed and seeding completed. Black dirt was excavated and hauled from a new retention basin. Evaporator and aerator were removed from bay two for the season.

TJ attended the Fall Solid Waste Conference in Waterloo & toured South Central Landfill in Pella.

Engineer’s Report TJ delivered the engineer’s report, the 2023 monitoring well project has been completed with three monitoring wells abandoned and two new wells installed. The wells have been developed and testing is currently taking place.

WCASWA Minutes 11/13/23 2 Committee Reports: 1. Item 6.4-Approval of Hacker Nelson Annual Services ($7200 to $8900 for the year). Moved by DiLaura and seconded by Hammel to approve the contract for Hacker & Nelson’s annual services. All voting approved.

Establish Time & Date of Next Meeting: The WCASWA will meet on January 8th, 2024 with the Rate & Review meeting taking place at 5:00 pm, and the regular meeting to follow, at the Winneshiek County Annex Building.

Adjournment: Moved by DiLaura, seconded by Kipp to adjourn at 5:30 pm. All voting approved.

Leon Kipp, Secretary Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency General Ledger As of September 30, 2023 Type, Date, Num, Name, Detail, Deposits, Payments, Balance ...................................................... 397,825.02 Deposit, 09/05/2023, Deposit .......... 9,083.36 Deposit, 09/05/2023, Deposit ........ 54,127.56 Check, 09/05/2023, 11790, CENTURY LINK, Telephone ............. 76.72 Check, 09/05/2023, 11791, Fisk Farm and HomeShop Supplies.. 415.88 Check, 09/05/2023, 11792, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass ......... 35.16 Check, 09/05/2023, 11793, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll Aug ....... 34,061.13 Check, 09/05/2023, 11794, Windridge Implement, Shop Supplies ................ 229.00 Deposit, 09/11/2023, Deposit........... 3,260.75 Deposit, 09/11/2023, Deposit......... 39,080.56 Check, 09/11/2023, 11795, S & S Machine Works LLC, Storm Water...............1,274.96 Check, 09/11/2023, 11796, ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICES, INC.Office... 201.16 Check, 09/11/2023, 11797, AcenTek, Internet ................................................54.95 Check, 09/11/2023, 11798, WinnMed, Employee Screen ................................ 24.00 Deposit, 09/18/2023, Deposit ..........3,683.71 Deposit, 09/18/2023, Deposit ........28,407.51 Check, 09/18/2023, 11799, AGVANTAGE FS INC, Fuel ......... 6,153.37 Check, 09/18/2023, 11800, Decorah Mobile Glass, Repairs ................................... 200.00 Check, 09/18/2023, 11801, TestAmerica Laboratories Inc, Monitoring wells 1,374.25 Check, 09/18/2023, 11802, MiEnergy Cooperative Electric.......................1,025.05 Check, 09/18/2023, 11803, Windridge Implement, Fuel ................................128.70 Check, 09/18/2023, 11804, Ziegler Inc., Deposit ..............................................899.33 Deposit, 09/25/2023, Deposit ..........5,805.94 Deposit, 09/25/2023, Deposit ........ 11,645.97 Check, 09/25/2023, 11805, Winneshiek County Auditor, Payroll Sept ....... 34,807.38 Check, 09/25/2023, 11806, UnityPoint Clinic-Occupational Medicine, Employee Screen ...............42.00 Check, 09/25/2023, 11807, PIONEER TELEPHONE, Telephone ................... 15.10 Check, 09/25/2023, 11808, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass ......... 41.16 Check, 09/25/2023, 11809, MIDWEST ELECTRONIC RECOVERY, TV recycling ..................................... 100.00 Check, 09/25/2023, 11810, Driftless Multimedia LLC, Advertising........... 216.18 Check, 09/25/2023, 11811, AECOM, Engineer ....................................... 13,344.97 Check, 09/26/2023, 11812, RUSSELL JAUERT, Safety Boots......................192.59 Check, 09/29/2023, ACH, TreasurerState of Iowa Sales Tax .................. 3,422.81 Deposit, 09/30/2023, Deposit .......... 4,019.04 Check, 09/30/2023, ACH, First Data Merchant BankSept fees3 .....................0.30 Deposit, 09/30/2023, Interest ................38.38 TOTAL 159,152.78, 98,366.15, 458,611.65 Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency General Ledger As of October 31, 2023 Type, Date, Num, Name, Detail, Deposits Payments, Balance ...................................................... 458,611.65 Deposit, 10/02/2023, Deposit .......... 4,002.83 Deposit, 10/02/2023, Deposit ........ 48,107.42 Check, 10/02/2023, 11813, Village Farm & Home, Storm Water.................... 2,159.20 Check, 10/02/2023, 11814, Ernie’s Ag Center, Seeding ........................1,075.00 Check, 10/02/2023, 11815, CENTURY LINK, Telephone ............. 76.72 Check, 10/02/2023, 11816, Carolina Software, Office ..................200.00 Check, 10/02/2023, 11817, Olsgard Auto Sales, Repairs ....................................948.71 Check, 10/02/2023, 11818, HAWKEYE RECYCLING, Glass ........................... 31.56 Check, 10/02/2023,11819, BODENSTEINER IMP CO, Shop...... 26.54 Check, 10/02/2023, 11820, Spahn & Rose Lumber Co.Shop .................... 86.70 Check, 10/02/2023, 11821, CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING, Office ... 115.03 Check, 10/02/2023, 11822, Fisk Farm and Home Shop ................................. 426.76 Check, 10/04/2023, ACH, Harbor Freight Tools, Shop ............1,444.48 Check, 10/09/2023, 11823, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass ......... 38.04 Check, 10/09/2023, 11824, Eurofins Environment Testing NC, Monitoring Wells ..............................708.25 Check10/09/202311825AcenTekInternet54.95 Check10/09/202311826O’Reilly Auto PartsShop126.53 Deposit10/10/2023Deposit4,976.98Deposit10/10/2023Deposit26,015.03Deposit10/16/2023Deposit36,099.62Deposit10/16/2023Deposit2,641.46 Check, 10/16/2023, 11827, AGVANTAGE FS INC., Fuel ........ 3,654.83 Check, 10/16/2023, 11828, MiEnergy Cooperative, Electric .......800.02 Check, 10/16/2023, 11829, Anderson, Wilmarth, VanderMaaten, Legal .......480.00 Check, 10/16/2023, 11830, ARAMARK UNIFORM SERVICES, INC., Office ..................223.82 Check, 10/16/2023, 11831, Ziegler Inc., Repairs ........................................... 3,525.78 Check, 10/16/2023, 11832, Hovden Oil Inc.Oil/Shop ...............1,018.05 Check, 10/18/2023, ACH, Chargeback, NSF ..............................384.81 Deposit, 10/23/2023, Deposit .......... 3,336.12 Deposit, 10/23/2023, Deposit ........ 29,666.09 Check, 10/23/2023, 11833,

MIDWEST ELECTRONIC RECOVERY, TV Recycling .............100.00 Check, 10/23/2023, 11834, WINNESHIEK COUNTY RECYCLING, Glass ......... 42.48 Check, 10/23/2023, 11835, TJ Schissel, DOT Physical ......................................75.00 Chec, 10/23/2023, 11836, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, State Tipping Fees ........................12,893.31 Check, 10/23/2023, 11837, Windridge Implement, Fuel ................................128.70 Check, 10/30/2023, ACH, TreasurerState of Iowa, Sales Tax ................. 1,975.24 Deposit10/30/2023Deposit2,899.32 Deposit, 10/30/2023, Deposit ........50,784.22 Check, 10/30/2023, 11838, CENTURY LINK, Telephone .............80.16 Check, 10/30/2023, 11839, PIONEER TELEPHONE, Telephone ...................14.79 Check, 10/30/2023, 11840, CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING, Office .....61.25 Check, 10/30/2023, 11841, AECOM, Engineering ..................................13,866.64 Deposit, 10/31/2023, Deposit ..........5,727.56 Check, 10/31/2023, ACH, First Data Merchant Bank, October fees .............76.80 Deposit,10/31/2023, Interest ................. 47.17 TOTAL 214,303.82, 46,920.15, 625,995.32 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23, 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

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. WHITE, DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR016204 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of James L. White, Deceased, who died on or about March 31st, 2023: You are hereby notified that on April 11th, 2023, the Last Will and Testament of James L. White, deceased, bearing date of May 20th, 2015, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Melissa Jensen was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of 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 April 11th, 2023.

