Every three years, Winneshiek Medical Center leads, or participates in, a Community Health Assessment. The assessment is designed to gather information on unmet health needs in the area. With this data, communities can map out a course for health improvement by creating strategies to make positive and sustainable changes. In 2022, Winneshiek Medical Center partnered with Winneshiek County Public Health to complete the survey.
The survey was made available online and garnered 515 responses. Following an analysis of the data and other population health information, the 2022 Community Health Assessment final report was approved at the July 6, 2022 Board of Trustees meeting.
The Community Health Assessment identified five overall priority categories of concern:
Housing Options
Mental Health Care
Older Adult Care
Alcohol and drug use
Suicide
The five most prevalent diagnoses among respondents were:
Vision problems
Hypertension
Sleep apnea
Hearing problems
Respiratory problems
The five highest areas of need for health care services, according to survey respondents were:
Access to mental health care
Shelter and services for victims of abuse, violence and assault
Luther College Athletic Trainers for the 2022-23 year (left-right): David Kragness, ATC, LAT, NASM-PES, NASM/CES; McKinley Lillegraven, MS, LAT, ATC; Maggie Vihovde, MEd, LAT, ATC; Amber Suckow, MS, LAT, ATC; and Whitney Pavlat, MS, LAT, ATC.
In collaboration with Winneshiek Medical Center, the Luther College Athletic Department will have two new athletic trainers for the upcoming academic year: David Kragness, ATC, LAT, NASM-PES, NASM/CES; and McKinley Lillegraven, MS, LAT, ATC.
Kragness will serve as the new head athletic trainer for the Norse. He received a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the Minnesota State University in Mankato. Kragness has served in the field of Athletic Training since 2005, with experience in professional and collegiate athletic programs, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Winona State University, South Dakota State University and most recently, Wartburg College. He is certified by the Iowa Board of Athletic Training and began his role at Luther College in July 2022.
Lillegraven, a Decorah native, is returning to her hometown to care for Norse athletes. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation Studies and her Master of Athletic Training from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Her athletic training experience includes football, volleyball, wrestling and men’s basketball programs for UNI, a Division 1 school.
Returning athletic trainers for the 2022/23 academic year include: Amber Suckow, MS, LAT, ATC; Maggie Vihovde, MEd, LAT, ATC; and Whitney Pavlat, MS, LAT, ATC.
Kragness says, “I am excited to join both the WMC and Luther College Athletics teams. As we move into this athletic season, I look forward to the progression of this partnership and to being a member of both organizations for years to come.”
Luther College Athletic Training is dedicated to providing the highest quality of professional health care and services to student athletes with a commitment to enhancing their collegiate athletic experience and ensuring their overall health and safety. Collaborating with Winneshiek Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System Decorah Clinic Physicians, they respond to the health care needs of student athletes by providing excellent emergency and clinical care on location and in the training room.
Renae Hartl, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Luther College, says, “The addition of David and McKinley to our Sports Medicine team will enhance the student-athlete experience immediately. The new partnership between WMC and Luther has started on a great note with these two hires and I am excited to see our team come together this month as all our fall teams arrive.” For more information on Luther College Athletics, visit www.luthernorse.com. To learn more about Winneshiek Medical Center, visit www.winmedical.org.
Winneshiek Medical Center will hold their Grand Community Picnic on Thursday, September 1 from 4-7 pm on the WMC campus.
“WMC is excited to once again host the Grand Community Picnic after a few years’ hiatus. This event highlights WMC’s connection to the communities we serve, and we look forward to having individuals on our campus for another reason besides receiving excellent healthcare. This event comes at a perfect time as we begin to plan for many exciting new endeavors for WMC, many of which we hope to be able to showcase during this event,” says Steve Slessor, chief administrative officer, Winneshiek Medical Center.
Free Community Picnic Attractions
BBQ pork sandwich, chips and a beverage
Game/activity area for kids
Popcorn from the Lion’s Club
Pokey Pete rides
Live music by Mike McAbee
Garden tours
Emergency vehicle tours
And more!
Moo-Mobile shakes will also be available for $1 each throughout the evening.
More Information
The picnic is made possible with the help of staff volunteers from Winneshiek Medical Center, the WMC Auxiliary and WMC Foundation, and will be held rain or shine.
Convenient parking will be available, with regular Earl Bus rides from the medical center parking lots to the event site.
Information on the WMC Grand Community Picnic is also available at www.winmedical.org/event/grand-community-picnic. For additional information on the picnic or other Winneshiek Medical Center activities, please call the WMC Marketing & Communications department at 563-382-2911 or email communityrelations@winmedical.org.
Influenza season is approaching and it is an important and effective prevention strategy to get a flu shot.
When should I get a flu shot?
