Community News Stories

Donating blood is safe, simple and it saves lives. It takes just one hour to make a life-saving blood donation, which will impact the lives of up to three different hospital patients. You can make a difference in your community by helping to maintain the local blood supply when you donate blood with LifeServe Blood Center.

Give your life-saving gift at the upcoming blood drive at Winneshiek Medical Center on Friday, June 28 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on the lower level of the medical center.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-in donors will be worked into the schedule as time allows. To schedule an appointment, go online to www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or contact Marketing & Communications 563-382-2911 or at communityrelations@winmedical.org.

The LifeServe Blood Center requires all donors to provide identification, such as your Blood Center donor card, driver’s license, etc. Eligible donors must be at least 16 years of age, in general good health and weigh at least 120 pounds.

Prairie du Chien, WI – With speech and language disorders ranking among the most common disabilities in children, parents and caregivers are encouraged to learn the signs—and seek an evaluation—if they have concerns about their child’s ability to communicate. The Crossing Rivers Health speech therapy team includes Nicole Martin, Speech Therapy Manager; Juli Smith, Speech Therapist; Kim MacEachern, Speech Therapist; and Traci Konichek, Birth to Three Coordinator. Together, the team works to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

“Development of strong communication skills is extremely important—and parents anxiously await their child’s first words,” said Nicole Martin, Crossing Rivers Health Speech Therapy Manager. “Yet common misconceptions remain. One is that children generally ‘grow out’ of speech or language difficulties. Unfortunately, this mistaken impression too often delays treatment. Of course, some children are indeed ‘late bloomers,’ yet treatment is frequently necessary, too. Good communication skills are critical, helping with behavior, learning, reading, social skills, and friendships. It is much easier, more effective, and less costly to treat speech and language disorders early—and May is a great time to educate parents on this important point.”

Speech and language disorders are evaluated and treated by speech-language pathologists. Speech is the ability to produce speech sounds using the mouth, lips, and tongue. A child may say sounds the wrong way, repeat sounds and words, or be otherwise difficult to understand. Language is the ability to use and put words together—and to understand others’ words. A child may have trouble understanding questions, following directions, or naming objects. Early speech and language treatment sets a child up for future school and social success.

The speech therapy team at Crossing Rivers Health shares some of the following warning signs for parents to watch for in young children:

• Does not babble (4–7 months)
• Makes only a few sounds or gestures, like pointing (7–12 months)
• Does not understand what others say (7 months–2 years)
• Says only a few words (12–18 months)
• Says p, b, m, h, and w incorrectly in words (1–2 years)
• Words are not easily understood (18 months–2 years)
• Does not put words together to make sentences (1.5–3 years)
• Says k, g, f, t, d, and n incorrectly in words (2–3 years)
• Produces speech that is unclear, even to familiar people (2–3 years)
• Repeating the first sounds of words, like “b-b-b-ball” for “ball” (any age)
• Stretching sounds out, like “fffffarm” for “farm” (any age)

For school-age children, warning signs may include the following:

• Has trouble following directions
• Has problems reading and writing
• Does not always understand what others say
• Is not understood by others
• Has trouble talking about thoughts or feelings

The speech therapy team also offers parents these tips to encourage a child’s communication development:

For young children:

• Talk, read, and play with your child.
• Listen and respond to what your child says.
• Talk with your child in the language that you are most comfortable using.
• Teach your child to speak another language, if you speak one.
• Talk about what you do and what your child does during the day.
• Use a lot of different words with your child.
• Use longer sentences as your child gets older.
• Have your child play with other children.

For elementary-age children:

• Have your child retell stories and talk about their day.
• Talk with your child about what you do during the day. Give them directions to follow.
• Talk about how things are the same and how things are different.
• Give your child chances to write.

• Read every day. Find books or magazines that interest your child.

Although treatment ideally begins early—in the toddler years—it is never too late to get treatment. The large majority of parents report significant improvement after treatment. To schedule an assessment at Crossing Rivers Health, call 608.357.2339 or visit crossingrivers.org/speech.

Photo (L to R): The Crossing Rivers Health speech therapy team includes Nicole Martin, Speech Therapy Manager; Juli Smith, Speech Therapist; Kim MacEachern, Speech Therapist; and Traci Konichek, Birth to Three Coordinator.

