Sam Whitehead of Decorah replaces Karla Organist as Fayette County Economic Development executive director. The Mankato, Minn., native is contracted to the position through Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission and will begin his new role on Monday, March 15. 

Sam Whitehead replaces Organist at FCED

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

Fayette County Economic Development (FCED) has a new executive director in Mankato, Minn., native Sam Whitehead.

Whitehead is contracted to FCED through Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC). He replaces West Union resident Karla Organist, who left the position on Feb. 5 to be a program manager with the Institute of Decision Making (IDM) at the University of Northern Iowa.

West Union’s newest wine store, Winers, opened it doors today (March 2) with a lot of help from Kerry Wedemeier, Owner Kara Wedemeier, and Steve Roach. Drew’s Closet will be back as part of the consignment shop Wedemeier is opening along with her high-quality wine selection. 

Winers: newest WU hot spot

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

Have you been searching for a high-quality bottle of wine for your upcoming soiree, only to have to travel out of town to find what you are looking for?

Well, leave town no more because Winers, West Union’s newest retail store, opened its doors today. Owner Kara Wedemeier saw a need in the small northeast Iowa town and decided to try the venture once again after Spirits and Such, which she previously owned, closed.

“One thing that is missing in town is some quality wines,” Wedemeier said. “It is kind of a void.”

However, this isn’t going to be your typical liquor store because you won’t find liquor for sale. She is going to strictly sell high-end to middle-of-the-road wine selections and combine it with a consignment store to make the venture viable.