Month: February 2024

FRAUDULENT POSTCARD FROM “COUNTY DEED RECORDS” CIRCULATES AGAIN IN IOWA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRAUDULENT POSTCARD FROM “COUNTY DEED RECORDS” CIRCULATES AGAIN IN IOWA

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the Winnebago County Recorder’s Office assisted a resident with questions regarding a confusing postcard they received, which was quickly identified as fraudulent and reported to local law enforcement. The postcard claimed to be from “County Deed Records/ Home Warranty Division” with false information about the recipient’s home warranty replacement notice and advising them to call for uninterrupted protection.

The postcard claims, “This is your Warranty Replacement notice advising you to contact our offices, so you do not have a lapse in coverage…” They further request immediate action to contact them immediately or be “left vulnerable to expensive repairs and/or product replacement.” The Iowa County Recorders Association in partnership with Iowa Land Records confirmed that this information is not legitimate. Similar letters and postcards have been found across the country.

Fortunately, in this case, the resident came into the Winnebago County Recorder’s office with questions before taking any action. If you or someone you know has received a postcard and/or letter claiming to be from the County Deed Records/Home Warranty Division, please DO NOT RESPOND to the request in any way.

  • Do not pay.
  • Do not call.
  • Do not go to the website.
  • Do not return any mail requests.

Winnebago County Recorder, Shanna Eastvold, had this to say about the fraudulent postcard,

“Thankfully the individual, in this case, came to our office to ask questions before taking action. This postcard was NOT sent by County Recorders. Fraudulent activity is getting smarter. We will always do our best to answer your questions, especially when it comes to your safety.”

County Recorders are responsible for the maintenance and management of any official property and real estate documents in the state. The Iowa County Recorders Association was created by Recorders to provide additional resources and governance to each Recorder’s office and supporting staff. Created and maintained by County Recorders and the Electronic Services System, Iowa Land Records is an easy-to-use online database and electronic submission service that allows users to search and submit real estate documents in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. To find your County Recorder, go to https://iowalandrecords.org/recorder-directory/.

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For more information or questions about this press release, please contact County Recorder, Jayne Schultz at: recorders@co.winneshiek.ia.us

FRAUDULENT POSTCARD FROM “COUNTY DEED RECORDS” CIRCULATES AGAIN IN IOWA

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Luther College Symphony Orchestra to perform across the country

DECORAH, IOWA—The Luther College Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Baldwin, will perform across the U.S. for their spring 2024 tour. The choir will perform a homecoming concert in Decorah on March 26. 

The concert is open to the public with a freewill donation taken at the door. 

Luther College’s Symphony Spring 2024 Tour begins in March.

The program begins with “Three Dance Episodes from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town. The orchestra will once again perform Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 80, by Gabriel Fauré along with “Introduction and Gopak” from “The Fair at Sorochinsk” by Modest Mussorgsky, “Siegfried Idyll” by Richard Wagner and “Huapango” by Jose Pablo Moncayo. 

Symphony Orchestra, Luther’s largest and oldest orchestral ensemble, is one of Luther’s four main touring ensembles. The Symphony travels regularly in the United States and maintains a three-week residency in Vienna every four years, next scheduled for January 2027. More than 70 student musicians, representing a variety of academic majors, perform with the orchestra. Many are also involved in chamber music, choir, band or a jazz ensemble. 

“Apart from two, month-long residencies in Vienna, Austria in 2019 and 2023, this will be the

Dan Baldwin

orchestra’s first opportunity in more than six years to take an extended tour,” said Dan Baldwin, director of orchestral activities. “We bring with us a beautiful program and a large, talented group of student musicians. We’re very grateful for all those who’ve worked to make our tour possible.”

Baldwin is the head of the Music Department and has served as director of orchestra activities at Luther since 1997. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Furman University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Baldwin is currently the conductor of the Luther College Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.

About Luther College Music 

Luther is home to one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance. Learn more at luther.edu/music.

 

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Pending Electric Rate Shocks: Make Your Voice Heard

Jim Martin-Schramm

Last fall, Alliant Energy sent a notice to customers about its application to the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to increase rates.  

For many, Alliant’s notice might have been missed or swept into the recycling bin without much thought.  Not at Luther College.  Luther’s Director of Facilities Services immediately set about figuring out how Alliant’s rate increase would impact the college.  He was stunned.

Luther College is facing a 48.2% increase in its Alliant Energy bill if the IUB approves the company’s proposed electric rate increase as proposed.

