St.
John’s to host 48th annual
Allamakee Ecumenical
Christmas Concert
John’s Lutheran Church — 8 Fifth St. SW in Waukon.
The concert has brought people together for nearly five decades, and organizers said this year’s event may be viewed
Holiday traditions return to Vesterheim this weekend
Photo submitted will be served on the commons’ patio, and face painting will be available weather permitting.
online via St. John’s Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. The evening will feature local clergy sharing the Christmas Story, congregational carol singing and organ accompaniment. The evening will feature performances by the Heartland Barbershop and Gospel Singers, the mass Ecumenical Choir, St. John’s Youth and Adult Handbell Choirs, the WHS Saxophone Quartet, piano accompaniment by Kristie Roeder and organ performances by James Bieber with the assistance Ecumenical concert
The public is invited to kick off the holiday season with a Norwegian Christmas celebration at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, from 10-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Admission to the museum building will be free for youth under age 18. Free activities will also be held throughout Heritage Park and the Commons Building. Goats from the Lost Pine Farm in Decorah will be outside in Heritage Park, and visitors may take a picture by the giant wooden nisse. Hot drinks, Scandinavian s’mores and lefse
continued on page 7
PRIORITIES
LISTENING SESSION
Julebukker — costumed folk who roam the museum campus scaring away evil spirits — and young julenisse — or Christmas elves — will be on site. The elves will visit at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. during juletrefest — a Norwegian party during which participants sing around a decorated tree — in the commons building. There will be four free live music performances in the museum’s Bethania Church. Decorah Chorale will sing at 11 a.m., Northern Lights will perform at noon, Luren Singing Society will follow at 1 p.m. and a special Hardanger fiddle concert and demonstration by Eden Ehm and Karen Rebholz Norwegian Christmas continued on page 6
Tuesday, Dec. 3 from
Photo submitted
Supported by Bill and Kathi Wild, Dr. James Bullard, and Muriel Stone. In Scenic Decorah, IA
Celebrating 20 years!
Annual Christmas at Luther program nears
Selection from ‘Messiah’ to recognize century-old tradition
Luther College’s annual Christmas at Luther program are scheduled Dec. 5-8.
Andrew Last, artistic director of Christmas at Luther and the college’s director of choral activities, said the yearly musical celebration marks the beginning of the Christmas season for many attendees and it serves to bring the college and the broader community together — be they long-time local residents or first-year students acclimating to life in northeast Iowa. He said the name “Christmas at Luther” initially referred to an entire weekend of Christmas events once known as Juletide, which began in 1981 and included a full performance of George Frideric Handel’s 1741 oratorio “Messiah.” He estimated “Christmas at Luther” became synonymous with the current concert format after the college discontinued its annual “Messiah” performance.
But this year’s Christmas at Luther program will feature a portion of Handel’s “Messiah” in recognition of the first time the famed work was performed on Luther’s campus 100 years ago.
Full article featuring the history of Christmas at Luther can be found in the November 28 Decorah Leader which is available in digital form at DecorahLeader.com.
photo Absentee voting now open for Decorah City Council special election
Absentee voting is now available for the city of Decorah’s special election to fill a vacancy for councilperson at-large. The Election date is Dec. 10, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day. Absentee voting by mail began Nov. 21, and requests for mail-in ballots needed to be submitted by Nov. 25. Absentee voting in person is available in the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office during normal business hours through Dec. 9.
A sample ballot and other election information is available at www.winneshiekcounty. iowa.gov. Questions about this or any election related matter may be directed to auditor@
Holiday Lights kick-off in Decorah
Helping Services for. Youth & Families welcomed hundreds to the walk-thru kickoff night for the 20th annual Holiday lights event at the Decorah campground Nov. 27. It was a unique opportunity to walk through the campground and get a close-up, sneak peek of the lighted displays before the drive-thru event started on Thanksgiving night. Soup, coffee, hot chocolate, cider, cookies, ice cream, the Decorah Lions Club Pokey Pete rides, holiday choirs, a live Nativity scene and a visit with Santa were among the highlights. The drive-thru is open now through Dec. 25. (Decorah Leader photos by Roz Weis) Find more Walk-thru Night photos in the Decorah Leader newspaper and online at decorahleader.com.
event the night before Thanksgiving. The lighted Nisse, near the entrance to the campground, was a favorite for family photo opportunities.
