Building Local Community Through Arts, Cultural, and Recreational Events, and the Exchange of Goods and Services
Now until December 14th, Decorah Parks and Recreation is helping send your letter to Santa!
All you have to do is: Write a letter to Santa, place in the red mailbox outside the park-rec office, and Santa will send a letter back to you!
*Be sure to include your name and return address*
Agenda:
Pledge of Allegiance
0:00:06b – Miscellaneous
– Freeport Property / IRP request
– Notice to proceed – Festina Sewer Project
– Resolution to commit $1.5 million for Winn Co Conservation Board’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program Grant00:16:22 – Andy Van Der Maaten – County Attorney
Re: legal questions regarding agenda & other issues00:30:23 – Nick Rissman – Interim Co Engineer and/or Jeff Kuboushek – Maintenance Superintendent
Re: road projects updates
An artist’s rendering of the entrance to the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness.
DECORAH, IOWA – Luther College announced today the commitment of a historic $10 million gift from Michael and Nicole Gerdin and the Gerdin Charitable Foundation. This is the largest individual gift in the college’s 162-year history, which will serve as the lead gift toward the expansion and renovation of the Regents Center, home to Norse athletics and the center for sports and recreation at Luther College.
“Today it’s my absolute joy and distinct privilege to announce this transformational gift to Luther College,” President Jenifer K. Ward said. “This support is not only historic, it speaks to the strength of Luther’s reputation as a fine Iowa college destination and to our potential for future success.”
The Chairman, President and CEO of Heartland Express in North Liberty, Iowa, Gerdin is a 1992 graduate of Luther who studied management and was a member of the Norse men’s basketball team. Starting his career as a teenager at the company his father founded, Gerdin moved up the ranks at Heartland to lead the firm, mirroring Heartland’s rise into one of North America’s largest truckload transportation and logistics companies.
From left to right: Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward, Mike Gerdin, former Luther College Basketball Coach Jeff Olinger, Athletic Director Renae Hartl and Luther Vice President for Development Mary Duvall.
“I wanted to play college basketball, and I wanted to go to a place that had a good business school. I kept coming back to Luther,” Gerdin said when describing his college decision process in the announcement Monday morning. “I talked to President Ward about what this upgrade could mean for Luther and the whole Decorah community. It is time for Luther.”
In recognition of this commitment, the facility will be renamed the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness.
“We want this project to embody that spirit of bringing all of campus together,” Ward said. “While the Regents Center is home to many Norse athletic teams as a training and competition venue, it is also heavily utilized by students, faculty, staff, and community members for recreation and wellness. This investment by the Gerdins and the Gerdin Charitable Foundation not only touches Luther, but contributes to the vitality of Decorah and all of northeast Iowa.”
“This is so incredibly exciting for all of us, and we are beyond grateful to Mike and his family for believing in us and this special place,” Athletic Director Renae Hartl said. “Here at Luther, students are at the heart of all we do, and these gifts are really about them. Our campus becomes their home for four years, and we work hard to provide an environment where we exercise our minds in classes and labs and we stress and push and exercise our bodies as part of overall wellness and a strong tradition of NCAA Division III athletics.”
The Luther campus and Decorah community came to the donation announcement Monday morning.
Aside from serving as the headquarters for the Luther Norse athletic department, the center also houses facilities used by the entire college, including the campus’ student, faculty and staff fitness facility, the college’s aquatics center, and the recently renovated indoor track, tennis courts, and flexible usage space of the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center. Among the highlights in the preliminary plans for the Gerdin Fieldhouse are a new entrance space for the public, a team meeting space open for use by all teams, renovation of the locker rooms, and a new common area and study space for the 21 Norse athletic teams.
Originally constructed in 1963, the current Regents Center is over 200,000 square feet, and will become one of the largest renovation projects in the college’s history.
The Gerdin gift comes just weeks after the announcement of another significant individual gift with $2 million from Dennis and Suzanne Birkestrand to renovate and rename the court inside the Regents Center to the Birkestrand Family Court. Watch the announcement on Luther’s YouTube channel.
“These gifts of support from our alumni show remarkable confidence in the future of Luther College,” Ward said. “The recent investments in Luther by our graduates are symbolic of their journeys, and they call us toward our future. Mike and Dennis came to Luther in different generations, but they both received a broad-based education that grounded them in the ability to adapt and succeed. They share the same common thread of hard work up through the ranks, building their companies and careers, and now giving back so the next generation can benefit from that same Luther experience.”
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 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.
Mayo Clinic Health System Decorah Clinic Physicians is pleased to welcome Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) Specialist Mark Ballard, M.D. to WinnMed.
