Ice Cave Scavenger Hunt

Event Details

Join us in a family-friendly scavenger hunt along Ice Cave Road!

Search for Gnomes and other creatures that may be hiding along the trail.

Participants can start their hunt at the Dunning Springs Parking Lot and head towards Ice Cave. The trail will have riddles and clues for you to solve along the way. Once you have reached Ice Cave, follow the trail back towards Dunning Springs to solve new challenges on the way back!

Submit photos of your adventures to our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to show off your hunting skills.

This event will end Monday, April 1st!

The post Ice Cave Scavenger Hunt appeared first on Decorah Park & Recreation Department.

Source link

Easter Egg Hunt (8yrs and Under)

Join us on Sunday, March 24th, beginning promptly at 3:00 pm, at Will Baker Athletic Fields. Children find plastic eggs filled with candy or prizes and all egg hunters receive participation gifts at the close of the Hunt. The Easter Bunny will also be there so bring your cameras! After you register online, please stop into the Park Rec office to pick up your Easter basket before the 24th!

Source link

Rhymes With Decorah Podcast: Rhymes With – EMS – Steve Vanden Brink

ambulance_web.jpg
Photo Courtesy of WinnMed

Emergency Management Services are often not thought of until there is a time of need. Police, Fire, Ambulance, First Responders – all provide essential community services, and face unique challenges in much of our rural regions. Steve Vanden Brink has been serving Decorah and NE Iowa for over 30 years as an EMT and Director of Ambulance Services at WinnMed in Decorah, as well as the Decorah Fire Department’s Public Education Officer.

SteveVdB.jpg

While Steve’s story started as a young person, people of all walks find themselves called to serve in the EMS community. EMTs (Emergency Management Technicians) particularly serve a critical link in emergency health and response situations – and are also facing a shortage across the country, including the rural Midwest. Opportunities exist for everything from volunteer first responders to professional career EMTs and flight medics. In NE Iowa, NICC (NE Iowa Community College) has also partnered to help offer training and career paths in EMT services.

DFD.jpg
Image Courtesy of DFD

We offer up a huge thanks to those in the EMS world and especially to Steve for taking time to talk to us about his experiences and the opportunities available in the EMS world. If you’d like to find out more, reach out to Steve at WinnMed – 563-382-2911

WinnMed_logo.jpg

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

 

Changes in Electronic Waste and Appliance Collection Beginning Monday, April 1st

STARTING MONDAY, APRIL 1ST, ALL ELECTRONIC WASTE AND OLD APPLIANCES SHOULD BE DROPPED OFF AT THE RECYCLING CENTER (2510 172nd Avenue Decorah, IA) DURING BUSINESS HOURS (6:00 AM to 3:00 PM M-F excluding holidays).

THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY LANDFILL WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT ELECTRONICS OR APPLIANCE WASTE STARTING APRIL 1ST.

PLEASE NOTE:

* A $20 fee per unit still applies for televisions, computer monitors, or appliances containing freon.

* Payments must be made with cash or check only, and cash transactions should be for the exact amount owed.

*Enter the recycling center through the pedestrian door on the right side of the large dock door, where our staff will assist you.

For more details on disposal procedures, visit our “What Do I Do With” page. Feel free to reach out via Facebook Messenger or call us at 563-382-6514 with questions.

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.

Rhymes With Decorah Podcast: Rhymes With – Oneota Valley Community Orchestra

OVCO-Logo-web-transparent.jpg

The Oneota Valley Community Orhestra has been bringing incredible performances to NE Iowa for 10 years! Join founder and musical director Matt Cody, along with musician and board member Benjamin Kratchmer as we talk all things OVCO.

OVCO_Wide_small.jpg

The organization, started in 2014, was brougth to life to present live classical music to the residents of the Oneota Valley, promote music education, and provide the opportunity for amateur and professional musicians to continue the lifelong study and performance of classical music. A decade in, the organization has covered a lot of ground, a lot of music, and is playing bright into the future. 

OVCO_MCody_sm.jpg

Musicians interested in learning more about performing with the OVCO can submit their information online here

The Orchestra is also always looking for engaged board members (musicians or not!), as well as those helping advance the organization in other volunteer rolls. Interested? Check out the details.

Each season of performances are unique, and often include special guests as part of the repertoire. Check out this season’s schedule and more. Several performances are even available on the OVCO’s YouTube Channel – which you can watch here.

You can also support the symphony by making a tax-deductible donation today. Your support helps continue bringing classical masterpieces to residents of Decorah and surrounding communities as well as provide opportunities for amateur and professional musicians to continue a lifelong study of classical music.

OVCO_Lute_sm.jpg
Lute by OVCO musician and craftsman Benjmain Kratchmer

 

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

 

 

Winneshiek County Residents – Want a Free Home Composter?

Winneshiek County residents! Did you hear you can earn a home composter for no cost this year? See the details listed below to find out if you are eligible. Composting your food waste helps reduce pressure on our landfill. It also creates healthy soil that can be used as fertilizer in your garden! Click on the “Composting” tab in the top right corner to learn more about the home composter or to order a container.

