Get to Know Your Local Newsroom

DECORAH — Local News Day is about celebrating the power of local news. It's time now to meet the people doing the work—right here, every day, for this community. Local news isn't some distant institution. It's human. It's personal and real. It's built story by story by people who live here, shop here, raise families here, and care deeply about what happens next in Decorah. At DecorahNews.com, that starts with the newsroom Breanna Eastman, editor, doesn't just edit stories—she helps shape how this community understands itself. A 2024 graduate of St. Olaf College, Breanna came up through local journalism in nearby Prairie du Chien and brings that same small-town sensibility to everything she does. Some of her favorite stories from that time were interviewing the Fourth Ward residents and self-professed "river rats" displaced by the 1965 flood and capturing the Carriage Classic on the Villa Louis grounds, two reflections of her commitment to preserving local history and the layered traditions that define a single place. As editor, her focus is simple and powerful: accurate, relevant reporting that keeps readers connected to what matters. She believes rural communities deserve the same level of thoughtful, ethical journalism as anywhere else—and she shows up every day to make sure that happens. She also has a special interest in folk art, often drawn to the ways culture and creativity intersect with a shared community identity. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys reading, crocheting and spending time with her husband, Francis, their two small children and their Basset Hound. Alexander Rosenow, reporter, is often where the rubber meets the road. If there's a city council decision that affects your taxes, a county issue that impacts your land, or a state policy with local consequences, chances are he's in the room asking questions. Originally from Red Wing, Minnesota, Alex has built his reporting around the issues that shape everyday life in Northeast Iowa—from government meetings to environmental concerns to major court cases. His work doesn't just inform—it creates accountability. It ensures decisions aren't made in the dark. Rosenow's interest in journalism began early through Minnesota's Youth in Government program (YIG), where he worked with MN YIG Media. There, he wrote articles and conducted interviews for both radio and print, gaining hands-on experience in reporting and story crafting. His professional work includes detailed coverage of complex legal and government matters, such as multi-day reporting on the 2025 Bachmurski murder trial, along with ongoing coverage of city, county and state developments. In addition to hard news, Rosenow brings a creative perspective to his work. He has written cultural features and personal essays, and previously hosted his own radio show, Music from the Crater, on KDEC FM 100.5. Features writer Cydney Weitzel tells the stories that make a place feel like home. A Luther College graduate, Cydney brings a deep appreciation for the people and culture of Decorah. Her features introduce you to your neighbors in a way that sticks—highlighting the artists, volunteers, small business owners, and everyday folks who give this community its character. She reminds us that local news isn't just about policy—it's about people. She enjoys how reporting and writing features allows her to meet people in her community, learn their stories, and continuously discover what makes Decorah such a special place. When she's not working, Cydney enjoys reading, theatre, going on long walks, eating ice cream, and spending time with her husband and two cats. Keith Lesmeister is a longtime resident of Decorah who doesn't just live in the community: he writes, teaches and thinks deeply about the stories that shape it. A graduate of Luther College, he now teaches writing and literature at Northeast Iowa Community College and contributes many of our sports and people-focused stories. Outside the classroom, he's often on the move—bowling, playing basketball, hiking, fishing or hunting—or settling in with a good book and a strong cup of coffee at any hour of the day. He is also an accomplished fiction writer, and his latest collection of stories, "Ask Me About the Money," is set to be published in November. Behind it all is publisher Lon Haenel, who, alongside his wife Sarah, purchased DecorahNews.com in 2023, after nearly three decades in the local news industry. His philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: strong communities are built one story, one reader, and one advertiser at a time. He manages from within, building up teams, helping them to explore their talents and develop their skill. Building community is what news publishing is all about. Every effort, no matter how small, builds impact. He's excited about their growth and the future of local news. And it is definitely online and mobile. Decorah's local reporting, news sites, and newsletters provide news everyday. The ever-evolving media landscape is something not to run from, but rather to behold. Here's where you come in When you support DecorahNews.com—whether by reading, donating, sharing, or patronizing advertisers—you're not just supporting journalism. You're reinvesting in your own community. Become an honorary member of the Decorah News newsroom with your support. Local news has a real economic footprint. Studies have shown that communities with strong local news see higher civic engagement, more informed voters, and even healthier local economies. When local businesses advertise with us, those dollars stay here. When we hire reporters, those are local jobs. When we cover a story, it drives attendance to an event, supports a small business, or brings attention to an issue that needs solving. Across the U.S., more than 2,500 local newspapers have closed since 2005, leaving millions of Americans in "news deserts." When that happens, it's not just stories that disappear. Studies show communities without strong local journalism experience lower civic participation, weaker oversight of public institutions, and even measurable economic ripple effects—from reduced local business visibility to less informed consumer activity. Flip that around, and the impact is just as real. When local news is strong Local businesses have a platform to reach customers. Community events see higher participation. Public officials are more accountable. Residents are more informed—and more engaged. That's not fluff. That's infrastructure. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens because a community decides it's worth it. So as we continue to celebrate Local News Day, consider this your invitation to not just read local news—but to be part of it. To support it. To sustain it. Because the truth is, this isn't just our newsroom. It's yours.