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8 Fun Spring Driftless Things
As we wrap up winter, let’s embrace the new season upon us with a refreshed weekend itinerary. Join the area’s artists, farmers, and fest-goers for…
As we wrap up winter, let’s embrace the new season upon us with a refreshed weekend itinerary. Join the area’s artists, farmers, and fest-goers for…
It takes grit, focus, and true resolve to run a marathon. Hours upon hours of training, in good weather and bad. The ability to dig…
The stars were aligned when Jess Rediske founded Red-Roxy Quilt Co. with her mom, Roxanne Schnitzler, in 2012. From an off-the-cuff horoscope promising an upcoming…
Vonnie Linnevold was interviewed by her daughter, Becky Shaw My mother, Vonnie Linnevold, is a thoughtful and generous 98-year-old with an amazing memory. She was…
Lovers of La Rana Bistro can breathe easy: the legacy of local food at this gem of a restaurant in Decorah, Iowa, will continue for…
Life has a way of surprising us. Chance meetings turn into lifelong friendships. Magazine articles prompt spontaneous trips. Hobbies become unexpected careers. That’s what happened…
Happy 16th birthday, Inspire(d)! (Read the Fall 2023 Inspire(d) anniversary issue online here.) This magazine is officially old enough to drive. Which is funny, because…
There are certain things that are identified as true Decorah landmarks: Dunning’s Spring, Vesterheim, Luther College, Seed Savers Exchange… and Mabe’s Pizza, of course! (Ok,…
Decorah’s Charlie Langton will tell you he’s not really a photographer. But we here in Decorah know the truth. He’s a photographer in the greatest…
During a typical workday, artist Sarah Hedlund might be sketching pink and orange dolphins surrounded by hearts and stars. Or a disco-dancing, white suit-wearing dinosaur.…
Want to get us word about a place we missed? Send us a note and your link details through our contact page! Thanks! ________________________________________________ Northeast…
Decorah’s Jane Kemp smiles easily and often. Yet beneath that kind smile and unassuming demeanor lies a fierce advocate for community causes, and a strong…
Hazel was interviewed by her daughter: Connie Sabbann Hazel Grotegut (born Hazel Telford) has lived in Decorah all of her 90 years with the exception…
Mouth-watering food. Stunning nature photography. Beautifully crafted pottery. Music that made other people happy. Passionate dedication to students as a college administrator. Joy Tlou’s many…
Everything about Wildcrafted Acupuncture & Herbs welcomes folks in. Dozens of plants perch in the sunny windows, backdrops for comfy seats, wellness products, and a…
On Decorah’s west side, below rugged Pulpit Rock and the bluffs of Phelps Park, a horseshoe-shaped meadow arcs along the Upper Iowa River. Two giant…
It’s 1964, and Pete Espinosa is five. He’s riding in the car, a little boy accompanying his mom and older brother Paul on the 80-mile…
The GrandPad tablet delivers telehealth for homebound, and creates an innovative spark for rural entrepreneurs. By Maggie Sonnek When Scott Lien and his family traded…
The Summer/Fall 2020 Inspire(d) is all about finding ways to Keep Showing Up – for yourself, your community, and your world. Inside, you’ll find (so…
Phyllis Green, interviewed by daughter Pat Beck Originally published in the Fall 2016 Inspire(d) Magazine, Phyllis passed away July 28, 2020. Our condolences to Phyllis’…
Inspire(d)’s Benji Nichols participates in 2019-20 Leadership Iowa Class. It’s not very often that we get to do interviews with each other, so I (Aryn)…
Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) near Decorah, IA will once again host an incredible lineup of mid-western musicians for an on-the-farm benefit concert, Saturday, August 3, 2019.…
Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) near Decorah, IA will once again host an incredible lineup of mid-western musicians for an on-the-farm benefit concert, Saturday, August 3,…
The Winter 2018-19 Inspire(d) is all about walking your talk! Here’s what you’ll find: Female Mayors in the Driftless Region • Mentoring in Northeast Iowa,…
Imogene Macal – Interviewed by Inspire(d)’s Benji Nichols • Originally published in the Winter 2018-19 Inspire(d) Imogene (Moellers) Macal grew up on Silver Spring dairy…
By Kristine Jepsen Decorah’s winter solstice concert, Burning Bright, celebrates 20 years of bringing light in the darkness and giving back to the community. Choir…
Lots of fun things to look forward to in the Summer 2018 Inspire(d): 4-H • Dunning’s Spring bridge / Stonemason Ted Wilson • Viroqua’s Growing…
By Aryn Henning Nichols • Originally published in the Winter 2013-14 Inspire(d) It’s tough to stay positive in the winter – when it’s edging on…