Wetter winter forecast may increase 2025 crop yields
BY ZACH JENSEN
DECORAH LEADER STAFF WRITER
Northeast Iowa might be in for a wetter-than-normal winter, but if everything goes as predicted, the resulting added groundwater may produce higher yields than previous years come harvest time next fall, which. But officials say higher yields might not equate to higher profit.
“Any opportunities to add moisture to the soil profile before a hard freeze will be beneficial to farmers in northeast Iowa,” said Iowa State Uni versity Extension and Outreach Field Agrono mist Joshua Michel. “An ade quate supply of soil moisture in the spring is important for seed germination and to ensure that seedlings can quickly establish good root systems. A soil profile at or near full moisture capacity coming into spring is good just in case we begin to experience some dryer than normal weather conditions.”
Colder temperatures and dryer conditions have prevailed so far this month, but Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisan
said the state is currently in a “La Nina Watch.” La Nina is a weather phenomenon that occurs when the surface water temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean are colder than normal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Glisan said Iowa has a 60 percent chance of transitioning into La Nina sometime between November and December.
“The southern states are generally warmer and drier. We don’t have clear guidance for Iowa, as we are categorized in
eficial,” he said. “Also, with the potential for slightly above-average snowpack, we may end up with additional moisture to infiltrate as we thaw through late winter.”
But crop yield isn’t the only number northeast Iowa producers will be keeping an eye on.
‘Equal Chances’ of above/below/near-average.”
Glisan went on to say northeastern Iowa is leaning toward wetter winter conditions.
“In weak La Nina winters, we have generally experienced above-normal seasonal snowfall totals across much of the state,” he said.
On the other hand, Glisan said from 2020 through 2022, three consecutive La Nina winters yielded both warmer and dryer conditions in Iowa — except for the winter of 202122, which ranked as the 63rd coldest winter in the last 152 years. Additionally, the winter of 2022-23 was the 16th driest on record, Glisan said.
“In terms of the next growing season, we have seen drier conditions across the state this fall, so any moisture we can bank before soils freeze will be ben-
“Typical La Nina winters are colder across the Dakotas through Montana and the Pacific Northwest,” Glisan said.
“Incredibly strong … production is great for filling bins, bragging about yields and building up next year’s insurance yield,” said ISU Extension and Outreach economist Chad Hart. “But, it is also the weight that has driven down prices for a vast majority of this calendar year. Farm incomes tend to be better with lower yields and higher prices than with lower prices and higher yields.”
This year’s harvest saw a market rate of $3.98 per bushel of corn in northeast Iowa, according to data from the ISU Extension and Outreach Office — about the same price per bushel producers saw from 2007 to 2010.
“Corn and soybean prices are forecast to stay steady or increase slightly over the next several months,” said Joseph Lensing, ISU farm management specialist for northeast Iowa.
“Despite a dry second half of the growing season, yields are expected to be 5 percent to as much as 10 percent higher than last year with a national all-time high corn and soybean yield projected.”
Increased demand would also help Iowa farmers, Lensing said, but he said that may be difficult to achieve with an overwhelming supply.
“Due to the large level of corn
stocks from years of high pro-
duction, supply has been overpowering demand,” he said.
“An increase in exports and domestic usage would have a pos-
itive impact on prices. The demand for corn and soybeans in the renewable/sustainable fuel markets is something to
Hot soup was a popular treat at the Holiday Lights Walk-thru. Chris Fassbender served chicken and rice soup from The Kitchen in Decorah. Tami Hansen served more tempting soup from U-2 BBQ & Catering, headquartered in Calmar.
Roumel Reynon of Twin Springs Supper Club in Decorah serves up some hot soup for walkers.
LEFT- Isaac and Erika Schmitt and their son Cooper from Festina were among the hundreds braving cold temperatures to enjoy the walk-thru
Today is Giving Tuesday How to participate
The excitement of the holiday season is palpable. Many people look forward to this time of year so they can deck their homes in lights and find gifts that will delight friends and family.
