Community News Stories

Please self-report any/all damages after last night’s storm. The process is super easy and will help Winneshiek County Emergency Management catalog the damages that are reported to the state.

Steam Engine Days…how it all began
By Lynn Clauson and Dorothy Anderson

(From the 30th Anniversary Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days Program, Martell Publishing Co., 1972)

The morning of October 3, 1953 dawned clear and warm – a perfect day to publicly exhibit the powers of the old steam engines. Also a good day to do the threshing and have a little fun besides. Admittedly, Steam Engine Days was started on a small scale. The first of the now annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days was nothing more than a public exhibition of oldtime threshing with steam engines, but then not all good things start big.

With the coming of the gasoline engine or tractor and the modern combine, the use of steam power to “thresh” the grain was becoming a thing of the past. A love for the steam engine was very strong in a few men in the Hesper community and they felt this part of farm history should not be forgotten. Other communities were holding special days to keep this method of harvesting alive, so why not Hesper! They would at least have a small get-together.

The first location of what is now an annual event was the Gerhard Clauson farm, six and one half miles east of Hesper, Iowa. At the time, Mr. Clauson invited Jesse McMillen of Hesper, and James Sylling of Spring Grove to join him since both men also owned engines. The three men didn’t expect any widespread interest, but all were prepared to have a good time anyway. Mrs. Clauson recalled that she and her husband’s sister were prepared to serve lunch themselves. Several doughnuts were purchased at a bakery, but as this supply vanished, homemade cookies were brought out of storage and used. A hot-dog stand was also on the premises. Because the only form of advertising had been spread by word-of-mouth, Clauson and the others were very surprised when crowds of several hundred came to view the exhibition. Even the cool weather of the afternoon didn’t chase the crowds away. No elaborate entertainment had been planned for the exhibition of steam engines in 1953, but the children were treated to horse and buggy rides over much of the farm by Lloyd Larson.

Another avid steam engine man was a Mr. Christau, “Krink”, as he was called. Somehow he had heard of this get-together and wanted to be there. He was from Grand Meadow, Minnesota. He and his wife decided to come to see the steam engines that day. As they arrived in the Hesper and Mabel area, he inquired how to get to this event. No one he happened to ask had heard about it, so they were of no help. Mr. Christau started down some gravel roads and all of a sudden he realized he saw the tracks of a large steam engine’s wheels in the road. So, he and his wife just followed them and soon they were enjoying themselves at the Clauson farm.

All in all, the exhibition was considered a great success. The three men who organized the event and those attending had felt that it was quite an idea. It seemed that there was an interested in the old steam horses, so there was talk of holding another exhibition again the following year.

The talk was not in vain. In 1954, another celebration was held, this time on the Charlie McMillen farm west of Hesper. More publicity was given, and in 1954 the first buttons for the event were sold. The buttons provided an even greater attraction and the crowds grew. In a nearby field belonging to Charlie Sellman, twelve airplanes bearing spectators landed. This was startling considering the mild interest Mr. Clauson had expected when he suggested the idea. However, even at the first exhibition, eight or nine airplanes had landed bringing interested people to the event. Mrs. Aurthur Anderson made a tape recording of the engines as they paraded up the driveway to the field to begin “threshing”. In the fall of that year, Charlie McMillen’s son-in-law, Arthur Anderson and family moved to the farm and for years following he plowed up pop bottles and other remnants of that day. Cars were parked all over the farm and even in neighboring fields. A few more side events were added that year including the Hesper Improvement Club food stand. They continued until 1972.

Because the event had aroused such an interest, each fall over Labor Day weekend, the event was continued on farms in the Hesper area. In 1955 a large crowd gathered at the Otto Rasmussen farm to view the steam engines. Hesper Steam Engine Days were held on the Fred Koppen farm in 1956. In 1957 festivities were again held on the Rasmussen farm with the Koppen farm the site of the event in 1958 and 1959.

In 1959, Jesse McMillen added another steam engine to the collection which was drawing such interest. After fourteen months of work, he was able to demonstrate a “midget” engine, a half-scale Advanced Rumley at Steam Engine Days. Mr. Christau was a builder of steam engines, and Jesse McMillen hired him to build this engine. Jesse, and his brother Charlie spent many days in Grand Meadow helping “Krink” build. Although Charlie McMillen no longer owned an engine, he enjoyed helping his brother. Later they built an upright which added more interest to the celebration.

After the festivities in 1959, the six men who had kept the event going – Gerhard Clauson, Jesse McMillen, James Sylling, Charlie McMillen, Dewey Golberg, and Arnold Peterson – were wondering how they could continue as the crowds were getting almost too large to handle. The public expressed a wish that it not be discontinued.

At this time the Mabel community saw this as an opportunity for them to offer a place to hold the event. So, in 1960, Mr. Odell Lee Sr., acting on behalf of the Mabel Business Association, contacted Jesse McMillen and urged the Hesper group to move their steam engine activities to Mabel. This sounded like a good idea to the Hesper group, so, on the first Friday after Labor Day in 1960, the first Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days came into existence. In cooperation with the Mabel Business Association, a complete celebration with parades, entertainment, in the form of a carnival, Queen contests, fall games, and many other activities was set up, although the main attraction remained the old steam horses.

“Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days” had been born. The festival which made Mabel more than a tiny dot on a map, however, depended upon the community for its growth. Today cars from almost every state may be found on the grounds. This success is certainly due largely to the participation of so many local organizations.

The Mabel Business Association continues to plan for this day as the outstanding event of the year. As many as 50,000 people attended the festival in 1967, and an average of 35,000 a year make it a great “weekend”.

Members of many groups such as the area 4-H clubs and farm organizations contribute greatly by making floats for the parade and sponsoring events such as the queen contest which actually started when Hesper held it alone around 1957. It has become one of the highlights to Steam Engine Days.

The VFW sponsors a “Kiddie parade” each year. This preceeds the large parade led by the steam engines. They have had to have their iron wheels “padded” so as not to ruin the black-top roads. Towns nearby add their bit to the parade also. The Shriners from Rochester usually put on their motorcycle demonstration on one of the days.

The churches in the area have all contributed. The Hesper Lutheran Church and Mabel First Lutheran Church have food stands on the grounds. A later addition and one which is enjoyed by everyone is the church service on Sunday morning. A guest pastor is brought in for the service. Special music is provided by area groups. In place of a bell tolling three times, a steam engine whistle is blown three times. This seems so very appropriate and sends shivers up the spines of those who cherish the memory of those “good ‘ol days”.

New attractions are constantly being added including window displays, flower shows, art contests, and an antique show. Arts and crafts are displayed by local and distant personnel.
Although “steam” is still the main display used not only to thresh but to saw wood, etc., a display of gas engines, antique and new, has been added. And, as some of the original founders have passed on, new faces appear as the interest continues. Lloyd Foltz has taken over Jesse McMillen’s engines.

Through all of the changes and updating, Steam Engine Days has undergone, the basic idea to exhibit the old steam horses has not been lost even though they have many modern attractions to compete with. Perhaps that is why people from all over the United States are attracted to the tiny village of Mabel each September to gaze at the mighty steam engines and to mingle with the people who works so hard to make it possible.

Bryan Richards, Emerging Disease Coordinator at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin will speak about Chronic Wasting Disease on September 19, 2019 at 7:00pm in the Rushford-Peterson School Auditorium. In this presentation he will discuss basic characteristics of CWD and how it impacts the potential for successful deer management, documented disease distribution and prevalence trends, and recent science updates. An open discussion will follow.

CWD is a fatal, contagious, neurodegenerative disease in deer and elk. The cause is a malformed prion which has been found in tissue and fluids of infected animals, including in their urine, feces, saliva, blood, and antler velvet. Those prions have also been found to be present environmentally in soil and plants.

