Monday High-Five: April 13, 2026

Happy Monday! Welcome to Monday High-Five -- your quick preview to what's happening around Decorah this week. Fun Fact: Wednesday is World Art Day, a celebration of creativity and the arts around the world. Decorah is never short of artistic endeavors. Enjoy one this week! Here are some other things to keep in mind this week: 1. Author talk explores Buddhist teachings in modern life - April 13Minnesotan Zen teacher Ben Connolly will headline a literary evening at Pulpit Rock Brewing. The event centers on his new book Inside the Flower Garland Sutra, which unpacks Huayan Buddhist teachings and their relevance today. Hosted by Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, the free event includes a reading, conversation, Q&A and book signing. Organizers say the discussion will highlight themes of interdependence and community at a time of growing social division. 2. Public health expert to address global crisis - April 15A lecture at Luther College will tackle the state of public health following the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Michael Osterholm's talk, "Public Health in Crisis: What This Means to You," will examine declining trust in health institutions and the shifting national response to infectious diseases. Drawing from his 2025 book, he is expected to outline how future pandemics can be better managed and why the current moment raises urgent concerns. 3. Weekly Kundalini yoga offers space to reset - April 16For those looking to slow down, weekly Kundalini yoga sessions take place at Sissa. Led by instructor Megan Peter, the class blends breathwork, movement and meditation practices aimed at building awareness and connection. No prior experience is required, making it accessible for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. 4. Summer musical auditions kick off - April 17-18Take the stage as auditions open for the New Minowa Players' summer musical Into the Woods. Actors ages 16 and up are invited to prepare a short monologue and musical selections. Performances are scheduled for late June. 5. Nature documentary spotlights "tiny superheroes" - April 18A documentary screening this week at Spring Grove Cinema will shine a spotlight on caterpillars and their surprising ecological importance. "The Extraordinary Caterpillar" follows scientists and enthusiasts studying how these small creatures support biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems. Organizers say the event is designed to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world right outside people's doors. Some top stories from last week: Winneshiek County Supervisor Chair Defends Fair Board's Confederate Railroad Booking Supervisor Mark Faldet stated that he understood why people would be upset with the booking, "If people were coming through town, and they saw an advertisement and that's what they saw, they'd go like, 'Wow, this is not the place I thought it was gonna be.'" Photo by Alexander Rosenow Decorah Human Rights Commission Plans Public Input on Proposed Separation Ordinance Gabriel Eide of DCIR spoke the Decorah Human Rights Commission during public comment Photo courtesy of Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights Decorah Lasagna Poisoning Case Advances as Both Defendants Plead Not Guilty Matthew Uthoff and Amber Snow The Highlands Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Support and Full Attendance The Highlands ribbon cutting and grand opening, 2026. The Highlands BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Aura Beauty Studio Sara Meyer, owner of Aura Beauty Studio. Aura Beauty Studio 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!