Melissa Jensen, Executor 3191 360th Street Cresco, IA 52136 Joseph P. Braun, ICIS#: AT0001120 Attorney for Executor ELWOOD, O’DONOHOE, BRAUN & WHITE, LLP 217 North Elm Street PO Box 377 Cresco, IA 52136 Date of second publication: November 30, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23 & 30, 2023

RIDGEWAY CITY COUNCIL MINUTES November 14, 2023 The Ridgeway City Council met in regular session November 14, 2023, at the Ridgeway Community Center, at 5:45 p.m. with Mayor Schnur calling the meeting to order. Council persons present were: Linderbaum, Novotny, Engelhardt, Ramsey and Schnur. Absent: None.

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

Dan Sinclair from Metering and Technology Solutions was present to give a presentation on their water meter system.

A Motion was made by Schnur, seconded

by Ramsey to approve to pay the Application and Certificate Number 4 from JB Holland Construction, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project in the amount of $134,849.11. All aye. Nay: none.

Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Novotny to pay the L & H Nurseries bill in the amount of $1,240.00 for trees out of the City’s Betterment bank account. All aye.

Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Linderbaum, seconded by Ramsey to pay the Cresco Shopper bill in the amount of $504.80 for the Vet Memorial Ad out of the City’s Vet Memorial bank account. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Linderbaum to cash in the City’s CD number 2013742750182 and move it to a new six month CD with a higher interest rate at CUSB Bank. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried.

The stormwater management utility was discussed and will be discussed further at the next meeting.

A discussion was held regarding the 2023 Annual Financial Report.

A Motion was made by Ramsey, seconded

by Schnur to approve and adopt Resolution #11-14-2023-1, a Resolution approving the 2023 Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023. A roll call vote was

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROSALYN M. EPPENS, DECEASED. PROBATE NO. ESPR 016258 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Rosalyn M. Eppens, Deceased, who died on or about November 9, 2023: You are hereby notified that on November 20, 2023, the Last Will and Testament of Rosalyn M. Eppens, deceased, bearing date of March 11, 2020, was admitted to probate in the above-named Court and that Linda M. Rodman was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the Will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the Will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.

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

Dated November 20, 2023.

Linda M. Rodman, Executor of Estate 1400 S. Dundee Dr. Sioux Falls, SD 57106 Andrew P. Nelson, ICIS#: AT0005669 Attorney for Executor Meyer, Lorentzen & Nelson 101 ½ E. Water Street P.O. Box 126 Decorah, IA 52101 Date of second publication: November 30, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23 & 30, 2023

On December 7, 2023 at 4:00 pm, a sale of personal property of Wayne Sorenson will be held at unit #52, Store-it-Storage, 2340 East Ridge Rd., Decorah, IA. The item will be sold to the highest bidder who must be present. Item includes but not limited to: cans of food, mens clothing, wiring for computers and TVs, coffee maker, vacuum cleaner, and many other boxed items.

Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23 & 30, 2023

taken: Linderbaum-yes, Novotny-yes, Engelhardt-yes, Schnur-yes, and Ramsey-yes. Motion carried.

The maintenance report was given.

A Motion was made by Engelhardt, seconded by Ramsey to purchase pallet forks for the skid loader from Clet Koshatka Farm Equipment for the price of $975.00. All aye.

Nay: none. Motion carried.

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

Ryan made a Motion to adjourn, seconded

by Engelhardt. All aye. Nay: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Sharla Berns City Clerk WARRANTS FOR CITY OF RIDGEWAY – November, 2023 Alliant Energy, Utilities ............ $1,579.93 Anderson Law Firm, Attorney fees 9/21/2023 ....................$48.00 Banyon Data Systems, Tech support annual fee ................. 2,520.00 Black Hills Energy, Utility .................. $61.78 Cardmember Service, Shop-postage and supplies ..............$183.19 Carquest, Shop parts .........................$181.87 Cresco TPD, Copies – sewer rates ......$15.00 Dan Pitz, Insurance & phone reimbursement . $550.00 Driftless Multimedia, Publishing ......... 69.15 Engen Express, Shop fuel ..................301.04 Fehr Graham, Wastewater Project.. $4,511.25 Fehr Graham, Wastewater Project.. $3,527.00 Green Repair, Mower repair ............... $22.50 Iowa DHS, Support payment ............ $745.35 Iowa Rural Water, Annual dues.........$305.00 Iowa Water Environment Assoc., Class – maintenance man .................. $40.00 Ipers, Ipers........................................1,400.60 JB Holland Construction, Inc., Wastewater improvement project #4 ........ $ 116,509.63 JB Holland Construction, Inc., Wastewater improvement project #4 .............$18,339.48 Krivachek Janitorial, Com. Center supplies ......................$336.95 Mabel Telephone, Shop $108.84, Office $104.76, Hall $35.56............$249.16 Microbac Laboratories, Lab tests ...... $124.00 Pat Sands, Com. Cen. Cleaning ........ $240.00 Payroll ............................................$6,232.72 Payroll tax ......................................$1,619.43 Perry Novak Electric, Com. Center repair ............................ $78.74 Postmaster, Office and utility postage ................ $183.00 Riteway, Check blanks ...................... $196.56 Rod’s Electric, Com. Cen. LED bulbs ..................... $120.00 Ruppert, Inc., Shop tools, park repairs $37.93 Sharla Berns, Reimbursement........... $105.86 Shimek Sanitation, Garbage........... $2,129.30 Upper Exploreland, Sewer Project ....$750.31 Winneshiek County Engineer, Street spray patch ......................... $2,069.09 Expenditure Accounts Summary to date: General Fund..................................$6,183.56 Community Center ............................$846.24 Cemetery ...........................................$100.00 Road Use ........................................$2,602.46 Water Fund .....................................$1,224.00 Sewer Fund ................................$143,809.53 Revenue Accounts Summary to date: General Fund................................ $11,515.32 Community Center ............................$100.00 Road Use Tax ...............................................$ Water Fund .....................................$2,997.26 Sewer Fund ....................................$3,882.09 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23, 2023

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8 Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 23, 2023

Public Notices

WAPSIE PINES TREE FARM

IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES L. PRITCHARD DECEASED PROBATE NO. ESPR016253 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of deceased, James L. Pritchard, (a/k/a James L. Pritchard, Jr.) who died on or about November 4, 2020.

You are hereby notified that on November 3, 2023, the undersigned Lisa Pritchard was appointed Personal Representative of the estate.

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

Dated this 17th day of November, 2023.