DECORAH, Iowa — Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, was pleased to once again have the volunteers from Decorah’s Town and Country Garden Club fill the planters at Vesterheim with beautiful flowers this Spring. The flowers were made possible by the generous support of FreedomBank of Decorah, formerly Farmers and Merchants Bank. FreedomBank is a long time Vesterheim Corporate Member. “Nothing says ‘Velkommen’ with warm hospitality more then an inviting entry filled with spring garden plantings!” Kristen Heine, Vesterheim Major Gifts Officer, said.

Pictured here seated left to right: Roger Buhr and LaVonne Monson, volunteers of the Decorah Town and Country Garden Club. Standing left to right: Chris Johnson, Vesterheim CEO, Maureen Duncklee, FreedomBank VP and Branch Manager, Diane Brondyke, Vesterheim Director of Development, Karen Henning and Rachel Gannon FreedomBank Decorah Branch staff.

With world-class exhibitions and 12 historic buildings in scenic Decorah, Iowa, Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center, showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts, and explores the American immigrant experience. This national treasure is also a center for folk-art education, offering a wide variety of classes in authentic Norwegian folk art every year. For more information on the museum’s exhibitions, classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, check Vesterheim’s website at vesterheim.org, call (563) 382-9681, or write to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

Lansing, IA – The Allamakee County Conservation Foundation is pleased to award Brooke Wasson with a 2019 Conservation Scholarship in the amount of $500.00.  One of the Foundation’s many goals is to support area youth who are interested in careers in conservation.  Wasson is planning on attending Iowa State in the fall where she intends to double major in Environmental Science and Spanish.

The Allamakee County Conservation Foundation Scholarship is available to seniors graduating from an Allamakee County school including Postville, Allamakee Community and Eastern Allamakee Schools with plans on entering a conservation field after attending a two or four year school.  To learn more on how you can support the Allamakee County Conservation Foundation Scholarship please contact the Driftless Area Educaiton and Visitors Center at (563)538-0401.  Congratulations Brooke!

Pictured from left to right: Board member Gary Krapfl, Brooke Wasson, board member Jeannie Carrol, board member Jessie Delaney.

June 1, 2019

Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah has installed the latest MRI technology for patients.  The new digital MRI machine provides flexibility in scanning options and exceptional image quality.  Additionally, it has an increased weight capacity, offers more room for patients during the exam, and is quieter for patient comfort.

Tasha Croell, director of WMC Radiology, says, “The new MRI features a larger opening, soft lighting and soothing fans to lessen the ‘claustrophobic’ feeling of our prior scanner. With it, our MRI team will be able to produce higher-quality imaging, quicker diagnosis, swifter patient flow, enhanced comfort, and reduced wait times overall. We are very excited to be able to offer this incredible technology to our patients!”

What is MRI?

MRI is the common term for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI is a non-invasive type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.  An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets.  The patient is positioned within the tube during the scan.

MRI is useful in diagnosing disorders of the central nervous system, joints, abdominal and pelvic organs, and circulatory system.

An accredited team

Since 2011, the Winneshiek Medical Center MRI team has maintained the American College of Radiology Gold Seal of Accreditation for providing the highest level of MRI image quality and patient safety.  The Gold Seal of Accreditation is awarded only to facilities meeting American College of Radiology Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed.

Request a referral to Winneshiek Medical Center

If your doctor recommends an MRI, request a referral to Winneshiek Medical Center Radiology.  We provide MRI exams daily.  We serve everyone in our region, and will send the results to the doctor of your choosing.  Call Winneshiek Medical Center Radiology at 563-387-3022 to learn more about leading-edge imaging technology available locally.

Making a difference in someone’s life is truly inspiring. It can be even more meaningful when a youth’s life is changed to head at things in a more positive way.

Isaac is eight years old. He is often late for school. Not on Tuesday’s. His mother shares, “Every Tuesday he jumps out of bed and shares that he gets to have lunch with his friend, Carl.” He beams knowing that he gets time with his mentor.

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is hosting an inspiring event called a Mentor Social on Tuesday, June 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at T-Bock’s Underground. Those who are considering becoming a mentor and spending a minimum of four hours per month with a youth are invited to come and enjoy appetizers and great conversation. A cash bar will be available. There will be several current mentors attending who will informally share their inspiring stories of volunteering with their youth.

One current mentor shares, “I remember being invited to this event previously and someone saying Just come for the food. I really enjoyed the no-pressure environment and got lots of my questions answered. I am so glad I came and became a mentor. I love being a friend to my youth!”

