Third annual Wine Down Decorah set for Friday
local food and drink pop-ups from area establishments. Attendees may start at one location and walk the downtown loop to visit all retailers involved. There are 12 participating retailers and 18 pop-ups promising
Participating
Practical Farmers of Iowa invites area farmers and producers to attend a casual meet-up from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company in Decorah. Farmers growing vegetables, fruit, flowers and orchard crops are welcome to attend. Organizers said the meetup will allow horticulture farmers to establish networks of local connections and support with other farmers in their area. Farmers are invited to gather together to meet one another, build relationships, share plans and ideas, and learn as they prepare for the coming season.
Barneløpet children’s ski/walk
event to be held at Decorah Prairie
Area families are invited to participate in the annual Barneløpet, a non-competitive ski or walk event, which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Decorah Community Prairie. Registration will begin at 9:40 a.m., and skiers must provide their own skis. Barneløpet is Norwegian for “kids race,” and Sons of Norway lodges all over the country sponsor Barneløpet events. The event is modeled after the Barnebirke, a children’s cross-county ski race held each year as a part of the American Birkebeiner in Hayward, Wisconsin.
Robey Memorial Library to hold fraud awareness education
Robey Memorial Library in Waukon will be offering Guardians of Trust Fraud Awareness and Prevention at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 in the lower level community room.
Barneløpet is open to children ages 3-13 of all skill levels. Participants receive a ski bib at the starting line and a medal when they complete the course. Families are welcome to ski or walk along the course. Hot chocolate and homemade cookies will be served for everyone by the fireside.
“We will enjoy a walk in the prairie if there is no snow. The only cancelations will be in the case of severe cold or ice,” said
program organizer Darlene Fossum-Martin. The public may check vesterheim.org or Vesterheim’s social media for possible cancelations.
The free event is a collaboration between Vesterheim and three Sons of Norway Lodges, including Valdres #503 in Decorah; Heimbygda #376 in Lanesboro, Minnesota; and Valheim #364 in Spring Grove,
Minnesota. Barneløpet is offered at no cost thanks to support from Jon and Mary Hart of Decorah in memory of Kjell Arne Berntsen.
The Decorah Community Prairie can be accessed by car at the south end of Ohio Street, near Aase Haugen Homes. The trail will be in a loop, with the start and finish at the site of the butterfly garden.
The public is invited to join the library to gain insight into recognizing and preventing various frauds which target seniors. Paula Merfeld, a native of Dubuque and current Decorah resident, will present information on the latest online scams, how to identify them and effective measures to protect against them. Attendees will also gain practical knowledge on using digital devices safely and confidently, with a focus on the GrandPad tablet and phone designed for seniors. Registration for this program is encouraged but not required. Contact the library’s front desk or reserve a spot online by calling 563-568-4424 or emailng www.waukon.lib.ia.us.
BIRTHDAY
Public invited to learn iPhone, iPad basics at Decorah Library
February 1, 2025
Avery Flatland & Andrew Sabelka
June 21, 2025 Madison Sexton & Cole Tweten
June 28, 2025 Gina Radewan & Blake Holthaus
The public is invited to join Decorah Public Library staff for a hands-on workshop, “iPhone and iPad Basics,” at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29. This interactive session is geared toward beginners looking for guidance on how to get the most out of their Apple devices. During the workshop, participants will learn to navigate their device, connect to Wi-Fi safely and securely, identify and use common apps and adjust helpful settings. Participants should bring their own devices to the workshop. Decorah Public Library staff will be on hand to provide personalized assistance and answer questions. Advance registration is required. For more information or to sign up, contact Decorah Public Library at 563-382-3717 or visit decorahlibrary.org. This program was made possible thanks to a grant from AT&T and the Public Library Association.
July 19, 2025
Rachel Grimstad & Ben Krutzfeldt
August 16, 2025
Shelby Schroeder & Ryan Schmalen
September 20, 2025 Andrea Heins & Lyle Huinker
December 31,
&
Photo submitted
Eileen Nordheim! HAPPY 100th
‘I’m doing well because of other people’
Dix looks back on unexpected stroke and successful recovery
BY SETH BOYES NEWS EDITOR
Sheena Dix of Decorah says she’s doing well, considering what happened to her brain nearly a year ago. Dix experienced a stroke in early February of 2024 at the age of 46.
“I don’t remember having the stroke,” Dix said. “I was just going into the bathroom to get ready, and the next thing I knew it was three weeks later and everybody was telling me what happened.”
