The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities (FCC) is seeking applications for Community Impact Grants of up to $10,000 for projects that enhance the health and vitality of residents within the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital and Clinics service region. The FCC Board of Directors has approved a total of up to $29,000 in grant funding for area nonprofits this fall.
The FCC encourages nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status to apply for funding for projects that take bold new steps to strengthen recreational or social activities for residents, support local entrepreneurs, and enhance the historic and authentic character of our communities, including the revitalization of signature structures.
Since 2020, the FCC has donated nearly $160,000 to local nonprofits for projects and services benefiting residents throughout the GMHC service region. Funded projects have included pickleball courts, library programs, dog parks, public art, daycare enhancements, youth sports, beautification projects, trails, public docks, signage and much more.
Local nonprofits can apply for a Community Impact Grant by November 5 at:
For additional information, email fccgmhc@gmail.com or contact FCC Executive Director Mandy Ludovissy at 563-880-8860.
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) has been awarded the 2026 Iowa Flex Overall Quality Performance Award, recognizing the hospital for consistent quality reporting and top performance across key measures of patient care. This marks the second consecutive year GMHC has received this top honor.
The Iowa Flex Overall Quality Performance Award recognizes excellence across the core measure areas of the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP), including patient safety, patient experience, care coordination, and timely care and efficient communication provided in the Emergency Department.
“Receiving this award for the second year in a row reflects the commitment of our entire team to providing exceptional care to our patients and community,” said Tim Ahlers, GMHC CEO. “Quality is not a one-time achievement. It is something our staff works toward every day through attention to safety, communication, the patient experience and continuous improvement. We are incredibly proud to have those efforts recognized at the state level.”
MBQIP is a quality improvement initiative under the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Grant Program of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. The program is designed to improve the quality of care provided by Critical Access Hospitals by increasing quality data reporting and using that information to drive improvement.
Through MBQIP, Critical Access Hospitals can evaluate their performance, compare outcomes with other rural hospitals and collaborate on quality improvement initiatives. These efforts help hospitals identify opportunities for improvement and continue advancing the quality, safety and effectiveness of care provided to their patients.
Earning the Iowa Flex Overall Quality Performance Award in consecutive years demonstrates GMHC’s continued commitment to measurable quality improvement and delivering high-quality healthcare close to home.
“At GMHC, our patients are at the center of everything we do,” Ahlers added. “This recognition belongs to every member as we all play a role in creating a safe, compassionate and high-quality experience for the people we serve.”
Rachel’s Story
Rachel Eglseder is a recent graduate of Edgewood-Colesburg, and a three-sport athlete competing in softball, basketball, and track.
In November 2025, her life took an unexpected turn.
“I had a little lump on my neck for a few months,” Rachel said. “It wasn’t painful, and I didn’t have any other symptoms.”
What happened next is a powerful reminder of how small-town medicine can make a life-changing difference.
Their family’s primary care provider, Amber Jaeger, ARNP, PMHNP, was attending an open house at Edgy Megs, Rachel’s family’s business in Edgewood, when Rachel’s dad, Brooks, asked her to take a quick look at the lump. She didn’t hesitate.
“She took Rachel into my office, checked it and said, ‘If I were you, I would go to the ER right now,’” he recalled.
Amber called ahead, and the team at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics was ready.
“We got right in,” Brooks said. “She had a CT scan within 15 minutes.”
From there, everything moved quickly. The care team coordinated with specialists in Iowa City, and Rachel was transported that same night. Further testing confirmed Hodgkin lymphoma.
“It was really hard to take it all in at first,” Rachel said. “But once I did, I realized I can’t change that I have this—I just had to work through it and go at my own pace.”
And that’s exactly what she did.
When Rachel asked her doctor about continuing sports, the answer surprised her.
“If your body can handle it, go ahead,” her doctor told her.
Rachel didn’t just continue—she thrived. She played in nearly every basketball game and went on to break three school records: three-pointers in a game, three-pointers in a season, and three-pointers in a career.
