Alma Mater beer by Pulpit Rock Brewing Company. The artwork for the cans was created by Hannah Tulgren, Luther College class of 2018, the brewery’s marketing manager.
Luther College and Pulpit Rock Brewing Company have entered into a collaboration for the first official craft beer of the college.
Proceeds from designated craft beers such as Alma Mater will benefit Luther College, and Pulpit Rock becomes the official craft beer of the college.
“We are excited about this partnership with Luther College,” said Pulpit Rock co-founder and majority owner Pete Espinosa, who is a member of the Luther class of 1981. “Since our founding we have been focused on giving back to the community. As an alum, I am pleased we can do an initiative like this with Luther.”
“This is a great partnership, and, even more than the support it will provide for Luther, it demonstrates our shared commitment to the community of Decorah,” President Jenifer K. Ward said. “We know that many Luther alumni are part of the Pulpit Rock group, from ownership to their employees to their graphic designer, and we’re grateful for their support.”
The agreement licenses the Luther College logo for use in promotion of the designated Pulpit Rock brands associated with the college, and Pulpit Rock products will be available for sale at official college-hosted events.
“We’re delighted to bring Alma Mater beer into the rotation of our core brands, creating frequent opportunities for alumni to support the college while enjoying a quality craft beverage made right here in Decorah,” said Scott Nading, PRBC general manager. “We’re looking ahead to potential additional partnerships on merchandise as well.”
Along with Alma Mater beer, a bright and approachable American Pale Ale, Luther College also has a separate arrangement to provide its famous proprietary granola mix to be used in special pastry sour beers made by Pulpit. The initial agreement extends to the end of 2025.
Press Contact: Jesse Kuennen, Assistant City Engineer, 563-382-2157
East Water Street Closure – Tuesday, September 3rd through Friday September 6th
Decorah, IA (August 29, 2024) – The City of Decorah is notifying residents that the 200 Block of East Water Street between State Street and Riverside Avenue/Day Street will be closed starting Tuesday September 3rd at 6:30 AM lasting until end of day Friday September 6th. The closure is to allow for the installation of a new water service and property owners in the closure area can expect disruption to water service on Tuesday September 3rd between the hours of 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Please contact the Street or Water Department with any questions.
This is an official city press release. Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of the author. Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10% of all US patients report having an allergic reaction to a penicillin class antibiotic in their past.*
Michael D’Netto, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System allergist at WinnMed in Decorah, says that just 10% of these patients with a reported penicillin allergy have a true allergy. “Thousands of patients at WinnMed alone have a documented allergy to penicillin because of how they reacted to the medication at one point in their past. We know that 10 years after a patient’s reaction to penicillin roughly 80% of patients outgrow their penicillin allergy. Additionally, some reactions are likely misattributed to penicillin, as we know infections themselves are a common cause of hives. As such, many penicillin ‘allergic’ patients could be ‘cleared’ of this allergy, which would allow them to be prescribed penicillin, amoxicillin, and other antibiotics in this class to fight bacterial infections.”
This matters because bacteria can develop a resistance to antibiotics, so having more antibiotic choices as a patient increases the chance of recovery from a bacterial infection. Additionally, some antibiotics are more expensive, so having a penicillin class antibiotic as an option can help patients financially.
Dr. D’Netto offers penicillin allergy testing at WinnMed in Decorah. For an appointment, call 563-382-2911.
At its August 26 special meeting, the Decorah Community School District Board of Education approved placing a $38 million bond referendum on the ballot for .
If approved by at least 60% of voters, these funds would support constructing a new elementary school for grades PK-2. The board’s decision followed recent petition drives that gathered signatures from eligible voters.
“We will continue to engage with voters leading up to the November 5 election to ensure they understand the facility challenges our students and staff face and how an approved bond referendum could address those needs,” said Superintendent Dr. Tim Cronin.
West Side Early Childhood Center, opened in 1939, and John Cline Elementary School, opened in 1964, have served the community well for generations. However, both schools now face a variety of issues, including inadequate HVAC systems, deteriorating roofs, playground drainage problems, limited configurations, and outdated structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
DCSD officials have spent over 15 years assessing both schools and exploring potential solutions. Earlier this year, the School Board and administration decided to pursue building a new school on district-owned land at Heivly Island near John Cline.