Southeastern Minnesota is now a disease management zone, which means the DNR will implement rules that attempt to control the disease within the area. According to the DNR CWD Management Plan, should prevalence of CWD be found to be greater than 5% in this area, the DNR will then move to label the area an endemic zone and switch to passive surveillance, liberal hunting, and monitoring within the zone.

Whether you are a landowner, farmer, a concerned citizen, or hunter the spread of CWD will affect all residents of southeast Minnesota. Attendance by all residents is encouraged.
The presentation is sponsored by the Farm Bureaus of Winona, Houston, and Fillmore Counties along with the Bluffland Whitetails Association. You may contact Cynthie Christensen, President, Houston County Farm Bureau, (507) 251-8465 for more information.

Free event Thursday, August 29, 4-7 pm

Winneshiek Medical Center will hold a Grand Community Picnic on Thursday, August 29 from 4-7 pm on the WMC campus.

“The Grand Community Picnic has become a fun tradition for many families as summer winds down each year. The picnic is an opportunity for the medical center to continue to show our gratitude to the people who trust us to provide health care for their families, neighbors and friends,” says Lisa Radtke, chief administrative officer, Winneshiek Medical Center.

Free Community Picnic Attractions

• BBQ pork sandwich, chips and a beverage
• Giant Bouncy House Obstacle Course
• Kids games area
• Giant Walk-Through Colon (cancer education for everyone)
• “What You Don’t See” trailer (drug education for parents/caregivers)
• Face painting
• Popcorn from the Lion’s Club
• Pokey Pete rides
• Trolley rides by Decorah Trolley Company
• Live music by Mike McAbee
• Garden tours
• Garden food demonstrations
• WMC ambulance tours
• WMC Radiology tours
• Fire truck display
• Winneshiek County Canine McCoy meet-and-greet

Moo-Mobile shakes will also be available for $1 each throughout the evening.

More Information
The picnic is made possible with the help of more than 100 staff volunteers from Winneshiek Medical Center, the WMC Auxiliary and WMC Foundation, and will be held rain or shine.

Convenient parking will be available, with regular trolley rides and golf carts running from the parking lots to the event site.

Information on the WMC Grand Community Picnic is also available at www.winmedical.org/community-picnic. For additional information on the picnic or other Winneshiek Medical Center activities, please call the WMC Marketing & Communications department at 563-382-2911 or email communityrelations@winmedical.org.

Don’t be a VICTIM of a scam!

This is a lengthy post. It is intended to inform people about SCAMS that are going around on the phone and internet. Please take time to read the information below provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Tell your family and friends about these scams so they are not taken advantage of financially.

Imposters / Scammers are everywhere! When the phone rings, do you know who is calling before you answer or who sent the mail you just opened? When at your computer or on your smart phone, do you know who sent the email in your inbox? Do you know who created that pop-up message on your screen? All of these methods and many more are being used by scammers who are not what they may seem to be.

Here are some common indicators that you are dealing with an imposter:

• Requests for personal information. Examples include: date of birth, social security number, Medicare ID number, credit card numbers, or bank account numbers.
• Requests for payment of any kind. No contest, prize or grant recipients have to make payment to receive their winnings or award.
• Requests for payment by wiring money or pre-paid debit cards. Providing money through either of these is the same as giving someone cash and it is not likely that it can be traced or retrieved once given.
• Threats and urgency. The more threatening the call – you’ll be arrested, have to go to court, have your credit ruined the more likely it is from an imposter. Calls requiring urgent action from someone you do not know are likely made by imposters.
• Requests for secrecy. This is especially true for appeals for financial assistance from relatives who say “Don’t tell my mom and dad.” Or for calls about winning a prize where you are told by the caller you can’t tell anyone else about it until you have received your winnings.

Imposter Phone Scams

• IRS or Department of Treasury. Threatening calls that you must pay now for tax violations. The IRS will not contact you by phone. They would contact you by mail. They will not make threats.
• Federal Grant Award. Do not be fooled by the 202 area code look like the call is coming from Washington, D.C. These unsolicited grants are not awarded. In the rare case where someone receives a grant they did not apply for, no payment is required to receive the grant.
• Medicare or Affordable Health Care Act. The caller claims to be a government representative insisting that you provide personal identification information and/or pay a fee or face loss of benefits. Government agencies will contact you by mail, not by phone. They will not make threats on the phone.
• Other Law Enforcement or Government Agency. The caller may threaten deportation but for a fee will assist you to get your certification. They hope you will be scared enough to part with money and/or personal identification information. Or a caller may claim that a foreign dignitary who needs your help with a money transfer is “legitimate”. No law enforcement or government agency makes these kinds of calls.
• Lottery or Prize Winner. The caller says you have won but an administrative fee, shipping, or taxes need to be paid. You never have to pay for a prize or winnings.
• Family Assistance. Also known as the “Grandparents Scam”. These callers prey on the goodwill and desire to help family. The caller will say they are a family member, usually a younger one, in some kind of trouble needing immediate financial assistance. These scammers will feed off of information you inadvertently give them. The caller will ask you not to call someone who could verify the legitimacy of the call (“Don’t call mom or dad”) and to send money in an untraceable manner.
• Computer Problems. The caller claims to be from “Microsoft” or “Google” or another known company and states they have detected a problem with your computer. The caller may tell you to look in a particular place in your computer where you will see many error messages. The caller will tell you this is because of a virus or other problem with your computer. The error messages you are seeing are completely normal on any properly functioning computer. These callers will attempt to get you to pay for services, likely via credit card and to give access to your computer so they can steal personal information and download damaging software known as “malware” that will continue to allow access and even control of your computer. None of these companies make these kinds of calls. Never give a caller access to your computer unless you are sure you know who is on the other side of the phone.
• Utility shut off. The caller states you haven’t paid your utility bill and someone is on the way over to disconnect your service unless you make an immediate payment to the caller. These calls target small businesses but some consumers report receiving these calls at home. To check if what the caller says is true, call the number on your billing statement, not the number the caller gives you.
• “Spoofed” Numbers. Technology exists that allows a caller to control what shows up on Caller ID. This is called “spoofing”. Calls may appear to come from a governmental agency, company or even a neighbor when actually the calls are coming from outside the country. If you do not recognize the number on the Caller ID, let the call go to your answering machine or voicemail. If it is important or a personal call, the caller will leave a message. If you have a question about the message left, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128.

Imposter Mail Scams
Mail scams require a response once you’ve received the mail. The most common imposter scams are prize scams where you are instructed to call and told that you need to make a payment of some sort to receive you winnings. Versions of the phone imposter scams may also come in the mail or through email.

