Community News Stories

Winneshiek Medical Center welcomes two new emergency physicians:
Christopher Cooper, D.O. and Sandy Clayton, M.D.

Winneshiek Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System are pleased to welcome Christopher Cooper, D.O. and Sandy Clayton, M.D. to the emergency department at Winneshiek Medical Center.

Dr. Cooper graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency from San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC). Dr. Cooper has spent the last four years at Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas, with two of those years being the chief of the Emergency Department and EMS medical director for Fort Riley EMS and Fire Department.

Dr. Cooper shares, “My wife and I are both originally from Iowa. We chose to relocate our family to Decorah to be closer to home. Winneshiek Medical Center was the type of emergency practice I was looking for and the Driftless region’s atmosphere shared our interests. We are an outdoors family— hunting, fishing, golfing, hiking, anything outdoors, really, is something we look forward to exploring in the region.” Dr. Cooper is excited to build relationships with his patients in a smaller community to give them the medical attention they need and deserve.

Dr. Sandy Clayton received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Missouri and completed her residency from Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Clayton comes to Winneshiek Medical Center from Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas. She was an active duty Army Emergency Medicine physician for four years following her residency, and for two of those years, she served as the chief of urgent care.

Dr. Clayton says, “I became interested in Winneshiek Medical Center for their strong connection to Mayo Clinic Health System. I also enjoy working in a community emergency department; the staff are fantastic and they take a team approach to patient care. And Decorah! We fell in love with the town. It’s a small town feel, but with plenty to do. I have four children— ages 8, 5, 2 and 1— they keep me busy on my time off and we really enjoy experiencing what this great town has to offer.”

Winneshiek Medical Center emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a team of Mayo Clinic Health System physicians, who are supported by a highly-trained and committed ancillary health care staff. For more information visit www.winmedical.org/emergency-services.

Photo cutline: Winneshiek Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System are pleased to welcome Christopher Cooper, D.O. and Sandy Clayton, M.D. to the emergency department at Winneshiek Medical Center. Winneshiek Medical Center emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a team of Mayo Clinic Health System physicians, who are supported by a highly-trained and committed ancillary health care staff.

When emergencies happen, who do emergency responders call when they need help? In Winneshiek County, we are fortunate to not only have a fantastic group of emergency responders across the county, but we also have shared countywide resources. In a day when everything costs a lot of money, one way to try and be fiscally responsible is to avoid duplicating resources; this is especially true in a county our size. In Winneshiek County we have several top-notch resources, to name a few: the Decorah Fire Department drone, the Calmar Fire Department drone and the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office K-9 McCoy (see attached picture).

“The fire department drone(s) and their pilots have assisted area fire departments, law enforcement organizations, and emergency management agencies on search and rescue, drug task force call-outs, and damage assessment missions” said Coordinator Sean Snyder. Without this local resource, we as emergency responders would need to rely on surrounding counties or state-level resources, which could be several hours away.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office K-9 McCoy is a resource that has been used by the Sheriff’s Office, Decorah Police Department, Calmar Police Department, and the Iowa State Patrol. “Without the generosity of the public, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office would have had a hard time affording such a valuable countywide asset; we cannot thank everyone enough. Sharing resources allows us to be better equipped to respond to emergencies without additional cost to the tax payers,” said Sheriff Dan Marx.
Snyder added, “Winneshiek County has some of the best emergency responders in the state and by utilizing shared countywide resource management, getting the appropriate resource to the scene, for me, is as easy as making the request.”

Pictured from Left to Right.
Decorah Fire Engineer Zach Kerndt, Lieutenant Steve Nesvik with K9 McCoy and Calmar Fire Chief Aaron Brincks.

When a loved one passes, family and friends can experience many emotions. They may find comfort among others going through the grieving process. Sharing stories, frustrations and successes can make a new and difficult situation much easier to bear. Every year, Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice holds their annual Service of Remembrance to offer community support to those who are grieving, and honor hospice families with a candle lighting ceremony and a rose given in memory of the deceased.

The service will be held on Saturday, October 12, at 10:00 am at Stone Ridge Community Church, 1111 Montgomery Street, Decorah. The public is invited to join Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice in remembering the loved ones lost through August 2019.

Help us celebrate a life that was important, a relationship that made a difference and a love that cannot be taken away.

Refreshments and a time of informal fellowship will follow. For more information, call Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice at 563-387-3024.

The Decorah Parks and Recreation Department invites area families to attend the 4th annual Touch-A-Truck event. This free open house will be held Saturday, October 5, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, in the parking lot behind the Fire Department.

Kids will have the opportunity to explore their favorite vehicles including police, fire and emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and city maintenance vehicles.

This event is hosted with the Decorah Fire Department in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, and includes a free hot dog lunch.

The Northeast Iowa affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will host its “Peace Be The Journey” bicycle ride for mental health awareness from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Decorah Fish Hatchery, 2325 Siewers Spring Rd., Decorah. The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and raise funds for education, support and advocacy for those affected by mental illness, their families and their communities.

The course for the ride will be the closed-loop Trout Run trail, beginning and ending at the fish hatchery. Welcoming comments and an address from Sheriff Marx will be made at 10 a.m. All riders are encouraged to wear helmets. Additionally, for-purchase concessions from Kymar Kafe, caramel-apple sundae bowls, a “bouncy house” and face painting will be available to all riders and the public. Door prizes have been contributed by numerous regional businesses.

Early registration for the ride, received by Sept. 15, is $25 for adults, $10 for teens and no cost for riders 12 and under. Riders with financial limitations and college students are asked to contribute $10 if desiring a t-shirt. Riders may register online at namineiowa.org. Registration fees increase by $5, and no t-shirts will be guaranteed for riders who register after Sept. 15. Registration is available at the event, and t-shirts may be available that day, depending upon demand and supply.

This event is generously sponsored at the $500 level by Winneshiek Medical Center, DECO Products, Peake Orchards, LetterWerks Sign City, Decorah Newspapers, Decorah Rental and Sales, and Wennes Communications. Generous $250 sponsors include, Decorah Bank and Trust, Rootz Salon, Don’s Sales and Service, Oneota River Cycles, Thrivent  Financial, Families First Counseling Services, and the Ackman/Green families.

All funds raised through the event go directly to NAMI services throughout Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette and Clayton counties.

What will downtown Decorah look and feel like in 25 years? There have been many changes in recent years and will be many more in the future. There is great interest and work being done to create this downtown vision. Some of the key elements are: being walkable, bike-able, maintaining history, having excellent wayfinding signage, and creating outdoor eating and meeting spaces. Roger Brooks, a well-known branding consultant, was contracted in 2007 to look at our downtown and offer suggestions of what would make our downtown an even greater place. One of his recommendations was to have gathering spaces on Water Street. T that time, Downtown Decorah Betterment Association (DDBA) commissioned the design of Water Street Park and raised the funds to make the Park a reality. A Great Places grant of $25,000 was leveraged to help with creating Water Street Park. Today, Water Street Park has become a wonderful gathering place allowing us to enjoy the outdoors while having lunch, a cup of coffee, listening to music, or just relaxing.

DDBA, in collaboration with Decorah Park Rec, Decorah Area Chamber, and Decorah Jobs, is working to establish an additional gathering space. Dry Run Park is a pocket park at the East end of downtown at the intersection of East Water Street and Riverside Avenue. The cost of building this park is $170,000, which includes seed funding for future maintenance. The park will offer similar amenities to Water Street Park and will feature an overlook of the Dry Run Creek flowing below.

DDBA’s goal is to raise all of the funds from business and individual donations, and early efforts have secured over $100,000 in pledges. Please consider helping make this feature of downtown a reality by helping us reach our goal! Pledges can be made over two years, and gifts of $500 or more will be recognized on a plaque at the new park.

If you have questions or would like to pledge, please contact any of the following DDBA volunteers:

• Keith Christensen 380-7453
• Joe Grimstad 382-1558
• Mike Harman 382-2020
• Mark Lovelace 380-1829
• Harlan Satrom 382-4277

Prairie du Chien – On Saturday, September 28th the Prairie du Chien Flotilla, US Coast Guard Auxiliary will hold a brat fry from 10AM to 3PM at Nelson True Value in Prairie du Chien. Money raised at this event will be used to purchase needed public boating safety education materials and to train Auxiliary volunteers in the performance of the many services the Auxiliary provides on the river and to the area boating community from environmental safety to search and rescue and navigation services.

