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PHOTO GALLERY: Nordic Fest Parade 2024
Monday, August 5, 2024 11:35 am
The Grand Parade rolled down Water Street Saturday, July 27 during Nordic Fest 2024. Blue skies and high temps greeted parade goers for Decorah’s popular event. (Decorah Leader photos by Seth Boyes, Roz Weis and Denise Lana)
PHOTO GALLERY: Folk Art
Monday, August 5, 2024 9:31 am
Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School hosted folk art demonstrations, entertainment and exhibits throughout the campus during Nordic Fest 2024. (Decorah Leader photos by Seth Boyes, Roz Weis and Denise Lana)
PHOTO GALLERY: Nordic Fest Opening Ceremonies 2024
Friday, August 2, 2024 4:28 pm
The streets of Decorah were once again aflutter with Scandinavian flags and festivities during the annual Nordic Fest celebration. The 2024 festival began with its opening ceremonies the evening of July 25 outside the Winneshiek County Courthouse. Look for more …
End to lengthy Van Peenen horse trail debate may be in sight
Friday, August 2, 2024 5:21 am
The land for Van Peenan Park was donated to the city by the Hubert J. Van Peenen and his wife in 1976, with stipulations that the land not be used — among other things — for hunting or by motorized vehicles. Local newspaper archives said the family intended for the land to be maintained in its natural state for hikers, bird-watchers, cross country skiers and horseback riders.
Trial date scheduled for woman accused of sexually abusing teen
Thursday, August 1, 2024 2:12 pm
Courtney Rae Turner was charged with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse in mid-January.
Supervisors discuss compensation board concerns and options
Thursday, August 1, 2024 2:09 pm
A new state policy dissolved all county compensation boards as of July 1 — State File 2442 was signed into law by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on May 1 and authorizes the state’s county boards of supervisors to determine whether they want to rely on a county compensation board or take compensation responsibilities upon themselves.
Jones expected to plead guilty to theft and forgery
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 2:32 pm
“In 20 years of practicing criminal law, for someone to submit to the court through their attorney, a forged record from a doctor, indicating they have a life-threatening situation and need a continuance — I’ve never seen it,” Clinefelter said at that time. “It’s beyond the pale.”
State mediation team denies Decorah’s athletic conference request
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 2:18 pm
“We remain committed to securing for our students the opportunity to participate in a conference for extra-curricular activities as provided for by the Iowa administrative rules,” said Decorah Community School District Superintendent Tim Cronin.
Emergency Management Coordinator: ‘It will never happen here’ mentality needs to stop
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 2:08 pm
“Many people have the mentality of ‘it will never happen here,’ but Iowa ranks fourth in the nation for the most disasters,” Winneshiek County Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Snyder said.
Driftless Neighbor: Meet Siri Steven
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 2:02 pm
Siri Steven’s presence is unmistakable around Decorah. She’s often clad in kaleidoscopic, groovy dresses and funky, chunky sandals, with long brown ringlets framing her befreckled ever-smiling visage. Siri is passionate about being sustainable and finding new purpose in used items. She has a talent for sewing and dreams of upcycling fabric into unique and vibrant dresses.
WinnMed Card Marathon registration due Aug. 5
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 1:55 pm
People are invited to join, and both bridge and 500 will again be offered this year.
Nordic Fest 2024
Monday, July 29, 2024 8:23 am
Nordic Fest 2024 was celebrated with flair July 25-27. See upcoming Decorah Leader for photos from the entire celebration.
NE Iowa Quilters Guild meeting Aug. 6
Sunday, July 28, 2024 7:52 am
The Northeast Iowa Quilters’ Guild will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. for its monthly meeting
Joe and Vicki Price at Lawn Chair Night Aug. 1
Saturday, July 27, 2024 9:45 am
The 2024 Lawn Chair Night Series continues Thursday, Aug. 1, with a performance by Joe and Vicki Price. The performance is on Washington Street at 6 p.m.
Former Decorah woman pleads not guilty sexually abusing teen
Friday, July 26, 2024 1:42 pm
A former Decorah resident pleaded not guilty this week after being accused of sexually abusing a teen earlier this year.
Nordic Fest officials honor pair for community roles
Thursday, July 25, 2024 3:20 pm
It takes a village to put on Decorah’s annual Nordic Fest each year, and two members of that proverbial village are being honored at this year’s celebration of all things Scandinavian July 25-27.
Planning and Zoning Commission votes 4-2 against Ridgeway biodigester project
Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:22 pm
“The purpose of rezoning to M-2 industrial was to allow the processing of digester biogas into pipeline-quality natural gas,” said Novilla co-CEO Mark Hill after the July 16 meeting. “However, the majority of questions asked by the Planning and Zoning Commission were targeting the digester, dairy farms and manure lines that are not covered under the rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission appeared to turn this renewable-energy project into a referendum on family-owned dairies in Winneshiek County rather than a discussion of county zoning and how the gas-upgrading facility fit within the zoning.”
Iowa National Guard medical unit trains near Pulpit Rock
Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:19 pm
The distinct profiles of military trucks and the dozens of uniformed National Guard members milling about near Pulpit Rock were enough to draw some concern from passersby Monday morning. But, despite the energetic shouts echoing from the hillsides, the situation was a simulated one.
Driftless Puzzle Solutions for July 23
Thursday, July 25, 2024 11:58 am
Driftless Puzzle Solutions for July 23. Across 4. The _______ is a nickname given to a group of young actors who frequently appeared together in films in the 1980s. (brat pack) 5. ‘I love the smell of _____ in the …
Luther announces staff cuts as part of strategic plan for the future
Thursday, July 25, 2024 8:32 am
Officials with Luther College say some staff changes are on the near horizon as part of a multi-year strategic plan aimed at ensuring the Decorah institution is able to meet the needs of the next generation.