Imposter Computer Scams

• Email scams. Email imposter scams may be versions of the imposter phone or mail scams. Often the objective may be to get you to click on a link that will ask you for personal information or to click on an attachment that will download a virus or other malware to your computer.
• Screen Pop-Ups. A message will pop up on your screen, usually claiming there is something wrong with your computer and telling you to click on the window for assistance. You will then be given information to contact someone to help you, possibly from a known company like “Microsoft” or “Google”. This is a variation on the Computer Problem calls. Often the screen pop-up messages are the result of a virus that has been downloaded to your computer to get you to make contact with them rather than the calling you. Sometimes you may receive a call once this message appears or you click on the pop up window. If an error message appears on your computer, contact someone you know and trust for help. Do not click on pop-up windows reporting a problem with your computer.
• Online search imposter scams. When looking for assistance through an online search, be aware that some companies, including scammers, have paid to have their links appear at the top of your search list. It is very easy to think you are talking to a representative of the actual company you want, or are on their website, only to find you are being asked to provide personal information, payment information and/or access to your computer. Check the website address to make sure you are dealing with the real company.
• Online dating imposter scams. Online dating makes it easier for a person to misrepresent them self. Fake or outdated photos may be used, personal histories enhanced or exaggerated, personal traits fabricated. With traditional dating it is possible to talk with friends, family members or acquaintances to check a person’s reputation. Online dating does not usually make this possible. Once a scammer is confident they have your trust, they will start asking for money. They may tell you they need it to help get money the government owes them, cover the costs of a sudden illness, surgery, a robbery, accident, or job loss. It may be for them, or a daughter or son. They may ask for money to cover the cost of travel to finally meet face-to-face. You might get documents from an attorney as “proof” of their genuine intentions along with a promise to pay it back. As real as the relationship seems, it is a scam and you lose the money sent.
• Social networking website imposter scams. Treat links in messages on these sites as you would a link in an email message. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it is best to delete it or mark it as junk. Hackers can break into accounts and send messages that look like they are from your friends, but are not. If you suspect that a message is fraudulent, use an alternate method to contact your friend to find out. Do not trust that a message is really from who it says it is from.

Do Not Respond!
The best defense against all these imposter scam is to not respond.

• Do not answer the call. Use your Caller ID. If you do not recognize the number let it go to your answering machine or voicemail. If you do answer the call, hang up as soon as you realize this is not someone you want to talk with. Talking to these callers or calling them back will likely result in additional contacts from them and other scammers.
• Delete email from unknown senders. If you do not know who sent it, do not open it. Sometimes opening an email is enough to tell a scammer that this is a valid address and they will continue to send you email. If you do not know who sent it, never click on a link or attachment in an email.
• Verify your search result. Before acting on the result of an online search, check to make sure you are dealing with the company you want. If you do make contact, watch for the signs of a scam.
• Do not call the verification number you are given. Call the number on a billing statement, found in the phone book or reliable online directory. Never check to see if something is legit using the number given to you on the call, mailer, email or message.

Urbandale, Iowa – The Iowa State Fair has ended and the eggs have been counted. The Iowa Egg Council, along with the help of wonderful volunteers, served 173,952 eggs-on-a-stick to fairgoers!

The egg-on-a-stick continues to be a fair-favorite year after year, and from what we hear, a family tradition. What’s not to love about a 70 calorie, high protein snack that’s FREE?!

Add the Iowa Egg Council booth to your list of stops for the 2020 Iowa State Fair. We will see you next year!

Be on the LOOKOUT!

A white Chevrolet s10 truck (as pictured) was stolen from a residence in Northern Winneshiek County. We are looking for assistance in locating the white Chevrolet s10 truck and/or identifying the suspect.

**The white utility truck in the video was not the one stolen.

Please contact the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office with any information

If you have any information about her whereabouts please contact the West Union Police Department at (563)422-3535.

This subject fled from officers at the Decorah Wal-Mart a short time ago. He is suspected to be from the Milwaukee area. He may be looking for a vehicle as we suspect that we have his. We ask that you lock your vehicles and make sure you remove the keys from them. Also, lock your residence if you leave for any period of time.

If you see suspicious activity in your area, please contact police. I know the photo is not a good one, but we wanted to get the information out ASAP. The suspect does have a large neck tattoo.

18th Annual Community Vacation Bible Camp (later this year because of all of the snow days)

ROAR: Life is Wild, God is Good!

Takes place in a Jungle

(We call it VBC Camp, not VBS School, because it is nothing like school) ☺

Hosted by St. Benedicts, Decorah Covenant, Washington Prairie Lutheran and Stone Ridge churches.

Open to all, do not have to belong to any church to join the fun! …A community event held at
Stone Ridge Church.
August 5 – 9, Mon – Fri
9 am – noon

Campers start at 4 yrs old.
Going into 5th grade can be helpers
Older kids and adults – crew leaders, or station leaders.
If you love kids and love God this is the place for you!
Gain Leadership experience, Be a Role Model.
High School kids get Silver Cord hours too.

Outdoor Games, Imagination Station, High Energy, make new friends

Looking for a Photographer.

Sign up at: vbspro.events/p/events/decorahvbs
Link on decorahnews.com and church sites

Everyone gets a t-shirt and every camper family gets to keep a CD of the fun music
Camp empowers kids to boldly face life’s challenges.

International Owl Awareness Day Celebration

Houston, MN – Celebrate and learn about owls with a full day of programs and fun on August 3 in Houston, MN. In addition to the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Great Horned Owl, American Barn Owl and red morph Eastern Screech-Owl who work at the International Owl Center, you’ll also get to see and learn about Quarry Hill Nature Center’s tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl and Oxbow Park’s Barred Owl and gray morph Eastern Screech-Owl.

You’ll also find a plethora of owl items for sale, including owl cookies you can decorate yourself, owl face painting, a scavenger hunt around town and more. There will also be a special exhibition of extremely lifelike owl carvings by Robin Warburton.

Most activities take place at Houston Elementary School, two blocks south of the International Owl Center in Houston. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for ages 4-17, and free for members and ages 3 and under. Find full details at www.InternationalOwlCenter.org.

International Owl Center
126 E Cedar St.
PO Box 536
Houston, MN 55943

Making the world a better place for owls through education and research.

Decorah Student Wins High School Division of Iowa Student Composition Competition

Results from Iowa Composers Forum annual competition

Jesus Peña, a member of the class of 2020 at Decorah High School, has been awarded first place in the 19th annual Iowa Composers Forum (ICF) Student Composition Competition. The first place winner in each division receives a cash award, and selected winning compositions will be performed at an ICF Festival of New Music in the fall of 2019. Judges this year included Warren Gooch, ICF member and Professor Emeritus of Music Theory-Composition and former chair of the Music Graduate Program at Truman State University in Missouri as well as Jonathan Wilson, freelance composer and ICF member.

The winning piece, “Sinfonia in B minor, Color Symphony” was a project Peña completed as part of an independent study of music composition. He spent a semester writing and revising the music, preparing the parts and leading rehearsals of the music prior to its premiere performance in early June at the Decorah High School Orchestra’s outdoor concert. Teacher Nicole Cody commented: “I’m so proud of the work that Jesus did on this composition. He wanted to learn about the way Mozart wrote music. He was constantly generating and refining new ideas and then built them into a cohesive work that is full of artistic meaning, while honoring the forms and styles of Mozart.”

The Iowa Composers Forum was founded in March of 1987 in Des Moines by seven composers who wished to create an environment for the performance and dissemination of music composed by Iowans. Over the intervening years, the ICF has presented more than 100 concerts and tour recitals of works by member composers. These concerts have featured the performances of over 800 works of new music, including works by student composers from the elementary, middle, high school, and collegiate level. The ICF has commissioned many new works, both unilaterally and in partnership with other organizations such as the Iowa Music Teachers Association and the Iowa Choral Directors Association. The ICF sponsors its own annual student composition competition, open to students studying at the collegiate level and earlier.

Each year, the ICF offers the following:

• a concert event in the fall.
• a multi-concert new music festival, stretching over multiple days, in the spring. These are almost always held on Iowa college campuses. Recent festival sites have included the University of Northern Iowa, Luther College, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa.
• a student composition competition, open to students studying at the middle school through collegiate level. Winners receive premiere performances and prize money.
• a quarterly newsletter for its members, containing member news, concert reviews, calls for scores, and other professional opportunities.

The Forum extends its congratulations and encouragement to all the entrants. More information about the Iowa Composers Forum and the next call for scores can be found at www.iowacomposers.org. All entrants receive a one-year membership to the Iowa Composers Forum.

