On March 21st, WED hosted an Energy Lunch to discuss how the new direct pay option allows non taxable entities to take advantage of the 30% federal renewable energy refundable tax credit! Organizations like schools, nonprofits, churches and local governments are now able to capture the full value of the 30% federal tax credit, putting renewable energy projects like PV solar, geothermal, wind, EV vehicle purchases and battery storage within reach for your nonprofit!
We gathered on zoom and at the Lingonberry to discuss about all the ways the Inflation Reduction Act can benefit your nontaxable organization. We also discussed the option of using a Power Purchase agreement to allow non taxable entities to work with a taxable investor to capture the value of the tax credit.
Click below to view the recording or scroll down to get the slides.
In case you didn’t know, today is World Water Day! We are very fortunate to have access to clean water in our area, so let’s conserve this precious resource whenever possible. One way to use less water at home is by harvesting rain water with a rain barrel and using that rain water on your lawn or garden. This is also a fantastic way to repurpose a plastic barrel! If you are interesting in building your own rain barrel, Winneshiek County Conservation and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) are holding a workshop on April 13th at 5:30 PM in the Lake Meyer Campground Shop. Registration is required and there is a fee for the materials. To find out more about this event, visit WCC’s website by clicking on the link below!
For ages 8 years and under, join us Sunday, April 2, beginning promptly at 3:00 pm, at the 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!
Many in the region know Molly Gallagher from her decade+ of teaching Iyengar Yoga (CIYT) in Decorah. But many may not know that Molly is a certified mediator – someone that, as a neutral third party, helps facilitate conversations to help find meaningful agreements. From court appointed cases, to intergenerational discussions, find out more about what this means on today’s show!
The Mediator’s role, as a neutral third party, is to help support each person throughout their conversation during mediation, and allow individuals more control over the outcome of their decisions, and can help to save money in legal fees. Mediation is an opportunity for an enhanced conversation about issues that clients want or need to discuss. The process of mediation can help clients gain clarity about themselves, their situation, and each other. It may also allow them an opportunity to arrive at a mutually agreed upon decision.
Molly mediates in the following areas: divorce, family, parenting disputes, business disputes, workplace conflict, real estate affairs, farm succession planning, and more.
Mediation is completely confidential, can save time and money, and fosters lasting and meaningful agreements. Let go of the stress and anxiety of seeing a person you’re in conflict with, or the potential of a lawsuit, so you can move on with your life
Decorah High School and Middle School have received $5000 of football equipment courtesy of the National Football League, the NFL Players Association and USA Football. The equipment comes from Decorah High School alumnus and current Denver Bronco linebacker Josey Jewell earning the NFL Way to Play Award as result of goal line tackle by Jewell in the Bronco’s week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The NFL Way to Play initiative seeks to recognize the excellence demonstrated by NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays. Jewell’s tackle of Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler was chosen as an outstanding play demonstrating proper technique. A panel of former NFL Hall of Fame players, including Merril Hoge, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Orlando Pace, Michael Robinson and Bobby Taylor made the selection.
With the grant, Decorah Schools received new shoulder pads for the middle school program, helmets for the high school program and Tacklebar safety harnesses for grades 7-12. The purchases will help improve safety for all athletes involved in the football program.
Jewell made a visit to a recent morning weight room session to visit with some of the student-athletes who will use the equipment in the coming year. He commented, “I am honored to have been able to make a tackle that allows me to give back not only to the Decorah Football program, but also offers some financial support for all of the programs the students of Decorah Schools participate in. The foundation of being fundamentally sound in all of my activities was developed during my time in middle school and high school at Decorah. Those lessons have contributed greatly to the success I have been fortunate enough to have collegiately and professionally.”
Decorah High School and Middle School have received $5000 of football equipment courtesy of the National Football League, the NFL Players Association and USA Football. The equipment comes from Decorah High School alumnus and current Denver Bronco linebacker Josey Jewell earning the NFL Way to Play Award as result of goal line tackle by Jewell in the Bronco’s week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The NFL Way to Play initiative seeks to recognize the excellence demonstrated by NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays. Jewell’s tackle of Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler was chosen as an outstanding play demonstrating proper technique. A panel of former NFL Hall of Fame players, including Merril Hoge, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Orlando Pace, Michael Robinson and Bobby Taylor made the selection.
