Gundersen starts vaccinating those 65+

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

Healthcare providers and pharmacies in Fayette County are now providing the Covid-19 vaccine as supplies become available.

Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics is currently providing vaccine for there 65 and over age group patients, when it is available.

“If you are a 65+ Gundersen Palmer patient, we assume you want the vaccine and will contact you when an appointment is available. We’re eager to protect you from Covid-19 with the vaccination but our availability to vaccinate depends on our supply from the State, which doesn’t meet our demand. We’re following a framework to vaccine those at the highest risk first,” read a communique from the hospital on Face Book.

The hospital says those seeking the vaccine don’t need to put their names on a waiting list. The hospital said some could be notified through MyChart or by letter, but that they will be calling the 65-plus patients when vaccine and appointments are available.

NuCara Pharmacy in West Union started doing vaccinations this week.

This is an architects rendering of the south side of the proposed Fayette County Secondary Roads Maintenance Shop.

New County Shop could cost $5.2 million

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

The Fayette County Board of Supervisors approved going ahead with building a new Secondary Roads maintenance shop at an estimated cost of $5.2 million at the regular board meeting, Monday, Feb.8.

“It was higher than I thought by about $1 million,” reported County Engineer Joel Fantz, pointing out that prices have went up considerably since the project was in its planning stages.

In 2013, Isaac and Scott Lien (l-r) founded GrandPad, a tablet device designed specifically for senior citizens age 75 and older. The company has grown significantly since that time and recently reached the milestone of having over one million users. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the service has been extra valuable in helping keep families connected. (Zakary Kriener photo)

GrandPad a vital communication tool for families

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

In a story published in the Ossian Bee in 2014, Winneshiek county native Scott Lien and his son, Isaac, were just launching their company, GrandPad. The tablet device, which is designed specifically for use by senior citizens, has been a vital tool for helping keep families connected. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting many families and their ability to visit other members of their family, the importance of GrandPad has grown even more to the point of the company reaching over 1.1 million active users around the world.

St. Theresa of Calcutta preschool student Lewis Lechtenberg (center) drew and colored the artwork for a new book titled “What I Loved About 2020.” The book, which features student responses to what they enjoyed most about the past year, is being sold as a fundraiser for the local Catholic school. Pictured with the cover artist are (l-r) Kristin Kriener, St. Theresa of Calcutta principal, and Jessica Kepp, leader of the project. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Ordinary assignment turns into surprise book release

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

It was quite the surprise for students and staff alike at St. Theresa of Calcutta Catholic School on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 27) as a brand-new book was released during a school assembly in Ossian.

What made this announcement so special is that the authors of the book, titled “What I Loved About 2020,” are the 243 students of the local Catholic school.

Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe was one of  many volunteers from Fayette who helped with the drive through  Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Thursday, Jan. 28, on the Upper Iowa University campus. (Submitted photo)

UIU will be site for future vaccination clinics

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

With the help of area partners, Fayette County Public Health held it's first COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to complete Phase 1-A at Upper Iowa University Thursday, Jan. 28. Going forward, Public Health says community COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held in Fayette at Upper Iowa University for Phases as vaccine becomes available.

Fair entertainment the hottest tickets around!

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

While the 2021 Fayette County Fair is still over five months away, plans and preparation for the annual event are well underway. Fair Board president Kevin Converse and the fair board are proud to announce the Grandstand entertainment for this year, which begins Tuesday, July 20, with opening ceremonies.

Supervisors to act on County Shop approval following public hearing Feb. 8

By Jack Swanson
jswanson@fayettecountynewspapers.com

The new Fayette County Secondary Roads main shop is getting closer to a reality.

A public hearing has been set for Monday, Feb. 8, 9:45 a.m., at the Supervisor’s Board Room at the Courthouse, to review the design and specifications, and the estimate of cost of the project, prior to possible approval by the Fayette County Board of Supervisors. A bid document is expected to be completed by Thursday, Feb. 4.

'Faith in the Home' the theme for CSW 2021

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated across the country beginning next week, including locally at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Schools. Officially kicking off Sunday, the theme to this year’s celebration is “Faith in the Home.”

Throughout the week, students are encouraged to bring in spare change to donate in order to see a teacher or staff member get a pie in their face. Students and faculty will also celebrate different themed days.

No sign-up for Covid-19 vaccine

Winneshiek County Public Health is asking for the community to help by having some patience as the state continues to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine.

“We are working to complete Phase 1A and will not be starting Phase 1B until February. Iowa Department of Public Health sent out an updated Phase 1B and tier listings that will include persons 65 years and older as well as other tiered priority groups,” said  Winneshiek Public Health Director Nancy Sacquitne.

“However, vaccine remains in short supply. This means not everyone in Phase 1B will be able to get vaccine right away. In each county, further prioritization must occur due to vaccine shortage and not being able to vaccinate everyone at once. All counties are working to distribute the vaccine safely to our communities.,” she continued.

Winneshiek County natives Josey and Micole Jewell, along with 1-year-old daughter Rohen, are preparing to pursue one of their longtime dreams of starting their own smoothie shop and juicery. Root 43 Juicery is located at The Landing Market in Decorah and will be open for business in mid-February. (Zakary Kriener photo)

Returning to their roots

Zakary Kriener

News Writer
zkriener@fayettepublishing.com

It’s all about getting back to their roots for Winneshiek County natives Josey and Micole Jewell, who along with daughter Rohen, currently reside in Denver, Col.

“We had always talked about the idea of opening a smoothie bar and were recently presented with the opportunity to actually do it,” said Micole Jewell, who grew up in rural Ossian and graduated from South Winneshiek. “Neither of us have any experience with starting or running a business, so it’s been a bit of a process for us but we are really looking forward to being able to open up in February!”