Dix said she didn’t experience any potential warning signs immediately before her stroke — no sudden head ache,
no tingling sensations or loss of feeling. But she was told her teenage daughter found her on the bathroom floor that afternoon, about 10-30 minutes after her physicians estimate the stroke occurred. The girl called her father, and soon an emergency call was placed. Dix said doctors at Decorah’s WinnMed facility determined she was having a hemorrhagic stroke, which is often associated with a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into the brain, according to information from the National Institutes of Health. Dix said she was quickly airlifted to a Mayo Clinic facility in Rochester, Minnesota.
“When I got to Mayo, they decided I needed to have surgery — a craniotomy — to get rid of the hematoma that was sitting in my brain,” she said. “A big blood clot was sitting there, and I wouldn’t be able to heal or do well until that was out of there.”
Dix said her doctors were at somewhat of a loss to explain what led to her unexpected stroke. She said any number of things might have combined to form the proverbial perfect storm that particular day, but she said her doctors pointed to an abundance of stress as one of the more major factors — Dix said she was going through a divorce at the time, she had just started a new full-time job after serving as a social worker for elderly individuals, and she was also a full-time student at that time, aiming to become a funeral director.
“They said I was probably
having blood pressure surges, even though I didn’t have high blood pressure or anything,” Dix said. “Going into that, I was a fairly healthy person, exercising, eating decently. I’m not overweight. I don’t have high blood pressure. I didn’t have diabetes or anything that tends to be an indicator for strokes.”
Dix was told she spoke and answered questions during the three weeks of therapy following her surgery, but she has no memory of that time.
Dix
continued on page 5
Sheena Dix of Decorah experienced an unexpected stroke nearly a year ago at the age of 46. She said she is doing well today, because of the support she received from her friends, family and community during her recovery. (Photo submitted)
at some point in their lifetime. In its “Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022,” the WSO reported that the number of individuals who will have a stroke in their lifetime had increased by 50 percent over the previous 17 years, which underscores a need for the general public to better understand stroke and its controllable risk factors. Such variables include avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, minimizing if not eliminating alcohol consumption, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
To schedule an appointment, call:
Local dietitian discusses benefits of family meals
Having family meals might just be your best
goal for
Family meals are more than just a time to
together — they are a cornerstone for building strong relationships, fostering healthy habits and promoting
well-being. Research highlights numerous benefits of shared mealtime, emphasizing its critical role in physical health, mental health and family dynamics.
Better nutrition and health outcomes
Studies consistently show families who eat meals together consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient-dense foods regardless of the meals they prepare. A 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that children and adolescents who regularly participated in family meals were more likely to meet nutritional
needs and maintain a stable, healthy weight. Additionally, family meals can lower the risk of disordered eating behaviors by providing a structured environment for modeling positive eating habits.
Reduced risk of risky behaviors
The benefits of family meals extend beyond nutrition. Research from The National Cen-
ter on Addiction and Substance Abuse has shown that adolescents who frequently dine with their families are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use. The structured setting of mealtime fosters communication and trust, giving parents an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and reinforce family values.
Mental health and emotional connection
Regular family meals are linked to better mental health for children and parents alike. Shared mealtime creates an opportunity for families to connect emotionally, strengthening bonds and promoting a sense of belonging. This emotional closeness has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. For parents, family meals provide a consis-
tent routine which reinforces their role as caregivers and nurturers.
Supporting trust and autonomy
Mealtime structure helps develop trust around eating and supports a child’s autonomy. When parents focus on providing a variety of good-tasting options without pressuring children to eat specific foods, children learn to trust their internal hunger and fullness cues. This balance of structure and freedom prevents power struggles over food and reduces the risk of eating problems. Experts emphasize that the relationship parents foster with their children during meals is more important than perfect food choices. By prioritizing connection and conversation over rigid dietary rules, parents create a positive and supportive eating environment. This
approach not only supports internal regulation but also helps children develop a lifelong healthy relationship with food. The role of routine
The predictability of family meals helps establish a comforting routine, which is especially valuable for younger children. Consistent meal times teach children the importance of regular eating patterns, aiding in the development of internal regulation and reducing the likelihood of overeating or undereating. Having a meal routine also allows children the freedom to experiment with trying new foods, because they know there will always be a next meal with foods they can fill up on.
