Community News Stories

DECORAH, Iowa—Tattoos have never been more popular. In fact, today, almost one in three Americans has a tattoo. “Tattoo: Identity through Ink,” the exciting new exhibit opening June 1 at Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, will celebrate both the serious and sensational ways body art reverberates in our lives.
The exhibit is sponsored by Nick and Courtney Rowley, with community partners Brock’s Valhalla Tattoos and Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., and will run through April 26, 2020.
For more than 5,000 years, tattoos have been used to document the history of humanity one painful mark at a time. Spanning cultures and continents, tattooing has adorned European nobility and Native Americans, celebrities and Scandinavian sailors, punks and presidents, and seemingly everyone else in between.

Guest curator Lars Krutak, a Research Associate at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a scholar of body art and has authored four books on the subject of Indigenous body modification. Krutak also co-curated a similar tattoo exhibition that toured to the Field Museum in Chicago and the LA Museum of Natural History.

“Tattoos are so much more than decoration,” Krutak explains. “They are a powerful visual language of the skin, and, like texts, they permanently record memories, life stories, and personal achievements.”

Since it is a Vesterheim exhibit, of course there will be a Scandinavian connection, with celebrated artists like Norwegian Johan Frederik Knudsen and Norwegian-American Amund Dietzel, and the rise of a whole modern Neo-Nordic style of tattooing. But the exhibit will also examine the traditions of body ornamentation in other cultures and our connections to them through the tattoo traditions of indigenous peoples and other communities, past and present.

Its serious side notwithstanding, there’s no denying the exhibit has a hugely entertaining side too. Tattooing has made the journey from edgy to respectable, and Vesterheim will be making the most of it. Exhibit-goers will have the opportunity to design their own tattoos on silicone arms and hold an actual tattoo machine (with no needles, of course) to see how it feels.
The exhibition has given Vesterheim a chance to create new partnerships in the Decorah community. One of those partners is Brock Swenson, owner of Brock’s Valhalla Tattoos in Decorah. Swenson has established himself among the country’s leading and most sought-after tattoo artists, receiving international acclaim and winning some of the industry’s leading awards. In Vesterheim’s exhibit there will be a working tattoo station and, at a few times during the run, artists from Brock’s Valhalla Tattoo will be demonstrating their art live. Swenson has also created special artwork for the exhibit, including temporary tattoos.

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., one of the premiere craft beer producers in the world, is launching a new brew, “Valkyrie Strike,” in conjunction with the exhibition. Brock Swenson designed the distinctive label, and the beer was brewed with a heritage Norwegian yeast strain called Kevik. A launch event for “Valkyrie Strike” is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at Toppling Goliath’s beautiful new facility in Decorah. This event will be the first chance to try the new beer and get a sneak preview of the tattoo exhibit. Valkyrie Strike IPA bottles will be sold exclusively at Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. and Vesterheim’s Museum Store for one month. Members of the Toppling Goliath team will be present at the exhibit opening on June 1, and of course Vesterheim will be serving “Valkyrie Strike” then.

Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, in scenic Decorah, Iowa, showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. This national treasure includes world-class exhibitions and 12 historic buildings. It 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.

Winneshiek Medical Center honored nearly 110 active volunteers, including members of the Auxiliary Board, Foundation Board and Board of Trustees at the Volunteers: You “ARRRR” a Treasure appreciation event held at Nob Hill in April.

Professional inspiration and leadership speaker, Patty Hendrickson of La Crosse, Wisconsin, spoke to the group. She highlighted the different gifts each person brings to the table, and encouraged them to embrace the talents of each person. Patty provided a useful tip to help people feel welcome: to “act like a crescent roll, instead of a bagel,” meaning that if we physically stand in enclosed, circular groups, new people may feel awkward or unwelcome; conversely, if we stand with friends in a crescent shape, we extend an invitation to others.