Dr. Ballard comes to northeast Iowa from a private practice in Rapid City, South Dakota. He earned his Bachelor of Science from University of South Dakota and his medical degree from University of South Dakota School of Medicine. Dr. Ballard completed his residency through Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi and is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Ballard served in the South Dakota Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve and the United States Air Force – Active Duty from 1987-2001.
He says, “I was trained to view and treat my patients as if they are family, and to provide the level of care that I would want for my loved ones. I am bringing high-risk experience to the people of northeast Iowa for local care and look forward to helping women of this region with their obstetric and gynecological needs.”
He joins a team of primary and specialty providers who practice full time in WinnMed’s Decorah, Ossian and Mabel medical clinics.
Dr. Ballard says, “Over my career, I have spent considerable time providing OB-GYN outreach care in rural communities. I love the atmosphere of smaller towns and when relocating, my wife and I considered the community as much as the medical practice when making our decision. Having grown up on a farm in South Dakota, I am drawn to the lifestyle of a rural community. Decorah is clearly thriving and everyone I have met is friendly, welcoming and helpful. The positive morale in northeast Iowa is noticeable and I look forward to becoming a part of the community.”
He adds, “Mayo Clinic’s reputation for providing excellent care is known throughout the world and when the opportunity to join Mayo Clinic Health System and relocate to a smaller community came together, it was an easy decision for my family.”
Dr. Ballard is accepting new patients at WinnMed in Decorah. To schedule an appointment, call 563-382-2911 or request an appointment through MyChart.
The WinnMed Auxiliary invites the community to celebrate the season of giving through the 2023 Light for Life program.
Light for Life is the Auxiliary’s annual community giving campaign. For a donation of $15 or more, your loved one is honored or remembered with lighted snowflakes in the windows of WinnMed. The snowflakes light up WinnMed each night in December.
This year’s WinnMed Auxiliary Light for Life campaign will support the purchase of two items.
The first item is a Mobile Stairlift chair for the Ambulance department. Emergencies can happen in all locations and structures. The Mobile Stairlift is designed to help EMS staff transport patients up and down stairs safely and efficiently.
The second item will be in-room thermometers for the Med/Surg department, allowing the most-used patient rooms to have a designated thermometer for checking patient vitals. This highly-used equipment will improve staff efficiencies and patient safety.
Donations may be made at WinnMed or forms are available at www.winnmed.org/donate/winnmed-auxiliary through December 31, 2023. Contributions are tax deductible. For further information, contact the WinnMed Auxiliary at 563-387-3036.
Agenda:
Pledge of Allegiance
9:30 a.m. Second Tier Canvass for Decorah CSD Election9:33 a.m. Miscellaneous
– Tax abatement for the City of Calmar recently acquired parcel
– Lease agreements with NEIA Community Action and Winn. Co. Historical Society
– Freeport Property / IRP request
– IT job description
– County Engineer Hiring – update and procedures9:45 a.m. Winneshiek County Pioneer Cemetery Commission
Re: funding request10:00 a.m. Rachelle Howe – Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission
Re: funding request10:15 a.m. Chris Troendle – NEIA Housing Trust Fund
Re: funding request10:30 a.m. Tony Phillips – Planning, Zoning, and Flood Plain Administrator
Re: P&Z directive on Accessory Dwelling Units10:45 a.m. Nick Rissman – Interim Co Engineer and/or Jeff Kuboushek – Maintenance Superintendent
Re: discuss/act on No Winter Maintenance roads & road projects updates11:15 a.m. Closed Session – Discuss potential purchase of real estate and use of County properties if purchase were made. This discussion may be held in closed session pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(j).
1:30 p.m. Department Heads meeting
2:00 p.m. Safety Committee meeting
Decorah High School honors the enduring legacy of two exceptional students with the installation of a memorial table and benches on the high school campus near the greenhouse. This will serve as a lasting tribute to the lives of Dalton Hemesath and Karter Einck who made valuable contributions to the school community, particularly through their involvement in FFA.
Einck and Hemesath were not only strong academic talents but also examples of leadership and dedication. Their passion for agriculture and commitment to the FFA program left an indelible impact on their peers, teachers, and the community. FFA advisor Joni Bruvold remarked, “This memorial represents their welcoming personalities, especially their ability to bring people together.”
Although the majority of the funding for this project came from the Decorah FFA chapter, the chapter extends its gratitude to community members and other FFA chapters who also made contributions to celebrate the lives of these two remarkable individuals.
Family members, current FFA officers, and FFA advisor gather to honor the memory of Dalton Hemesath and Karter Einck with the installation of table and benches.
