Emily Allen
Published : May 19, 2008

DUBUQUE - The list of Norma Denlinger’s accomplishments is impressive.
“Many things I am doing are Dubuque Racing Association, United Way Services, Dubuque Botanical Gardens Arboritum,” says Denlinger.

But maybe what’s more impressive is the fact that Norma has accomplished even more in the past 80 years. “As a child I was always taught that I have an obligation to see that I shared with other people,” recalls Denlinger.

Don’t let her age fool you, she believes it is her 80 years of experience that keep her on the go.

“Nobody has ever said to me you should stop your not for profit, I think the people who know me well know that’s what make me tick that’s why I get up in the morning. The others who don’t know me…seem to tolerate me,” laughs Denlinger.
Norma knows there are others her age that aren’t quite as independent as herself. Luther Manor administrator, Barbara Y. Baker, knows this as well. “It’s National Nursing Homes week and we do all sorts of crazy things, we have mis-match day, we just had sundaes, and today is crazy hat day,” says Baker.

Baker says she and her staff don’t do it just because it’s mandatory and they don’t do it once a year. “We are doing fun stuff like this all the time, this really does improve and enhances the quality of a person’s life,” says Baker.

And Denlinger says what enhances her life is the secret to happiness. “If you can’t be flexible and move with the times of change, I don’t know that you can really be happy with yourself,” says Denlinger.

Happiness has certainly entered Norma’s life. In addition to her many accomplishments she also helped apply for a license for both the Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino and the old Diamond Jo Casino river boat.

“People continue to ask me why I have been on that so long, and want to know if I like to bet. I’m not a gambler, I did it because it was going to be good for the community,” says Denlinger.

Norma continues to help support and sponsor others non-profit organizations that are good for the Dubuque community and isn’t about to stop anytime soon.

Emily.Allen can be contacted at Emily.Allen@loras.edu

Katrina Berning
Published: May 19, 2009

NEW DIGGINGS, WI- People have been waiting for it all year and it’s finally here. It’s morel season.

“Morel season is always in the spring on the year, usually around Mother’s Day– sometimes maybe two weeks beforehand, sometimes a couple weeks after,” Morel hunter Will Schuler explained.

Schuler has a simple description of what a morel is. “It’s an edible fungus,” he says with a chuckle.

As unappealing as that sounds, these mushrooms are like hidden treasure for morel hunters

“Oh I think it’s a gourmet food just because they’re only out for a certain time of the year and there’s a challenge in finding them and you can’t get them any other time of the year so it takes some effort,” Schuler said.

His hunting partner Marty Tashner agreed. “I like the flavor of the morels, but anybody that does go morel hunting - they don’t quite seem to offer me any…so I thought I better go out and try getting some myself once.”

Everybody has a theory on how to find them.

Tashner said, “Just go out and start walking and looking for a dead elm.”

Any experienced morel hunter will tell you that a dead elm is the place to start.

Schuler explained, “Everybody seems to look for a dead elm or something like that because they think there’s an association with the dying tree and the morel spores that somehow find their way there.”

The appearance of the morels changes throughout the season.

“They start out little gray ones and they’re kind of hard to see. Then as the season progresses, they turn into the bigger, whiter ones and the big white ones are really easy to see,” Schuler said.

He also explained what to do with them when you take them home. “Soak them in saltwater and the saltwater helps to get the bugs out of them. There are a lot of insects in them you know, just naturally.”

They say it’s a spotty season for morels, but that doesn’t stop these guys from looking.

“I drove by a road sign stand the other day and they were selling them for like 9 or 10 dollars a pound, but it’s just as easy to go look for them and a lot more fun to get out in the woods,” Schuler said.

Katrina Berning can be contacted at Katrina.Berning@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: May 19, 2009

GALENA, IL - Galena on the Fly is in their 9th season with Eagle ridge resort and spa. The hot air balloon launching site has lift off twice a day, sunrise and sunset. You can book your flight with pilot Andy Williams. Williams learned to fly with his Dad at a pretty young age and now has flown for 15 years. Williams is also an ordained minister and when he is in the sky, he has even performed weddings. Williams loves what he does and there is no place but the sky that he would rather be. Williams said, “I just love all of it, the people, the flying, the challenge that is in that, the weather, just all aspects of it, there’s no better way to make a living.”