To build a new elementary school, voters will consider three ballot measures in two separate elections.
On September 10, voters will decide whether to renew the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement until 2051. This statement directs how DCSD can allocate state funds received through the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund. On the same ballot, voters will also consider increasing the district’s debt service levy limit from $2.70 to $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value.
The proposed elementary project will require a debt service levy of $3.56. Currently, the levy is $2.70, funding high school renovations completed in 2012. With the final payment for that project scheduled for June 2025, the existing $2.70 levy will be available to help fund the new elementary project. An $0.86 increase per $1,000 of taxable property value is needed to reach the necessary $3.56 debt service levy.
On November 5, voters will consider approving a general obligation bond of up to $38 million.
The combined tax impact of the debt levy limit increase and the general obligation bond would be $0.86 per $1,000 of taxable property value per year. For a home with an assessed value of $250,000, this would result in a monthly tax impact of approximately $7.96.
Assistance to farms and small businesses to apply for 50% renewable energy and energy efficiency grants offered through Clean Energy Districts of Iowa Energy Coaching program
Press release by Clean Energy Districts of Iowa
Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI), a nonprofit consortium of Energy Districts based in 13 counties in Iowa, is offering free energy coaching to assist farms and small businesses in applying for USDA grant funding for renewable energy or energy efficiency improvement projects. The Winneshiek Energy District is a member of CEDI.
USDA’s Rural Energy in America Program (REAP) is accepting grant applications that, if approved, would fund 50% of the cost of renewable energy or energy efficiency improvement projects.
Eligible projects for REAP renewable energy system grants include: biomass, geothermal, small and large scale wind generation, and small and large scale solar generation. Eligible projects for REAP energy efficiency improvements include: high efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) systems, insulation, lighting, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows, and replacement of energy-inefficient equipment. Ineligible projects include: any residential use, tractors or implements, new construction, or upgrades to buildings which do not currently consume energy.
CEDI provides priority assistance to customers and communities that are traditionally underserved by the REAP program, including areas defined by USDA as disadvantaged communities and distressed communities. CEDI also offers priority assistance to applicants with small grants ($20,000 or less) or grants for underutilized technologies.
CEDI employs two Energy Coaches for the REAP program to serve the 13 counties with Energy Districts. Steve Hopkins provides assistance in the following counties: Allamakee, Cerro Gordo, Clayton, Dubuque, Howard, and Winneshiek. He may be reached at: steve.hopkins@cleanenergydistricts.org or at 641-831-3552.
Mark Patton provides assistance in the following counties: Delaware, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Muscatine, Tama, and Polk. He may be reached at mark.patton@cleanenergydistricts.org or at 563-299-1839.
For more information or to apply for CEDI REAP coaching, please fill out the inquiry form at: www.cleanenergydistricts.org/reap. This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law.
Have you been feeling down about your carbon footprint?
Maybe you’ve already made an effort to reduce your carbon footprint through energy efficiency, worked to electrify your home and transportation or added renewables? Or maybe you’re a renter who doesn’t have a choice in the matter?
For those looking to “close the gap” between their net-zero goals and reality, consider purchasing Oneota Tag Carbon Offsets, the first entirely local carbon offset program in Iowa.
These all-local carbon offsets will reduce your carbon footprint, invest in community-wide energy efficiency projects, and boost the local economy by lowering energy bills for those who need it most. Carbon offsets are a way for you to buy “shares” in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions somewhere else, thus “offsetting” your own emissions.
Proceeds from the sale of Oneota Tags go toward purchasing supplies including basic weatherization materials that are used locally in the Winneshiek Energy District’s home efficiency programs. These programs save northeast Iowans an estimated 1,646 tons of carbon annually!
There are hundreds of carbon offset companies out there, however we believe the real power of offsets is localand hope you’ll join us in transitioning Winneshiek County towards energy and carbon independence. Purchase Oneota Tag Carbon Offsets and make a difference in your community today!
