Kay Strand trial delayed until April

The trial of Decorah resident Kay Strand on charges of violating the city's property maintenance ordinance has now been delayed until April.

The Decorah City Council voted last year to file charges against Strand after she allegedly missed deadlines set by the city for cleaning up her property at 701 Maple Avenue. The complaint filed against Strand says the building is not watertight and violates the city's standards for building maintenance. Strand made an initial court appearance on the charge in October, entering an innocent plea and requesting a jury trial on the charges against her. The trial was scheduled for Thursday, but now has been postponed until April 28th.

City of Decorah officials have been working with Strand for over two years to get repairs made at her property. She has taken steps recently to improve her house and garage. The jury will be asked to determine whether Strand has done enough or whether she the steps she has taken were inadequate. The charge against Strand is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $250.