The spirit of giving that pervades the holiday season extends to Giving Tuesday, which comes on the heels of the busiest shopping days of the year.
This special day falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving every year. It lines up behind the commercialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to offer a different type of event: one focused on giving rather than buying.
According to the Giving Tuesday website, Giving Tuesday is a movement that “reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.” Organizers feel that generosity is the avenue through which humanity can collectively strengthen its social fabric. Those who would like to harness the spirit of charitable giving can explore these ways to give back.
Where it started
Giving Tuesday started with a team from the Belfer Center for Innovative & Social Impact in New York City. In November 2012, these individuals implored nonprofits, influencers and businesses to inspire others to get involved with acts of giving. The organization has many initiatives that people can support in addition to the original Giving Tuesday. Learn more at www.92ny.org/ belfer-center.
Common giving scams and how to spot them
December is a season of giving, and that charitable spirit is evidenced by the uptick in donations over the final month of the year. Perhaps inspired by Giving Tuesday, which is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, donors tend to be especially generous in December. According to Donorbox, which provides an online fundraising platform to facilitate charitable donations, 31 percent of yearly charitable giving happens in December.
Nonprofit organizations undoubtedly recognize the spirit of generosity that surfaces each December, but criminals are likely cognizant of individuals’ desire to give back during the holiday season as well. Indeed, a 2023 press release from the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina cited fake charities as one of the most common scams encountered by consumers during the holiday season. With that in mind, well-meaning prospective donors can learn to recognize common giving scams to ensure they are not victimized by criminals looking to prey on their generosity this holiday season.
Fraudulent charities
Criminals targeting people who want to donate during the holiday season may set up fraudulent charities in an effort to trick people into giving them money. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs notes that fraudulent charities may feature impressive names or a name similar to one used by a reputable, well-known charity.
Phishing emails
Phishing emails have been around for decades, and for good reason. Such scams are easy to implement and highly successful. The Federal Trade Commission reported receiving 358,000 reports of scammers contacting individuals via email
Start a caremongering movement
Look for ways to volunteer in your community. Caremongering began as a community-led social movement to address health and social needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caremongering is designed to help vulnerable people and can include anything from grocery shopping for those with mobility issues to virtually or physically socializing with others to combat social isolation. Those who want to caremonger can do many other things, like run emergency errands or help with childcare.
Donate goods and supplies
According to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank right now, one in twelve people in Northeast Iowa don’t have enough to eat. Your gift now will help provide food and hope to hungry children, families and seniors. A $1 donation can help provide up to four meals locally. Visit www.neifb.org for more ways to donate.
Areas of the southern United States experienced extreme devastation with the one-two punch of hurricanes Helene and Milton in early October. Natural disasters can displace families and push individuals to the brink as supplies become scarce. It is likely recovery efforts in areas wiped out by these storms will take months, underscoring the importance of continued support via donations and volunteer efforts.
Getting involved on Giving Tuesday is easier than one may imagine. Let this day sow the seeds of generosity for the entire year.
Phishing emails are one charity scam individuals must learn to recognize, particularly during the giving season.
in 2023, and the real number is likely much higher, as few consumers take the time to report such emails to the FTC. Phishing emails typically prompt recipients to click on a link embedded in an email. These emails may seem as though they’re coming from an individual’s bank or credit card company, while others may indicate recipients can win a prize if they open the email and click on a link within it. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs warns consumers against sharing their credit card information in an email, even if the sender claims to be from a reputable charity.
Pressure tactics
Seeking to capitalize on the spirit of giving that surfaces each December, some scammers will pressure prospective donors and potential victims into making donations over the phone or via links embedded in an email. Reputable charities do not pressure donors into giving over the phone or via email, so solicitations for immediate donations are a telltale sign of a charity scam. If prompted to make donations with cash or via gift cards or wire transfers, hang up the phone, as the FTC notes such payment methods are how scammers request donations.
