Remodeling of the Winneshiek Medical Center kitchen is now complete

Overall view of WMC's newly remodeled kitchen.

Winneshiek Medical Center has completed a remodeling of its kitchen facilities, replacing an exhaust hood, lighting, ceiling tiles and the fire extinguisher system with more energy efficient models.

"An important focus of the remodeling was improved energy efficiency. The old exhaust hood ran constantly – the new one only runs when needed and the lights are LED energy efficient as well," says WMC Director of Nutrition Services Joetta Redlin.

"It's just terrific," said Mary Holkesvik, a cook and do-everything worker in the kitchen. Besides better lighting, the new hood keeps the cook staff cooler, taking the heat out of the cooking area, she said.

The construction project involved re-configuring the department, moving ovens, microwaves, warming machines, steamers and coolers, which eliminated half of the kitchen's working space.

St. Benedict School, which is just a few blocks from the medical center, offered their kitchen facilities for medical center use during the entire remodel project.

"Our staff did an amazing job of working through the difficulties of the remodel, and the staff and leadership of St. Benedict School welcomed us with open arms and supported our needs throughout the project," says WMC Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Radtke. "We just can't thank St. Benedict School enough."

Brock Dansdill checks a steamer under the new exhaust hood.

Kitchen multitasker Mary Holkesvik gets lunches ready in the newly remodeled kitchen.

Marguerite Barloon evenly grills 3-cheese sandwiches.