Shop local this Black Friday, Small Business
Saturday and always
Why supporting local small businesses
The holiday season is a time of
when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big
retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse
click or mountains of merchandise. Shopping local retailers is more than just a transaction — it is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of local communities. Let’s take a look at the many ways it pays to shop small businesses during the holidays and all year long.
matters
Strengthen the local economy
A large percentage of the money spent at small businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.
Enhanced customer service
Owners and employees of small businesses have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service. Tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being more friendly and connected with regular customers sets many small businesses apart.
Innovative offerings
Support the community
Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they offer, and many give back in other ways as well. Small, locally owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.
Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses can offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.
Job creation
Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities. There are numerous benefits
Hayden Holthaus checks out the festive holiday gear at Ace Kitchen Place while shopping in Decorah recently. (Decorah Leader photo by Samantha Ludeking)
Carver to embody famed author during ‘Dickens on Mill Street’
Actor Ray Carver is scheduled to give a performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 7. (Photo submitted)
tor, designer, playwright and producer for community, educational and professional theatres.
Carver will be performing as Dickens — portraying more than 40 different characters — as he tells the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Other “Dickens on Mill Street” events will take place from 1-4 p.m. thad day at the Winneshiek Co. Heritage Center. The historical society will celebrate the legacy of Winneshiek County’s early English settlers and those descended from the English. Lemon curd tarts and other English delicacies will be served by a local Englishman and his wife, brass bands and carolers will entertain, in addition to Mother Christmas — the English Mrs. Claus — and live Dickens characters. The afternoon will also feature displays of early English settlers in Winneshiek County, horse-drawn vis-a-vis carriage rides at $5 per person. A freewill donation will be accepted.
guy this Christmas!
Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner planned
Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to Santa’s Land in Ossian
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Santa’s Land from 8:3011 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Luana Savings Bank in Os-
riculture education opportunities. Memberships are available in several degrees — from less than $100 to $500 — and all memberships will be recognized at the annual FFA Banquet and Post Harvest Breakfast. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to: Turkey Valley FFA Alumni and Supporters, c/o Steve Pfaffle/Nancy E. Franzen, 3219 State Highway 24, Jackson Junction, IA 52171. There are also many volunteer opportunities within the FFA alumni. Volunteer help is needed during fruit distribution at the beginning of December, as well as to give feedback to FFA Members practicing for their LDE competitions. Those willing to volunteer may contact Pfaffle by emailing spfaffle@turkey-v.k12.ia.us or by calling the school at 563776-6011. (Submitted photo)
blood, make an
on Giving Tuesday
The communities of Calmar, Spillville and Ossian are hosting a “Giving Tuesday” community blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Donors are welcome from 1-5 p.m. at the Calmar Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 200 N. East St., Calmar. Donors will earn triple points at this drive as a “thank you” for their generosity. Appointments are encouraged but not required. To schedule, text “LIFESERVE” to 999777, call 800-287-4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Donating with LifeServe will help save neighbors, friends, family members or strangers in your community.
’20 GMC Yukon XL 4x4, Black, 73k Miles, Dual DVD, Heated Leather Seats…$36,995
’20 Kia Telluride EX, Front Wheel Drive, Gray, 71k Miles, Leather, Moonroof…$23,995
