The top 10 local news stories of 2016: #6 and #5

#6: The search for a new elementary school location in Decorah consumed a great deal of the Decorah School Board's attention in 2016.  At first the school board concentrated its attention on the city softball diamond next to the tennis courts and John Cline School, but in August, the Decorah City council decided the property was not for sale. (http://www.decorahnews.com/archived-stories/2016/08/14278.htm)  That led to a review of a lot of other properties, including the North Winneshiek School and the current John Cline School, but school board members felt using any of those properties had many drawbacks.  Then, in November, came a surprise announcement from Luther College--it might be willing to allow seven acres of Anderson Prairie to be leased to the school district for an elementary site.  (http://www.decorahnews.com/archived-stories/2016/11/15050.html)  Discussion of that proposal continues as we head into 2017.

#5:  Weston Noble dies at the age of 94. (http://www.decorahnews.com/news-stories/2016/12/15363.html)  Has there ever been one person who played a larger role in the history of Luther College?  Weston Noble was hired to conduct the Luther College Concert Band as its "interim" director in 1948--and stayed at the school for the next 57 years.  He was remembered as a man who touched hundreds of lives during his time at the school.  He will be missed!