Infectious Diseases

Public H1N1 vaccine clinic set for Tuesday (12/26/09)
Clay County Public Health will host an H1N1 Influenza vaccination clinic from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Southpark Mall. ...

H1N1 vaccination clinic set for general public (12/14/09)
The shortage of H1N1 vaccine across the nation has alleviated and many people who fall within a health priority group has been vaccinated, resulting in Clay County Public Health now having an adequate supply to begin offering the vaccine to all people...

Tonight's flu vaccine clinic is full (11/05/09)
The H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Clinic Thursday evening at Avera Spencer Family Care is full. Clay County Public Health will continue to provide updates on additional clinics when more vaccine arrives in the county.

Clay County receives small amount of H1N1 vaccine (10/20/09)
With just small amounts of H1N1 vaccine arriving in Clay County, public health officials are finding the priority groups established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are beneficial in making distribution decisions. "We have received a limited doses of H1N1 vaccine to date which is not enough to vaccinate the priority groups at this point, let alone others in the county who would like this protection," explained Colette Rossiter, Clay County Public Health nurse. ...

OB restrictions in place as H1N1 surfaces in county (10/10/09)
Two cases of H1N1, or "swine flu" virus has been confirmed in Clay County by the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory, according to Colette Rossiter, Clay County Public Health Nurse. "Both patients were tested for influenza at Avera Spencer Family Care," Rossiter said, in a statement from Spencer Hospital administration. ...

Less E. coli in Little Sioux: Grant, loan to help treat Sioux Rapids wastewater (07/24/09)
Sioux Rapids is among 15 Iowa communities to receive more than $24 million in federal recovery funds under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The city received a $225,000 Community Development Block Grant and a $227,422 low-interest loan to improve the quality of treated wastewater going from Sioux Rapids into the Little Sioux River...

'Help' arrives in Spencer Tuesday (07/11/09)
The "Help is Here Express" bus tour will be in Spencer on Tuesday, July 14, stopping at Spencer Hospital to help uninsured and financially-struggling Iowans access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The bus tour is part of the partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) -- a nationwide effort sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies -- raising awareness of patient assistance programs among residents who have been facing layoff or a loss of health care benefits in a struggling economy. ...

Fighting back against cancer (06/27/09)

Briefs 5-23-09 (05/23/09)
Farmers Market is returning with an opening date of May 23. Early season vegetables available. Located in the parking lot of the Southpark Mall. --- Come learn about Global Positioning System (GPS) and the sport of geocaching. GPS units will be used to find hidden treasure at Huston Park. Located at the nature center at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23. The event is sponsored by the Palo Alto Soil & Water Conservation District and the Palo Alto County Conservation Board...

Rowlands making a difference, offering hope to those affected by MS (05/06/09)
The front of Katie Rowlands T-shirt -- which avows "Team Rowly 2009 MS Walk" -- lets you know what she and her teammates will be doing this Saturday in Des Moines. But it's the back of her T-shirt that truly offers a glimpse into the 22-year-old woman's disposition. It declares, "Rowly: Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can."

State officials: Pork won't spread 'swine flu' (05/01/09)
Concerns about the swine flu's impact on the state's robust pork industry prompted official comment from the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture's office Thursday. Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey and the State Veterinarian for Iowa, Dr. David Schmitt, reiterated that consumers cannot get the H1N1 flu strain, or "swine flu" by eating pork and there is no evidence of this flu in the pig population of Iowa or any state...

Highly contagious 'scabies-like rash' reported locally (04/28/09)
Spencer Hospital officials have confirmed a suspected "scabies-like rash" in northwest Iowa.

Spencer Hospital adds Breast Health Navigator cert to health services (04/24/09)
Women who have breast health concerns have another ally at Spencer Hospital. Women's Health Coordinator Mindy Sylvester recently became certified as a Breast Health Navigator. By doing so, she is among the first professionals across the country to receive this new certification which signifies she is trained in providing support to breast cancer patients throughout the journey of diagnosis, treatment and recovery...

Caution still important: No new measles cases reported (04/21/09)
The number of immunizations grew over the weekend. The number of confirmed measles cases didn't. "I think we need to caution people, though," said Susan Zulk, the public relations and marketing director for Spencer Hospital. "We still need awareness and we need to be watchful. If someone does have the symptoms, they should call their personal physician and stay home."...