DECORAH, Iowa – Luther College professors and students are sharing their findings about flooding and encouraging community conversation in Freeport during a community meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Freeport Park.

Representatives from Luther College will talk about their research on the 2016 Upper Iowa River flood and Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development will be on hand to discuss their watershed plan to enhance flood resilience. Residents will also have opportunities to share ideas and engage in discussion about ways to prepare for future floods.

A team of Luther College professors and students recently completed a series of interviews with members of the Freeport community affected by the Upper Iowa River flood of 2016. The team also conducted a survey of households throughout the Upper Iowa River Watershed to assess the impact and damage of the 2016 flood event. The meeting on Tuesday will share findings of these interviews and survey results, as well as facilitate conversation among community members about the implications of the research.

“One of our biggest takeaways from this research were the impacts – emotional, social and economic –  that flooding has on our community beyond the flood event itself. We hope this work contributes to ongoing conversations about how to make our communities more resilient to flooding,” says Rachel Brummel, assistant professor of environmental studies and political science.

In addition, a representative from Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development will introduce the proposed watershed plan for the Upper Iowa River and discuss projects in the watershed designed to reduce the scale of future floods.

The meeting is intended to facilitate a conversation among Freeport community members on how to create a community that is resilient to future flooding. Food and drinks will be provided. Everyone is invited to attend.

The health food incentive program Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) began at Iowa farmers markets in 2016 to help low-income families eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting farmers and growing local economies.

In 2018, Double Up Food Bucks was available at 14 locations across Iowa, including 11 farmers markets and three grocery stores. In 2019, Double Up Food Bucks is expected to reach as many as 150,000 residents in 14 famers markets and 19 grocery stores in 12 counties across Iowa – including the Oneota Community Food Co-op and Winneshiek Farmers Market.

How it works
Double Up Food Bucks provides participants in the SNAP program with a one-to-one match to purchase healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables. (SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps.)

How to participate
Visit participating locations (Oneota Community Food Co-op, Winneshiek Farmers Market, Fareway Decorah). Pick out your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. For every $1 you spend on fresh produce with your SNAP EBT card you will earn $1 in Double Up Food Bucks. Earn up to $10 in Double Up Food Bucks per day. Use your Double Up Food Bucks to buy LOCALLY-GROWN, fresh produce at the Co-op and Winneshiek Farmers Market. Use them immediately, or save them for later.

Double Up Food Bucks can be obtained and redeemed at any participating location in Iowa! For more information visit iowahealthieststate.com/double-up-food-bucks.

About Oneota Community Food Co-op
Located in downtown Decorah, Oneota Community Food Co-op is a cooperatively-owned grocery store specializing in local, organic, and sustainably produced products since 1974. For over four decades, the Co-op has been the leading provider of whole foods at a reasonable cost, with an emphasis on organic, local and bulk foods. Roughly $.45 of every dollar spent at the Co-op stays within 100 miles of the store. Stop in and see us at 312 West Water Street in Decorah, or online at www.oneotacoop.com.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Many Americans enjoy do-it-yourself projects and some Americans make a living in construction. There’s a group of U.S. Navy sailors who apply the same creativity required for DIY endeavors along with the engineering discipline of construction, but with a unique twist. They work underwater. Around the world. In some of the most challenging conditions imaginable including hostile environments, extreme heat or cold, or in remote locations where the only support and supplies they have are the ones they brought with them.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting

Senior Chief Petty Officer Liam O’Brien, a 2000 Thomas Roberts High School graduate and native of Decorah, Iowa, is one of these sailors serving at Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1, which is responsible for underwater construction, inspection, repair and demolition operations supporting both peacetime and wartime missions.

As a Navy constructionman and master diver, O’Brien is responsible for the safe and effective diving operations.

“As a master diver, I’m responsible for life support systems certification,” said O’Brien. “I’m there to keep our Navy divers safe.”

O’Brien credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Decorah.

“As an Eagle Scout, I learned about leadership, which carried over into the Navy,” said O’Brien. “Also, going hunting and spending time outdoors helped me a lot when I got in the Navy.”

A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“The sailors who serve as part of the Navy’s Underwater Construction Teams possess a very specialized skill set,” said Lt. Cmdr. James Johncock, UCT-1’s commanding officer. “The work they do is crucial to providing freedom of the seas in both peacetime and wartime. It’s an honor to lead these sailors and I continue to be inspired every day by their commitment to being the absolute best at what they do. The physical and technical abilities underwater construction technicians demonstrate make them some of the most highly trained sailors in the Navy.”

O’Brien is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

O’Brien has achieved the highest qualified diver qualifications that can be earned in the Navy.

“Master diver qualification is the pinnacle of a diver’s career,” said O’Brien. “There’s a lot of time studying for the written test, but more importantly there are a series simulated casualty drills that require a great deal of physical effort under stress. Ultimately, leadership is the key to success.”

In addition to earning his master diving qualifications, O’Brien is most proud of his family.

“I have a wife of 15 years and I have five children,” said O’Brien. “We’re both really proud of them.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, O’Brien and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“The most important thing about serving my country is knowing that I get to help lead others to achieve their goals,” added O’Brien. “We’re like a family here in the Navy. We not only get to know each other at the command, we also get to know and support their family members.”

Caleb Ferring, a skilled trades teacher from Waukon High School participated in a six-week summer STEM externship experience at Trinity Fabricators in New Albin, Iowa to enhance his skills and understanding of the welding industry. Trinity Fabricators is an American Welding Society (AWS) structurally certified welding and fabricating business. Some of the projects to go through the shop during Caleb’s externship included steel structures for agriculture facilities, gas stations, and power plants to name a few. Caleb completed and passed a weld test for an AWS welding certification for GMAW (commonly known as wire welding) in the flat position for unlimited thickness. Caleb plans to incorporate these industry standards into the Welding Career Pathway Certificate classes he will start teaching for Northeast Iowa Community College at the newly remodeled Allamakee Regional Welding Academy located in Waukon this coming school year.

The picture is of Caleb standing next to a set of industrial strength gates he welded during his summer STEM Externship at Trinity Fabricators in New Albin.

Winneshiek County, home to the famous Decorah eagles viewed by millions online, was also recently the location of a successful release of a female bald eagle following several months of rehabilitation due to lead poisoning.

The eagle, Pole Line Road 19 (PLR19), was admitted to Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR), a raptor rehabilitation, education, and research organization, in February and released on June 27 at Lake Meyer Park, outside of Calmar.

A Team Effort
PLR19 was found in mid-February along Pole Line Road, west of Decorah. Dispatchers received multiple reports of a downed or injured eagle in the road ditch and contacted Winneshiek County Conservation and the Winneshiek County Sherriff’s Office.

“The rescue was a team effort,” says Barb Schroeder, executive director of Winneshiek County Conservation. “Our staff handled the physical collection of the bird, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control, local volunteers Brian Malaise and Patti Brice got her transported safely to SOAR, and, of course, many people called in to let us know about her in the first place.”

Rehab, Recovery, and Release
When PLR19 was collected, she was unable to hold her head upright and was having seizures. Both are symptoms of high blood lead levels, which was confirmed through tests. SOAR began administering fluids and chelation therapy, a standard treatment for lead poisoning.

Chelation therapy involves twice-daily injections for several days, followed by rest days. Chelation medication binds with lead in the bloodstream so it can be eliminated like other waste from the body.

After the initial weeks of intense care focused on helping PLR19 survive, SOAR was able to transition to a focus on rehabilitating PLR19 to return to the wild by slowly moving her in to larger flight pens. More than four months after her initial admittance, PLR19 was sufficiently recovered and strong enough for release back to the wild.

