News Center newsletter

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, April 18, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in the Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or who has a friend or loved one who has diabetes.  For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call  Angie Mettille, RN, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411.
 

by Brandy Strub, MS, RD/LD, Dietitian, Veterans Memorial Hospital

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that the body can’t digest and comes in two varieties: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Most high fiber foods have both, so it is best to just focus on overall fiber intake.

Fiber not only keeps bowel movements regular, which helps prevent against diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, and possibly decreases a person’s risk of colorectal cancer, it also helps:
1. Control blood sugars by slowing down the absorption of sugar and preventing blood sugar spikes
2. Protect heart health by helping lower cholesterol
3. Aid in weight management by making you feel fuller longer
4. Enhance gut health by feeding the good bacteria in your gut which may lead to better mood, less inflammation, healthier skin, etc.

An open house will be held in honor of Jane Tepesch’s retirement Saturday, April 13 from 1-4 p.m. in the Community Room at Freedom Bank, 201 West Main Street, Waukon.

Jane had been employed in the Waukon community for nearly 70 years dating back to 1954. No gifts are requested.

Ross and Vanessa Ellefson of Harpers Ferry announce the birth of their daughter, Clara Mae Ellefson, born March 31, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 ozs. and measured 20-1/2 inches in length at the time of her birth. She joins sisters, Ava (7) and Sophia (5).

Grandparents are Roger and Lynn Ellefson of Waterville and Keith and Patrice Schulte of Waukon.

Upcoming Deadlines/Dates
April 29: Deadline to sign up for Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC)
May 14: Deadline to complete CRP Management Activities
May 15 - August 1: CRP Primary Nesting Season
May 31: Deadline to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for 2023 crops

Dairy Margin Coverage Signup Begins
Dairy producers are now able to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began on Feb. 28, 2024, and will end on April 29, 2024.

For those who sign up for 2024 DMC coverage, payments may begin as soon as March 4, 2024, for any payments that triggered in January 2024.

Do you know someone who deserves to be considered for the Iowa Master Farmer Award? Nominate them. Nominations for the 2025 Award are due September 6, 2024.

Maybe it’s your parents, a sibling, your neighbors, a friend or a colleague. Perhaps its someone you’ve served with on a board, or someone you’ve long looked up to. Candidates may also nominate themselves.

Henry A. Wallace started the Master Farmer Award program in 1926 to recognize “Good Farming, Clear Thinking, Right Living.” A panel of judges selects the winners each year. Wallaces Farmer recognizes the winners in the magazine’s March issue.

Larry Gene Dawson of St. Paul, MN died March 23, 2024, at the age of 82, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, a disease that he endured for five and a half years. His family will honor Larry with a private celebration of life later this year. Memorials may be given to local EMTs or libraries.

Larry was born in Hamburg April 12, 1941 to James and Doris (Wynn) Dawson. He was raised on a farm in Riverton near the West Nishnabotna River.  He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University.

Larry settled in Monona where he taught Social Studies and coached girls athletics for ten years. He married Sherie Henderson August 6, 1971. After starting his family, he worked for the Land O’Lakes/Cenex Farmers’ Cooperative in Monona for 32 years. Upon retiring in 2009, he and his wife relocated to St. Paul, MN.

Sandra Jean (Ellefson) McCoy passed away peacefully at home, following an illness, Friday, March 29, surrounded by her family. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 20 at the Waukon Event Center (formerly Waukon Banquet Center) from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. A private burial will be held at the IOOF (Odd Fellows) Cemetery, Rossville.

Sandy was born June 7, 1951 to Junice (Ellefson) Bolsinger. She attended high school in Lansing, graduating from St. George High School. She married Ronald Smerud, and the couple had a daughter, Kelly. They later divorced. Sandy worked in housekeeping at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon for a time. After that, she worked at Walmart in Prairie du Chien, WI and retired from there.

James (Jim C.) Gruber, 91, of Lansing passed away peacefully the morning of April 2, 2024 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held Sunday, April 14 at TJ Hunter’s Banquet Hall from 4-7 p.m.

There will be a private family burial Monday, April 15 at Oak Hill Cemetery. Pastor James “Buck” Buckhahn is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Oak Hill Cemetery.

James Clifford Gruber was born November 13, 1932 to Clifford and Esther (Thompson) Gruber in Lansing. He attended country school until fifth grade and then continued his education in Lansing. He graduated from Lansing High School in 1950. After graduation he farmed with his parents.

Jim was united in marriage to his dancing partner, Jean Wurtzel, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lansing February 10, 1963. From their union three sons, David, Dennis and Daryl, were born.

Captain Walter Allen Verdon, Ph.D., age 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, February 21, 2024, at Hospice of Dayton, Inc. in Dayton, OH. A memorial service to celebrate Walter’s life will be held at Lansing United Methodist Church, 490 Center Street, Lansing May 11, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. CT. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the veterans’ charity of your choice.

Walter was born Saturday, May 14, 1938, to Harold Edward and Grace Estell (née Larson) Verdon in Stevens Point, WI. He lived a life characterized by dedication, intellect, and service. He will be remembered for his distinguished career as a Professor of Economics and his service as an officer in the United States Navy and United States Navy Reserves. Walter’s courage and commitment were exemplified during his service aboard the U.S.S. Nobel during the Cuban Missile Crisis.