Measles: Local clinic issues 190 vaccinations so far (04/18/09)

Breaking News: Vaccination clinic offered in Spencer as measles case reported in Clay County (04/16/09)
Case is reported in Clay County

Thyroid Test offered during Comprehensive Wellness Screening (04/10/09)
Spencer Hospital Community Health Services will offer a comprehensive wellness screening to the public on Tuesday, April 14 from 6-8 a.m. in the lower level of the hospital. The fee for the screening is $65. The screening includes a fasting laboratory blood screen for diabetes, anemia, immunity, heart, liver, and kidney function tests; body composition analysis, blood pressure; pulse check and for women a heel bone mineral density screening. ...

Spencer Hospital hosts open house for cancer center (03/26/09)
Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital will open its doors to the public from 1-4 p.m., on Sunday, March 29. The open house is designed to give the public a first-hand look at the many services provided by the comprehensive cancer treatment services and will feature the new Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator which provides state-of-the-art radiation therapy. ...

Briefs 3-12-09 (03/12/09)
Spencer City Councilman George Kruger will host a Ward 1 meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at the Spencer Public Library. Bob Fagen, Spencer's city manager, will be the featured guest speaker. --- Spencer Hospital will be holding classes for individuals considered to have "pre-diabetes" -- those with blood sugar levels higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be considered a diabetic. ...

Abben adds new cancer fighting tool to arsenal (01/21/09)
Abben Cancer Center added recently a new tool to their compliment of equipment as it attempts to remain on the cutting edge of cancer treatment technology. Abben, of Spencer Hospital, demonstrated its commitment to provide state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology with the introduction of a new Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator for providing radiation therapy. ...

One case in state Iowa officials: Tainted peanut butter not found here (01/14/09)
The Iowa Department of Public Health is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and public health officials in many states to investigate an ongoing multi-state salmonella outbreak. One case in Iowa is being investigated as part of this cluster. The investigation has identified peanut butter as a potential source of infection, with Minnesota identifying a particular brand of peanut butter...

No more pets at Spencer Public Library (01/09/09)
Even though Spencer Public Library representatives have received numerous "offers, requests and inquiries" about hosting another potential resident library cat -- all of which have been turned down -- board members voted unanimously Thursday night to establish a "permanent prohibition against having pets in residence at the library."...

Bhutan woman tells of transition from monarchy to democracy (12/17/08)
She may miss the mountains and her national dress of Bhutan, but Tashi Ongmo, a 20-year-old visitor at the Dr. Rick and Barb Wilkerson home in rural Spencer, is still a relatively happy person. But Ongmo should be happy. Like the approximately 700,000 other residents of Bhutan, she believes in the pursuit of Gross National Happiness, the country's overarching political philosophy which seeks to balance material progress with spiritual well-being...

Bo celebrating successful transplant anniversary (12/11/08)
Bohdan "Bo" Kiyanchuk is marking the one-year anniversary of his successful kidney transplant today. After news came last May that the 17-year-old, who hails from the village of Sadki in Ukraine, was critically ill and his remaining kidney would not last much longer, Dr. Ken and Karen Hunziker, who have served as Bo's local proxy parents over the last few years as he's undergone various hospitalizations and treatments, began working to ensure that a transplant could happen...

Rural dentist morphs into nationally-known author (12/02/08)
While working on patient's teeth during the work day, Dr. Nathan Jorgenson finds himself recanting a comment he used to make to his wife: "Why would anybody want to be a writer? What a dumb thing to want to do." Jorgenson, who grew up on a farm near Jackson, Minn., is a Fairmont, Minn. dentist who can chuckle today as he vividly remembers working in Spencer's former packing plant as a college student. He deems the two summers a "quite memorable" time...

Dream Team in search of youth bikers, mentors (11/28/08)
Organizers of a Clay County Dream Team are looking for participants who'd like to train to ride The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). The idea for the Clay County group of bicyclists sprouted last spring with Dr. Bill Phelps, a local dentist who's also a biking enthusiast. ...

Spencer Hospital achieves high rate for flu immunization (11/26/08)
Spencer Hospital held a comprehensive influenza vaccination program which has yielded an exceptional 97 percent of the hospital's workforce to receive a flu vaccination or be determined exempt from receiving the vaccine. "Achieving a vaccination rate of 97 percent is phenomenal," commented Jason Harrington, interim president and CEO of Spencer Hospital. ...