“I would receive treatment and then come back and play that night,” she said. “Even my doctor was amazed.”
While her treatment plan was guided by specialists in Iowa City, much of Rachel’s care has taken place close to home at GMHC. She has her PICC line dressing changed and flushed, and receives weekly lab work locally, with results sent directly to her care team—saving time, reducing travel, and allowing her to stay focused on school, sports, and recovery.
“The services GMHC provides have saved us a lot of time and miles,” Brooks said. “It saves us about three hours every time. If her labs aren’t where they need to be, we don’t make the trip to Iowa City.”
That flexibility has made a meaningful difference, especially for a student-athlete balancing treatment and competition.
“They worked with us so she could still get back to Edgewood for practice or games,” he said.
Through it all, Rachel has continued moving forward with remarkable resilience. Even with a PICC line in place, she stayed active and committed to the things she loves.
“My doctor thought it went so well because of my positive attitude,” Rachel said.
Her dad agrees.
“Having basketball to keep her going—that was huge. She was not letting this slow her down.”
Rachel’s final treatment was April 30. She graduated just a few weeks later on May 17.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue her education, pursue her passion for working with animals, and play softball as a pitcher at the college level. Looking back, her family knows how important that first decision was.
“Iowa City told us it was crucial that Amber sent us to the ER right away,” Brooks said. “A lot of providers might have waited. That made all the difference.”
Rachel’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the strength of a young athlete who refused to be defined by her diagnosis. It’s also a reflection of the kind of care that starts with a provider who knows you—and acts when it matters most.
It’s a story of what’s possible when high-quality care is available close to home—where relationships matter, decisions are made quickly, and you’re supported every step of the way.
Kelsey Bries, RN, Recognized as 2026 DAISY Award Honoree
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinic is proud to announce Kelsey Bries, RN, as its fourth annual DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses Recipient. Kelsey was honored at the DAISY Award Ceremony at GMHC on Thursday, April 16. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize exceptional nurses for going above and beyond.
“I had to visit the ER after falling during a snowstorm and immediately knew something was very wrong with my leg,” shared Jill Meyer, Kelsey’s nominator. “Despite the difficult conditions, we made it to GMHC, where Kelsey greeted us with warmth and reassurance. I had both a broken fibula and tibia, and she was incredibly attentive to my pain, fears, and overall comfort—carefully explaining each step, working closely with the doctor, and keeping both my husband and me informed throughout the entire process.
Once my pain was under control and my leg was stabilized, Kelsey made sure we were fully prepared for what came next. She provided everything I needed for the weekend—a walker, crutches, medications, and clear instructions—and took the time to review it all with us. I cannot say enough about her care and compassion.”
“Kelsey is a great asset to our team on the Patient Care Unit and in the Emergency Department. She is not only efficient in providing cares, but she also shows compassion to all patients she cares for. She is great at what she does and we are lucky to have Kelsey at GMHC,” added Patient Care Unit Manager, Amy Sadewasser.
This year, seven nurses were nominated for the award in its fourth year at GMHC: from Cornerstone Family Practice, Sara Phelps, RN, and Diane Dick, RN; and from the Patient Care Unit, Sarah Wille, RN, Kelsey Bries, RN, Angie Schmitt, RN, Stacia Knipper, RN, and Jen Radl, RN.
Their nomination stories came from patients, co-workers, providers, and family members. Anyone can nominate a nurse for this award, and nominations are being accepted now through March 15 for next April’s 2027 honoree.
In addition to the DAISY Award, GMHC proudly recognizes team members across all roles through its Rose and Sunshine Awards. The ROSE Award honors non-nursing clinical staff—such as therapists, lab professionals, imaging staff, EMS, etc.—who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill and compassionate care. The Sunshine Award celebrates non-clinical team members—such as housekeeping, registration, health information, dietary, etc.—whose behind-the-scenes contributions create a positive experience for patients, families, and staff every day.