At the event, thirteen volunteers were recognized for service milestones:

• 100 Hours: Karen Bergan, Sherry Bouska, Deb Tekippe
• 500 Hours: Jolyn Forman, Carol Gaard, Barb Jensen, Jim Sims, Vicki Steil
• 1,000 Hours: Mary Lou Snitker
• 1,500 Hours: Glendalu Wuest
• 2,000 Hours: Sharon Huber, Mary Jane Maly
• 3,500 Hours: Jerrine Jacobsen

Karla Bakken, volunteer coordinator at WMC said to the group, “Words cannot adequately express the gratitude that I, and everyone at WMC, wish to convey. Please know that your volunteerism is recognized, appreciated, valued and cherished. We are proud you have chosen to be one of us. Our patients, providers and staff all reap the benefits of you volunteering your time and making a difference.”

Winneshiek Medical Center volunteers are present in many areas, including the information desk, hospice, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), Auxiliary Gift Shop, and at special events. Additionally, volunteers provide hand-crafted items for patients, help with mailings, share their gardening talents and provide for other needs, as requested.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities call the Winneshiek Medical Center Volunteer Services department at 563-387-3036.

What You Don’t See is a mobile training trailer designed to simulate a “typical” teenager’s bedroom, complete with all the paraphernalia and imagery one would expect to see but not to necessarily understand from today’s younger culture. In the room, attendees will learn the meanings of signs, symbols & clothing, common hiding spots and other precursors that can be a tip to otherwise unsuspecting parents.

This program educates parents and teachers of youth, primarily pre-teen and teenage at-risk youth, on the warning signs to identify potentially dangerous behaviors and lifestyle choices aswell as how to intervene for a more positive outcome on behalf of those young targets before their life choices become terminal decisions. Because drugs, violence and crime don’t discriminate by gender, skin color, religion or affiliation, this public awareness campaign literally touch Iowans from all walks of life.

At the conclusion of the experience, attendees are provided with valuable resources such as pamphlets, contact information for local law enforcement agencies, substance abuse counselors, specific informational brochures, and much more. The INOA believes this will allow parents and teachers to continue fighting on behalf of their youth with the information gained from the experience in addition to assistance from the resources being pledged towards the project from organizations such as the Office of Drug Control Policy, the Des Moines Police Department, and more.

DECORAH, Iowa— The 2018-19 academic year has marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Luther College Black Student Union. To celebrate this milestone, Luther has engaged in a yearlong celebration that will culminate with a BSU Reunion Weekend, April 25-28. Through four days of public events, the reunion weekend will bring the entire campus and broader Decorah community together to honor BSU founders and celebrate 50 years of BSU presence at Luther College.

Like many BSUs across America, the Luther College BSU was founded during a tumultuous time by students who craved a space to celebrate their culture and accomplishments and lift up black struggles. During the year 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Robert Kennedy was assassinated, and race riots were ripping America apart; the Luther BSU was established that fall.
In honor and recognition of those founding pioneers and all of the students who have followed in their footsteps, the Luther BSU has worked in collaboration with several administrative offices, academic departments and programs across Luther’s campus to sponsor a yearlong series of film screenings, campus lectures, performances and forums. Many of these events have involved bringing black alumni to speak and engage with current students.

“These alumni visits serve as a way of highlighting the presence, contributions and achievements of black Luther College graduates as well as a way of promoting campus dialogue and conversations regarding best ways of recruiting, retaining and (most importantly) supporting racially underrepresented students at Luther,” says Guy Nave, Luther professor of religion and longtime faculty advisor for Luther’s BSU.

The BSU Reunion Weekend will include a biology colloquium, the Don Kemp Memorial Lecture, a one-woman performance, a book signing, Chapel and Sunday worship–all featuring Luther black alumni.

The weekend will also include a final screening of “Agents of Change” at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in Valders Hall of Science Room 2016 on the Luther campus. A discussion following the film will be led by the film’s co-director and co-producer, Frank Dawson, who will speak to the making and significance of a film that honors more than 50 years of Black Student Union activism on historically white colleges and universities in America. Both the screening and discussion are open to the public with no charge for admission.