Influenza season generally begins in November and ends in March. It is best to get your flu shot in October or November so the protection offered by the vaccine carries you through to the end of flu season. Getting the vaccine too soon in the season may leave you unprotected in the later months.
What types of vaccine are available this year?
The injection is the quadrivalent flu vaccine, which is designed to protect against four different flu viruses; two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses, and is for ages 6 months to 49 years. Flublok, for ages 50-64 years and High Dose, for ages 65+, also protect against four different flu viruses. Flu mist is not available.
Who should get a flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends all people 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine. It is especially important for pregnant women to get vaccinated because of their increased risk for influenza-related complications. Pregnant women can get vaccinated during any trimester, including the first. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against flu.
How will flu shots be given this year?
At Winneshiek Medical Center, influenza vaccines will be available through an appointment, though walk-ins will be accepted as the vaccine schedule allows. (If you have a scheduled appointment for another reason, you may also get a flu shot at that time.) Flu vaccine charges will be submitted to your insurance. For more information or to request an appointment for your influenza vaccine from Winneshiek Medical Center, call 563-382-2911.
An entertaining adventure awaits audiences in “Mr. Frazzle’s Fantastic Field Trip,” Decorah High School’s 2022 Variety Show.
Mr. Frazzle and his students find themselves exploring the human brain on a hilarious, family-friendly jaunt that ties together 18 vocal, instrumental, and dancing acts presented by DHS students. The script was written entirely by the cast.
“Mr. Frazzle’s Fantastic Field Trip” performances are Thursday, Nov. 10, Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the DHS auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for students, and are available online at https://decorahschools.ludus.com/index.php and in the DHS office. The box office will also open an hour before each show with house doors opening 30 minutes before showtime.
The cast and show writers include Elliana Brodbeck, Ella Grouws, Gabriel Hiner, Adam Jones, Andy Kruger, Sally Laybourn, Ada Lovelace, Jake Magner, Libby Phillips, Kamryn Steines, and Ethan Stravers.
Presenting variety show acts are Julia Alberts, Annaleissa Arnold, Raven Battle, Jr., Quinn Baumann, Doug Bentley, Ashley Bjork, Ben Bockman, Ethan Bockman, Grace Blikre, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Elliana Brodbeck, Rebecca Bruening, Leslie Campbell, Liam Chamberlain, Sophia Christman, Davis Coppola, Chloe Chyle, Braunwyn Darrington, Kathleen Delphey, Evynne Downing, Amelia Dugger, Bryar Duwe, Connor Evelsizer, Natalie Goodner, Ella Grouws, Sydney Hageman, Erik Hjelle, Bethany Hanson, Lucas Hanson, Ezra Harman-Wood, Nev Harper, Jenna Hartz, Aya Hawthorn, Gabriel Hiner, Mikayla Hiner, Kealy Hines, Elayna Hook, Avah Hove, Alexandra Irwin, Lily Iverson, Caleb Johnson, Elsa Johnson, Adam Jones, Greta Jones, Alexandra Kane, Rebecca Kane, Kate Kelly, Sydney Kipp, Jackson Knoke, Jensen Korsness, G. Carter Kowitz, Brinley Krivachek, Andy Kruger, Sally Laybourn, Franklin Lesmeister, Ada Lovelace, Jake Magner, Carson Merritt, Sami Mount, Beau Newhouse, Michael Njus, Kylie O’Hara, Libby Phillips, Elizabeth Pritchard, Mya Redenius, Ellen Rooney, Sylvia Sandhorst, Elias Sassaman, Julia Schwarz, Chloe Sheffield, Annalise Skrade, Daniel Skrade, Hope Stahl, Joseph Stammeyer, Kamryn Steines, Brynn Storhoff, Hayley Stowe, Robin Suhr, Gareth Sweet, Gwenyth Thompson, Kiah Tweten, Abbie Valkosky, Elias Vorvick, Ezra Vorvick, Adam Walter, Henry Weis, Camielle Wiedow, Rorie Wiedow, Max Wilson, and Margret Zook.
Crew members include Stage Manager Karmyn Bakken, Ariana Albert, Raven Battle, Jr., Grace Blikre, Cody Carolan, Elsa Christman, Sophia Christman, Kealy Hines, Camryn Holland, Abbeke Jensen, Madysen Lippe, Maran Martin, Amelia Pankow, Elizabeth Pritchard, Lily Sandhorst, Sylvia Sandhorst, Ryan Sibley, Annalise Skrade, Kera Walter, Addison Wicklund, and Max Wilson.
Directors for “Mr. Frazzle’s Fabulous Field Trip” are Chris Hadley, Jason Rausch, Karen Trewin, and Kristen Underwood.