The release was scheduled to take place close to where PLR19 was initially found, but storms in the area delayed the release and necessitated a clear take-off zone to better protect PLR19. Only a small group was present during the release to reduce stress on PLR19 and she successfully and quickly left the area.

A video of the release is available on the Winneshiek County Conservation Facebook page.

Lead Poisoning and Eagles in Iowa
Lead poisoning is currently the leading cause of death for adult female bald eagles. Fifty percent of eagles admitted to Iowa rehabilitation centers and tested over a period of ten years exhibited elevated blood lead levels. Eagles inadvertently consume lead from animal carcasses and/or gut piles containing lead shot or lead shrapnel.

In addition to the muscle weakness and seizures exhibited by PLR19, eagles suffering from lead poisoning also frequently experience vision impairment, brain swelling, vomiting, paralysis, and organ failure. Only about 10 percent of lead poisoning cases admitted for rehabilitation result in birds being able to be released back to the wild as PLR19 was.

Non-toxic alternatives to lead shot and tackle are now available and effective for all hunters and anglers. For more information, visit www.huntingwithnonlead.org.

SOAR is a 501(c)3 raptor rehabilitation, education, and research organization, established in 1999. More information about SOAR and lead poisoning research can be found at https://soarrpators.org.

 DECORAH, Iowa – Luther alumnus Chris Norton is returning to Decorah to speak about his new book, “The Seven Longest Yards.” He and his wife, Emily Norton, co-authored the book. You can meet the couple and get a signed copy at 7 p.m. Monday, July 1 at Carrie Lee Auditorium.

Norton, a first-year student athlete, was injured in a 2010 football game. He saw an opening for a tackle but mistimed his jump and collided with the ball carrier.

“In an instant I lost all feeling and movement from my neck down. I was told I would never be able to move again,” said Norton.

Since then he has continued to defy the odds. First at his Luther College commencement ceremony in 2015. With the help of his then fiancé, Emily Summers, Norton walked across the stage to receive his diploma.

“I was incredibly nervous and anxious. However, right from the beginning of the walk, the gym erupted with cheers and applause, which was really encouraging,” said Norton. “Then to conquer one of my biggest goals with the help of Emily, who I was going to spend the rest of my life with and in front of people who have been so supportive like family, friends, and my college community was a moment I’ll forever cherish.”

The video of that moment has been viewed more than 300 million times. His next big walk came in 2018. After the couple said their wedding vows, Summers helped Norton out of his wheelchair, they sealed the deal with a kiss and walked seven yards down the isle as husband and wife. Norton says it took seven years to prepare for that moment with Summers helping him each day.

Since graduating from Luther College, Norton has dedicated his life to empowering others to overcome their obstacles.

“It was at Luther College that I discovered how compassionate people are and the power of community.”

Norton says he has seen far too many people go without necessary therapy equipment and assistance to achieve their recovery goals so he started the Chris Norton Foundation. The non-profit works to help people with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities lead their best lives. Norton also speaks across the nation and was named a “2018 Hottest Event Keynote Speaker” by ITA Group.

To register for the July 1 event, visit www.dragonflybooks.com/event/norton.

Luther College is home to more than 2,000 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu

DECORAH, Iowa— A well-known woman of worship will be leading the Luther College student congregation on her path to pastoral work. Vicar Amalia Vagts, a 1995 Luther graduate, is a candidate for word and sacrament ministry in the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America (ELCA.) Her candidacy is sponsored and supported by her home congregation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa.

All candidates studying to become pastors in the ELCA complete a year of pastoral internship. Vagts’ internship is a collaboration between the Luther College student congregation with supervisor Pastor Anne Edison-Albright and two area congregations: Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader, Iowa and Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa with supervisor Pastor Susan Friedrich. “It’s been a few decades since we’ve had a pastoral intern at Luther,” said Pastor Edison-Albright, “Vicar Amalia’s time with us will be renewal of an important aspect of ministry at the college.”

At Luther, Vagts will plan, preach and lead worship as well as intentionally connect with students who are looking for ways to add spiritual practices into their daily lives. “Vicar Amalia brings creativity, curiosity and outstanding communication and leadership skills to every team she’s on,” said Pastor Edison-Albright. “I’m excited to get to continue to work with her in this new way, and to accompany her in everything she’s going to learn and experience about ministry on internship. She brings so much to the campus context and the parishes she’ll be serving this year.”

Vagts graduated from Luther College with degrees in religion and English. She then spent a decade working for reproductive and sexual health as a community organizer, lobbyist and campaign field manager for Planned Parenthood. From 2006 – 2017, Vagts served as executive director of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, working in support of LGBTQ ministry leadership in the Lutheran church.

Pastors Edison-Albright and Friedrich expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with a pastoral intern who is openly LGBTQ. “It’s increasingly possible for diverse leaders to answer the call to serve in ministry leadership, and that’s a real blessing for the church,” said Pastor Edison-Albright. “As a member of the LGBTQ community, Vicar Amalia will bring valued new diversity to our ministry teams.”

When describing herself Vagts said, “I love to listen, work, and figure out how to invite people into their true selves. I believe God is alive in the world and seek to live my live in such a way that shows this is true.”

After Vagts’ internship year, she will return to Wartburg Theological Seminary School for a final year of study before beginning the process of ordination and seeking a first call as a pastor.
Luther College is home to more than 2,000 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

News from Anatomical Heart Films

Lansing, IA – Mason City native, Iowa State graduate, and 2017-18 Iowa Arts Council Artist Fellow Jack Meggers will be hosting the premiere screening of his short film, The Burial, at TJ Hunter’s in Lansing, IA at 7pm, Thursday, June 20th, 2019. The screening will also be hosted by Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism.

Last August, Meggers completed principal photography for his short film produced in and around Lansing, IA. Since filming was completed, Meggers has been working on the editing and finishing of his film and is very excited to debut it for many of the people that helped in its creation.

A Q&A session will follow the screening and will be attended by Meggers and his lead actress, Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon, all the way from New York City.

Parents of young children are cautioned: there is some adult language in the film.

The film follows Abby, a young woman of Native American and Caucasian descent (played by New York actress Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon), as she returns to her childhood home in NE Iowa. After receiving word that her estranged father has passed away, she returns to settle her father’s affairs, only to fall in with some childhood friends and ignore her responsibilities. The group makes a startling discovery in the woods and must deal with the consequences of their poor decisions.

This screening is the first of two planned screenings. The second will take place in Des Moines on June 22nd and will be held at the State of Iowa Historical Museum auditorium at 4:30pm.

The natural beauty of the driftless area in the NE corner of Iowa is featured in this short, proof-of-concept film. Meggers wishes to extend great thanks to everyone in Allamakee County and  beyond that made this film possible.

Links of interest:
www.facebook.com/theburialmovie
www.jack.film
Jack Meggers IMDB
Anatomical Heart Films
415 7th Street, Ste 108
West Des Moines, IA 50265

DECORAH, Iowa—Luther College will host the second annual Dorian Choral Retreat for adults from June 28 through June 30, 2019. The public is invited to attend ‘Livssang’, the culminating event of the weekend, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. ‘Livssang’ will include a performance of the choral repertoire learned during the retreat, sharing of personal stories and a hymn sing led by Pastor Mike Blair, there is no charge for admission.

Designed for Luther alumni, music educators and all who love singing, the choral retreat is meant to be a musical escape. It’s an opportunity to take a break from everyday life, sing alongside music enthusiasts and a time to explore Decorah and all Luther College has to offer.

Weekend highlights include a keynote speech by Bret Amundson titled “Transformational Choral Singing” which will show how the arts – singing in particular – can enliven social justice efforts. Other events include breakout sessions by Luther alumnus Tanya Kruse Ruck, campus pastor Mike Blair and choral faculty Mark Potvin and Jill Wilson. Rehearsals of choral repertoire will be led by Andrew Last, director of choral activities.