Established by Congress in 1939 The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the US Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. Area Auxiliarists volunteer their time and purchase their own uniforms and most equipment in their effort to serve their communities. We are always in need of more volunteers.
Come out to Nelson’s, have a brat or a burger meet and support your Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Mentors are needed to spend time with youth in Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties. There are 22 youth waiting for a mentor through Youth Mentoring at Helping Services. Mentoring is simple! Mentors are a friend to a youth. They spend a minimum of four hours per month with their youth who are ages 6-16. Mentors that are spending time with youth in the community can be individuals, couples, or families.

School-based mentors that are college-age and older are also needed to meet with a student one hour per week at John Cline School in Decorah. A school-based mentor recently shared, “My mentee and I were shooting baskets outside and he wasn’t having luck making a basket. I showed him how to throw the ball underhanded and as the ball sunk, he leapt with excitement sharing it was the first basket he had EVER made!”

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families offers group events for their program participants on a regular basis. Recent events have included going to a play, a family picnic, and visiting the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Group events are great opportunities to offer new experiences to youth. In the last fiscal year, 96% of youth participants agreed that their mentoring experience provides them with new information and new things to do. Some mentees have never been to a high school football game, never been to the Whippy Dip, never ate a meal at Pizza Ranch, or experienced things that many of us take for granted.

Upcoming events include going to Effigy Mounds, doing community service projects, eating a fancy meal together, go-karting, and visiting a farm. Volunteers are needed to spend time with youth at these events. These volunteers are called Mentors For A Day. They notify program staff when they are available to volunteer and find that it is a great way to be involved with mentoring.

For more information on how to become involved in this rewarding experience, contact Kathy or Colinne at 563-387-1720 or visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring.

Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support, and education.

Mentors are needed to spend time with youth in Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties. There are 22 youth waiting for a mentor through Youth Mentoring at Helping Services. Mentoring is simple! Mentors are a friend to a youth. They spend a minimum of four hours per month with their youth who are ages 6-16. Mentors that are spending time with youth in the community can be individuals, couples, or families.

School-based mentors that are college-age and older are also needed to meet with a student one hour per week at John Cline School in Decorah. A school-based mentor recently shared, “My mentee and I were shooting baskets outside and he wasn’t having luck making a basket. I showed him how to throw the ball underhanded and as the ball sunk, he leapt with excitement sharing it was the first basket he had EVER made!”

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families offers group events for their program participants on a regular basis. Recent events have included going to a play, a family picnic, and visiting the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Group events are great opportunities to offer new experiences to youth. In the last fiscal year, 96% of youth participants agreed that their mentoring experience provides them with new information and new things to do. Some mentees have never been to a high school football game, never been to the Whippy Dip, never ate a meal at Pizza Ranch, or experienced things that many of us take for granted.

Upcoming events include going to Effigy Mounds, doing community service projects, eating a fancy meal together, go-karting, and visiting a farm. Volunteers are needed to spend time with youth at these events. These volunteers are called Mentors For A Day. They notify program staff when they are available to volunteer and find that it is a great way to be involved with mentoring.

For more information on how to become involved in this rewarding experience, contact Kathy or Colinne at 563-387-1720 or visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring.

Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support, and education.

The characters of The Queen of Hearts, The Cheshire Cat, and The Mad Hatter are all classics in children’s literature. These characters and many more will come to life in New Minowa Players children’s show “Alice In Wonderland” being performed at New Minowa Players Theatre in Decorah October 24-27.

Local playwright, Rick Scheffert, has written the show’s script with the storyline based on Lewis Carroll’s novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. Rick is also the director of the show. Catchy tunes and their lyrics were written by Sheryl Scheffert. This dynamic team is excited to be working together with vibrant performers ages 6-12. A record number of 47 children, are singing joyfully, learning lines, remembering where to stand, and bringing this wonderful tale to life.

Alice (Nora Lesmeister) is sitting with her sister (Annika Keefe) who is reading a boring book, when a rabbit (Greta Jones) goes running by. Alice follows the rabbit down the rabbit hole, and nothing is as it was before. She meets up with Mouse (Nessa Kane) who helps her find her way to a strange new world. She gets advice from Caterpillar (Hannah Arendt), learns about doors from an odd person (Colin Thompson), who is invited to play croquet by another person (Sara Brown).

Alice is invited to play croquette by the heralds (Cecilia Harriman, Kaya Johnson, Annika Keefe, and Opal Wankerl). She gets directions from Cheshire Cat (Elsa Johnson), has tea with the Mad Hatter (Margret Zook), the March Hare (Mara Branum) and the Dormouse (Savannah McCann) along with the partiers (Mary Brown, Emma Cline, Nathan Rhodes, Olivia Rissman, Adina Scardina, and Grace Stockman).

She meets up with the gardeners (Lulu Bellrichard, Annika Keefe, and Addison Wicklund) who are painting white roses red, so the queen won’t find out they planted the wrong color. Alice is introduced to the Queen (Adina Scardina) and King of Hearts (Ezra Harmon-Wood) and plays a game of croquette where the balls are hedgehogs (Taylor Vick, Viola Vrtis, Aubriana Moloken, Sally Edison-Albright, Jennifer Houdek, and Niva Anderson), the guards (Kylie Cord, Maggie Gavle, Liv Anderson, Dahlynne Borsheim, Poppy Bellrichard, Anders Wicklund and Mikayla Hiner) are the hoops and the croquette players (Walter Edison-Albright, Iantha Miller, Hazel Wankerl, Justice Nelson, Shepard Harmon-Wood, Violet Martensen-Burrell, and Maddy Johnson) and an unwilling executioner (Olivia Rissman) are all part of the queen’s court.

Alice goes to a trial where the Knave of Hearts (Clarence Nimrod) is accused of stealing tarts from the Queen. One of the main witnesses at the trial is the cook (Jillian Volz). The jurors at the trial are Opal Wankerl and Elsa Christman.

Performances will be October 24, 25, 26 at 7:00 p.m. and October 27 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale at Oneota Community Food Co-op and online at newminowaplayers.org.

Sponsors for the show are Decorah Bank and Trust, Family Table Restaurant, Iroc Web Design Services, Pizza Ranch, RocketDog Books, Rockweiler Appliance &TV, Rick and Sheryl Scheffert, Sogo Snacks, and Singing Hammer’s Construction.

2019 Fort Atkinson Iowa Rendezvous The Theme for the Fort Atkinson Rendezvous, scheduled for September 28th & 29th 2019, is “Frontier Blades”

Frontier Blades were an essential part of the Army and the early settlers, they included the Sword, the Bayonet and the Bowie Knife. These were standard items that no one would be without, even though the
Army Soldiers and the Frontier Trader’s and Explorer’s carried guns, an edged weapon was an integral part of their lives.

They were utilized for combat, defense and hunting, as well as the everyday use of a knife which involved skinning, fire starting and cutting of various items.

Various other renditions of Frontier Blades were commonly made by blacksmiths for specific reasons, Knifemaking is an art in itself involving knowledge and skill, many examples will be on display and some examples for sale to the public.

This Year’s Rendezvous Days is the 43rd Annual and is held in September on Saturday the 28th & Sunday the 29th, admission is free and open to the Public, the School Day will be held on Friday the 27th

For Information:

• Visit Fort Atkinson’s Facebook

Winneshiek County Celebration of Life will be hosting the Corey Farley Band on Saturday Oct 26th at the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville!!! Doors open at 6pm, Cory will on stage at 8pm!. It’s a $30.00 donation to get in the door – your can get your tickets the night of the show!

Winneshiek County Celebration of Life will also be selling raffle tickets which can be purchased from Winneshiek County Celebration of Life committee members Tickets are $5.00 per ticket or get 6 for $20.00!

Cory Farley Band Concert & Dance Raffle Packages are as listed below!