This spring and summer we bring you “Electric Vehicle Owner Stories,” a series of interviews with northeast Iowa EV owners. This Electric Vehicle Owner Story features a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Name: Philip Iversen Vehicle (Model and Year): 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid All Electric Range: The all-electric range was 13-14 miles when purchased in 2019. Now it’s 8-9 miles. Purchased on: July 25, 2019
How many miles do you drive annually? Of those, can you estimate how many have been all electric versus gas? We drive about 4,536 miles annually and estimate 2,383 all electric miles and 2,153 gas miles.
Rationale: gas/hybrid mode gets ~45 mpg. Overall mpg is 94.8. So total gallons of gas is 4,536 miles / 94.8 mpg = 47.85 gallons. Then gas miles / 47.85 gallons = ~45 mpg. So gas miles = 47.85*45 = 2,153 miles.
Thinking back to when you first considered an EV, what were your biggest concerns? Did those concerns result in you opting for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) instead?
The main concern was being able to charge on longer trips (range anxiety). So I opted for a plug-in hybrid.
Given you’ve now had experience with a PHEV, do you think you’re more or less inclined to buy a pure electric vehicle next time?
My next car will definitely be a pure electric vehicle.
If you’re inclined to buy some sort of electric vehicle in the future, what obstacles will have to be overcome to make ownership more appealing? Lower purchase price, longer range, and faster charging.
Are you a two vehicle household, and if so, is your second vehicle gas powered? Our second vehicle is also a PHEV – a 2021 RAV4 Prime. Read that story here.
Is cold weather driving different than summer driving? Is there anything about winter driving with a PHEV you’d like to share? It works about the same in winter, except the plug-in battery does not hold as many miles at full charge. I try to keep the heater off during short trips across town; otherwise, that would deplete the battery much faster.
Disregarding upfront purchase costs, has your cost of ownership been what you had expected? Are you saving money?
Cost of ownership has been very low with few repairs and low gas expense. I mostly charge the car at home where we have solar panels.
What are the biggest limitations of driving an EV? On the flip side, what’s been the biggest plus? Biggest limitations: Fewer models to choose from. I couldn’t get all wheel drive in my price range at the time I bought the Honda.
Have you used public charging? If so, what has that experience been like? Yes, have used public charging, but not very much. The experience has been fine.
Tree Care Workshop to be Held at Wold Park in Decorah, Iowa
September 14th, 2024 – 9:00 AM
Decorah, Iowa –8/14/24 – Residents and professionals alike are invited to join us on September 14th at 9:00 AM for a FREE Tree Care Workshop at Wold Park in Decorah, Iowa. This 2-hour workshop is designed to cover essential topics that impact both professionals and volunteers dedicated to tree care and maintenance in our community.
The workshop will provide valuable insights and practical advice on tree care practices, focusing on key issues such as tree health, disease prevention, and proper pruning techniques. With an outdoor component as part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a natural setting, making this an ideal learning environment.
Event Details:
Speakers: Jeff Iles, Horticulture Professor at Iowa State University, Sam Hogenson, Decorah City Forester
Date: September 14th, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Wold Park, Decorah, Iowa
Cost: FREE
This event is generously funded by the Inflation Education Act and the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Their support makes it possible to offer this valuable workshop at no cost to attendees.
Whether you are a professional in the field or a volunteer passionate about maintaining the beauty and health of our local trees, this workshop is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. Don’t miss out on this chance to contribute to the well-being of our community’s green spaces.
Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure a spot in the workshop. For more information and to register, call the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-382-2949.
My name is Nick Chill and I have signed up for the 2024 Great Cycle Challenge and will be riding this September to fight kids’ cancer! This is my 4th year participating, and this year my goal is to pedal 75 miles throughout the month and raise $1000.
Why am I doing this? Because cancer is the largest killer of children from disease in the United States – 38 children die of cancer every week.
And so participants of the Great Cycle Challenge are taking on this challenge to end childhood cancer and save little lives.
All funds raised will support Children’s Cancer Research Fund to continue their work to develop innovative treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.
As we mentioned previously, purchasing a reusable water bottle is a great way to cut back on plastic waste. We can also cut back on waste production by purchasing products that come with less packaging and/or come in packaging that can be recycled. If you have a choice between purchasing an item that contains a #1 hard plastic or an item that is made up of a #6 hard plastic, please choose the #1 plastic, as we can accept this material at our recycling facility. The #6 plastic would have to be placed in the garbage. Learn more by exploring our website.
