LAKE CITY — Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City announces the arrival of the first baby of 2025. Madelyn Jane was born to Chandy and Sam Priebe, of Rockwell City, at 2:21 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Madelyn Jane weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20 inches long. She was delivered by Susan Hornback, DO, and was welcomed by three older siblings.

Three experienced providers continue to offer obstetrics care and delivery at Stewart Memorial, including Derek Duncan, DO; Julia Richardson, MD; and Susan Hornback, DO. In 2024, these three providers delivered 83 babies, with October being the busiest with 11 deliveries.

“At Stewart Memorial, we continue our commitment to providing accessible and high-quality maternity care within our region,” shared CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “At a time when many rural hospitals are facing challenges in maintaining obstetric services, and more than one-third of the United States has ‘maternity care deserts,’ we are proud to ensure that families in our region have access to the care they need to welcome their newborns.”

To celebrate the birth of the New Year’s baby, the family was given a gift basket generously donated by Stewart Memorial and its employees. The gift basket included diapers, baby wipes, blankets, toys, bottle brushes, lotions, washes, ointments, swaddles, hats, towels, bibs, monthly milestone cards, and more.