A BSU 50th Anniversary Gala event will be held the evening of Saturday, April 27, in the Dahl Centennial Union on Luther’s campus. The gala is open to the public and will begin with a reception and Luther student performance at 5:30 p.m. in the Adams Lounge. The reception will be followed by a semiformal dinner at 6:15 p.m. in Peace Dining Room with a cost of $35 per person and reservations required by Monday, April 22. The evening will conclude with a celebration at 7:45 p.m. in Marty’s. Dinner reservations can be made at luther.edu/alumni/events/bsu/reunion/gala-rsvp.

The Luther College Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Luther alumnus Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, during the Gala Dinner on April 27. Originally from Accra, Ghana, Amoo-Gottfried graduated from Luther College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and has a master’s degree in business administrations from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He is currently Vice President and Commercial Leader in Cargill’s Agriculture Supply Chain North America business and serves as board director for Partner in Food Solutions.
For a complete schedule of events for the BSU 50th Anniversary capstone event, visit luther.edu/alumni/events/bsu/reunion.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,005, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

On March 1st the Oneota Co-op kicked off a member loan campaign to raise funds to finance a store remodel that is currently underway. Capital campaigns are used by consumer co-ops around the country to generate capital for projects while simultaneously offering their owners a chance to invest their money in a local business that is dedicated to serving the community.

The Co-op is thrilled to announce that through the support of member/owners the initial $520,000 goal has been exceeded and a final total of $600,000 has been raised which will completely finance the remodel.

“This is a huge accomplishment for the Oneota Co-op and for the community of northeast Iowa. Cooperatives throughout the world have been, and continue to be, a driving force in the communities that they reside,” says Brita Nelson, Oneota Co-op Board President

Since moving to its current location in 2008, the Co-op has seen annual sales increase by over $2 million and its number of member/owners (shareholders) has more than doubled to roughly 5,500. In any given year the Co-op estimates that 45% of these annual sales stay within a 100 mile radius of the store. Currently this equals roughly $2.3 million annually, with half of that being funds paid directly to local producers who sell their products through the Co-op.

The Co-op remodel is nearly 80% complete and a grand re-opening is being scheduled during the first two weeks of June. But don’t wait until then to stop and see the newly remodeled space.

Nate Furler, Marketing Manager for the Co-op adds, “We have been thrilled with the positive response of the community – both through the member loan campaign and reactions when walking through the front doors. We’ll continue to welcome each and every person into the store with a goal of sending them on their way happier than when they arrived.”
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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. Stop in and see us at 312 West Water Street in Decorah, or online at www.oneotacoop.com.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Announces the Spring Boating Safely Course Schedule.

In Prairie du Chien on April 27, 2019 8AM to 5PM at the Prairie du Chien City Library 125 S Wacouta Ave. Prairie du Chien.

In Guttenberg on May 18, 2019 8AM to 5PM at the Guttenberg Marina and Visitors Center 715 S River Park Dr Guttenberg, IA

This 8 hour course provides basic training in the safe operation of watercraft including vessel familiarization, rules of the road, federal and state boating laws and safety on the water and is designed for ALL ages.

This course qualifies for the Wisconsin or Iowa DNR Boating Safety Certificate

NOTE: Boater education is required in Wisconsin for anyone born after January 1, 1989 to operate a vessel including a personal watercraft (PWC). In Iowa it is required of anyone age 12 to 17 years old to operate a boat of more than 10 horsepower or a PWC. Students must be at least 12 years of age to attend. Class starts promptly at 8AM, there is a $20.00 materials fee for the course. Bring your lunch as we will work through the noon hour.

Please pre-register by contacting, Joanie Dickerson at 608-996-2152, Art Sullivan at 319-290-6403 or any member of the Prairie du Chien Flotilla, US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Registration for the Guttenberg class may also be made by contacting the Guttenberg Marine and RV Center (563)255-1949

Think you are too old or experienced to take such a class? Think again, you can always learn something that could save a life; your family, yours or someone else’s.