Lisa Pritchard Administrator of this Estate 2218 State Hwy 9, Decorah, IA 52101 Dennis G. Larson Larson Law Office 312 W. Main St. Decorah, IA Attorneys for said administrator Date of second publication: November 30, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23 & 30, 2023

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IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT WINNESHIEK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KERRY G. NUEHRING, Deceased, Probate No. ESPR016257 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Kerry G. Nuehring, Deceased, who died on or about August 30, 2023: You are hereby notified that on November 16, 2023, the undersigned was appointed administrator of the estate.

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

Dated on November 16, 2023.

Hannah Nuehring Administrator of the Estate 6988 McKean Road Ypsilanti Charter Township, MI 48197 Peter J. Rolwes, ICIS#: AT0009311 Attorney for the Administrator Shindler, Anderson, Goplerud & Weese, P.C. 5015 Grand Ridge Drive, Suite 100 West Des Moines, IA 50265 Telephone: (515) 223-4567 FAX: (515) 223-8887 E-mail: rolwes@sagwlaw.com Date of second publication: November 30, 2023 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23 & 30, 2023

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Board Minutes November 13 and 14, 2023 The Board of Supervisors met at 9:30am November 13, 2023 with all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited, and the meeting was called to order.

Ben Stevens and Steve Slessor, WinnMed financial and executive officers, met with the Board to present a report on the WinnMed financial statements at the end of FY23.

Doug Groux, County Sanitarian, met with the Board to review his FY25 budget.

Jon Lubke, IT and GIS Director, met with the Board to discuss the process for putting together the Systems Administrator job description. Kelsay and Vermace will work with Lubke on this project.

Jayne Schultz, County Recorder, met with the Board to review her FY25 budget.

Tony Phillips, Planning, Zoning, and Flood Plain Administrator; met with the Board to discuss his FY25 budget and give an update on the NFIP timeline.

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

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Vick to open the public hearing on the vacation of a portion of Wren Valley Rd. 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 Vermace and seconded by Faldet to adopt resolution 24-22, vacating a portion of Wren Valley Rd. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Complete resolution will be on file in the county Auditor’s and Recorder’s offices.

Mary Fitch met with the Board to express concerns with the idea of vacating portions of 360th St. Nick Rissman, Interim County Engineer, met with the Board to give road project updates. He reviewed details of 360th St and recommended no further action on a possible vacation of any parts of the road. He will work with the County Attorney to notify Jeffrey Peel to remove obstructions in the rightof-way and replace the gates at the end of the Class C portion of the road.

Rissman also discussed the radar speed signs in several of the unincorporated communities. Some have malfunctioned and need to be replaced or removed. The Board asked him to check in to grant funding for the signs before authorizing the expenditure to replace them.

Moved by Vick and seconded by Faldet to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes of the last meeting and the claims filed with the Board. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Faldet and seconded by Kelsay to adjourn to 9:30am Monday, November 20, 2023; with a meeting on November 14, 2023 to canvass the election. Motion carried unanimously.

The Board of Supervisors, ex-officio Board of County Canvassers for Winneshiek County, met November 14, 2023 with Vick, Kelsay, and Vermace present, and canvassed the results of the Regular City/School Election held on Tuesday November 7, 2023.

Moved by Vermace and seconded by Kelsay to certify the canvass summary and abstracts of votes, and declare the following duly elected officials: Keith Frana, Calmar Mayor; Chad Schissel, Keith Gerlich, and Linus Sabelka, Calmar Council; Jamie Smith, Castalia Mayor; Ben Martin, Wayne Corlett, and Dennis Wilkins, Castalia Council; Emily Neal, Decorah Council At-Large; Richard Gaard, Kathy Bakken, and Brian Fuhrmann, Decorah Park & Rec Commission; Brent Parker, Decorah Council Ward 1; Christopher Miculinich, Decorah Council Ward 2; Steven Zittergruen, Decorah Council Ward 4; Paul Herold, Fort Atkinson Mayor; Kay Schmitt, Paul Schmitt, and Dale Leuenberger, Fort Atkinson Council; Mae Schmitt, Jackson Junction Mayor; Ken Kriener, Art Perry, Lana Schmit, Daniel Kime, and Rodney Vrzak, Jackson Junction Council; Bryan Beckman, Ossian Mayor; Graham Goltz, Daniel Langreck, and Susan Lienau, Ossian Council; Sue Schnur, Ridgeway Mayor; Allyn Linderbaum, Marvin Schnur, and Emily Hauber, Ridgeway Council; Paul Wermers, Spillville Mayor; Darrell Schmitt and Steve Kelsay, Spillville Council; Ron Hemesath and Craig Neuzil, South