Name: Welcome Friends Package

• Iowa Rotocast Plastics – Grizzly 40 Cooler
• Firemen’s Inn – Gift Certificates
• Polashek’s Locker – Gift Certificate
• Pulpit Rock Brewing Company – etched glasses & t-shirts
• PIVO Brewery – Growler

Name: Family Togetherness Package

• U-2 BBQ & Catering – your “choice of meat” roaster
• Joyce Meyer – 11×14 Sunflower photo
• Appearances Salon & Spa – gift basket and Airbnb weekend stay at Springer Shadyrest on Broadway
• Blepta Studios – jewelry

Name: Ladies Spa Package

• Hammel Jewelers – Diamond ring
• Eclips Salon and Day Spa – “Bless Your Heart” facial with lip & hand treatment
• Iowa Skin Care Medical Spa – “Med Spa” gift certificate
• Hotel Winneshiek – gift certificates

Name: Cory Farley Signed Guitar

• Washburn acoustic guitar — Played at event and signed by Cory Farley

TICKET locations:

• Fidelity Bank & Trust – Calmar
• Fidelity Bank & Trust – Ossian
• PIVO Brewery & Blepta Studios – Calmar
• Hovden Oil – Ridgeway
• Margaret’s – Decorah
• Eclips Salon & Day Spa – Decorah
• Appearances Salon & Spa – Decorah
• Hammel Jewelers – Decorah
• Modish – Decorah
• Viking Bank & Trust – Decorah
• KVIK Studios in downtown Decorah
• WCCOL Board members
• WCCOL Friends

Winneshiek County Celebration of Life provides funding for mammogram screenings for non-insured or under-insured women in our area. They also have added fuel/food cards for community men and women who are in active treatment for cancer. Over the years they have helped THOUSANDS of your friends, family and neighbors!

Auditions for New Minowa Players’ Fall show, “Grand Tally” are Friday, September 20th, beginning at 6 p.m. and again Saturday, September 21st beginning at 11a.m. at New Minowa Players Theatre, 906 South Mill Street, Decorah.

Auditions will last approximately one hour. Actors will be asked to perform a cold reading. Please bring a list of conflicts between the first rehearsal September 23rd through the final performance November 24th.

“Grand Tally” is written by local author Robert Wolf, a stage play adaptation of his novel of the same name. Written prior to the events of the 2014 Bundy Standoff in Clark County, Nevada, but sharing remarkable similarities, Grand Tally evokes a farcical examination of personal idols, media consumption, and corporate accountability. The show features original compositions by Decorah connected musicians, Brooke Joyce, Jonah Elrod & Ben Hippen.

Rehearsals will take place weeknights from September 23rd through November 24th, with occasional weekend rehearsals if necessary. A more detailed schedule will be composed when conflicts may be accounted for. Performance dates are November 21-24, with evening performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7, and a Sunday matinee at 2.

Questions should be directed to Sam Whitehead, director, at samuelawhitehead@gmail.com.

Sponsors for Grand Tally are Decorah Bank and Trust, Family Table Restaurant, Gallery of Tops, Iroc Web Design Services, Pizza Ranch, RocketDog Books, Rockweiler Appliance &TV, Rick and Sheryl Scheffert, Sogo Snacks, Singing Hammer’s Construction.

Please self-report any/all damages after last night’s storm. The process is super easy and will help Winneshiek County Emergency Management catalog the damages that are reported to the state.

Steam Engine Days…how it all began
By Lynn Clauson and Dorothy Anderson

(From the 30th Anniversary Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days Program, Martell Publishing Co., 1972)

The morning of October 3, 1953 dawned clear and warm – a perfect day to publicly exhibit the powers of the old steam engines. Also a good day to do the threshing and have a little fun besides. Admittedly, Steam Engine Days was started on a small scale. The first of the now annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days was nothing more than a public exhibition of oldtime threshing with steam engines, but then not all good things start big.

With the coming of the gasoline engine or tractor and the modern combine, the use of steam power to “thresh” the grain was becoming a thing of the past. A love for the steam engine was very strong in a few men in the Hesper community and they felt this part of farm history should not be forgotten. Other communities were holding special days to keep this method of harvesting alive, so why not Hesper! They would at least have a small get-together.

The first location of what is now an annual event was the Gerhard Clauson farm, six and one half miles east of Hesper, Iowa. At the time, Mr. Clauson invited Jesse McMillen of Hesper, and James Sylling of Spring Grove to join him since both men also owned engines. The three men didn’t expect any widespread interest, but all were prepared to have a good time anyway. Mrs. Clauson recalled that she and her husband’s sister were prepared to serve lunch themselves. Several doughnuts were purchased at a bakery, but as this supply vanished, homemade cookies were brought out of storage and used. A hot-dog stand was also on the premises. Because the only form of advertising had been spread by word-of-mouth, Clauson and the others were very surprised when crowds of several hundred came to view the exhibition. Even the cool weather of the afternoon didn’t chase the crowds away. No elaborate entertainment had been planned for the exhibition of steam engines in 1953, but the children were treated to horse and buggy rides over much of the farm by Lloyd Larson.

Another avid steam engine man was a Mr. Christau, “Krink”, as he was called. Somehow he had heard of this get-together and wanted to be there. He was from Grand Meadow, Minnesota. He and his wife decided to come to see the steam engines that day. As they arrived in the Hesper and Mabel area, he inquired how to get to this event. No one he happened to ask had heard about it, so they were of no help. Mr. Christau started down some gravel roads and all of a sudden he realized he saw the tracks of a large steam engine’s wheels in the road. So, he and his wife just followed them and soon they were enjoying themselves at the Clauson farm.

All in all, the exhibition was considered a great success. The three men who organized the event and those attending had felt that it was quite an idea. It seemed that there was an interested in the old steam horses, so there was talk of holding another exhibition again the following year.

The talk was not in vain. In 1954, another celebration was held, this time on the Charlie McMillen farm west of Hesper. More publicity was given, and in 1954 the first buttons for the event were sold. The buttons provided an even greater attraction and the crowds grew. In a nearby field belonging to Charlie Sellman, twelve airplanes bearing spectators landed. This was startling considering the mild interest Mr. Clauson had expected when he suggested the idea. However, even at the first exhibition, eight or nine airplanes had landed bringing interested people to the event. Mrs. Aurthur Anderson made a tape recording of the engines as they paraded up the driveway to the field to begin “threshing”. In the fall of that year, Charlie McMillen’s son-in-law, Arthur Anderson and family moved to the farm and for years following he plowed up pop bottles and other remnants of that day. Cars were parked all over the farm and even in neighboring fields. A few more side events were added that year including the Hesper Improvement Club food stand. They continued until 1972.

Because the event had aroused such an interest, each fall over Labor Day weekend, the event was continued on farms in the Hesper area. In 1955 a large crowd gathered at the Otto Rasmussen farm to view the steam engines. Hesper Steam Engine Days were held on the Fred Koppen farm in 1956. In 1957 festivities were again held on the Rasmussen farm with the Koppen farm the site of the event in 1958 and 1959.

In 1959, Jesse McMillen added another steam engine to the collection which was drawing such interest. After fourteen months of work, he was able to demonstrate a “midget” engine, a half-scale Advanced Rumley at Steam Engine Days. Mr. Christau was a builder of steam engines, and Jesse McMillen hired him to build this engine. Jesse, and his brother Charlie spent many days in Grand Meadow helping “Krink” build. Although Charlie McMillen no longer owned an engine, he enjoyed helping his brother. Later they built an upright which added more interest to the celebration.

After the festivities in 1959, the six men who had kept the event going – Gerhard Clauson, Jesse McMillen, James Sylling, Charlie McMillen, Dewey Golberg, and Arnold Peterson – were wondering how they could continue as the crowds were getting almost too large to handle. The public expressed a wish that it not be discontinued.

At this time the Mabel community saw this as an opportunity for them to offer a place to hold the event. So, in 1960, Mr. Odell Lee Sr., acting on behalf of the Mabel Business Association, contacted Jesse McMillen and urged the Hesper group to move their steam engine activities to Mabel. This sounded like a good idea to the Hesper group, so, on the first Friday after Labor Day in 1960, the first Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days came into existence. In cooperation with the Mabel Business Association, a complete celebration with parades, entertainment, in the form of a carnival, Queen contests, fall games, and many other activities was set up, although the main attraction remained the old steam horses.

“Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days” had been born. The festival which made Mabel more than a tiny dot on a map, however, depended upon the community for its growth. Today cars from almost every state may be found on the grounds. This success is certainly due largely to the participation of so many local organizations.

The Mabel Business Association continues to plan for this day as the outstanding event of the year. As many as 50,000 people attended the festival in 1967, and an average of 35,000 a year make it a great “weekend”.

Members of many groups such as the area 4-H clubs and farm organizations contribute greatly by making floats for the parade and sponsoring events such as the queen contest which actually started when Hesper held it alone around 1957. It has become one of the highlights to Steam Engine Days.

The VFW sponsors a “Kiddie parade” each year. This preceeds the large parade led by the steam engines. They have had to have their iron wheels “padded” so as not to ruin the black-top roads. Towns nearby add their bit to the parade also. The Shriners from Rochester usually put on their motorcycle demonstration on one of the days.

The churches in the area have all contributed. The Hesper Lutheran Church and Mabel First Lutheran Church have food stands on the grounds. A later addition and one which is enjoyed by everyone is the church service on Sunday morning. A guest pastor is brought in for the service. Special music is provided by area groups. In place of a bell tolling three times, a steam engine whistle is blown three times. This seems so very appropriate and sends shivers up the spines of those who cherish the memory of those “good ‘ol days”.

New attractions are constantly being added including window displays, flower shows, art contests, and an antique show. Arts and crafts are displayed by local and distant personnel.
Although “steam” is still the main display used not only to thresh but to saw wood, etc., a display of gas engines, antique and new, has been added. And, as some of the original founders have passed on, new faces appear as the interest continues. Lloyd Foltz has taken over Jesse McMillen’s engines.

Through all of the changes and updating, Steam Engine Days has undergone, the basic idea to exhibit the old steam horses has not been lost even though they have many modern attractions to compete with. Perhaps that is why people from all over the United States are attracted to the tiny village of Mabel each September to gaze at the mighty steam engines and to mingle with the people who works so hard to make it possible.

Bryan Richards, Emerging Disease Coordinator at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin will speak about Chronic Wasting Disease on September 19, 2019 at 7:00pm in the Rushford-Peterson School Auditorium. In this presentation he will discuss basic characteristics of CWD and how it impacts the potential for successful deer management, documented disease distribution and prevalence trends, and recent science updates. An open discussion will follow.

CWD is a fatal, contagious, neurodegenerative disease in deer and elk. The cause is a malformed prion which has been found in tissue and fluids of infected animals, including in their urine, feces, saliva, blood, and antler velvet. Those prions have also been found to be present environmentally in soil and plants.

Southeastern Minnesota is now a disease management zone, which means the DNR will implement rules that attempt to control the disease within the area. According to the DNR CWD Management Plan, should prevalence of CWD be found to be greater than 5% in this area, the DNR will then move to label the area an endemic zone and switch to passive surveillance, liberal hunting, and monitoring within the zone.

Whether you are a landowner, farmer, a concerned citizen, or hunter the spread of CWD will affect all residents of southeast Minnesota. Attendance by all residents is encouraged.
The presentation is sponsored by the Farm Bureaus of Winona, Houston, and Fillmore Counties along with the Bluffland Whitetails Association. You may contact Cynthie Christensen, President, Houston County Farm Bureau, (507) 251-8465 for more information.

Free event Thursday, August 29, 4-7 pm

Winneshiek Medical Center will hold a Grand Community Picnic on Thursday, August 29 from 4-7 pm on the WMC campus.

“The Grand Community Picnic has become a fun tradition for many families as summer winds down each year. The picnic is an opportunity for the medical center to continue to show our gratitude to the people who trust us to provide health care for their families, neighbors and friends,” says Lisa Radtke, chief administrative officer, Winneshiek Medical Center.

Free Community Picnic Attractions

• BBQ pork sandwich, chips and a beverage
• Giant Bouncy House Obstacle Course
• Kids games area
• Giant Walk-Through Colon (cancer education for everyone)
• “What You Don’t See” trailer (drug education for parents/caregivers)
• Face painting
• Popcorn from the Lion’s Club
• Pokey Pete rides
• Trolley rides by Decorah Trolley Company
• Live music by Mike McAbee
• Garden tours
• Garden food demonstrations
• WMC ambulance tours
• WMC Radiology tours
• Fire truck display
• Winneshiek County Canine McCoy meet-and-greet

Moo-Mobile shakes will also be available for $1 each throughout the evening.

More Information
The picnic is made possible with the help of more than 100 staff volunteers from Winneshiek Medical Center, the WMC Auxiliary and WMC Foundation, and will be held rain or shine.

Convenient parking will be available, with regular trolley rides and golf carts running from the parking lots to the event site.

Information on the WMC Grand Community Picnic is also available at www.winmedical.org/community-picnic. For additional information on the picnic or other Winneshiek Medical Center activities, please call the WMC Marketing & Communications department at 563-382-2911 or email communityrelations@winmedical.org.

Don’t be a VICTIM of a scam!

This is a lengthy post. It is intended to inform people about SCAMS that are going around on the phone and internet. Please take time to read the information below provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Tell your family and friends about these scams so they are not taken advantage of financially.

Imposters / Scammers are everywhere! When the phone rings, do you know who is calling before you answer or who sent the mail you just opened? When at your computer or on your smart phone, do you know who sent the email in your inbox? Do you know who created that pop-up message on your screen? All of these methods and many more are being used by scammers who are not what they may seem to be.

Here are some common indicators that you are dealing with an imposter:

• Requests for personal information. Examples include: date of birth, social security number, Medicare ID number, credit card numbers, or bank account numbers.
• Requests for payment of any kind. No contest, prize or grant recipients have to make payment to receive their winnings or award.
• Requests for payment by wiring money or pre-paid debit cards. Providing money through either of these is the same as giving someone cash and it is not likely that it can be traced or retrieved once given.
• Threats and urgency. The more threatening the call – you’ll be arrested, have to go to court, have your credit ruined the more likely it is from an imposter. Calls requiring urgent action from someone you do not know are likely made by imposters.
• Requests for secrecy. This is especially true for appeals for financial assistance from relatives who say “Don’t tell my mom and dad.” Or for calls about winning a prize where you are told by the caller you can’t tell anyone else about it until you have received your winnings.

Imposter Phone Scams

• IRS or Department of Treasury. Threatening calls that you must pay now for tax violations. The IRS will not contact you by phone. They would contact you by mail. They will not make threats.
• Federal Grant Award. Do not be fooled by the 202 area code look like the call is coming from Washington, D.C. These unsolicited grants are not awarded. In the rare case where someone receives a grant they did not apply for, no payment is required to receive the grant.
• Medicare or Affordable Health Care Act. The caller claims to be a government representative insisting that you provide personal identification information and/or pay a fee or face loss of benefits. Government agencies will contact you by mail, not by phone. They will not make threats on the phone.
• Other Law Enforcement or Government Agency. The caller may threaten deportation but for a fee will assist you to get your certification. They hope you will be scared enough to part with money and/or personal identification information. Or a caller may claim that a foreign dignitary who needs your help with a money transfer is “legitimate”. No law enforcement or government agency makes these kinds of calls.
• Lottery or Prize Winner. The caller says you have won but an administrative fee, shipping, or taxes need to be paid. You never have to pay for a prize or winnings.
• Family Assistance. Also known as the “Grandparents Scam”. These callers prey on the goodwill and desire to help family. The caller will say they are a family member, usually a younger one, in some kind of trouble needing immediate financial assistance. These scammers will feed off of information you inadvertently give them. The caller will ask you not to call someone who could verify the legitimacy of the call (“Don’t call mom or dad”) and to send money in an untraceable manner.
• Computer Problems. The caller claims to be from “Microsoft” or “Google” or another known company and states they have detected a problem with your computer. The caller may tell you to look in a particular place in your computer where you will see many error messages. The caller will tell you this is because of a virus or other problem with your computer. The error messages you are seeing are completely normal on any properly functioning computer. These callers will attempt to get you to pay for services, likely via credit card and to give access to your computer so they can steal personal information and download damaging software known as “malware” that will continue to allow access and even control of your computer. None of these companies make these kinds of calls. Never give a caller access to your computer unless you are sure you know who is on the other side of the phone.
• Utility shut off. The caller states you haven’t paid your utility bill and someone is on the way over to disconnect your service unless you make an immediate payment to the caller. These calls target small businesses but some consumers report receiving these calls at home. To check if what the caller says is true, call the number on your billing statement, not the number the caller gives you.
• “Spoofed” Numbers. Technology exists that allows a caller to control what shows up on Caller ID. This is called “spoofing”. Calls may appear to come from a governmental agency, company or even a neighbor when actually the calls are coming from outside the country. If you do not recognize the number on the Caller ID, let the call go to your answering machine or voicemail. If it is important or a personal call, the caller will leave a message. If you have a question about the message left, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128.