Together, these programs ensure that every member of Team GMHC has the opportunity to be recognized for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Announces First-Ever Sunshine Award Honoree
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is proud to recognize Lana Troester, Patient Accounts Coordinator, Financial Counselor, and Pre-Authorization Specialist, as the recipient of the inaugural 2026 Sunshine Award, honoring a non-clinical professional for outstanding commitment to excellence, positive attitude, kindness and encouragement they bring to others each day.
The Sunshine Award was established to recognize the behind-the-scenes team members whose exceptional service, teamwork and dedication make a meaningful difference every day. Patients, visitors and employees were invited to nominate a non-clinical team member whose kindness and commitment exemplify the spirit of GMHC.
“Lana exemplifies everything the Sunshine Award represents,” said GMHC CEO Tim Ahlers. “Her compassion, willingness to help others, and commitment to making every patient and coworker feel valued truly set her apart. We are grateful to have her on our team.”
Lana received multiple nominations recognizing her exceptional service and unwavering commitment to both patients and coworkers.
Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Center Coordinator, shared these words in her nomination of Lana:
“Lana consistently embodies a positive attitude, takes initiative even when tasks fall outside her formal responsibilities, and demonstrates genuine kindness and compassion in all that she does. She goes out of her way to support patients facing challenges beyond their immediate care, ensuring they are connected to the help they need. GMHC is incredibly fortunate to have Lana on staff. She makes our organization a better place to work and strengthens the community we serve.”
2026 Sunshine Award Nominees
GMHC also recognizes this year’s nominees whose daily efforts help make our organization a welcoming and caring place for all.
Tricia Hoffmann, Rehab Medical Secretary
Jane Parker, Plant Operations Coordinator
Laura Kolbet, Patient Access Specialist
Nancy Witham, Dietary Cook
Randy Hoeger, Plant Operations Technician
Samantha Clefisch, Health Information Specialist – Coder
Whitney Klein, Environmental Services Coordinator
Amy Speed, Marketing & Development Director
Each nominee was honored during the Sunshine Award ceremony and received a nomination certificate, a sunflower pin, and copies of their nomination letters.
GMHC extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who took the time to complete a nomination. Your thoughtful words help recognize the incredible work happening every day across our organization.
At Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, we believe every team member plays an important role in providing exceptional care and service. To celebrate the unique contributions of our employees, GMHC offers three recognition programs:
The DAISY Award honors nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care to patients and families.
The Rose Award recognizes non-nursing clinical professionals whose expertise, dedication and compassionate care make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.
The Sunshine Award celebrates non-clinical employees whose exceptional service, teamwork and positive attitude help create a welcoming, supportive experience for patients and fellow employees.
Together, these awards ensure that every member of the GMHC team has the opportunity to be recognized for making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Receives State Recognition for Pediatric Readiness
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital is the seventeenth hospital in Iowa to be recognized for readiness to provide emergency care for children through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) EMS for Children program’s Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care (IPEAC) Recognition Program, the hospital announced today.
IPEAC was designed and launched in 2023 by the Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children program. It recognizes the work of hospitals of all sizes to ensure each is prepared to provide initial stabilization, treatment and any needed transfers to definitive care for ill and injured children in Iowa.
“IPEAC focuses on support, encouragement and resource sharing to help raise the bar for pediatric care in all Iowa hospitals,” said Brad VandeLune, chief of Iowa HHS’s Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. “We are proud of Guttenberg Hospital’s work in pediatric care. This recognition really demonstrates that hospitals of all sizes can achieve the program goals and provide quality emergency care for children.”
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital is a 25-bed hospital located in Guttenberg, Iowa. Participation in the IPEAC program has been offered to all 120 Iowa hospitals. To be recognized, hospitals must complete an application that includes requirements for equipment, training and support of pediatric patients and their families. Evaluation of applicants includes a site visit to the hospital.
“Pediatric readiness signifies our hospital’s commitment to delivering timely, specialized emergency care for children,” said Keri Smith, CNO. “It assures our community that we are prepared, equipped, and united in protecting the health of our youngest patients when it matters most.” Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) is a program of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. IPEAC and EMSC are funded by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Three years running! Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has once again earned two 2024 Performance Leadership Awards—recognizing outstanding achievement in Quality and Patient Perspective as part of National Rural Health Day. Award data, compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, highlights hospitals performing in the top quartile nationwide.
