Construction starts on new healthcare facility

The first sod was turned for construction of the new Dahl Memorial Healthcare facility last Friday.

Carter County Commissioner Steve Rosencranz, Dahl CEO Ryan Tooke and Dahl provider Dale Diede spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony.

A $15.1 million dollar bond to build the new facility on the old Ekalaka Elementary School site passed during the General Election last November.

The new hospital will include long-term care, patient rooms, a main nurses' station, a laboratory, radiology, emergency department, and administration and accounting offices, and a clinic with office space, exam rooms, physical therapy and pharmacy.

Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association board members served a free lunch to all who attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

Though construction started at the site on Monday morning, much of the building will be constructed off-site and brought to Ekalaka in sections. This can reduce build time, costs and waste. Completion of the facility is scheduled for July of 2020.

Updates on the new facility will be discussed at Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association's annual membership meeting on Thursday, September 19. Additionally, CEO Ryan Tooke will give information on technology updates and the future of healthcare in Carter County. Dale Diede, PA-C, will speak about current health needs in the community and there will be a report on activities that took place throughout the last year. Employees will be recognized for their valuable service to the community.

Two board seats will also be elected at the meeting. Melody Loken (incumbent), Lisa Borchgrevink and Ashley Padden have been nominated to fill the seats.

The meeting is set to begin at 6 p.m. inside Carter County Events Center. Anyone who is not an association member and would like to join can purchase a lifetime membership for $10 prior to, or at the meeting.