Imposter Mail Scams
Mail scams require a response once you’ve received the mail. The most common imposter scams are prize scams where you are instructed to call and told that you need to make a payment of some sort to receive you winnings. Versions of the phone imposter scams may also come in the mail or through email.

Imposter Computer Scams

• Email scams. Email imposter scams may be versions of the imposter phone or mail scams. Often the objective may be to get you to click on a link that will ask you for personal information or to click on an attachment that will download a virus or other malware to your computer.
• Screen Pop-Ups. A message will pop up on your screen, usually claiming there is something wrong with your computer and telling you to click on the window for assistance. You will then be given information to contact someone to help you, possibly from a known company like “Microsoft” or “Google”. This is a variation on the Computer Problem calls. Often the screen pop-up messages are the result of a virus that has been downloaded to your computer to get you to make contact with them rather than the calling you. Sometimes you may receive a call once this message appears or you click on the pop up window. If an error message appears on your computer, contact someone you know and trust for help. Do not click on pop-up windows reporting a problem with your computer.
• Online search imposter scams. When looking for assistance through an online search, be aware that some companies, including scammers, have paid to have their links appear at the top of your search list. It is very easy to think you are talking to a representative of the actual company you want, or are on their website, only to find you are being asked to provide personal information, payment information and/or access to your computer. Check the website address to make sure you are dealing with the real company.
• Online dating imposter scams. Online dating makes it easier for a person to misrepresent them self. Fake or outdated photos may be used, personal histories enhanced or exaggerated, personal traits fabricated. With traditional dating it is possible to talk with friends, family members or acquaintances to check a person’s reputation. Online dating does not usually make this possible. Once a scammer is confident they have your trust, they will start asking for money. They may tell you they need it to help get money the government owes them, cover the costs of a sudden illness, surgery, a robbery, accident, or job loss. It may be for them, or a daughter or son. They may ask for money to cover the cost of travel to finally meet face-to-face. You might get documents from an attorney as “proof” of their genuine intentions along with a promise to pay it back. As real as the relationship seems, it is a scam and you lose the money sent.
• Social networking website imposter scams. Treat links in messages on these sites as you would a link in an email message. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it is best to delete it or mark it as junk. Hackers can break into accounts and send messages that look like they are from your friends, but are not. If you suspect that a message is fraudulent, use an alternate method to contact your friend to find out. Do not trust that a message is really from who it says it is from.

Do Not Respond!
The best defense against all these imposter scam is to not respond.

• Do not answer the call. Use your Caller ID. If you do not recognize the number let it go to your answering machine or voicemail. If you do answer the call, hang up as soon as you realize this is not someone you want to talk with. Talking to these callers or calling them back will likely result in additional contacts from them and other scammers.
• Delete email from unknown senders. If you do not know who sent it, do not open it. Sometimes opening an email is enough to tell a scammer that this is a valid address and they will continue to send you email. If you do not know who sent it, never click on a link or attachment in an email.
• Verify your search result. Before acting on the result of an online search, check to make sure you are dealing with the company you want. If you do make contact, watch for the signs of a scam.
• Do not call the verification number you are given. Call the number on a billing statement, found in the phone book or reliable online directory. Never check to see if something is legit using the number given to you on the call, mailer, email or message.

Urbandale, Iowa – The Iowa State Fair has ended and the eggs have been counted. The Iowa Egg Council, along with the help of wonderful volunteers, served 173,952 eggs-on-a-stick to fairgoers!

The egg-on-a-stick continues to be a fair-favorite year after year, and from what we hear, a family tradition. What’s not to love about a 70 calorie, high protein snack that’s FREE?!

Add the Iowa Egg Council booth to your list of stops for the 2020 Iowa State Fair. We will see you next year!

Be on the LOOKOUT!

A white Chevrolet s10 truck (as pictured) was stolen from a residence in Northern Winneshiek County. We are looking for assistance in locating the white Chevrolet s10 truck and/or identifying the suspect.

**The white utility truck in the video was not the one stolen.

Please contact the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office with any information

If you have any information about her whereabouts please contact the West Union Police Department at (563)422-3535.

This subject fled from officers at the Decorah Wal-Mart a short time ago. He is suspected to be from the Milwaukee area. He may be looking for a vehicle as we suspect that we have his. We ask that you lock your vehicles and make sure you remove the keys from them. Also, lock your residence if you leave for any period of time.

If you see suspicious activity in your area, please contact police. I know the photo is not a good one, but we wanted to get the information out ASAP. The suspect does have a large neck tattoo.

18th Annual Community Vacation Bible Camp (later this year because of all of the snow days)

ROAR: Life is Wild, God is Good!

Takes place in a Jungle

(We call it VBC Camp, not VBS School, because it is nothing like school) ☺

Hosted by St. Benedicts, Decorah Covenant, Washington Prairie Lutheran and Stone Ridge churches.

Open to all, do not have to belong to any church to join the fun! …A community event held at
Stone Ridge Church.
August 5 – 9, Mon – Fri
9 am – noon

Campers start at 4 yrs old.
Going into 5th grade can be helpers
Older kids and adults – crew leaders, or station leaders.
If you love kids and love God this is the place for you!
Gain Leadership experience, Be a Role Model.
High School kids get Silver Cord hours too.

Outdoor Games, Imagination Station, High Energy, make new friends

Looking for a Photographer.

Sign up at: vbspro.events/p/events/decorahvbs
Link on decorahnews.com and church sites

Everyone gets a t-shirt and every camper family gets to keep a CD of the fun music
Camp empowers kids to boldly face life’s challenges.

International Owl Awareness Day Celebration

Houston, MN – Celebrate and learn about owls with a full day of programs and fun on August 3 in Houston, MN. In addition to the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Great Horned Owl, American Barn Owl and red morph Eastern Screech-Owl who work at the International Owl Center, you’ll also get to see and learn about Quarry Hill Nature Center’s tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl and Oxbow Park’s Barred Owl and gray morph Eastern Screech-Owl.

You’ll also find a plethora of owl items for sale, including owl cookies you can decorate yourself, owl face painting, a scavenger hunt around town and more. There will also be a special exhibition of extremely lifelike owl carvings by Robin Warburton.

Most activities take place at Houston Elementary School, two blocks south of the International Owl Center in Houston. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for ages 4-17, and free for members and ages 3 and under. Find full details at www.InternationalOwlCenter.org.

International Owl Center
126 E Cedar St.
PO Box 536
Houston, MN 55943

Making the world a better place for owls through education and research.

Decorah Student Wins High School Division of Iowa Student Composition Competition

Results from Iowa Composers Forum annual competition

Jesus Peña, a member of the class of 2020 at Decorah High School, has been awarded first place in the 19th annual Iowa Composers Forum (ICF) Student Composition Competition. The first place winner in each division receives a cash award, and selected winning compositions will be performed at an ICF Festival of New Music in the fall of 2019. Judges this year included Warren Gooch, ICF member and Professor Emeritus of Music Theory-Composition and former chair of the Music Graduate Program at Truman State University in Missouri as well as Jonathan Wilson, freelance composer and ICF member.

The winning piece, “Sinfonia in B minor, Color Symphony” was a project Peña completed as part of an independent study of music composition. He spent a semester writing and revising the music, preparing the parts and leading rehearsals of the music prior to its premiere performance in early June at the Decorah High School Orchestra’s outdoor concert. Teacher Nicole Cody commented: “I’m so proud of the work that Jesus did on this composition. He wanted to learn about the way Mozart wrote music. He was constantly generating and refining new ideas and then built them into a cohesive work that is full of artistic meaning, while honoring the forms and styles of Mozart.”