’20 Ford Expedition XLT, Red, 79k Miles, Heated/Cooled Leather Seats, Panoramic Moonroof…$33,995
’19 Buick Enclave Essence, Black, AWD, 62k Miles, 2nd Row Buckets…$24,995
’19 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD, White, 46k Miles, Heated Leather Seats/Wheel, Backup Cam…$34,995
’19 Chevy Traverse RS, White, 57k Miles, Heated Leather Seats, Remote Start…$28,995
’16 Dodge Journey R/T, Silver, AWD, 84k Miles, Leather…$12,995
’15 Buick Enclave Champagne, AWD, 135k Miles, Heated Leather Seats/ Steering…$12,995
’15 Ford Explorer Limited, Black, 134k Miles, Leather Seats…$14,995
’11 Nissan Armada Platinum, Gray, 153k Miles, Heated Leather Seats, DVD…$11,995
’11 Dodge Durango, Black, 290k Miles, DVD Player…$6,995 TRUCKS
‘22 Ford F-250 XLT Crew, Black, 4x4, 6.2L Gas, 37k Miles…$43,995
’21 Chevy 1500 LT Trail Boss Crew, Black, 4x4, 44k Miles, Leather Seats…$41,995
’21 Chevy 1500 LTZ Duramax Crew. Silver, 4x4, 43k Miles, Heated/Cooled Leather Seats…$43,995
’21 Ford Ranger XLT Crew, Black, 60k Miles, 4x4, New Tires…$28,995
’21 Ford F-150 XLT Crew, Blue, 4x4, 36k Miles, Heated Seats…$39,995
’21 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew, Space White, 4x4, 45k Miles, Heated/Cooled Seats, Panoramic Roof…$41,995
’20 Ford Ranger XLT Crew, Red, 58k Miles, 4x4, Heated Seats…$29,995
’20 GMC Canyon SLT Crew, White, 4x4, 43k Miles, Remote Start…$29,995
’20 Chevy Colorado LT Crew, Red, 4x4, 82k, Backup Camera, Lane Assist…$24,995
’20 GMC Sierra Elevation Crew, Red, 4x4, Heated Seats/Steering Wheel…$37,995
’20 Jeep Gladiator Sport CrewCab, Black, 4x4, V6, 39k Miles, Heated Seats… $35,995
’20 RAM 1500 Big Horn CrewCab, Navy, 4x4, 5.7L HEMI, Pano, Heated Seats…$37,995
’19 RAM 2500 Big Horn CrewCab, White, 4x4, center council, power seats…$37,495
’19 Ford Ranger XLT Crew, Black, 4x4, 61k Miles, Spray in Bed Liner, Cross Traffic Alert…$27,995
’18 Ford F-150 XLT Crew, Blue, 81k, 4x4, Bedliner, tow Package….$25,995
’18 Ford F-150 XLT Crew, White, 69k, 4x4, Center Counsil, Navigation…$28,995
’18 Honda Ridgeline TRL Crew, Silver, 58k Miles, 4x4, Leather Heated Seats…$27,995
’17 Ford F150 XLT Sport SuperCrew, Lightning Blue, 4x4, EcoBoost, 73k Miles… $27,995
’16 Ford
ages.
From 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec.
14, guests can enjoy visits with Santa Claus, cozy up by the firepit with hot chocolate and s’mores stations, listen to the sounds of the season with caroling and live music, and enjoy festive all-ages games. The Lanesboro Legion Lights is made possible by generous sponsorship donations and grants from local and regional individuals and businesses. The lights display is also made possible through the support of volunteers who have shared their time and skills to make this event shine bright. Volunteers of all ages have helped with activities such as creating and lighting the displays, installing the lights and trees in the park, fundraising and planning events and more. For more information, visit lanesboro-mn.gov/legionlights and follow “Lanesboro Legion Lights” on Facebook.
Ossian preparing for Magic of Christmas event
A Magic of Christmas celebration will be held Dec. 6-8 at the Silver Springs Country Club in Ossian. An opening gala featuring an hors d’ oeuvres buffet and wine tasting is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 with entertainment by Ethan Kipp and Deb Scheidel from 7-7:30 p.m. that day. Soup, salad and dessert will be served during a luncheon from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and visitors will be served coffee
and rolls among the festively decorated trees from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 in the clubhouse. Several home tours will be available during the celebration, including the homes of Alvin and Wendy (Mihm) Herold in Calmar; Ed and Mary Eileen (Lofte) Rickleman in Decorah; Karl Schroeder’s historic century-plus home in Ossian; and the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah.
P ZZLE driftless
Click
or Ticket
This Thanksgiving holiday, local law enforcement is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, to promote a high-visibility Click It or Ticket seat belt awareness campaign. For the duration of the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend (Wednesday, Nov. 27 through the morning of Monday, Dec.2) the law enforcement community will be working together to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries that occur when vehicle passengers fail to buckle up. If drivers are unbuckled, they may be pulled over and issued a ticket.
