Author: City of Decorah

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Decorah Public Works

Press Contact: Michael O’Hara, Public Works Director

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City Yard Waste Site Opens for the season this Wednesday May 14th

 

Decorah, IA (May 13, 2025) – The Yard Waste Site will be open on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A key will not be needed to access the site during these open hours. Those wishing to access the site outside of these open hours will need to check out a key from City Hall.

As a reminder, no garbage in any capacity is allowed to be deposited at the Yard Waste Site and only yard waste that originates from within City of Decorah city limits may be deposited. However, residents and non-residents are welcome to take wood chips, compost, and/or firewood from the site.

Any questions please call City Hall at 563-382-3651

 

 

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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Decorah City Engineer

Press Contact: John Hjelle, City Engineer, 563-277-5155

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Heivly Street Reconstruction to Begin

 

Decorah, IA (May 9, 2025) – The City of Decorah is notifying residents that work is anticipated to begin on the Decorah 2025 Heivly Street Improvements project on May 14^th, weather permitting.

Work to construct water mains and storm sewer along Claiborne Drive and Heivly Street in the vicinity of City Hall will last for several weeks.

Temporary closure of intersections at Heivly St. / River St. / Claiborne Drive and Goose Island Dr. / Claiborne Dr. will occur intermittently, beginning on or around May 19^th.  The timing of street closures is undetermined and will depend on material deliveries and weather conditions.  Residents should expect local detours and delays when traveling through these areas.

Utility and street work will shift to the west two blocks of Heivly Street between Julian and Mill Streets in the beginning of June.  The west end of Heivly Street will be closed thru July.

Construction updates will continue throughout the course of the project.

Please call the City Engineer at 563-277-5155 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.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Decorah Public Works

Press Contact: Michael O’Hara, Public Works Director

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Free Wood Chips and Compost Loading Days at Yard Waste Site

Decorah, IA (May 5, 2025) – The City of Decorah will be offering free loading of wood chips and compost at the City’s Yard Waste Site located on Trout Run Road. The city will have an end loader at the Yard Waste Site on Friday, May 9^th from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM and on Saturday, May 10^th from 7:30 AM to noon.

The giveaway is available to residents and non-residents.

Please call City Hall with any questions (563)-382-3651.

 

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.

 

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FOR RELEASE TIMED TO MAY 22 EVENT

Decorah Historic Preservation Commission

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

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Annual Historic Preservation Award Goes To Broadway Churches

Decorah, IA (April 22, 2025) — The Decorah Historic Preservation Commission (DHPC) will present its annual award to five historic Broadway churches for their on-going building preservation. The public is invited to the award presentation at the Decorah United Church of Christ (UCC) Congregational Center (209 W. Broadway) on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:30-6:00. DHPC will provide light refreshments.

DHPC member Jenny Werner said, “The historic Broadway church buildings are a crucial part of Decorah’s historic fabric, and we are eager to acknowledge the commitment to preservation that these churches have shown.”

Commission member Judy van der Linden noted that this year’s award complements DHPC’s 2019 award to St. Benedict Parish for their historic church renovation and their architecturally-compatible addition.

Each of the five Broadway churches have undertaken major maintenance and preservation projects in recent years.

Decorah Lutheran Church, built in 1961, recently rebuilt its sanctuary roof and replaced the copper flashing, repaired the storm windows protecting the 1889 and 1961 stained glass windows, and refurbished the 1961 bell tower that holds the congregation’s 1889 bell and displays antique European glass panels.

The Decorah UCC Church, built in 1896, recently replaced its roof and did some exterior work, including brick repointing.

The First United Methodist Church, built in 1874, recently did extensive exterior repairs, including complete brick repointing and replacing the limestone supports under the windows and on the stepped buttresses.

Grace Episcopal Church, completed in 1876, has done interior and exterior repairs, including painting, a new roof, a bell inspection, and restoring stained glass windows and installing new plexiglass window protectors. They are currently restoring their historic front door.

First Lutheran Church, built in 1876, has just installed an enclosed steel structure to stabilize the roof and exterior walls. They are also planning a second construction phase that will likely include a new entrance, a five-stop elevator, and renovation of their 1953 education/office wing. They have also announced a smaller campaign to refurbish their historic steeple bell.

All five churches expressed their appreciation for the preservation award.

Pastor Mike Wilker of First Lutheran commented, “When we discovered our roof problems, we experienced an outpouring of support from both congregation members and Decorah residents for preserving our historic building and steeple. The renovation reflects our congregation’s inspiring devotion to God and warm service toward our neighbors.”

DHPC member Nan St. Clair noted that May is National Historic Preservation Month and that the May 20 award ceremony is one of several public events planned by local preservation groups. On May 1, DHPC and the City dedicated a new informational sign at the 1875 stone Steyer Bridge.

For a list of DHPC’s previous annual Historic Preservation Awards, see https://www.decorahia.org/commission-and-boards/historic-preservation/awards

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

APRIL 7, 2024

CITY OF DECORAH: TREE CITY OF THE WORLD AND TREE CITY USA GROWTH AWARD RECIPIENT 

DES MOINES – The City of Decorah was recently honored with the 2024 Tree City of the World and Tree City USA Growth Award at the 34th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources April 3rd at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

“The Tree City USA award is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees,” says state forester Jeff Goerndt. “Your community has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa communities by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations.”

Decorah was one of only 3 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City of the World and one of 25 for the Tree City USA Growth Award status. To receive these awards, a city must, at a minimum, have either a city forester or an active city tree board; have a tree ordinance; spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program; and have a tree planting and maintenance plan.

Media contact: Emma Hanigan, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, at 515-249-1732.

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

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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)