Monday High-Five: May 4, 2026

Happy Monday! Welcome to Monday High-Five -- your quick preview to what's happening around Decorah this week. Note: Join us this Thursday at The Landing Market to meet the DecorahNews.com team. We'd love to hear your feedback. Stop by, share your thoughts, and enjoy some coffee and treats. We also wish a warm and happy Mother's Day to all maternal figures who help make our world a better place. Here are some other things to keep in mind this week: 1. Seed Savers Annual Heirloom Plant Sale - May 8Shoppers can browse dozens of vegetable, herb, and flower varieties grown from open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds. Proceeds support the nonprofit's mission to preserve biodiversity through seed saving. The sale is in-person only. 2. Luther College Gerdin Fieldhouse Ribbon Cutting - May 9The public event includes remarks from President Brad Chamberlain, appearances by student-athletes, and guided tours. The ceremony highlights years of alumni and donor support behind the project. 3. Spring Art Sale at The Landing Market - May 9Looking for a Mother's Day gift or unique home décor? The sale features works by Luther students and local artists. Expect a mix of paintings, prints, pottery, and more. 4. Echoes of the Cresco Theatre: A Psychic Experience - May 9The Cresco Theatre and Opera House hosts this event, featuring psychic Don Marlette alongside locals sharing paranormal encounters. 5. Hogs and Heroes Swine Show - May 10Organized by Swingin' Fore Soldiers, the event will take place at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds and combines youth livestock exhibition with tributes to military service members. Proceeds will support veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families, covering essential needs from housing to mental health services. Some top stories from last week: LaBelle Takes Next Step, Signs with Luther Football Front Row (L-R): Michael LaBelle, Jameson LaBelle, Angela LaBelle Back Row (L-R): Charlotte LaBelle, Eleanore LaBelle, Dominic LaBelle Courtesy photo Decorah Fire Department Adds Two Full-Time Volunteers, Highlights Recruitment and Retention Conversation Decorah Volunteer Fire Department welcomes two new full-time volunteers with more in probationary period. (L-R) Steve Vanden Brink, PEO; Grady Rose, new full-time volunteer; Cade Averhoff, probationary volunteer; John Smorstad, probationary volunteer; Christian Johnson, new full-time volunteer; Jeff Clement, fire chief. Cydney Weitzel County Supervisors Face More Calls for Transparency in Fair Funding Decisions (L-R) Luther Students Isabelle Goldschmidt and Jaydan Clayton presented a petition asking the board to examine the implications of its annual $25,000 allocation to the Winneshiek County Fair Board Photo by Alexander Rosenow Decorah Native Leads F-35 Flyover at White House State Ceremony as America Observes 250 Years U.S. Air Force Maj. Grant Schwartz, 60th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares before flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 25, 2025. Schwartz flew tail number 08-0747, to its new home at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Reagan Hardy) Airman 1st Class Reagan Hardy State Auditor Says Iowa Education Department Refused Records Request Tied to Former DMPS Employee Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand during a press conference on Tuesday, where he shared the results of two audits performed by his office. Courtesy Photo 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!