Williams will go up on clear days; if there are 10mph winds then the flight is canceled and rebooked. The season started on Good Friday and will end in November. People from all over come to fly, four people from Chicago wanted to celebrate their birthdays and have a gift to remember. Rosemarie Orbell shares the same birthday with her grandson, and for Orbell she was a first time flier. Orbell says, “No I have never done this before but I have parasailed so I figured I would try this.”
For couples Dean and Mary who also had birthdays to celebrate they were excited to take flight and Dean couldn’t of been more pleased,” Well it is just a good time to get away, good weather, and Well we have never done this before so she brought me this ride for my birthday!”

The hot air balloon takes 10 minutes to be blown up with air. Williams offers a five-person basket or a basket that can fit 14. Once the balloon is up right the fliers step on in and with a couple pulls of flame the balloon lifts off. The rides last 45 minutes, and once the basket lands Williams wants to celebrate.

As a tradition, Williams pours champagne and gives a toast and tells stories of past flights. The sun goes down and the couples leave with a trip of their lifetime.

The balloon rides can be booked with Andy Williams at his local number (815) 777-2747 or visit the Galena on the Fly website at www.buyaballroonride.com . If you are around the tri-states for the summer don’t miss the Great Galena Balloon Race in July, all proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Jordan can be contacted at Jordan.Rasmussen@loras.edu

Felicia Carner
Published May 19, 2009
DUBUQUE, IA -  to appreciate and spend time with your mom and it’s around the corner. Along with many other mothers and daughters; Bobbi Earles and her family has found a unique way of bonding by breaking boards.
“Any time you can spend with your children is a bonus,” says Earles and they find their extra time in the studio at Springer’s Martial Arts Academy.

Master Ben Springer sees many families who join their school create a closer unity amongst their home, “Karate is something that any mother or daughter, dad or son, can develop a close bond during their training. We offer classes where parents can train with their children.”

These class times has made the school family oriented making the classes a large influence on these growing relationships.
For Emma Earles that’s her favorite part about karate she says, “I like how I can be with my mom and my dad and my sister and we can all do a sport as a family.”

The Earles family is only one amongst many mother daughter teams that attend Springer’s academy. Anita Arensdorf and her daughter Angelina have seen the impact this time has left on their relationship. Angelina claimed, “It seems we’ve been making cookies more than we usually do.”

Bobbi Earles mentions that even during those mother-daughter fights, this sport can help take out their frustrations. She says, “During those teenage years where mothers and daughters do a lot of fighting, you can actual do it in the martial arts studio and have a lot of fun with it.”

For these karate moms, the enrollment of their daughters in martial arts brings a comfort to their hearts. “As young females it will be a wonderful thing for them to have in their arsenals as they grow older, so it really brings comfort to me, in a mother’s point of view,” explained Earles.

Arensdorf feels the same, “Although I know she’ll never be completely invulnerable karate has given her the opportunity to not be completely defenseless and as a mom, that feeling is great.”
“I think it’s important in this day and age for women to learn how to defend themselves and not be an object,” states Master Springer as he explains the importance of developing skills that can protect oneself.
It was at age seven when Arensdorf’s daughter, Angelina proved to her that even though a person may be stronger than her daughter, she is far from powerless.

“As her mom I didn’t think she would. I was a lot bigger than her but she grabbed my arm hand and put me to the floor and my hand hurt for three weeks,” said Anita Arensdorf as she told her favorite memory with her daughter.
Both Earles and Arensdorf agree that this experience has been completely worth all the hard work. They’ve seen their family and themselves grow more confident in who they are as individuals and as a family.

Felicia can be contacted at Felicia.Carner@loras.edu

Morgan Finke
Published: May 5, 2009

Update
The Dubuque Police Department has arrested two suspects in connection with the robbery. Justin Willis, 19, and Randy Lee Murphy, 17, of Dubuque were arrested and are being held at the Dubuque Police Station. Stay tuned to LCTV13 for more details as they become available.

Original

DUBUQUE- Dubuque Police were called to the scene of an armed robbery at the BP station on Loras Boulevard this afternoon.