Winneshiek CSD Director At-Large. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST Benjamin D Steines, County Auditor Daniel Langreck, Chair Board of Supervisors Claims 11-13-2023 General Basic Fund AcenTek, Telephone Service...............451.57 AireSpring, Telephone Service ...........414.89 Alliant Energy, Utilities ....................3677.09 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies ....383.84 Anderson Law Office, Legal Services ................................. 5889.25 Andy’s Speed Lube, Services ............. 150.00 Applied Concepts, Inc., Equipment ....165.00 Aramark Uniform Services, Services .129.00 AT&T Mobility, Cellular Service........739.47 Linus Barloon, Services ...................... 369.00 Brady Barta, Services............................ 36.90 BDH Technology LLP, Maintenance Agreement ................... 250.00 Beaver Creek Graphix, Supplies ...........83.54 Thomas Benda, Services .....................220.00 Black Hills Energy, Natural Gas Service ........................ 1123.88 Bruening Rock Prod, Materials...........258.00 Savanna Brusse, Mileage ....................306.15 Calmar Courier, Publications ................ 60.00 Calmar Motors, Services.....................125.95 Capital One, Payment .........................295.92 Carquest Auto Parts, Parts...................172.22 Casper Plumbing & Heating, Inc, Services .............................................392.51 Citrix Systems, Inc., Services .............721.98 City of Decorah, Services .................1343.34 Column Software PBC, Publications ..415.20 Court View Place LLP, Payment .......1820.00 Culligan, Services ...............................742.63 Roger Dahlen, Reimbursement ............. 25.00 DALCO, Supplies ............................... 466.96 Davenport Printing Company, Printing.69.80 Decorah Ace Hardware, Supplies .......155.42 Decorah Newspapers, Publications ... 1324.69 Decorah Tire Service, Services ......... 1195.16 Decorah Veterinary Clinic, Services ..... 54.22 Des Moines Stamp, Supplies ..............103.00 Drilling All Season Sports, Supplies... 383.79 Eide Bailly LLP, Services .................3600.00 Elan Financial Services, Payment .....2182.37 Elsbernd Pest Control, Services ............70.00 Fareway Stores, Supplies ....................813.48 Farmers Union Co-op, Supplies..........873.16 John Fels, Reimbursement ....................25.00 Fisk Farm & Home Inc., Supplies ........12.99 Fixxit, LLC, Services ...................... 14114.70 Fredericksburg Vet Clinic, Services ...... 36.42 Frontier Mudjacking, LLC, Services 1250.00 Galls, LLC, Supplies ........................... 149.28 Reginald Gibson, Reimbursement ......538.99 Christina Goeden, Reimbursement .......30.00 Arielle Gossman, Reimbursement ........ 42.39 George L. Grosz, Services ..................885.60 Hageman Cleaning, Services .............. 250.00 Kayla Hageman, Reimbursement .........55.00 John Halverson, Reimbursement ..........25.00 Hawkeye Sanitation, Inc, Services...... 720.00 Healthcare First, Services ................... 104.74 Lori Hemesath, Mileage...................... 566.80 Penny Herold, Mileage ....................... 533.65 Sally Herold, Mileage ......................... 395.20 Faith Hlubek, Reimbursement ............210.61 Howard’s Tire & Repair, Repairs ........249.00 Idemia Identity & Security, Maintenance Agreement ................. 2575.00 Inovalon Provider, Inc., Services ........475.54 Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Registration ....................................... 500.00 Iowa Secretary of State, Services.......... 30.00 ISSDA, Registration ...........................300.00 IT Outlet Inc, Equipment ................12992.00 Fatimetu Jatri Emhamed, Reimbursement ...................................25.00 John Deere Financial, Supplies ...........360.38 Mike Johnson, Camp Host ..................750.00 Keltek Incorporated, Supplies.........21216.91 Ian Kemp, Services .............................315.00 Nancy Kovarik, Reimbursement...........25.00 Brenda Kreitzer, Reimbursement ..........25.00 Ethel Barbara Krueger, Services .........129.97 Kwik Trip Extended Network, Fuel ..5613.39 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel .............................938.94 LA Communications, Inc, Advertising ........................................288.00 Steve Lennon, Services .......................623.20 Leon’s Auto Repair, Services ............1089.00 Dr. Kevin Locke, Reimbursement ....1359.54 Logistics Recycling, Inc., Services ..... 252.80 Jon Lubke, Reimbursement .................. 64.95 Mail Services, Services ....................... 721.59 Martin Bros. Distributing, Supplies .... 827.01 Jamie McConnell, Reimbursement ....... 25.00 Hubert McGee, Services ..................... 550.44 McKesson Medical Surgical, Supplies ......................................... 28435.01 Mediacom, Services ............................ 191.81 Medico-Mart, Inc, Supplies ................ 674.04 Microbac Laboratories, Inc., Services .. 35.50 Midwest Patch, Supplies ................... 1121.00 Stacy Miller, Mileage ........................ 1087.92 Motorola Solutions, Inc, Equipment ...243.75 NACVSO, Membership ...................... 100.00 NE Iowa Lawn Care, Services ............ 252.00 Northern Safety Co Inc, Supplies ....... 103.26 Olson Explosives, Fuel .........................91.37 Lana Oyloe, Services .......................... 369.00 Lonnie Pierce, Reimbursement ............. 25.00 Plunkett’s Pest Control, Inc, Services . 513.57 POC Network Technologies, Services 598.50 Premier Plus Commercial, Services 33482.22 Quadient Fiance USA, Inc., Postage ... 546.72 Quadient Leasing USA, Inc., Lease Agreement ................................. 65.85 Quill.com, Supplies............................... 27.36 Racom Corporation, Services ............. 201.50 Olivia Rasmussen, Services .............. 1107.00 Reliable Dumpster Services Inc, Services .............................................180.00 Ricoh USA Inc, Maintenance Agreement ................... 868.53 Riley’s Inc, Supplies ........................... 153.04 Roger’s Lock & Key, Services............120.00 Gregg Rude, Services............................20.00

Sanitation Resources, Inc, Services ....710.00 Sanofi Pasteur, Supplies ..................17262.79 Schilling Supply Company, Supplies ..204.30 Schumacher Elevator, Services ........... 548.47 SCS Engineers, Services ...................4412.50 Seton, Supplies.................................... 424.60 Julie Shimek, Mileage........................... 95.89 Gordon Snitker, Reimbursement........... 25.00 Spahn & Rose Lumber, Materials ......... 31.55 Ben Steines, Reimbursement ................25.00 Steve’s Car Care, Services .................... 11.25 Storey Kenworthy, Supplies................ 378.80 John L. Storkamp, Reimbursement....... 25.00 Margaret Storkamp, Services .............. 516.60 TASC Inc, Services .............................624.81 The Ossian Bee, Subscription ...............48.99 Thryv, Advertising ................................ 19.50 Tieskoetter Lawn Care, LLC, Services ............................................. 270.00 Total Tree Care, LLC, Services......... 2350.00 Krista Vanden Brink, Mileage............. 119.67 Jamie Wagner, Mileage .......................954.15 Debra Walden, Camp Host..................825.00 Weis Buick GMC, Services ................ 714.34 Windstream, Telephone Service............92.97 WinnMed, Services ............................. 736.00 Wright Way Computers, LLC, Services ........................................... 5044.90 General Supplemental Fund Cynthia Albers, Election Worker ........280.84 Cathryn Baldner, Election Worker ......287.39 Leslie Battle, Election Worker ............266.25 Annette Bohr-Wiltgen, Election Worker ................................ 280.84 Timothy Borseth, Election Worker .....217.50 Calmar Lutheran Church, Election Rent..................................... 100.00 City of Ossian, Election Rent..............100.00 City of Ridgeway, Election Rent ........ 100.00 Column Software PBC, Publications ..141.61 Decorah Newspapers, Publications .....127.09 Robert Drew, Election Worker ............314.18 Debra Eichenberger, Election Worker 278.22 First Lutheran Church, Election Rent .100.00 Laura Gillespie, Reimbursement ........ 322.40 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Election Rent..................................... 100.00 Susan Haemker, Election Worker ......... 45.00 Henry M. Adkins & Son, Inc, Services ......................................... 10094.69 Patty Humpal, Election Worker ..........275.60 IMWCA, Insurance ........................... 8070.00 Judith Krauskopf, Election Worker ..... 284.59 Lois Kuennen, Election Worker ..........270.00 Patricia Lien, Election Worker ..............60.00 Charles Lore, Election Worker............273.28 Elaine Lore, Election Worker..............255.00 Diane Lovstuen, Election Worker .......308.36 Jill Marquardt, Election Worker..........217.50 Molly McNicoll, Election Worker ...... 255.00 Jody Meyer, Election Worker..............287.69 Joseph Needham, Election Worker .....281.50 Kirsten Olson, Election Worker .......... 255.00 Dennis Peterson, Election Worker ......255.00 Marlene Pins, Election Worker ...........266.25 Joanne Schroeder, Election Worker .... 225.00 Susanne Scullin, Election Worker .........50.60 Beverly Sheridan, Election Worker.......37.50 Sonja Sola, Election Worker ...............266.25 JoAnn Thorsten, Election Worker .........45.00 Treasurer State of Iowa, Court Expenses ............................. 10257.00 Jane Vande Berg, Election Worker...... 255.00 Adrian Walter, Election Worker .......... 217.50 Paul Wermers, Election Worker .......... 248.40 Whitney Reporting Services, Services 254.00 Water Testing Grant Fund Bruce Barr, Fill Cistern ....................... 275.00 Adam Hemesath, Chlorination............ 300.00 Greg Hovey, Plug Well ....................... 500.00 State Hygienic Laboratory, Services ...870.00 Rural Services Basic Fund Daniel Beard, Meeting .......................... 45.00 Bruce Bergsgaard, Meeting...................45.00 Calmar Courier, Publications ................23.06 Column Software PBC, Publications ....31.51 Everest Property Group, LLC, Site Rent ..............................................80.00 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel .............................151.63 James Ludeking, Meeting ..................... 45.00 Tony Meyer, Meeting ............................45.00 Rick Monson, Meeting..........................45.00 Tony Phillips, Reimbursement .............. 25.00 Reliable Dumpster Services Inc, Services ........................................... 3105.00 Weis Buick GMC, Services .............. 8975.64 J Wayne Wicks, Meeting ....................... 45.00 Winn Co Landfill, Fees ..................... 2159.32 Secondary Road Fund AcenTek, Telephone Service...............151.78 All States Ag Parts-131464, Parts ......... 15.29 Alliant Energy, Utilities ...................... 968.92 Amazon Capital Services, Supplies ....489.99 AT&T Mobility, Cellular Service......2881.16 Becker Hardware, Inc., Supplies............. 4.99 Bodensteiner Implement Company, Services ........................................... 1760.42 Bruening Rock Prod, Materials....... 13050.16 Carquest Auto Parts, Parts................... 768.28 Chickasaw County Engineer, Payment.............................................142.69 DeBauche Truck & Diesel, Parts ......2145.65 Decorah Tire Service, Services ....... 12134.38 Don’s Truck Sales, Inc, Equipment..... 177.25 Elan Financial Services, Payment .........30.06 Fisk Farm & Home Inc., Supplies ........98.61 Freeport Water District, Utilities .........430.29 Harmony Telephone Company, Services ............................................. 117.08 Hovden Oil Co, Fuel ...........................600.82 Howard County Engineer, Payment....795.15 Howard’s Tire & Repair, Repairs ..........21.50 Iowa One Call, Services ........................29.70 Iowa Prison Industries, Signs..............409.75 LetterWerks Sign City, LLC, Signs ......75.00 Mabel Co-op Telephone, E911 Service 79.30 Martin Equipment of IA/IL, Inc, Supplies ......................................... 43967.78 MiBroadband, Services ....................... 112.08 Mid-American Research, Supplies .....251.33 Mitko Specialty Sales, Parts .............4412.55 MSC Industrial Supply Co., Parts .....1462.29 MWSCO, Supplies.............................. 536.27