The Dorian Choral Retreat is available to anyone at least 19 years of age. Costs are dependent on housing preference. You may choose to stay in the Luther College residence halls, or you may find your own housing option off campus. Specific rates can be found here.

Registration for the retreat is available at https://tinyurl.com/choralretreat, enrollments will be accepted through June 21.

Luther College is home to more than 2,000 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu

Prairie du Chien, WI – The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic in Prairie du Chien is celebrating five years of caring for the community. In honor of this milestone anniversary, the Clinic is hosting a Customer Appreciation Celebration on Monday, July 1 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Patients and community members of all ages, including those who are not clinic patients, are welcome to enjoy a picnic supper consisting of hamburgers, chicken, beef hot dogs, salads, and fruit, along with an inflatable obstacle course for all ages, face painting, and door prizes including one adult and one youth bicycle. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the clinic and meet staff members.

“Our Clinic team is incredibly excited to welcome the community to celebrate our five year anniversary with us,” shared Maria Mathis, Clinic Director. “We are honored that we have the opportunity to provide care to residents of this region. As primary care providers, we truly enjoy the relationships that are created with our patients and their families. This event is a great time to celebrate our patients and our community!”

The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic provides comprehensive family care and services including acute illness care, chronic disease management, DOT and sports physicals, immunizations, Medicare wellness visits, obstetrics and postnatal care, preventative medicine, well-child check-ups, and women’s health services. The board-certified team of Clinic providers include Dr. Walter Downey, Family Medicine Physician; Katy Maker, Certified Nurse Midwife; Sue McMillan, Family Nurse Practitioner; Terri Payne, Certified Nurse Midwife; Brian Quick, Physician Assistant; Charlene Sauer, Family Nurse Practitioner; Molly Schlegel, Certified Nurse Midwife; and Dr. Kenneth Valyo, Doctor of Osteopathic Family Medicine.

The Crossing Rivers Health Prairie du Chien Clinic is located at 37822 US Hwy 18 next to the Medical Center. To learn more about services provided at the Clinic, along with provider videos, patient stories, and information on health topics, visit crossingrivers.org. The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic is now welcoming Dean Health Plan’s Commercial Insurance.

Photo: The Crossing Rivers Health Clinic team is hosting a Customer Appreciation Open House in honor of the Clinic’s five year anniversary of providing care.

Sponsored by DECORAH BANK & TRUST in cooperation with Decorah Parks and Recreation

On TUESDAY, JUNE 18, slide into summer at the Decorah Municipal Pool! This free, family fun night will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, and will include free pool admission, a bouncy house, face painting, and other fun activities. Popcorn will be given away and pizza and other refreshments will be available for purchase.

Winneshiek County Development, Inc. (WCDI) is excited to confirm that Hy-Vee will open a grocery store in Decorah’s Centrum Plaza in the former Quillin’s location. The 25,000 square-foot store will offer a large grocery product offering. Renovations of the existing structure will begin this fall.

Benefiting the Local Community
The store is forecasted to add up to 70 new jobs to the local economy. In addition to the products and services their stores provide, Hy-Vee has a long history of working as partners with the local communities where their stores are located. “Hy-Vee is an outstanding organization and we are excited about their investment and interest in our community,” states Fromm. “Over the years, we have heard many times from community members about their interest in bringing Hy-Vee to our area, and that feedback is what really set off this endeavor.” Local building owners, Kent and Marla Klocke, “We are grateful to WCDI, Decorah Jobs and the city of Decorah for supporting this economic development project that will not only benefit Decorah but our surrounding communities as well.”

Project History
The work to bring Hy-Vee to the area has been a collaborative effort over nearly twelve months when the development group first came to Decorah searching for challenging projects. Stephanie Fromm, Director of WCDI, initiated and fostered the relationship between local business owners Ken and Marla Klocke–owners of the building which will now house Hy-Vee–and project developer Brian Ridge of Ridge Development and commercial real estate professional Ryan Fitzpatrick of Cushman and Wakefield. This fostered relationship resulted in the agreements to purchase the former Quillins Grocery box for redevelopment and eventually lead to the opportunity to develop the building for the Hy-Vee store.

“It is always exciting when you can help fulfill the needs of parties on all ends of a transaction,” states Fromm. “This one project enabled us to assist the Klockes in the transition of their building, utilize existing infrastructure for a new project, and secure a high-quality retailer for our area that will become an anchor tenant that spurs further growth and development of our local economy.”

For more information about the project or the services available through Winneshiek County Development, contact Stephanie Fromm at 563-382-6061 or director@winneshiekdevelopment.org.

Prairie du Chien, WI – A team of four participants from Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac Rehabilitation and Healthy Hearts program recently participated in the 20th Annual Hearts of Gold Games held in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The Crossing Rivers Health team won the first place overall team award, along with six total medals in categories ranging from cooking to basketball, golf, and walking.

Crossing Rivers Health Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Manager Tammy Thompson was proud of the team’s participation. She said, “We have been participating in the games for all 20 years and thank each of the participants for entering these challenging events and representing our organization year after year. Our participants certainly enjoy participating in the Hearts of Gold Games and look forward to the event every year. Participation in these games and belonging to a group exercise program provides an opportunity to form new friendships that otherwise wouldn’t have been formed. These participants reap more than just the medals they win, they reap the benefits of maintaining their long-term health, and living a lifetime of wellness.”

Individuals interested in learning about the Cardiac Rehab, Peripheral Artery Disease Exercise Program, as well as the Healthy Hearts or Pulmonary Rehab programs are encouraged to call Crossing Rivers Health at 608.357.2349 or visit crossingrivers.org to learn more.

Participant results:

• Bake-off –  Female: Dyan Winkers – 2nd place
• Dart Ball – Male: Bob Zwirlein – 2nd place
  Female: Connie Collins – 3rd place
• Putt Putt Golf – Male: Bob Zwirlein – 1st place
• Prediction ½ mile track walk – Female: Connie Collins – 2nd place
• Prediction ¼ mile treadmill walk – Female: Connie Collins – 2nd place

Photo (L to R): The Crossing Rivers Health Hearts of Gold Games team won the first place overall team award, along with six total medals in categories ranging from cooking to basketball, golf, and walking. Team members include: Betty Brietsprecher, Monona; Dyan Winkers, Woodman; Connie Collins, Prairie du Chien; Bob Zwirlein, Monona; and Pat Stovey, Crossing Rivers Health Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

DECORAH, Iowa — Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, is grateful to have community partners like Mississippi Welding who are willing to support our Folk Art school classes. Their support serves, not only our community members, but also participants from across the nation enabling many to find their own way to create at Vesterheim! Mississippi Welding provided assistance accessing welding equipment.

Pictured here is metal artist Kelly Ludeking who taught an amazing metal sculpture class at Vesterheim this past weekend.

With world-class exhibitions and 12 historic buildings in scenic Decorah, Iowa, Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. This national treasure is also a center for folk-art education, offering a wide variety of classes in authentic Norwegian folk art every year. For more information on the museum’s exhibitions, classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, check Vesterheim’s website at vesterheim.org, call (563) 382-9681, or write to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center
P.O. Box 379
523 W. Water St.
Decorah, IA 52101

Two upcoming concerts!!

1. The Decorah Municipal Band performs Wednesday, June 26, for Music in the Park in downtown Spring Grove, Minnesota, at 6:30 pm. The band is under the direction of Jim Fritz and Merlyn Finley. Bring a friend and find a cozy place to sit and enjoy the FREE live music! More at decorahmuniband.org.
2. The Decorah Municipal Band performs Thursday, June 27, for Lawn Chair Night in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse at 7:00 pm. The band is under the direction of Jim Fritz and Merlyn Finley. Bring a friend and find a cozy place to sit and enjoy the FREE live music! More at decorahmuniband.org.