Established by Congress in 1939 the US Coast Guard Auxiliary is the all-volunteer uniformed component of the US Coast Guard. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact A J Sullivan at 319-290-6403 or Roger Richter at 608-732-1253

New Minowa Players proudly presents “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. on April 25-28 at the New Minowa Players Theatre.

“Almost, Maine” is a whimsical play that explores the question “What does it mean to love someone?” through a series of loosely-connected vignettes. The residents of the unincorporated Maine town of Almost fall in and out of love with each other and themselves as new love is kindled, old love flickers out, and relationships are transformed in the midst of a bleak Maine winter.

Directed by Aaron Kvale, “Almost, Maine” is comprised of a prologue, a four-scene first act, an interlogue, a four-scene second act, and an epilogue. The title refers to an imagined town in Northern Maine, named Almost, that doesn’t quite exist. Each scene consists of at least two main characters.

The Prologue features Pete (Sawyer Vanden Brink) and Ginette (Jordyn Hussain), sitting on a bench. The pair have been dating for a bit and try to move forward in their relationship with some uncertain success.

Act One begins with “Her Heart,” a scene that follows an out-of-town hiker, Glory (Cydney Weitzel), who has come to Almost hoping to see the northern lights. She sets up camp in the yard of a hometown native named East (Steven Holkesvik) who is a bit confused why she is in his yard.

“Sad and Glad,” spotlights Jimmy (Austin Olson) and Sandrine (Crystal Harrell). The couple dated a while ago and see each other at a local hangout. As they talk, Jimmy tries to reconnect with Sandrine. Their awkward conversation gets even more awkward as Jimmy creates much more of a scene than Sandrine wants as he tries to get the attention of a waitress (Violet Hatfield).

In the third scene, “This Hurts,” Marvalyn (Mina Sahir) meets Steve (David Mandez), an eccentric man who can’t feel pain, while doing her laundry. Together, they explore the things that hurt, the things we should be afraid of, and the things we don’t fear enough no matter how much they hurt us.

“Getting It Back,” has Gayle (Sheryl Scheffert) showing up at the door of Lendall (Rick Scheffert) intending to break up with him. She is in for a big surprise when she demands that he return all the love she has given him over the course of their relationship.

After an interlogue to check in with Pete and Ginette, the second act begins with “They Fell” featuring Chad (Hayden Carlson) and Randy (Billy Lange). During a routine weeknight hangout, Chad and Randy struggle to talk about their feelings and discover how much they value each other.

“Where It Went” shares the story of troubled married couple Phil (Adam Lenehan) and Marci (Molly Holkesvik) while out on a date skating in the woods. Marci is mad. Phil doesn’t know why. What follows is tense as both Phil and Marci finally vent their greatest frustrations with their marriage.

In “Story of Hope,” a woman named Hope (MaryBeth Specht) has returned to Almost to try to reconnect with her old boyfriend Danny (Jim McIntosh) after leaving his proposal to her decades ago unanswered.

“Seeing the Thing,” is the final full scene of Act Two, and follows the developing relationship between Dave (Sam Whitehead) and Rhonda (Aleesa Baakko). Dave is interested in her, but Rhonda doesn’t quite understand. Dave shares a painting to express his feeling and invites Rhonda to engage in some art interpretation. Rhonda isn’t quite sure what to do next.

The play ends with an Epilogue with Pete and Ginette seeing how their relationship evolves.

Performances will be April 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26 and 27 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Oneota Community Food Co-op and online in the near future. Sponsors for the show are: A & J Petersburg Agency, Decorah Bank & Trust, Family Table, Gallery of Tops, Iroc Web Design Services, Modish, Pizza Ranch, RocketDog Books, Rick and Sheryl Scheffert, and Singing Hammers Construction.