Month: April 2025

Heivly Street Intersection Improvements Project

The City of Decorah has issued a Request for Qualifications from consulting firms for the design of the Heivly Street Intersection Improvements Project. The proposed work includes a roundabout (preferred choice by majority of council, but open to further discussion) at the Heivly Street / River Street / Claiborne Drive intersection and continuing along Heivly Street east to State Street. Project will also include utility reconstruction, pedestrian enhancements, and related amenities.  Substantial completion of the project is required by August 1, 2027 to align with the opening of a new elementary school.

The City is seeking a qualified consultant to provide civil engineering design services for this locally funded project. A detailed Request for Qualifications (RFQ), including the scope of work, project timeline, and submission requirements, is attached for your review.

Key Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: May 9, 2025 by 4:00 PM CDT
  • Potential Interviews: May 14–15, 2025
  • Anticipated Consultant Selection: May 19, 2025

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Luther College offers activities to complement sold-out Rick Steves’ ‘Travel with a Norwegian Sensibility’ event on April 27

Luther College invites community members to attend special activities planned on Sunday, April 27, to complement the sold-out “Travel with a Norwegian Sensibility” lecture by best-selling guidebook author Rick Steves. You do not need to be a ticket holder to participate in these additional activities.

“We’re thrilled to offer these activities to enhance the experience for those traveling into Decorah for Rick Steves and locals who may or may not be attending Steves’ talk,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach at Luther College.

“Travel with a Norwegian Sensibility” sold out less than two weeks after tickets went on sale. The Center for Faith and Life is at full capacity, and the college cannot add seating for the event. The Luther College Ticket Office has a lengthy waiting list for those still interested in attending the event.

“If you are unable to use your tickets, please contact the Ticket Office. We can help connect you with a person on our waiting list,” said Bradley Phillips, assistant director of campus programming. Please call 563-387-1357 or email tickets@luther.edu if this is your situation.

With a sold-out crowd expected at the CFL, Luther College is using its “Christmas at Luther” parking plan. Patrons, who are willing and able to walk to the venue, are encouraged to use the Preus Library lot (enter the address, 585 Library Street, Decorah, IA 52101, in your GPS) as well as the Jenson-Noble parking lot. Parking along Luther Drive will be designated as additional handicap parking. This map has detailed information about special event parking at Luther.

The following events are open to the general public on Sunday, April 27.

Community Worship: Let All the World in Every Corner Sing
The Office for College Ministries invites the Luther campus and extended community to this service of songs, readings and prayers. Join us to worship with us as we celebrate God’s love for all nations and all people at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

Norwegian-inspired breakfast food

Enjoy Norwegian-inspired breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and fresh dill, French toast bake with lingonberry compote, eggs benedict quiche, and rømmegrøt bars (pictured above) at the Koselig Brunch on April 27.

Koselig Brunch
Luther College Dining Services will serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, inside the Cafeteria on the lower level of Dahl Centennial Union. Enjoy Norwegian-inspired breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and fresh dill, French toast bake with lingonberry compote, eggs benedict quiche, and rømmegrøt bars, along with a full complement of lunch fare, salad bar, and allergy-friendly options.

The price is $12.50 per adult and $6.25 for children between six and 12 years old. Advanced tickets are highly encouraged and must be purchased by Tuesday, April 22. Reserve your desired dining time at tickets.luther.edu.

You may purchase brunch tickets at the door using a credit or debit card; no cash payments will be accepted.

Luther College Book Shop Special Hours
Browse the unique selection of Scandinavian books, gifts and home décor, as well as Luther College branded merchandise at the Book Shop. The store will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27.

Free Admission at Vesterheim Museum
Enjoy free admission to Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. Explore Heritage Park, Hanson Vesterheim Commons, and Vesterheim’s Museum Building, showcasing “200 Years of Norwegians in America,” a special exhibit commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the first organized immigration of Norwegians to the United States. Visit vesterheim.org for more information.

As the first U.S. college founded by Norwegian immigrants, Luther is proud to host “Travel with a Norwegian Sensibility” on April 27 as part of a yearlong commemoration of the first organized migration from Norway to North America 200 years ago. Steves’ lecture will reflect on his own heritage and the importance of continued connections across a global society. Steves will share photos, stories and insights from more than 50 years of traveling outside of the United States.

