Spring weather has arrived and we are all ready to get outside and enjoy the trails, but unfortunately many off road trails are not ready for bike or foot traffic just yet. Each spring the off road trails go through freeze thaw cycles and walking or riding trails too early in the season can cause significant immediate as well as long term damage. This can also occur after rain, which results in muddy trails.
Did you know that we accept a wide variety of electronics and appliances at Winneshiek County Recycling?
Old microwaves, toasters, laptops, printers, washing machines, dryers, bicycles, lawn mowers, and more all contain valuable metals that can be recovered and recycled instead of buried in the landfill.
Why does it matter?
Metal is one of the most recyclable materials we have, and it can be recycled over and over again without losing quality. Keeping it out of the landfill conserves resources, reduces mining, and protects our environment.
Some items require a small fee to cover proper handling and recycling costs. If you’re unsure about an item or the fee, give us a call. We’re happy to help. Before you toss it, check with us first!
Wednesday, February 11th- Dug Road Trail is officially RE-OPEN!
Thursday, February 5, 2026 UPDATE on 2:17pm:
Dug Road will be closed the rest of the day today (2/5) and through the workday tomorrow (2/6) for repairs and clean up. Stay tuned on our Facebook page and website for updates tomorrow afternoon!
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Dug Road Trail will be closed today from 7:30 AM-3:30 PM to address drainage issues along the corridor.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Work will begin today on the Dug Road Trail Outlet. The project includes clearing and grubbing, pavement removal, grading and shaping, replacing the corrugated metal pipe and riprap revetment. The Dug Road Trail is scheduled to remain open. Grout work will be completed during warmer temperatures and will involve a short-term closure of the trail.
Thurs Feb.12, 5:30-7 Adult Recess with The Landing Market
Winter Games Night @ The Landing: Winter puzzles, board games, word searches and Mad Libs with Olympic themes will be provided. Suitable for any size groups.
Teaching/offering the card game 7s to those interested too!
Wear a Norwegian sweater and get a coupon for one FREE item at Justin’s or The Buzz (up to $10).
We’re incredibly grateful to Winneshiek Energy District for organizing the ribbon cutting for our solar project and for the great article highlighting the work!
A big thank you as well to Decorah Electric for their excellent work installing the system. We’re proud to be part of the momentum around renewable energy in Winneshiek County!
WinnMed has awarded Home Health & Hospice nurse, Jennifer Nahl, RN, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a national recognition celebrating nurses who deliver exceptional care.
Nominated by a patient’s loved one, Jennifer was recognized for the extraordinary compassion, honesty and unwavering support she provided to the patient and his family during his final months. She offered comfort through her gentle presence, genuine kindness, and intuitive understanding of his needs, while also uplifting the family. Jennifer built meaningful connections by listening intently to the patient’s favorite stories and memories, helping him feel valued and understood. Her clear, honest communication fostered trust, ensured the family felt fully informed and honored the patient’s wishes. Through her dedication, empathy, and exceptional care, Jennifer brought dignity and peace during the family’s most vulnerable moments, leaving an immeasurable and lasting impact. Jennifer has been a member of the WinnMed team since 2010.
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 here.
Work will begin today on the Dug Road Trail Outlet. The project includes clearing and grubbing, pavement removal, grading and shaping, replacing the corrugated metal pipe and riprap revetment. The Dug Road Trail is scheduled to remain open. Grout work will be completed during warmer temperatures and will involve a short-term closure of the trail.
Please note that the Decorah recycling bins currently located in the lot near Decorah City Hall will be moved on Friday, January 30th.
New Location:
Goose Island Dr – behind the Army Reserve and across the street from the Decorah softball field. You will need to enter the site from the north side off of Goose Island Dr.
To help with the transition, here is a map displaying the old location and new location.
New location and old location of Decorah recycling collection site.
The bins are being moved to allow room for the construction of the new elementary school.
Thank you for your patience and for continuing to recycle responsibly!
In addition to this news, we would also like to remind folks of the following rules when using the Winneshiek County Recycling collection sites.
Please review the details below in regards to using the roll off bins:
CARDBOARD BINS
• Cardboard that tears brown
• Brown paper goes in these bins
• Flatten all cardboard (Prevents hauling air and keeps bins from filling too fast)
COMBO BIN
PLASTIC & METAL SECTION
• HARD plastics only stamped #1 or #2
• Tin cans
• Aluminum cans
• Items must be empty & dry
• NO food remnants
PAPER SECTION
• Paper that tears white
• Clean, dry paper only
• Avoid paper covered in wax (No paper cups or plates. They contain a wax coating.)
