Lakota Veterinary Clinic has new owners as Ellsworth retires

     Dr. Craig Ellsworth of Lakota is retiring after working in the veterinary profession for 46 years and one month. He has been the owner of the veterinary clinics in Lakota and Armstrong, which will continue to operate under new ownership.

     A retirement celebration and a gathering to welcome the new owners will be held on Sunday, July 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meal will be served in the Lakota Community Room, with seating in the Lakota Fire Station. The appreciation meal includes pork sandwiches, potato salad, beans and chips.

     Ellsworth’s years of experience and his love of animals make this time for closure somewhat difficult, but he extends his appreciation for those clients and friendships he acquired over the years. He is anxious to introduce the new owners, Dr. Samantha and Matt Wedeking of Greene, who took over the practice on July 1.

     Dr. Samantha grew up on a century farm near Bristow, where her parents farrowed pigs for a number of years and later had custom-fed pigs. As Samantha became accustomed to farm life, she became interested in becoming a veterinarian. Her education involved four years at Northwestern in Orange City and four years at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames; graduating in 2014. She previously worked at a mixed animal practice in Greene and Charles City.

     Samantha and Matt are looking forward to meeting new clients and providing medical services to their small and large animals. Matt will be assisting in both locations. The couple will reside in the Swea City/Armstrong area.

     Receptionists at the clinics include Brandy Jahnke in Lakota and Treva West and Luann Dahl in Armstrong. Both locations are wishing for a happy retirement for Doc and for prosperous business for the Wedekings.