Iowa Organ Donors has sponsored this Saturday’s race (June 15, 2019), come and show support for this great organization. Donations have been pledged, if attendance in grandstands reaches 800 paid spectators, in addition Gundersen helicopter will be landing in the infield to attend this event. A fantastic show is instore for all, come in force, and support this organization.

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Northeastern States District

626 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Ste. 200

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

www.BLM.gov/whb

MEDIA ADVISORY

What:

• Approximately 60 wild horses and burros gathered from western public rangelands will be available for adoption in Marshfield, WI.

 Who:

• Media can come out to visit the event to meet adopters and wild horse specialists on Friday and Saturday.

 When:

• Friday, June 14, select your wild horse or burro from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, June 15, select your wild horse or burro from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Where: 

• Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
  513 East 17^th Street
  Marshfield, WI  54449

Directions:

• Going South on Hwy 97 to McMillian St., turn left on McMillian and take a quick right onto Peach Ave.  Follow Peach Ave. through town to Fair parking areas.                                           

To help maintain an ecological balance on western rangelands and to preserve mustangs as ‘Living Legends’, BLM gathers some horses and burros each year to control the population and offers them to adopters with good homes for the animals.

Wild horses are intelligent, athletic, sure-footed, and many compete in a variety of equine events; they excel in cutting, endurance, western pleasure, and even dressage.

For more information or for assistance in arranging an interview with a past adopter in your area, please contact Public Affairs Specialist, Martha Malik, at (414) 297-1236 or Martha_malik@blm.gov.

Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco is encouraging area residents to take a step toward better health with Walk with a Doc, a health program that brings doctors and patients together to walk one Saturday morning a month beginning on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 9:00 am at Prairie’s Edge Nature Center on Valley Avenue in Cresco.

Walk with a Doc is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation.

The Walk is open to anyone, and participation is free and pre-registration is not required. Walkers will enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating walk with Dr. David Heine and other healthcare professionals, who will provide support to participants and answer questions during the Walk.  Please bring a water bottle to help stay hydrated during the walk.

Learn more about Walk with a Doc at www.walkwithadoc.org or call Amanda Reicks, RN, Population Health Care Manager and WWAD Project Coordinator at RHSHC in Cresco at 563-547-6644.

Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. It takes just one hour to make a life-saving blood donation, which will impact the lives of up to three different hospital patients. You can make a difference in your community by helping to maintain the local blood supply when you donate blood with LifeServe Blood Center.

Give your life-saving gift at the upcoming blood drive at Winneshiek Medical Center on Friday, June 28 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on the lower level of the medical center.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-in donors will be worked into the schedule as time allows. To schedule an appointment, go online to www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or contact Marketing & Communications 563-382-2911 or at communityrelations@winmedical.org.

The LifeServe Blood Center requires all donors to provide identification, such as your Blood Center donor card, driver’s license, etc. Eligible donors must be at least 16 years of age, in general good health and weigh at least 120 pounds.

Prairie du Chien, WI – With speech and language disorders ranking among the most common disabilities in children, parents and caregivers are encouraged to learn the signs—and seek an evaluation—if they have concerns about their child’s ability to communicate. The Crossing Rivers Health speech therapy team includes Nicole Martin, Speech Therapy Manager; Juli Smith, Speech Therapist; Kim MacEachern, Speech Therapist; and Traci Konichek, Birth to Three Coordinator. Together, the team works to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

“Development of strong communication skills is extremely important—and parents anxiously await their child’s first words,” said Nicole Martin, Crossing Rivers Health Speech Therapy Manager. “Yet common misconceptions remain. One is that children generally ‘grow out’ of speech or language difficulties. Unfortunately, this mistaken impression too often delays treatment. Of course, some children are indeed ‘late bloomers,’ yet treatment is frequently necessary, too. Good communication skills are critical, helping with behavior, learning, reading, social skills, and friendships. It is much easier, more effective, and less costly to treat speech and language disorders early—and May is a great time to educate parents on this important point.”

Speech and language disorders are evaluated and treated by speech-language pathologists. Speech is the ability to produce speech sounds using the mouth, lips, and tongue. A child may say sounds the wrong way, repeat sounds and words, or be otherwise difficult to understand. Language is the ability to use and put words together—and to understand others’ words. A child may have trouble understanding questions, following directions, or naming objects. Early speech and language treatment sets a child up for future school and social success.

The speech therapy team at Crossing Rivers Health shares some of the following warning signs for parents to watch for in young children:

• Does not babble (4–7 months)
• Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7–12 months)
• Does not understand what others say (7 months–2 years)
• Says only a few words (12–18 months)
• Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years)
• Words are not easily understood (18 months–2 years)
• Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5–3 years)
• Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years)
• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)
• Repeating the first sounds of words, like “b-b-b-ball” for “ball” (any age)
• Stretching sounds out, like “fffffarm” for “farm” (any age)

For school-age children, warning signs may include the following:

• Has trouble following directions
• Has problems reading and writing
• Does not always understand what others say
• Is not understood by others
• Has trouble talking about thoughts or feelings

The speech therapy team also offers parents these tips to encourage a child’s communication development:

For young children:

• Talk, read, and play with your child.
• Listen and respond to what your child says.
• Talk with your child in the language that you are most comfortable using.
• Teach your child to speak another language, if you speak one.
• Talk about what you do and what your child does during the day.
• Use a lot of different words with your child.
• Use longer sentences as your child gets older.
• Have your child play with other children.

For elementary-age children:

• Have your child retell stories and talk about their day.
• Talk with your child about what you do during the day. Give them directions to follow.
• Talk about how things are the same and how things are different.
• Give your child chances to write.

• Read every day. Find books or magazines that interest your child.

Although treatment ideally begins early—in the toddler years—it is never too late to get treatment. The large majority of parents report significant improvement after treatment. To schedule an assessment at Crossing Rivers Health, call 608.357.2339 or visit crossingrivers.org/speech.

Photo (L to R): The Crossing Rivers Health speech therapy team includes Nicole Martin, Speech Therapy Manager; Juli Smith, Speech Therapist; Kim MacEachern, Speech Therapist; and Traci Konichek, Birth to Three Coordinator.

DECORAH, Iowa — Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, was pleased to once again have the volunteers from Decorah’s Town and Country Garden Club fill the planters at Vesterheim with beautiful flowers this Spring. The flowers were made possible by the generous support of FreedomBank of Decorah, formerly Farmers and Merchants Bank. FreedomBank is a long time Vesterheim Corporate Member. “Nothing says ‘Velkommen’ with warm hospitality more then an inviting entry filled with spring garden plantings!” Kristen Heine, Vesterheim Major Gifts Officer, said.

Pictured here seated left to right: Roger Buhr and LaVonne Monson, volunteers of the Decorah Town and Country Garden Club. Standing left to right: Chris Johnson, Vesterheim CEO, Maureen Duncklee, FreedomBank VP and Branch Manager, Diane Brondyke, Vesterheim Director of Development, Karen Henning and Rachel Gannon FreedomBank Decorah Branch staff.

With world-class exhibitions and 12 historic buildings in scenic Decorah, Iowa, Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. This national treasure is also a center for folk-art education, offering a wide variety of classes in authentic Norwegian folk art every year. For more information on the museum’s exhibitions, classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, check Vesterheim’s website at vesterheim.org, call (563) 382-9681, or write to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

Lansing, IA – The Allamakee County Conservation Foundation is pleased to award Brooke Wasson with a 2019 Conservation Scholarship in the amount of $500.00.  One of the Foundation’s many goals is to support area youth who are interested in careers in conservation.  Wasson is planning on attending Iowa State in the fall where she intends to double major in Environmental Science and Spanish.

