July 2017

Wed
05
Jul

'Another tool in the toolbox'

 

Decorah Fire Department’s DJI Inspire I drone has been a game-changer for the local agency’s search-and-rescue capabilities. The small aerial unit, operated by DFD’s Zach Kerndt (left) while fellow volunteers Steve Vanden Brink and Marcus Hageman look on, has an optic and flare (heat-detecting) camera. The drone is capable of traveling 40 mph and has a payload capacity of up to five pounds. (Zakary Kriener photo)

 

'Another tool in the toolbox'

 

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

 

When it comes to members of the community, visitors, and members of neighboring communities, safety is the number-one goal of the Decorah Fire Department.

While the local volunteer firefighters handle their fair share of fire calls, they do much more than respond to those area blazes.

“We respond to and assist on a lot of search-and-rescue calls every year,” explained Steve Vanden Brink, a Decorah paramedic and volunteer firefighter. “With the rivers we have here in Decorah and around Winneshiek County, a lot of those search-and-rescue calls are on the water.”

To help expand the capabilities of the local department’s search-and-rescue efforts, the Decorah Fire Department purchased a drone approximately one year ago.

Wed
05
Jul

2017 Winneshiek Co. Fair starts next week!

2017 Winneshiek Co. Fair starts next week!

 

 

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

 

 

 

It’s here! The 2017 Winneshiek County Fair in Decorah is set to begin next week!

While the official Fair week begins Tuesday, July 11, the 4-H/FFA Dog Show was moved to Monday to accommodate a large number of entries.

In total, the fair will offer five full days of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

A list of every scheduled event this year (Grandstand events requiring a button are bolded), along with its time and location, is as follows:

Monday, July 10

  •  9:30 a.m. – 4-H/FFA Dog Show – Show Barn.

 

Tuesday, July 11

Wed
05
Jul

River Road Show coming to Fayette County

River Road Show coming to Fayette County

 

 

 An Iowa Rivers Revival event, The River Road Show, will be held in mid- July on the Turkey River in Fayette County. The River Road Show is an opportunity to connect citizens and leaders to the 70,000 miles of interior rivers and streams located in Iowa, a valuable natural resource.

    Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR), a nonprofit statewide leader in river education and advocacy, is committed to protecting Iowa rivers and streams. IRR works to engage individuals, organizations, communities, and government leaders in river awareness, responsibility, and enjoyment to improve and enhance the condition of Iowa waterways – ensuring a quality, safe and lasting resource for future generations.

    “The rivers of Iowa have a long and rich story to tell, but the most important lesson we can learn from them is that we are all connected. I look forward to reaching out and connecting with scientists, public agencies and departments, legislators, students, teachers, business leaders, paddlers, and sportsmen and women through events like this one,” said IRR Executive Director Molly Hanson.

    The River Road Show will include representatives from Iowa Rivers Revival, the Fayette County Conservation Board, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development, the Turkey River Recreational Corridor, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and local legislators.
     “The day will include a working lunch at which leaders can discuss their communities’ unique issues and projects. After that, we will paddle the river, giving participants a chance to view their community from a new perspective, the river’s edge,” noted Hanson.

Wed
05
Jul

Local boy makes it really big

Elgin native Jason Butikofer has been named deputy athletic director at Purdue University. (Submitted photo)

 

Local boy makes it really big

 

 

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

When Elgin native Jason Butikofer was the manager for the University of Iowa’s men’s basketball team under Dr. Tom Davis, he dreamed of how wonderful it would be to someday be an administrator of a big-time basketball program.

Last week the former Valley Tiger and stock boy at Moore’s IGA in Elgin surpassed even his biggest childhood dreams when he was hired to be the new deputy athletic director at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

Wed
05
Jul

West Central splits pair of DHs

 

Eighth-grader Marlee Squires is just one of several underclassman who have contributed in a big way to the success of the Blue Devils softball team this season.

 

West Central splits pair of DHs

 

 

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

 

 

The West Central Blue Devils softball team ended the regular season with a doubleheader split with the Starmont Stars, 5-15 and 6-5, on Tuesday, June 27, at home. The Blue Devils ended the regular season with an 11-20 record. 

In the 6-5 victory over the Stars, pitcher Mary McDonough battled well and relied on her defense at times to get out of jams. 

Wed
05
Jul

More than just a motto to Scout leader Ungerer

 

Having led the Fayette Girl Scout troops for nearly 25 years, retiring troop leader Shirley Ungerer has collected many photos, cards and Girl Scout memorabilia over the years.

 

More than just a motto to Scout leader Ungerer

 

 

Megan Molseed

Contributing Writer

 

 

“…To help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law” is the motto that volunteer Girl Scout leader Shirley Ungerer taught her girls.  It’s a motto that she, along with the kids, take to heart.  

“I always wanted to be a Girl Scout, but when I was a kid, we just didn’t have anyone to lead the troops,” recalled the retiring troop leader, as she recounted how she got involved as Fayette troop leader over 25 years ago. “I was looking for a way to help out in the community and this came up.  I was excited to get involved.”  

Every year Ungerer plans a variety of once-in-a-lifetime activities, from whitewater rafting in the Colorado Rockies and helicopter rides over Mount Rushmore in the famous Black Hills of South Dakota to baseball games and “ghost tours” in Tennessee.  

“We’ve had some pretty great adventures,” Shirley related.  

Wed
05
Jul

James Scally

James Scally

 

 

James J. Scally, age 63 of Waterloo, IA formerly of New Hampton, died Saturday, June 17, 2017 at his home of natural causes.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date with burial at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton.  

Online condolences for Jim's family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com

Memorials may be directed to the family.

James "Jim" Scally was born Dec. 1, 1953 in New Hampton, the son of Francis and Jovina (Gerleman) Scally.  

He worked at White Corporation, Conway Trucking, and most recently retired from Target Distribution Center. 

Wed
05
Jul

TigerHawk baseball on a streak

 

NFV’s Luke Reicks fires a strike to the plate in action Tuesday, June 27, in Charles City. The senior won his third game of the season against the Comets, working four innings in relief; he allowed three hits and one run. (Kris Van Sickle photo) 

 

TigerHawk baseball on a streak

 

 

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

The TigerHawk baseball team was on a hot streak last week, winning all six games it played. Overall, NFV is on a seven-game win streak.

The streak has been highlighted by good pitching, timely hitting and greatly improved defense.

NFV swept the reigning UIC champion Monday night in New Albin, shutting out Kee twice, 6-0 and 8-0. 

NFV got the only run it needed in the second, but added runs in each of the next four innings in game one.

Wed
05
Jul

Swimmers split a pair of meets

 

Lily Poppen powers her way across the pool for another medal during the West Union swim team’s 438-235 victory over visiting Monona/Postville on Tuesday, June 27. (Jerry Wadian photo)

 

Swimmers split a pair of meets

 

 

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

The West Union swim team split a pair of meets last week. 

The swimmers finally opened the home season with a 438-235 win over Monona/Postville on Tuesday, June 27.

Wed
05
Jul

NFV SB sweeps Central

 

Macy Halverson had to backpedal to get this pop fly Thursday in Elkader. However, the sure-handed shortstop made the grab to retire the side in NFV’s 11-6 win in 11 innings. (Jerry Wadian photo)

 

NFV SB sweeps Central

 

 

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

 

 

North Fayette Valley softball ended the regular season Thursday night in Elkader.

The TigerHawks swept Central, 11-6, in 11 innings and 17-1 in five innings.

Tatum Kahler drove in the first two runs against the Warriors. She singled home Marrah Burrack in the first and plated Burrack, who had five hits in the game, during the third with a sac fly.

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