Thank you messages
Another common giving scam is to thank potential victims for past donations they never made. This is an attempt to trick generous individuals into thinking they have a past relationship with a charity they believe is reputable, which might make them less inclined to vet the person or organiza-
Early Career Artist Exhibition call for artists
Applications are due at 12 p.m. Dec. 9
Lanesboro Arts of Lanesboro, Minnesota announced an opportunity for early career visual artists from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa to display their work in a professional gallery setting at Lanesboro Arts. The show will run from Feb. 8 through March 30, 2025. Applications are due at 12 p.m. Dec. 9, 2024. Accepted artists will be contacted by Dec. 20.
The Early Career Artist Exhibition will be curated by an advisory committee made up of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and disabled artists involved in the Equitable Systems Change Program. Lanesboro Arts has launched the Equitable Systems Change Program for the Lanesboro Arts Gallery as a commitment to a thorough review and change of current systems and processes, based on detailed recommendations to align practices with equity values and more deeply serve BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists.
Lanesboro Arts defines an “early career artist,” or emerging artist, as an individual who has great potential in their artistic practice but has not yet received major recognition, has not yet been substantially celebrated for their work and / or has not yet established significant “footing” within their field. This particular show will prioritize early career artists who also identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or disabled; however all early career artists are welcome to apply. All visual arts media are eligible. Artists may be any age, but Lanesboro Arts specifically invites those artists with limited exhibition experience to apply.
To apply, artists can complete the online application available on the Lanesboro Arts website. From the homepage of lanesboroarts.org, click on “Artist Opportunities” on the sidebar,
and then on “Early Career Artist Application”. To complete the application, artists are asked to submit images via Google Drive or Dropbox. All visual arts media are eligible – both 2-D and 3-D. For those who prefer, a video application can be submitted to gallery@lanesboroarts.org with the subject line “Early Career Artist application”.
Wall pieces chosen will need to be framed and include a hanging wire in the back; all work in the Early Career Artist Exhibition will be for sale as per consignment agreement (40% gallery, 60% artist). Each accepted artist will receive a $500 stipend for exhibition costs and will have the option of assisting with installation. Transporting the work to and from Lanesboro will be the responsibility of the artist; however, for this show, we are able to offer a mileage stipend for those who request it up to $250. The deadline for work delivery will be Jan. 31, 2025.
The Early Career Artist Exhibition will open on Saturday, Feb. 8 with an artist reception from 6-8 p.m. at the Lanesboro Arts Gallery. The Lanesboro Arts Gallery is located at 103 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. The organization provides year-round arts
programming and serves as a regional catalyst for artistic excellence and educational development, by providing diverse art experiences for people of all ages. For more information, visit www.lanesboroarts.org.
tion thanking them. Scammers are banking on establishing that false sense of security and trust, particularly during a notably busy time of year when donors may feel as though they don’t have the time to research organizations they want to support.
Scammers prey on individuals’ generosity each holiday season. More information about giving scams and how to avoid them is available at consumer. ftc.gov.
Photo submitted
POSITION OVERVIEW
onson will show Hardangersøm embroidery. Oneota Weavers Guild members will demonstrate weaving and spinning, and Mary Lake will teach visitors how to make lucet braids.
Many of the folk-art demonstrators will also be selling items.
Norwegian Christmas continued from front will take place at 2 p.m. In addition, the Decorah High School Madrigal Singers will perform at 11:45 a.m. in the ship gallery of the museum building, and A Touch of Brass will perform at 12:15 p.m. in the commons. Storytime for youth is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. with Sharon Rossman reading Jan Brett’s “Christmas Trolls” in the Norway House inside the museum building.
Decorah High School seeks a dedicated and collaborative professional to serve as the Interim Viking Academic Success Center (VASC) Facilitator for the spring 2025 semester. This temporary role is available due to the current facilitator accepting an interim teaching position within the school. While the contract is for one semester, there is potential for additional paraprofessional opportunities in the 2025-26 school year.
The Viking Academic Success Center is a supportive, small-group learning environment that aims to help students stay on top of their academic responsibilities, develop effective study habits, and reach their fullest potential. As the facilitator, you will collaborate with teachers, office staff, administrators, and counselors to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
WHY DECORAH HIGH SCHOOL?