Napa Auto Parts, Parts ........................885.75 Ossian, Inc, Supplies ......................... 9716.00 Racom Corporation, Services .............305.72 Nickolas Rissman, Reimbursment ........88.43 River City Paving, Materials.............3250.00 Ronco Engineering, Supplies ............ 1803.54 Sadler Power Train, Roads................2035.03 Safety X-treme, LLC, Supplies........... 112.75 Sanitation Resources, Inc, Services ......90.00 Society of Land Surveyors, Fees ........160.00 TraffiCalm Systems, Signs ..................707.00 Truck Country of Iowa, Services ...... 3284.71 UnityPoint Clinic, Services................. 252.00 Village Farm & Home, Supplies ......... 117.70 Winneshiek Co Ag Extension, Registration .......................................180.00 County Assessor Agency Fund Jim Alstad, Reimbursement .................. 63.98 Kwik Trip Inc, Fuel .............................215.65 E911 Surcharge Fund AcenTek, E911 Service .......................512.66 Alliant Energy, Utilities ......................795.29 American Tower Corporation, Rental ............

1950.52 Mabel Co-op Telephone, E911 Service .....................................390.58 Power Services Company, LLC, Services ............................................. 325.00 Racom Corporation, Services ......... 12125.00 Emergency Management Comm....................

Amazon Capital Services, Supplies .... 141.32 AT&T Mobility, Cellular Service..........49.96 Capital One, Payment ........................... 63.88 Elizabeth Dietrich, Reimbursement ...... 90.00 Elan Financial Services, Payment .......882.37 Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport, Lodging .............................................799.68 Leon’s Auto Repair, Services ..............404.84 Northeast Iowa RSVP, Reimbursement .................................750.00 Olson Explosives, Fuel ....................... 172.20 Isaac Phillips, Reimbursement ............ 102.00 Jake Schatz, Reimbursment .................. 90.00 Verizon Wireless, Cell Service ..............16.16 Winneshiek Co Health Ins Fund Midwest Group Benefits, Health Insurance ........................... 38254.77 Midwest Group Benefits, Fees ............ 990.00 Grand Total ................................... 435097.64 Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion November 23, 2023

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Decorah (Iowa) Public Opinion • November 23, 2023

Decorah Public Opinion Thursday, November 23, 2023 9

Decorah School Board

A group tours the renovated bus garage during the Decorah Community School District’s Nov. 20 open house. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

continued from front

Home School Assistance Program The Board heard a presentation from the directors of the Home School Assistance Program, which has new offices in the former District Administration Building on Winnebago Street in Decorah.

Program Directors Kelly Johnson and Bonnie Johnson said there are currently 68 students enrolled, serving 44 families. Approximately 40 percent of those students served by the program are open-enrolled into the Decorah District from neighboring communities. The directors said the program provides a bridge to the District, partnering with Decorah Schools, Luther College, Vesterheim, Winneshiek County Conservation and other agencies for extra-curricular options in the area. The program provides supervisory teachers for families who are home-schooling their children, as well as offering testing, curriculum direction and other services.

The program staff previously worked from offices at the old North Winneshiek School

Letter

and, most recently, at West Side School.

Natural Gas Risk Pool approved In an effort to lock in rates for natural gas usage, Decorah Community School District (DCSD) Board approved a participation agreement with the Iowa Local Government Risk Pool.

The 18-month contract was unanimously approved at Monday night’s meeting. Superintendent Cronin said that the contract allows the District to avoid risk associated with a volatile natural gas market. Cronin is familiar with the Risk Pool, as it was in place at previous school districts he served.

The Iowa Local Government Risk Pool is a 28E agreement founded in 2019 by K-12 public school districts to provide more stability to school district budgets by pool risks. Districts pay a single premium to cover all natural gas services for the year.

Cronin advised the Board that beyond ensuring budget security, the annual premium can come from the District’s Management Fund, relieving the District of having to use the General Fund for natural gas expenses.

There are currently 145 Iowa school districts participating in the state program.

Other business In other business Monday night, the Board learned there are preliminary talks going on with Sunflower Child Care and Development Center about a proposed rental of space for pre-

Congratulations Aase Haugen Throughout November, USDA Rural Development (RD) is celebrating Rural Health Day. I want to congratulate Aase Haugen Homes on receipt of a $1,000,000 USDA RD Emergency Rural Health Care Grant. This award is a key part of the Biden Administra-

tion’s Invest in America initiative – focused on rural America.

President Biden is committed to ensuring the success of rural hospitals and health care facilities by helping them purchase supplies, equipment, renovate, replace operating costs, recover from the recent public health

Retiring Decorah Community School District board members Ben Lange, at left, and John Hjelle, were honored at a special recognition during the open house prior to the Board’s monthly meeting Monday night.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

school in the new facility, which is currently under construction.

Funding for cost of classroom rental at the new Sunflower facility would be paid from PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) funds, which would save some general fund costs associated with West Side School, which was described as “being in desperate need of operational updates”. Cronin stressed that these talks with Sunflower administrators are in the early stages, and many issues would need to be clarified before moving forward with such a rental agreement. Currently, West Side School accommodates

preschool and Head Start classrooms.

Enrollment figures at Decorah Schools also were discussed at Monday’s meeting, and a downward trend was illustrated, with enrollment going from 1,618 last year to 1,598 currently.

LOOKS LIKE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY?

crisis, and meet the needs of the communities they serve. Aase Haugen Homes used the award to assist with construction of their new facility in Decorah.

This award is one example of what Invest in America looks like in Winneshiek County.

Theresa Greenfield USDA RD State Director Iowa

Full-time & Part-time Community Assistants FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING

to accommodate all types of work, school & social schedules.

Full Circle Services offers sick, vacation and personal time to our part time staff.

