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July 4, 2024

Page 1

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Vol. 159, Issue 27

Decorah, Iowa 52101 www.decorahnewspapers.com

One Section email: news@decorahnewspapers.com

Price One Dollar phone: 563-382-4221

fax: 563-382-5949

WinnMed says physicians, level of care to remain the same as Mayo partnership changes By Zach Jensen Staff Writer WinnMed, the county-owned hospital and clinic in Decorah, will no longer be affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Health System as of 2025. The announcement was made June 27 during a special WinnMed Board of Trustees meeting, but Board Chair Clark Goltz said Steve Slessor he doesn’t foresee many potential challenges in WinnMed’s future as a result of the separation. “I don’t see that anything’s going to change, but there could be some benefits,” Goltz said. “For example, we could now partner with entities other than Mayo, and another advantage is more local control. Not that we weren’t happy with sharing with Mayo, but now we can make our own decisions.” Goltz said he and other WinnMed officials were first made aware of the upcoming changes during a special meeting with Mayo officials June 20, at which time it was expected that Win-

nMed and Mayo would renew their Professional Services Agreements and Management Services Agreements, just as they have every 3-5 years since 2008. Officials instead informed WinnMed that Mayo wasn’t going to renew those agreements — bringing an end to the 17-year affiliation between the two healthcare entities. However, Goltz emphasized they do plan to negotiate a new long-term Professional Services Agreement- which allows WinnMed’s physicians to be considered employees of Mayo Clinic. The MSA allows Mayo to employ WinnMed’s upper management professionals — positions such as the chief administrative officer, chief medical officer and others. Goltz said the board offered WinnMed’s Chief Administrative Officer position to Steve Slessor during the June 27 meeting. “So now, he will be our employee and not Mayo’s employee,” Goltz said. “He’s an amazing man, he’s a great leader, and we don’t want to lose him. It’s amazing. We are so fortunate.” Goltz said Slessor accepted WinnMed’s offer and turned in his resignation from Mayo Monday afternoon.

WinnMed

Doug Smith is presented a brand new US flag by Veterans Flagpole Initiative volunteers Darrel Stoll (left) and Don Ryan (right), as VFI Vice President Jack Flanders and volunteer Jim Lee look on (behind flag in background). (Photo by Denise Lana)

Decorah Veteran gifted flagpole Decorah resident and Navy veteran Doug Smith hosted a yard full of fellow veterans and volunteers Saturday, June 15, as Smith was awarded a flagpole as part of the Veterans Flagpole Initiative (VFI) program. Formed in 2021 by Army National Guard Major Eric Dolash from Waverly, VFI was created to share a permanent visual reminder of thanks to Veterans for

their service and sacrifice. Smith, who served in the U.S. Navy for 28 years, was nominated by his wife, Linda, who knew her husband had always wanted a flagpole. The program is made up of roughly 50 Veterans and friends, and Smith’s flag was installed and supported by more than a dozen people who had traveled from Waverly, Waterville, Independence, Cedar Falls,

and as far away as Cedar Rapids. Since its inception, more than 60 telescopic flagpoles lit by solar power, complete with an American flag and Iowa flag, have been installed by VFI at Veterans’ homes all across Iowa. VFI hopes to have a flag in each of the four corners of Iowa by the end of 2024 and a flag in each of the 99 counties by 2028.

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Fair queen candidates announced, coronation is July 9 The annual Winneshiek County Fair Queen Competition is judged based on personality, attitude, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise. Coronation will be held during opening ceremonies 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 in the grandstand. The Winneshiek County Fair runs July 9-13. Following are this year’s candidates.

pher Wicklund of Decorah. She will be a senior at Decorah High School this fall. Addison is involved in musicals, chorus, varsity bowling, varsity robotics and National Honor Society. She volunteers for Project Linus, Decorah Rocks and The Landing Homeless Shelter, and she helps with church activities at Mabel First Lutheran, Decorah First Lutheran and Bethel Baptist. She is currently the president of the Hesper Helpers 4-H Club, the secretary for the Winneshiek County Council and a member of the Pine

Bluff Board. Addison enjoys crocheting, camping with her family, Bible journaling, bowling, participating in 4-H events and being with family and friends. In the future, she plans to attend college to earn a business degree to open up her own cosmetology business. Addison would like to also earn a psychology degree.

at South Winneshiek High School this fall. Alayna is involved in FFA activities including National Diary Handler, Dairy/Livestock Judging and many more categories. She volunteers for Park and Rec coaching volleyball and baseball, helps with farm safety events and serves at church. She also helps with many events with the Cattleman

us online - www.decorahnewspapers.comQueen candidates

Addison Wicklund Addison Wicklund is the 17-yearold daughter of Melissa and Christo-

Alayna Hageman Alayna Hageman is the 16-year-old daughter of Trevor and Tori Hageman of Ossian. She will be a junior

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Decorah’s new Parks and Recreation Director Marc Holtey met with council members and city staff on his first official day July 1. (Photo by Denise Lana)

City welcomes new Parks and Rec director By Denise Lana Staff Writer

2024 Winneshiek County Fair queen candidates are picture from left- Ellie Knutson, Eden Scheidel, Addison Wicklund, Jerikah Dodd, Alayna Hageman and Annika Schmelzer. (submitted)

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Council members and city staff welcomed Decorah’s new Parks and Recreation Director Marc Holtey during Monday’s meeting — Monday was Holtey’s first official day of employment with Decorah. Holtey comes to Decorah from Minnesota with 22 years of experience under is belt, having launched his career in environmental education and resource management before shifting to parks and rec at Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.


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