The Iowa Composers Forum was founded in March of 1987 in Des Moines by seven composers who wished to create an environment for the performance and dissemination of music composed by Iowans. Over the intervening years, the ICF has presented more than 100 concerts and tour recitals of works by member composers. These concerts have featured the performances of over 800 works of new music, including works by student composers from the elementary, middle, high school, and collegiate level. The ICF has commissioned many new works, both unilaterally and in partnership with other organizations such as the Iowa Music Teachers Association and the Iowa Choral Directors Association. The ICF sponsors its own annual student composition competition, open to students studying at the collegiate level and earlier.

Each year, the ICF offers the following:

• a concert event in the fall.
• a multi-concert new music festival, stretching over multiple days, in the spring. These are almost always held on Iowa college campuses. Recent festival sites have included the University of Northern Iowa, Luther College, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa.
• a student composition competition, open to students studying at the middle school through collegiate level. Winners receive premiere performances and prize money.
• a quarterly newsletter for its members, containing member news, concert reviews, calls for scores, and other professional opportunities.

The Forum extends its congratulations and encouragement to all the entrants. More information about the Iowa Composers Forum and the next call for scores can be found at www.iowacomposers.org. All entrants receive a one-year membership to the Iowa Composers Forum.

DECORAH, Iowa – Luther College professors and students are sharing their findings about flooding and encouraging community conversation in Freeport during a community meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Freeport Park.

Representatives from Luther College will talk about their research on the 2016 Upper Iowa River flood and Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development will be on hand to discuss their watershed plan to enhance flood resilience. Residents will also have opportunities to share ideas and engage in discussion about ways to prepare for future floods.

A team of Luther College professors and students recently completed a series of interviews with members of the Freeport community affected by the Upper Iowa River flood of 2016. The team also conducted a survey of households throughout the Upper Iowa River Watershed to assess the impact and damage of the 2016 flood event. The meeting on Tuesday will share findings of these interviews and survey results, as well as facilitate conversation among community members about the implications of the research.

“One of our biggest takeaways from this research were the impacts – emotional, social and economic –  that flooding has on our community beyond the flood event itself. We hope this work contributes to ongoing conversations about how to make our communities more resilient to flooding,” says Rachel Brummel, assistant professor of environmental studies and political science.

In addition, a representative from Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development will introduce the proposed watershed plan for the Upper Iowa River and discuss projects in the watershed designed to reduce the scale of future floods.

The meeting is intended to facilitate a conversation among Freeport community members on how to create a community that is resilient to future flooding. Food and drinks will be provided. Everyone is invited to attend.

The health food incentive program Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) began at Iowa farmers markets in 2016 to help low-income families eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting farmers and growing local economies.

In 2018, Double Up Food Bucks was available at 14 locations across Iowa, including 11 farmers markets and three grocery stores. In 2019, Double Up Food Bucks is expected to reach as many as 150,000 residents in 14 famers markets and 19 grocery stores in 12 counties across Iowa – including the Oneota Community Food Co-op and Winneshiek Farmers Market.

How it works
Double Up Food Bucks provides participants in the SNAP program with a one-to-one match to purchase healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables. (SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps.)

How to participate
Visit participating locations (Oneota Community Food Co-op, Winneshiek Farmers Market, Fareway Decorah). Pick out your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. For every $1 you spend on fresh produce with your SNAP EBT card you will earn $1 in Double Up Food Bucks. Earn up to $10 in Double Up Food Bucks per day. Use your Double Up Food Bucks to buy LOCALLY-GROWN, fresh produce at the Co-op and Winneshiek Farmers Market. Use them immediately, or save them for later.

Double Up Food Bucks can be obtained and redeemed at any participating location in Iowa! For more information visit iowahealthieststate.com/double-up-food-bucks.

About Oneota Community Food Co-op
Located in downtown Decorah, Oneota Community Food Co-op is a cooperatively-owned grocery store specializing in local, organic, and sustainably produced products since 1974. For over four decades, the Co-op has been the leading provider of whole foods at a reasonable cost, with an emphasis on organic, local and bulk foods. Roughly $.45 of every dollar spent at the Co-op stays within 100 miles of the store. Stop in and see us at 312 West Water Street in Decorah, or online at www.oneotacoop.com.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Many Americans enjoy do-it-yourself projects and some Americans make a living in construction. There’s a group of U.S. Navy sailors who apply the same creativity required for DIY endeavors along with the engineering discipline of construction, but with a unique twist. They work underwater. Around the world. In some of the most challenging conditions imaginable including hostile environments, extreme heat or cold, or in remote locations where the only support and supplies they have are the ones they brought with them.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting

Senior Chief Petty Officer Liam O’Brien, a 2000 Thomas Roberts High School graduate and native of Decorah, Iowa, is one of these sailors serving at Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1, which is responsible for underwater construction, inspection, repair and demolition operations supporting both peacetime and wartime missions.

As a Navy constructionman and master diver, O’Brien is responsible for the safe and effective diving operations.

“As a master diver, I’m responsible for life support systems certification,” said O’Brien. “I’m there to keep our Navy divers safe.”

O’Brien credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Decorah.

“As an Eagle Scout, I learned about leadership, which carried over into the Navy,” said O’Brien. “Also, going hunting and spending time outdoors helped me a lot when I got in the Navy.”

A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“The sailors who serve as part of the Navy’s Underwater Construction Teams possess a very specialized skill set,” said Lt. Cmdr. James Johncock, UCT-1’s commanding officer. “The work they do is crucial to providing freedom of the seas in both peacetime and wartime. It’s an honor to lead these sailors and I continue to be inspired every day by their commitment to being the absolute best at what they do. The physical and technical abilities underwater construction technicians demonstrate make them some of the most highly trained sailors in the Navy.”

O’Brien is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

O’Brien has achieved the highest qualified diver qualifications that can be earned in the Navy.

“Master diver qualification is the pinnacle of a diver’s career,” said O’Brien. “There’s a lot of time studying for the written test, but more importantly there are a series simulated casualty drills that require a great deal of physical effort under stress. Ultimately, leadership is the key to success.”

In addition to earning his master diving qualifications, O’Brien is most proud of his family.

“I have a wife of 15 years and I have five children,” said O’Brien. “We’re both really proud of them.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, O’Brien and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“The most important thing about serving my country is knowing that I get to help lead others to achieve their goals,” added O’Brien. “We’re like a family here in the Navy. We not only get to know each other at the command, we also get to know and support their family members.”

Caleb Ferring, a skilled trades teacher from Waukon High School participated in a six-week summer STEM externship experience at Trinity Fabricators in New Albin, Iowa to enhance his skills and understanding of the welding industry. Trinity Fabricators is an American Welding Society (AWS) structurally certified welding and fabricating business. Some of the projects to go through the shop during Caleb’s externship included steel structures for agriculture facilities, gas stations, and power plants to name a few. Caleb completed and passed a weld test for an AWS welding certification for GMAW (commonly known as wire welding) in the flat position for unlimited thickness. Caleb plans to incorporate these industry standards into the Welding Career Pathway Certificate classes he will start teaching for Northeast Iowa Community College at the newly remodeled Allamakee Regional Welding Academy located in Waukon this coming school year.

The picture is of Caleb standing next to a set of industrial strength gates he welded during his summer STEM Externship at Trinity Fabricators in New Albin.

Winneshiek County, home to the famous Decorah eagles viewed by millions online, was also recently the location of a successful release of a female bald eagle following several months of rehabilitation due to lead poisoning.

The eagle, Pole Line Road 19 (PLR19), was admitted to Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR), a raptor rehabilitation, education, and research organization, in February and released on June 27 at Lake Meyer Park, outside of Calmar.

A Team Effort
PLR19 was found in mid-February along Pole Line Road, west of Decorah. Dispatchers received multiple reports of a downed or injured eagle in the road ditch and contacted Winneshiek County Conservation and the Winneshiek County Sherriff’s Office.

“The rescue was a team effort,” says Barb Schroeder, executive director of Winneshiek County Conservation. “Our staff handled the physical collection of the bird, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control, local volunteers Brian Malaise and Patti Brice got her transported safely to SOAR, and, of course, many people called in to let us know about her in the first place.”