The Allamakee County Conservation Foundation Scholarship is available to seniors graduating from an Allamakee County school including Postville, Allamakee Community and Eastern Allamakee Schools with plans on entering a conservation field after attending a two or four year school.  To learn more on how you can support the Allamakee County Conservation Foundation Scholarship please contact the Driftless Area Educaiton and Visitors Center at (563)538-0401.  Congratulations Brooke!

Pictured from left to right: Board member Gary Krapfl, Brooke Wasson, board member Jeannie Carrol, board member Jessie Delaney.

June 1, 2019

Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah has installed the latest MRI technology for patients.  The new digital MRI machine provides flexibility in scanning options and exceptional image quality.  Additionally, it has an increased weight capacity, offers more room for patients during the exam, and is quieter for patient comfort.

Tasha Croell, director of WMC Radiology, says, “The new MRI features a larger opening, soft lighting and soothing fans to lessen the ‘claustrophobic’ feeling of our prior scanner. With it, our MRI team will be able to produce higher-quality imaging, quicker diagnosis, swifter patient flow, enhanced comfort, and reduced wait times overall. We are very excited to be able to offer this incredible technology to our patients!”

What is MRI?

MRI is the common term for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI is a non-invasive type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.  An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets.  The patient is positioned within the tube during the scan.

MRI is useful in diagnosing disorders of the central nervous system, joints, abdominal and pelvic organs, and circulatory system.

An accredited team

Since 2011, the Winneshiek Medical Center MRI team has maintained the American College of Radiology Gold Seal of Accreditation for providing the highest level of MRI image quality and patient safety.  The Gold Seal of Accreditation is awarded only to facilities meeting American College of Radiology Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed.

Request a referral to Winneshiek Medical Center

If your doctor recommends an MRI, request a referral to Winneshiek Medical Center Radiology.  We provide MRI exams daily.  We serve everyone in our region, and will send the results to the doctor of your choosing.  Call Winneshiek Medical Center Radiology at 563-387-3022 to learn more about leading-edge imaging technology available locally.

Making a difference in someone’s life is truly inspiring. It can be even more meaningful when a youth’s life is changed to head at things in a more positive way.

Isaac is eight years old. He is often late for school. Not on Tuesday’s. His mother shares, “Every Tuesday he jumps out of bed and shares that he gets to have lunch with his friend, Carl.” He beams knowing that he gets time with his mentor.

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is hosting an inspiring event called a Mentor Social on Tuesday, June 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at T-Bock’s Underground. Those who are considering becoming a mentor and spending a minimum of four hours per month with a youth are invited to come and enjoy appetizers and great conversation. A cash bar will be available. There will be several current mentors attending who will informally share their inspiring stories of volunteering with their youth.

One current mentor shares, “I remember being invited to this event previously and someone saying Just come for the food. I really enjoyed the no-pressure environment and got lots of my questions answered. I am so glad I came and became a mentor. I love being a friend to my youth!”

Youth Mentoring in Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties provides an adult mentor who spends a minimum of four hours a month with a youth, ages 5–16. Currently, 44 youth are enjoying time with a mentor, and 29 youth are waiting for a mentor. For information on how you can be part of the excitement of mentoring at Helping Services, contact Kathy or Colinne at (563) 387-1720, mentoring@helpingservices.org, or online at www.helpingservices.org/mentoring.

 Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support, and education.

Lansing, IA – June 5th, 2019
Mason City native, Iowa State graduate, and 2017-18 Iowa Arts Council Artist Fellow Jack Meggers will be hosting the premiere screening of his short film, The Burial, at TJ Hunter’s in Lansing, IA at 7pm, Thursday, June 20th, 2019. The screening will also be hosted by Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism.

Last August, Meggers completed principal photography for his short film produced in and around Lansing, IA. Since filming was completed, Meggers has been working on the editing and finishing of his film and is very excited to debut it for many of the people that helped in its creation.

A Q&A session will follow the screening and will be attended by Meggers and his lead actress, Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon, all the way from New York City.

Parents of young children are cautioned: there is some adult language in the film.

The film follows Abby, a young woman of Native American and Caucasian descent (played by New York actress Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon), as she returns to her childhood home in NE Iowa. After receiving word that her estranged father has passed away, she returns to settle her father’s affairs, only to fall in with some childhood friends and ignore her responsibilities. The group makes a startling discovery in the woods and must deal with the consequences of their poor decisions.

This screening is the first of two planned screenings. The second will take place in Des Moines on June 22nd and will be held at the State of Iowa Historical Museum auditorium at 4:30pm.
The natural beauty of the driftless area in the NE corner of Iowa is featured in this short, proof-of-concept film. Meggers wishes to extend great thanks to everyone in Allamakee County and beyond that made this film possible.

Links of interest:
www.facebook.com/theburialmovie
www.jack.film
Jack Meggers IMDB
Anatomical Heart Films
415 7th Street, Ste 108
West Des Moines, IA 50265

Recycle your old hearing aids to benefit patients through Winneshiek Medical Center’s hearing aid recycling program

 Winneshiek Medical Center Decorah Clinic Audiology is pleased to partner with Starkey Hearing Foundation to offer a hearing aid recycling program. The program, in partnership with Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation, allows anyone to donate any brand of used hearing aids which are in turn sent in for rebate dollars from Starkey Foundation. The rebate dollars are allocated to patients who need assistance paying for hearing aids or hearing aid supplies.

“We are able to refurbish some of the donated hearing aids to loan out to patients as well,” says Cynthia See, Au.D., Mayo Clinic Health System audiologist at WMC Decorah Clinic. “Patients appreciate the opportunity to wear these demo models to experience how hearing aids can change their quality of life before making a decision to purchase.”

To donate used hearing aids, simply contact Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation and you may request a tax-deductible donation receipt if you choose.  “We’re pleased to be a partner for this program,” says Holly Kanengeiter, WMC Foundation coordinator. “It’s another way we can address the health needs of our community and support those patients who are dealing with hearing loss.”

Winneshiek Medical Center Audiology specializes in evaluating and treating patients with hearing loss. In addition to fitting hearing aids, Dr. See can help with concerns about hearing, ringing of the ears, dizziness, ear fullness, ear drainage, and more. Top-quality hearing products/supplies are available at Decorah Clinic lower level reception desk.  Including hearing aid batteries (by the pack or case), audiowipes, dehumidifiers, wax guards and wax loops. For more information on the WMC hearing aid recycling program or audiology services, visit www.winmedical.org/audiology.

Medicare Questions? SHIIP can help.

SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) is a program through the State of Iowa – staffed by trained volunteers – that provides free informational materials as well as one-to-one assistance with:

• Medicare coverage
• Medicare supplement insurance
• Medicare Part D assistance and enrollment (prescription insurance)
• Long-term care insurance
• Medicare and insurance claims
• Other related issues

SHIIP does not endorse insurance companies, plans or agents; the volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help seniors make well-informed decisions. SHIIP is available to help if you:

• Are going on Medicare
• Are over age 65, on Medicare, and have questions
• Are on disability with Medicare and Medicaid

SHIIP volunteers are available by appointment at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah by calling 563-387-3036.

The Decorah Municipal Band performs this Thursday, June 6, at Lawn Chair Night in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse at 7:00 pm. The band is under the direction of Jim Fritz and Merlyn Finley. Bring a friend and find a cozy place to sit and enjoy the live music! More at www.decorahmuniband.org.