Steves is a popular public television host, a best-selling guidebook author and an outspoken activist who encourages Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel. He is the founder and owner of Rick Steves’ Europe, a travel business with a small-group tour program that brings more than 30,000 people to Europe annually.

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Steyer Bridge Historic Sign to be Unveiled

FOR RELEASE TIMED TO MAY 1 EVENT

Decorah Historic Preservation Commission

Contact: Mark Z. Muggli, DHPC Chair (historicpreservation@decorahia.org; 612-720-5795)

Steyer Bridge Historic Sign to be Unveiled

Decorah, IA (April 15, 2025) — The City of Decorah will celebrate a new informational sign on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. near the historic 1875 Steyer Bridge on Twin Springs Road.

The Decorah Historic Preservation Commission developed the sign content. The City of Decorah, which has in recent years invested in the bridge’s preservation, funded the sign. Parks and Recreation Director Marc Holtey coordinated the sign production. Deb Paulson of Zelda Productions (Decorah, IA) did the layout.

A highlight of the sign celebration will be the presence of Mark Stanmeyer, great-great-grandson of bridge mason Michael Steyer. Stanmeyer provided biographical information and several photos for the Steyer sign. The bridge and the Stanmeyer connection are highlighted in a Spring 2025 cover story in the Luxembourg American Gazette.

The Steyer Bridge is one of the few remaining stone arch bridges in Iowa. Because of its distinctive design and rarity, the bridge was in 1982 included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Michael Steyer was born in Luxembourg in 1838. He visited his brother Joseph in Decorah in 1867 and decided to settle here. In his 1903 obituary Michael Steyer is credited with being the first local builder to use fossil stone, sometimes called “Decorah Marble,” for monuments and other decorative uses.

May is National Historic Preservation Month. The Steyer Bridge sign dedication is one of several May events being planned by local preservation groups.

The Decorah Historic Preservation Commission is a state-certified city board established in 2007 to promote the public’s educational and economic welfare through the recognition of historic sites. (Contact: historicpreservation@decorah.iowa.gov)

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Luther College announces Bon Appétit Management Company as new dining services provider

windows of cafeteria

Luther College Dining Services offers a wide variety of dining options for students, faculty and staff. Here is a view of the cafeteria, which is located on the lower level of Dahl Centennial Union.

Luther College President Brad Chamberlain is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bon Appétit Management Company, a renowned on-site restaurant company known for its commitment to culinary excellence and socially responsible practices.

Beginning June 1, Bon Appétit will manage the day-to-day dining service operations on the Luther College campus for the next 10 years.

“An outstanding dining experience is critical to supporting the mission of residential colleges. At Luther, dining is not just about food — it’s about connection, community and culture,” Chamberlain said. “This past year, we evaluated several options for our dining services partner, and I was pleased to recommend to the Board of Regents that Luther establish a partnership with Bon Appétit.”

Under the partnership, Bon Appétit will make significant investments in the cafeteria and other dining locations. Bon Appétit management team members will be on campus in the coming weeks to onboard staff.

“We’re appreciative of Bon Appétit’s willingness to provide support to the current food service team working at Luther. It was very important to us that the people working here had opportunities to stay,” said Patti Hetrick, vice president for finance and administration.

Bon Appétit was recommended to the Board of Regents as the new dining services provider after a months-long evaluation process, which began with a request for proposals (RFP) in October 2024. Six proposals were received and evaluated, and finalists were selected in the spring.

Along with campus administration, focus groups including representatives from the Luther student Food Council, Norse athletics, campus sustainability, advancement, campus ministries and student engagement participated in providing feedback in the selection process. Luther staff made visits to finalist campus locations to evaluate their operations. The Board of Regents approved the new contract at a special meeting on Thursday, April 10.

Under the agreement, Bon Appétit will manage the Cafeteria, Oneota Market, Nordic Brew, Nordic Mart and Marty’s inside the Dahl Centennial Union. The company will also oversee catering services for various campus events.