We here at Inspire(d) often talk about changing the world…or, more accurately, changing the community. But what about simply brightening someone’s day? That, honestly, changes…
Inspire(d) 10th Anniversary Party – Oct 21, 1-4 pm Did we mention we’re celebrating our 10th year in business? (Ha, a few times, right?) We’re pretty excited…
Inspire(d) was thrilled to have a chance to ask Eric Litwin, original author of Pete The Cat, The Nuts, and Groovy Joe, a few groovy…
Dawes will be performing at the Cavalier Theatre in La Crosse, WI on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Catch a ticket here if it isn’t already…
Here’s what’s happening in the Summer 2017 Inspire(d): Summer Fun List! Local Food Directory • CSA: Hooray! • Crystal Creek Magic • Sum of Your Biz: Impact…
By Sara Friedl-Putnam Illustrations by Aryn Henning Nichols Originally published in the summer 2017 Inspire(d) RAGBRAI is known for its seven fun-filled days, with upwards…
Even though Decorah native Anna Bolz lives in New York City, a metropolis brimming with 8.5 million people, her heart is deeply rooted in…
Female Mountain Bikers Rule! By Aryn Henning Nichols Looking down at your mud-covered mountain bike tires, you wipe the sweat from your face, take a drink,…
Here at Inspire(d) we are big fans of print media (right?)! When we heard about 12 year old St. Ben’s student Jenna Hartz publishing her…
By Aryn Henning Nichols Music and family. These are the threads that tie Rosanne Cash’s life together. Not just because her father was the iconic…
John Beard If anyone can attest to the power of a single vote, it’s Decorah-based welder John Beard. Four years ago, Beard, who currently sits…
Deep in the recesses of the Library of Congress lies a treasured document authored by Thomas Jefferson – and, no, it’s not a copy of…
By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Originally published in the Summer 2016 Inspire(d) It’s the last Saturday in July, and thousands of men, women, and children –…
Ernest “Pokey Pete” Peterson was born in the spring of 1925 in Cedar Falls, IA. He grew up on a farm just outside of Osage where…
Earlier this year, Decorah resident Bob Bishop got the idea to put together a Decorah themed bicycling jersey. They are out now and available in…
Inspired Magazine Summer 2016! Welcome to the 2016 ‘Summer’ issue of Inspire(d) Magazine! As always, the summer issue of Inspire(d) has a fun local food theme. This…
Thank You so much for your interest in donating to the Longest Loop Fundraiser. 100% of donations to this project will go to the Winneshiek…
Fulfilling a Vision: Winneshiek County Conservation Announces New Bike Trail and Park Initiative Imagine a trail that will connect the Trout Run Trail to the…
(Nordic Fest: 50 Years Strong, book cover design by Deb Paulson) “I had no idea what I was getting myself into by committing to this…
By Benji Nichols • Originally published in the Summer 2014 Inspired There are a ton of great spots to check out in the Driftless Region…
By Aryn Henning Nichols Originally published in the very first Inspire(d) Magazine, October 2007 Things are born. Life cycles. You live. You die. But somewhere…
Three Decorah residents have recently been serving on a week long Medical Mission trip in El Salvador. Dr. Pete Blodgett of West Side Dental in…
Liz Fox, Decorah High School Community Club & Silver Cord Program They have served up pancakes for Nisse Preschool, set up holiday light displays for Helping…
Carolyn Flaskerud, director of the First Lutheran Church Food Pantry in Decorah, does not mince words. “It keeps me busy – happy and healthy,” the…
Ward Budweg has helped build a library in Rwanda, install a clean-water-catching system in Panama, and paint an orphanage in Peru. But perhaps no place…
“I’m just a banker with a passion for renewable energy,” Larry Grimstad says, in typical humble fashion. In truth, the longtime Decorah resident is much…
It’s easy to let fifth-generation Decorah native Mark Faldet fool you: He’s the kind of guy who, having traveled the region for work at Luther…
Once upon a time, in the nearby hamlet of Spring Grove, Minnesota, there came together two professional performers who loved each other – and musical…
Like many children, Kim Powell dreamed of being a veterinarian when she grew up. And, like many adults, that childhood dream didn’t really come to…
One of the first things you notice about Karen Trewin is her smile. She is, of course, generous with it. Next is her sense of…
Easy Maple Granola Recipe & images by Benji Nichols, Inspire(d) Media 2016 There are few things that smell more heavenly than granola baking in your…
Driftless Day Trip: Winter in the Coulee Region! Adventuring to Mt. La Crosse, Snowflake Ski Club, & Kickapoo Valley Reserve By Benji Nichols Winter in…
