Month: November 2025

Penicillin Allergy Testing: Why It Matters and How It Works

Michael D'Netto, MD
Michael D’Netto, MD

Expert Insight from Michael D’Netto, M.D.

An estimated 10% of Americans report a penicillin allergy, but studies show that over 90% of them are not truly allergic. Mislabeling can lead to the use of less effective or more expensive antibiotics, increasing the risk of side effects, antibiotic resistance, and longer hospital stays.

At WinnMed in Decorah,Michael D’Netto, M.D., Mayo Clinic Health System Allergist and Immunologist, offers penicillin allergy testing to help patients safely determine whether they are truly allergic—and potentially remove the label for good.

“Many patients carry a penicillin allergy label for years based on childhood reactions or vague symptoms,” says Dr. D’Netto. “But with proper evaluation and testing, we can often confirm they’re not allergic and open the door to safer, more effective treatments.”

What Is Penicillin Allergy Testing?

The evaluation may include:

  • Skin testing using small amounts of penicillin and its components, and/or
  • A supervised oral challenge with amoxicillin

This process is safe, quick, and highly accurate. A negative result means the patient can safely take penicillin and related antibiotics in the future.

Why It Matters

Removing an incorrect penicillin allergy label can:

  • Improve treatment outcomes
  • Reduce healthcare costs
  • Support antibiotic stewardship
  • Lower the risk of drug-resistant infections 

“Penicillin allergy testing is one of the most impactful things we can do for long-term patient safety,” Dr. D’Netto adds.

If you’ve been told you’re allergic to penicillin, talk to your provider about a referral to Dr. D’Netto for testing. You may not be allergic after all—and that knowledge could change your care for the better.

Make an appointment

Dr. D’Netto is accepting new patients at WinnMed in Decorah.  Call WinnMed at 563-382-2911 or request an appointment online through WinnMed’s online portal, MyChart.

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One Team Day supports and celebrates Norse athletics

It’s time to celebrate and support Luther College’s student-athletes through the college’s sixth annual One Team Day on Thursday, Nov. 20.

“This One Team Day marks an exciting milestone in the Gerdin Fieldhouse renovation,” said Amanda Bailey, head women’s basketball coach. “You’ve seen the progress and construction all year. Now, we’re inviting the entire Luther community to help us finish this project strong.”

The $24 million Gerdin Fieldhouse renovation project is in its final stages. Teams are hosting home games at the Birkestrand Family Court, a dynamic arena configuration that has been a game-changer for the Norse athletics.

“It’s phenomenal and the best space for our volleyball, basketball and wrestling teams to compete in,” Bailey said. “This renovation isn’t about replacing the history of our programs. It’s about strengthening it.”

Head men’s wrestling coach Dave Mitchell said the new four-mat space beside the Robert and Ann Naslund Sports and Recreation Center and adjacent to Carlson Stadium “elevates” Luther’s wrestling program.

“This facility is a huge step up for us,” Mitchell said. “It gives us what we need to have a champion-level experience. This space will be one of the top wrestling facilities in the country. We are so thrilled that our alumni supported us to build this in one of the primary locations of campus.”

The Gerdin Fieldhouse has a new main lobby entrance, a new concession stand, new restroom facilities for events, and a new home for the athletic Hall of Fame. The facility uplift also includes updated team locker rooms for the Norse, visiting team locker rooms and other athletic department support areas.

“This space validates Luther’s commitment to the student-athlete experience and reaffirms how great our alumni support is. This project doesn’t happen by accident. We’re really excited to be here moving forward,” said Joe Troche, head coach of football.

Launched in 2020, One Team Day is a 24-hour campaign to support student-athletes, celebrate Norse spirit and highlight the importance of athletics and student-athletes within the Luther community. Gifts made on One Team Day go directly to help Luther’s student-athletes as they work hard, inspire one another, and uphold the proud traditions established by decades of Luther teammates.

In conjunction with One Team Day, a local committee made up of Luther alumni and Decorah leaders has been working to promote local support for the Gerdin Fieldhouse for the past two months, explained Mary Duvall, vice president for development.

“In the past two months, thanks to the work of this group, the Decorah area has generously given $141,170 to this project, and because every gift is being matched, that’s $282,000,” Duvall said. “And when we hit $500,000, we’re going to name the tailgating plaza outside of the new wrestling facility for this very community. The Decorah Community Tailgate Plaza will be a space where students can soak up the sun, where families and alumni can gather for tailgates and people can look out over the football field and the valley.”

Supporters may give online at Luther.edu/one-team-day or by calling 563-387-1862. Contributions on Nov. 20 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by One Team Day sponsors. This year’s One Team Day is extra special because supporters may support both their favorite teams, as they have done in the past, while also supporting the Gerdin Fieldhouse renovations.

“You can support your favorite program and this beautiful Gerdin Fieldhouse,” said Luther College Athletics Director Megan Wilson.

