Home » News » Manawa News » ThedaCare seeks new clinic in Manawa

ThedaCare seeks new clinic in Manawa

A new building is needed for the Thedacare Physicians clinic in Manawa.

This information was provided at the Manawa Common Council’s March 17 meeting by John Gijsen, director of facilities for Thedacare.

“We want to be here. We are not leaving,” he told the council. “We have seen our patient numbers going up.”

After looking at the current building, Gijsen found it to be in need of upgrades to make it handicap accessible. He determined that it would be more economical to construct a new clinic.

“It doesn’t make sense to put money into the (current) building,” he said.

According to Gijsen, Thedacare would need a buildable lot that is flat and centrally-located.

“We are willing to listen to what the community wants,” Gijsen said. “We are open to any and all suggestions.”

He said Thedacare wants to work with the city of Manawa “to take healthcare to the next level.”

“We need to know how we can work together,” Gijsen said. “What are the next steps?”

Police Chief David Walker asked if Thedacare was interested in utilizing any of the vacant buildings located within the city limits. He provided Gijsen with information on most of the available buildings.

Currently the clinic is located at 425 Second St.

The board agreed to schedule a meeting with Gijsen to discuss the matter further.

Summer rec update

More summer recreation workers are needed, according to City Clerk Cheryl Hass.

She reported there were not enough people applying for the part-time summer positions.

“It is getting harder and harder to get workers,” she said.

Alderman Joel Bonikowske asked what other communities do about attracting summer rec workers.

Hass said most cities have a full year rec department. Also, with the summer youth association league offerings, people in Manawa don’t always realize that there are two different summer programs offered for youth.

Improvements & Services Committee chair Mike Frazier announced the rental contract has increased to $100 for nine acres of city-owned land.

“That is still really cheap, even though we doubled it,” Bonikowske said.

Frazier reported the Public Works Department has dealt with frozen storm sewer lines and also a major water break on Grove Street, which required many hours to fix.

He said the break was caused by several rusty spots, which will need to be repaired.

Frazier commented that this winter has been hard on the city crew.

Walker reported that the Department of Natural Resources warden will be moving into the Manawa office by March 26. This is about a week earlier than expected.

In other business, the council set its annual Open Book from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 1, and the Board of Review from 3:45-5:45 p.m. Monday, May 19.

Alderperson Mary Eck reminded everyone to attend the Rachel’s Challenge presentation at 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 21, at the high school.

Scroll to Top