Youth Mentoring in Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties provides an adult mentor who spends a minimum of four hours a month with a youth, ages 5–16. Currently, 44 youth are enjoying time with a mentor, and 29 youth are waiting for a mentor. For information on how you can be part of the excitement of mentoring at Helping Services, contact Kathy or Colinne at (563) 387-1720, mentoring@helpingservices.org, or online at www.helpingservices.org/mentoring.

 Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support, and education.

Lansing, IA – June 5th, 2019
Mason City native, Iowa State graduate, and 2017-18 Iowa Arts Council Artist Fellow Jack Meggers will be hosting the premiere screening of his short film, The Burial, at TJ Hunter’s in Lansing, IA at 7pm, Thursday, June 20th, 2019. The screening will also be hosted by Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism.

Last August, Meggers completed principal photography for his short film produced in and around Lansing, IA. Since filming was completed, Meggers has been working on the editing and finishing of his film and is very excited to debut it for many of the people that helped in its creation.

A Q&A session will follow the screening and will be attended by Meggers and his lead actress, Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon, all the way from New York City.

Parents of young children are cautioned: there is some adult language in the film.

The film follows Abby, a young woman of Native American and Caucasian descent (played by New York actress Nokomis Leaman-Logsdon), as she returns to her childhood home in NE Iowa. After receiving word that her estranged father has passed away, she returns to settle her father’s affairs, only to fall in with some childhood friends and ignore her responsibilities. The group makes a startling discovery in the woods and must deal with the consequences of their poor decisions.

This screening is the first of two planned screenings. The second will take place in Des Moines on June 22nd and will be held at the State of Iowa Historical Museum auditorium at 4:30pm.
The natural beauty of the driftless area in the NE corner of Iowa is featured in this short, proof-of-concept film. Meggers wishes to extend great thanks to everyone in Allamakee County and beyond that made this film possible.

Links of interest:
www.facebook.com/theburialmovie
www.jack.film
Jack Meggers IMDB
Anatomical Heart Films
415 7th Street, Ste 108
West Des Moines, IA 50265

Recycle your old hearing aids to benefit patients through Winneshiek Medical Center’s hearing aid recycling program

 Winneshiek Medical Center Decorah Clinic Audiology is pleased to partner with Starkey Hearing Foundation to offer a hearing aid recycling program. The program, in partnership with Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation, allows anyone to donate any brand of used hearing aids which are in turn sent in for rebate dollars from Starkey Foundation. The rebate dollars are allocated to patients who need assistance paying for hearing aids or hearing aid supplies.

“We are able to refurbish some of the donated hearing aids to loan out to patients as well,” says Cynthia See, Au.D., Mayo Clinic Health System audiologist at WMC Decorah Clinic. “Patients appreciate the opportunity to wear these demo models to experience how hearing aids can change their quality of life before making a decision to purchase.”

To donate used hearing aids, simply contact Winneshiek Medical Center Foundation and you may request a tax-deductible donation receipt if you choose.  “We’re pleased to be a partner for this program,” says Holly Kanengeiter, WMC Foundation coordinator. “It’s another way we can address the health needs of our community and support those patients who are dealing with hearing loss.”

Winneshiek Medical Center Audiology specializes in evaluating and treating patients with hearing loss. In addition to fitting hearing aids, Dr. See can help with concerns about hearing, ringing of the ears, dizziness, ear fullness, ear drainage, and more. Top-quality hearing products/supplies are available at Decorah Clinic lower level reception desk.  Including hearing aid batteries (by the pack or case), audiowipes, dehumidifiers, wax guards and wax loops. For more information on the WMC hearing aid recycling program or audiology services, visit www.winmedical.org/audiology.

Medicare Questions? SHIIP can help.

SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) is a program through the State of Iowa – staffed by trained volunteers – that provides free informational materials as well as one-to-one assistance with:

• Medicare coverage
• Medicare supplement insurance
• Medicare Part D assistance and enrollment (prescription insurance)
• Long-term care insurance
• Medicare and insurance claims
• Other related issues

SHIIP does not endorse insurance companies, plans or agents; the volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help seniors make well-informed decisions. SHIIP is available to help if you:

• Are going on Medicare
• Are over age 65, on Medicare, and have questions
• Are on disability with Medicare and Medicaid

SHIIP volunteers are available by appointment at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah by calling 563-387-3036.

The Decorah Municipal Band performs this Thursday, June 6, at Lawn Chair Night in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse at 7:00 pm. The band is under the direction of Jim Fritz and Merlyn Finley. Bring a friend and find a cozy place to sit and enjoy the live music! More at www.decorahmuniband.org.