Monday High-Five: April 6, 2026

Happy Monday! Welcome to Monday High-Five -- your quick preview to what's happening around Decorah this week. Note: Next week is Tax Day. This is the final full week to submit your federal taxes before April 15. Here are some other things to keep in mind this week: 1. Jess Lourey Book Signing - April 9Author Jess Lourey will visit Dragonfly Books for a meet-and-greet and signing of her latest young adult novel, The Verdant Cage. The free event, running from 3 to 5 p.m., offers readers a chance to explore Lourey's dystopian story centered on a tightly controlled society and the cost of safety. The visit is part of a regional literary series supported by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation. 2. Women's Weekend Out - April 10-12Decorah's 24th annual Women's Weekend Out returns, bringing together more than 50 local businesses for a spring celebration. Events range from trivia night at Impact Coffee to live music at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company and a cocktail tasting at Rubaiyat Restaurant. With options like spa-making workshops, brunches, a comedy show, and a murder mystery dinner at Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., organizers say the weekend is designed as an "experience-based" way to explore downtown and beyond. 3. Adult Pick-Up Soccer - April 10To welcome spring, community members are heading back outdoors for weekly pick-up soccer at Will Baker Park. The informal games run Friday evenings starting April 10, welcoming players ages 15 and up regardless of skill level. Organized with support from the Decorah United Soccer Club. 4. Passport Saturday - April 11The Winneshiek County Recorder's Office is hosting a Passport Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the county courthouse. No appointment is required, and staff will assist with new applications, renewals and on-site passport photos. 5. You Can't Take It With You at New Minowa Players - April 9-12The New Minowa Players present their spring play, You Can't Take It With You. The classic comedy features a cast of sixteen actors and explores timely themes about family, values and the pursuit of happiness. More information and tickets found at newminowaplayers.org. Some top stories from last week: "We The People Will Not Back Down" Decorah Citizens Participate in Third Nationwide "No Kings" Rally An estimated 650 people gathered Saturday in Decorah for the "No Kings III" march and rally, part of a sweeping national day of protests that drew millions of participants across thousands of events in the United States and abroad. Photo by Alexander Rosenow Former Decorah Teacher Pleads Guilty to Assault, Placed on Probation Dustin Bliven 18-year-old Arrested for Operating While Under the Influence Winneshiek County Community Foundation Awards $156,816 in 2026 Grants WWCF Grant Organization Recipients Courtesy photo Confederate Railroad Booking at Winneshiek County Fair Sparks Local Backlash The announcement featured Confederate Railroad alongside headlining act Travis Denning and artist Kayley Green Photo by Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Stay in the know with our full events calendar and subscribe to our daily newsletters. Don't see your event on our calendar? Contact us at news@DecorahNews.com to get the word out. Have a great week!