Relationship over food
While the nutritional benefits of family meals are undeniable, their true power lies in fostering relationships and emotional well-being. The dinner table becomes a space where trust is built, autonomy is respected and family bonds are strengthened. By emphasizing connection over perfection, families can use mealtime to nourish both body and soul — one conversation, one meal and one moment at a time.
The author is a registered dietitian, with specialty certifications in eating disorders, child feeding, diabetes and sports nutrition. She is the executive director of the Ellyn Satter Institute, Inc. and works with clients in her private practice at A. Blocker Nutrition Counseling in Decorah.
DRIFTLESS HEALTH & WELLNESS
Strategies to manage and tame stress
Stress is a part of life. In small doses, stress can have a positive effect. But when stress is chronic, it can take its toll on the body and mind. Stress can make people irritable and cause them to lash out at others. Stress also can contribute to high blood pressure and adversely affect sleep. When confronting chronic stress, individuals may have to take action to find relief. These stress-busting strategies can help.
• Engage in physical activity. The Mayo Clinic says any form of exercise can help relieve stress. Physical activity boosts chemicals in the brain and endorphins that help a person feel good. Exercise also can refocus attention so a person is not preoccupied with a stressful
thought or situation.
• Listen to music. Music can be calming and serve as a distraction from stressful feelings. Simply listening to music can be a quick fix for a stressful situation and a bad mood.
• Review your lifestyle. It’s easy to take on too much, but doing so can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, says the Mental Health Foundation. Prioritizing some things over others and delegating when possible can tame stress.
• Practice mindfulness. Breathing and mindfulness exercises can be practiced anywhere. Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. Deep breathing and being in a quiet moment when stress peaks may
help to reduce stress.
• Step away for a few minutes. If possible, step away from a stressful situation, whether it is a difficult project at work or a loud room with a lot of activity going on. Many people find commuting stressful. Changing the route to one that avoids busy roads, even if it takes a bit longer to get from point A to point B, might help.
• Talk it out. Sometimes connecting with others and sharing experiences can help to relieve stress. Keeping feelings in and fixating on a situation may exacerbate feelings of stress. Social situations that encourage talking and laughing can lighten a person’s mental load, says the Mayo Clinic.
• Don’t turn to substances. Alcohol and drugs may temporarily relieve stress, but this approach can lead to addiction and even worsen the physical and mental toll stress takes on the body.
Stress is a part of life, but finding ways to manage chronic stress is vital to long-term health.
The importance of wellness exams after 50
Seniors are a growing and increasingly prosperous demographic. As the senior population increases, a greater emphasis must be placed on keeping aging individuals healthy. Wellness checks are important at any age, but they bear even more significance as individuals grow older.
Age brings with it many things, including experience and wisdom. But age also brings an increased risk for health problems. Aging men and women are vulnerable to chronic conditions like heart disease, COPD, cancer, and arthritis. It’s noteworthy that many chronic health conditions fail to produce any symptoms until they have progressed to a point where treatment is difficult.
Annual wellness exams can help older adults take charge of their health and stay as healthy as possible. It’s possible for a person to preserve his or her health (and possibly life) through check-ups and easy tests. Here are some common screenings and health recommendations that come up in the prime of one’s life.
• Colorectal cancer screening: A colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone
at age 45. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and risk increases at age 45. Although people seldom look forward to a colonoscopy and the required prep, putting off this test due to a little discomfort may result in missing colon cancer at its earliest stage when it is most treatable.
• Cholesterol screening: This simple blood test can help evaluate the risk for heart disease. High cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, making them narrower and less flexible, according to Sharecare, Inc.
• Mammogram: Most health organizations recommend annual mammogram screenings from age 40 until menopause. Then it may be possible to have a mammogram every other year for those who are at average risk. It is important for women to discuss mammogram frequency with their doctors, particularly if there is a family history of breast cancer.
• Diabetes: ChenMed says diabetes may be more common in older adults, so regular screenings for this illness can enable early diagnosis and management.
• Testicular cancer screening: This test generally is not recommended without symptoms. Some organizations suggest men with a family history or other risk factors consider performing self-examinations.
• Vaccination needs: Doctors can alert patients to recommended vaccinations during wellness exams. Seniors should receive an annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccination as available. Pneumococcal vaccine can protect against pneumococcal disease that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.
Adults over 50 also should receive a vaccination for shingles, which can occur in older age in those who have previously experienced chickenpox.
There are additional advantages to routine health checkups. Doctors can inquire about fitness routines, stress, sleep, and diet to see if patients are within the guidelines for healthy living.
