news
Drug investigation results in multiple arrests ahead of Thanksgiving
Monday, December 2, 2024 4:40 pm
A group of nine individuals were taken into custody on drug charges the day before Thanksgiving, according to information released Monday by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office executed a search warrant during a traffic stop at approximately …
‘Home for Christmas’ benefit concert Dec. 14
Monday, December 2, 2024 7:18 am
The Decorah Chorale warmly invites the public to its 24th Annual “Home for Christmas” concert on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at Decorah Lutheran Church.
Wetter winter forecast may increase 2025 crop yields
Sunday, December 1, 2024 2:00 pm
Northeast Iowa might be in for a wetter-than-normal winter, but if everything goes as predicted, the resulting added groundwater may produce higher yields than previous years come harvest time next fall, which. But officials say higher yields might not equate to higher profit.
Annual Christmas at Luther program nears – Selection from ‘Messiah’ to recognize century-old tradition
Sunday, December 1, 2024 9:04 am
This year’s performances are scheduled Dec. 5-8.
Whatever you do, don’t stay home during local elections
Saturday, November 30, 2024 1:47 pm
My very first editor moderated live candidate forums each and every election cycle, and he’d always end them by thanking the candidates and telling the public to “vote early, and vote often.” From what little research I’ve done, it’s a bit unclear who exactly coined that phrase but, despite the historical ties to political corruption in Chicago, my old editor used those words with a more humorous tone aimed at encouraging the community to actually get out and vote.
Vesterheim Commons becomes Hanson Vesterheim Commons
Friday, November 29, 2024 2:20 pm
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, recently announced Mary Jo (Hanson) Boman and the Hanson Family Foundation provided an additional gift to the museum, contributing a total of $2 million for Strong Roots | Bold Future, a campaign to Grow Vesterheim.
Council exploring possible municipal electric utility
Thursday, November 28, 2024 3:32 pm
Members of the Decorah City Council stressed on Monday the city is not currently seeking to establish a municipal electric utility, but they are hoping to complete some paperwork which would allow them to explore the possibility of doing so in the future.
Hearing held regarding environmentalists’ lawsuits over biodigester zoning issues
Thursday, November 28, 2024 2:09 pm
Lawsuits filed by the Driftless Water Defenders against the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors and the county’s board of adjustment are progressing.
‘Beautiful secret walkways full of art’ – Empower Decorah series marks third alleyway art installment
Thursday, November 28, 2024 12:38 pm
Few likely spied the small group celebrating in a downtown alleyway this fall, but some may have noticed the addition on the cinderblock wall.
Split vote settles trail debate – Parks and Rec Board approves horses in specific areas
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 1:56 pm
Members of the Winneshiek Saddle Club and the Decorah Human Powered Trails group initially declared a stalemate after facing off at a Nov. 21 Decorah Parks and Recreation Board meeting. However, a split vote from the board decided the matter Tuesday night.
Reports from the Decorah Police Department
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 1:55 pm
Jamarr Antonio Eddy, age 32, of Decorah was charged with assault — insulting or offensive contact — and assault causing bodily injury at approximately 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 in the 1 block of Ohio Street in Decorah. Criminal complaints …
Reports from the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 1:52 pm
Lillian Faye Eggert, age 23, of Ossian was charged with domestic abuse/assault — first offense — at approximately 5:14 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 in the area of Lydia Street in Ossian. A criminal complaint said Eggert and the victim had …
Plans finalized for new Decorah ballpark
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 1:00 pm
The park is anticipated to be complete by this time next year, according to project managers with ISG engineering.
Jury finds Jones burned her own Waukon business
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 12:35 pm
A former Allamakee store owner was found guilty Tuesday, Nov. 19 of starting the blaze which consumed her Waukon business as well as an adjacent building — a dog also died after being rescued from a stairwell during the fire.
County vehicles, tools lost in landfill blaze Friday
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 11:26 am
The Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill’s vehicle shed was lost to a so-far unexplained fire early Friday morning.
Thanksgiving will delay delivery of Decorah Leader
Monday, November 25, 2024 2:52 pm
Electronic editions of the newspaper will not be affected.
Luther College student jailed for posting online threats
Monday, November 25, 2024 10:39 am
A student at Luther College has been charged with making terroristic threats and jailed early Monday after authorities received word of concerning messages posted to Instagram.
Bachmurski’s defense seeks info on reported sighting of teen after alleged murder
Monday, November 25, 2024 9:24 am
A former Decorah man accused of killing a teen in 2017 has withdrawn his demand for a speedy trial, and his defense attorneys are now hoping to access documentation regarding a reported sighting of the victim in 2021.
Helping Services kicks off 20th annual Holiday Lights
Sunday, November 24, 2024 2:05 pm
This year’s Holiday Lights Walk Through Night will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 27 at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah.
Ramaswamy once aimed to eliminate the Department of Education, now he’s in line to oversee a new government efficiency department
Sunday, November 24, 2024 1:32 pm
I’ve never been able to drum up much interest in the lists of proposed cabinet members each president makes following an election. Perhaps that kind of news just feels too similar to sports enthusiasts jabbering over NFL draft picks — I’ve never been much of a sports fan. But last week’s announcement of who the incoming Trump Administration means to put in charge of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency snagged my ear. If you haven’t heard, former presidential candidate and millionaire businessman Vivek Ramaswamy is expected to be at the helm alongside billionaire businessman Elon Musk (yes, there are going to be two people in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency — insert your own joke).