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www.driftlessjournal.com | news@driftlessjournal.com | 563-382-4221 | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 | Vol. 5 Issue 22
Creating a valorous memorial for the Veterans of Ossian
Eleven original members of four local bands reunited at Goodfella’s in Waukon Friday, May 12, to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. Nearly 300 family members and friends attended to witness the reunion and enjoy the wide variety of music played from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Pictured on stage are all 11 returning band members including back row (l-r): Bill Withers Jr., Gary Hesla and John Withers; front: Todd Pickett, Joel Anderson, Jamey Lideen, Jim Withers, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon and Keel Clemmens with the late Pat Dougherty’s original band guitar front and center on the dance floor.
By Kate Klimesh
Additions to Ossian’s Veterans Memorial were discussed last fall after learning of the bravery of two area Veterans: Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey Edward Bohr Jr. and Lieutenant Rodney Nicholson Jr. Bohr’s brave sacrifice in Baghdad saved others, and Nicholson gave his life to save an entire town in Japan as an Air Force test pilot. The addition of two plaques in their memory are planned for the memorial. Additionally, four life-size concrete statues representing the armed forces will be installed along with two eagle statues flanking the entrance, two benches and added statues of a kneeling Veteran and a female Veteran. As this 20’x20’ space is planned where the current memorial is located, the existing All Veterans Memorial monument will be moved back about 10 feet from its current spot. These additions will redefine the Veterans Memorial space in Ossian’s Carey Park. Ossian business owner and city councilperson Sue Lienau stated, “It’s turned out to be
A sketch of the future Veterans Memorial addition in Ossian. Situated at the entrance will be two eagles and two benches surrounded by bronze-finished concrete statues. Also featured will be two new plaques in memory of local Veterans: Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey Edward Bohr, Jr. and Lieutenant Rodney Nicholson, Jr. a much bigger project than it started. We have had a significant response from the community, though, including people who have donated toward specific statues or plaques in memory of their loved ones.” She has been working closely with the American Legion and the city on the project and is grateful for the community support.
visiting the memorial can view everything from either bench. The bases for the eagles will use the same stone from the pavilion and digital sign in Carey Park to maintain the look and feel. Reilly Construction has agreed to assist with the Veterans Memorial. They will move the existing memorial stone to its new location and will deliver the new statues to the park once completed. Additionally, Reilly Details has donated a white chain link Parts are in motion and are fence to be placed around the waiting for their appropriate memorial. time to become “set in stone,” But first, the cement work so to speak. Nicholson’s plaque needs to be completed so evis expected soon and will be erything else can fall into place. ready for installation. The Following cement work, the plaque is being created by West main stone will be set, both new Union Monument. plaques installed and the four of Organizers liked the Winne- the bronze-finish concrete statshiek County Veterans Memo- ues installed. Currently, the Air rial benches so well that they added two to their design, positioned at the entrance so those continued on page 2
Vets memorial
Bandmates, Brothers and Friends band reunion event raises over $8,000 for VMH foundation Eleven original members of four local bands reunited at Goodfella’s in Waukon May 12 to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. The crowd was estimated around 300 or more to witness this reunion and enjoy the wide variety of music played from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Many of the returning musicians were originally from Waukon, including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers, John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty, Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson. They were joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, longtime band members over the years. The
12th original band member, the late Pat Dougherty, was remembered during the event, with his brother Dave joining the band at times throughout the evening. His original guitar and one other were on display during the evening. The event raised over $8,400 in total with all proceeds going to the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation. “We really didn’t talk about goals, but quietly I was hoping we might hit $3,000 after that fifth set of music that night. This total blows me away and is a testament to support for local healthcare and a community that loves a good celebration with live music that everyone
can sing and dance to,” stated Event Coordinator Bill Withers. “There were moments that were pretty emotional for some of us, seeing Pat’s family all there to remember him was powerful, as were old friends reconnecting throughout the night. The funds raised far exceeded expectations, and all parties are already in discussions to consider a similar event next year for the community.” Band member Gary Hesla also commented, “There were three generations of family and friends from the community there, and it was so good to be
Band reunion
continued on page 10
Lawn Chair Night series opens June 1 in Decorah Area sponsors offer family-friendly concerts every Thursday Uptown Jazz will open the 2023 Lawn Chair Night Concert Series in downtown Decorah on Thursday, June 1. The performance is sponsored by Aase Haugen Senior Services at the courthouse square at 7 p.m. The Lawn Chair Night series is a free, family-friendly event every Thursday night during the summer months. The series continues through Aug. 31 with the following performances and sponsors: • June 8: Slapdash Bluegrass on Washington Street at 6 p.m. This performance is in partnership with Decorah Public Library’s Family Fun Night and is sponsored by Winneshiek Coun-
Uptown Jazz opens the 2023 Lawn Chair Night Concert Series Thursday, June 1, at 7 p.m., at the courthouse square. (submitted photo) ty Development and Tourism. • June 15: Lynx Lynx with Vidar Skrede and Patrik Ahl-
berg on Washington Street at 5:30 p.m. The performance is sponsored by Vesterheim Nor-
wegian American Museum and Folk Art School. • June 22: Namoli Bren-
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net will perform at. 6 p.m., on Washington Street. Decorah Pride is the sponsor. • June 29: Decorah Municipal Band is sponsored by West Music at 7 p.m., at the courthouse square. • July 6: Michael McElrath is brought to Washington Street at 6 p.m., by Oneota Community Food Co-op. • July 13: Kristen Ford performs at 6 p.m., on Washington Street. Sponsor is Decorah Pride. • July 20: Decorah’s Nordic Dancers are sponsored by Decorah Bank and Trust at the courthouse square at 7 p.m. • July 27: Nordic Fest. • Aug. 3: Washington Street
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Lawn Chair Night
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plays host to the Ronley King Blues Band at 6 p.m. Harman Realty is the concert sponsor. • Aug. 10: Clare Doyle performs at 6 p.m., on Washington Street. Mabe’s Pizza is sponsor in celebration of 70 years in business in Decorah. A pizza box competition also is planned. • Aug. 17: Jake Manders and Gretta Hunstiger perform at 6 p.m., on Washington Street. Inspire(d) Media is the sponsor. • Aug. 24: Buck Hollow Band will perform on Washington Street at 6 p.m. The concert is sponsored by Harman Realty. • Aug. 31: Holding Hemlock
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