DAYTIME HOURS AVAILABLE!

Apply at: www.fullcircleneia.applicantpro.com/jobs/ or call Jared Morriss at 563-277-2029, jared.morriss@fullcircleneia.com

JOIN OUR TEAM

Grant Zilka & Elizabeth Pritchard ents are Keith and Jessica Zilka.

Grant Zilka is a Junior Drum Major and plays the Baritone Saxophone in the High School Band. Grant is actively involved in Track & Field, Cross Country and band. His par-

Elizabeth Pritchard is a Senior Drum Major and plays trumpet in the High School Band. She is actively involved in tennis, speech, drama, vocal music, band and National Honor Society. Her parents are Lisa and the late Jim Pritchard.

Dustin Bliven, High School Band Teacher said, “Grant and Liz were exceptional as Drum Majors this year for the Pride of the Vikings Marching Band.

They worked together to help lead the band to a successful season. As Drum Majors they conducted the band for every performance and were out on the field helping their peers learn the show. They demonstrated great teamwork skills and positive attitudes. Because of their strong leadership the band rose to a new level this year! Grant and Liz were selected as the Class 3A Outstanding Drum Majors at the Muskie Marching Invite in Muscatine this season. The band is extremely proud to have these two outstanding leaders within our program.”

Kylie Zoulek

Kylie Zoulek is 7th grade trumpet player. Middle School Band Teacher, Matthew Cody commented, “In the short time I have known Kylie, I have found her to be an extraordinarily hard worker. Her consistent practice resulted in a “Superior” rating from the judges during our Middle School Band Solo Festival. Her hard work is paying off and I look forward to her continued growth.” Kylie is actively involved in Mock Trial, 4-H, Chorus, Cross Country, and Band. Her parents are Missy Otteson-Zoulek and Mike Zoulek.

Decorah Music A Tradition of Excellence

westmusic.com

To learn more and support the school music programs, visit our Facebook page @ Decorah Music Boosters

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meetings at 6:30 p.m., from October through February; and at 5:30 p.m., during the remaining months of the year. Any changes in that schedule would be published on the District’s website.

Outgoing Board members John Hjelle and Ben Lange were presented plaques and thanked for their many years of service on the DCSD Board. Lange had also served on the North Winneshiek School Board of Directors for many years.

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New Hampton

Coming up in varsity sports

Nov. 27 – TV g/b bb vs. New Hampton, 6:15 p.m.

Nov. 28 – Dec/SW g wr at Central Elkader tnmt., 5 p.m.; NH-TV/ SW wr at TV, 5:30 p.m.; Dec b swim at Cedar Falls, 6 p.m.; SW g/b bb vs. TV, 6:15 p.m.; Dec g bb vs. Wahlert, 7:30 p.m.; TV g bb vs. Kee, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 30 – Dec/NH-TV g wr at Dan Gable Donnybrook tnmt.

(Coralville), TBD; Dec 1 – Dec/NH-TV g/b wr at Dan Gable Donnybrook tnmt.

(Coralville), TBD; Dec bowl at Waukon, 4 p.m.; SW g/b bb at Central Elkader, 6:15 p.m.; TV g/b bb vs. North Fayette Valley, 6:15 p.m.; Dec b bb at Epworth-Western Dubuque, 7:30 p.m.

Sports Editor: Becky Walz

•

PAGE 10

THURSDAY

NOVEMBER 23, 2023

DECORAH, SOUTH WINNESHIEK, TURKEY VALLEY

•

sports@decorahnewspapers.com

Decorah produces 47 points

Opening up a new season Tuesday against Dike-New Hartford (1-0), the Decorah girls’ basketball team (0-1, 0-0 NEIC) couldn’t get the momentum in the second half, falling 72-47.

After nearly keeping pace with the Wolverines in the first half, the Vikes trailed 38-30 at the break; however, it was the third quarter that put Decorah in a big hole. Dike-New Hartford outscored the home team 21-7 to carry a 59-27 lead into the final period and eventually gave the visitors the victory.

Individual stats were unavailable at press time.

Decorah will host Wahlert Catholic Tuesday, Nov. 28, in a girls’ only night of action that starts at 6:15 p.m., then is off until Saturday, Dec. 2, when the Vikings host Center Point-Urbana at 1:30 p.m.

Arena in Coralville for the Dan Gable Donnybrook Thursday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 1.

G o i n g on the road to start the season for back-toback games, the South Winn girls’ basketball team (1-1, 1-0 UIC) faced some uphill battles.

Decorah 54, Fort Dodge 15 100 – Double forfeit; 105 – Chloe Sheffield (Dec) won by forfeit; 110 – Dec lost by forfeit; 115 – Cassie Wilkins (Dec) lost 3-0 dec. to Alejandra Manzanilla (FD); 120 – Ellie Adams (Dec) WBF in 0:31 over Araya Fellers (FD); 125 – Stella Grinna (Dec) won by forfeit; 130 – Double forfeit; 135 – McKenzie Tollefson (Dec) WBF in 1:42 over Macy Brown (FD); 140 – Amelia Wadsworth (Dec) LBF in 2:16 to Mariaha Benedict (FD); 145 – Ana Simon (Dec) WBF in 1:26 over Delaney O’Connor (FD); 155 – Lauren Luzum (Dec) won by forfeit; 170 – Naomi Simon (Dec) WBF in 1:47 over Maddie Pulis (FD); 190 – Kamryn Steines (Dec) won by forfeit; 235 – Madysen Lippe (Dec) won by forfeit Decorah 66, Denver 12 100 – Sheffield (Dec) won by forfeit; 105 – Double forfeit; 110 – Dec lost by forfeit; 115 – Wilkins (Dec) won by forfeit; 120 – Adams (Dec) WBF in 0:45 over Bre Larson (Den); 125 – Grinna (Dec) WBF in 0:34 over Ruby McKinney (Den); 130 – Dec lost by forfeit; 135 – Tollefson (Dec) WBF in 1:02 over Maddie Johnson (Den); 140 – Wadsworth (Dec) WBF in 0:34 over Chloe Bloker (Den); 145 – A. Simon (Dec) WBF in 4:43 over Tyanna Teetzen (Den); 155 – Luzum (Dec) won by forfeit; 170 – N. Simon (Dec) won by forfeit; 190 – Steines (Dec) WBF in 1:12 over McKenna Broadhead (Den); 235 – Lippe (Dec) WBF in 2:18 over Kennedy Burk (Den) Decorah 54, S.W.A.T. Valkyrie 24 100 – Sheffield (Dec) WBF in 1:50 over Jazz Christensen (SWAT); 105 – Dec lost by forfeit; 110 – Double forfeit; 115 – Wilkins (Dec) WBF in 2:31 over Malea Cambage (SWAT); 120 – Dec lost by forfeit; 125 – Adams

McKenzie Tollefson was one of six wrestlers to go undefeated Tuesday at the East versus West tournament in Fort Dodge, for Decorah, as the Vikings won the Navy bracket.