Rehab, Recovery, and Release
When PLR19 was collected, she was unable to hold her head upright and was having seizures. Both are symptoms of high blood lead levels, which was confirmed through tests. SOAR began administering fluids and chelation therapy, a standard treatment for lead poisoning.

Chelation therapy involves twice-daily injections for several days, followed by rest days. Chelation medication binds with lead in the bloodstream so it can be eliminated like other waste from the body.

After the initial weeks of intense care focused on helping PLR19 survive, SOAR was able to transition to a focus on rehabilitating PLR19 to return to the wild by slowly moving her in to larger flight pens. More than four months after her initial admittance, PLR19 was sufficiently recovered and strong enough for release back to the wild.

The release was scheduled to take place close to where PLR19 was initially found, but storms in the area delayed the release and necessitated a clear take-off zone to better protect PLR19. Only a small group was present during the release to reduce stress on PLR19 and she successfully and quickly left the area.

A video of the release is available on the Winneshiek County Conservation Facebook page.

Lead Poisoning and Eagles in Iowa
Lead poisoning is currently the leading cause of death for adult female bald eagles. Fifty percent of eagles admitted to Iowa rehabilitation centers and tested over a period of ten years exhibited elevated blood lead levels. Eagles inadvertently consume lead from animal carcasses and/or gut piles containing lead shot or lead shrapnel.

In addition to the muscle weakness and seizures exhibited by PLR19, eagles suffering from lead poisoning also frequently experience vision impairment, brain swelling, vomiting, paralysis, and organ failure. Only about 10 percent of lead poisoning cases admitted for rehabilitation result in birds being able to be released back to the wild as PLR19 was.

Non-toxic alternatives to lead shot and tackle are now available and effective for all hunters and anglers. For more information, visit www.huntingwithnonlead.org.

SOAR is a 501(c)3 raptor rehabilitation, education, and research organization, established in 1999. More information about SOAR and lead poisoning research can be found at https://soarrpators.org.

 DECORAH, Iowa – Luther alumnus Chris Norton is returning to Decorah to speak about his new book, “The Seven Longest Yards.” He and his wife, Emily Norton, co-authored the book. You can meet the couple and get a signed copy at 7 p.m. Monday, July 1 at Carrie Lee Auditorium.

Norton, a first-year student athlete, was injured in a 2010 football game. He saw an opening for a tackle but mistimed his jump and collided with the ball carrier.

“In an instant I lost all feeling and movement from my neck down. I was told I would never be able to move again,” said Norton.

Since then he has continued to defy the odds. First at his Luther College commencement ceremony in 2015. With the help of his then fiancé, Emily Summers, Norton walked across the stage to receive his diploma.

“I was incredibly nervous and anxious. However, right from the beginning of the walk, the gym erupted with cheers and applause, which was really encouraging,” said Norton. “Then to conquer one of my biggest goals with the help of Emily, who I was going to spend the rest of my life with and in front of people who have been so supportive like family, friends, and my college community was a moment I’ll forever cherish.”

The video of that moment has been viewed more than 300 million times. His next big walk came in 2018. After the couple said their wedding vows, Summers helped Norton out of his wheelchair, they sealed the deal with a kiss and walked seven yards down the isle as husband and wife. Norton says it took seven years to prepare for that moment with Summers helping him each day.

Since graduating from Luther College, Norton has dedicated his life to empowering others to overcome their obstacles.

“It was at Luther College that I discovered how compassionate people are and the power of community.”

Norton says he has seen far too many people go without necessary therapy equipment and assistance to achieve their recovery goals so he started the Chris Norton Foundation. The non-profit works to help people with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities lead their best lives. Norton also speaks across the nation and was named a “2018 Hottest Event Keynote Speaker” by ITA Group.

To register for the July 1 event, visit www.dragonflybooks.com/event/norton.

Luther College is home to more than 2,000 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu

DECORAH, Iowa— A well-known woman of worship will be leading the Luther College student congregation on her path to pastoral work. Vicar Amalia Vagts, a 1995 Luther graduate, is a candidate for word and sacrament ministry in the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America (ELCA.) Her candidacy is sponsored and supported by her home congregation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa.

All candidates studying to become pastors in the ELCA complete a year of pastoral internship. Vagts’ internship is a collaboration between the Luther College student congregation with supervisor Pastor Anne Edison-Albright and two area congregations: Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader, Iowa and Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa with supervisor Pastor Susan Friedrich. “It’s been a few decades since we’ve had a pastoral intern at Luther,” said Pastor Edison-Albright, “Vicar Amalia’s time with us will be renewal of an important aspect of ministry at the college.”

At Luther, Vagts will plan, preach and lead worship as well as intentionally connect with students who are looking for ways to add spiritual practices into their daily lives. “Vicar Amalia brings creativity, curiosity and outstanding communication and leadership skills to every team she’s on,” said Pastor Edison-Albright. “I’m excited to get to continue to work with her in this new way, and to accompany her in everything she’s going to learn and experience about ministry on internship. She brings so much to the campus context and the parishes she’ll be serving this year.”

Vagts graduated from Luther College with degrees in religion and English. She then spent a decade working for reproductive and sexual health as a community organizer, lobbyist and campaign field manager for Planned Parenthood. From 2006 – 2017, Vagts served as executive director of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, working in support of LGBTQ ministry leadership in the Lutheran church.

Pastors Edison-Albright and Friedrich expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with a pastoral intern who is openly LGBTQ. “It’s increasingly possible for diverse leaders to answer the call to serve in ministry leadership, and that’s a real blessing for the church,” said Pastor Edison-Albright. “As a member of the LGBTQ community, Vicar Amalia will bring valued new diversity to our ministry teams.”

When describing herself Vagts said, “I love to listen, work, and figure out how to invite people into their true selves. I believe God is alive in the world and seek to live my live in such a way that shows this is true.”

After Vagts’ internship year, she will return to Wartburg Theological Seminary School for a final year of study before beginning the process of ordination and seeking a first call as a pastor.
Luther College is home to more than 2,000 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

News from Anatomical Heart Films

Lansing, IA – Mason City native, Iowa State graduate, and 2017-18 Iowa Arts Council Artist Fellow Jack Meggers will be hosting the premiere screening of his short film, The Burial, at TJ Hunter’s in Lansing, IA at 7pm, Thursday, June 20th, 2019. The screening will also be hosted by Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism.

Last August, Meggers completed principal photography for his short film produced in and around Lansing, IA. Since filming was completed, Meggers has been working on the editing and finishing of his film and is very excited to debut it for many of the people that helped in its creation.

A Q&A session will follow the screening and will be attended by Meggers and his lead actress, Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon, all the way from New York City.

Parents of young children are cautioned: there is some adult language in the film.

The film follows Abby, a young woman of Native American and Caucasian descent (played by New York actress Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon), as she returns to her childhood home in NE Iowa. After receiving word that her estranged father has passed away, she returns to settle her father’s affairs, only to fall in with some childhood friends and ignore her responsibilities. The group makes a startling discovery in the woods and must deal with the consequences of their poor decisions.

This screening is the first of two planned screenings. The second will take place in Des Moines on June 22nd and will be held at the State of Iowa Historical Museum auditorium at 4:30pm.

The natural beauty of the driftless area in the NE corner of Iowa is featured in this short, proof-of-concept film. Meggers wishes to extend great thanks to everyone in Allamakee County and  beyond that made this film possible.

Links of interest:
www.facebook.com/theburialmovie
www.jack.film
Jack Meggers IMDB
Anatomical Heart Films
415 7th Street, Ste 108
West Des Moines, IA 50265

DECORAH, Iowa—Luther College will host the second annual Dorian Choral Retreat for adults from June 28 through June 30, 2019. The public is invited to attend ‘Livssang’, the culminating event of the weekend, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. ‘Livssang’ will include a performance of the choral repertoire learned during the retreat, sharing of personal stories and a hymn sing led by Pastor Mike Blair, there is no charge for admission.

Designed for Luther alumni, music educators and all who love singing, the choral retreat is meant to be a musical escape. It’s an opportunity to take a break from everyday life, sing alongside music enthusiasts and a time to explore Decorah and all Luther College has to offer.