During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022 (6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23 through 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28), there were 326 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 43% (141 passengers) were unrestrained. Driving or riding in a vehicle while not wearing a seatbelt proved to be deadly at any time of the day during the holiday weekend: 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes were unbuckled, and 38% of those killed in daytime crashes also were unbuckled. These deaths represent
AUCTION CALENDAR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER
30 - 8:30 a.m. Guns & Sport-
ing Good Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, Ia. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. 563-568-2464. www.sweeneyauctionservice. com
tion Held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon. Dickson Family Farm, Smithfield Dr., Luana, Ia Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. 563-568-2464. www. sweeneyauctionservice.com
www.kramersales.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 -
10:30 a.m. 78 acres m/l Allamakee County Real Estate. Auc-
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 58 a.m. Online Auction Closes. End-of-year Emporium Gun and Sports Auction by Kramer Auction Service 608-326-8108.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 - 10 a.m. Farm Machinery Estate Auction. Marvin Hovden Estate, 2828 Middle Hesper Rd, Decorah. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon Ia. 563-568-2464 www.sweeneyauctionservice. com
Adult Education and Literacy Coach/Instructor
Work as a member of the Adult Education and Literacy Team using contemporary, researched-based curriculum to build students’ academic skills to prepare them for the HiSET and/or learn English as a Second Language. Help students navigate the systems, services, resources, and training available to successfully facilitate a pathway to a career or further education. Assist the student to troubleshoot barriers through education and training and work with the student to obtain employment or additional training.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Experience teaching Adult Basic Education, high school equivalency (HSED) and/or ESOL classes,
needless tragedies for families across America and may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.
“Wearing your seatbelt keeps you safe and keeps you legal,” said NHTSA Regional Administrator Susan DeCourcy. “It is essential for both drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt, no matter how far you’re traveling. The bottom line is this: That seat belt may very well mean the difference between life and death. This Thanksgiving, and every day, remember: Click It or Ticket.”
The bottom line is this: A seat belt may very well mean the difference between spending the holiday with family and friends or in a hospital or worse. Drivers and all passengers should fasten seat belts so everyone can have a happy holiday weekend.
For more information about traveling safely this Thanksgiving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/seat-belts.
Reader
Tips to simplify your Thanksgiving dinner menu
Thanksgiving is a much anticipated and beloved holiday. Celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada and the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, Thanksgiving in each country offers families and friends an opportunity to gather and break bread together. Food is indeed a focus of Thanksgiving in both Canada and the United States, and that can be a little overwhelming if not intimidating for those tasked with hosting the celebration. Guests might come to expect certain Thanksgiving staples, including turkey and mashed potatoes. Such expectations can make it easier to plan a Thanksgiving menu, and sticking to Turkey Day standard bearers is not the only way to simplify meal planning on this beloved holiday.
3,000 and 4,500 calories during Thanksgiving celebrations. Such consumption is not only unhealthy for humans, but the planet as well. The U.S.-based nonprofit ReFED, which is devoted to stopping food waste, estimated that Americans would waste 312 million pounds of food on Thanksgiving 2023. Hosts who want to avoid cooking excessive amounts of food, much of which may eventually end up in the trash can, can simplify meal prep by cooking less and explaining to guests that they aspire to reduce food waste this Thanksgiving.
• Accept help, but keep it limited. It’s customary for loved ones invited to Thanksgiving celebrations to offer to bring a dish to dinner, and that can alleviate some of the work hosts are tasked with managing. However, hosts can keep things simple by asking only a small handful of guests to prepare a side dish. Once the quota is filled, politely decline any additional offers to bring food. It can be hard to find space on the table if too many guests bring dishes from home, and that can lead to hurt feelings if certain sides are ignored or left on the kitchen counter due to a lack of real estate.
• Explain your desire to reduce food waste. Another way to simplify the meal is to avoid succumbing to the temptation to cook too much food. Guests may expect to go home with full bellies. Indeed, the Calorie Control Council notes that Americans consume between
• Keep table settings simple. Unless you’re planning to post photos of the family meal on Instagram this Thanksgiving, you can skip the more elaborate formal table settings in favor of a simple setup you might use on most nights when dining at home. Polishing the fancy silver and folding cloth napkins in a way that would impress a seasoned maître d’ is a time-consuming task that can complicate meal preparation. Keep it simple with less formal settings, which will allow guests to direct their focus to the task at hand: eating a delicious, homecooked holiday meal.
• Purchase a premade dessert. It might be tempting to try your hand at a homemade dessert, but it’s far easier to purchase pies and ice cream from a local farmer’s market in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. This approach ensures hosts have it a little easier once the main course has been served and consumed.
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is no small task. However, hosts can take various steps to simplify Thanksgiving meal planning this year.
Holiday Lights Walk Through Night is Wednesday
Helping Services for Youth and Families plans to help the Decorah area get into the spirit of the holidays during its The annual Holiday Lights Walk Through Night will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah. Pokey Pete, local choirs, a live Nativity scene, Santa and a professional photographer will be available during the celebration, which kicks off Helping Services for Youth and Families’ biggest fundraiser of the year.