(Driftless Multimedia file photo by Becky Walz) (Dec) LBF in 1:41 to Cadence Kinzie (SWAT); 130 – Grinna (Dec) won by forfeit; 135 – Tollefson (Dec) WBF in 0:49 over Bailey Lillard (SWAT); 140 – Wadsworth (Dec) won by forfeit; 145 – A. Simon (Dec) WBF in 1:36 over Mia South (SWAT); 155 – Luzum (Dec) WBF in 0:22 over Alexa Anderson (SWAT); 170 – N. Simon (Dec) WBF in 2:51 over Grace Britten (SWAT); 190 – Steines (Dec) WBF in 1:07 over Megan Gerlock (SWAT); 235 – Lippe (Dec) LBF in 0:24 to Haley Armstrong (SWAT) Decorah 46, Sioux Central 18 100 – Sheffield (Dec) WBF in 0:55

over Ashley Alvarado (SC); 105 – Double forfeit; 110 – Double forfeit; 115 – Wilkins (Dec) LBF in 2:47 to Nichole Hart (SC); 120 – Adams (Dec) won 9-0 maj. dec. over April Banda (SC); 125 – Grinna (Dec) LBF in 2:56 to Makala Zeka (SC); 130 – Double forfeit; 135 – Tollefson (Dec) WBF in 1:34 over Viv Orenday (SC); 140 – Wadsworth (Dec) WBF in 1:48 over Odola Cham (SC); 145 – A. Simon (Dec) WBF in 1:22 over Sigrid Adams (SC); 155 – Dec lost by forfeit; 170 – N. Simon (Dec) won by forfeit; 190 – Steines (Dec) won by forfeit; 235 – Lippe (Dec) WBF in 2:50 over Jazzmin DeShazer (SC)

Season opener; TV shows strong defense The Turkey Valley girls’ basketball team (0-1, 0-1 UIC0 took the court for the first time in the 2023-24 season Tuesday, falling to Kee (1-0, 1-0 UIC) at home, 52-45.

The Trojans put up a strong effort against the Hawks after trailing by as many as 21 points.

The Red and White kept pace

with the visitors in the early going but it was Kee in control 17-12 after the first frame.

The Hawks extended their lead to 35-22 by halftime and led 48-27 with eight minutes to play. Finally the Trojans found a rhythm, limiting Kee to four points in the final quarter to get back into the single digits, but

18 fourth-quarter points weren’t enough to pull out the win.

Addison Steinlage drained 11 points to go with six steals and six assists as Alexis Elsbernd came off the bench to drain a trio of three-pointers en route to her 11-point game. Under the basket Delaney Busta and Haylee Hanson pulled down seven rebounds apiece.

The Trojans roll into the season with three games next week, starting as hosts to New Hampton Monday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, Turkey Valley will make the short trip to Calmar to battle South Winn.

Kee 17 18 13 4 Turkey Valley 12 10 5 18

Mariah Throndson (left) and Annika Bodensteiner double team a Kee player who looks to make a pass following a defensive rebound Tuesday. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Becky Walz)

52 45

Scoring – Addison Steinlage 11; Alexis Elsbernd 11; Mariah Throndson 7; Annika Bodensteiner 6; Haylee Hanson 5; Layni Schuchhardt 3; Delaney Busta 2 Rebounds – D. Busta 7; Hanson 7; Bodensteiner 5; Elsbernd 3; M. Throndson 3; Schuchhardt 2; Steinlage 1; Bella Stika 1; Assists – Steinlage 6; M. Throndson 2; Schuchhardt 1; Hanson 1; Steals – Steinlage 6; Schuchhardt 3; Bodensteiner 2; M. Throndson 2; Elsbernd 1; D. Busta 1

Three locals named all-state football Three local football players were honored being named to the Iowa Football Coaches Association/Iowa Print Sports Writers Association all-state teams.

Two members from the Decorah squad and one from Turkey Valley were chosen. Recognized for the Vikes were senior Dakota Johnson and junior William Hahn. Trojan selected was senior Oliver Schmitt.

Vikings Johnson was named to the first team as running back after earning a first team All-District nod. The senior averaged 8.2 yards a carry out of the backfield. Scoring 21 times, he was third in state in Class 4A. He led the Vikings and was third in Class 4A in rushing for the season with 1,358 yards on 156 carries.

Receiving his first all-state nod on second team, Hahn helped the Vikes score 35 touchdowns and gain a total of 2,769 offensive yards as an offensive lineman. The junior is a two-time all-district honoree, earning second team designation as a sophomore and first team this season.

Trojan Schmitt was recognized on the second team as Turkey Valley’s leading tackler with 81 total tackles (61 solo, 42 assisted), six sacks and six tackles for a loss. In addition, the senior linebacker recovered two fumbles and had one interception returned for 10 yards. This season, he to earn his second first team all-district nod.

Xavier; B r o d y Lee, Sr., P, Mason City; B r o c k Carpenter, Sr., Ret., EpworthW D ; D r e s h a u n Dakota Johnson Ross, So., Sr., Decorah Def. UT, First Team Fort Dodge; All-State D a y n e Mauk, Sr., Def. UT, Dallas Center-Grimes

Class 4A first team

Class 4A second team Ronan Thomas, Sr., QB, Xavier; Jack Stevens, Sr., RB/FB, Clear Creek-Amana; Caleb Moore, Sr., RB/ FB, Bondurant-Farrar; Cody Klein, Sr., RB/FB, Newton; Kaiden Griffith, Sr., WR/TE, Marion; Keilor Rodman, Sr., WR/TE, Norwalk; Eli Robbins, So., WR/TE, Norwalk; William Hahn, Jr., OL, Decorah; Caleb Oberhoffer, Jr., OL, ADM; Nathan Beyenhof, Jr., OL, Council Bluffs Lewis Central; Sam Christoffer, Sr., OL, Epworth-WD; Jace Borcherding, Sr., OL, Xavier; Lathan McDaniel, Jr., OL, Indianola; Andrew Mohan, Sr., K, Waverly-Shell Rock; Luke Hardman, Sr., Off. UT, Pella; Benny Ramker, Sr., Off. UT, Waverly-Shell Rock; Alex Allen, Sr., DL, Lemars; Batpiny, Riak, Sr., DL, Bondurant-Farrar; Kolton BorcherdingJohnson, Jr., DL, Norwalk; Payton Putz, Sr., DL, Epworth-WD; Logan Tilkes, Jr., LB, Marion; Caleb Moore, Sr., LB, Council Bluffs Lewis Central; Hunter Quagliano, Sr., LB, EpworthWD; Grant Helmle, Sr., LB, Xavier; Nathan Feldmann, Jr., DB, North Polk; Nate Lampe, Sr., DB, Newton; Owen Jordahl, Sr., DB, North Scott; Kellan Scott, Sr., DB, Glenwood;

Brady Hetzel, Jr., QB, Council Bluffs Lewis Central; Dakota Johnson, Sr., RB/FB, Decorah; Grant Glausser, Sr., RB/FB, Epworth-WD; Titus Cram, Sr., RB/FB, Bondurant-Farrar; Reed Pfaltzgraff, Sr., WR/TE, BondurantFarrar; Payton Longmeyer, Sr., WR/ TE, Glenwood; Cash Bowe, Jr., WR/ TE, North Scott; Caden Hotz, Sr., OL, Waverly-Shell Rock; Bryce Baker, Sr, OL, Bondurant-Farrar; Garret Rutledge, Sr., OL, Council Bluffs Lewis Central; Parker Getter, Sr., OL, Glenwood; Garrett Kluesner, Jr., OL, Epworth-WD; Matt Cunningham, Sr., OL, North Scott; Aidan Flora, Sr., Off. UT, ADM; Kyler, Gerardy, Sr., Off., UT, North Scott; Wyatt DeWitt, Sr., DL, Indianola; Dalton House, Sr., DL, Bondurant-Farrar; Trent Patton, Sr., DL, Glenwood; Eddie Becu, Sr., DL, Xavier; Brayden Foster, Sr., LB, North Polk; Derek Hoerner, Sr., EpworthWD; Owen Thomas, Sr., LB, Council Bluffs Lewis Central; Kamdyn Cross, Sr., LB, Council Bluffs Lewis Central; Luke Wiebers, Sr., DB, Denison; Curtis Witte, Sr., DB, Council Bluffs Lewis Central; Tate Perrin, Jr., DB, Dallas Center-Grimes; Adam Cook, Sr., DB,

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Warriors face first hurdles

Viking girls top Navy bracket Traveling to Fort Dodge Tuesday for the East vs. West tournament, the Decorah girls’ wrestling team picked up the Navy bracket title at the East versus West tournament, going 4-0 for the day.