“You can imagine my dismay when our Director of Facilities Services informed me that Alliant’s proposed electric rate increase would not increase our bill by 20%, as the company estimates in their customer notice, but rather by 36% under Phase I ($371,464) and an additional $85,700 after Phase II. The total increase is calculated to be $457,200 or 48.2% increase over our 2022-23 invoice totals,” said President Jenifer K. Ward in comments she sent to the Iowa Utilities Board on February 13, 2024.

President Ward goes on to say: “It feels like we are being punished for our investments in efficiency and renewables. We certainly are not being rewarded for reducing our demand on the grid and the production of energy during many of the peak hours of the day. . . . In my view, Alliant’s proposed increase is punitive and unjust. It will have a severe negative impact on Luther College, and the significant proposed increases for residential customers (13.4%)  and small businesses (20%) are going to harm Luther’s employees and Decorah’s vital downtown businesses.”

One of those downtown businesses is the award-winning restaurant, Rubaiyat.  An analysis performed by the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) has revealed that the restaurant is facing a 38% increase in its electricity bill, which is almost twice the 20% average increase Alliant has told businesses that they will experience.

“I’m just sick about the potential of that big of an increase. . .  I feel so helpless and frustrated,” said Rubaiyat’s co-owner, Kim Carlson-Bonnet.

Other analyses performed by CEDI for local businesses and institutions in the area indicate that some customers will likely have larger increases than the average 20% increase the company has projected. The same will likely be true for residential customers.

One of the things driving Alliant’s increased costs is the cost of electricity in the summer.  For residential customers, it is scheduled to increase 57.4% from 11.685 cents/kWh in 2023 to 18.408 cents/kWh once the rate increase has been fully phased in. This will significantly increase the energy burden for households living paycheck to paycheck and for those in large homes and/or those with inefficient air conditioning systems. 

For businesses taking service under Alliant’s non-residential general service tariff, electricity will increase 87% from 11.916 cents/kWh to 22.295 cents/kWh.  Some businesses will see their summer electricity bills more than double.

These increased costs will be significantly exacerbated by Alliant’s proposal to eliminate declining cost block pricing for residential and commercial customers.  The cost increase will be mitigated slightly by Alliant’s decision to limit summer rates to June, July, and August, which is one month less than is currently the case.

Alliant’s proposal to raise electric rates is its third in seven years, and the largest in its history.  Alliant’s residential rates are almost the highest in the State of Iowa and third highest in the Midwest among investor-owned utilities of similar size.

If you are concerned about how this rate increase could affect your home or business, make your voice heard.  The Iowa Utilities Board encourages all citizens and ratepayers to voice their perspectives to the Board by submitting comments by email to customer@iub.iowa.gov or by mail to Iowa Utilities Board, 1375 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319-0069.  All communication should reference Docket RPU-2023-0002 in the subject line of the email or letter.

The Clean Energy Districts of Iowa is an official intervenor in the Alliant electric rate case as the CEDI Coalition, which currently consists of 47 communities who oppose the magnitude of Alliant’s proposed rate increase.  To date, 83 communities have filed with the IUB a resolution drafted by CEDI opposing the rate increase. The City of Decorah was the first to sign the resolution and to join the CEDI Coalition.

I urge you to make your voice heard at the Iowa Utilities Board.  The first round of testimony is due on April 16 and the legal hearing will take place at the IUB July 9-12.  The Board will likely issue its final decision and order shortly thereafter.  

 

Jim Martin-Schramm is on the Board of the Winneshiek Energy District.  He also serves as a Policy Analyst for the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa and as the manager of the CEDI Coalition.

Luther College announces 2024-25 Fulbright Program semi-finalists

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College is proud to announce that four students have been selected as 2024-25 semi-finalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. All four students received nominations for English teaching assistantships. 

The Luther semi-finalists are:

  • Robert Clower, class of 2023, English Teaching Assistantship in Germany
  • Linnea Johnson Nordqvist, class of 2024, English Teaching Assistantship in Latvia
  • Nick Rogness, class of 2024, English Teaching Assistantship in Norway
  • Amy Webb, class of 2024, English Teaching Assistantship in Germany

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places recent college graduates and young professionals abroad as assistant English teachers in classrooms from primary through university level. Last year, three Luther students were selected as Fulbright teaching assistants in Slovakia and Norway. The finalists for 2024-25 will be announced this spring. 

These students were approved by the National Steering Committee and selected among the nearly 10,000 applicants on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. 

Operating in 160 countries world-wide, the Fulbright program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The primary goal of the program is to increase mutual understanding between U.S. residents and people from around the world. 

Robert Clower, class of 2023

Linnea Johnson Nordqvist, class of 2024

Nick Rogness, class of 2024

About Luther College

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.

