City of Decorah officials say they'll work to get better notifications about possible "explosive sounds"

A recent "explosive sound" heard in Decorah has been traced to work being done at the Madison Quarry.  City of Decorah officials speculate that the atmospheric conditions on the morning of the blast—cloudy and damp—allowed sound to carry further than normal.

Among those startled by the noise were elementary school children in Decorah.  They were quickly escorted inside because of fears the explosion might warn of a dangerous situation.

Decorah City Administrator Chad Bird says a permit is needed for blasting within the city limits.  He's promising that city staffers will work with local construction crews to get better advance notice of planned blasting.  City officials would then issue news releases and other warnings before the blasting started.