Purl Up and Get Cozy with local knitting expert Bev Bakkum Story & photos by Kristine Jepsen • Originally published in the Winter 2011-12 Inspire(d) “SOS!…
“Electricity is really just organized lightning…” -George Carlin Story and photos by Benji Nichols, except as noted Imagine pulling out onto the street as your…
By Aryn Henning Nichols • Photo by Joyce Meyer Photography Originally published in the Fall 2012 Inspire(d) It’s a familiar fall scene: you hear the…
It’s that time of year – and as much as the merits and drawbacks of Daylight Savings Time have been discussed, it’s still here. Which means…
(Above photo by Jay Olson-Goude. Below photos by Inspire(d) Media.) Isn’t fall in the Driftless Region the best? The colors are lovely, and there are tons of perfect days…
Driftless Art Tours and Festivals are coming up! By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Originally published in the Fall 2013 issue of Inspire(d) Ahh…fall! For some it means once…
By Aryn Henning Nichols • All photos courtesy Brett Reese If ever a person were “born an entrepreneur”, it would be Brett Reese. Reese is…
Is it Gnome or Nisse? Not a question you might ask on a regular basis, that is…unless you’re Scandinavian. Or you live in Decorah. Or…
Norma Wangsness (center) lives a life of love and art and a little red lipstick Interviewed by daughter Le Bahr Norma Wangsness was born in…
Interview and photo by Ketel Paulsen Charlotte (Christopherson) Strinmoen is as delightful a woman as they come. She met her first husband, American Carmen Christopherson,…
Paul Hexom lives a life of service, laughter, and passion. Interview and foreword by Sondra Carver I’ve lived in Decorah long enough to know that…
Compiled by Aryn Henning Nichols Originally published in the Summer 2012 Inspire(d) There are few things cooler (literally) than caves in the summer! And here…
Marv Klocke shares business and desert island sense Interviewed by Marla Klocke • Originally published in the Winter 2012-13 Inspire(d) Marv Klocke shares his memories…
Interviewed by granddaughter Janelle (Holty) Halverson • Originally published in the Spring 2014 Inspire(d) This type of interview captures remarkable things about the subject but…
By Aryn Henning Nichols • Originally published in the Spring 2011 Inspire(d) All Photos Courtesy of the Jensen Family Families are bound together – whether…
Intro and interview by grandson Hans Aschim • Photo by David Moore • Originally published in the Fall 2011 Inspire(d) My grandparents, Donald and Ilene Moore,…
Originally published in the November 2007 issue of Inspire(d), we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Grace Torresdal. She passed away May 6,…
Interviewed by Amalia Vagts, granddaughter (left) • Originally published in the Summer 2014 Inspire(d) My grandfather, John F. Hassebroek, can have a conversation with anyone,…
Verne Koenig, a long time resident of Decorah, started his career in radio at KFJB in Marshalltown, IA. Eventually, he settled in Decorah and became…
By Maren Stumme-Diers • Originally published in the April/May 2010 issue of Inspire(d), updated Spring 2015 Looking to green your life on earth day? How…
Interview by Dan Bellrichard (pictured here on the left) • Originally published in the Winter 2011-12 Inspire(d) “Bob’s Standard Services” in Decorah was a landmark since…
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Aase Haugen Home, or Aase Haugen Senior Services as it is now known. What was created out…
Interviewed by Dorothy (Alberts) Sunday – Foreword by Aryn Henning Nichols Anna (Rohm) Iverson lived her whole life on Oak Street in Decorah, Iowa, up…
Orginally published in the Oct/Nov 2009 Inspire(d) Magazine • Photo courtesy Luther College Archives Answers recalled by daughters Marit Pudas and Marjorie Wharton • Orville…
Interview and Introduction by Jen Johnson and Lor Miller – This probit originally appeared in the “Summer” 2012 issue of Inspire(d). At the age of…
Bob Holtan – KDEC Radio This is Part 5 of a series on inspiring individuals who help bring live entertainment to NE Iowa and the…
By Sara Friedl-Putnam • Photo by Aryn Henning Nichols Whether we’re enjoying a bucket at the movies or a bowl in front of the TV,…
By Aryn Henning Nichols • Images courtesy StoryPeople There’s magic in that cup of coffee (tea, beer, water) you’re drinking. Also in that stack of…
By Thea Satrom LMT & Certified Zone Therapist • Photo by Aryn Henning Nichols Become present, calm, and inspired. Begin meditating for 5-10 minutes today!…
Q&A with local author Jerry Johnson Introduction & interview by Aryn Henning Nichols • Photos by Aaron Lurth Writing books is easy. Said no one ever.…
The winter mag is out! Online here, on stands this week!