“This event is critically important for our organization’s stability,” said Helping Services Director Carson Eggland. “We can’t thank the sponsors, businesses and organizations enough for their support.”
Also included for a free-will
donation will be a variety of soups, hot cocoa, cookies and ice cream treats. Parking will be available near the soccer fields on Pulplit Rock Road, with shuttle services dropping visitors off at the front entrance. No cars will be allowed, but vehicles may park near the Twin Springs side of the campground and handicap parking available in both areas.
Helping Services for Youth and Families has provided services to families in the area since 1973, and for the last 20 years, the Decorah-based organization has been dazzling Decorah with its Holiday Lights fundraiser. Holiday Lights was first held in 2005 with 38 displays, and in recent years, more than twice that number of displays have been created by local businesses and families.
Briefly...
Eggland said all the funds raised during the Holiday Lights event support Helping Service’s programs, including domestic abuse advocacy, inhome family education, prevention services and a youth mentoring program.
Eggland said the Holiday Lights event marks the beginning of the holiday season for him and his staff.
“It’s fun to see people get excited as they’re walking by,” he said. “It is a lot of work, but it’s really rewarding to see all the smiles it brings to people. It’s just a great tradition, and it really is a community event.”
Holiday Lights will return to a drive-through-only format from 5-9 p.m. every night, Thanksgiving through Christmas night.
Ohrt steps down as Warriors’ football coach
Inheriting a team that had gone 0-9 during the 2006-07 season, Jason Ohrt soon turned the program around and led the South Winn football program through ups and downs for the past 18 seasons.
Ohrt, also a physical edu-
State ethics board green-lights
investigation of two NICC trustees Complaints reveal specific allegations
Ohrt said he will continue to work as an educator at South Winneshiek.
cation teacher at South Winn, announced last week that he is stepping down from the program, which has qualified for the playoffs 13 times, won seven district titles and won 14 playoff games during his tenure, amassing a career record of 114-69. That record includes leading the Warriors to a state runner-up finish in 2009 and a semifinal spot in 2014.
Decorah football legacy embodied by new monument at Viking Stadium
Past members of the Decorah High School football program
see a certain quality – a quiet confidence – among the players whenever the Vikings take the field. It’s something that has somehow been passed down from generation to generation as the school has marked five state championship victories since the mid-1970s. The program’s team spirit and history of state victories inspired Viking football alumni to erect a monument in honor of the Viking coaches, teammates and community members who helped make Decorah one of the best football clubs in the state — currently tied for sixth overall out of more than 400 high school football programs statewide. Construction of the school’s “Legacy of Champions” monument, located near Viking Stadium’s entrance, was recently completed — spotlighting DHS football’s many achievements and honoring those who made them possible.
State officials recently voted to move ahead with investigations focused on two members of the Northeast Iowa Community College Board of Trustees.
A complaint filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board by former NICC president Herbert Riedel
alleged trustee Wendy Knight provided consulting services to NICC while employed by the college without going through a competitive bidding process — the consulting services in question totaled tens of thousands of dollars, according to the complaint. A separate complaint,
After 40 years with local manufacturer Gemini, Greg
Recker is retiring.
filed by Riedel’s wife, alleges NICC board
Jim
son inappropriately sought signatures of support from college employees — including Riedel — ahead of Anderson’s bid for reelection.
Greg Recker, Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Decorah, is retiring after 40 years at Gemini. Over the years, Greg has been an integral part of Gemini, contributing through diverse roles in Production, Leadership, and Engineering. From Supervisor to Plant Manager, to Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Greg’s expertise has touched many areas of the business. Greg played a vital part in starting up many different product lines and is proud of those achievements. As he prepares for retirement, Greg shares what he will miss most about working at Gemini: problem-solving and witnessing Gemini’s growth. Greg is described by his coworkers as caring, knowledgeable, and kind. They share that they will miss him greatly!
“Greg has been an integral part of Gemini for 40 years in a variety of Production, Leadership, and Engineering roles. He has had
especially on the
is his caring for others and his gentle and kind nature. Greg wants folks to be comfortable, heard, and able to do their best.”
Terri Holthaus (left) attempts to untangle a string of lights with FCSAmerica coworker Bailey Sadler. (Decorah Leader photo by Zach Jensen)
chair
Ander-