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Winneshiek County Supervisors Meeting – February 26, 2024

0:00 – Doug Groux – County Sanitarian
Re: KG4 Dairy (Moellers) permit

0:03:15 – Consent agenda: approve minutes, approve claims, accept and file departmental reports, approve liquor licenses, approve fireworks permits. Any matter on the Consent Agenda will be removed from the Consent Agenda and discussed as a regular agenda item upon the request of any Board member.

0:04:25 – Committee reports

0:07:43 – Michael Kueny – County Engineer
Re: Agreement with Nick Rissman & other road department updates

0:27:46 – Amy Zeigler – State Tourism Manager for Travel Iowa
Re: tourism insights

0:46:28 – Miscellaneous
– Accept & file UERPC Annual Financial Report
– Tax abatement

0:48:25 – Andy Van Der Maaten – County Attorney
Re: legal questions regarding agenda & other issues

Decorah Elementary Dance Party a Success

The Decorah FEC (Family, Educator, and Community Organization) recently hosted its second annual Elementary Dance Party.  Over 460 students and family members enjoyed an evening of dancing, glow sticks, and popsicles.  

FEC President Shanna Putnam Dibble expressed gratitude for the Luther football team who volunteered at this event, as well as for all the FEC volunteers and district employees who made the event possible. Dibble noted, “The FEC is proud to support events such as this where educators and families come together for a night of engagement and fun. The smiles on our students’ faces–and their epic dance moves–say it all!”

Associate elementary principal Dana Bockman shared, “Whether it’s volunteering in the classroom, reading regularly with your child, attending FEC meetings, or simply showing up to events like the dance party, parent involvement makes a difference. It sends a powerful message to our students that their education matters and that they have a team of supporters cheering them on every step of the way. Decorah elementary schools are committed to continuing to work together with our families to create a nurturing environment where every child can reach their full potential. Our dedicated FEC is integral in supporting events that strengthen that partnership. We are incredibly thankful for their efforts.”

Elementary Dance Lights
Elementary Dance Circle
Elementary Dance Popsicles
Elementary Dance Luther Football

Arbor Day Planting April 27, 2024

Please join the City of Decorah and the Decorah Tree Board on April 27, 2024, as we celebrate Arbor Day by planting 25 trees on various boulevards throughout the city.  Before we begin planting, the City Forester and Decorah Tree Board will give a planting demonstration outlining property planting techniques and how to care for a tree after it is planted.  This planting, along with several others that will be carried out by the City of Decorah and Decorah Tree Board throughout the year, has been made possible through a grant received from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program and the Arbor Day Foundation.

 

What:  Arbor Day celebration – planting 25 trees

When:  April 27 at 8:00 AM

Where:  Begins at City of Decorah Street Department located at 108 Railroad Avenue

For more information, please contact Sam Hogenson, City Forester, at (563)277-5153 or by email at:  cityforester@decorah.iowa.gov

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Luther College announces Winter Graduates 

DECORAH, IOWA—Luther College is proud to announce the winter graduates from December 2023 and January 2024. The 65 graduates come from 12 states, which include California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, plus 3 countries including Ivory Coast, Nepal and Spain. Congratulations to these new alumni as they start the next chapter of their lives. 

Below are the graduates, along with their majors and hometowns. 

Tamara Ayers
Music Education
Arlington, Virginia

Irelyn Baumberger
Management
Evansville, Wisconsin

Kaitlyn Belger
Nursing
Urbandale, Iowa

Isabelle Berg
Elementary Education
Chatfield, Minnesota

Evan Berth
Music
Watertown, Wisconsin

Katie Bevers
Religion
Charleston, South Carolina

Samuel Bundy
Sociology
Arvada, Colorado

 Analisa Buresh
Anthropology
Kasson, Minnesota

Suman Chapai
Computer Science
Pokhara, Nepal

Brandon Deas
Sociology
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mathea Diedrich
Allied Health Sciences, Nordic Studies
Windsor, Wisconsin

Adrianna Dirks
Exercise Science, Allied Health
Casey, Iowa

Carter Erickson
Accounting
Camas, Washington

Madelyn Ess
Nursing
Delano, Minnesota

Haylee Felt
Biology
Stewartville, Minnesota

Julian Garcia
Nursing
Chicago, Illinois

Emma Gibson
English
Iowa City, Iowa

Molly Graff
Music Education
Holmen, Wisconsin

Maya Grocholski
English
Plymouth, Minnesota

Morgan Hansen
Nursing
Hudson, Iowa

Victoria Harris
Elementary Education
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Lars Heinecke
Nursing
Center City, Minnesota

