Whispering Winds in Howard under new ownership

Pictured L-to-R: Heartland Director of Economic Development Casey Crabtree, First District Development Company Loan Officer Shelby Kraemer, First Premier Bank Vice President, Market Leader Floyd Rummel, Whispering Winds Executive Director Kim Eggert, former owner Ryan Spader, Christina and Marty Konechne. -Heartland Energy

A long term care facility in Howard is now under new ownership.

Marty and Christina Konechne recently purchased the Whispering Winds Senior Living Center in Howard. Whispering Winds is an assisted living center with 17 private bedrooms. They offer a variety of services to make residents comfortable.

Whispering Winds provides a combination of housing, healthcare and lifestyle. It is ideal for individuals who need help with daily living, but not skilled medical care. Christina Konechne said their goal is to offer the support residents need while respecting their independence. She said that it is the combination of services, care and amenities that helps promote residents’ health and well-being.

Christina Konechne has a long history in healthcare and has earned a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of South Dakota. She has worked as a social worker and administrator for a long-term care facility. She spent the previous six years as chief operations officer at Horizon Health Care in Howard, and now serves as an executive support specialist at East River Electric in Madison. Marty Konechne works as an elementary physical education teacher and wrestling coach for the Madison Central School District.

The Konechnes utilized a HELP Fund loan from Howard’s wholesale power supplier, Heartland Consumers Power District to help finance the purchase of Whispering Winds. The couple also utilized financing from the Small Business Administration, and First Premier Bank partnered in helping finance the project.

Whispering Winds was built in 2001 and was most recently owned and operated by Joe, Al, Brian and Ryan Spader.