Category: Community

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Cy and Ramona Nelson of Decorah have established the Dr. Kevin Locke EMS Provider Endowment Fund with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.

The Nelson’s wish to recognize and sincerely thank Dr. Kevin Locke and the dedicated Winneshiek County EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Provider’s efforts in saving Cy’s life from a cardiac arrest.

On December 6, 2023, Cy and his friend Kevin Locke, M.D., were together at Cy’s home when he collapsed on the driveway. Dr. Locke called 911 and began chest compressions. The 911 call activated Winneshiek County emergency responders. “This was a team effort that led to saving Cy’s life. The law enforcement, paramedics and emergency staff all knew their role, and it works best when everyone performs their role.” says Dr. Locke.

The endowment will enable the WinnMed Foundation to continue providing essential EMS equipment, training and covering other expenses to support EMS services and staff. All gifts to the fund are tax-deductible and may qualify for the Endow Iowa 25% Tax Credit.

WinnMed Foundation works with donors, like Cy & Ramona, in fulfilling their philanthropic wishes. For more information on the WinnMed Foundation, click here.

On March 4 Decorah residents will once again have the opportunity to decide their energy future during a city-wide election to “Establish a Municipal Electric Utility.” By voting “Yes!” citizens of Decorah take the first step in exploring the opportunity of a municipally owned electric utility (MEU). It’s a historic opportunity to prioritize local issues and make choices that are in the best interest of Decorah and it’s citizens, and the broader world.

MEUs in Iowa are reported to have faster response times in disasters, lower rates, and better reliability than Decorah’s current investor owned utility. As the world enters an era of increased electrification, I’d bet that Decorah’s investment in electric infrastructure now would be a wise investment for the future.

The Winneshiek Energy District is working toward a future where energy dollars circulate locally, citizens have transparency and truth from their energy provider, and utilities are innovative drivers of clean energy progress. Rural spaces have a history of being extracted from for the benefit of big business. Let’s flip this narrative through local ownership so that “return on investment to stakeholders” results in vibrant rural communities.

Are you ready to champion local energy? Stay connected with this issue, learn about public events and/or donate. Together we can transform our energy systems to reflect the people that they serve!