Maddison Henry
Nursing
Hesper, Iowa

Noah Hill
Data Science
Houston, Texas

Elizabeth Kauls
Allied Health Sciences, Exercise Science
North Oaks, Minnesota

Theodore Keller
Biology
Edina, Minnesota

Nathan Knautz
Music Education
Batavia, Illinois

Rachel Lapaczonek
Nursing
Bettendorf, Iowa

Mafi Latu
Management
Redwood City, California

Emma Lin
Biology
Des Moines, Iowa

Allison Marasco
Anthropology
Omaha, Nebraska

Kaylee Martin
Social Work
Romeoville, Illinois

Erin McCulloch
Social Work
West St. Paul, Minnesota

Adam Mertzenich
Computer Science
Decorah, Iowa

Destini Miller
Management
Oak Park, Illinois

Sidney Miller
Global Health, Political Science
Hokah, Minnesota

Laura Miro I. Rodrigo
Computer Science, Management
Barcelona, Spain

Lauren Monosmith
Nursing
Pine Island, Minnesota

Mackenzie Muehleip
Nursing
Galena, Illinois

Calie Mundahl
Nursing
Woodbury, Minnesota

Sydney Nelson
Nursing
Albert Lea, Minnesota

Isaiah Nordine
Biology
Rochester, Minnesota

Jorgen Olson
Biology
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Annalie Piller
Nursing
Kenyon, Minnesota

Shelby Pisney
Elementary Education
Lime Springs, Iowa

Megan Rasmussen
Nursing
Shoreview, Minnesota

Brenna Reiland
Music Education
White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Kyra Rose
Nursing
Golden Valley, Minnesota

Noah Rouw
Music
Cedar Falls, Iowa

Emma Sanders
Elementary Education
La Motte, Iowa

Alex Sass
East Asian Languages and Linguistics
West Union, Iowa

Jasmine Schueler
Nursing
Rushford, Minnesota

Elise Skellenger
Management
Decorah, Iowa

Ella Smith
Management
Larkspur, Colorado

Asher Smith
Communication Studies
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Oumar Samassi Souare
Economics
Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Jake Stone
Sociology
Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Justin Taitano
Management
Las Vegas, Nevada

Addison Tollakson
Elementary Education
Amery, Wisconsin

Emma Vanbenschoten
Nursing
Byron, Minnesota

Zoe Warm
Nursing
Long Grove, Iowa

Courtney Wendland
Elementary Education
Luverne, Minnesota

Blayre Wisneski
Neuroscience, Psychology
Shakopee, Minnesota

Levi Wolter
Exercise Science
Elysian, Minnesota

Angelina Zimmerman
Chemistry
Maquoketa, Iowa

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Decorah FFA Excels at Sub-Districts

Twenty-one Decorah FFA members participated at the Northwest Sub-District FFA Leadership Development Events on Monday, at Crestwood High School. The chapter competed in nine leadership development events and one quiz contest. 

The chapter advanced in six contests, with five of those contests receiving first place and one contest receiving second place.  Contests receiving first place with a gold rating and advancing to districts include Ag Broadcasting: Kiele Eberling; Ag Sales: Anders Lovstuen; Conduct of Meetings: Gabe Monroe, Brinlee Courtney, Madelynn Dahl, Andrew Carolan, Mara Lovstuen, Hadley Alexander, and Aiden Helgerson; Extemporaneous Speaking: Kamryn Werges; and Job Interview: Creed Monroe.

The chapter parliamentary procedure team received second place with a silver rating and also advanced to districts. Team members include Rylee Averhoff, Jerikah Dodd, Lyla Lovstuen, Annika Schmelzer, and Thea Zidlicky.

The chapter also competed in the following leadership development events: Chapter Program: Travis Nordheim and Eden Scheidel – 3rd place, silver rating, alternate to districts; Creed Speaking: Jackson Irwin – 4th place, gold rating, alternate to districts; and Public Speaking: Braunwyn Darrington – silver rating.

The Decorah FFA had one member participate in the Greenhand Quiz, an FFA knowledge exam. Isabella Schnitzler received second place in the Greenhand Quiz contest.

The Decorah FFA will now compete at the District FFA Convention on Saturday, March 9th at Waukon High School. The convention will begin at 9 a.m., and the public is invited to attend. 

2.19.24 Sub Districts at Cresco Decorah FFA Members

Photo ID:

Front row (l-r): Lyla Lovstuen, Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Brinlee Courtney, Andrew Carolan

Second row (l-r): Anders Lovstuen, Braunwyn Darrington, Eden Scheidel, Isabella Schnitzler, Mara Lovstuen, Aiden Helgerson, Kamryn Werges, Kiele Eberling

Third row (l-r): Rylee Averhoff, Jerikah Dodd, Annika Schmelzer, Travis Nordheim, Thea Zidlicky, Jackson Irwin, Creed Monroe, Gabe Monroe

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