Weekend highlights include a keynote speech by Bret Amundson titled “Transformational Choral Singing” which will show how the arts – singing in particular – can enliven social justice efforts. Other events include breakout sessions by Luther alumnus Tanya Kruse Ruck, campus pastor Mike Blair and choral faculty Mark Potvin and Jill Wilson. Rehearsals of choral repertoire will be led by Andrew Last, director of choral activities.

The Dorian Choral Retreat is available to anyone at least 19 years of age. Costs are dependent on housing preference. You may choose to stay in the Luther College residence halls, or you may find your own housing option off campus. Specific rates can be found here.

Registration for the retreat is available at https://tinyurl.com/choralretreat, enrollments will be accepted through June 21.

Luther College is home to more than 2,000 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu

Prairie du Chien, WI – The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic in Prairie du Chien is celebrating five years of caring for the community. In honor of this milestone anniversary, the Clinic is hosting a Customer Appreciation Celebration on Monday, July 1 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Patients and community members of all ages, including those who are not clinic patients, are welcome to enjoy a picnic supper consisting of hamburgers, chicken, beef hot dogs, salads, and fruit, along with an inflatable obstacle course for all ages, face painting, and door prizes including one adult and one youth bicycle. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the clinic and meet staff members.

“Our Clinic team is incredibly excited to welcome the community to celebrate our five year anniversary with us,” shared Maria Mathis, Clinic Director. “We are honored that we have the opportunity to provide care to residents of this region. As primary care providers, we truly enjoy the relationships that are created with our patients and their families. This event is a great time to celebrate our patients and our community!”

The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic provides comprehensive family care and services including acute illness care, chronic disease management, DOT and sports physicals, immunizations, Medicare wellness visits, obstetrics and postnatal care, preventative medicine, well-child check-ups, and women’s health services. The board-certified team of Clinic providers include Dr. Walter Downey, Family Medicine Physician; Katy Maker, Certified Nurse Midwife; Sue McMillan, Family Nurse Practitioner; Terri Payne, Certified Nurse Midwife; Brian Quick, Physician Assistant; Charlene Sauer, Family Nurse Practitioner; Molly Schlegel, Certified Nurse Midwife; and Dr. Kenneth Valyo, Doctor of Osteopathic Family Medicine.

The Crossing Rivers Health Prairie du Chien Clinic is located at 37822 US Hwy 18 next to the Medical Center. To learn more about services provided at the Clinic, along with provider videos, patient stories, and information on health topics, visit crossingrivers.org. The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic is now welcoming Dean Health Plan’s Commercial Insurance.

Photo: The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic team is hosting a Customer Appreciation Open House in honor of the Clinic’s five year anniversary of providing care.

Sponsored by DECORAH BANK & TRUST in cooperation with Decorah Parks and Recreation

On TUESDAY, JUNE 18, slide into summer at the Decorah Municipal Pool! This free, family fun night will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, and will include free pool admission, a bouncy house, face painting, and other fun activities. Popcorn will be given away and pizza and other refreshments will be available for purchase.

Winneshiek County Development, Inc. (WCDI) is excited to confirm that Hy-Vee will open a grocery store in Decorah’s Centrum Plaza in the former Quillin’s location. The 25,000 square-foot store will offer a large grocery product offering. Renovations of the existing structure will begin this fall.

Benefiting the Local Community
The store is forecasted to add up to 70 new jobs to the local economy. In addition to the products and services their stores provide, Hy-Vee has a long history of working as partners with the local communities where their stores are located. “Hy-Vee is an outstanding organization and we are excited about their investment and interest in our community,” states Fromm. “Over the years, we have heard many times from community members about their interest in bringing Hy-Vee to our area, and that feedback is what really set off this endeavor.” Local building owners, Kent and Marla Klocke, “We are grateful to WCDI, Decorah Jobs and the city of Decorah for supporting this economic development project that will not only benefit Decorah but our surrounding communities as well.”

Project History
The work to bring Hy-Vee to the area has been a collaborative effort over nearly twelve months when the development group first came to Decorah searching for challenging projects. Stephanie Fromm, Director of WCDI, initiated and fostered the relationship between local business owners Ken and Marla Klocke–owners of the building which will now house Hy-Vee–and project developer Brian Ridge of Ridge Development and commercial real estate professional Ryan Fitzpatrick of Cushman and Wakefield. This fostered relationship resulted in the agreements to purchase the former Quillins Grocery box for redevelopment and eventually lead to the opportunity to develop the building for the Hy-Vee store.

“It is always exciting when you can help fulfill the needs of parties on all ends of a transaction,” states Fromm. “This one project enabled us to assist the Klockes in the transition of their building, utilize existing infrastructure for a new project, and secure a high-quality retailer for our area that will become an anchor tenant that spurs further growth and development of our local economy.”

For more information about the project or the services available through Winneshiek County Development, contact Stephanie Fromm at 563-382-6061 or director@winneshiekdevelopment.org.

Prairie du Chien, WI – A team of four participants from Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac Rehabilitation and Healthy Hearts program recently participated in the 20th Annual Hearts of Gold Games held in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The Crossing Rivers Health team won the first place overall team award, along with six total medals in categories ranging from cooking to basketball, golf, and walking.

Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Manager Tammy Thompson was proud of the team’s participation. She said, “We have been participating in the games for all 20 years and thank each of the participants for entering these challenging events and representing our organization year after year. Our participants certainly enjoy participating in the Hearts of Gold Games and look forward to the event every year. Participation in these games and belonging to a group exercise program provides an opportunity to form new friendships that otherwise wouldn’t have been formed. These participants reap more than just the medals they win, they reap the benefits of maintaining their long-term health, and living a lifetime of wellness.”

Individuals interested in learning about the Cardiac Rehab, Peripheral Artery Disease Exercise Program, as well as the Healthy Hearts or Pulmonary Rehab programs are encouraged to call Crossing Rivers Health at 608.357.2349 or visit crossingrivers.org to learn more.

Participant results:

• Bake-off –  Female: Dyan Winkers – 2nd place
• Dart Ball – Male: Bob Zwirlein – 2nd place
  Female: Connie Collins – 3rd place
• Putt Putt Golf – Male: Bob Zwirlein – 1st place
• Prediction ½ mile track walk – Female: Connie Collins – 2nd place
• Prediction ¼ mile treadmill walk – Female: Connie Collins – 2nd place

Photo (L to R): The Crossing Rivers Health Hearts of Gold Games team won the first place overall team award, along with six total medals in categories ranging from cooking to basketball, golf, and walking. Team members include: Betty Brietsprecher, Monona; Dyan Winkers, Woodman; Connie Collins, Prairie du Chien; Bob Zwirlein, Monona; and Pat Stovey, Crossing Rivers Health Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

DECORAH, Iowa — Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, is grateful to have community partners like Mississippi Welding who are willing to support our Folk Art school classes. Their support serves, not only our community members, but also participants from across the nation enabling many to find their own way to create at Vesterheim! Mississippi Welding provided assistance accessing welding equipment.

Pictured here is metal artist Kelly Ludeking who taught an amazing metal sculpture class at Vesterheim this past weekend.

With world-class exhibitions and 12 historic buildings in scenic Decorah, Iowa, Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. This national treasure is also a center for folk-art education, offering a wide variety of classes in authentic Norwegian folk art every year. For more information on the museum’s exhibitions, classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, check Vesterheim’s website at vesterheim.org, call (563) 382-9681, or write to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center
P.O. Box 379
523 W. Water St.
Decorah, IA 52101

Two upcoming concerts!!

1. The Decorah Municipal Band performs Wednesday, June 26, for Music in the Park in downtown Spring Grove, Minnesota, at 6:30 pm. The band is under the direction of Jim Fritz and Merlyn Finley. Bring a friend and find a cozy place to sit and enjoy the FREE live music! More at decorahmuniband.org.
2. The Decorah Municipal Band performs Thursday, June 27, for Lawn Chair Night in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse at 7:00 pm. The band is under the direction of Jim Fritz and Merlyn Finley. Bring a friend and find a cozy place to sit and enjoy the FREE live music! More at decorahmuniband.org.