Kolar discusses future of WVH-King
By Angie Landsverk
Mary M. Kolar says one of the greatest ways to honor a commitment to veterans and their families is by working together.
“You have to be part of that conversation,” she told city of Waupaca officials on Friday, May 17.
Kolar is the secretary-designee of Wisconsin’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
She spoke at the city’s strategic planning retreat at Danes Hall.
Kolar is interested in ideas the city has related to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, and its potential.
“King can’t stay the way it is,” she said.
Long-term care is changing, Kolar said.
In addition, the number of veterans is declining, she said.
Kolar said she is honored to serve the approximately 345,000 veterans in the state.
The number of veterans in Wisconsin is projected to drop to about 300,000 within the next five years, she said.
There were more than 700 members at the local veterans home at one time, Kolar said.
The declining population at King means “sources of federal revenue are not there,” she said.
As a result, Kolar needs to find ways to reduce costs while maintaining quality care.
She asks what can be done at King so people want to live there, and not just for senior care.
A total of 43 acres is being used now, but the state owns 270 acres, Kolar said.
Its vision is to continue to be good stewards of the land and the view Rainbow Lake provides, she said.
Kolar is dedicated to keeping an open mind and listening to the community.
“There has to be changes. We can’t continue to pay for empty rooms,” she said. “I’d definitely like to hear your recommendations, vision for King and work with the city of Waupaca.”
Kolar grew up in Wilton, Wisconsin.
Commissioned to the U.S. Navy in 1980, she served active duty for 28 years and retired as a captain.
After she retired, Kolar continued to serve, focusing on veterans.
As the secretary-designee, she wants to know how the department can better serve veterans and their families.
She said the state is committed to investing in King’s future.
Kolar said the first phase of the project at the cemetery is completed.
Ground was broken on May 14 for a project “many years in the making,” she said.
The John R. Moses Skilled Nursing Facility is scheduled to open in 2021, Kolar said.