Community News Stories

Christopher Winters, MD, has joined the surgery staff at Gundersen Decorah Clinic. As a general surgeon, he offers a broad spectrum of services including appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy, hernia repair, upper and lower endoscopy, Caesarean delivery plus many more. 

Born and raised in Oelwein, Dr. Winters received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from The University of Iowa, Iowa City.  He then earned his Doctor of Medicine from The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City. Dr. Winter completed his General Surgery Residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.  

“I chose to pursue a career in healthcare after I started engineering school. I grew up working in my parents autobody repair shop, and I have always really enjoyed complex problem solving as well as working with my hands,” says Dr. Winters. “While I was in engineering school, I really missed interacting with people as a regular part of my day, and I also found myself wanting to move back to a rural community. I found pursuing a career in medicine as a way to help others through complex medical problems while being able to work within a community similar to the one I grew up in. Choosing to pursue training in general surgery was a natural fit as I have always found a lot of fulfillment in working with my hands.” 

In his free time, Dr. Winters enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Amanda, and their son, Theodore. He also likes to work on home improvement projects, along with grilling, biking and hunting. 

Dr. Winters joins Gundersen Decorah surgeons Elleson Schurtz, MD; Phillip Yee, MD; and Michael LaBelle, MD, in providing general surgery services in Decorah. In addition, Dr. Winters will provide surgery services in Waukon, West Union and Cresco. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Winters or one of his colleagues, call the Gundersen Decorah Clinic at (563) 382-3140. 

Allamakee County Sportsman’s Club is having their Fall UTV ride and raffle on Saturday September 28th. Pre-registration is recommended by texting or calling 319-429-3104. Cost is $20 per person (16 and under free with paid driver over 18). Registration is from 8am to 9:30am day of the ride at 450 Hwy 9 Waukon. Ride will leave promptly at 10am riding through farm trails in Scenic NE Iowa. Raffle tickets are available from club members and at Anthem Archery, Sportsman’s Unlimited, River and Ridge, River Run Pub and Grub, Green Valley, Jet’s Cafe, and J-Mann’s Minnkota. Drawing will be done after the ride is completed at the clubhouse.

Jeremy Engrav was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor in April, 2022.  Jeremy is the husband of Betsy Engrav and dad of 4 children- Brayden, Brecken, Brantley, and Blair.

Raffle tickets are $20, or 6 for $100.  You can mix and match red, white, and blue tickets for the $100 deal.

Drawing for prizes is happening October 4th, 2024 during the halftime of the Waukon Indian varsity football game.

Necklace Raffle (white tickets)

-Elliott’s Necklace: 14KT Rose Gold Shimmering Diamond Pendant with ½ ct total weight diamonds -Value $1,700

Tickets are available at these Waukon businesses Elliott Jewelers, Epic Wear, Sportsmen’s Unlimited, or any committee member:

Jamie Phipps 319-415-0304
Jessica Jones 563-380-4789
Stef Perkins 563-794-0756
Rick Langland 563-379-3503
Sara Langland 563-568-1833
Erica Nosbisch 319-432-4941
Morgan Weymiller 319-415-4088
Angela Gibbs 563-380-2358
Alana Gavin 563-568-1932

For more info, search Engrav Family Raffle Benefit on Facebook

Rendezvous 5K Run will be held on Saturday, September 28^th.  We encourage preregistrations so that you are guaranteed a shirt are due by September 20th.   Cost is $25.00.  Registration forms are available at www.fortatkinsoniowarendezvous.com for the registration form. Questions e-mail us at fortatkinsoniowarendezvous@gmail.com or call Lindsay Vsetecka at 563-380-7299.

Rendezvous Chicken Dinner will be held on Friday, September 27^th from 4:30-7:00pm at the Fort Atkinson Community Center.  Carryouts available.   Mark your calendars and join us!

The 48^th annual Fort Atkinson Rendezvous will be held on September 28 and 29^th.   Gates open at 9:30 on Saturday and 9:00 on Sunday.  We will have a special Restoration Dedication with the Iowa DNR at 12:00 on Saturday noting the completion of the restoration work completed this year at the Fort. Questions contact Kay Schmitt at 563-419-3567.

All are invited to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s 13th Welcome Friends & Neighbors Picnic, an annual celebration of community, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at 701 Iowa Avenue, Decorah on Sunday, September 15.

Enjoy a free meal of hot dogs (both regular and vegetarian), chips, salads, desserts, and beverages, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, outside under the Solar Canopy or in the Fellowship Hall. There will be games for kids too!

Founded on November 24, 1958, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), celebrates 66 years of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Good Shepherd is a Reconciling in Christ partner congregation, affirming our welcome to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression, and we are committed to anti-racism work so that all may participate fully in the life of our congregation. God makes no exceptions. There is a place for you here!

Good Shepherd is also the site of Kinderhaus Preschool, as well as a meeting place for community organizations and support groups. All facilities are ADA accessible. The entire facility is Carbon Neutral and Net Zero Energy use, and is certified as a Cool Congregation by the national organization Interfaith Power and Light. For more information, go to www.goodshepherddecorah.org/ or call the church office at 563-382-3963.

Pancake on the patio fundraiser for the Winneshiek county fairgrounds will be held Sunday September 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards Winneshiek County fairground improvements including youth livestock facilities. Free Will offering and Carry outs will be available. The meal will be pancakes scrambled eggs breakfast sausage cheese curds and beverage. It will be held at the community building on the fairgrounds. Thank you

The Iowa DOT is closing the IA 9 Lansing Bridge from 1 PM to 3 PM Wednesday, August 14th, for construction of the new bridge. These short closures are expected to continue daily through this week.

Farm tenants and landowners are encouraged to attend

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Allamakee County is hosting a farmland leasing meeting on Thursday, August 22 at 9:30 AM, AT the Allamakee County Extension and Outreach Office, 218 7^th Ave SE Suite #102 in Waukon. The annual meeting is offered to address questions that landowners, tenants, or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland. The average reported in the 2024 cash rental survey for the state is $279 per acre of corn and soybeans and is the first-time rates have not increased in five years.

Topics will include land values and cash rent trends, cost of production, methods for determining a fair rental rate, legislative updates regarding leases and communicating with tenants or landlords.

Registration is $20 per individual or er couple and includes materials. Preregistration is encouraged as an additional $5 fee will be added if registering less than two calendar days before the meeting date. To register contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County office at 563-568-6345 or email dahlstro@iastate.edu.