Month: October 2025

Venom Immunotherapy: Lifesaving Allergy Treatment with Michael D’Netto, M.D. 

Michael D'Netto, MD
Michael D’Netto, MD

For individuals with severe insect sting allergies, a single sting can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Fortunately, a highly effective treatment called venom immunotherapy (VIT) is available—and at WinnMed, patients can receive this specialized care under the expert guidance of Michael D’Netto, M.D., a Mayo Clinic Health System board-certified Allergist and Immunologist.

Venom immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that works by gradually desensitizing the immune system to insect venom. It involves regular injections of purified venom extracts from stinging insects such as honeybees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Over time, the body builds tolerance, significantly reducing the risk of a severe allergic reaction with future stings 

“Venom immunotherapy is more than just symptom management—it’s a preventive therapy that can save lives. This is done by essentially re-programming the immune system to no longer react to venoms in an allergic manner,” says Dr. D’Netto. “For patients who’ve experienced anaphylaxis due to one of the aforementioned stinging insects, this treatment offers peace of mind and long-term protection.”

The treatment typically spans 3 to 5 years, with a build-up phase followed by a maintenance phase. Studies show that venom immunotherapy is 95–98% effective in preventing systemic allergic reactions to future stings 

Dr. D’Netto begins with a comprehensive allergy evaluation, including skin or blood testing, to confirm venom sensitivity. From there, he develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs and risk factors.

If you or a loved one has experienced a serious reaction to an insect sting, talk to your provider about a referral to Dr. D’Netto. Venom immunotherapy could be the key to a safer, more confident life outdoors.

Make an appointment

Dr. D’Netto is accepting new patients at WinnMed in Decorah.  Call WinnMed at 563-382-2911 or request an appointment online through WinnMed’s online portal, MyChart.

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Knowing Nature: Wetland Species

Many of these plants have bloomed and gone by mid-October in the wetlands of Winneshiek County. Wetlands were once a much more common habitat in northeast Iowa. In addition to providing food, water, and shelter for a variety of species, they also improve water quality, mitigate flooding, and stabilize soil. Test your knowledge on these wetland species to prepare for next year when you can go out and find them in the wild!

Take the quiz here: Knowing Nature – Wetland Species

Each Knowing Nature quiz features species found in Winneshiek County. By the end of the year, we’ll 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.

Jaerv and The OK Factor bring Swedish and American music traditions to Decorah Oct. 28

The Swedish quintet Jaerv and the Minneapolis-based string duo The OK Factor will present their program “Traditions” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. This concert is part of Luther College’s 2025–26 Center Stage Series.

“Their music is playful, intricate and joyous. The OK Factor and Jaerv will have you tapping your feet and smiling in your seats,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach.

Jaerv and The OK Factor first connected in 2017 when The OK Factor opened for Jaerv at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. There was an immediate bond between them, grounded in a mutual love and respect for one another’s talent and musical traditions. After shared performances and the study of traditional Swedish and American music throughout their tour of Sweden, a natural and organic partnership emerged.

The musicians in Jaerv include Joel Hagen, flute, whistles, soprano saxophone and vocals; Markus Gustavson, fiddle and lead vocals; Tobias Hedlund, percussion, vocals and pump organ; Harald Nilsson, guitars and vocals; and Anders Bergsten, double bass, nyckelharpa and vocals.

Joining them on the “Traditions” tour are OK Factor’s Olivia Diercks on cello and Karla Peters on violin. The duo received the honor of Artist Fellowship for Scandinavian Folk Arts through the American Scandinavian Foundation for their collaborative work with Jaerv. Diercks and Peters are both Luther alumni.

Jaerv and The OK Factor were featured in the 2022-23 Center Stage Series.

“If you missed their last concert in Decorah, you probably heard from your friends about how entertaining and magnetic the experience was. We’re grateful to have Jaerv and The OK Factor returning to the CFL, a space that’s familiar to them,” Potvin said. “Their performance on Oct. 28 is another opportunity to celebrate Scandinavian culture and heritage.”

Before the performance, treat yourself to a gourmet three-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Peace Dining Room at the Dahl Centennial Union. The cost is $33 per person. The menu, which was created to complement the performance, features a roasted squash and apple soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and rosemary crema, followed by apple cider brined chicken breast served with sweet potato, bacon and Brussels sprout hash, radicchio, and frisée salad with a hazelnut vinaigrette. A cinnamon, oat and apple crisp topped with vanilla whipped cream will be served for dessert.

Vegan entrees are available upon request. Please inform the Ticket Office beforehand of any special dietary needs.

Buy tickets for the Oct. 28 performance and for the pre-show dinner at tickets.luther.edu or at the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Contact the ticket office at tickets@luther.edu or 563-387-1357 for more information.