“We are truly honored to continue receiving recognition for the outstanding care provided at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. These awards reflect the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our remarkable team,” said Tim Ahlers, FACHE, CEO. “It’s a privilege to care for the communities we serve.”
The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
“The Performance Leadership Awards capture the commitment, diligence, and innovation with which America’s rural hospitals approach the delivery of care within their communities,” said Troy Brown, Network Consultant, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “It’s a tremendous honor to be able to recognize the efforts of this year’s award winners and celebrate their achievement.”
After nearly 30 years as a veterinarian in Belgium, Didier Vanderbiest made the bold decision to pursue a childhood dream: bringing the renowned Belgian Blue cattle breed to the United States. Known for producing exceptionally lean yet tender beef, the breed inspired Didier to share its unique qualities with American farmers and consumers. In April 2020, that dream took root when a family farm in Garber welcomed his project. Didier produced embryos in Belgium and partnered with local farmer Brian Schumann, who implanted them in June 2021— resulting in the first purebred Belgian Blue calves born on Iowa soil in March 2022.
“At GMHC, everything was fast, convenient, and well coordinated. I was confident in my care and very happy with my decision to have surgery locally.” Didier Vanderbiest
For months, Didier split his life between Belgium and Iowa, traveling back and forth to support the growing herd. In 2022, he took another step in planting roots by investing in the Garnavillo Mini Mart. The store soon became a family-centered venture—Brian’s brother, Brad Schumann, manages the adjoining auto service business, and Didier’s wife now sells her traditional Belgian waffles alongside pizzas, wraps, and other simple meals. The family immigrated to the United States on a five-year visa, continuing to build both their business and their life in the community of Garnavillo.
In May 2025, Didier visited Dr. Chris Johnson at Cornerstone Family Practice with a concern he suspected might be serious. During the exam, Dr. Johnson identified a hernia, which was confirmed through an ultrasound at GMHC. As an international resident insured through CIGNA Global, Didier was unsure how hernia surgery costs would be handled. Clinic receptionist Kathy Schmelzer connected him with Lana Troester, Financial Counselor, who worked directly with CIGNA to confirm that his care at GMHC would be covered. Although he would still be responsible for the deductible, he would be able to have surgery locally without delaying care or leaving his businesses for an extended period.
Didier considered returning to Belgium for surgery, where the public health system would have made the procedure less expensive. However, wait times there can range from three to six months, and returning overseas would require stepping away from both the cattle operation and the mini mart. After weighing his options, he chose to have surgery at GMHC. He was scheduled with Dr. Mansfield on June 24, just a few weeks after his diagnosis—much sooner than would have been possible overseas. When Didier stopped in to pre-pay his deductible, he received an unexpected 10% prompt-pay discount, saving several hundred dollars—a very pleasant surprise that eased the financial burden.
His recovery went smoothly, he was back on his feet quickly, and follow-up care was coordinated with ease. “It is very important to have a short time between when you understand you have a problem and the response,” Didier shared. “At GMHC, everything was fast, convenient, and well-coordinated. I was confident in my care and very happy with my decision to have surgery locally.”
Today, Didier is back to doing what brought him to northeast Iowa in the first place—continuing the development of purebred Belgian Blue cattle and investing in small-town community life. The Garnavillo Mini Mart has become a gathering spot where neighbors stop in for lunch and enjoy his wife’s homemade Belgian waffles, while the cattle project continues to grow steadily. For Didier, being able to stay close to both ventures during his treatment made a difference not only in convenience, but in peace of mind. “Our life is here now,” he said. “Having my care at GMHC allowed me to continue building our future, without having to step away from it.”
Catie Dean, RT, Recognized as GMHC Rose Award Honoree
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is proud to recognize Respiratory Therapist, Catie Dean, as the recipient of the 1st Annual Rose Award. The Rose Award honors non-nursing healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional compassion, service, and dedication in support of patient care.