Photo ID: Front row: Adam Jones Middle row (l-r): Ethan Stravers, Ella Grouws, Andy Kruger, and Elliana Brodbeck Back row (l-r): Ada Lovelace, Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Sally Laybourn, Jake Magner, and Kamryn Steines
On Saturday, October 22 at Independence High School, 43 Decorah High School musicians participated in the Iowa All-State Music auditions. The students prepared difficult musical selections and then competed for spots in the All-State ensembles with students from East Central and Northeast Iowa, including Dubuque and Cedar Rapids schools.
Fifteen students were selected as members of the 2022 ensembles: Cedrik Beiwel, viola; Oliver Brummel, bass; Jenna Hartz, alto; Gabriel Hiner, bass; Mikayla Hiner, soprano; Simon Kutz, cello; Sally Laybourn, alto; Ada Lovelace, soprano; Michael Njus, tenor; Libby Phillips, tenor; Mairi Sessions, tuba alternate; Gareth Sweet, tenor; Elias Vorvick, trombone; Ezra Vorvick, string bass; and Rorie Wiedow, alto.
Front row (l-r): Jenna Hartz, Rorie Wiedow, Libby Phillips, and Gareth Sweet Second row (l-r): Mikayla Hiner, Sally Laybourn, Mairi Sessions, Eli Vorvick, Michael Njus, and Ada Lovelace Third row (l-r): Cedrik Beiwel, Ezra Vorvick, Oliver Brummel, Gabriel Hiner, and Simon Kutz
The Decorah High School volleyball team participated in a fundraising effort for the Step UP and Reach Out Suicide Awareness Walk by pledging to donate $2.00 for every Decorah kill, dig, and ace serve occurring during the NEIC match against Charles City. Several other families also donated, and over $500 was raised for this worthy cause.
The Step UP and Reach Out Suicide Awareness Walk is important to bring friends and families together in remembrance of loved ones lost to suicide and to offer hope to those who may be struggling. All proceeds will go towards support, materials and suicide prevention education in area schools as well as local communities through Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health.
Photo ID front row (l-r): Autumn Schaller, Carmen Johnson, Lani Hubka, and Dahlyn Headington Back row (l-r): Chloe Reiser, Emma Wold, Sami Mount, Amelia Dugger, Haley Gossman, Britann Mettille, and Addison Wemark
Decorah High School will host a Veterans Day breakfast and program for veterans and their families on Thursday, November 10.
Breakfast will be served to veterans and their family members in the high school cafeteria starting at 8:30 a.m.
The Veterans Day program will be held in the high school auditorium at 9:45 a.m. The VFW Color Guard will post the colors, and the DHS Wind Ensemble and the DHS Concert Choir will perform throughout the program. Decorah High School graduate Mark Kappelmann, Colonel in the United States Army and Senior Army Advisor to the Iowa Army National Guard, will be the featured speaker.
An important part of the breakfast and program is to recognize military men and women who have a connection to Decorah. Those who would like to submit a photo of a family member who has served or is serving in the military to be added to the “Wall of Veterans” should bring a copy of a photo (no larger than a 5 x 7) to the Decorah High School office. Pictures can also be emailed with information to denise.gulrud@decorah.k12.ia.us. The following information should be included:
Name of person
Military Branch
Years served or serving
Wars or conflicts fought in
The deadline to submit photos is Friday, November 4th. Those with any questions can contact Denise Gulrud at Decorah High School, 563-382-3643.
Parking will be available in the parking lot located on the west side of the high school. Veterans and their family members can enter through either the auditorium doors or the doors located off the west parking lot.
Welcome to the first in a series of shows featuring — (Not Decorah!) — Spring Grove, MN! A huge part of our goal in starting this companion podcast to Inspire(d) has been to have another format that we can help tell the stories of our region. Despite the name “Rhymes With Decorah” (or perhaps because of it!?), the show is not just about Decorah – but all those that work to make our region a great place. And Spring Grove is a Great Place! Join us for the next 4 episodes as we feature profiles from this great SE Minnesota community. First up is Spring Grove’s Economic Development Director – Courtney Bergey Swanson!
Courtney Bergey Swanson grew up on a farm near rural Lanesboro, MN, and returned to Southeast Minnesota after studying Art and Communication Studies at Luther College. Before joining CEDA in 2016, she served as Director of Advancement for Lanesboro Arts. Her position with CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates) is Vice President of Development and Collaborative Services – which also includes being the Economic Development Director for Spring Grove.
Courtney’s work in SE Minnesota has helped implement several community and economic development projects, including public space improvements, historic renovation, cultural tourism efforts, and strategic planning for community growth.
Courtney is fueled by the belief that rural areas have the potential to advance their narrative, embrace innovation, and make creative pathways towards a sustainable future. She is also a Mom, Wife, fiber and ceramic artist, and enjoys sharing her talents through teaching.
Join us for our first show in this series featuring the community of Spring Grove!