Age may make a person wiser, but the risk for various health issues and certain diseases increases. Routine health check-ups can keep doctors and patients on the same page.
Dix
“When you’re told that you’re saying things and doing things but you have no recollection of it, it’s very weird,” she said. “I thought that I would remember more, but I don’t. Emotionally, it was very tough. The whole thing was very tough.”
Dix said she was surprised by how many different emotions her experience brought on — particularly feelings of anger — and she recommended anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances speak with a therapist or join a support group with whom they can be open about their internal struggles.
“Find help however you can, and don’t be too proud to ask for help and take advice from the people who know best,” she said She also encouraged others to be honest with their doctors about symptoms they are experiencing — she said she herself experienced headaches for years, but it’s unclear whether those were related to her eventual stroke.
“You’ve just got to be really patient and trust the process,” Dix said of her recovery. “Me being a social worker for elders going through all kinds of different things, that helped me a
continued from page 3
lot to know that perspective to start with, but most people aren’t going to know that going into something like this. Trusting the doctors, trusting the therapists and really putting the work in has helped a lot too.”
Dix said it also helped to be surrounded by a caring community.
“I’m doing well because of other people,” she said.
An online fundraiser created in mid-March of 2024 raised nearly $15,000 for Dix, and she said a benefit dance was also organized to support her. Dix recalled her father and her friend Misty Kerndt moving into Dix’s house following her return to be sure she was able to keep her various appointments — Dix and her daughter were later welcomed into Kerndt’s home when Dix could no longer afford the mortgage payments on her own home. Dix went on to say it seemed supporters were coming out of the woodwork as friends, family, churches and past employers provided aid in various ways.
“It really is a community thing, and Decorah is such a great community,” Dix said.
“I’ve always thought that.”
Opioids among us: Local professionals team up to treat opioid use disorder
BY ZACH JENSEN
(This full version of this article originally published in the January 16 Decorah Leader)
Doctors began prescribing mass quantities of opioid pain medications in the early 1990s, and many Iowa counties have begun receiving funds to treat opioid addicts as part of a legal settlement with pharmaceutical
companies for more than $50 billion in 2021.
“The pharmaceutical companies knew how addictive these drugs were, and they pushed our medical communities into unheard-of prescription amounts to sell more and more and more and more of their product,” said Shirley Vermace, chair of the Winneshiek County Opioid Task Force. “And, they knew exactly what they were doing, and they knew they were creating addicts, which, then, increased their profits. It angered me — what was happening to people — because of greed — money.”
But, many opioid addicts — especially in rural Iowa — might not know where to turn for help, which is why UCS Healthcare opened a Medication-Assisted Treatment clinic in Decorah.
UCS Healthcare is an Iowa-based non-profit corporation licensed by the state of Iowa to provide medication-assisted treatment through 14 regional Iowa clinics, and local professionals close to the opioid epidemic hope some funding from the multi-billion dollar opioid settlement will be put toward the Decorah MAT clinic, which is located inside North-
east Iowa Behavioral Health.
The 2021 settlement agreement required 39 states to be paid varying amounts of money over 15 years. Each Iowa county will receive annual payments, and Winneshiek County’s portion of the funds will eventually total $283,657, Vermace said. Use of those dollars is limited to education about opioids and the prevention or treatment of opioid use disorder.
Vermace went on to say, while opioids can often be effective in managing pain soon after some procedures and surgeries, they can become problematic if an individual uses them too often, rather than transitioning to over-the-counter medications.
The result, according to Opioid Task Force co-chair Jon Vagts, is a different type of drug addict — one he said doesn’t align with stereotypes.
“You might not even be able to tell if someone is using opioids,” Vagts said.
Vagts works as a prevention coordinator at Helping Services for Youth and Families of Decorah, under a grant from Iowa’s State Opioid Response Project. The project is aimed at addressing the opioid crisis by increasing access to medications for MAT clinics, increasing
To use Decorah’s MAT clinic, call Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health at 563-382-3649 to schedule an evaluation for opioid use disorder. For additional information on UCS Healthcare, visit ucsonline.org.
treatment options and reducing deaths related to opioid overdose through prevention, treatment and recovery. The majority of opioid users range from 25 to 45 years of age, according to 2023 statistics from the Iowa Health and Human Services, and Vagts said many of them started taking opioid painkillers exactly as they were prescribed by a doctor.
“When somebody develops this addiction, changes happen in their brain, and that substance becomes the most important thing to them,” Vagts said.