Catie was celebrated during a recognition ceremony for all the nominees at GMHC on Wednesday, November 5 where colleagues, leadership, nominators and family gathered to honor them.
Her nomination noted her willingness to consistently step in and help wherever needed.
“Catie is an exceptional asset to our GMHC team. Her primary role is in Respiratory Therapy, where she juggles many tasks and excels. When she is on Patient Care Unit or in the ER doing RT work, you will often find her helping nursing staff with patients—whether that means assisting someone to the bathroom, providing comfort, or simply being present. She always jumps in without hesitation and treats every patient with kindness and respect.” — said her nominator.
Catie was selected from a total of seven team members who were nominated for this year’s Rose Award, including Darcy Wiebrand, LICSW (Behavioral Health); Lynn Bockenstedt, Social Worker; McKenna Hackett, Patient Support Specialist; Beth Mescher, Speech Therapist; Sydney Brandel, Physical Therapy Assistant, Athletic Trainer; and Terri Koopmann, Registered Technologist in Radiology, Imaging Coordinator. Each nominee was recognized during the ceremony for their compassion, teamwork, and meaningful impact on patient care.
About the Rose, DAISY, and Sunshine Awards
The Rose Award works alongside GMHC’s DAISY Award, which celebrates extraordinary nurses, and the Sunshine Award, which honors non-clinical staff members who support patient care behind the scenes. Together, these three programs ensure recognition for the full care team — nurses, clinical support professionals, and staff who contribute to the patient experience every day.
“Each of these awards highlights the heart of patient care,” said Tim Ahlers, CEO. “From direct caregivers to those who support care behind the scenes—every person at GMHC plays a role in ensuring patients receive compassionate, high-quality care close to home.”
Nominations for the DAISY, Rose, and Sunshine Awards are accepted year-round and may be submitted by patients, families, community members, or GMHC staff. Each award is presented annually, with specific nomination deadlines. DAISY Award nominations are due March 15 and recognize extraordinary nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion. Sunshine Award nominations are due May 15 and honor non-clinical staff who support patient care behind the scenes. Rose Award nominations are due October 15 and recognize non-nursing healthcare professionals who provide compassionate, hands-on care. Nominations can be submitted online here and paper nomination forms are available at GMHC hospital and clinic entrances and waiting areas.
Has someone made a meaningful difference in your experience and you’d like to show your appreciation? We invite you to share your story in your own words. The most meaningful nominations describe what happened, how it made a difference, and why it mattered. A full story will honor their impact in a meaningful and heartfelt way.
GMHC Advanced Wound Care—a specialized outpatient center operated in partnership with RestorixHealth—will celebrate its first anniversary on November 8. In its first year, the center has provided advanced treatment to 57 patients with complex, non-healing wounds—helping neighbors across the region heal faster and avoid complications.
Chronic wounds impact an estimated 10.5 million Americans, a number that continues to rise with an aging population and conditions that slow healing, such as diabetes and vascular disease. Advanced wound care has been shown to speed healing and reduce the risk of infection and limb loss.
“This has been a milestone first year for our wound center,” said Timothy Ahlers, CEO of GMHC. “We’re grateful to our referring providers, patients, and families for their trust—and especially proud of our team’s commitment to exceptional, compassionate care close to home.”
That commitment was recognized in September, when GMHC Advanced Wound Care received the RestorixHealth Clinical Distinction Award and the Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award. These honors go to centers that consistently meet or exceed rigorous clinical outcomes and patient-experience benchmarks—reflecting the outstanding skill, dedication, and compassion of GMHC’s wound care team.
GMHC Advanced Wound Care delivers individualized treatment plans that coordinate both traditional and advanced therapies to accelerate healing. The center is led by Jamie Hammerand, DNP, and Taylor Grinstead, DNP, alongside a multidisciplinary team of nurses and technicians with advanced training in wound management.
For more information about the center’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 563-252-5605.