NO – DO NOT PLACE THESE ITEMS IN BINS AT THE COLLECTION SITES (Some are accepted ONLY at the recycling center)
• Non-recyclable materials
• Soft plastics (bags, wrap, film)
• Food or food-soiled items
• Scrap metal (Accepted ONLY at the Recycling Center)
• Glass (Accepted ONLY at the Recycling Center)
NO ITEMS ON THE GROUND
Placing items next to the bins is littering and against the law.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The recycling site is a service provided by Winneshiek County Recycling. If the site is abused, it may be locked and drop-off limited to specific hours.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE RECYCLING GUIDES AND ADDITIONAL RECYCLING INFORMATION:
PLEASE REACH OUT TO US IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS:
Email: recycling@co.winneshiek.ia.us
Phone: 563-382-6514
Message us on Facebook.
THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR PART AND KEEPING VALUABLE MATERIALS OUT OF OUR LANDFILL!
At their January 2026 meeting, the WinnMed Board of Trustees approved the transition of Thomas Marquardt, D.P.M., from Mayo Clinic Health System to WinnMed employment, effective in February 2026. Dr. Marquardt will continue in his role as Chief Medical Officer, supporting all physician groups at WinnMed while also providing podiatric clinical and surgical care alongside his administrative responsibilities.
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Marquardt reports directly to the Board of Trustees, alongside Steve Slessor, Chief Administrative Officer.
“The physician-administrative leadership dyad model has served the organization well over the last 20 years and has helped us get to where we are today. This transition supports WinnMed’s regional hub strategy for future growth as we continue to recruit providers and expand services across the region,” said Clark Goltz, chair of the WinnMed Board of Trustees. “Dr. Marquardt’s ongoing leadership and clinical expertise are invaluable as we look to the future.”
A graduate of Luther College, Dr. Marquardt received his podiatric medical degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, a program within the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago. He was in private practice for nine years in the Milwaukee area, working closely with and training residents at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, and joined Mayo Clinic Health System in 2006. In addition to his medical and surgical practice, he has served Decorah Clinic Physicians as Vice President for Practice and Professional Development for approximately 10 years and as Specialty Medical Director since 2015. He was appointed Chief Medical Officer in 2020.
Dr. Marquardt expressed appreciation for both the personal and professional relationships built through Mayo Clinic Health System. “I value the collaboration and support I’ve experienced over the years,” said Dr. Marquardt. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with MCHS and our teams locally to advance patient care and strengthen services for the communities we serve.”
WinnMed is proud to announce a major investment in the future of surgical care with the acquisition of a da Vinci 5 Robotic Surgical System, state-of-the-art technology that will bring advanced, minimally invasive procedures to patients in northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota and surrounding communities. This newest model of the da Vinci system is just the second in Iowa, following University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The da Vinci system is widely regarded as the gold standard in robotic-assisted surgery. It allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control through small incisions, resulting in less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients.
“This is a significant step forward for WinnMed and the communities we serve,” said Steve Slessor, chief administrative officer, WinnMed. “The da Vinci robot represents a transformative investment in surgical care, and we are excited to bring this level of innovation to the northeast Iowa region.”
The system is housed in one of WinnMed’s newly constructed operating rooms, specifically designed to accommodate robotic technology through the Transforming Tomorrow renovation and expansion project.
Surgeons from all the Decorah medical practices will use the robot to perform certain surgeries at WinnMed. In 2025, general surgeons Erik Brink, D.O., with WinnMed, Caroline Schwickerath, D.O., with Mayo Clinic Health System, and Chris Winters, M.D., with Emplify Health by Gundersen will begin robotic surgery, with additional surgeons utilizing the technology in 2026.
Dr. Brink shares, “Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to perform procedures with greater accuracy and less trauma to the body. For patients, this means quicker recovery times and fewer complications. I’m thrilled to bring this level of care to our community and to be part of WinnMed’s commitment to innovation.” Dr. Brink was introduced to da Vinci technology in 2009 during his medical education and residency and then, following his service in the United States Navy, reengaged with the system. He has been providing robotic surgery since 2023 and was instrumental in bringing the technology to WinnMed in Decorah when he joined the medical practice in spring of 2025.
Dr. Winters, M.D., says, “I am more than excited to offer modern robotic-assisted procedures to my patients in northeast Iowa. Robotic-assisted surgery allows for complex procedures to be performed precisely through small incisions allowing patients an opportunity for a better outcome, faster recovery, and less discomfort.”
The da Vinci 5 system supports a wide range of procedures, including hernia repairs, gallbladder removal, colorectal procedures, and treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may also be used in urologic and gynecologic surgeries, depending on patient needs and future service expansion.