ALL: Row 1 (l-r): Matt Hemesath, Braden Hemesath, Karlie Einck
Row 2 (l-r): Joni Bruvold, Anders Lovstuen, Annika Brynsaas, Derek Tieskoetter, Michelle Einck, Mary Hemesath
Row 3 (l-r): Keagen Einck, Travis Nordheim, Creed Monroe, Brody Courtney, Jeramiah Rediske, Ryan Einck
FAMILIES (l-r): Mary Hemesath, Michelle Einck, Braden Hemesath, Keagen Einck, Karlie Einck, Matt Hemesath, Ryan Einck
FAMILIES AND OFFICERS: Sitting (l-r): Jeramiah Rediske, Creed Monroe, Annika Brynsaas, Anders Lovstuen
Back (l-r): Derek Tieskoetter, Brody Courtney, Mary Hemesath, Michelle Einck, Braden Hemesath, Keagen Einck, Karlie Einck, Matt Hemesath, Joni Bruvold, Ryan Einck, Travis Nordheim
OFFICERS (l-r): Jeramiah Rediske, Creed Monroe, Annika Brynsaas, Derek Tieskoetter, Brody Courtney, Travis Nordheim, Anders Lovstuen
The National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. Each year less than one percent of the FFA membership receives the American FFA Degree.
Melia Kruse was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo on November 4. Kruse has been an active member of the Decorah FFA and met the requirements for the highest degree through the FFA. Each recipient of the American FFA Degree will receive a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own, or hold a professional position in an existing agricultural enterprise or earned and productively invested $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service, demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement, and have a good academic record.
Kruse is the 22nd member of the Decorah FFA who has earned this degree. Other Decorah FFA members who have earned this degree include Aaron Lovstuen, 1996-97; Sam Murray, 1997-98; Jacob Groth, 2000-01; Jeremy Peake, 2000-01; Ryan Holthaus, 2001-02; Kayla Hotvedt, 2003-04; Aric Yaw, 2003-04; Justin Holthaus, 2005-06; Mitch Hemesath, 2006-07; Gabriel Twedt, 2009-10; Dalton Frana, 2011-12; Danielle Fulsaas, 2012-13; Dustin Bigler, 2013-14; Andrew Luzum, 2013-14; Jordan Tietz, 2013-14; Aric Luzum, 2016; Isaac Luzum, 2016; Daiton Tietz, 2017; Hailey Nierling, 2019; Ashley Schwartzhoff, 2019; and Blake Courtney, 2020.
Melia Kruse of the Decorah FFA received her American FFA Degree at the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
By: Jeremiah Rediske, Decorah FFA Reporter
Sixteen members of the Decorah FFA departed to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo. Members enjoyed three days filled with leadership sessions and FFA business, all while learning lifelong skills and meeting fellow members from all over the nation. Outside of convention, members had the opportunity to tour local attractions, including the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Churchill Downs, Bayer Crop Science – Windfall Soybean Production Site, and Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery.
Members who attended convention include Rylee Averhoff, Annika Brynsaas, Karlee Bullerman, Brinlee Courtney, Brody Courtney, Kiele Eberling, Karlie Einck, Lauren Holthaus, William Kruse, Rashell Lippe, Lyla Lovstuen, Mara Lovstuen, Gabe Monroe, Eden Scheidel, Elora Schnitzler, and Derek Tieskoetter.
Front row (l-r): Lyla Lovstuen, Brinlee Courtney, Elora Schnitzler, Eden Scheidel, Kiele Eberling, Rashell Lippe, Lauren Holthaus, Karlee Bullerman
Second row (l-r): William Kruse, Brody Courtney, Annika Brynsaas, Derek Tieskoetter, Rylee Averhoff, Karlie Einck, Mara Lovstuen, Gabe Monroe
On Saturday, October 21 at Independence High School, 50 Decorah High School musicians participated in the Iowa All-State Music auditions. The students prepared difficult musical selections and then competed for spots in the All-State ensembles with students from East Central and Northeast Iowa, including Dubuque and Cedar Rapids area schools.
Fifteen Decorah students were selected as members of the 2023 ensembles: Lucas Arendt, viola; Aitor Cuevas, trumpet; Connor Evelsizer, tenor voice; Gabriel Hiner, bass voice; Liam Huang, violin; Andy Kruger, tenor voice; Naomi Kutz, violin; Simon Kutz, cello; Alex McGohan, percussion; Lauren Severtson, violin; Ezra Vorvick, string bass; and Grant Zilka, baritone saxophone (alternate)
The concert will be broadcast on Iowa PBS on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Front Row (l-r): Liam Huang, Violin; Grant Zilka, Baritone Saxophone Alternate; Andy Kruger, Tenor Voice; Luke Arendt, Viola; Lauren Severtson, Violin; Naomi Kutz, Violin
Back Row (l-r): Simon Kutz, Cello; Alex McGohan, Percussion; Connor Evelsizer, Tenor Voice; Gabe Hiner, Bass Voice; Aitor Cuevas, Trumpet; Ezra Vorvick, String Bass