Luther College students at Decorah Pride Parade

A keynote lecture exploring the intersections between the queer and disability communities will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

October 10 2025

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway receoves degree of Doctor of Civil Law honoris causa.

Crown Prince Haakon’s visit was part of a trip marking the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States.

October 6 2025

Luther College Ticket Office

Ticket Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Show Day Hours:
9 a.m. – performance
Saturdays 1 p.m. – performance

Mail:
Luther College Ticket Office
Center for Faith & Life
700 College Dr
Decorah, Iowa 52101

tickets@luther.edu


Phone: 563-387-1357

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Iowa Grotto Restoration Project

Iowa Grotto, Iowa’s chapter of the National Speleological Society, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration, conservation, and restoration of Iowa’s caves.  The group receives special training to ensure the safety of the volunteers and for the protection of the caves and the nature connected to them.

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Please Trash Your Trash

Happy Friday everyone! We wanted to send out a friendly reminder informing folks that trash does not belong in recycling containers.

Our recycling team relies on the public to sort materials properly; otherwise, it becomes a big problem for us. If there is too much trash mixed in with recyclable materials, our buyers can reject entire loads of product. Many of the items in the pictures below are products we cannot recycle (Chip bags, soft plastics, food remnants).

Please keep doing your part in ensuring these items end up in the correct bins. Many of you are doing a fantastic job, so keep up the good work!

***Please also ensure you are placing brown bags and brown paper in the cardboard bins.

Chip bags, soft plastics, and polystyrene in cardboard bin. Chip bags, soft plastics, and polystyrene in cardboard bin. Contamination in cardboard bin. Food remnants in cardboard bin. Chip bags, soft plastics, and polystyrene in cardboard bin.

LGBTQ+ History Month events to build understanding and connection

Luther College students at Decorah Pride Parade

Multiple groups from Luther College will participate in the annual Decorah Pride Parade and Party in the Park on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.

To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in October, Luther College is hosting a keynote lecture exploring the intersections between the queer and disability communities, participating in Decorah Pride Week events and partnering with The Landing Market for a special meal.

“Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month reminds us that visibility, courage and community have an impact on lives,” said Adam Lenehan, interim advisor to the Luther College PRIDE student organization and assistant director of the Center for Academic Enrichment. “The stories we lift up this month show how far we’ve come — and how much work still lies ahead.”

All of these events are open to the public.

Coming Out Day will be honored on Friday, Oct. 10, with an all-day tabling event in the Dahl Centennial Union lobby, hosted by the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) and the Luther College PRIDE student organization.

At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, CIES, Luther PRIDE and The Landing Market will celebrate the trailblazers and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community through eats, education and engagement at The Landing Market, 211 College Drive. The cost is $10 per person; $5 for college students (with ID) attending any college or university, and for children 17 and younger. No reservations are needed.

Andrew Ives

Andrew Ives

At 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, Accessibility Services and CIES will host the LGBTQ+ History Month keynote lecture, “The Future Is Queer and Disabled,” in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall.

Speakers Andrew Ives, Ed.D., and Willem Van Roosenbeek will discuss language and share demographic changes within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and disability communities.

Ives is the director of the Disability Resource Center at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL). Van Roosenbeek serves as the director at UWL’s Pride Center.

“Both the queer and disability communities are defined by their resilience, unity, compassion and love — tools that we believe will be essential as we shape the future,” said Michelle Boike, assistant dean and director of CIES. “Luther College feels honored to have Andrew and Willem on campus to explore the intersections between LGBTQ+ identity and the disability identity.”

Willem Van Roosenbeek

Willem Van Roosenbeek

One Decorah Pride Week event will feature Luther’s musical talent in concert: queerPOPERA’s “Queer Homecoming” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, at the Steyer Opera House, located above Hotel Winneshiek in downtown Decorah.

Directed by Paige Cameron, assistant director at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and directing fellow at Opera Saratoga, “Queer Homecoming” brings a bold and fresh vision to this unforgettable celebration. The concert will conclude with music by Driftless Jazz and a homecoming dance.

The mission of queerPOPERA, founded by Jaime Webb, guest lecturer in voice at Luther, is to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories through the expressive power of opera.

The Oct. 10 concert will feature Luther faculty and staff: Andrew Last, Carla Hanson, Jaime Webb, Jonathon Struve, Nicholas Shaneyfelt and Rachel Storlie. The student a cappella group UpTempo and alumni of the student dance organization Orchesis are also part of this event.

Additionally, multiple groups from Luther College will participate in the annual Decorah Pride Parade and Party in the Park on Saturday, Oct. 11. Please see Decorah Pride’s website for complete details.

“I hope Decorah residents will join us for the events happening on and around campus,” Lenehan said. “These moments of learning and celebration help us build understanding, connection and hope.”

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