Nelson replaces Lura at Central Pharmacy

Kody Lura, the longtime pharmacist at Central Pharmacy in New Rockford, is stepping down from his position as he enters a new chapter of his life and career.

So too is Madison Nelson, née Wendel, who will be taking over for Lura on June 1.

A Carrington native and 2014 CHS graduate, Nelson recently earned her doctor of pharmacy from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. in 2022.

She also earned a degree in biochemistry at the University of Jamestown, and after graduate school she worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Bellville, Illinois for about a year.

Nelson is the daughter of Central Pharmacy owner Shane Wendel, but she didn't always want to follow in her father's footsteps.

"Originally, because my dad's a pharmacist, I always said I would never be a pharmacist because my dad is," said Nelson with a laugh. "But then I did a co-op and I worked at the store in Carrington with the ladies up front, and I actually got to see that it was more than just counting pills."

She added, "I also really like the idea of being very accessible to the community. Pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care providers. ... I really like that part of being in a community and being a healthcare provider that way."

Nelson is married to Alex Nelson and together they have an 8-month-old daughter named Elizabeth.

Nelson said she didn't always envision a return to Carrington and surrounding community for her and her family, but now says she's glad to be home and can't wait to get started in New Rockford – even as she acknowledges the big shoes she'll be filling.

"I'm definitely excited and nervous for the big change, especially with Kody leaving, that's some pretty big shoes to fill," said Nelson. "I know he's very easy to like and well loved in the community. ... He's left behind a lot of good people and I hope that they can come up to me as well, I'm really excited to work with them."

Lura, meanwhile, will be taking on a new opportunity to help pharmacies suffering through staff shortages and struggling to serve their community, beginning with Bottineau.

"I'm going to be doing locum work," said Lura. "So basically I'll be traveling around filling in at places that need help. There's a lot of places that are having a hack of a time getting staffing and I'm going to go help out.

"Right now in Bottineau they're really, really short up there and are having a heck of a time keeping doors open and just keeping stuff moving," he added, "so I'm going to go up there and help for a while."

Lura has been working at Central Pharmacy for around 12 years, and he added that this new opportunity will also allow him to spend more time with family and help out more around the family farm.

He expressed appreciation for all the kindness he's received over the years, and that he's leaving the pharmacy and those that rely on it in great hands with Nelson.

"It's been a great honor being in the community and helping the community," said Lura. "It made me a better person being here that many years and I just want everybody to know how appreciative I am for everything they've done for me and for allowing me to be their pharmacist for this long."

He added, "Madison is going to do a great job. I wouldn't leave if I didn't know she was going to do awesome."