Peanut Butter Puddles …because it is definitely baking season again! Here’s an old cookie recipe for Peanut Butter Puddles that a friend of Benji’s came…
By Aryn Henning Nichols When air moves quickly, a.k.a. it’s windy, the particles that make up the air are also moving quickly. This motion, like…
Olivia Hahn and Karla Dietmeyer have come a long way since starting cello/violin duo The OK Factor in 2012. And yet the two Luther alums…
The “Science, You’re Super!” segment is a regular feature in Inspire(d) Magazine… we bring you this seasonally appropriate feature on Garlic! By Aryn Henning Nichols…
Compiled by Allison Croat While we here are Inspire(d) love cooking local, visiting the Farmers Market, and, of course, eating, we’re no experts (well, except…
Ruth Hampton has been known for years around the Driftless Region as a creator of good, honest, and delicious food. From her early days in…
Clifford Julian Smorstad, age 96 (May 24, 1918 – July 13, 2014) Clifford Smorstad was born in rural Decorah in 1918 and grew up near…
Margaret Halvorson Stortz (passed away at 92 March 21, 2014) Interviewed by grandson Benji Nichols Margaret was born in the fall of 1921 and grew…
Armella passed away October 2, 2017 , at the age of 91. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family, friends, and loved ones.…
Interviewed by Benji Nichols Dr. Richard Simon Hanson grew up in rural Wisconsin with a love of farm life that has led a journey of…
Thelma Reetz was one of the many progressive leaders that were involved in getting services for people with intellectual disabilities started in Waukon, Iowa in…
Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) has launched Iowa’s First Crowd Funding Website for the Arts. The website, www.IowaART.org, is up and running and…
By Aryn Henning Nichols Decorah artist John Kjome is a patient man, that’s for sure. He thinks, plans, and meticulously strategizes his next move –…
By Sam Wiles When people commonly think “Iowa,” they think corn, farms and uninterrupted flat land. Maybe even the well-known statewide road ride, Ragbrai. But…
By Aryn Henning Nichols He’s been called the Willy Wonka of recycling. Terry Buenzow walks around the Winneshiek County Recycling Center pointing at…
By Mary Marx Steve Vanden Brink Staring out my window at leaves falling from a crab apple tree, Steve Vanden Brink replays a scene in…
By Aryn Henning Nichols Ashley Dull Lindeman’s enthusiasm is infectious. She bustles through the door of a downtown Decorah coffee shop with arms full of…
By Benji Nichols | Image above courtesy Randy Leffingwell, LA Times There are few inventions in history that have literally changed the landscape like the modern…
By Lauren Kraus | Photo by Explore MN Tourism Cruising along, breeze on face, sun on skin under a canopy of large trees next to…
Story and Photos by Kelly Larsen The disdain I once held for gardening still remains distinct in my memory. As a little kid, I dreaded…
By Aryn Henning Nichols In the middle of a gallery, with walls covered in bright memories of places and events he’s experienced over the past…
Sculpture artist Kelly Ludeking loves metal. Pretty much all kinds of it. And while he originally started with bronze and aluminum, it was an iron pour that really pulled him in. For Kelly, pouring iron is about community. It’s about learning and teaching, and it was this aspect that really sealed his path and passion.