Students at Loras College received an emergency alert through text and e-mail, putting the entire campus on lock down for an hour.

Loras student, Andy Brown, did not need an alert about the robbery, he saw it firsthand.

“I was at the BP gas station, I was filling my tires, and the guy walked up in a ski mask and pulled out a gun right in front of me, I thought it was a joke,” said Brown.

He soon realized it was not a joke.

“And then a guy came out of the gas station and told me to call the police and that’s when I realized it must be something serious,” Brown continued.

Dubuque Assistant Police Chief Terry Tobin told LCTV how police responded:

“Our officers responded to the scene, and we have officers and detectives that are investigating the case at this point we have not located the suspect yet,” said Tobin.

Tobin encourages anyone with further information to contact the police department’s non-emergency help line at 563-589-4410.

Morgan Finke can be reached at Morgan.Finke@loras.edu

Andrew Huck
Published: April 29, 2009

DUBUQUE - On Monday, April 27th Iowa made history by allowing same sex couples to apply for marriage licenses. The state normally requires a three day waiting period but some judges granted waivers allowing couples who received their licenses on Monday to get married that same day.

At the Dubuque County Courthouse Monday six couples applied for licenses in person and four of those couples were granted waivers to get married that same day.

LCTV interviewed the first couple in Dubuque County to get a marriage license.

“We wanted to get married be the first ones in Dubuque to break history,” exclaimed Kentanindra Scarver.

Kentaindra Scarver and Veronica Spann moved from Chicago seven months ago but never believed they would one day be able to get married.

“We were thinking about the many ways faith works and this is one,” said Scarver.

The couple got married on Monday and is planning a big celebration with their family this weekend.

“Our families are very excited my sisters my family knows hers too,” said Scarver.

Representatives from OneIowa were on hand to offer support and give flowers to the couples applying for licenses.

“We’re here to answer questions and direct people where they need to go and celebrate along with them,” said OneIowa Representative Tyler Dague.

Tyler is proud of the impact today will have on his life.

“It makes me hopeful for my future just because I would love to share my life with someone and I would love to have the right to do that when I’m ready, said Dague.

Kentaindra and Veronica are glad to call Iowa home.

“We earned it equal rights, equal opportunity, and I’m just so glad that Iowa has acknowledged that,” said Scarver.

While a few people stopped by to offer their support there was no visible opposition or protests in front of the courthouse.

Here are a few useful links about gay marriage in Iowa and Dubuque County:
Dubuque County Recorder’s Office
OneIowa

Andrew Huck can be contacted at Andrew.Huck@lctv13.com

Felicia Carner
Published: April 30, 2009

DUBUQUE-Twenty-nine young children have gone through the home of licensed foster parent, Kim Small; nearly all have suffered from abuse, and the affects to their lives are apparent.

Small says that physical abuse is by far not the only mistreatment that wounds these children. Neglect, mental, and drug abuse all restrains a child from living a normal childhood.

“Her mother never physically hurt her, but she didn’t take care of her needs,” said Small.

Through the seven years of foster care the Small’s family of seven grew to a family of thirteen with the adoption of six of their previous foster children. Five of the six suffer from prior abuse.

“She was like a tin soldier,” this is the description Small gives to her first adoptive child seven days after she was born. This was the result of drug usage during pregnancy.

Small explains that the caressing given to a child at birth “helps them know that they are safe and okay.” She continues to comment that when the children are neglected of this care they take the guilt. Small says, “instead of feeling the care giver is bad they believe they are bad.”

One of Small’s biological daughters, Keturah Small, expresses that, “there are parts of them that will probably always be hurt.”

Although pain may never leave these innocent children, the Smalls believe their lives can be reshaped. Small comments that it’s no easy task, physically or emotionally. “Sometimes it’s a long time coming and you start to despair on whether they’ll ever make a connection with you.”

Kim Small draws attention to a task that is harder to overcome and it’s the emotional relationship between most parents and their children in situations of abuse, “Even though their parents have not kept them safe or been appropriate with them there is still something that makes them want to be with their parents.” And despite the harm these parents Small says, “They still worry about their children.”

Small says that for their family, “being able to give them opportunity to live in a different environment is the motive that makes their long run worth it.

