A Letter from Chief Thein - Back to School

Act now—your donation to local news ensures a brighter, more informed tomorrow. DECORAH — With the first day of school just a week away, Decorah Police Chief Thein is urging drivers to plan ahead for changes in traffic flow and to keep safety top of mind. Major construction on Heivly Street will shift much of the morning and afternoon traffic onto Water Street, creating heavier congestion during drop-off and pick-up times. The chief is asking drivers to avoid using the downtown area as a pass-through route between 7:30–8:30 a.m. and 2:45–3:45 p.m. on school days. Motorists who must travel Water Street are reminded to drive with patience, avoid blocking intersections, and allow extra time to reach their destinations. In addition to traffic congestion, the chief highlighted other safety considerations as the school year begins. With more children walking and biking to school, drivers are urged to stay alert and share the road. The reminder also comes as Iowa's new hands-free law, which prohibits handling a cell phone while driving, went into effect July 1. Below is the full message from Chief Thein: "School will be starting soon here in Decorah. This year, there are some distinct differences in what traffic flow will look like as we get students back into classrooms. With the major construction on Heivly Street, Water Street will have to manage a very heavy traffic flow, both in the morning and afternoon. Please avoid the downtown area as a pass-through area during the expected heavy traffic times from 7:30 am through 8:30 am, and again from 2:45 pm through 3:45 pm Monday through Friday. If you are navigating on Water Street, please be conscientious and do NOT be the last car trying to get through a green light that ends up blocking traffic flow from other directions. This will only end up backing up traffic further. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. This is a GREAT time to remind one another of other modes of movement on the roadways that you will encounter in the coming weeks. Bicyclists and walkers will be enjoying the last days of summer and the first days of fall by commuting to school/work in their chosen modes. Let's share the roads and give each other room in the name of safety. The hands-free law went into effect July 1, 2025. This law prohibits you from handling your cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Distracted Driving can be deadly driving. Distractions, plus road construction, plus detours, plus other vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles can equal a dangerous situation. One change will change this equation. Be the change. Phone down, head up- the math makes sense. REMEMBER: Slow down, allow yourself ample time to get to your location, be courteous on the roads, no distracted driving, wear your seatbelt, stop at stop signs/lights, and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. Here's to a great and safe school year!" Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.