There is hope: MOMS offers support (11/18/08)
It took the taking of their children and deeper brushes with methamphetamine for Kristi Wolthuis and Joey Thompson to seek a relatively-new form of support in the area. The two women, who each began the process of recovery in 2004, are both actively participating in the local Moms Off Meth Support (MOMS) group...

Retina problems shown instantaneously with OCT scans (11/13/08)
The latest technology for diagnosing retina disease and glaucoma is now available at Eyecare Centre in Spencer. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method which uses light to scan an eye's retina and optic disc. Similar to an ultrasound, it uses light instead of sound and offers detailed, real-time information about the structure of an eye courtesy a non-invasive, non-contact optical biopsy of the retina...

Briefs 10-1-08 (10/01/08)
Join us at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 at Hope Reformed Church in the Fellowship Hall. This year's theme "Adventure" will be featured at the meeting. Come find out what it is all about. There will be an abundance of fun and fellowship, with food and drinks provided by the Steering Committee. If you have any questions, please contact one of the MOPS co-coordinators, Cassie McCreary 240-0298 or Andrea Crew. Childcare is provided starting at 8:45 a.m...

3rd Annual Buddy Walk Sunday (09/23/08)
The Northwest Iowa Down Syndrome Society will host its Third Annual Buddy Walk Sunday, Sept. 28 at Call State Park, located just south of Algona off of Hwy 169. Registration and silent auction begins at 1:30 p.m. with the Buddy Walk starting at 2:30 p.m...

Abben Cancer Center construction progresses (09/18/08)
Construction on an addition to Spencer Hospital's Abben Cancer Center continues to progress, but current work will require those receiving services at the center to modify their arrival a bit. "The project is right on schedule and we're excited as we move closer to completion; however, many times the progress of construction creates a little inconvenience," said Doug Doorn, Spencer Hospital president and CEO. ...

Briefs 9-17-08 (09/17/08)
Okoboji Women's Connection, a division of Stonecroft Ministries, will have a luncheon at the Inn at Okoboji at 12:30 p.m., today. Cost for the event is $10. Featured speaker is Dee Fero of Tonka Bay, Minn. An author of four books, who has lived in the British West Indies, published monthly devotionals and went back to work after flunking retirement...

Memory Walk 2008: Step up to the challenge (09/04/08)
While the 2008 Iowa Lakes Memory Walk is fast approaching, there's still time to put your best foot forward and get involved -- whether by yourself or as part of a team. Memory Walk, coming Sunday, Sept. 21 to Spencer's East Leach Park, is the largest nationwide fundraising event that benefits research and support programs for individuals and families fighting Alzheimer's disease -- over 2,000 older adults in Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Palo Alto and Buena Vista counties. ...

Briefs 8-20-08 (08/20/08)
The Iowa Great Lakes Region Antique Automobile Club will be on display through Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Southpark Mall in south Spencer. Car enthusiasts and history buffs will enjoy this display. On Aug. 24 The Hands of Harmony Swinging Seniors will be entertaining us at 2:30 p.m. Come enjoy the display and entertainment...

Briefs 8-19-08 (08/19/08)
The Iowa Great Lakes Region Antique Automobile Club will be on display through Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Southpark Mall in south Spencer. Car enthusiasts and history buffs will enjoy this display. On Aug. 24 The Hands of Harmony Swinging Seniors will be entertaining us at 2:30 p.m. Come enjoy the display and entertainment...

Briefs 8-15-08 (08/15/08)
The YMCA Summer Dance Party for students entering seventh and eighth grade will be held on the Spencer YMCA Tennis Courts with a live DJ from 8-10 p.m., tonight . Refreshments will be for sale. Admissions is $3 for members and $5 for non-members. A dress code will be enforced. YMCA membership cards are required to receive discount. If there is severe weather, the dance will be held inside the YMCA...

Briefs 8-06-08 (08/06/08)
Losing a loved one is indescribable to someone who has not felt the loss of death. Hospice of Northwest Iowa's professional team understands the tragedy of losing a loved one and they identify with the difficult decisions and emotions that the person left behind faces. To help people cope with the death of a loved one, Hospice of Northwest Iowa is offering an 8-week Understanding Grief Support Group. The group will meet each Wednesday evening through Sept. 24 from 6:30-8 p.m...