The daylong event concludes with light refreshments and a cash bar at the One Team Day Happy Hour from 5:30–7 p.m. at Impact Coffee, 101 Water St. Luther alumni, parents, coaches, and fans of Norse athletics are invited to attend the free event sponsored by Impact Coffee. Stay after the happy hour for Impact Trivia, hosted by Luther student-athletes.

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Lutheran Bishop Yehiel Curry to speak on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will offer keynote remarks at Luther College’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

The Rev. Yehiel Curry

The theme of the day and Curry’s talk is “Courage for the Common Good.” Supported by the Williams Endowment Fund, the day begins with Curry’s address at 10:30 a.m. Following an optional community lunch at noon for attendees, two sessions are planned for the afternoon at 1:15 p.m., a youth discussion with Curry, and a panel discussion with regional ELCA bishops for all others.

The event is open to the public, and admission to the morning program and the afternoon break-out sessions are free. Lunch tickets for adults are $10, but free for youth who are registered for the youth session.

“Dr. King taught us that true courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it,” Curry said. “As Lutherans, we believe that faith must be lived publicly, for the sake of others. Faith gives us the courage to confront injustice, to stand with the vulnerable, and work for the common good.”

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his namesake, Martin Luther, both exemplified courage both in addressing systems of injustice and advocating for the needs of the neighbors in their midst,” said Robert Clay, chief equity and inclusion officer and assistant to the president for community engagement. “‘Courage for the Common Good’ invites all to bold, brave and benevolent action for the building of the beloved community.”

Along with the opportunity to uplift and celebrate messages related to King’s legacy, the program is also one of the first opportunities for congregations across the region to hear Curry, who was elected on July 30, 2025, as the ELCA’s presiding bishop. He was officially installed into the position on Oct. 4, 2025.

Previously, he served as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, where he led a synod staff and 160 congregations by providing pastoral care, preaching, teaching, administering sacraments, and overseeing ordinations and installations. He was elected synod bishop in 2019 and reelected in spring 2025. During that time, he chaired the ELCA Conference of Bishops, fostering ecumenical relationships and theological engagement across the Lutheran communion.

Prior to his role as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, he served as the mission developer (2007–2012) and pastor (2013–2019) of Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church in Riverdale, Ill. He earned a bachelor of arts from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He and his wife, LaShonda, are the proud parents of three daughters.

“It is a joy and honor to welcome Bishop Curry to campus,” said Melissa Bills, college pastor and director of College Ministries. “Luther College is deeply connected to its Lutheran identity, both as a faith tradition and an intellectual tradition. This event serves as a reminder that this Lutheran identity is a living identity that calls us into compassionate and courageous engagement with our world. It’s exciting to bring people to campus for this event, and especially youth and young people.”

To reserve seats for the day, go to the Luther College Ticket Office at tickets.luther.edu.

Lorelei Ensemble

“We are thrilled to have the Lorelei Ensemble performing Christopher Cerrone’s ‘Beaufort Scales,’ which earned a Grammy nomination in 2025,” said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach.

November 3 2025

college student sitting in class

The Center for Ethics and Public Engagement will host a panel discussion and a community conversation. 

October 31 2025

Luther College Ticket Office

Ticket Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Show Day Hours:
9 a.m. – performance
Saturdays 1 p.m. – performance

Mail:
Luther College Ticket Office
Center for Faith & Life
700 College Dr
Decorah, Iowa 52101

tickets@luther.edu


Phone: 563-387-1357

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Knowing Nature: Raptors

Throughout the year, 11 different species of raptor birds call Winneshiek County their home! You may have seen pairs of brilliant Bald Eagles near the Upper Iowa River, or maybe you’ve heard the Red-Tailed Hawk’s iconic call from overhead. Whether you’re a casual bird-watcher, or a professional ornithologist, how well do you know your raptors?

 

Raptors are diurnal birds of prey who are grouped together and classified by their shared specialized physical characteristics that allow them to hunt other animals. Some of these characteristics include large wingspans, sharp talons, hooked beaks, and dynamic bodies meant for flying at high speeds. Examples of raptors include hawks, eagles, ospreys, and falcons.

 

Raptor birds can be found on almost every continent and live in a wide variety of climates. While most raptors are not true migratory birds, some have migration patterns that vary between species. Some migratory raptor species migrate singly, while others migrate in flocks. A few species are even considered to be nomadic and only leave an area when conditions decline, not based on season like migratory birds!

 

Raptors are all carnivorous but their diets depend on their size and habitat. Their home range sizes depend largely on the availability of food. For example, if prey is abundant near their nest, many raptor species will choose to keep their home range small. If they need to travel to hunt, their home range will be larger. A difference in home range size is not necessarily based on species because there can be differences in home range size between the same species of raptor.

 

Raptor birds of all species can be threatened by habitat loss and pollution, so conservation efforts aimed to protect these fierce birds are incredibly important.

 

So, are you ready to put your raptor knowledge to the test? Take this quiz to see how well you can identify the raptor birds of Northeast Iowa!