Felicia Carner can be reached at felicia.carner@loras.edu

Jordan Rasmussen
Published: April 30, 2009

DUBUQUE - Manger Ed Gau works hard to keep the tradition of donuts going at the Donut-Boy in Dubuque. Gau says that the Donut-Boy is one of its kind, “We mix them up fresh every day, almost everyone out there, is making them frozen now, we are the only one left.”

The small store has been around for 50 years. Each day over 600 to 800 dozen donuts are made fresh. The donuts are sold every day till noon. The donut makers start baking at 5am every day and sometimes stay until 5 p.m.

Glazed, sprinkled, or stuffed with cream; there are so many kinds of donuts you will find one that fits your taste. The most popular donut is called the Persians. Sometimes customers all the way from New York City call the Donut-Boy to get dozens of Persian donuts.

Leroy Weiedmann, a regular at the Donut-Boy, comes twice a week to get a persuasion. He prefers it over every other donut.
“I tried all the other ones and this is my fancy,” said Weiedmann.

Stop in to share coffee with friends or get the donuts to go. Customers can even have them shipped to schools, churches, hospitals, and businesses. Gau would love more business from college students however.

“We would love to get more students in from the three local colleges, they are within five blocks, so we would love to have more of them come see us, said Gau. “It’s a friendly atmosphere and a nice place to stop and visit.

Employee Joyce Haudenshield has tried almost every donut. Haundernshield says there is something more to donut-boy then having great taste. Haundernshield has been friends with Gau for 30 years and she says the best part of working at the donut-boy is, “The people the customers; it’s like your family, you seen them every day.

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at jordan.rasmussen@loras.edu

Andrew Huck
Published: April 27, 2009
DUBUQUE—Today was the first day that same sex couples in Iowa could obtain a marriage license. The Dubuque County Courthouse saw little traffic compared to other counties in the state. At the end of the day six couples applied for marriage licenses in person and seven more submitted their applications through the mail. Four of the six couples who applied in person were granted a waiver by a judge and were able to get married today. The wavier eliminated the three day waiting period.

Molly Menster and Tina Sio became one of the ten that received their marriage license today. Both Menster and Sio were interviewed by LCTV after the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the same sex marriage ban earlier this month. The couple was overjoyed when they were finally able to receive their license and planned to celebrate by going out for ice cream.

Representatives from OneIowa were on hand with flowers and to offer support for all of the couples coming to the courthouse today.

There were no protestors or opposition to gay marriage outside of the courthouse today.

Look for a complete story on From the Boulevard live at 7:00pm Wednesday and online at LCTV13.com.

Andrew Huck can be contacted at Andrew.Huck@lctv13.com

The media surrounds the first same-sex couple to recieve a marriage license in Dubuque.

Morgan Finke
Published: April 27, 2009

DUBUQUE - Monday would be the day that Kentaindra Scarver and Veronica Spann would bring their eight year relationship full circle. The two women arrived at the Dubuque Courthouse early in the morning before appearing in open court to receive a waiver from Judge Monica Ackley around 10 a.m.

“We knew we were partners for life but to legally have it printed on paper; that’s what means so much to us,” said Scarver.
The Iowa Supreme Court ruling on April 3rd of this year paved the way for Kentaindra and Veronica, and hundreds of other same-sex couples across the state to obtain marriage licenses today. The two women were relieved to finally have the legal title of a married couple.

“For me it is the legal things that heterosexuals have like simple visits to the doctor for the kids. Those things mean the world to us,” said Spann.

After the emotional “I do’s” Magistrate John Nemmers said the words Scarver and Spann had waited ten years to hear, “I now pronounce you spouses for life.” As soon as the couple’s young nephew heard those words he exclaimed, “Boo-yah!” A phrase Scarver said she couldn’t of said better herself.

“It was like freedom,” explained Scarver. “Justice is served eight years later.”

The couple became the first same-sex marriage to take place in Dubuque County. After waking up at 4 a.m. the couple ended their day legally married.

The complete story can be read Wednesday evening on LCTV13’s website. To read more about the couple visit our partner publication the Lorian.

Morgan Finke can be reached at morgan.finke@loras.edu