Category: Community

Wrapping Paper, Brown Paper, and Holiday Hours

WRAPPING PAPER REMINDER:
Please note: we cannot accept wrapping paper for recycling, even if it is labeled “recyclable”.
Why?
  • Most wrapping paper contains coatings, dyes, glitter, foil, tape, or plastic fibers. These materials are not recyclable and are extremely difficult to separate from truly recyclable paper. Because of this, all wrapping paper ends up being thrown in the garbage when it reaches the sorting process.
Better (and greener) alternatives:
  • Reusable gift bags
  • Newspaper or comic pages
  • Brown kraft paper (decorate it with drawings or stamps!)
  • Reusable fabric wrap or scarves
These options help reduce waste and keep more material out of the landfill.
ANOTHER SORTING REMINDER: BROWN PAPER GOES IN THE CARDBOARD BINS:
  • This includes brown grocery bags and brown packaging paper
  • If you are not certain whether something is cardboard or paper, use the tear test! If you tear a box and it is white, consider it paper. If the tear is brown, place the item in cardboard. Please ensure there are no food remnants on these items!
Thanks for helping us at the recycling center 🙂 
Also, we are closed on the following dates for the holidays:
  • Wednesday, December 24th
  • Thursday, December 25th
  • Thursday, January 1st

 

Brown Bags mixed with paper.
Brown bags in the paper bin. These need to be placed in the cardboard bins instead.
Wrapping paper mixed with regular paper.
This wrapping paper was found in the paper bin. Please don’t put wrapping paper in our recycling bins. Place this in your garbage.
Wrapping paper mixed with regular paper.
This wrapping paper was found in the paper bin. Please don’t put wrapping paper in our recycling bins. Place this in your garbage.

Help Shape the Future of Housing in Decorah!

Help Shape the Future of Housing in Decorah!

Winneshiek County Development & Tourism (WCDT), in partnership with Decorah Jobs and the City of Decorah, is gathering community input to help guide future housing efforts in our area.

We’re asking residents and employees who live or work in Decorah and the surrounding area to take a short, 3-minute anonymous survey. Your feedback will help inform planning for local housing solutions.

👉 Take the survey here: decorah-housing.com

Please consider sharing this post with others; every response helps ensure housing decisions reflect real community needs.

 

Naming Rights for the Decorah Athletic Complex

Posted: December 15, 2025 in City News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Naming Rights for the Decorah Athletic Complex! 

DECORAH, Iowa — The City of Decorah has secured naming rights for the athletic complex project.  Nick Rowley (renowned National Trial Lawyer, author, philanthropist and founder of Trial Lawyers for Justice) contributed $500,000 to the project.  The facility will be named the “Rowley Sports Complex.”

Mayor Lorraine Borowski shared her excitement, “I am grateful for the success of the athletic complex for what it means to our community and for citizens of all ages. Nick Rowley’s generous contribution has been instrumental for the city in securing funding for the complex completion in entirety.”

Nick and his family have roots in Decorah, and he was excited for the opportunity to contribute to the project.  The additional funding is a major boost allowing the city to expand the scope of the project, along with the final fundraising gap of just over $100,000.

Mike Harman, a member of the Fundraising Team, reached out to Nick to see if he would be willing to support the project.  Without hesitation, Nick pledged his support.

When asked about the financial contribution Nick responded, “I didn’t have to think twice about it.  Harman reached out and it was a no brainer.”  Rowley continued, “Living out of state, I don’t get to contribute to our town.  This is a way to give back to the community I love.”  Rowley is especially interested in pickleball which he was introduced to 6 years ago and helps him maintain a healthy lifestyle.  He added, “The more activities for residents, the healthier the community will be.”

Rowley continues to have his main office in Decorah and gets back for work and to visit family.  In the future, he has plans to put spend more time here and “Looks forward to playing pickleball and baseball with kids and grandkids.”

The City of Decorah, Decorah Parks and Recreation and the Fundraising Team are grateful for Nick’s prominent financial support and enthusiasm for this project, as well as the other donors who have contributed to this fundraising campaign.  The Fundraising Team is comprised of volunteers who have worked diligently to raise funds and support for the project.