Registered Nurse Kristin Nolte hopes to reduce the number of active opioid addicts in northeast Iowa. She serves at Decorah’s MAT clinic, which provides several options when it comes to kicking an opioid addiction.
Nolte said most people she sees are addicted to heroin, but some patients were prescribed pain medications, used them as they were prescribed and became addicted to them. And
when it comes to treatment, she said rural Iowans are often less open about their addiction than addicts in urban areas might be.
“The problem is here,” Nolte said. “It’s just that no one reaches out for help.”
Nolte, Vermace and Vagts agree the mindset that addicts are weak and rural Iowans must be strong can sometimes prevent addicts from getting the help they need.
“Statewide and nationwide, what’s preventing education and rehab and help for opioid addicts is stigma,” Vermace said. “That’s the biggest obstacle. Statements like ‘They’re just a bunch of drug addicts. Who cares?’ That is exactly why we have this problem — a lack of education, understanding and empathy.”
Nolte noted the three main medications used to treat opioid use disorder — methadone,
Opioids
continued on page 7
P ZZLE driftless
Across
1. _____ Trout are seldom found in water with temperatures higher than 50-60 degrees
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 - 9:30 a.m. John E Hanson Viroqua Farm Retirement Auction Sweeney Auction Service. www. sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon, Ia 563-5682464.
SATURDAY, MARCH
Down
2. A small float used to suspend a bait or lure at a specific depth
7. _______ trout are raised at the Decorah Fish Hatchery
10. The practice of cutting or drilling holes through the ice(2)
11. A term for someone participating in recreational fishing.
12. Iowa's Second Largest natural spring
#1 - 72 Acres, 36-97-12 Jackson Township #2 - 60 Acres, (10A) 36-97-12 Jackson Township, (50A) 31-97-11 Utica Township #3 - 160 Acres, 31-97-11 Utica Township #4 - 52 Acres, 31-97-11 Utica Township
Bid form/registration and information packets available at Elwood, O’Donohoe, Braun & White, 101 N. Locust, New Hampton or 116 N. Main, Charles City or by email at charlescity@elwoodlawfirm.com. Bids and letter of credit due to Elwood Law Firm no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, February 21, 2025. Auction at Chickasaw Event Center, 301 N. Water St., New Hampton, IA on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 9:00 am. Only registered bidders allowed into the auction for further bidding. Bid forms and packets also available online by calling (641)228-8054 or emailing a request to charlescity@elwoodlawfirm.com Call (641)228-8054 for further information.
1. The _____ trout in the Driftless are the largest trout species.
3. 11-mile Trail winds through historic and picturesque Decorah and the surrounding area (2)
4. A type of fishing in which the weight of the line, not the lure, is used to cast.(2)
5. rounded, scaleless bodies with flattened bellies and has 'whiskers' around mouth
6. River that runs through Decorah(2)
8. Daily restriction on the number of fish an angler may keep.(2) Iowa Department of Natural _________
15 - Guns & Sporting Good Auction Located at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon IA Call to Consign Sweeney Auction Service. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com Waukon, Ia 563568-2464.
TUESDAY, MARCH
25 - Sweeney Machinery Consignment Auction Located at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon IA Call To Consign Sweeney Auction Service. www. sweeneyauctionservice. com Waukon, Ia 563-5682464.
State
Jones
Decorah
Decorah’s first ‘refillery’ opens on Water Street
Gundersen Health shares tips to combat colds, flu and other viruses
As the colder weather descends on the region, Bellin and Gundersen Health System urges the public to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from common illnesses, such as colds, flu and other viruses.
“Colds and flu are caused by viruses that spread easily from person to person, particularly in crowded places,” said Megan Meller, an infection preventionist at Gundersen Health System.
“Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fever and fatigue. While most people recover without complications, some may experience more serious health issues, especially those with weakened immune systems, the elderly and young children.”
Health professionals recommend practicing good hygiene, by washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places. The public is also encouraged to use hand
sanitizer when soap is not available, and avoid touching one’s face, particularly the eyes, nose and mouth. Health officials also encouraged vaccination, saying the flu vaccine is the best defense against the flu. It is recommended fr everyone six months and older be vaccinated. Individuals should consult with their primary care provider about the best vaccination options for them and their family. Health officials also recommended individuals stay home when sick to rest, hydrate and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve. Digital tools like MyChart can allow patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments and communicate with their healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes. This can help patients avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room by providing a platform to discuss symptoms and receive guidance on the next steps.