PSY among 24 community programs to receive federal drug free funds (07/26/08)
By Randy M. Cauthron Managing Editor Senator Chuck Grassley announced Thursday that the Office of National Drug Control Policy has awarded $2,208,689 in Drug Free Communities Support Program continuation grants to 24 Iowa communities. Among those communities, Spencer's Positively Spencer Youth group was awarded the top funding amount of $100,000...

Celebrate and remember cancer survivors at the 5th annual Relay for Life (07/10/08)
When a doctor mentions "cancer" the world seems to come to an abrupt halt. Cancer, the second leading cause of death in this country, affects individuals at all ages and has no remorse. On July 12-13, the fifth annual Dickinson County Relay for Life will join cancer survivors with supporters and community members at the Okoboji High School Track. ...

Briefs 6-24-08 (06/24/08)
The Clay County Garden Club will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25 at Arts on Grand, 408 N. Grand Ave., Spencer. The program will be on soil and roses. n For more information, contact Twila Henning at 262-1447 or Sue Biederman at 260-1143. --- The local Alzheimer's support group will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, June 30 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer...

Briefs 06-21 (06/21/08)
Farmer's Market Wednesdays and Saturdays The Spencer Area Farmer's Market will be held every Wednesday and Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the Southpark Mall parking lot. Come see the homegrown, fresh produce for sale. Mercy Me to headline northwest Iowa's RiseFest...

Relay for Life goes Mardi Gras (06/20/08)
By Amy Quail Daily Reporter Staff When dealing with the topic of cancer, there's often little joy to be found, but this weekends Clay County Relay for Life celebration, featuring a festive Mardi Gras theme, will allow walkers a little fun in the sun...

Briefs 6-6-08 (06/06/08)
The Abben Cancer Center in Spencer's fourth annual cancer survivor's day celebration "Seed of Hope" has been postponed to Wednesday, June 25. Join the staff at the Abben Cancer Center at 6:30 p.m. in the Spencer Hospital's Grand Avenue Park. Music will be performed by Laura Carlentini, Ryan Sather and Jack Ryan as you stroll through the gardens. ...

Abben Cancer Center supports Relay For Life (06/05/08)
Kris Van Kleek, with Abben Cancer Center, a bronze sponsor, presented Dana Kaufman, Associate Community Relations for the American Cancer Society and Amy Simpson, Clay County Relay For Life chair with a check for the upcoming Clay County Relay For Life event. This year, the Relay For Life will return to Dale Norton Field in Spencer, from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22. This year's theme is: "Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back."...

Briefs 6-5-08 (06/05/08)
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will be having pre-registration for the 2008-09 session. The event will take place at East Leach Park from 9-11 a.m., today. In case of rain the event will be moved to Hope Reformed Church, 919 Grande Ave. Pre register with MOPS International 2008-09 for $15 and save $5. Membership includes: Weekly emails, Momsense magazine, and "Adventures in Mothering" (our theme book). Prepay $56 for your Spencer MOPS year and get one meeting free...

Briefs 6-4-08 (06/04/08)
All area women are invited to the "Let's Have Flowers" prayer connection at 10 a.m. today in the home of Bonnie Neisess, Treasure Village on Highway 86. It is a time of sharing and supporting each other with prayer and fellowship. Okoboji Women's Connection is a part of Stonecroft Ministries...

Briefs 6-3-08 (06/03/08)
All area women are invited to the "Let's Have Flowers" prayer connection at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4 in the home of Bonnie Neisess, Treasure Village on Highway 86. It is a time of sharing and supporting each other with prayer and fellowship. Okoboji Women's Connection is a part of Stonecroft Ministries...

Briefs 05-31 (05/31/08)
Final opportunity to register for fall football Two final opportunities to register for the MYFL Spencer Youth Football League will take place from 1-3 p.m. today at League Director Randy Cauthron's home, 207 35th Ave. W. These will be the last two opportunities to get equipment sized and register before jerseys are ordered and the league fee increases by $50. ...

Briefs 5-30-08 (05/30/08)
register for fall football Two final opportunities to register for the MYFL Spencer Youth Football League will take place tonight from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at League Director Randy Cauthron's home, 207 35th Ave. W. These will be the last two opportunities to get equipment sized and register before jerseys are ordered and the league fee increases by $50. ...

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