With the grant, Decorah Schools received new shoulder pads for the middle school program, helmets for the high school program and Tacklebar safety harnesses for grades 7-12. The purchases will help improve safety for all athletes involved in the football program.
Jewell made a visit to a recent morning weight room session to visit with some of the student-athletes who will use the equipment in the coming year. He commented, “I am honored to have been able to make a tackle that allows me to give back not only to the Decorah Football program, but also offers some financial support for all of the programs the students of Decorah Schools participate in. The foundation of being fundamentally sound in all of my activities was developed during my time in middle school and high school at Decorah. Those lessons have contributed greatly to the success I have been fortunate enough to have collegiately and professionally.”
Denver Broncos linebacker and DHS alum Josey Jewell (center) with some recipients of new equipment made possible by the NFL’s Way to Play Award Initiative
Twenty-four Decorah FFA members participated in the District FFA Convention on Saturday, March 11th at Beckman Catholic High School. The chapter competed in eight leadership development events and three quiz contests. Two members also served as chapter delegates, and two members were balloted for Northeast District FFA office.
The four contests advancing to the state competition in Ames include the Treasurer’s Book: Anders Lovstuen – 1st place, gold rating; Ag Sales: Annika Brynsaas – 2nd place, gold rating; Job Interview: Jeramiah Rediske – 2nd place, gold rating; and Secretary’s Book: Addison Wemark – 2nd place, gold rating.
The chapter also competed in the following leadership development events: Chapter Website: Travis Nordheim – silver rating; Conduct of Meetings: Lyla Lovstuen, Rylee Averhoff, Karlie Einck, Thea Zidlicky, Jerikah Dodd, Annika Schmelzer, and Raleigh Lensing – silver rating; Public Speaking: Kayleigh Smith – silver rating; and Reporter’s Book: Morgan Moen – participation.
Ten members participated in the three quiz contests. Three participated in the Greenhand Quiz, which is an FFA knowledge exam. Kamryn Werges earned 1st place with a gold rating, Eden Scheidel placed 5th with a gold rating, and Karlee Bullerman received a silver rating. Three members also participated in the chapter quiz, an FFA and parliamentary procedure knowledge exam. Logan Frye placed 7th with a gold rating, and Kiele Eberling and Rashell Lippe received silver ratings. Four members participated in the Farm Business Management Test. The team of Morgan Moen, Justin Nierling, Addison Wemark, and Dalton Zidlicky placed 4th overall. Morgan Moen placed 9th individually.
Brody Courtney and Addison Wemark served as the Decorah FFA’s official district delegates and attended the Northeast District Business Session.
District Officer Election Results
Three Decorah FFA members ran for Northeast District FFA office. In February, Anders Lovstuen, Creed Monroe, and Travis Nordheim completed several rounds of interviews during which they took an FFA knowledge test. After the first round of selection, Creed Monroe was put on the ballot for Northeast District Secretary, and Anders Lovstuen was put on the ballot for NW Sub-District Vice President. At District Convention, both Creed and Anders gave a two-minute speech to delegates and answered two rounds of questions.
Creed Monroe was elected to serve as the 2023-2024 Northeast District FFA Secretary. He was officially installed at the conclusion of the District FFA Convention.
The Decorah FFA will now compete at the State FFA Leadership Conference on April 16-18, 2023 at Iowa State University in Ames.
Row 1(l-r): Thea Zidlicky, Lyla Lovstuen, Kiele Eberling, Karlee Bullerman, Eden Scheidel, Morgan Moen, Rashell Lippe
Creed Monroe was elected as the 2023-2024 Northeast District FFA Secretary. Anders Lovstuen received 1st place in the Treasurer’s Book at the district competition and advanced to the state competition.
Kamryn Werges received 1st place in the Greenhand Quiz at FFA Districts.
Did you know that tomorrow is Global Recycling Day? Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 to raise awareness about the value of our natural resources and how we can protect them by recycling more. It’s essential that people think about waste as resources when we look at the materials around us. Have a great weekend, and please remember to recycle those valuable resources!