 

Take the quiz here: Knowing Nature – Raptors of Northeast Iowa 

 

Each Knowing Nature quiz features species found in Winneshiek County. By the end of the year, we’ll have experience identifying over 100 different types of plants, animals, and fungus!

 

Want to dive deeper into learning about the wildlife of Winneshiek County? Track seasonal changes and natural wonders with our YouTube playlist: “Noting Nature.”

 

Thank you to Luther College professor, Birgitta Meade, for compiling these “Knowing Nature” quizzes and allowing us to share them with the wider public. Most of the photos in these quizzes were taken by Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis.

DAISY Award Presented to Surgery & Infusion RN, Kristen Mashek

WinnMed Registered Nurse Kristen Mashek recently received the DAISY Award. Kristen (second from right) is pictured with WinnMed nursing leaders Dina Taylor, director of Surgery & Infusion (left), Marianne Stalberger, supervisor of Surgery & Infusion (second from left) and Kathy Moritz, Chief Nursing Officer (right).
WinnMed Registered Nurse Kristen Mashek recently received the DAISY Award. Kristen (second from right) is pictured with WinnMed nursing leaders Dina Taylor, director of Surgery & Infusion (left), Marianne Stalberger, supervisor of Surgery & Infusion (second from left) and Kathy Moritz, Chief Nursing Officer (right).

WinnMed has awarded Surgery & Infusion RN, Kristen Mashek, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a national recognition celebrating nurses who deliver exceptional, compassionate care.

Kristen was nominated by a longtime patient who described her as “the epitome of what an award-winning nurse should be.” The patient praised Kristen’s ability to bring comfort and positivity during challenging treatments, noting that her “bubbly voice and bright smile” consistently make a difference. Whether she’s providing direct care or simply passing by, Kristen goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel cared for and supported. Kristen has served as a registered nurse at WinnMed since 2017.

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way.

Anyone may thank a deserving nurse. To nominate an extraordinary WinnMed nurse, fill out the online form at https://winnmed.org/daisy-award

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Tickets on Sale for the DHS Fall Musical Chicago: Teen Edition

The Decorah High School Drama Program is thrilled to present this year’s fall musical,
Chicago: Teen Edition, November 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2025. 

 
Tickets are available online at decorahschools.ludus.com and in person at the Decorah High School office and at the high school auditorium’s box office one hour before each show. Performances are November 13th, 14th, and 15th at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday, November 15th at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. 

Chicago premiered in 1975, with a revival in 1996, and is now the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Set in 1920s Chicago, the story satirizes corruption in the justice system, and the media frenzy that follows two murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who are competing for the spotlight and the services of celebrity lawyer Billy Flynn. Based on actual newspaper accounts, the story was further popularized by a 2002 feature film.

Chicago: Teen Edition offers a spirited, jazz-filled take on the Broadway favorite — adapted especially for high-school performers and recommended for ages 12 and up. This version removes explicit content while keeping the show’s signature humor, music, and sharp social satire. Though the story includes comedic portrayals of crime and courtroom
drama, our production presents these elements with a theatrical style appropriate for middle school audiences and older. Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the teen edition was adapted by David Thompson. 

Decorah High School’s production features Ariana Albert, Kenyon Bartels, Lulu Bellrichard, Olivia Blake, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Kennedy Carlson, Spencer Christensen, Elsa Christman, Emma Cline, Nathaniel Crose, Brody Darling, Simone Downing, June Fassbinder, Marri Feuerhelm, Margaret Hahn, Ezra Harman-Wood, Mikayla Hiner, Caleb Johnson, Kaya Johnson, Klara Kelly, Claire Ko, Eva Kriemelmeyer, Kaelyn Kuhn, Nora Lesmeister, Jayden Lundtvedt, Lula McAbee, Violet Martinsen-Burrell, Harper Menke, Teagan Menke, Emma Neeble, Raelyn Newhouse, Clarence Nimrod, Leonard Nimrod, Noah Potvin, Simon Potvin, Olivia Rissman, Will Robinson, Vivian Searcy, Grace Stockman, Colin Thompson, Graham Torkelson, Jillian Volz, Autumn Wagner, Kaylie Wemark, and Kylie Zoulek. Student crew members are Xavier Ahrndt, Ava Burreson, Andrew Carolan, Jaylyn Carson, Esme Cuevas, Zoe Gerber, Ava Hanson, Marley Harmening, Regine Hougen, Jackson Irwin, Asher Iverson, Nessa Kane, Charlotte LaBelle, Myla Leitz, Morgan Malo, Alexander Mercado-Arneson, Carlton Nordschow, Anna Severtson, Veda Shimek, and Christian Volz, under the leadership of stage manager Nathan Rhodes and assistant stage manager Isaac Bentley.  Set design is by Scott Olinger, with direction by Chris Hadley, Jason Rausch, Karen Trewin, and Kristen Underwood.

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