The Decorah Athletic Complex project is designed to serve youth, families, and visitors across northeast Iowa. The facility will support school athletics, club sports, community wellness, and tourism-driven programming. This project will include the development of four 280’ baseball/softball diamonds with dugouts, eight pickleball courts, parking areas, landscaping, two double batting cages, lighting for two of the ball diamonds and all of the pickleball courts, a playground, a 3.2-acre infiltration basin, and a 5-acre mesic prairie filled with tall grasses and wildflowers making the complex feel like classic Iowa countryside. Additionally, this project will include the construction of a concession and permanent restroom building to support event operations and allow for accessible restrooms along the Freeport Trail and Trout Run Trail network.

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026.

For more information about the Decorah Athletic Complex or to support the project, visit https://parks.decorahia.org/whats-that-park-project.

The post Naming Rights for the Decorah Athletic Complex appeared first on Decorah Park & Recreation Department.

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New Year’s Eve Bash

The Decorah community is invited to the Gerdin Fieldhouse at Luther College on Wednesday, December 31st from 5:30-9:30pm to attend the New Year’s Eve Bash event put on by Decorah Park & Rec and sponsored by Decorah Bank & Trust and Emplify Health. This event has free admission, and children ages 4-14 will receive a complimentary t-shirt offering them free admittance to all Luther athletic events throughout the 2026 calendar year. The Luther pool, gym and indoor track will be open for use, as well as a movie in the new team room and games for entertainment. Food will be available for purchase during the event.

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Celebrate the season of giving with WinnMed Auxiliary Light for Life program

Snowflake in the snow.
Snowflake in the snow.

The WinnMed Auxiliary invites the community to celebrate the season of giving through the 2025 Light for Life program.

Light for Life is the Auxiliary’s annual community giving campaign. For a donation of $15 or more, your loved one is honored or remembered with lighted snowflakes in the windows of WinnMed. The snowflakes light up WinnMed each night in December.

This year’s WinnMed Auxiliary Light for Life campaign will support the Ambulance department with the purchase of an Electric Patient Lift Chair, a critical tool that allows staff to safely assist patients who have fallen or need help transferring. This equipment not only reduces the physical strain on EMS staff but also provides patients with a more comfortable and dignified experience during lifts and transfers.

Light for Life donations will also support the WinnMed Wound Center with the purchase of an EZ Way Smart Stand, a device designed to promote stability, reduce fall risks, and support safe ambulation and pivot transfers. By offering controlled assistance, the Smart Stand helps patients maintain mobility while ensuring staff can provide care with greater confidence and safety.

Donations may be made at WinnMed or forms are available on the Auxiliary page through December 31, 2025. Contributions are tax deductible.

For further information, contact the WinnMed Auxiliary at 563-387-3036.

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How to Prepare for Your Allergy Testing Appointment

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

Expert Advice from Michael D’Netto, M.D.

If you’re experiencing unexplained sneezing, rashes, or breathing issues, allergy testing can help identify the cause—and lead to lasting relief. At WinnMed in Decorah, Michael D’Netto, M.D., a Mayo Clinic Health System board-certified Allergist and Immunologist, offers comprehensive allergy evaluations to pinpoint triggers and personalize treatment.

Here’s how to prepare for your appointment to ensure the most accurate results:

1. Stop Taking Antihistamines

Antihistamines can interfere with skin test results. Dr. D’Netto recommends stopping:

  • Over-the-counter antihistamines (like loratadine, cetirizine, or diphenhydramine) at least 5 days before testing
  • Some prescription medications may also need to be paused—check with your provider first 

“Stopping antihistamines before testing is crucial,” says Dr. D’Netto. “They can block the skin’s reaction and lead to false negative results. However if these medications cannot be stopped, blood testing, which is not impacted by antihistamines, can be considered.” 

2. Noting to East or Drink, Except Water

At least two hours prior to the appointment, Dr. D’Netto recommends nothing to eat or drink – except water – so the allergy testing is performed on a largely empty stomach.

3. No Vigorous Activity

Vigorous exercise can alter the body’s reaction and interfere with test results. Avoid vigorous activity for at least one hour prior to testing.  

4. Bring a Symptom Diary

Note when your symptoms occur, what you were exposed to, and any patterns you’ve noticed. This helps guide which allergens to test.

5. List All Medications

Bring a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking. Some may need to be adjusted before testing.

6. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Wear short sleeves or loose-fitting clothes to allow easy access to your arms or back for testing.

What to Expect

Dr. D’Netto will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and conduct skin or blood tests based on your symptoms. Allergy skin test results are available the same day.

“Allergy testing is safe, quick, and incredibly helpful,” Dr. D’Netto adds. “It’s the first step toward feeling better and taking control of your health.”

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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