Ready for our time in the spotlight

In what other town of 8,000 people could you talk about the visit of a head of state and have people ask, "Which one?"

In case you hadn't heard, it's the leader of the free world stopping by on Monday and Tuesday--the King of Norway visits later this year, as well as a whole bunch of Republicans who want to be President of the United States.

President Barack Obama is heading towards the White House Rural Economic Forum at NICC Peosta on Tuesday, but rather than just drop in to the Dubuque area, he decided to make it a three-day bus tour of the Midwest.

Tuesday's forum will bring together farmers, small business owners, private sector leaders, rural organizations, and government officials "to discuss ideas and initiatives to promote economic growth, accelerate hiring, and spur innovation in rural communities and small towns across the nation," according to the White House press release.

If it's innovation the White House experts are looking for, they've made a good choice in stopping in Decorah.  The Metronet is connecting governmental offices with fiber optic cabling.  The Decorah bald eagle webcam attracted 206 Million visits this year.  The 11-mile Trout Run Trail will bring in visitors from throughout the Midwest with its scenery and challenging trail.

So enjoy your visit to Decorah, Mr. President.  Just one little piece of advice--if anyone mentions the word "lutefisk" to you, run in the other direction!