After a first-round bye, the day opened with a 54-15 Viking win over Fort Dodge, followed by a 66-12 victory over Denver.

In round four, Decorah defeated S.W.A.T. Valkyrie 54-24 and finished the day winning 46-18 over Sioux Central.

Helping the Vikings to the title were six grapplers who went undefeated for the day including Chloe Sheffield who wrestled at both 100 and 105 pounds, earning two pins and receiving a pair of forfeits. At 135 pounds.

McKenzie Tollefson pinned her way to a perfect 4-0 day, as did Ana Simon (145). Lauren Luzum received a pair of forfeits and took 22 seconds in a match against S.W.A.T. opponent Alexa Anderson to go 3-0 at 155 pounds. It was a pair of falls combined with two forfeits for 170 pound Naomi Simon.

Rounding out the perfect day at 190 pounds was Kamryn Steines with two pins and two forfeits.

The Vikings are back in tournament action Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Central Elkader at 5 p.m., then will head to the Xtreme

•

William Hahn Jr., Decorah Second Team All-State

Oliver Schmitt Sr., Turkey Valley Second Team All-State

Bradyn Cory, Sr., P, North Polk; Colton Beasler-Weber, Sr., Ret., Xavier; Will Clark, Sr., Def. UT, Norwalk; Kayden Anderson, Sr., Def. UT, Glenwood Eight man second team Chase Speiker, Jr., QB, CAM; Aiden Klostermann, Sr., RB/FB, Central City; Evan Alt, Sr., RB/FB, Audubon; Garrison Motsinger, Jr., RB/FB, Bedford; Landon Blum, Fr., WR/TE, Woodbine; Justin Bauer, Sr., WR/TE, Bishop Garrigan; Chase Waterhouse, Sr., OL, WACO; Daiton Price, Sr, OL, Central City; Gavin Neely, Sr., OL, Bedford; Michael Boyd, Jr., OL, Gladbrook-Reinbeck; Andrew Kimball, Sr., K, Don Bosco; Beau Burns, So., Off. UT, BGM; Shane Hemlick, Sr., Off. UT, Moravia; Jax Stamp, Sr., DL, Belle Plaine; Abram Edwarts, Sr., DL, Winfield Mt. Union; Mekhi Bentin, Sr., DL, Central City; Brody Ludwig, Sr., DL, Bishop Garrigan; Conner Nally, Sr., LB, Bedford; Oliver Schmitt, Sr., LB, Turkey Valley; Benjy Trainer, Sr., LB, Bishop Garrigan; Gabe Funk, Jr., DB, Lenox; Aaron Olsen, Jr., DB, Audubon; Edward Miller, Sr., P, Audubon; Wyatt Throckmorton, Sr., Ret., Moravia; Dalton Mudderman, Jr., Def. UT, Kee; Jaxon Zaugg, Sr., Def. UT, West Bend-Mallard

Rebounds – Winings 4; Ella Theis 4; Willey 3; Hageman 3; Ryan 3; Charlotte Moonen 1; Assists – Willey 1; Steals – Theis 4; Wenthold 3; Ryan 3; Hageman 2; Willey 2; Adele Conway 1

Adrienne Winings

Game one North Butler started out strong in Monday’s opener, pulling ahead of the Warriors 21-2 after the first quarter.

While South Winn continued to battle, increasing its offensive in each period, the Warriors couldn’t overcome the initial period, and fell 47-30.

The Warriors were led by Adrienne Winings who was in double figures with 11 points to go with four rebounds. Loleta Ryan dropped in seven points and nabbed three boards while Aubrey Willey and Chloe Wiltgen each provided four points.

Ella Theis came away with four steals.

“We played hard and did a good job fighting until the end.

We just kept fighting and clawing our way through and competed the rest of the night,” said Coach Justin Izer.

Scoring – Adrienne Winings 11; Loleta Ryan 7; Aubrey Willey 4; Chloe Wiltgen 4; Karissa Wenthold 2; Allison Hageman 2

UIC opener Facing another game with early adversity, the Warriors came out on top Tuesday over Clayton Ridge (0-1, 0-1 UIC) with a 35-30 victory.

Out of the gate, South Winn trailed the Eagles 7-0, a disadvantage that grew to 16-8 at halftime. Defensive intensity by the Warriors in the second half brought them back into the game and a lead. Karissa Wenthold hit a couple of crucial treys late in the game and knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the deal.

Wenthold led the charge with 14 points along with three steals, while Ryan dropped in seven points and Theis had six.

Willey and Ryan each induced four steals, with Willey pulling down six boards.

Scoring – Wenthold 14; Ryan 7; Theis 6; Willey 5; Winings 2; Hageman 1 Rebounds – Willey 6; Moonen 4; Hageman 3; Theis 3; Wenthold 2; Ryan 2; Winings 1; Alyssa Holthaus 1; Assists – Willey 2; Ryan 1; Steals – Willey 4; Ryan 4; Wenthold 3; Holthaus 1; Blocks – Holthaus 1

Week two The Warriors will host Turkey Valley Tuesday, Nov. 28, with the game slated to tip off at 6:15 p.m.

Picking up the win Tuesday for the Decorah girls’ varsity bowling team were (l-r) Anika Grinna, Marri Feuerhelm, Karlie Einck, Jasera Tweten, Addison Wickland and Rylee Averhoff. (Photo courtesy of Amy Averhoff)

Keglers open season with wins The Decorah girls and boys bowling teams put an exclamation point to the start of the season Tuesday with each defeating Sumner-Fredericksburg at King Pin Entertainment Center in Decorah.

The boys won 3,026 to 2,599 over the Cougars with senior captain Cade Averhoff leading the way. Baker scores were 199, 151, 189, 187 and 222.

Averhoff produced a big night. He had a 278 and 203 to lead the way, with junior Bryce Elsbernd also strong with a 259 and 177. Sophomore Tyler Novak rolled out games of 204 and 215, while Jace Buddenberg added scores of 223 and 190.

Also on the lanes in varsity action were Brock Christensen (183-146) and Timothy Round (202-112).

“I am really happy with the kids and the work ethic they

have shown in the first two weeks of practice,” said Coach Keith Bruening.

In girls’ action, the Vikes collected the win 2,332 to 1,820.

Baker scores were 124, 190, 162, 183 and 181.

At the top of the girls’ games was Marri Feuerhelm who contributed scores of 171 and 157 (328), followed by Anika Grinna with games of 159 and 164.

Other varsity participants were Rylee Averhoff (130, 150), Karlie Einck (157, 140), Jasera Tweten (122, 127) and Addison Wicklund (129, 135).

“We had the first night jitters, but overall I am pleased with our start to the season,” noted Coach K. Bruening. “We will keep working hard to improve.”

The Vikes have time to work on their games as Decorah isn’t back to competition until Friday, Dec. 1, at Waukon at 4 p.m.

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