Final design work is underway for renovations of current food and beverage service areas, with plans anticipated to become available in the coming weeks.

Bon Appétit Management Company logo

Bon Appétit Management Company is celebrated for its chef-driven approach, with original menus crafted for each campus and meals prepared from scratch using fresh, authentic ingredients. This philosophy ensures that dishes are alive with flavor and nutrition, prepared in a socially responsible manner for the well-being of guests, communities and the environment.

In the Midwest, Bon Appétit manages dining services at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, St. Olaf College and Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, along with Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sodexo first joined Luther College as its food service provider in 2009. After the initial five-year contract, Luther renewed its partnership with Sodexo with a 10-year agreement. Luther and Sodexo extended their contract for one year to accommodate the RFP process.

“We are grateful for Sodexo and their successful partnership with us since 2009,” Chamberlain said. “We look forward to our new partnership with Bon Appétit and the impact they will have on the student experience at Luther.”

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WinnMed expands specialty services with new dermatologist

Jason Zack, MD
Jason Zack, MD

WinnMed is pleased to welcome Jason Zack, M.D., FAAD, to the medical practice.  Dr. Zack is a board-certified Mayo Clinic Health System dermatologist who will provide full-time care in Decorah beginning June 2025.

Dr. Zack received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland.  He completed his Transition Year Internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas and his residency in Dermatology through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium in San Antonio, Texas. He has since provided dermatology specialty care at the Grafenwoehr Army Health Clinic in Grafenwoehr, Germany and at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Dr. Zack is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dermatology is the medical specialty that focuses on the health of the skin, hair and nails. At WinnMed, Dr. Zack will provide dermatology care and services for patients of all ages. Common dermatology conditions may include:

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Dermatitis
  • Rosacea
  • Dry or sensitive skin
  • Nail problems
  • Pigmentation disorders
  • Rashes
  • Warts
  • Psoriasis
  • Skin cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Zack says, “Our move to northeast Iowa will allow us to settle into a community and be close to my sister and brother-in-law and their family – both are physicians in the WinnMed Emergency department.  Through our visits, my family and I have come to appreciate all the area has to offer, from the amazing outdoor opportunities to the great schools.  We look forward to joining the Decorah community and getting to know the people of the area.”

Regarding his practice, Dr. Zack says, “The skin is the largest organ in the body and skin conditions and diseases can impact anyone. I plan to expand upon the skin services currently offered at WinnMed so patients of all ages can receive much of their care and services locally.” 

Working alongside Dr. Zack will be Dayna Soukup, PA-C. Dayna received her undergraduate degree from Wartburg College and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University. She has provided focused skin care services at WinnMed since 2022.

To make an appointment for dermatology services with Dr. Jason Zack at WinnMed, call 563-382-2911 or request an appointment through MyChart.

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Bicycle Care, Collection, and Cookies Ride!

Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School is partnering with Decorah Parks and Recreation, Decorah Iowa Scholastic MTB Race Team (DIRT), Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT), Decorah Rotary Club, and local EMS members from fire, police and sheriff departments, to offer a bicycle safety and bicycle maintenance event on Thursday, May 1, 2025.  The event begins at 5:30pm in the Decorah City Hall Parking Lot, 400 Claiborne Drive.

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Knowing Nature: Spring Ephemerals

If you have been keeping up with the “Knowing Nature” quizzes since January, you have already learned 50 wildlife species found in Winneshiek County! It’s time to see how well you know Winneshiek County spring ephemeral wildflowers.

Take the quiz here: Knowing Nature – Spring Ephemerals 

For a fun challenge throughout the year, Winneshiek County Conservation will share several “Knowing Nature” quizzes. Each themed quiz will feature several species found in Winneshiek County. If you try all of the quizzes by the end of 2025, you will have experience identifying over 100 different types of plants, animals, and fungus!

Want to dive deeper into learning about the wildlife of Winneshiek County? Track seasonal changes and natural wonders with our YouTube playlist: “Noting Nature.”

Thank you to Luther College professor, Birgitta Meade, for compiling these “Knowing Nature” quizzes and allowing us to share them with the wider public. Most of the photos in these quizzes were taken by Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis.

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