• Excellence in Education: Ranked consistently among Iowa’s top five high schools by US. News & World Report, Decorah High School earned its second National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2024.
• Well-Rounded Achievement: Our students excel academically, athletically, and musically in a culture of high expectations and achievement.
• Community Support: Decorah is a vibrant, close-knit community that celebrates education, the arts, and the natural beauty of its surroundings. From hiking and biking trails to eclectic shops and restaurants, Decorah offers something for everyone.
and counselors to identify and assist students needing academic support.
• Develop and maintain program guidelines, student expectations, and operational protocols.
• Take accurate attendance and ensure consistent communication with office staff.
• Facilitate clear and effective communication with students, parents, and staff to align with program goals. Student Support
• Provide individualized and small-group academic assistance to help students prioritize assignments, manage coursework, and build effective study habits.
• Monitor student progress, offering timely feedback to students, parents, and staff.
• Address academic and social-emotional needs, recognizing external factors that may impact performance.
• Build trusting relationships with students, fostering confidence, motivation, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Collaboration and Professionalism
• Actively engage in Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings and collaborate with teachers to align academic support with classroom instruction.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives and needs.
• Uphold behavior expectations and contribute to a supportive learning atmosphere.
Technology Integration
• Prior experience with Canvas and PowerSchool is preferred; however, a willingness to learn and effectively use these platforms to monitor and support student progress is essential.
• Leverage technology to enhance communication and streamline academic support processes.
• Exhibit comfort and proficiency in using email as a primary communication tool to engage with students, parents, and staff, ensuring timely and effective academic support.
Professional Responsibilities
• Support building and district initiatives aligned with school goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Model punctuality, reliability, and a positive attitude that reflects the values of Decorah Community Schools.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with students, parents, and staff.
• Punctuality, reliability, and a commitment to student success.
• Awareness of strategies to support the whole child, including social-emotional considerations.
• Ability to manage stress constructively and build positive rapport with students, faculty, staff, and parents.
• Respect for diversity and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Desired
• Experience in educational support roles or similar settings.
• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of effective academic interventions and instructional support practices.
HOW TO APPLY
Visitors will have a chance to craft their own decorations at stations throughout the museum building and the first floor of the commons, including Scandinavian heart baskets, yarn nisse dolls, julenek straw wheat ornaments and paper crafts. Sally Stromseth, Ruth Green, and Lia Vestecka will demonstrate rosemaling. Kim Glock will demonstrate green woodworking. Beverly Schrandt will be making straw wheat ornaments, and Renee Thoreson and Lynette Aan-
Furnished Rooms. Wi-Fi, microwave, parking, tv, restaurants. Cresco Motel. 563-547-2240. Reasonable rates; daily, weekly. www.crescomotel.com 48-8-D-pd-9
Apartment for Rent downtown. 1 or 2-bedroom. No Smoking. No Pets. 563-379-1102. 45-tfD-x-9
The Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation will sell julenek — sheaves of wheat — grown from Borlaug wheat, which was developed in the 1960s by Howard County’s Norman Borlaug in an effort to address world hunger. In Norway on Christmas Eve, julenek are hung outside to feed the birds. NBHF uses the proceeds of the julenek sales to support their food program, which packages meals for people in areas of the world experiencing food scarcity.
Apartment for Rent: 1-bedroom, upstairs apartment. NS/NP. 326 Washington St. Decorah. 563419-2621. 46-tf-LD-x-9
Will walk your dog between 6:30 and 7:15 am. Small to mid-size only. $25/hr. Text 315-729-8277 44-tf-DL-14
three references to sadube@vesterheim.org. Vesterheim is an EOE/AA. -codeThe City of Decorah Street Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Street Operator. Minimum qualifications include high school diploma or equivalent. Valid driver’s license with Class B CDL and airbrake endorsement (must obtain within one month of hire). Minimum of one year of experience in maintenance, construction, repair work, or related occupation. Familiarity with maps, engineering plans, blueprints and utility markings. Position is subject to post-offer physical examination including drug testing, background
REAL ESTATE
Decorah