If you are not a Winneshiek County resident, you can still order a bin for approximately $55. Supplies are limited. The order form will be closed when supplies run out.

Conditions for earning a bin for no charge:

1. You must be a Winneshiek County resident

2. You must attend a compost training (sessions are listed in the order form)

3. Limit of one free composter per household

Questions about this program? Contact Evan Neubauer at wildrecycling@winneshiekwild.com.

Rhymes With Decorah Podcast: Rhymes With – Liuda Skorlupina and Maryna Nading

IMG_5797.jpg

Liudmyla Skorlupina is a Ukrainian English teacher, currently living with her son Zhenia in the US. They are from Bucha, Ukraine, and were able to participate in the “Uniting for Ukraine” Federal humanitarian program, which allows them to spend up to two years in the US with a host sponsor family.

Liuda and Luther College Professor of Anthropology Maryna Nading have known each other since their upper schooling days in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. (Maryna is a past guest of the show – hear that episode here.) Through Nading’s work with the Luther College Paideia program, Liudmyla is visiting Decorah to present the Paideia lecture “Public Anthropology and the Common Good: Costly Lessons of Bearing Witness to War” on February 13, 2024 (An online link to the presentation may be found here).

Liudmyla.jpg
Liuda Skorlupina

Liuda is a Ukrainian native, and has lived with her family in Bucha (Ukraine) for over a decade – a suburb of about 60,000 just 20 miles the Capital city Kiev.

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine ramped up in February of 2022, Bucha became a cross roads of invading Russian troops, with intense fighting now known as the “Bucha Massacre”. These brutal attacks on the people of Bucha led to hundreds of civilian and prisoner of war deaths, with documented torture, rape, and mass graves left in the wake of the Russian forces. When Bucha was retaken by Ukrainian forces in late March 2022, the full extent of the atrocities came to light, with US President Biden calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to face war crimes charges. An outrage across the world was sparked, marking even more severe sanctions against Russia by the US & Allies.

While many recovery efforts have been made in Bucha since the Spring of 2022 (as much of the fighting has moved into Eastern Ukraine), the City, along with Liuda’s family, are still facing many daily challenges. We thank Liuda and Maryna for helping share these stories with our listeners and our region – and hope that Liuda and Zhenia’s first trip to the upper Midwest was a positive one.

Maryna.jpg
Maryna Nading

You can hear the previous episode of “Rhymes With Decorah” featuring Maryna Nading here. If you would like to connect with Maryna or help by donating funds to on-the-ground, grass roots organizations, please feel free to contact her at: bazyma01@luther.edu

IMG_2932.jpeg

The US Department of State also has an excellent Fact Sheet / web resource for informational sources about the conflict in Ukraine, as well as ways to support relief efforts for the Ukrainian people. Click here for international NGOs and Non Profit Organizations, as well as free resources and information on hosting, visas, mental health / trauma, and more.

 

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

Ukraine_Emblem.png

 

 

 

Winneshiek County Emergency Responders Receive Clinical Save Award

Winneshiek County emergency responders were presented with a Clinical Save award for their role in a cardiac arrest event that happened in December. 

Cardiac Arrest Event

Cy Nelson of Decorah and his friend Kevin Locke, M.D., were together at Cy’s home when he collapsed on the driveway.  Dr. Locke called 911 and began CPR.  The Winneshiek County 911 and Communications Center activated emergency responders.  Decorah Police Officer Adam Ytzen arrived and administered the first AED shock, and they were immediately joined by off-duty paramedic Steve Vanden Brink, who administered a second AED shock.  The WinnMed ambulance and crew arrived along with two additional off-duty paramedics, and together, they used their skills and the life-saving technology to transport Cy to WinnMed to the emergency nurses and physician standing ready.  With emergency services still at work, Gundersen Air emergency flight crew landed at WinnMed and transported Cy to Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, where he was treated.

“I hear about what happened from everyone else!” says Cy.  “I don’t remember a bit of it, until I woke up in Rochester.  I don’t know what the Lord has planned for me, but I have been given a second chance and am focusing on my mission going forward.”

Cardiac Save Statistics

At the Clinical Save gathering, Vanden Brink shared that 90% of cardiac arrest events are fatal.  Additionally, only 7% of those who survive sudden cardiac arrest will be discharged from the hospital with no physical and/or neurological effects.  Vanden Brink says, “The systems we have in place make a difference.  At my last count, there are over 150 AEDs in various locations in Winneshiek County.  With our people, skills, and equipment, we are better prepared to respond to events like Cy’s and see a positive outcome.”

Responders who were recognized include:

  • Dr. Locke who called 911 and immediately started CPR,
  • Winneshiek County 911 and Communications Dispatcher Isaac Phillips who dispatched the call to responders,
  • Decorah Police Officer Adam Ytzen who quickly arrived on scene to provide defibrillation,
  • WinnMed paramedics (on and off-duty) who provided both basic and advanced life support therapy on scene,
  • Emergency nurses and physician who continued life-saving care in the WinnMed Emergency Department, and
  • Gundersen Air flight crew who provided life flight transport to advanced cardiac care.

“I thank each of you for your role in keeping me alive,” says Cy. “I am so grateful.”

Source link

1 2 3 72